Yesterday, Hindus all around the world celebrated the colorful festival of Holi. Of course, Holi in India brings back sweet memories for Beatles fans. Their trip to India not only brought forward some amazing music but also changed Indias image in the west! Lets take a look at the historic trip and its impact on music and the world.

The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh in India in February of 1968. The reason for the visit was for the band to explore Transcendental Meditation (TM). This came at a time when the four were trying to quit drugs. As expected, it drew a lot of media attention. Thus, the media went crazy over this trip, with many reporters traveling with them for coverage.

They took training in the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, which is now called the Beatles Ashram. Both George and John were most eager to attend this training and spoke about TM with high regard. They brought along Paul and Ringo, along with their wives, assistants and many reporters. It was during this time that the Beatles also celebrated Holi in India at the Ashram.

1968 :: Paul McCartney of The Beatles Playing Holi During India Trip pic.twitter.com/64yfs3wXWd

indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) March 10, 2020

This trip brought a lot of fame to India, especially spiritual meditation. The Beatles were such a household name back then that anything they did, received instant fame. And India was no different. However, this doesnt mean that their time in India was just magical.

It was difficult for the four to adjust to the Indian lifestyles, such as the climate and the food. Ringo especially had a difficult time living there. Furthermore, a serious controversy took place between the Maharishi and Mia Farrow that tarnished the trip. The controversy was mostly related to harassment. Thus, it resulted in the Beatles leaving back for England earlier than expected in March. This, however, did not stop them from creating some amazing music!

This trip is often considered one of the most productive time for the Beatles. Many of the songs they made on this trip were a part of the album The Beatles and Abbey Road. They include:

1. Back in the U.S.S.R. 2. Dear Prudence 3. Julia 4. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da 5. Revolution 6. I Will 7. Sexy Sadie 8. Mean Mr. Mustard 9. Polythene Pam 10. Im So Tired

And these are just the popular ones. The Beatles might not have achieved peak spirituality, but it was enough for them to produce some incredible music. Creativity truly hit its peak with this iconic band. And the world is still indebted to them for it.

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When The Beatles Celebrated Holi In India - Dankanator

Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev. Image Credit: ANI

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], Mar 11 (ANI/NewsVoir): Yog Abhyas Ashram Trust (Reg) is organising the 22nd 108 kund yog mahayagya to mark the auspicious occasion of Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev's 100th Janmothsav. The grand event will take place at The Akhand Jyoti and Divine Samadhi Sthal of Yogeshwar Mulakh Raj Bhagwan, Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev and Yogeshwar Surender Dev Mahadev on March 14 and 15.

This sacred celebration will be guided by Yogacharya Amit Dev. The first day of this spiritual event is starting with Abhishek and Poojan followed by a reading of the Holy Book (Yog Divya Darshan, Yog Ka Sakshatkar and Dayal Yog Sandesh) and Bhajan Sandhya at the end of the day. The second day is totally dedicated to the holy 108 kund yog mahayagya. From making the atmosphere pious to killing different viruses (including corona) the importance of this Yagya is enormous.

An exhibition about Yog Sadhna is also being organised to let people know more about the spirituality of Yog Sadhana. Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev took birth on March 10, 1920 at Haveli Diwan, Dist Jhang of undivided India and his eternal rest was on August 1, 1998. He was the son of Lala Lal Chand and Ratan Devi. Swami Surender Dev Maharaj (Declared as successor numerous times during his lifetime such as 15.07.1997) Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev and Guru Mata Meera were blessed with three sons.

Elder Son: Prof M Lal, also known as Swami Lal ji Maharaj H/o Prabha having three Daughters: Anjalina, Avantika and Smarika. Second Son: Swami Surender Dev Maharaj H/o Shakti, who were blessed with a son: Amit also known as Swami Amit Dev

Younger Son: Yogacharya Shri Ashok H/o Meena, having two sons: Nitin and Kartikey Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev has enshrined the divine yoga from a very ancient age. He dedicated his life in guiding many disciples into a spiritual journey of a healthy lifestyle and mental peace. His sacramental principles have been a great help in deciphering incurable diseases, domestic disputes and blessing his devotees staying far away.

Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev is much admired for his free of cost yoga camps teaching sanctified yoga asanas which has added happiness and prosperity in the life of many people. He is also the founder of numerous ashrams in India, few of which include: Delhi Yoga Sabha, Chandigarh Yoga Sabha, Dayal Yoga Prachar Samiti (Rohtak), Rajasthan Yoga Sansthan, Punjab Yoga Sabha etc. Being a prestigious personality, Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev has been honoured with a bunch of awards which also includes the first prize from the hands of Jawaharlal Nehru, in the first World Yoga Conference organised in Delhi.

Come and join us for a peaceful and joyous atmosphere, where devotees will be offering prayers, gifts and seek blessings of many yoga gurus who will be attending the ceremony. Yogacharya Amit Dev, fifth in line in the lineage of yoga masters at Yog Abhyas Ashram Trust and great grandson of Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev will be supervising this glorious birthday event with dedication and divinity.

This religious and blissful birthday celebration is a medium to spread the message of peace and joy through yoga. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Yogeshwar Devi Dayal Mahadev's 100th birthday celebration with 108 Kund Yog Mahayagya - Devdiscourse

Brazilian jazz artiste Bianca Gismonti has an undeniable connection with Indian musical heritage; her father, the pioneering Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti has performed with the legendary Hari Prasad Chaurasia. She herself is an avid fan of Ustad Rashid Khan. On her first visit to India, Bianca performed at the Jaipur Jazz and Blues festival and made her way to Kolkata to perform at ICCR along with her band members, drummer Julio Falavigna and bass player Antonio Porto.

We are playing some original compositions, some of my fathers works, some Tom Jobim with lyrics, Bianca tells us a few minutes before her set. In a free-wheeling chat, the jazz pianist opens up about her trajectory, her soundscape and her undeniable desi connect.

How do you feel about the Indian listeners?

Its been so beautiful meeting them; I personally feel Indian people are like Brazilian people, they are so warm and happy and it makes you feel at home.

Contemporary jazz is really big here right now. Is that why you decided to come here?

Not exactly, Ive always loved India, so music was a great excuse really (laughs). And many people were not aware about Brazilian music and our jazz so its been great bringing it here

A lot depends on mixing it especially, because my family is from Lebanon, Italy and Brazil, so its a mix of influences which have come naturally to me.

Are you familiar with Indian music?

Yes! So Julio Falavigna, our drummer, whos also my husband has two Indian gurus, and I love listening to Hindustani music. My father used to play with Hariprasad Chaurasia, they have performed here as well. Also Rashid Khan, hes my favourite!

Did you plan to do something in the city? Maybe sample some food?

Im a vegan so I had actually planned to see and eat whatever I can! Today, we went to the Yogananda Ashram and the Ramakrishna Ashram as well.

How would you define your trios sound?

Its Brazilian jazz with many, many influences, from African music, folk beats, European music, its about the right mix.

How did the trio come together?

I started playing with Julio in 2011 we were a duo back then, then we started playing with Paolo, hes our Italian bass player. He has been Brazilian music for many, many years hes very used to the genre.

What are you planning next?

We are touring to Europe next, in Germany, Italy, Hungary, Portugal. After April Ill be back in Brazil, where we will finish up our new album and mix it in Hungary, at our label there. The album is called Gismonti VII, its my last name and it is an homage to my father. I also have a piano duo with whom Ill be recording a new album.

What does your playlist sound like...

I love my fathers music, then theres Tom Jobim, Milton Nascimento. I also really like Keith Jarrett he plays really touching music, and I love Herbie Hancock. In Japan, I love this jazz composer called Hiromi.

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Contemporary jazz performer Bianca Gismonti talks about everything, from Brazilian jazz to Chaurasia - Indulgexpress

Happy faces, a welcoming atmosphere and warm people, it is that time of the year when the sprawling lush-green Osho Ashram lit up for the five-day Osho Spring Festival that brings artistes, painters, dancers and yogis from all across the globe under one roof. Day one of the festival started with a soothing performance of jazz and Carnatic music by Aditi Ramesh. Aditi, along with her ensemble Ishan Jadwani, Vinay Kaushal and Bijit Bhattacharya transported the audience to the world of trans with their performance on jazz, blues and Carnatic music. Aditi said, I had no plan for the performance tonight; I blended various emotions, life stories and different tunes for them. To perform in front of an audience that is so receptive to fluid and experimental music is a dream come true for an artiste like me. The festival also saw performances by Ustad Usman Khan on sitar, a creativity night, where visitors took to paintbrush and canvas to make art, a spiritual reading session, singing, spring dance and meditation etc. were the highlight of the festival. Amrit Sadhana from Osho Ashram said, It is a different world inside, people from all walks of life sing together, stay together, dance and meditate. It is a perfect ode to the spring season.

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Soaking in art, music, dance and the spirit of spring - Times of India

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New Delhi: Congress will flag off a 27-day-long Gandhi Sandesh Yatra on March 12 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The march is also being undertaken to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhis historic Dandi March, which started on March 12, 1930, and ended on April 6, 1930. The Yatra will begin from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad and will be culminating at Dandi in Gujarat on April 6, covering the 386 km route in 27 days.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and Congress Chief Ministers will attend the 27-day long padayatra. On the culminating day at Dandi, public meetings will be organized which will be addressed by Sonia, Rahul, all Congress-ruled state Chief Ministers, PCC chiefs and CWC members. The objective of the yatra is to recall and recapture the spirit of Gandhis Dandi March. We will be re-establishing our resolve to protect and promote the values enshrined in our Constitution and to emulate Gandhijis thoughts especially those relating to truth, peace, non-violence and social harmony, said the Congress in a statement.

The Gandhi Sandesh Yatra will give an opportunity of making our younger generation appreciative of the great legacy that we have inherited from the Father of the Nation, it added.

The party has directed each PCC to participate for a day with their contingent of leaders making it an All India Participative Programme.

Also read: Institutions of law & order abandoned dharma, those of justice, media failed India: Manmohan

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On 90th anniversary of Dandi March, Congress to take out Gandhi Sandesh Yatra - ThePrint

Sweetness and Light the title echoes Ruth Prawer Jhabvalas Booker-winning Heat and Dust is the story of two foreigners in India to find themselves only to end up getting more lost. Every human being has a choice, Pieper writes, to be a predator, alone and cruel, or to be part of something greater. This divide, between creator and destroyer, characterises the lives of Sasha and Connor, strangers who, through a cruel twist of fate, cross paths on a sleeper train.

Connor, an Aussie expat, fled his island home after a troubled upbringing reigned over by a father who drank wildly and developed delusions of grandeur about his sons chances to become an Olympic swimmer.

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Bitter and jaded beyond his 30 or so years, he spends his days in self-imposed exile in Shanti Beach, a little-known backwater town, thieving from women, alone, not too young who arrive on the rare tour bus in search of zen, beachside meditation or a shipwreck off the coast the towns sole tourist attraction.

But his knack for criminal deception has waned, and a combination of drinking to obliteration and working for his big-fish gangster boss, Baba, has turned him into a scarecrow, every day knocking a little more stuffing out of him.

Ostensibly, Connors job is to take tourists scuba diving, but his real business lies in persuading women hes the mistake they didnt know they wanted to make. Pieper sets this up in the opening pages, with a sweeping long-shot of Connor sitting on a hill, scanning the tourists that exit a bus for the Talent, meantime being kept at arms length from the Indian locals he lives among.

One day, however, his petty but elaborate scam goes horribly wrong, and he is blackmailed by Baba into a far more dangerous plot that coerces him to travel across the country, to Chennai on the east coast. Along the way he meets Sasha, wounded by her ongoing divorce from a wealthy surgeon. Back in New York state, shes left behind a medical career as tattered as her marriage.

After being gobbled up by middle-class ennui, shes been spat out craving intimacy and spiritual awakening. Thanks to her ex-husbands bottomless pockets, she joins an ashram led by a revered guru with a personality cult that could match Stalins. Her disciples live solitarily in a crucible in the jungle, building a kingdom of sweetness and light all at a handsome price thats deducted weekly from her bank account.

Pieper is an endearing and generous storyteller. He writes fully: nearly half the book gives us the earlier lives of Sasha and Connor, both of them plagued by some cliched trouble the Alcoholic Parent but does so with sensitivity and uniqueness to look beyond its hackneyed origins. Theres a flourish of dramatic irony, too, as neither character realises the eerie similarities between their upbringings.

Sweetness and Light gives the exhausted story of Westerners driven toward the spiritual world of India a bit of punky attitude. Its belief in the undertow of karmic cycles dances gleefully between Jonestown and nirvana, refusing to preach, or drench the reader in dull mantras. Its a far cry from the Big Indian Novels, the likes of Vikram Seths A Suitable Boy, Rohinton Mistrys A Fine Balance, or even Gregory Roberts Bollywood blitz, Shantaram, which are more bitterness and dark. Instead, in Piepers entertaining tale, two lost souls roam an ancient land they barely understand.

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Two loners adrift in the mysteries of India - The Age

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) is a world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader. Amma is the head of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Embracing the World, a multi-national collective of not-for-profit organisations dedicated to providing food, clothing and shelter for the poor and needy. The Math has helped more than two-lakh women start their own home-based businesses powered by vocational training, microfinance and Self-Help Groups. Amma is also the chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, which, in 2016, was made India's first-ever UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment. Every day thousands of people come to seek Amma's solace, spiritual wisdom and blessings, which she gives in the form of motherly hug.

QUESTION: Amma is globally known as a spiritual leader, a guru and a humanitarian. What inspired you to take this path?

AMMA: I am a mother. Just as flowing is the nature of a river and sweetness that of a fruit, motherly compassion is my inherent nature. What can I do? That feeling of oneness is very real to me. I see others as my own self, and seeing their pain, sorrow and problems, I want to help them. It has been like this since birth. I don't feel any sense of distinction. This is just my nature. It is like how when our left hand is injured, our right hand immediately comes to its aid-to caress it and apply medicine if needed. This is because it does not see the left hand as different from itself. If we have spiritual understanding, this is how we will react when we see others suffering.

QUESTION: A lot of your work talks about peace. How do you see the relationship between women and peace?

AMMA: Women are mothers, and the mother is the first guru. Inside the womb, the child is one with the mother. The baby eats, drinks and breathes through the mother. Even after birth, that connection subtly remains. So, if mothers try, they can sow seeds of goodness and culture in their sons and daughters. Along with their breastmilk, they can impart compassion, patience, selflessness, peacefulness, etc. So, through the influence she has on her children, more than anyone else, it is mothers who influence the future of the world. A woman who has awakened her matrutvam [motherliness] turns earth into heaven, wherever she is. It is the one who rocks the cradle who holds up the lamp, shedding light upon the world.

QUESTION: Would you say that the feminine may hold the key to the survival of our species and why?

AMMA: Yes, because those motherly qualities-kindness, patience, adjusting, compassion, peace, selflessness, humility-are needed more now than ever before. Those qualities must awaken in society-in both women and in men-if we are to survive.

QUESTION: Amma is considered an "Embodiment of Pure Love," where does all this love come from?

AMMA: The source is within. Infinity is within. In fact, love is everyone's true nature. It is expression of the one True Self that is the true heart of everyone. Our lives are meant to be born in this love, to be lived in love, and to eventually end in this love. Upon this eternal love, every aspect of creation is woven like beads on a string-human beings, nature, God. The effulgence of love is thus forever within us as our very essence. Tragically, most people die without ever experiencing it. When people come to me, the love I feel for the entire universe flows towards them. For many, this is like drinking cool, pure water for the first time.

QUESTION: What is "Women's Empowerment"? Is this about gender equality, or is it more than that?

AMMA: Basically, "Women Empowerment" is something that should happen within. In truth, women are already powerful. In the Sri Lalita Sahasranama, the Divine Mother is described as iccha-sakti jnana-sakti kriya-sakti svarupini-"She whose own form is the power of will, knowledge and action." The truth is that these three powers are inherent in every woman. But many women have yet to awaken to that. Women are not helpless or weak. Society has come up with this idea and shackled them with it. But there is nothing a woman cannot do if she sets her mind to it. All that is needed is to create the right circumstances to awaken her inherent strength. Through the Women Empowerment programs of the ashram and Amrita University, we are trying to create circumstances to help this awakening. After the tsunami [in 2004], we started a program called AmritaSREE [Amrita Self-Reliance, Employment & Empowerment]. Today more than two-lakh women throughout India are enrolled. The ashram gives these women start-up capital and the skillset to start their own business.

QUESTION: What are the qualities of an empowered woman? And how can women be empowered while maintaining their femininity?

AMMA: There is nothing a woman cannot do if she sets her mind to it. Today, we see women flourishing in political, social and economic spheres. Anything a man can do, a woman can do. But women should always remain firm in their motherly nature. It is without leaving that foundation that they should strive to excel in all other fields. In our culture, we have the concept of Ardhanarisvara-God as half-woman/half-man. This shows us that completion comes when we have balanced our feminine and masculine qualities. But that doesn't mean women should imitate men in their behaviour, mannerisms and clothing.

QUESTION: Tell us something about what "Embracing the World" is.

AMMA: That is the name given to the charitable humanitarian programs of the devotees throughout the world. I have many good children who want to give selflessly give back to society. Through the ashram in India and other groups abroad, we have been able to provide many services to the poor and sick. We have constructed more than 47,000 homes for the homeless throughout India. We have provided disaster relief after tragedies like tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and cyclones. We are providing free healthcare and surgeries for the destitute. Fifty-thousands scholarships for poor children, SHGs for women, environmental clean-ups and tree-planting drives, orphanages, adopting 101 villages throughout India So many programs are there. For Amma, service to the poor and needy is service to God. You can debate whether God exists, but no rational person can claim the poor and suffering don't exist. We can see them with our own eyes. Let us do what we can to help them.

QUESTION: On International Women's Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women?

AMMA: Men may have more muscle power than women, but women have one muscle that make them more powerful than men. They must strengthen that muscle. It is the muscle of the heart. If women try to compete with men physically by developing their physical muscle power, it will be like trying to rectify one mistake using another mistake. This is like trying to connect two positive poles of a magnet. It will lead society nowhere. Women should remember: You are not candles that need to be lit by someone else; you are the self-effulgent sun. You are not helpless and dependent like little kittens; you should cultivate the courage and strength to roar like lions.

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Woman of Worth - India Today

New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) The national capital witnessed a subdued celebration of the festival of colours on Tuesday due to the threat of coronavirus, while in parts of riot-affected northeast Delhi most people played Holi inside their houses amid heavy presence of security forces on the streets.

While many chose to skip the celebrations altogether, some preferred small gatherings of friends and relatives but without colours. Some however played Holi only with ''gulal''.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stayed away from Holi celebrations this year. He had earlier said that he would not play Holi this year due to the coronavirus threat and last month''s riots in northeast Delhi that claimed 53 lives.

"Happy Holi. Please take care of yourself while playing Holi. Please protect yourself from coronavirus," the chief minister said in a tweet in Hindi.

The national capital has reported four coronavirus cases so far. Health experts and government have advised people to stay away from large gatherings.

The United Residents Joint Action, the apex body of Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) of the city, had also issued an advisory against holding public engagements or ''Holi milans''.

Rita Sharma (60), a resident of Saket, said every year on Holi the E Block Central Park sees many food stalls being put up and gathering of a large number of people, but this time the celebrations were called off due to the fear of coronavirus.

While 22-year-old Bipasha Mukherjee (22) said she chose to play cards with friends than with colours due to the coronavirus threat, Vinod Kumar (30), a resident of Ashram, said he chose to play Holi without water.

"Some of my friends played Holi with water but I chose otherwise because of coronavirus," Kumar said.

Riot-affected Maujpur and Yamuna Vihar saw people playing Holi inside their residence rather on roads and streets.

There was heavy deployment of security forces across riot-hit areas of northeast Delhi. There were no reports of any untoward incident.

Sohan Pal (63), a pan shop owner, said this year there was less people on the roads on the occasion of Holi as they are struggling their bring their lives back on track after the violence.

"People still fear that there could violence again," Pal said.

Ankit Tyagi (27), a resident of Shiv Vihar, another riot-hit area, said, "Last night we celebrated ''Holika Dahan''. In the morning, we celebrated Holi with colour. People here are again trying to normalise their life after the riots." PTI NIT NOU NSD

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Subdued Holi in Delhi due to coronavirus threat - Outlook India

The juvenile defendants get more of the individualized attention and treatment they need to keep them from re-offending.

TAMPA A couple of weeks ago, a teenage boy walked into Courtroom 53A bristling with anger.

His criminal case had been diverted to Hillsborough Countys juvenile mental health court. He told Chief Judge Ronald Ficarrotta he was worried about his sisters who, like him, were in the foster care system.

Instead of speaking from the bench, the judge sat down with the teenager in the courtrooms jury box to talk. I told him, Thats got to be your motivation. Youve got to be strong and get through this so you can be there for your sisters,'" Ficarrotta recalled Wednesday.

It was a small but meaningful moment in a specialty court that has transformed the countys approach to juvenile offenders who have mental health issues.

The first of its kind in Florida when it was launched a year ago, juvenile mental health court focuses on providing resources to children and their families to get them out of the system and keep them from returning.

The signs of success are already clear, Ficarrotta and other officials said Wednesday at a news conference in Courtroom 53A.

You have to remember that for a long, long time, the focus as it related to juvenile kids was not in the area of mental health, Hillsborough Public Defender Julianne Holt said. Thats whats unique here. We have finally embraced, recognized and accepted that mental illness has an impact on how people conform and conduct their behavior.

The court was initially created to give special attention to the cases of juveniles deemed by mental health professionals incompetent to proceed in the criminal justice process. The cases were piling up because the process to diagnosis children and match them with mental health care providers could take six months, Holt said.

But officials soon realized that some juveniles who were found competent to proceed still had mental health issues or other challenges that could be better addressed by the courts individualized approach. So Holt and Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren asked Ficarrotta to make the program available to other juveniles who have mental health issues, intellectual disabilities or other challenges.

Our courtrooms cant be revolving doors for anyone, especially not those with mental illness and especially not our kids, Warren said. If we want to prevent individuals from committing further crimes, then we need to address the underlying problems and thats exactly what were doing with this juvenile mental health court.

When a child shows up for the court, held every other Wednesday, psychologists and psychiatrists are available to evaluate them and report to the judge. Hillsborough County school district officials are present to provide school records and keep the district informed of the childrens progress, care plans and sanctions.

We can say, Here are the needs of the children as they return to school, Holt said. Thats extremely important because that is the only way you have continuity in services and continuity in stability.

About 110 cases have come through the court since its inception, and there are currently 64 defendants on the docket. The process to evaluate the courts strengths and areas to improve is underway. One measure of success will be a reduction the recidivism rate, and officials are optimistic, Holt said.

I think from what weve seen we are going to impact recidivism, and I also think were going to impact the ability of these kids to go on into life and navigate themselves, she said.

Positive reinforcement is important. Defendants get punch cards to keep track of successes and get incentives for progress. On the courtrooms Success Board, kids write down their achievements on gold paper stars.

Im proud of not being locked up.

Im proud of having good grades and great friends.

Im proud of being alive.

Ficarrotta said he spends much of his time off the bench, talking with children and families face to face, giving them hugs and pats on the back to build trust and convey that everyone in the courtroom is there to help.

You start out with these kids being very withdrawn and then you see them come in and theyve got a smile on their face and theyre proud of their accomplishments, theyre proud of their successes, theyre thankful for things, Ficarrotta said. We celebrate that in this courtroom.

Ficarrotta called the court a natural extension of the adult mental health court he helped launch in 2017. That docket currently has about 350 defendants.

The juvenile court is also another example of how Holt, Warren, and law enforcement officials including Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister have collaborated on progressive criminal justice programs. In the last few years, theyve created and expanded a juvenile citation program, launched a pre-arrest diversion program for adults and supported the County Commissions decision to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

Chronister said at Wednesdays news conference that he is grateful to be able to help change the criminal justice system in Hillsborough. But as the father of a 24-year-old son with addiction and mental health issues who is now serving time in state prison, he said, the juvenile mental health court feels personal.

I stand here next to you and wonder how his path would have been different if this resource would have been available to him," Chronister said. But I find great comfort knowing that the children who are following him have this resource.

Day Cops, Hillsborough Sheriff, Tampa Police Department Reporter

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A year on, Hillsboroughs juvenile mental health court showing signs of success, officials say - Tampa Bay Times

Life is like the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. Let me explain why.

Choose Your Own Adventure is a series of childrens books where each story is written from a second-person point of view. The reader assumes the role of the main character and influences the plots outcome by deciding their actions and behavior.

During the 80s and 90s, this series was one of the most popular children books. Originally published by Bantam Books (now Random House), the books are based on the concept created by Edward Packard in 1976. Packard developed the idea from bedtime stories he crafted for his daughters which featured the character, Pete, and the adventures he went on.

I had a character named Pete, and I usually had him encountering all these different adventures on an isolated island, Packard said in an interview with the Beaver County Times. But [one] night I was running out of things for Pete to do, so I just asked what they would do.

It was his two daughters who came up with unique paths for Pete to take as he ventured on, motivating Packard to build several endings for each path. Inspired by his daughters creativity and eagerness, Packard went on to apply his personal experience to his professional career.

Though this style of literature is catered toward young children, his books invite people of all ages to be their own hero. Having the audience pick from three to four options every two or three pages for what the main character does fosters a deeper and stronger relationship between the reader and the protagonist. Breaking the wall between fiction and the real world, a Choose Your Own Adventure book transports readers into an alternative universe, allowing them to experience new worlds and situations.

But, the greatest life lesson these books contribute is the simple yet profound truth that life is filled with adventures of your own choosing.

When applying this universal principle to daily life, it becomes evident just how complex and difficult it is to live by this motto. Our thoughts, our actions, our beliefs, our quirks and, most notably, our values are highly influenced by various factors surrounding us. From a young age, teenagers face all sorts of pressure manipulating them to change their attitudes and decisions. According to a publication by Parent Further, 90% of teens surveyed said that they had been influenced by peer pressure. While peer pressure may not always be negative, this phenomenon significantly affects adolescent decision making.

And USC is no exception to this trend.

From small decisions like attending the Visions and Voices event of the week because everyone is going or eating at Parkside Dining Hall because it supposedly has the best food (even though EVK is only a two-minute walk from you) to larger decisions such as supporting a particular presidential candidate solely because they are the most popular, we all succumb to peer pressure.

It is this societal constraint that builds the foundation of being easily swayed by those around you later in life, such as in your professional career or with your future family. We must all learn to stop making decisions based on the influence of others. Instead, we need to start making decisions for ourselves.

Though its more complex than that, I nevertheless underscore the importance of choosing your own path. I understand that decision-making is guided by several factors ranging from past experiences and cognitive biases to individual preferences and social circumstances. Yet, I believe that if we begin to prioritize being comfortable with making our own choices, we work toward creating our own real-life version of the books we loved to read when we were younger.

Both you and I should start being our own heroes. It is up to you to choose your own adventures, write new memories and narrate your personal success. So, go out there and start chasing your wildest dreams because maybe one day theyll turn into a reality.

Ultimately you are your own protagonist in the story called life.

Aisha Patel is a freshman writing about fiction in parallel to current events. Her column, Fiction but Fact, runs every other Wednesday.

Go here to read the rest:
Fiction but Fact: Life is one of those choose-your-own-adventure books - Daily Trojan Online