The Hidden Gem of the Nilgiris

MUKURTHI NATIONAL PARK 

Nestled high in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Mukurthi National Park is one of India’s most beautiful and ecologically important protected areas. Spread across 78.46 square kilometres, the park forms a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve. It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Ghats, making it a place of global natural importance.

Located between Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, Mukurthi is famous for its breathtaking landscapes of rolling grasslands, mist-covered mountains, sparkling streams, and dense shola forests. This unique combination of grasslands and evergreen forests is found only in the high-altitude regions of the Western Ghats.

Originally, the area was used as grazing land by the indigenous Toda tribe. During the British period, several exotic tree plantations were introduced, changing parts of the landscape. To protect its rich biodiversity, Mukurthi was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1982 and became a National Park in 1990.

The park experiences a cool climate throughout much of the year, with heavy rainfall, thick mist, and strong mountain winds. Its shola forests are home to many rare trees, including the Nilgiri rhododendron, wild cinnamon, Nilgiri champa, and several species of orchids, balsams, and ferns. More than 190 endemic plant species grow here, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

The star attraction of Mukurthi National Park is the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat found only in the Western Ghats. According to the 2025 census, about 2,668 Nilgiri Tahrs remain in the Nilgiris region of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with around 285 living inside Mukurthi National Park. Protecting this rare animal is one of the park’s main conservation goals.

Mukurthi is also home to many other fascinating animals, including the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, sambar deer, barking deer, jackal, and the endangered Nilgiri marten. Bird lovers can spot colourful species such as the Nilgiri laughingthrush, Malabar whistling thrush, black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, common kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, and Brahminy kite.

Situated about 45 kilometres from Ooty, Mukurthi National Park is easily accessible by road from Coimbatore and Bengaluru. With its spectacular scenery, rare wildlife, and unique mountain ecosystem, Mukurthi is a priceless treasure of the Western Ghats and an inspiring reminder of the importance of protecting India’s natural heritage.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Mukurthi National Park is part of the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats World Heritage Site.

●It protects the unique shola–grassland ecosystem, found only in the high mountains of South India.

●The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats and does not occur anywhere else in the world.

●The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, of which Mukurthi is a part, was India’s first biosphere reserve.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Mist and cool winds keep Mukurthi pleasant for most of the year.

●The park’s streams feed important rivers like the Bhavani River.

●More than 190 endemic plant species grow in this small protected area.

●Mukurthi is one of the safest habitats for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in India.

Nature’s Precious Gems

PEARLS 

Pearls are among the most beautiful treasures created by nature. Unlike diamonds, rubies, or emeralds, pearls are the only gemstones formed by a living animal. They are found inside the shells of oysters, mussels, clams, and other molluscs that live in seas and rivers. For thousands of years, pearls have been admired for their beauty and have been considered symbols of purity, wisdom, and wealth.

HOW IS A PEARL FORMED?

A pearl begins when a tiny irritant, such as a parasite or a small piece of shell, enters an oyster’s shell and threatens its soft body. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a smooth, shiny substance called nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. Nacre is made mainly of calcium carbonate and aragonite.

The oyster keeps coating the irritant with layer after layer of nacre. Over several years, these layers build up and form a beautiful pearl. This is a natural defence mechanism of the oyster, and only about 1 in every 10,000 oysters contains a naturally formed pearl.

NATURAL AND CULTURED PEARLS 

In the past, professional pearl divers searched oyster beds in the sea to find natural pearls. Today, most pearls sold around the world are cultured pearls. In pearl farming, oysters and mussels are carefully raised. When they become mature, a tiny bead or piece of shell is placed inside the oyster. The oyster then covers it with nacre, producing a pearl over the next few years.

PEARLS IN ANCIENT BELIEFS 

Pearls have inspired many fascinating legends across different cultures.

●Persians believed pearls were created when a rainbow touched the earth after a storm.

●Chinese legends said pearls grew inside the heads of dragons and were hidden in their teeth.

●Japanese folklore described pearls as the tears of angels and mermaids.

●A Tahitian legend says oysters rise to the sea surface on full moon nights and collect dew drops, which become black pearls.

In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is believed to wear the divine pearl called Kaustubha. The Qur’an also describes paradise as being adorned with pearls.

PEARLS THROUGH HISTORY 

Pearls have been treasured since ancient times. Archaeologists have found pearl artefacts dating back to 2300 BCE in Mesopotamia. The ancient Egyptians valued pearls so highly that they buried them with their owners as precious possessions for the afterlife.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Pearls are the birthstone for June.

●A pearl is the only gemstone created by a living creature.

●Pearls can be white, black, pink, golden, cream, or even lavender.

●Pearl farming is also known as pearliculture.

●The largest producer of pearls in the world is China. China produces more than 95% of the world's cultured freshwater pearls, making it the world's leading pearl-producing country by volume.

●India also produces cultured pearls, mainly in coastal states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, but on a much smaller scale.

TOP PEARL-PRODUCING COUNTRIES 

●China: Freshwater cultured pearls (world's largest producer)

●Australia: South Sea pearls (large, high-quality white pearls)

●Japan: Akoya pearls (round, lustrous saltwater pearls) 

●French: Polynesia (Tahiti), Black Tahitian pearls 

●Indonesia: Golden and South Sea pearls

AMAZING FACTS 

●Every pearl is unique—no two pearls are exactly alike.

●A natural pearl may take several years to form inside an oyster.

●The shiny glow of a pearl is called its lustre.

●Healthy oysters play an important role in keeping water clean by filtering it.

Pearls remind us that something beautiful can grow from a challenge. A tiny irritant inside an oyster is transformed into one of nature’s most precious gems through patience and perseverance.

A Celebration of the Puzzle That Sharpens the Mind

INTERNATIONAL SUDOKU DAY 

International Sudoku Day is celebrated every year on September 9 to honour one of the world’s most loved logic puzzles—Sudoku. This special day encourages people of all ages to enjoy solving Sudoku puzzles and experience the joy of exercising their brains through logic and concentration.

WHAT IS SUDOKU?

Sudoku is a number puzzle played on a 9×9 grid, divided into nine smaller 3×3 boxes. The aim is to fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that every row, every column, and every 3×3 box contains each number only once. Even though it uses numbers, Sudoku is not a mathematics puzzle. It is a puzzle of logic, observation, and reasoning.

Sudoku does not have a single founder, but its modern form is credited to Howard Garns, an American architect and freelance puzzle creator.

THE STORY IN BRIEF:

●Howard Garns (1979): Created the modern 9×9 puzzle and published it in the magazine Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games under the name "Number Place."

●Maki Kaji (1984): A Japanese puzzle publisher who introduced the puzzle in Japan and gave it the name Sudoku, meaning “single number.” He is widely known as the "Godfather of Sudoku" because he made the puzzle famous around the world.

So, Howard Garns created the modern Sudoku puzzle, while Maki Kaji popularised it and named it Sudoku.

WHY IS INTERNATIONAL SUDOKU DAY CELEBRATED?

International Sudoku Day celebrates the popularity of Sudoku and promotes activities that improve brain health. It reminds us that puzzles are not just entertaining—they also help develop important life skills such as patience, focus, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

BENEFITS OF SOLVING SUDOKU 

●Improves concentration and memory.

●Develops logical and analytical thinking.

●Increases patience and attention to detail.

●Helps reduce stress by keeping the mind engaged.

●Builds confidence as each puzzle is successfully completed.

DID YOU KNOW?

●The word Sudoku is Japanese and means “single number.”

●The modern Sudoku puzzle became famous around the world in the early 2000s.

●Every Sudoku puzzle has only one correct solution when designed properly.

●Sudoku is enjoyed by millions of people in newspapers, books, mobile apps, and online games.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Sudoku does not require any mathematical calculations—only logical thinking.

●There are billions of possible Sudoku puzzle arrangements.

●Sudoku competitions are held in many countries, where participants race to solve puzzles in the shortest time.

●People of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, enjoy solving Sudoku to keep their minds active.

HOW CAN YOU CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL SUDOKU DAY?

Celebrate the day by solving a Sudoku puzzle with your family or friends, learning new Sudoku techniques, or organising a fun Sudoku competition in your school or classroom.

CONCLUSION 

International Sudoku Day reminds us that learning can be fun. A simple puzzle can strengthen our minds, improve our thinking skills, and teach us the value of patience and persistence. So, pick up a Sudoku puzzle on September 9, that is today and give your brain an exciting workout!

Do you know

WHAT HAPPENS TO AN AIRBAG AFTER A CAR CRASH?

Airbags are one of the most important safety features in modern cars. They are designed to protect passengers during a collision by reducing the impact on the head, chest, and body. But have you ever wondered what happens to an airbag after it saves someone in a crash?

HOW DOES AN AIRBAG WORK?

When a car crashes, sensors detect the sudden impact within milliseconds. They send a signal to the airbag system, which quickly fills the airbag with gas. The airbag inflates in about 20–40 milliseconds—faster than the blink of an eye—and forms a soft cushion between the passenger and the hard parts of the car.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CRASH?

After inflating, the airbag begins to deflate almost immediately through tiny holes. This allows the passenger to move and prevents the airbag from becoming a hard obstacle. The deflation takes only a fraction of a second.

Once an airbag has deployed, it cannot be used again. The fabric bag, inflator, and other components must be replaced with new ones.

CAN YOU DRIVE A CAR AFTER THE AIRBAG OPENS?

A car may still be drivable if the damage is minor, but it is not considered fully safe until the airbags and related safety systems are repaired. A warning light usually appears on the dashboard to show that the airbag system needs attention.

WHY MUST AIRBAGS BE REPLACED?

Airbags are designed for one-time use only. After deployment, the airbag module, sensors, and sometimes the seat belt pretensioners need inspection or replacement to ensure the car is safe for future travel.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Airbags inflate faster than the blink of an eye.

●Most airbags deflate within a second after opening.

●Modern cars can have 6 to 10 airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags.

Amazing Facts

●The first commercial airbags appeared in cars during the 1970s.

●Airbags work together with seat belts for the best protection.

●A deployed airbag may release a small amount of harmless powder, which helps it unfold smoothly.

CONCLUSION 

Airbags save thousands of lives every year by protecting passengers during accidents. Although they are used only once, their quick action can make the difference between a serious injury and a safe escape. That is why wearing a seat belt and keeping the airbag system in good condition are both essential for safe driving.

A World of Wonder and Entertainment

CIRCUS 

The circus is a colourful form of entertainment that has amazed people for hundreds of years. It brings together talented performers, exciting acts, music, laughter, and dazzling costumes under one big tent. A visit to the circus is filled with joy, surprise, and unforgettable memories for children and adults alike.

WHAT IS A CIRCUS?

A circus is a travelling or permanent show featuring a variety of performances such as acrobatics, juggling, clown acts, magic tricks, balancing acts, and aerial performances. Modern circuses focus mainly on human skills, creativity, and storytelling.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CIRCUS 

The modern circus began in 1768 in England when Philip Astley, a horse rider, started performing tricks in a circular arena. Over time, circuses grew into grand shows with performers from many countries, becoming popular around the world.

AMAZING CIRCUS PERFORMERS 

Circuses are known for the incredible talents of their performers.

●Acrobats perform flips, jumps, and balancing acts.

●Jugglers keep several objects moving in the air at once.

●Clowns entertain the audience with jokes, funny actions, and laughter.

●Aerial artists perform breathtaking stunts on ropes, swings, and trapezes high above the ground.

●Magicians amaze people with exciting illusions and tricks.

THE CIRCUS TODAY 

Many modern circuses no longer use wild animals. Instead, they focus on human talent, music, dance, lights, and special effects. Famous circus groups, such as Cirque du Soleil, have transformed the circus into a spectacular artistic performance.

CHALLENGES AND SURVIVAL OF THE CIRCUS 

The circus has brought joy and excitement to people for generations, but today it faces many challenges. Television, movies, video games, and online entertainment have reduced the number of people visiting circuses. Many travelling circuses also struggle with rising costs, transportation expenses, and finding suitable places to perform.

Another major challenge has been the growing concern for animal welfare. Many countries have introduced strict rules or banned the use of wild animals in circuses. As a result, many circuses have changed their performances to focus on human talent instead of animal acts.

HOW THE CIRCUS IS SURVIVING 

To survive, modern circuses have reinvented themselves. They now feature breathtaking acrobatics, aerial performances, music, dance, storytelling, and advanced lighting and sound effects. These changes have made circus shows more artistic and family-friendly.

The circus continues to survive because of the dedication, courage, and creativity of its performers. By adapting to changing times while preserving its spirit of wonder and entertainment, the circus remains a unique and magical experience for audiences around the world.

DID YOU KNOW?

●The circus ring is usually 13 metres (42 feet) in diameter.

●The word circus comes from the Latin word meaning circle or ring.

●Clowns often spend years learning acting, comedy, and acrobatics.

●Some circus artists begin training when they are very young.

AMAZING FACTS 

●A trapeze artist can swing several metres above the ground.

●Jugglers can keep many balls, clubs, or rings in the air without dropping them.

●Circus performances combine strength, flexibility, balance, and teamwork.

●Every circus show requires careful practice and safety measures.

WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE CIRCUS 

The circus teaches us that success comes through hard work, courage, discipline, and teamwork. Behind every exciting performance are hours of practice and dedication.

CONCLUSION 

A circus is a celebration of talent, creativity, and happiness. It inspires us to dream big, face challenges with confidence, and enjoy the magic of human skill and imagination.

World Circus Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of April to honour the art, history, and performers of the circus around the world.

2026: 18 April 2026

2027: 17 April 2027

The day was established by the World Circus Federation in 2010 to promote circus culture and recognise the dedication of circus artists.

Empathy and understanding

THE STORY BEHIND EVERY PERSON 

We all see the world through our own experiences. Sometimes, this makes us misunderstand other people's actions and intentions. A simple story about four friends teaches us an important lesson about empathy and understanding.

A FRIENDSHIP WITH DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES 

A lion, a horse, a koala bear, and a bird were the best of friends. They spent every day together and enjoyed each other's company. One day, the bird suddenly disappeared. A day passed, then another, and soon an entire month went by without any sign of him.

The three friends began wondering where the bird had gone. The lion believed the bird had gone on a long hunting trip because hunting was what the lion enjoyed most. The horse thought the bird must be travelling because travelling was his favourite activity. The koala bear guessed that the bird was taking a very long nap because sleeping was what he loved.

Finally, after a month, the bird returned. The friends eagerly asked him if he had been hunting, travelling, or sleeping. The bird smiled and explained that he was a migratory bird who travelled long distances to search for food, water, and suitable places to live. Sometimes those journeys took many weeks.

The three friends laughed as they realized that each of them had imagined the bird's life according to their own interests and habits.

THE REAL LESSON 

This story teaches us that we often judge others based on our own way of thinking. We assume that other people think, feel, and act just as we do. But every person has a different background, different responsibilities, and different reasons for making decisions.

Before forming an opinion about someone, we should try to understand their situation instead of making quick assumptions.

HOW IS THIS APPLICABLE IN OUR LIFE?

This lesson is useful in our everyday lives.

●A friend may refuse to join a trip, not because they do not value your friendship, but because they are facing financial or family problems.

●A classmate may seem quiet or distracted because they are dealing with difficulties that others cannot see.

●A family member may react differently to a situation because their experiences and feelings are different from yours.

●At school or work, misunderstandings often happen when we judge people without knowing the full story.

When we listen carefully and try to understand another person's point of view, relationships become stronger and kinder.

Moral of the Story

Never judge someone's actions only from your own point of view. Everyone has a story that you may not know. Understanding others with empathy and patience is the key to true friendship and a happy life.

Do you know

WHY DO FORKS HAVE 4 TINES?

Every day we use a fork without giving it much thought. But have you ever wondered why most dinner forks have four tines instead of three, five, or six? The answer is a fascinating story of history, design, and practicality. The four-tined fork is often called the “Goldilocks number” because it is not too many, not too few—just right!

HOW FORKS EVOLVED OVER TIME 

Forks have been used for centuries and have changed a great deal over time. The earliest forks, used in the Middle East and later in Europe, usually had two tines. They were mainly used for holding or serving pieces of meat.

As dining habits changed, three-tined forks became popular. They could hold food better than two-tined forks, but many foods still slipped through the wider gaps. After years of experimentation, people discovered that four tines offered the best overall design.

WHY ARE FOUR TINES THE PERFECT CHOICE?

The four-tined fork became the standard because it provides the ideal balance of strength, comfort, and usefulness.

●Better grip: Four tines hold food securely without letting it slip.

●Easy to spear food: The tines are strong enough to pick up vegetables, pasta, fruit, and meat.

●Comfortable size: A four-tined fork is wide enough to hold food but still fits comfortably in the mouth.

●Strong and durable: The tines are thick enough to resist bending during everyday use.

WHY NOT FIVE OR MORE TINES?

A fork with five or more tines may seem like it would hold food better, but it also has drawbacks. More tines mean narrower gaps and thinner tines, making the fork less sturdy and sometimes harder to clean. Four tines provide the best practical “sweet spot” for most meals.

Did You Know?

●The word fork comes from the Latin word furca, meaning a pitchfork.

●Dessert forks often have three tines because they are designed for softer foods.

●Seafood forks may have two tines to help remove meat from shells.

Amazing Facts

●The four-tined fork has been the world's most common dinner fork for hundreds of years.

●Most forks are made from stainless steel, which is strong, rust-resistant, and easy to clean.

●Different types of forks are specially designed for fish, salads, desserts, and seafood.

CONCLUSION 

The humble fork is the result of centuries of thoughtful design. After many changes and improvements, four tines proved to be the “just right” number—strong enough to hold food, comfortable to use, and practical for almost every meal.