The Charming Climbers of the Himalayas

RED PANDAS 

With their reddish-brown fur, masked faces, fluffy tails and gentle expressions, red pandas are among the most fascinating animals found in the forests of Asia. Although they share the word “panda” in their name, red pandas are quite different from giant pandas. Small, agile and excellent climbers, they spend much of their lives high among the trees.

Red pandas are found in cool, mountainous forests of China, India and several other Asian countries. Their thick fur, bushy tails and special adaptations help them survive in chilly forest environments.

WHAT DOES A RED PANDA LOOK LIKE?

A red panda is about the size of a large domestic cat, with a body covered in thick reddish-brown fur. Its face has distinctive pale markings, while its legs and belly are generally darker.

One of its most noticeable features is its long, bushy tail covered with alternating rings. The tail is not simply decorative. When a red panda moves along branches, it uses its tail for balance. During cold weather, it can also curl its fluffy tail around its body like a blanket to help keep warm.

The reddish-brown colour of its coat also helps it blend into the branches, leaves and reddish mosses of its forest home, making it less noticeable to predators.

MASTERS OF THE TREES 

Red pandas are excellent climbers. Their sharp, curved claws help them grip tree trunks and branches, while their flexible ankles allow them to move carefully through the treetops.

They also have a thumb-like structure on their forepaws that helps them grasp branches and handle food.

Because they spend so much time in trees, red pandas can move with remarkable agility among branches. They may even climb down trees headfirst.

WHAT DO RED PANDAS EAT?

Red pandas are mainly plant eaters, and bamboo forms a major part of their diet. They eat bamboo leaves and shoots, along with fruits, berries and other plant material.

Although their diet is mostly vegetarian, they may also eat small amounts of animal food such as insects and bird eggs.

Their bodies are not especially efficient at digesting bamboo, so they need to spend a large part of their time feeding.

A LIFE IN THE COLD 

Red pandas live in cool, mountainous forests where temperatures can fall considerably. Their thick, soft fur provides insulation against the cold.

Their paws are also covered with fur, which helps protect them from cold surfaces. And when temperatures drop, their large bushy tails provide an extra layer of warmth.

Interestingly, red pandas have been observed sunbathing. They may sit or lie in sunny spots to warm themselves, especially during colder weather.

MOSTLY ACTIVE AT NIGHT 

Red pandas are generally crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are most active around dawn, dusk and during the night. They often rest or sleep during much of the daytime.

They may curl themselves into a ball while sleeping on a branch, using their thick fur and bushy tail to stay warm.

HOW DO RED PANDAS COMMUNICATE?

Although they are usually quiet animals, red pandas can produce a variety of sounds. They communicate using squeals, squeaks, whistles and other vocalisations.

They also use scent to communicate. Special glands beneath the tail produce a strong-smelling secretion that red pandas use to mark their territory and communicate information to other red pandas.

They also communicate through body movements, facial expressions and scent markings.

CLEAN AND CAREFUL ANIMALS 

Like cats, red pandas spend considerable time grooming themselves. They lick their fur and carefully clean their bodies, helping to keep their thick coat in good condition.

Their grooming behaviour is important because their dense fur needs regular care to remain clean and functional.

WHY ARE RED PANDAS ENDANGERED?

Despite their adorable appearance, red pandas face serious threats in the wild.

The biggest danger is loss of habitat. Forests are cleared for agriculture, roads, settlements and other human activities. When forests disappear or become fragmented, red pandas lose the trees and bamboo-rich habitats they need to survive.

They may also be threatened by hunting, illegal wildlife trade and the keeping of wild animals as pets.

Protecting their forest habitat is therefore essential for their survival. Conservation programmes, protected forests and efforts to reduce illegal hunting and wildlife trade can all help safeguard these remarkable animals.

RED PANDA AND GIANT PANDA: ARE THEY  RELATED?

The names can be confusing, but a red panda is not a smaller version of a giant panda.

Red pandas and giant pandas belong to different animal families. They do share some features, particularly their love of bamboo and certain adaptations for handling it, but they are distinct animals with different evolutionary histories.

The red panda is the only living member of its own family, Ailuridae.

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT RED PANDAS 

- Red pandas have reddish-brown fur and a long, ringed bushy tail.

- Their tail helps them balance while climbing and provides warmth in cold weather.

- Their sharp claws make them excellent climbers.

- A thumb-like structure on their forepaws helps them grip branches and handle food.

- Red pandas spend much of their lives in trees.

- They are mainly active around dawn, dusk and at night.

- Bamboo is an important part of their diet, although they also eat fruits, berries, insects and bird eggs.

- Red pandas groom themselves by licking their fur, much like cats.

- They communicate through sounds such as squeaks, squeals and whistles.

- They use scent markings to establish and communicate about their territories.

- Their thick fur and bushy tail help them survive in cold mountain forests.

- Red pandas are threatened by habitat loss and human activities.

DID YOU KNOW?

A red panda can spend many hours feeding because bamboo is relatively low in nutrients and is not easy to digest. It must therefore consume large quantities of bamboo leaves and other food to meet its energy needs.

The red panda may be small and adorable, but it is a remarkable survivor—perfectly adapted to life among the cool, misty forests of the mountains.

Protecting the forests means protecting the red panda. 🌿🦊

The Colourful Storytelling Art of Mithila

MADHUBANI PAINTING 

India is home to a remarkable variety of traditional art forms, each reflecting the culture, beliefs and imagination of its people. Among them, Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, holds a special place. Originating in the Mithila region of Bihar, this vibrant folk art is famous for its bright colours, intricate patterns and richly decorated surfaces.

Madhubani paintings turn walls, paper, cloth and other surfaces into colourful storytelling spaces. Every line, shape and motif has a purpose. Trees, flowers, fish, birds, peacocks, the sun and the moon are not merely decorative elements—they often carry deeper meanings connected with nature, prosperity, devotion, fertility and everyday life.

A TRADITION FROM MITHILA 

Madhubani painting has deep roots in the Mithila region of Bihar, particularly in and around the present-day Madhubani district. It is closely connected with Maithili culture, traditions and customs.

According to a popular legend, King Janaka, the father of Sita, asked artists to decorate the city and his palace for the wedding of Sita and Lord Rama. This story is traditionally associated with the origin of Mithila painting.

For generations, Madhubani paintings were created mainly by women on freshly plastered mud walls and floors. They were especially made during weddings, festivals and religious ceremonies. The paintings decorated homes while also expressing prayers, hopes and celebrations.

Over time, this traditional art moved from walls and floors to paper, canvas, cloth and other surfaces, allowing Madhubani artists to share their work with people across India and around the world.

COLOURS FROM NATURE 

Traditionally, Madhubani artists used materials that were easily available around them. Walls were often coated with mud and cow dung to create a smooth surface. Natural colours were prepared from ingredients such as turmeric, indigo, flowers, leaves, soot and rice paste.

Simple tools were also used. Bamboo nibs, twigs and cotton-wrapped sticks served as brushes.

Although modern artists may use commercially prepared colours and contemporary materials, the connection with nature remains an important part of Madhubani painting.

A WORLD WITHOUT EMPTY SPACES 

One of the most striking features of Madhubani painting is its detailed and densely decorated appearance. Artists often fill almost every part of the surface with lines, dots, flowers, leaves, geometric patterns and other motifs.

Blank spaces are rarely left untouched. This creates a sense of abundance, movement and fullness.

Many paintings also feature decorative borders, which frame the central scene and add to the beauty of the artwork.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF MADHUBANI ART 

Madhubani paintings can often be recognised by several characteristic features:

- Double lines are frequently used to outline figures and shapes.

- Intricate patterns such as dots, stripes, flowers and geometric designs fill empty spaces.

- Decorative borders give the painting a framed appearance.

- Bright colours such as red, yellow, green, blue, orange and black create a lively effect.

- Symbolic motifs such as fish, lotus flowers, peacocks, trees, the sun and the moon add meaning to the composition.

FOUR TRADITIONAL STYLES 

Madhubani painting developed into several styles, each with its own visual character.

Bharni

Bharni is known for bold forms filled with bright colours. Figures and motifs are often richly coloured, creating a striking appearance.

Kachni

Kachni focuses on delicate line work, fine patterns and careful shading. It can create an intricate effect even with limited colours.

Godna

Godna takes inspiration from traditional tattoo designs. It commonly uses repeated patterns and is often created mainly in black and white.

Kohbar

Kohbar is particularly associated with marriage ceremonies. These paintings contain symbolic elements connected with love, fertility, prosperity and a couple's new life together.

STORIES, NATURE AND EVERYDAY LIFE 

Madhubani art is much more than decoration. It is a visual language through which artists express stories, beliefs and experiences.

Nature

Nature is one of the most important themes. Trees, flowers, birds, fish, elephants and other elements may appear together in a single composition. They represent harmony, fertility and the abundance of life.

Mythology and Devotion

Scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with stories associated with deities such as Krishna, Shiva, Durga and Lakshmi, are commonly represented.

Marriage and Celebration

Wedding traditions have a particularly important place in Madhubani art. Kohbar paintings may include lotus flowers, bamboo groves, fish, birds and other symbols associated with love, prosperity, fertility and new beginnings.

Everyday Life

Artists also portray ordinary village life—women cooking, collecting water, caring for children, farming and celebrating festivals. In this way, Madhubani painting records not only mythology but also the everyday experiences of communities.

THE LANGUAGE OF SYMBOLS 

A fascinating aspect of Madhubani painting is the meaning attached to many of its motifs.

Fish are often associated with fertility, prosperity and good fortune.

Peacocks symbolise beauty, joy and love.

Lotus flowers are associated with purity and spiritual beauty.

The sun and moon can represent continuity, time and the cycles of nature.

Trees and plants often suggest life, growth and abundance.

Thus, a Madhubani painting can tell a story even without using written words.

ARTISTS WHO TOOK MADHUBANI TO THE WORLD 

During the 20th century, several artists played an important role in bringing Madhubani painting to national and international attention.

Artists such as Sita Devi, Ganga Devi and Mahasundari Devi helped introduce this traditional village art to wider audiences, galleries and collectors. Their work demonstrated that an art form rooted in local customs could also gain recognition far beyond its place of origin.

MADHUBANI PAINTING TODAY 

Madhubani painting has travelled far beyond the mud walls where it was traditionally created. Today, artists paint on paper, canvas, fabric, pottery, walls and many other surfaces.

Madhubani designs can be found on sarees, clothing, stationery, home décor, handicrafts and contemporary artworks. The art has also provided livelihood opportunities for many rural women, helping them earn an income and gain greater financial independence.

While the materials and surfaces may have changed, many of the traditional themes remain the same—nature, family, devotion, celebration and cultural identity.

Madhubani painting beautifully shows how traditional art can adapt to changing times without losing its roots. Its vibrant colours and intricate patterns preserve stories and traditions while allowing new generations of artists to express themselves.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Madhubani painting is also known as Mithila painting.

- The art originated in the Mithila region of Bihar.

- Traditionally, Madhubani paintings were created mainly by women.

- Paintings were traditionally made on mud walls and floors, especially during weddings and festivals.

- Natural materials such as turmeric, flowers, leaves, indigo and soot were used to prepare colours.

- Traditional Madhubani paintings usually have very little empty space, with artists filling backgrounds with patterns and motifs.

- Kohbar paintings are traditionally associated with marriage ceremonies.

- Fish, peacocks, lotus flowers, trees, the sun and the moon are among the many motifs frequently seen in Madhubani art.

- Today, Madhubani designs can be found on sarees, fabrics, pottery, stationery, walls and home décor.

- Madhubani art has helped preserve Mithila's cultural traditions while also creating livelihood opportunities for artists.

The Final Wisdom of a Great Conqueror

ALEXANDER THE GREAT’S THREE FINAL WISHES 

Alexander the Great was one of the most powerful conquerors the world had ever known. He built a vast empire, defeated mighty armies and became famous across many lands. Yet, at the end of his life, he discovered a truth that no conquest could change: no one can conquer death, and no one can take worldly possessions beyond the grave.

According to a popular legend, when Alexander was returning from one of his military campaigns, he fell seriously ill. His condition grew worse with every passing day. Far from his homeland and his beloved mother, he realised that his life was coming to an end.

Knowing that he might not have much time left, Alexander called his most trusted generals to his bedside.

“I have three final wishes,” he told them. “Promise me that you will fulfil them after I die.”

The generals listened carefully.

His First Wish

Alexander said, “My first wish is that my coffin must be carried by my physicians alone.”

The generals looked at one another in confusion. Why would a mighty king want his physicians, rather than his soldiers or generals, to carry his coffin?

But they remained silent and promised to obey.

His Second Wish

Alexander continued, “My second wish is that the road leading to my grave must be covered with all the jewels and precious stones I have collected in my treasury.”

The generals were even more astonished.

Alexander had accumulated enormous wealth during his campaigns—gold, jewels and treasures from many conquered kingdoms. Why would he want all his precious possessions scattered along the road to his grave?

Again, they promised to fulfil his request.

His Third Wish

Finally, Alexander said, “My third and final wish is that both my hands must hang outside my coffin, completely empty.”

The generals were puzzled. These requests seemed strange, especially coming from a king who had spent his life commanding armies and conquering kingdoms.

One of his closest generals gently took his hand and asked, “My king, we promise to fulfil your wishes. But please tell us why you have made such unusual requests.”

Alexander took a deep breath. With the little strength he had left, he explained the meaning behind his three wishes.

The Meaning Behind the Three Wishes

“When my physicians carry my coffin,” Alexander said, “I want people to understand that even the greatest doctors cannot save everyone from death. No matter how skilled a physician may be, human life cannot be made endless. Death eventually comes to everyone—rich or poor, powerful or weak, famous or unknown.”

Then he spoke about his treasures.

“When people see my jewels and precious stones scattered along the road to my grave, they will understand that I spent my life collecting wealth. I conquered kingdoms and gathered riches, but now I cannot take any of them with me.”

He paused before explaining his final wish.

“And when they see my empty hands hanging outside the coffin, they will understand the greatest lesson of all. I came into this world with empty hands, and I will leave this world with empty hands.”

The generals listened in silence.

Alexander continued, “Let the world remember that no matter how much a person earns, owns or achieves, none of it can be carried beyond the grave. A king and a poor man ultimately leave this world in the same way—with nothing in their hands.”

A Lesson Beyond Conquest

Alexander had spent his life expanding his empire. He had commanded enormous armies, defeated powerful rulers and accumulated immense wealth. Yet, at the end of his journey, none of these things could help him escape death.

His final wishes were therefore not about power or glory. They were meant to leave behind a message—a reminder that life is temporary, possessions are temporary, and worldly power is temporary.

We often spend our lives chasing money, status, success and possessions. There is nothing wrong with working hard or achieving our goals. But we should also remember that these things are not the true measure of a meaningful life.

What matters is how we use our time, how we treat other people, how much kindness we share and what values we leave behind.

The Greatest Treasure

Alexander may have conquered many kingdoms, but his final lesson was about something far greater than conquest.

We enter the world empty-handed, and we leave it empty-handed.

The wealth we collect stays behind. The titles we earn disappear. The possessions we carefully preserve eventually belong to someone else.

But our kindness, love, wisdom and good deeds can continue to live in the memories of others.

So, let us not wait until the end of our lives to understand what truly matters.

Live wisely.

Be kind.

Value your time.

Cherish the people around you.

And remember: no matter how much we possess, we cannot take it with us.

Understanding a Country’s Economic Report Card

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

Imagine that a country receives a report card every year. Instead of marks in Mathematics, Science and English, this report card tells us how much the country produced and how much economic activity took place during the year.

One of the most important figures on this report card is GDP, or Gross Domestic Product.

GDP helps us understand the size and performance of a country's economy. It measures the total value of all the final goods and services produced within a country's borders during a particular period, usually one year.

What Is GDP?

Let us imagine a tiny country where there are only four professions—a farmer, a schoolteacher, a shoemaker and a computer engineer.

During the year:

- The farmer grows grains.

- The teacher teaches students.

- The shoemaker makes shoes.

- The computer engineer develops software.

All these activities create goods or services that have economic value. When the value of the final goods and services produced within the country during the year is added together, we get the country's GDP.

In simple words, GDP tells us how much economic value a country produces.

What Does GDP Include?

GDP mainly includes two kinds of economic output:

1. Goods

Goods are physical things that are produced and sold. They include:

- Grains

- Milk

- Clothes

- Books

- Pencils

- Cars

- Computers

- Airplanes

For example, when a biscuit factory produces and sells biscuits, the value of the biscuits produced is part of the country's economic output.

2. Services

Services are useful activities performed for people or businesses. They include:

- Teaching

- Medical treatment

- Banking

- Transportation

- Software development

- Hairdressing

- Delivery services

- Legal services

For example, when a doctor treats patients at a hospital, the value of that medical service contributes to GDP.

What Are the Rules for Counting GDP?

GDP follows some important rules.

Only Production Within the Country Counts

The word “domestic” in Gross Domestic Product is important. It means production that takes place within a country's geographical boundaries.

For example, suppose an Indian company manufactures a car in a factory located in the United Kingdom. The production takes place in the UK, so that production contributes to the UK's GDP, not India's GDP.

On the other hand, if a company manufactures cars in its factory in Chennai and sells those cars to customers in Europe, the cars are included in India's GDP because they were produced in India.

This shows an important point:

GDP depends on where production takes place, not on the nationality of the company.

Only Current Production Counts

GDP measures production during a particular period.

Suppose a car was manufactured in 2025 and sold again as a second-hand car in 2026. The car itself is not counted again in 2026's GDP because it was already counted when it was originally produced.

However, if a dealer or another business provides a service while selling the used car, the value of that newly provided service may be included.

Why Is GDP Important?

GDP is one of the most widely used measures of economic activity.

When GDP grows steadily, it can indicate that businesses are producing more goods and services. This may lead to greater employment opportunities, higher incomes and increased business activity.

A growing economy can also provide the government with more resources through taxes, which can be used to develop:

- Schools and colleges

- Hospitals

- Roads and bridges

- Public transport

- Water and sanitation systems

- Other public facilities

However, a fall in GDP can indicate weaker economic activity. Businesses may produce less, investment may decline and employment opportunities may become harder to find.

GDP, therefore, gives economists and governments an important picture of how an economy is performing.

How Is India’s GDP Calculated?

India's national accounts are compiled by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

GDP can be measured in different but related ways. Two important approaches are:

1. Production or Value-Added Approach

This approach measures the value added by different industries and sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, trade and services.

2. Expenditure Approach

This approach looks at spending in the economy, including spending by households, businesses and the government, along with investment and net exports.

There is also an income approach, which looks at incomes generated through production.

These approaches provide different ways of looking at the same economic activity and, when properly measured, should lead to consistent estimates of GDP.

What Is India’s GDP?

India is one of the world's largest economies. Its GDP has grown substantially over the years as its industries, businesses and services have expanded.

GDP is often expressed in trillions of US dollars when countries are compared internationally. A trillion is a very large number:

1 trillion = 1,000,000,000,000

However, GDP estimates change over time because of economic growth, inflation, exchange-rate movements and revisions to national statistics. Therefore, when comparing countries, it is important to mention the year and source of the estimate.

What Makes Up India’s GDP?

India's economy is broadly divided into three major sectors.

1. Primary Sector

The primary sector involves activities that directly use natural resources.

It includes:

- Agriculture

- Fishing

- Forestry

- Mining

- Animal husbandry

Farmers growing crops and fishermen catching fish are examples of people working in the primary sector.

Agriculture remains extremely important to India because it provides food, raw materials and employment to millions of people.

2. Secondary Sector

The secondary sector involves processing raw materials and manufacturing goods.

It includes:

- Factories

- Construction

- Manufacturing

- Electricity production

- Food processing

- Automobile manufacturing

- Textile production

For example, cotton grown by farmers can be turned into cloth in factories. The manufacturing activity belongs to the secondary sector.

3. Tertiary Sector

The tertiary sector provides services rather than physical goods.

It includes:

- Banking

- Education

- Healthcare

- Information technology

- Transport

- Communication

- Tourism

- Insurance

- Retail

- Professional services

The service sector has become a particularly important part of India's economy. India's IT, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, education and other service industries contribute significantly to economic activity.

Does a Bigger GDP Mean a Better Life?

Not necessarily.

GDP tells us about the size and production of an economy, but it does not tell us everything about people's quality of life.

For example, two countries could have similar GDP figures but very different:

- Healthcare systems

- Education facilities

- Levels of inequality

- Environmental conditions

- Living standards

- Public infrastructure

GDP also does not directly measure happiness, freedom, leisure time or the quality of relationships.

This is why economists and policymakers use other indicators alongside GDP to understand people's well-being.

What About Work Done at Home?

Here is an interesting limitation of GDP.

Suppose your mother cooks dinner for the family at home. That household activity generally does not enter GDP because it is not a market transaction.

But if the same meal is prepared and sold by a restaurant, the restaurant's market activity is included in GDP.

This does not mean that unpaid household work has no value. It simply means that GDP is designed primarily to measure market-based production and certain other measurable economic activities, rather than all useful work performed in society.

GDP and Per Capita GDP

GDP tells us the total size of an economy. But countries have different population sizes.

To get an idea of the average economic output or income available per person, economists often use GDP per capita.

It is calculated approximately as:

GDP per capita = GDP ÷ Population

For example, a country with a large population may have a very high total GDP but a much lower GDP per person than a smaller country.

GDP per capita is therefore useful when comparing average economic levels, although it too does not fully describe people's quality of life.

GDP: A Useful but Incomplete Picture

GDP is an extremely useful economic indicator, but it should not be treated as a complete measure of a country's progress.

A country can increase its GDP while still facing challenges such as:

- Pollution

- Income inequality

- Poor access to healthcare

- Unemployment

- Lack of quality education

- Environmental damage

Therefore, GDP is best understood as one important indicator among many.

In a Nutshell

GDP is the total monetary value of final goods and services produced within a country's borders during a given period.

It helps us understand the size and performance of an economy. It tells us how much economic activity is taking place, but it does not tell the entire story of how people live.

So, the next time you hear that a country's GDP has risen or fallen, remember: GDP is like an economic report card—but a country's real progress requires looking at many more things than just one number.

Key Terms

GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total value of final goods and services produced within a country's borders during a specific period.

Primary Sector: Economic activities that use natural resources, such as farming, fishing and mining.

Secondary Sector: Activities involving manufacturing, construction and the processing of raw materials.

Tertiary Sector: Activities that provide services, such as banking, education, healthcare, transport and IT.

GDP Per Capita: GDP divided by the population, giving an approximate measure of economic output per person.

Market Price: The price at which goods and services are bought and sold in the market.

Amazing Facts About GDP

- GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product.

- The word “domestic” means that production is counted according to where it takes place.

- A product made in India and exported to another country still contributes to India's GDP.

- A foreign company's factory operating in India contributes to India's GDP because production takes place within India's borders.

- The resale of an old product is generally not counted as new production in GDP.

- GDP and GDP per capita are not the same thing. GDP measures the size of the whole economy, while GDP per capita adjusts GDP for population size.

- GDP measures economic production, but it does not directly measure happiness, health or environmental quality.

- The service sector plays a major role in India's modern economy.

- GDP figures can change when statistical agencies revise their estimates or when economic conditions change.

- A country can have a high GDP and still face problems such as inequality, pollution or inadequate public services.

A Timeless Story by Leo Tolstoy

THE THREE QUESTIONS 

Long ago, there lived a king who was always searching for wisdom.

He believed that if he could find the answers to three important questions, he would never make a mistake and would always know exactly what to do.

His three questions were:

1. What is the right time to begin anything?

2. Who is the most important person?

3. What is the most important thing to do?

The king announced throughout his kingdom that he would reward anyone who could give him satisfactory answers.

Many wise men came to the palace.

One said that the king should prepare a timetable and follow it strictly because every action had its proper time.

Another said that the king needed the advice of wise men and should always listen to them before making important decisions.

A third man said that the most important people were doctors, because they could save lives.

Others argued that soldiers, priests, farmers or merchants were the most important people.

The king listened carefully, but he was not satisfied.

Finally, he heard about a wise hermit who lived alone in a forest. The hermit was known for his wisdom, but he did not meet important people. He spent his days working in his garden and speaking only to ordinary visitors.

The king decided to visit him.

He dressed himself in simple clothes, left his guards behind and went into the forest.

When the king found the hermit, he saw him digging the soil in front of his small hut.

The king greeted him and asked his three questions.

The hermit listened but continued digging.

The king repeated his questions.

Still, the hermit said nothing.

The king noticed that the old man was becoming tired.

“You are tired,” said the king. “Give me the spade. I will work for you.”

The hermit handed him the spade.

The king began digging.

Time passed.

The king asked the questions again.

The hermit still remained silent.

Then suddenly, a wounded man came running out of the forest.

He was holding his hands against his stomach, and blood was flowing through his fingers.

The king immediately stopped digging.

He rushed towards the wounded man, carried him to the hermit's hut and cleaned his wound. He washed it, bandaged it and continued caring for him until the bleeding stopped.

The wounded man was exhausted.

The king gave him water and helped him lie down.

By evening, the man fell asleep.

The king was also tired. He lay down near the entrance of the hut and soon fell asleep.

The next morning, when the king woke up, he found the wounded man looking at him.

“Forgive me!” the man said.

The king was surprised.

“I do not even know you. Why are you asking me for forgiveness?”

The man explained that he had once been an enemy of the king. He had planned to kill him because the king had punished his brother and taken away his property.

He had been waiting in the forest to attack the king.

But the king's guards had discovered him, and while trying to escape, he had been wounded.

“If you had not treated me,” the man said, “I would have died. I came here to harm you, but you saved my life. From today onwards, I will be your faithful servant.”

The king was deeply moved.

He forgave the man and promised to return his property.

Then the king turned towards the hermit.

“I must have an answer to my three questions,” he said. “Please tell me what you think.”

The hermit smiled.

“You already have your answers,” he said.

The king looked puzzled.

“Yesterday, when I was digging, the most important time was the time when you were digging. It was the only time you had. The most important person was the man who came to you, because he was the person who needed your help. And the most important thing to do was to help him.”

The hermit continued:

“Later, when you were caring for the wounded man, the most important time was that moment, the most important person was the wounded man, and the most important thing was to save his life.”

The king finally understood.

The hermit gave him the final lesson:

“Remember that there is only one important time—now. The present moment is the only time over which we have power. The most necessary person is always the person with whom you are, for no one knows whether they will ever have dealings with anyone else. And the most important affair is to do that person good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life.”

The king returned to his kingdom with a completely different understanding of wisdom.

He had gone to the forest looking for complicated answers.

Instead, he discovered something wonderfully simple.

THE MESSAGE OF THE STORY 

We often spend our lives worrying about yesterday or planning endlessly for tomorrow. But the present moment is the only moment we can actually live.

The person standing before us may need our kindness, attention or help. We may not know what tomorrow will bring.

And sometimes, doing something good for another person is far more important than finding the perfect answer to every question.

Tolstoy's story reminds us that wisdom does not always come from books, grand speeches or complicated theories.

Sometimes, it is found in a simple act of kindness at the right moment.

THE THREE ANSWERS AT A GLANCE 

The most important time: Now.

The most important person: The person who is with you.

The most important thing: To do good to that person.

From Peas to People

THE STORY OF “DOGSBODY ”

Have you ever heard someone say, “He is the office dogsbody”? At first, the word dogsbody may sound as if it has something to do with a dog. Surprisingly, it does not!

WHAT DOES "DOGSBODY” MEAN?

A dogsbody is a person who is given unpleasant, boring, routine or less important tasks, often because they are at the bottom of an organisation or are expected to help others.

For example:

●The new employee was treated like a dogsbody and was asked to do all the routine office jobs.

The word is generally used informally and can sometimes sound disrespectful.

WHERE DID THE WORD COME FROM?

The word dogsbody originated in the British Royal Navy. It was used as a nickname for a simple dish made from dried peas and flour, which sailors considered rather unappetising. Over time, dogsbody became associated with a person who performed the most basic or tiresome jobs.

By the 19th century, the word had developed its modern meaning: a person who does menial or routine work for others.

Interestingly, the word has also been used to describe a junior or low-ranking person who is expected to carry out various small jobs.

DOGSBODY IN EVERYDAY LANGUAGE 

The word is mainly used in British English and is usually informal.

For example:

●I spent my first few months as a dogsbody, doing all the little jobs nobody else wanted.

●The assistant felt like a dogsbody because he was constantly asked to run errands.

●Don't treat your junior colleagues like dogsbodies.

IS IT RELATED TO DOGS?

No! Despite its appearance, dogsbody has no connection with the body of a dog. It is an example of how words can develop meanings that are very different from what their individual parts seem to suggest.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Dogsbody is an informal British English word.

●It originally had a connection with a simple sailors' food, not an actual dog.

●The word later came to mean a person who performs routine or menial tasks.

●A similar expression is “gofer”, meaning someone who is sent to “go for” things or run errands.

●The plural form is dogsbodies.

DID YOU KNOW?

The word dogsbody is a wonderful example of language evolution. A word that once referred to an unappealing food eventually became a term for a person who was expected to do all the uninteresting jobs!

Money Matters

HOW THE GOVERNMENT RUNS THE COUNTRY 

Have you ever wondered how the government gets the money to build roads, run schools and hospitals, provide public transport, maintain public services and carry out development projects?

Just like a family needs money to pay for its daily expenses, a government also needs funds to run the country. But where does this money come from?

WHERE DOES THE GOVERNMENT GET ITS MONEY FROM?

The government receives money from several sources. The most important source is taxes.

TAXES 

A tax is money that people and businesses are required to pay to the government. Taxes may be based on income, property, the purchase of goods and services, and other economic activities.

There are broadly two types of taxes:

Direct taxes are paid directly to the government by individuals or organisations. Income tax is one example.

Indirect taxes are collected through the purchase of goods and services. For example, when you buy a meal at a restaurant or purchase a product, the bill may include Goods and Services Tax (GST). The tax collected is ultimately paid to the government.

The money collected through taxes helps the government finance public services and development programmes.

GOVERNMENT BORROWING AND BONDS 

Taxes are not the government's only source of money. Governments can also borrow money.

One important way of borrowing is through government bonds. A government bond is essentially a loan given by an investor to the government. In return, the government agrees to pay interest according to the terms of the bond and repay the principal amount at maturity.

For example, suppose a government issues a bond with a 10-year maturity. A person who purchases the bond is lending money to the government. The investor receives interest during the specified period and the original amount is repaid when the bond matures.

Government borrowing can help finance large projects and meet expenses when government income is not sufficient.

OTHER SOURCES OF GOVERNMENT REVENUE 

Apart from taxes and borrowing, governments may receive money from several other sources, including:

- Profits and dividends from government-owned enterprises

- Fees and charges for certain public services

- Interest received on loans given by the government

- Returns from government investments

- Certain grants and other receipts

- Borrowings from domestic and international sources

Together, these different sources provide the government with the funds it needs to carry out its responsibilities.

GOVERNMENT BUDGETS 

A government must carefully plan how much money it expects to receive and how much it plans to spend. This is done through a budget.

In India, the Union Budget presents the government's plans for its income and expenditure for the coming financial year. It includes estimates of how much money the government expects to collect and how it proposes to spend it.

The budget helps the government decide how available resources should be allocated among areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, defence, agriculture and social welfare.

SURPLUS AND DEFICIT 

What happens when the government's income and expenditure do not match?

When government income is greater than expenditure, the government has a surplus.

When government expenditure is greater than income, there is a deficit.

A deficit does not necessarily mean that the government has run out of money. It means that it needs additional funds to meet its planned expenditure. The government may raise these funds through borrowing.

WHERE DOES THE GOVERNMENT SPEND ITS MONEY?

The government spends money on a wide variety of activities that affect people's everyday lives.

Some important areas include:

- Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, railways, public transport, ports and water-supply systems

- Education: Government schools, colleges, scholarships and educational programmes

- Healthcare: Hospitals, health centres, medicines and public-health programmes

- Agriculture: Support programmes, irrigation and rural development

- Public safety: Police, disaster management and other essential services

- Defence: National security and the armed forces

- Social welfare: Programmes designed to support people who need assistance

In this way, government spending can have a direct or indirect impact on the lives of millions of people.

WHAT RETURN DOES THE GOVERNMENT GET FROM ITS INVESTMENTS?

When a private company invests money, it generally looks for a financial profit. Government investment can work differently.

When the government builds a road, for example, it may not earn money directly from every person who uses it. However, the road can make travel easier, reduce transportation time and help businesses move goods.

Similarly, spending on education and healthcare may not produce an immediate financial return. Their benefits can include a healthier, better-educated and more productive population.

Government-owned enterprises may also generate financial returns while providing important goods and services and creating employment.

Thus, the "return" on government spending can be measured not only in rupees but also through social and economic benefits.

SOME BIZARRE TAXES FROM HISTORY 

Taxes may seem like a modern part of everyday life, but governments have been taxing unusual things for centuries. Some historical taxes sound quite strange today!

●The Beard Tax

In 16th-century England, a tax on beards was introduced during the reign of Henry VIII. The idea was later revived during the reign of his daughter Elizabeth I, with the tax applying to certain beards.

Imagine having to pay the government simply because your beard had grown!

●The Window Tax

A window tax was introduced in England in the late 17th century. The tax was based partly on the number of windows in a house.

Because larger houses generally had more windows, the tax was intended to collect more money from wealthier households. However, it also encouraged some people to reduce the number of windows in their buildings.

This is one reason why some old buildings can be found with windows that were later blocked up.

●The Wallpaper Tax

During the 18th century, Britain also imposed a tax on wallpaper. To avoid paying the tax, some people used other methods to decorate their walls or left wallpaper unstuck until after it had been purchased.

●The Salt Tax in France

Salt was once heavily taxed in France through a system known as the gabelle. The tax varied over time and by region, making salt considerably more expensive in some places.

The salt tax became deeply unpopular and was eventually abolished during the French Revolution.

WHY DO WE PAY TAXES?

Taxes are an important source of government revenue. The money collected helps governments provide services and build infrastructure that individuals may not be able to provide on their own.

The next time you travel on a public road, visit a government hospital, study in a government school or use a public facility, remember that such services require resources to build, operate and maintain.

Government finances are therefore closely connected to our everyday lives.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Taxes are one of the major sources of government revenue.

- Governments can also raise money by borrowing through bonds and other instruments.

- A budget is a financial plan that estimates government income and expenditure.

- A surplus occurs when income exceeds expenditure, while a deficit occurs when expenditure exceeds income.

- Government investment can produce social benefits even when it does not generate direct financial profit.

- History contains examples of unusual taxes on things such as beards, windows, wallpaper and salt.

A SIMPLE WAY TO UNDERSTAND GOVERNMENT FINANCES 

Think of the government as managing a very large household.

Money comes in → The government plans its budget → Money is spent on public needs → Development and public services benefit society.

Managing this money carefully is important because government funds ultimately affect the lives of millions of people.

Taxes may be collected in rupees, but their impact can be seen in roads, schools, hospitals, public transport, infrastructure and countless other services around us.

Absolutely. You can add this section toward the end of the article:

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT TAXES AND GOVERNMENT MONEY 

●Taxes are very old: Ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Rome and China collected different forms of taxes to support their governments.

●A tax on beards really existed: England introduced a beard tax during the reign of Henry VIII in the 16th century.

●Windows were once taxed: Britain's historic window tax encouraged some homeowners to reduce the number of windows in their houses.

●Salt was once a luxury because of taxes: In pre-Revolutionary France, the salt tax known as the gabelle made salt much more expensive in some regions.

●Governments can borrow money: Instead of relying only on taxes, governments can borrow by issuing bonds, which are essentially loans from investors.

●A government budget is like a financial roadmap: It estimates how much money the government expects to receive and how it plans to spend it.

●Government spending can create indirect benefits: A new road may not directly earn the government money, but it can reduce travel time, improve transportation and encourage trade.

●Not all government income comes from taxes: Governments can also receive money from fees, dividends and profits from government-owned enterprises, interest and other sources.

●A deficit does not mean the government has no money: It means that, during a particular period, planned or actual expenditure is greater than revenue.

●Taxes can influence behaviour: Throughout history, governments have sometimes introduced taxes not only to raise revenue but also to discourage or regulate certain activities.

A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER 

“Taxes provide the resources; wise spending turns those resources into public services and development.”