India Showcases Its Culinary Heritage

A ROYAL VEGETARIAN FEAST AT BRICS 2026

When India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, it welcomed world leaders with something truly special—an elegant 100% vegetarian gala dinner. Instead of serving meat or seafood, India chose to celebrate its rich vegetarian traditions, regional flavours, and sustainable food culture. The menu beautifully reflected the country's incredible diversity, from Gujarat and Kashmir to South India and Delhi.

A MENU THAT CELEBRATED INDIA 

The carefully curated dinner featured traditional dishes presented in a modern, gourmet style.

●Khandvi Mille-Feuille

A creative twist on Gujarat's famous khandvi.

●Khumb Galouti

Soft and flavourful mushroom galouti kebabs.

●Gucchi Marmik

A delicacy made with rare Himalayan morel mushrooms.

●Paneer Lababdar

A rich and creamy North Indian paneer curry.

●Gajar-Beans Poriyal

A healthy South Indian-style vegetable stir-fry.

●Millet Pulao

A nutritious pulao made from India's traditional millets.

●Jalebi with Purani Delhi Fruit Cream

A delightful dessert inspired by Old Delhi's culinary heritage.

●Shahtoot Phirni

A traditional rice pudding flavoured with mulberries.

Along with these Indian dishes, guests were also served international vegetarian favourites such as Penne al Pomodoro e Panna, Baked Vegetable Au Gratin, fresh salads, breads, and yogurt-based accompaniments.

WHY AN ALL-VEGETARIAN DINNER?

India's decision to serve an entirely vegetarian menu was symbolic. It highlighted the country's long tradition of vegetarian cuisine, the importance of sustainable food choices, and the nutritional value of locally grown ingredients. Millets, declared a "superfood" in India, were given a special place on the menu to promote healthy and climate-friendly eating.

DID YOU KNOW?

●BRICS is a group of major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the UAE.

●India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2026.

●The gala dinner was completely vegetarian, showcasing India's culinary diversity and sustainable food traditions.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Gucchi mushrooms are among the world's most expensive edible mushrooms.

●Millets are rich in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

●Khandvi is a famous Gujarati snack made from gram flour and yogurt.

●Shahtoot is the Hindi name for mulberry, a fruit packed with antioxidants.

CONCLUSION 

The BRICS 2026 vegetarian gala dinner was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of India's culture, hospitality, and culinary excellence. By serving delicious vegetarian dishes from different regions, India demonstrated that traditional food can be both nutritious and world-class, leaving a memorable impression on leaders from across the globe.

The Graceful Guardians of Wetlands

IBISES 

Wetlands are among the richest ecosystems on Earth, and one of their most elegant residents is the ibis. With its long legs, slender neck, and distinctive curved beak, the ibis is a bird that is both beautiful and incredibly useful to nature. Found near lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, and paddy fields, ibises help keep wetland ecosystems healthy and balanced.

WHAT IS AN IBIS?

Ibises are wading birds belonging to the Threskiornithidae family. They are known for their long, downward-curved bills, which they use to search for food hidden in soft mud and shallow water. There are about 30 species of ibises found across the world, and several species live in India, including the Black-headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Red-naped Ibis, and Black Ibis.

A BIRD BUILT FOR WETLANDS 

The ibis is perfectly adapted to life in wetlands. Its long legs allow it to walk through shallow water without getting its feathers wet, while its sensitive curved beak can detect worms, insects, snails, frogs, crabs, and small fish hidden beneath the mud. By feeding on these animals, ibises help control insect populations and keep wetlands clean.

LIFE IN A COLONY 

Ibises are social birds that usually live and feed in groups called colonies. During the breeding season, they build nests on trees or bushes close to water. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks until they are strong enough to fly.

WHY ARE IBISES IMPORTANT?

Ibises play a vital role in maintaining the balance of wetland ecosystems. They help recycle nutrients, control pests, and indicate the health of wetlands. A place where ibises thrive is often a sign of a healthy environment.

Sadly, many wetlands are disappearing because of pollution, land development, and climate change. Protecting wetlands means protecting ibises and countless other plants and animals that depend on these habitats.

IBISES IN INDIA 

India is home to several colourful and fascinating ibis species. The Black-headed Ibis has a white body with a bare black head, while the Glossy Ibis has feathers that shimmer with green, bronze, and purple colours in sunlight. The Red-naped Ibis is easily recognised by the bright red patch on the back of its neck.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Ancient Egyptians considered the ibis a sacred bird and linked it with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing.

●The Glossy Ibis changes colour in sunlight because of the way light reflects from its feathers.

●Ibises often fly in a V-shaped formation, helping the flock save energy during long flights.

●They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

AMAZING FACTS 

●There are about 30 species of ibises worldwide.

● Their long curved beaks are specially designed to find food hidden in mud.

●Ibises can live for 15–20 years in the wild.

●They are excellent flyers as well as skilled waders.

●Healthy wetlands filled with ibises are a sign of a rich and balanced ecosystem.

CONCLUSION 

The ibis is much more than a graceful bird. It is an important guardian of wetlands and a reminder of how closely wildlife is connected to healthy ecosystems. By protecting wetlands and keeping our water bodies clean, we can ensure that these elegant birds continue to thrive for generations to come.

A Folk Tale from Chester, West of England

THE GIRL AND THE OLD WOMAN 

Long ago, in a small village in Chester, in the west of England, there lived a poor widow and her beautiful daughter. The girl was kind and cheerful, but she loved playing in the green meadows more than doing household work.

Her mother often asked her to learn spinning, an important skill in those days. Girls were expected to spin linen into thread before marriage, and a good spinner was believed to make a good wife. The mother pleaded, scolded, and even punished her daughter, but nothing changed. The girl still disliked spinning.

One morning, the worried mother handed her daughter seven bundles of linen fibre.

“You have three days to spin all of this into thread,” she said firmly.

The girl tried her best, but by the end of the second day she had finished only a small part of the work. Feeling frightened and hopeless, she cried herself to sleep.

At dawn on the third day, she wandered out into the fields sparkling with dew. Soon she reached a little hill beside a gentle stream. Sitting on a stone, she buried her face in her hands and wept.

Suddenly, she noticed an old woman sitting nearby. The woman had unusually long, thick lips. Curious, the girl asked why her lips looked that way.

The old woman smiled and replied, “Years of spinning did this. I wet my fingers with my lips while drawing thread from the distaff.”

When the girl told her about the unfinished linen, the old woman kindly said, “Bring it to me. I will help you.”

Filled with hope, the girl fetched the linen and gave it to the old woman. Without another word, the old woman disappeared into the trees.

Tired from crying, the girl fell asleep beside the stream.

When she awoke, evening had fallen and the first star shone in the sky. Then she heard a voice coming from a small hole beneath the stone. Looking inside, she saw the old woman in a cave with many young women. They were spinning busily with distaffs and spindles, and all of them had the same long, thick lips.

The old woman told them to bundle the spun thread and give it to the girl. She also warned her not to tell her mother who had done the work.

The grateful girl carried the bundle home. It contained seven long coils of perfectly spun linen thread.

The next morning, her mother was amazed. She believed her daughter had performed a miracle and proudly told everyone in the village.

A young man passing through the village heard the news. He was so impressed that he asked for the girl's hand in marriage.

Later, the girl told him the truth about the mysterious old woman and the cave. Curious, they visited the cave together. When the young man saw the women whose lips had become disfigured from years of spinning, he felt sorry for them.

He turned to his wife and said, “I never want your beautiful lips to suffer like theirs. You shall never spin again.”

The young couple returned home and lived together happily for the rest of their lives.

MORAL OF THE STORY 

Kindness often comes when we least expect it, but the story also reminds us that hard work has its price. True happiness comes from caring for one another and valuing people more than appearances or perfection.

A Lesson in Faith, Gratitude, and Strength

WHY ME?

Life is filled with moments of joy and moments of pain. When difficulties come our way, many of us ask, “Why me?” But the inspiring story of legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe teaches us a powerful lesson about faith, gratitude, and the way we choose to face life's challenges.

Arthur Ashe was one of the greatest tennis players in the world. He won Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, becoming an inspiration to millions. In 1983, after undergoing heart surgery, he received infected blood through a blood transfusion and was diagnosed with HIV. The news shocked his fans around the world.

One day, a fan wrote to him and asked, “Arthur, you were a man of God. Why did God choose you for such a terrible disease?”

Arthur Ashe's reply touched millions of hearts. He said that millions of children begin playing tennis, only a few become professional players, fewer still reach Wimbledon, and only one gets the chance to lift the championship trophy. When he held that trophy in his hands, he never asked God, “Why me?” So when suffering came into his life, he believed he should not ask that question either.

His response reminds us that we often celebrate our blessings without questioning them, but we question God when we face hardships. True faith is not about having a life without problems. It is about finding the courage, hope, and wisdom to face every challenge with strength and dignity.

Arthur Ashe also shared these beautiful words:

Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrows keep you human. Failures keep you humble. Success keeps you glowing. But only faith keeps you going.

These words teach us that every experience in life has a purpose. Difficult times help us grow into stronger and kinder human beings.

Sometimes we are unhappy with our lives, forgetting that someone else is wishing for the life we already have. A child living on a farm dreams of flying in an airplane, while a pilot flying high above dreams of returning to the warmth of home. This is the beauty of life—everyone has different hopes and struggles.

Wealth, power, beauty, and fame do not guarantee happiness. Real happiness comes from gratitude, love, peace, and contentment. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we should appreciate the blessings we have and face our challenges with a positive heart.

The Moral of the Story

Arthur Ashe's life teaches us an unforgettable lesson: Do not ask “Why me?” only in times of pain. Be thankful for the blessings you receive, stay strong during hardships, and keep faith in every season of life. Gratitude changes our perspective, and faith gives us the strength to keep moving forward with hope.

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!