THE WALT DISNEY OF INDIA

 Pran Kumar Sharma

 

     Pran Kumar Sharma was born on 15 August, 1938 in Kasur, a small border town in Pakistan. He was a child when his family fled to India in 1947 and settled down in Firozpur in Punjab. 

     To escape the harsh memories of the violence of partition, Pran sought refuge in the magic world of cartoons. While still in college, he drew political cartoons for the newspaper Dainik Milap. He got his first break when his cartoons were published in 'Shankar's Weekly' a popular magazine. 

     In those days, newspapers carried only Western comics like Phantom and Mandrake as no one was making Indian comics. Pran decided to change that and established the Pran Features Syndicate to create comics strips.

     Pran's most popular comics strip was Chacha Choudhary. Originally produced in Lotpot magazine, the series is about an indomitable old man with a characteristic moustache and turban. The short sprightly man solves various issues with his incisive wit with the help of his associates like the giant Sabu and pet dog Rocket.

     Pran was commended in the list of 'people of the year 1995' by Limca Book of Records for popularizing comics in India.  Two episodes of Chacha Choudhary were acquired by the International Museum of Cartoon Art, USA and Pran was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 from the Indian Institute of Cartoonists.

     Though Pran passed away on 5 August 2014, he will be remembered for generations to come as the 'father of Indian comics'.

DO YOU KNOW

What is a tangram?

     A tangram is a classic Chinese puzzle that consists of a square divided into 7 flat pieces, called tans, which are to be rearranged into various shapes. The pieces are of different shapes and sizes --- five right triangles (two small, one medium-sized, and two large), one square, and one parallelogram/rhomboid. The objective of the game is to make a specific shape using all the seven pieces, as they are (no trimming them to fit), by laying them flat so that they touch one another but with no overlapping. The tans may be rotated or flipped as necessary to obtain the desired figure. In this manner, they can be rotated or flipped as necessary to obtain the desired figure. In this manner, they can be arranged to form hundreds of silhouette patterns, ranging from animals and people to everyday objects, letters and numbers. 

     Little is known about the early history of the tangram, apart from the fact that it originated in China several centuries ago. Apparently, the ancient Chinese regarded the tangram as a game meant for women and  children, too trivial to be worthy of serious study. Hence there are hardly any records of its origin and evolution. In the 19th century it was introduced to the West, where it rapidly became very popular. Famous tangram fans include Napoleon Bonaparte, Edgar Allen Poe and Lewis Carroll.

     One of the classic puzzles that appeals to young and old alike, the tangram attracts people on various levels. While maths buffs are hooked on the geometry and the ratios of the pieces, artists are fascinated by their form and visual appeal. Tangrams are used as a teaching tool in school maths classes. 

SPEECH THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Sisters and brothers of America...!

(Swami Vivekanand at the world's Parliament of Religions, Chicago, 11 september 1893)

Sisters and brothers of America,

     It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions and I thank you in the name of the millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

     My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honour of bearing to different lands that idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.  We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you,  brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is everyday repeated by millions of human beings: 'As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, varies though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to thee.'

     The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the wonderful doctrine preached in Gita: "Whoever comes to me, through whatever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me." Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or the pen, and all the uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal. 

NOVEMBER 19

 World Toilet Day 

     Lack of proper sanitation, including toilet facilities and sewage treatment, causes the spread of diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid and dysentery. This affects millions of people globally, especially children. 

     World toilet day is officially observed every year on November 19 to create awareness about the global sanitation crisis. The day was first celebrated in 2013 and was designated by the United Nation General Assembly. Since then, on this day, events are conducted to educate people about health, hygiene, sanitation and the effects of open defecation. 

Facts: 

* Close to 1.1 billion people across the world still practise open-air defecation. 

* A normal person will visit the toilet 2,500 times a year. 

* One spends close to three years of one’s life in the toilet. 

* Globally, 1.5 million children under the age of five die every year from diarrhoea. 

* Using clean toilet adds 20 years to a human lifespan. 

* Sir John Harrington invented the world's first flush toilet. 

* Only one in 20 people will wash their hands properly after using the toilet!

Did you know? When you avoid using public toilets because they are dirty, you are putting immense pressure on your kidneys. This, in the long run, can lead to kidney and bladder ailments. 

Transparent toilet: Switzerland has a 'see through' public restroom. It has one-way mirror so no one can see in, but the one using the restroom has a clear picture of everything happening outside!

DO YOU KNOW

 Why England vs Australia series called 'The Ashes'?

     The Ashes series was started in 1882 when the Australian team won the first test by 7 runs on the England soil. This defeat was published as a satirical obituary by the journalist Shirley Brooks in 'The Sporting Times'. The obituary stated that the England cricket was dead, the body would be cremated and the ashes would be taken to Australia. 

     When the England team went to Australia the same year and won the series 2-1, the victory was described as bringing the Ash (ash) back to England. From here the test series between the two countries came to be called the Ashes series. The 'ashes urn' made of terracotta is known to contain the ashes of a burnt cricket ball. It's around 15cm or 6 inches tall in size. The winning team keeps the urn as a symbol of winning trophy. 

THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

 Smt. Droupadi Murmu

     History was being rewritten when Smt. Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India, the first woman President from the tribal (Santhal) community. She was also the first woman-governor from the tribal area of the state of Jharkhand where she had proved her leadership might in her administration and governance. 

     When the tenure of Shri Ramnath Kovind was over, the NDA government didn't have to think twice to nominate Droupadi Murmu to the highest office of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's view about Droupadi Murmu is, "Millions of people, especially those who have experienced poverty and faced hardships, derive great strength from the life of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit our country."

     She served as a junior assistant at the irrigation department of the Government of Odisha, and then a teacher at the school, Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur, where she taught Hindi, Oriya, Maths and Geography. In 1997, she was elected as the Councillor of Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. From 2000 to 2004, she was an MLA, and was honoured with Nilkanth Award for her admirable work. Because of sincere and committed social work, she became the Governor of Jharkhand. 

Droupadi Murmu has devoted her life serving the society and empowering the poor, the downtrodden and the marginalised. Her contribution towards woman empowerment during this period was commendable. 

     Droupadi was born on June 20, 1958 at a place named Baidaposi of Mayurbanch district, Odisha. Her father Biranchi Narayan Tudu was the village head, like her grandfather. From childhood, she was excellent in studies, and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. She had her elementary education at the local primary school in Uparbeda and graduated (Bachelor of Arts) from Rama Devi Women's College, Bhubaneswar. 

     She was married to Shyam Charan Murmu and had two sons and a daughter. Unfortunately, her husband, two sons, mother and a brother died in a span of 7 years from 2009 to 2015. She is also a follower of the Brahma Kumari's spiritual movement. 

     The fact that a woman born in an undeveloped tribal area becomes the President of India has been like a new chapter in the history of India. She remains a model not just to the Indians, but to the whole world. 

EQUALITY OUR GOAL

 EDUCATION IS THE PLATFORM

“Education is the most powerful weapon one can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela.

     One of the most crucial aspects of a person’s success is education. It has the capacity to sway a person’s life for the better. It enriches not just the individual, but also the community.

    Thus, the value of education in life and society cannot be overlooked. We’ve all come across articles about worrying incidents, such as a child being denied admission to a school because he belongs to a certain caste, or a girl dropping out from school because society believes female education is of no use, and perhaps even those where one’s bank balance decided which school their children could attend. As harsh as it may sound, such kinds of discrimination and inequality are faced by several people each day.

     Educational equality asserts that every student, regardless of where they come from, their ethnicity, gender, disability, social background or gender identity, should have equal access to a high-quality education. An equitable education system enables each student to gain the knowledge and skills they need to integrate into society and become valuable citizens.

     Each student is unique in terms of the guidance they need to scceed. Some students may have different needs than others because they come from a disadvantaged social environment or because they have special educational needs.      Everyone is entitled to the same level of education. And so, nothing should prevent a child from pursuing his or her interests and talents. Giving all children an equal start would have positive economic and social consequences for people, communities and our country.

     Now the question arises: What can we do to bridge this gap of inequality and discrimination in our education system?

     The strategy should begin with ensuring that school enrolment and attendance are equitable. When we stress the concept of 'learning for all' we can make significant progress. This feat will just be the start of a global movement, with every student in every country learning about basic life skills and approaches to sustainable development from well-trained teachers who are well-equipped with resources and a well-designed curriculum.

     Every stakeholder in the education system should endeavour to see that the government's policies are implemented. The effectiveness of these regulations must also be evaluated regularly. The significance of achieving equal education can be instilled through a set of pledges and aims combined with effective education programmes.

     As Malcolm X rightly stated, "Education now is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." We as individuals must come together and work to attain quality education for one and all.

THE PLANT FOR REMEMBRANCE

 Rosemary 

    Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an aromatic plant, native to the Mediterranean area of Southern Europe, that has been prized for its culinary and medical uses for centuries. Part of its appeal stemmed from the widespread belief that Rosemary stimulated and strengthened the memory, a quality for which it is still traditionally used. The plant gets its name from the Latin Rosmarinus, meaning 'dew of the sea'.

     In Europe, Rosemary is associated with remembrance and as such, was used for long in funerals and weddings. Mourners dropped Rosemary springs into the grave to symbolize remembrance (of the deceased). In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the mentally unbalanced Ophelia, babbling about her father's death, "There's Rosemary --- that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember." Rosemary leaves and flowers were entwined the wreath worn by brides. A branch of Rosemary, decorated with silk ribbons, was presented to wedding guests as a symbol of love and loyalty. 

     One of the most common aromatic wild plants of the Mediterranean landscape, Rosemary grows abundantly in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Southern France and Greece. It is also grown in Algeria, China, Middle East, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey and to a limited extent in India (in the Nilgiris), where it is known as rusmari in Hindi. 

     The plant is a stiff, bushy shrub, much branched, with a characteristic aromatic fragrance. Leaves are 2 to 4mm wide, greenish and crinkled on top and covered with densely matted woolly hairs underneath. 

     Rosemary tea, made by steeping Rosemary flowers and leaves in boiling water, is used as a tonic for the digestive tract and the gall bladder. It is also used as an antiseptic gargle and a mouthwash, as it is known to cure bad breath and mouth infections. In Tunisia, Rosemary leaves are consumed to relieve spasms and to expel intestinal parasites. The essential oil of Rosemary forms part of many antibacterial medicines for the respiratory passages. 

     Rosemary also has many culinary uses. It is extensively used in French, Spanish and Italian cooking to flavour vegetable preparations such as roasted potatoes, stocks and stews and various kinds of grilled and roasted meats and fish. 

     Rosemary oil, distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant, is extensively used in the manufacture of soaps, lotions, creams and perfumes. It is also used in processed food products such as frozen desserts, candies and alcoholic beverages. 

HISTORY OF GREATEST INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CELEBRATION

 History of Olympics 

     Today, let’s have a peep into the history of Olympics that had originated centuries ago in the epic land of Greece. There are many stories related to the origin of Olympic games. 

     Hercules and Pelops were the sons of Soyuz, the King of Gods. Once Egias, the King of Elissa made a bet with Hercules. The bet was to clean the cowshed within a day. If Hercules succeeded in this task, he would be gifted one tenth of the cows. It was considered to be an almost impossible task to clean the dirty cowshed within such a short time. But Hercules was wise enough to do the job. He diverted a river and cleaned the cow shed. However, Egias was not ready to honour his promise. Thus, Hercules waged a war with Egias and killed him. He took away all the cows. 

To celebrate his success, a sports festival was organised in Olympia. The name Olympics originated from the name Olympia. This is a story in Greek epics.

     According to another story, there was a temple for the Greek Goddess Riya in Olympia valley. People used to run to light a lamp at the altar of this temple. This was later developed into a competition.

     Olympics was the victory of Hercules’ brother Pelops over the King, is another version of the story. 

     Again, it is believed that the Olympics was organised in honour of the King Petross’s funeral who faced a heroic death on the battlefield. All these are the epic stories which people love to believe.    

     Whatever be the origin of Olympics, it is now the greatest international sports celebration in the world.

THE INSPIRING STORY OF

 Helen Keller 

     Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27th, 1880, in the small town of Tuscumbia in Alabama, United States of America. She became deaf and blind when she was only 19 months old, after becoming very sick with a very high body temperature. So she could neither hear nor could see. Her mother noticed that something was not right when she didn't respond to the dinner bell or when a hand was waved in front of her face. 

     Although Helen Keller tried to communicate with others, she often screamed and attacked people because she was frustrated. Her family described her as a little monster. 

     No one could help her until she met a teacher named Anne Sullivan, in 1887. Anne Sullivan was also partially blind but was very patient with her until Helen could communicate and knew how to read books using Braille. 

     Braille is a series of raised dots on paper that can be read using fingers. With the help of Anne Sullivan's teachings and Helen's hard work in studying, Helen learnt how to communicate with other people. 

     In 1890, she went to Perkins School for the blind in Watertown, Massachusetts, to learn how to speak. When Helen was 19 years old, she went to study at Radcliffe College of Harvard University. She was the first deaf-blind person to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree. Helen tried to help other disabled people all her life. 

     Helen wrote many books, spoke to people all around the world. She spoke about her life as a disabled person. She was an activist who fought for the rights of women and people with disabilities. Helen Keller lived to the age of 87. In her efforts to bring some social change, she became famous and inspired many people worldwide. 

CELEBRATING LOYALTY AND COMPANIONSHIP

Kukur Tihar / Kukur Puja 

     In Nepal, the five-day-long festival of Diwali is known as 𝐓𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫 or 𝐘𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐤 and it is celebrated by worshipping animals.

     The first day of Tihar is known as '𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫' (crow festival). It is celebrated by feeding crows and ravens. The crow symbolises the messenger of Yama Dev(God of death). it is believed that worshipping them can bring good luck.

     '𝐊𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫' or '𝐊𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐣𝐚' falls on the second day of Yamapanchak. On this day, dogs are worshipped with floral garlands and Tilak. After a ceremonial Puja, they are treated to their favourite meals. 

     On the third day, '𝐆𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐮𝐣𝐚' (cow festival) is observed during the day and the Goddess Laxmi (the Goddess of wealth) is worshipped in the evening for prosperity.

     Day four favours oxen and day five is dedicated to people, with sisters traditionally putting tilaka on their brothers' foreheads in the belief that it will secure a long and happy life.

     Kukur Tihar falls on the second day of the Tihar festival, which is a five-day-long Hindu festival of lights, celebrated in Nepal and by the Nepali diaspora. Kukur Tihar  is an important day of Tihar festival to celebrate the long friendship and loyalty of dogs. People thank dogs for their loyalty and companionship.

     Dogs are considered special in Sanatan Dharma as they are believed to be the messengers of Yama Dev and incarnations of the God Bhairava(a form of Lord Shiva). It is considered a sin to be disrespectful to a dog on this day.

     Kukur Tihar is also known as Khicha puja by Newars. Adorned with colourful garlands made up of marigold flowers and Tilaka, all dogs, including strays, are gently bathed by families and served their favourite food  to acknowledge the cherished bonding between humans and dogs. 

HOW ZIPPERS WORK

Learning about zippers

     When you wear a jacket or close your bag, there is a zip right? This mechanism has become so deeply a part of our everyday life that we often forget that it is actually a machine that was invented long ago! Have you ever stopped by to just think about how zippers work? What is the mechanism behind them?

     Invented in 1917 by Gideon Sundback, a zipper comprises two rows of interlocking teeth, each of which includes a hook and a hollow. Every hook on one of the two tracks of the zipper is intended to latch into a hollow on the other track. The slider which serves as the latching mechanism, is nothing more than a group of wedges. 

     The first principle in use is that of the wedge --- any triangular object that has the ability to apply force perpendicular to it qualifies as a wedge. A wedge pushed between a door and its frame will apply lateral pressure on the door and the frame, simultaneously keeping the door closed. 

     The second principle in use is the hook --- a curved structure with a handle for holding onto anything. 

     If you examine the teeth closely, you will see that similar and spaced exactly the same distance apart from one another. This is important for any zip to work properly. 

     The teeth on the zipper track are made in a way that they can interlock with one another since they are formed like hooks. Each tooth may latch onto the one above it and the one below it with the help of the slider. Each hook is brought together at a certain angle due to the slider. This locks the hook in place before the slider moves forward. 

     When opening the zip, the teeth are once again angled so they may be released while the slider moves in the other direction and wedge during the slide actually pushes the teeth apart. As the force applied by a wedge is always perpendicular to it, as we already learned, the slider forces the zip's teeth sideways even as it descends.

RECORDING DAILY WEATHER

 Weather forecasting

     Weather forecasting has been a significant part of traditions in all civilisations for thousands of years.

Origin: In 1831, a naval officer named Robert FitzRoy came up with the idea of predicting the weather. Deeply troubled with loss of life due to unpredictable, extreme weather, he was determined to set up an office in London where he used some basic equipment such as the barometer, nautical charts and recorded patterns to predict the weather. As the telegraph network expanded in the 1830s, FitzRoy could gather idea from different coasts at his London office. 

If he thought a storm was approaching, he immediately released a warning telegraph to the concerned port where a drum was raised to alarm the sailors. The first ever daily weather forecast was published in The Times newspaper on August 1, 1861.

Method of forecasting weather: Meteorology is the study of weather and the atmosphere. A Meteorologist is a person who studies weather patterns and predicts Earth’s atmospheric phenomena. Meteorologists gather information about the weather from satellites, balloons and other instruments. They use powerful computers to analyse the collected data and then draw weather maps to forecast the weather. 

Importance: Weather forecasting forewarns people about future weather conditions. It also warns people about other weather hazards such as thunderstorms, hurricanes and heavy rainfall. Thus far, accurate weather predictions have been able to save the lives of many.

How precise are they: After technological advancements, the weather forecast stations today are well equipped to provide advanced warnings of severe weather, but they aren't always accurate. Accurate weather forecasting requires a lot of observational data collected from thousands of weather stations across the globe. Also it is tough to predict the weather, which constantly changes at a quick pace.

DO YOU KNOW

 Why bananas are curved?

     Bananas have a unique curve shape due to a phenomenon called Negative Geotropism. In simpler terms, bananas grow against the force of gravity. The reason for this curvature is a survival strategy employed by the banana plant. As the banana fruit begins to develop, it grows towards sunlight, which usually comes from above the canopy of leaves of the plant. This upward growth against gravity causes the banana to curve naturally, giving its distinctive shape. The curvature also protects the growing fruit from getting too much sunlight, which can be damaging. So, the curve of the banana is not just an interesting quirk; it’s the result of an ingenious adaptation in nature.

TO REDUCE STRESS AND TENSION

 Live with a sense of humour

     A court jester went too far one day and insulted his king, who then became so enraged that he ordered the jester to be executed. The court begged the king to have mercy on this man who had served him for so many years. The king relented only enough to give the jester a choice as to how he would like to die of old age."

     The jester's sense of humour saved his neck. We may take our cue from this. We may not necessarily confront a situation where our wit should save us from execution or death, but are all sure to face some trying moments in our lives. Here, a positive attitude and sense of humour could possibly come to our aid. We don't necessarily have to be funny to have a sense of humour; we need only to see the lighter side of things.

     It is difficult to get on with people who lack this God-given gift. They may make scenes, cut ridiculous figures and cause their own alienation in society. On the other hand, a good sense of humour can save situations. It also reduces stress and tension, helps cope with pain, wins friends, improves health and diffuses difficult states of affairs. 

     Most people won't do something because of the fear of failure or of looking silly. A tinge of humour can help overcome such reservations and inhibitions that hold us back. It is a great way of keeping ourselves happy. See things positively and add a flavour of humour into everything you experince.

14 NOVEMBER CHILDREN'S DAY

 The children of today, The India of tomorrow..!

“Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.” ---Jawaharlal Nehru

     In India, Children's Day is celebrated on the 14th November that marks the birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter and independent India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

     He was a true friend of children. His love for children was the same as his love for red rose. He loved children and kept them dear to his heart. Therefore children called him ‘Chacha Nehru’.

     On this day we all need to remember to renew our commitment to the words of Nehru and learn to live by his thoughts and dreams.

     Nehru was a great statesman, idealist and dreamer. He has written many books including ‘The Discovery of India’, ‘Glimpses of World History’, Letters From A Father To His Daughter’.

     When he became the Prime Minister, his first priority was to give good education to children and youth. He brought a revolution in the field of academics in India, and was involved in establishing All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Indian Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institutes of Management and the National Institutes of Technology.

     The future of the country depends upon the present children. If they do not develop in a proper way, the country’s future will be ruined.

   We all need to remember the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, “The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country.”

     Therefore children should work hard to bring his dream into reality and help to build strong nation to make our country a better place to live in.

Happy Children’s Day!

THE FATHER OF MODERN COMPUTER

Alan Turing

     Nobody can ever forget Alan Turing. Today, the world is at your finger tips, thanks to the contribution of Alan Mathison Turing. 

     Alan Turing was born in London on 23rd June 1912. His father, Julius Mathison Turing, was British member of the Indian Civil Service. While he was a student, Turing was very much interested in Mathematics. However the book titled ‘Natural Wonders Every Child Should Know‘ attracted him deeply and eventually he turned to learning science. He studied in King’s College, Cambridge and he became one of the noted scientists of this period. 

     During the Second World War, Turing worked in Britain’s Code Breaking Centre. He successfully developed a number of devices for breaking the German Ciphers including the technique of bomb and electro mechanical machine. Alan Turing made a remarkable contribution in the development of computer science by giving a formalisation of the concept of ‘algorithm’ and computation with the Turing Machine. This device can be considered as a model of a general purpose computer, science and artificial intelligence.

     In 1948, Turing joined the Max Newman Computer Laboratory at Manchester University. He assisted there for the development of the Manchester Computer. In fact, he was a man in search of knowledge always and his attention turned to Mathematical Biology. He wrote a Paper on the Chemical basis of Morphogenesis and predicted Oscillating chemical reactions.

     Unfortunately, this great scientist bade farewell to this world on 7 June 1954 at the early age of 41. In memory of Alan Turing, The Association for Computing Machinery gives the annual ‘ACM Turing Award‘ to the scholars who get the highest distinction in computer science.  

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Stories and Legends of Deepavali

     India, the land of rich cultural heritage, has one or the other festival every month. It is the spiritual and religious richness in India that each festival has significance related to lifestyle, seasons, history and legends of this great land. One such festival is the 'festival of lights: Deepawali'. 

     Like every other Hindu festival, stories and legends are associated with Diwali too. Here are some of them in brief:

Return of Shri Ram To Ayodhya: The most famous legend behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the prince of Ayodhya Nagri - Lord Shri Ram. While in exile, the king of Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped Ram's wife, Sita from the forest, where they were staying as per the instructions of King Dashratha, father of Lord Ram. In order to free Sita from Ravana's custody, Ram attacked Lanka with the aid of 'Vaanar Sena' in which, Ram defeated Ravan and released Sita. On the return of Lord Ram along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, from exile after 14 years,  people of Ayodhya decorated their homes as well as the city of Ayodhya by lighting tiny diyas all over. It was this day.

The Rebirth of Lakshmi: Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune and prosperity, is the most prominent goddess associated with Diwali and thus her story is one that has particular significance to the festival. As the legend goes, through a display of arrogance,  Lord Indra once provoked Lakshmi to leave the divine world and enter the milky ocean. Without the guidance and blessings of Lakshmi, the world then turned into a dark place and the gods were desperate to bring her back. After churning the milky ocean (Samudra Manthan) for 1,000 years, Lakshmi was finally reborn, rising to the surface on a beautiful lotus flower and once again bringing to the world her blessings of good fortune. On Diwali, people light up the night to guide Lakshmi into their home and bring good fortune and prosperity for the year to come.

Lord Krishna Destroyed Demon Narakasur: Legend holds that Narakasura was blessed by Brahma with the power that he could only die at the hands of a woman, whom Narakasura believed would never happen. After victory over Lord Indra during a war, Narakasur snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi. Narakasur also imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of Gods and saints in his harem. With the support of Lord Krishna, Satyabhama defeated Narakasur, released all the women from his harem and restored the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi. While dying, Narakasura requested that no one mourn his death and instead celebrate with life and colour, as we see take place every year during the Diwali festival.

The Return of The Pandavas: The great Hindu epic 'Mahabharata' has another interesting story related to the 'Kartik Amavasya'. According to the story, the 'Pandavas', were sentenced to thirteen years exile after losing a game of dice, against 'the Kauravas'. Therefore, the Pandavas spent thirteen years in the forest and returned to their kingdom on the day of 'Kartik Amavasya' leading to celebrations.

Coronation of King Vikramaditya: Another legend about Diwali celebrations relates to one of the greatest Hindu King - Vikramaditya. It was the day when he was coronated and the people celebrated this event by lighting tiny earthen 'diyas'. His reign was also the beginning of Vikram Samvat, the Hindu calendar, and celebrated as Hindu New year every year on this day in some regions.

Kali Destroys the Demons: Kali, the goddess of destruction, is celebrated in West Bengal as the major deity associated with Diwali. According to Hindu mythology, Kali was born to liberate heaven and earth from the cruel oppression of the demons. However, after slaying all the demons, Kali lost control and continued her path of destruction until the intervention of Lord Shiva. Her day of repentance is celebrated on Diwali, paying tribute to the awesome power of Kali and her embodiment of the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Lord Mahavira attains Nirvana: While these previous legends come from Hindu mythology, Jains also have their own traditions that guide the celebration of Diwali. According to Jainism, Lord Mahavira, a contemporary of Gautama Buddha, reached enlightenment at the time of Diwali in the 6th century BCE, around the time of the first historical records of the festival’s observation. 

Guru Hargobind's Release from Prison 'Bandi Chhor Divas': In Sikh tradition, this date commemorates the 17th-century release from prison of Guru Hargobind, a significant figure in the Sikh religion, who had been detained under the Mughal empire. It is also a time of year during which all Sikhs traditionally gather to receive guru blessings, and has officially been observed as a Sikh festival since the 16th-century.

The basic nature of the human spirit is celebration whatever may be the occasion. So let's celebrate Diwali, let's celebrate Life!

Happy Diwali!

DO YOU KNOW

 What is a bunk bed?

A bunk bed is a special type of bed designed for kids that has two beds stacked on top of each other. 

It looks like a tall frame with a ladder to climb up to the upper end. 

The top bed is like a cosy nest high above the ground, while the lower bed is closer to the floor. 

Bunk beds are super fun for kids because they can sleep on different levels, almost like having a little adventure every night. 

They are perfect for siblings who share a room or for sleepovers with friends. 

Bunk beds save space and create a playful and exciting sleeping area for young ones to enjoy.

THE FUN SPORT WITH SWORDS

 Fencing

Fencing is a cool sport where people wear special clothes and swords to play.

Fencers wear masks and jackets to stay safe while playing. 

There are three types of swords in fencing: foil, epee and sabre, each with its own rules.

It helps people practice balance, focus and quick thinking.

Fencers learn special moves like lunges and parries to score points.

The matches are like exciting duels, where fencers try to hit each other with the sword's tip.

Fencing is not just winning; it's about having fun and making friends.

It's a sport that teaches respect, discipline and good sportsmanship.

Fencing is a great way to stay active, learn new skills and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition.

AN ANCIENT TEMPLE VILLAGE OF KARNATAKA

Hampi

     Hampi is an ancient temple village in Karnataka. Located inside Vijayanagara city, it is also known by its traditional names --- Pampa Kshetra, Kishkindha Kshetra and Bhaskara Kshetra. The history of Hampi dates back to the first century, but concrete information exists from the 12^th  and 13^th centuries when the city was established. In about 200 years, Vijayanagara was ruled by four dynasties --- Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu.

     The Vijayanagara empire was established and founded by Bukka and Harihara, who were also known as the Sangama brothers. They made Hampi their capital city in the 14^th century. The rulers of all the four dynasties built many monuments and sculptures; of these only 500 monuments now survive. The rest, present as ruins, are spread over 4,100 hectares of land and include forts, sacred complexes, temples, shrines and pillared halls. Some of the ruins worth visiting are as follows.

     The Virupaksha temple, also known as the Pampvathi Temple, is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The structure dates back to the 9^th century and is known for its inscriptions. The temple has three gopuras and a 160 ft-high tower at the main entrance.

     The stone chariot located inside the Vitthala temple premises is another known and well-visited monument. The chariot was built by the king Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire during the 16^th century. It is said that the chariot was inspired by the Konark Sun Temple chariot of Odisha. The chariot is a shrine for Lord Vishnu's vehicle, the Garuda. It is built based on the Dravidian style of architecture, where slabs of granite have been used to look like a solid structure. The base of the chariot depicts a mythical battle scene and has sculptures of horses and elephants.

     Another attraction is the king's balance or the Tulapurushandana. Situated close to the Stone chariot, this 5mt-tall structure forms an archway-like structure. It is carved from stone and locals believe that during an eclipse and Dussehra, the king would weigh himself against gold and precious stones and these jewels were then handed over to the priests of the temple. 

     The Achyutaraya temple is another classic temple structure that was built in 1534. This was the last structure to be built before the empire fell to the Sultans. This temple is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple courtyard is lined by intricately carved pillars and the temple houses an antarala, rangamantapa and garbhagriha.

Some more information:

* The rocks of Hampi are thousands of years old. It is believed that they were formed from years of erosion of giant monoliths that existed during the prehistoric ages.

* The Vitthala Temple is known for its 56 melodic columns or musical pillars, which are also known as SaReGaMa Pillars. These stone pillars create musical sounds when tapped delicately.

* A simple scientific fact was used to break the stones that the temples are constructed out of. Artists cut the gigantic stones by drilling a sequence of holes on the stones' surface. Dry wooden pieces were then pegged into the holes and drenched in water. As the wooden pegs absorbed the water, they expanded, causing the stones to split and break.

THE FIRST AND THE LAST FEMALE RULER OF DELHI

 Razia Sultan

     Razia was born to the slave dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, which ruled over Delhi during the 13^th century century. Her father Iltutmish knew that all his sons were useless and ensured that his daughter was trained in arms and administration. He put her in charge of the kingdom whenever he was away on military campaigns. She fulfilled this duty to everyone's satisfaction and was designated as his successor.

     After his death, however, his nobles disregarded his wish and made Razia's half-brother Raknuddin Firuz, the king. As expected by Iltutmish, he proved to be a bad ruler. His mother Shah Turkan was very ambitious and started killing or punishing nobles to control them. She even tried to get Razia killed.

     Once when Raknuddin was away on a campaign, Razia instigated the public assembled for prayers against Shah Turkan, who had got one of Razia's brothers blinded and executed. She reminded them of her father's good reign and will and promised relief from the oppressive ruler. She also offered to give up the throne if she did not meet their expectations. A mob soon attacked the palace and Shah Turkan was detained. The nobles installed Razia on the throne. She thus becamethe first female Muslim ruler in South Asia.

     Razia gave up her traditional female attire and adopted a more gender neutral attire. She also dropped her veil and displayed her face in public. She rode an elephant through the streets of Delhi. She refused to be addressed as 'Sultana' because that meant 'wife of a Sultan' and insisted on being called 'Sultan'. She also issued coins in her name.

     She streamlined the administration of her state and established schools, academics and public libraries. She encouraged the study of literature, philosophy, the sciences and astronomy. She constructed roads to connect villages with cities. She was also the first ruler to abolish the hated Jaziya tax, which was imposed on Hindus.

     Razia had ascended the throne with the support of the general public, rather than that of the powerful Turkic nobles who dominated Delhi's court. Many of the nobles could not accept a female ruling over them. Razia tried to reduce the power of the Turkic nobles by promoting non-Turkics. This further angered them and they rose up against her in rebellion. Four powerful Turkic nobles marched on Delhi from different directions. Razia led her army out to the Yamuna bank to face the rebels. After some indecisive fighting, two of the rebels switched to Razia's side and the others were defeated.

     Razia made several changes to the administration and made new appointments. The nobles who had supported her rise had expected her to be a ruler in name while they held the real power, but Razia grew increasingly assertive. She also promoted Malik Yaqut, an Abyssinian slave, as a counter to Turkic nobles. Her close relationship with Yaqut ultimately became the cause of her downfall.

     While she was away to quell a rebellion in Lahore, a conspiracy was hatched to dethrone her. On her return from Lahore, Razia learnt that Altunia of Bathinda, her childhood friend, had rebelled. She led her army to Bathinda 10 days later, but rebels killed Yaqut and imprisoned Razia. Razia had ruled from the throne of Delhi for three years and six months.

     The nobles installed Razia's half brother Bahram on the throne. They distributed the important titles among themselves, ignoring Altunia, who was holding Razia prisoner. A few months later, Razia married the now disgruntled Altunia and they together decided to attempt to win back the throne. After assembling an army, they fought against Bahram but were defeated. They were forced to retreat to Kaithal, where they were deserted by their soldiers and were robbed and killed by Jat zamindars. Curiously, there is controversy about Razia's real grave and there are three probable ones --- in Kaithal, Delhi and Tonk.

     Razia ruled and fought in a man's world. The Turkic nobles wanted to keep the ruler of Delhi under their thumb and Razia's gender gave them a convenient excuse to oppose her. Nevertheless, in her brief reign, Razia made a mark thanks to her tolerance and efforts to improve the lives of her subjects. She was truly a 'People's Queen'.

Things we learn from Razia Sultan:

* Women are equally capable as men.

* Public welfare is the supreme duty of a ruler.

* Learning and pursuit of knowledge are very important for everyone.

PEACE, HARMONY AND BROTHERHOOD

 A beautiful message from pigeons

 

     In an ancient temple, a number of pigeons lived happily on the roof top.

     When the renovation of the temple began for the annual temple feast, the pigeons relocated themselves to a Church nearby. 

     The existing pigeons in the Church accommodated the new comers very well.

     Christmas was nearing and the Church was given a facelift. All the pigeons had to move out and look for another place.

     They were fortunate to find a place in a Mosque nearby. The pigeons in the Mosque welcomed them happily. Then, It was Ramadan time and the Mosque was to be repainted. All the pigeons now came back to the same ancient temple.

     One day the pigeons on top could see some communal clashes below in the market square.

     The baby pigeon asked the mother pigeon, "Who are these people?"

     The mother replied, "They are Human beings".

     The baby asked, "But why are they fighting with each other...?"

     The mother said, "These human beings going to temple are called 'Hindus' and the people going to Church are called 'Christians' and the people going to Mosque are called 'Muslims'."

     The Baby pigeon asked, "Why is it so? When we were in the Temple we were called Pigeons, when we were in the church we were called Pigeons and when we were in the Mosque, we were called Pigeons. Similarly they should be called just 'Human beings' wherever they go, isn’t it?"

     The mother Pigeon said, "You and me and our Pigeon friends have experienced God and that's why we are living here in a highly elevated place peacefully. These people are yet to experience God. Hence they are living below us and fighting and killing each other."

   Peace, harmony and brotherhood are the marks of humanity. They are the heart of every religion. They are the ultimate weapons against all powerful weapons. Oneness will only be actualized when we uproot the seed of discord, and sow the seed of harmony.