THE ACCLAIMED ANIMATION HOUSE

Walt Disney Company

Who does not love a good Disney animation? With characters ranging from Mickey Mouse to Rapunzel to Mirabel in Encanto, Disney has got something to satisfy everyone's palate. Named after its titular co-founder Walt Disney, the company has revolutionized the genre of animation. So much so that the term animation has become synonymous with Disney for millions the world over. 

Now, let us take a brief dive into the origin and evolution of Disney:

The Beginnings: Known officially as the Walt Disney Company, Disney was established on 16 October, 1923. The company was founded by Walt Disney and his brother, Roy Disney. It was first named the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. The studio was located in California, USA. 

In 1928, Disney introduced Mickey Mouse in a short film titled, 'Steamboat Willie'. The film was also the first of its kind to feature synchronized sound. Mickey went on to become a huge sensation, popularizing the young animation studio and revolutionizing the animated film industry. Mickey Mouse later became the mascot of the company.

A turning point in Disney’s history happened with the release of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’; the company’s first feature length animation film. The movie was released in 1937. A roaring success, this movie further cemented Disney as an authority in animation and imagination. 

Disney after War: Post Second World War (1939-1945), Disney became more successful and produced several more animated feature films. It also diversified into live-action films, television cartoons and theme parks in the 1950s.

In 1961, Disney released ‘101 Dalmatians’, which was another pivotal moment in the history of the company. The film made use of a new and improved type of animation technology known as Xerox animation. The technology made it possible for animators to transfer their drawings directly to animation cells, instead of tracing them by hand. Thus, the process of animation became much faster and smoother. 

The Dark Ages: The 1970s-1980s are known as the Dark Ages in the history of Disney Animations. The studio suffered a decline and most of the films produced were not commercial successes. ‘The Aristocats’ and ‘The Fox and the Hound’ are some examples of films released during the dark ages.

The Renaissance: The term renaissance means a ‘comeback’. Thus, after a time of steep decline, Disney bounced back during its Renaissance. This period began in 1989 with the release of the feature film, ‘The Little Mermaid’. A huge sensation, the film helped Disney regain its foothold as the dominant force in animation. Disney continued its success streak with several other features during this period. A few notable examples are: ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Mulan’.

Disney after Renaissance: Post renaissance, Disney went through a period of transition in the 1990s and 2000s. And from 2010 onwards, Disney experienced yet another resurgence, commonly known as the ‘Disney Revival’. 

The Revival Era started with the release of ‘Tangled’ in 2010. Several successful films like ‘Frozen’, ‘Big Hero 6’, ‘Zootopia’ and ‘Moana’ followed the release of ‘Tangled’. 

A major factor that distinguishes successful animation production companies, particularly Disney, is their focus not only on good illustrations and a captivating story, but also their close attention to details.

Disney after Revival: Post Revival, Disney continues to release smashing hits in animation, much to the joy of animation lovers worldwide. In 2021, Disney released widely acclaimed films like ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ and ‘Encanto’. In 2022, Disney released critically successful films like ‘Turning Red’.

With its impeccable designs and beautiful storylines, Disney remains one of the most popular animation houses in the world. The many fictional characters created by Disney, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Cinderella, Rapunzel, etc., mesmerize as well as remain ever loved and etched in the minds of children the world over. Moreover, the magical worlds created by Disney are always an exceptional source of great joy and fun for kids everywhere. Even adults find refuge in the comforting magic of Disney. And thus, the legacy of Disney animations continues to shine brightly through the ages.

Do You Know?

● The original Disney logo featured Mickey Mouse. In 1928, Walt Disney created a mouse character, replacing Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. 

● Dumbo is the shortest feature length film made by Disney. The film is only 64 minutes long.

● The first movie to release a soundtrack was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

● Since its inception, Disney has won 135 Academy Awards, the most by any organization.

● The first truly original Disney story was of The Lion King. The movies that came before were adaptations.

● In The Lion King, hyenas were portrayed as villains. A hyena biologist sued Disney for doing.

FATHER OF SURGERY

Sushruta 

The Golden Age of Surgery in ancient India rests largely on the accomplishments of Sushruta, who is supposed to have lived sometime around the 4th Century CE in the ancient city of Benaras, located on the banks of the river Ganges. His monumental treatise on Surgery, Sushruta Samhitaa, established him as the Father of Indian Surgery. He was the first surgeon to systematise surgery by dividing it into separate fields. He is known as the originator of plastic surgery, cataract operation, laparotomy and vesical lithotomy. He also explicitly described diabetes. Sushruta’s identity may be lost in the mists of the past but the tradition that he so comprehensively contributed to, remains clear and expansive in its exposition of ancient surgical methods in India.

Sushruta was the first to classify surgical operations. He was both a practitioner and a teacher of surgery. His contribution to the medical heritage of not just India but the World is invaluable.

Sushruta divides his Samhita into 120 chapters and six parts, covering all the branches of medicine, including hygiene, midwifery, ophthalmology, toxicology and psychosomatic ailments. Sushruta considers surgery the first and foremost branch of medicine and states: “Surgery has the superior advantage of producing instantaneous effects by means of surgical instruments and appliances. Hence, it is the highest in value of all the medical tantras. It is eternal and a source of infinite piety, imports fame and opens the gates of Heaven to its votaries. It prolongs the duration of human existence on earth and helps men in successfully fulfilling their missions and earning a decent competence in life.” He describes eight different operations for surgery like cutting, opening, scratching, piercing, inserting etc, and finally stitching up the wound.

The fullness of the wisdom and skill of Sushruta can be best comprehended not through the fragmentary evidence of his life but by exploring the details of the text itself. In order to initiate this exploration it would be worth briefly viewing some features of this Samhitaa. For example, Sushruta has explained the technique of “yogyaa”, which means practicing the use of surgical equipments on non-human subjects like different fruits and vegetables (such as jackfruit, pumpkin and cucumber), dead animals and artificial limbs created from wood and wax. This gives the practitioner mastery over surgical tools in order to prepare him to apply his skills on actual human beings. He believes that it is also necessary for a surgeon to have a thorough knowledge of internal organs. A corpse kept in flowing water for fifteen to thirty days is given to the disciples for dissection. Without the knowledge of Anatomy, it is impossible to become a good surgeon.

In addition to this, Sushruta also refers to the basic precautions to be taken to avoid infection during surgery. To make sure that this is so, it is suggested that the operation be conducted away from the human settlement, in a safe and clean environment where plenty of water is available. The text goes on to explain that surgical equipment should be cleaned and disinfected with the fumes of specific medicinal plants.

Sushruta prescribes the use of metal needles and silk threads to stitch wounds. In fact, certain species of ants are also recommended for stitching internal organs like intestines. These ants should be handpicked and allowed to bite at the place that needs to be sewed. Once they have done this, their bodies are to be severed, leaving their mouths closed on the wound. Also prescribed is the use of a strong alcoholic beverage to be used as a sedative before the surgery is performed.

The great highlight of Sushruta’s surgery was however, the operation of rhinoplasty. The making of a new nose captured the imagination of the medical world and brought him fame as the originator of plastic surgery. A detailed description of nose, lip and ear surgery is also provided. Of course, these methods were not used for cosmetic purposes but primarily to join or reshape these organs in the case of natural deformity or injury.

As an entire work, the Sushruta-Samhitaa is divided into two main parts - the Purvatantra and the Uttaratantra. The Purvatantra, being elaborate, is further divided into five sthaanas (sections). The first sthaana is Sutrasthaana, which provides a summary of the whole text. It describes the yantras (blunt devices or tools used for removing a foreign body) and shastras (sharp tools used for actual surgery). One hundred and one yantras are included. Among them are svastikayantra and and Sandamshayantra (forceps), taalayantra (scoop) and others. Twenty shastras such as karapatra (Knife or saw), vriddhipatra (scalpel), suchi (needle), kuthaarikaa(axe-shaped knife), vrihimukha (trocar) and badisha(hook) are featured. He describes that a shastra “should have an edge so fine that it should divide the hairs on the skin.”

The Sutrasthaana also discusses particular procedures such as Kshaarapaaka (the use of alkaline ashes of medicinal plants), Agnikarman (using a heated needle or other pointed object for pain-relief), Jalaukaavacarana (using leeches to take out blood). In the closing chapters of the Sutrasthaana, we find detailed information regarding the characteristics of the food items such as grains, vegetables (leaves, flowers, stems and roots), milk and other dairy products, meat of herbivores and carnivores, birds, fish and other aquatic animals, oils, honey, sugarcane and alcoholic beverages.

The Nidaanasthaana deals with the cause, progress and diagnosis of many diseases such as sciatica, facial paralysis, piles, urine-stones, various skin diseases, ascites, tumours, sexually transmitted diseases, fractures and diseases of the mouth, tongue, teeth and throat. On the other hand, the Shaarirasthaana deals with the creation and function of the sharira (body). It begins with explaining the process of reproduction and leads on to discussing some diseases related to the reproductive system. The stages of pregnancy with reference to the development of an embryo are also examined.

An informative discussion on the marmashaastra (identifying the vulnerable / vital spots) is found here. The marmas (vital points), present in the body, are divided into five groups according to the defect generated due to an injury to these points. These groups are the aashuhara, kaalaantaraghna, vaikalyajanana, vishalyaghna and rujaakara, causing immediate or delayed death, deformity and severe pain respectively.

The Chikitsaasthaana elaborates the actual treatment of diseases that are dealt with in the sequence of the Nidaanasthaana. Here, the well-known process of Panchakarman, which removes the three doshas (vaata– air in space - wind, pitta – fire in water – bile and kapha – water in earth – phlegm) in order to purify the body, is explained at length. In another context, the Kalpasthaana presents information related to Toxicology. It begins with a discussion on preventive measures to be taken in the kitchen, especially for the king, to avoid getting poisoned and explains the two types of poisons - sthaavara (plants and minerals) and jangama (animals). Types of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, along with the other poisonous animals such as scorpions, spiders, mice and insects are described in substantial detail and treatment is suggested for a poisoned person with the help of mantras as well as with different agadas (medicines prepared from plants and mineral products).

The Uttaratantra devotes 18 chapters to describing 76 different diseases of the eye of which 51 require operations. Sushruta is said to be the first surgeon to have removed a cataract. In addition to the technique of cataract extraction, Sushruta describes such modern concepts as antisepsis, anaesthesia and post-operative care followed by diseases of ear and nose. Here, there are also details of the concept of change in voice and some common diseases like cough, fever, dysentery, vomiting, jaundice and asthma. The ill effects caused by alcoholism are also discussed.

The closing chapters are reserved for the 32 tantrayuktis (methodology of theoretico-scientific treatises in Sanskrit), basically taken from the tradition of the nyaaya philosophy. It is thought to be important to have knowledge of the nyaaya, which makes a physician able to diagnose and treat some critical cases that may not have been mentioned in the text.

So expansive, detailed and incisive is the Sushruta-Samhitaa that it is evident that it had originally stemmed from a truly enlightened mind, which had a deep and thorough understanding of the inner and outer reality of the human body and its very existence in the context of the seen and unseen world. It also reflects the extent to which the author has been tuned to the wider tradition he belongs to. Though Sushruta’s identity may be somewhat blurred, his legacy isn’t…

A NATIVE AMERICAN FOLK TALE

 Why do owls stare?

An owl and a pigeon were friends. One day, the owl began boastfully, “I think there are more owls than pigeons.” 

The pigeon laughed, “You must be joking! We pigeons can easily outnumber you.”

The owl frowned haughtily and said, “I challenge you to a count!” 

“Done!” cooed the pigeon. 

“But, first, let’s decide where the count will be held. After all, we’ll need plenty of perching space.”

The owl thought for a while and said, “How about the Big Woods? It has lots of trees.”

“Fine,” agreed the pigeon. “Go and inform all the owls and I’ll gather my flock. You have a week’s time. On the seventh day, an hour after sunrise, all owls and pigeons have to be there. Latecomers will not be counted.”

“Agreed,” hooted the owl and flew off to spread the news of the challenge.

A week passed and on the seventh day, the owls arrived at sunrise. They swooped down on Big Woods and occupied several trees.

“Toowit, toowit! Looks like the pigeons forgot to wake up,” they hooted joyfully.

Suddenly, the sky darkened as huge clouds rumbled over the woods from all four directions. The owls stared in shock as they realised that the clouds were actually pigeons. Thousands of pigeons swooped down, blocking the sunlight. They perched on the trees, pushing the owls together. Branches snapped, unable to take the weight of so many pigeons at once. The owls forgot to blink and started moving their heads from side to side in surprise. Their eyes grew wider and wider as the pigeons just kept coming in hordes.

Nervous about being squashed by the pigeons, the owls finally flew up into the sky. 

Since then, owls travel only at night when pigeons are fast asleep. And they stare at everything around them, watching out for pigeons. 

EXPLORING SPACE

Life cycle of a star

Stars are hot balls of gas. They are held together by their own gravity. The nearest star to the Earth is the Sun. They give out light of their own due to nuclear reactions. 

What are the stages in the life cycle of a star?

● The life cycle of a star is determined by its mass. The larger the mass of a star the shorter will be its life cycle. The life of a star ranges from a few million years to a billion years, depending on the mass. 

● It is believed that stars are born from collapsing dense clouds of dust and gas found in spiral galaxies. These clouds are called molecular clouds or nebulae and are made up of 97% hydrogen and 3% helium. 

● When the nebula collapses under its own gravitational force, it breaks apart and results in the formation of a dense sphere called a Protostar. 

● These protostars are dense bodies of dust and gas which have not begun to generate light. As the mass of each protostar increases so does its gravity, squeezing the core of the protostar harder. 

● As the stars expand, they become less bright, due to the core running out of hydrogen and then helium. Then the star enters the main sequence or adult phase. A star remains in this phase for most part of its lifetime. 

● A star leaves its main sequence phase when it runs out of hydrogen and starts fusing helium and other elements. 

● Dim small stars are called red dwarfs. The fusion of hydrogen in them, takes place at a very slow rate and they are able to remain in the same sequence for billions of years. 

● The low mass stars like our sun expand and become red giants. This red giant is a large star that is bright with a cool surface. This is formed when the star runs out of hydrogen. They are very bright because they are so large. 

● Stars die in explosions called supernova. Supernova leads to the core compressing into a neutron star or a black hole. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Why do we have accents?

An accent is a way of pronouncing that is particular to a person, location or nation. There are two types. 

The first is the accent you have when you speak a foreign language, having to make words and sounds that you aren’t comfortable with. 

The second is the accent we speak our native language with, such as how the British sound speaking English in comparison to how we sound speaking it. 

To confuse us more, different areas in a country can have different accents too. 

Languages all have different sounds. It appears that as people moved around and started to live in isolated areas, they developed different speech patterns and accents. 

As the world was developed and we went through periods of invasion and settlement, new accents mixed with old. 

There are more than 2,500 spoken languages in the world today. 

QUICK RESPONSE CODES

QR Codes

QR code is short for quick response code. It is an image that can be scanned by a smartphone camera to read the information stored on it. 

What is a QR code?

A QR code is an image that stores data as a two-dimensional square grid of black and white pixels. The pattern in a QR code translates into numbers, letters and website links (URLs). These pixels are black on a white background, which makes it easy for a camera to read. A QR code is anchored by three squares around it to enable scanners and cameras to orient. The reading of a QR code takes seconds and it thus allows for quick and easy access to information. 

There are two types of QR codes:

● Static

● Dynamic 

Static QR codes: A static QR code is used to provide information that does not need to be updated. For example, a wi-fi QR code, which lets you connect to any wi-fi network instantly, or a QR code on packaged foods, which gives you information about their nutrients, ingredients and how to use them. Or those on the movie tickets, which gives you access to the movie screening hall. Once this QR code is generated, the data represented by it cannot be changed, although it can be scanned an unlimited number of times. 

Dynamic QR Codes: Dynamic QR codes can be edited at any time. The URL linked with this type of QR code redirects the user to the main URL, which can be changed if required. For example, a QR code on a business card that is used to store contact details. In case your contact number changes, then that change can be made in the QR code without having to reprint the cards. 

Applications of QR Codes 

● Advertising: A QR code can connect you to a website or some important information about a product or event. It can open a form to be filled for registration and also give additional information about the event or offers. 

●Restaurants: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless menus have become popular. Restaurants make a QR code available on each table in place of bulky paper menus. You can scan this code using your mobile phone and get the digital menu on your screen. The advantage to the restaurant owner is that new dishes can be updated without the need to scratch and scribble on the menus and paper is saved as new menu cards do not need to be printed with every change. 

●Postal services and libraries: QR codes are used to track parcels and books and get information about their location. 

● Display information: A QR code can be used on products to give additional information about the product such as nutritional information, ingredients and more. In some books, like encyclopedias, a QR code may be used to lead the reader to an educational video that gives more information about the subject matter. This makes learning interactive instead of static. In museums, QR codes are placed with each exhibit. The QR code contains the information about the exhibit. In bird sanctuaries and botanical gardens, QR codes are put on trees and spots where particular birds can be spotted. 

●Digital payments: QR code technology is making a big change in payment methods. Shoppers can simply scan the QR code displayed at a shop and pay the necessary amount. When the payment is successful, both the customer and the merchant get a notification. Contactless payments are accepted by small grocery shops, vegetable vendors and big stores alike. Auto rickshaws and taxis also have QR codes that can be scanned to make payments. Payments made this way are quick and effortless. 

Concerns with QR Codes: There are some potential dangers of QR codes that you should be aware of.

● Malicious QR codes also exist; scanning these will start downloading unwanted apps on your phone. This can be a security threat. 

● A QR code can direct you to a fake bank website, thus compromising your security. 

● A third party can get your phone number when you scan a QR code. This is a privacy concern that researchers and developers are trying to address. 

Did you know?

The QR code was developed in 1994 by the Japanese corporation Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, in order to track automobile parts during the assembly process. 

CREATOR OF RUBIK'S CUBE

Erno Rubik

He was born on 13 July 1944 in Budapest, Kingdom of Hungary, to poet Magdolna and glider-manufacturer Erno. He was inspired by his father's value-creating process of a target and a positive result, working with his hands.

He studied sculpture at Technical University and architecture at Academy of Applied Arts & Design, in Budapest. He became a member of Architecture Faculty. From 1967, he attended Hungarian Academy of Applied Arts and was Faculty of Interior Architecture & Design. 

While a professor of design at the academy, he pursued hobby of building geometric models. One of these was a prototype of his cube, made of 27 wooden blocks; it took him a month to solve the problem of the cube. It proved a useful tool for teaching algebraic group theory.

In late 1977 Konsumex, Hungary's state trading company, began marketing it. By 1980 Rubik's Cube was marketed throughout the world and over 100 million authorised units, with an estimated 50 million unauthorised imitations, were sold in first 3 years. Over 50 books were published describing how to solve Rubik's Cube

In early 1980s, he became editor of a game and puzzle journal called ..És játék (...And games). In 1983, he founded Rubik Studio, where he designed furniture and games. Among its products was another popular puzzle toy, Rubik's Magic along with Rubik's Snake and Rubik's 360 and more. 

In 1987 he became a professor with full tenure. In 1990 he became president of Hungarian Engineering Academy. At the Academy, he created International Rubik Foundation to support talented young engineers and industrial designers. 

He is actively involved in promotion of science in education. He works with several organizations: Beyond Rubik's Cube, Rubik Learning Initiative & Judit Polgar Foundation all of whose aim is to engage students in science, mathematics, and problem solving at a young age. 

His inspirations include Leonardo da Vinci, whom he regards as the Renaissance man; Michelangelo, whom he respects as a polymath, painter and sculptor, and M.C. Escher, who drew impossible constructions and grappled with explorations of infinity. 

In philosophers and writers, he admires Voltaire, Stendhal, Thomas Mann, Jean-Paul Sartre, Hungarian poet Attila Jozsef, Jules Verne and Isaac Asimov. In the field of architecture, he is an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier. 

A lifelong bibliophile,  he has a special interest in science fiction, outdoor activities of walking through nature, playing sports and sailing on Lake Balaton. He is an avid gardener and collecting succulents is his favourite pastime.

WORLD’S FIRST CELEBRITY ROBOT

Sophia 

The world’s first celebrity robot is considered to be "Sophia". Developed by Hanson Robotics, Sophia made her debut in 2016 and gained international attention for her human-like appearance and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. 

Sophia was designed to interact with humans, engage in conversations, and showcase facial expressions. Her media appearances and interviews with prominent personalities turned her into a sensation, leading to her recognition as a celebrity. Sophia's presence at events and conferences symbolised technological innovation and sparked discussions about the future of robotics and AI.

While there have been other famous robots throughout history, Sophia stands out as a significant milestone in the development of humanoid robots and their integration into popular culture. 

DO YOU KNOW

How was Detective Sherlock Holmes character created?

The adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were written by the English doctor Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

How did Doyle create these characters? This is the story.

When Doyle started studying medicine at Edinburgh University in 1877, he met Dr. Joseph Bell.

Bell was a Scottish surgeon. He made detailed observations when diagnosing his patients. To improve his observation skills, he observed people he didn’t know. He made deductions from their recent activities. He also took part in many forensic investigations in England by using his observations with his medical knowledge. With this talent, he became the pioneer of forensic science. He showed the importance of science and observation in forensic investigations.

Doyle was so fascinated by Bell’s talent and inspired by his methods that he created the character Sherlock Holmes. He wrote 56 stories and 4 novels about Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock became so popular that various films and television series were made.

COLOUR STORY

The Origins Of Yellow

It’s not very hard to find the colour yellow all around us. Just take a look out the window and you’ll see flowers, insects and even our own clothing all brimming with this bright colour. But how did yellow come to feature in everyday life? That’s a story that starts far back in time.

Yellow in nature: Ochre

Nowadays, yellow isn’t just a colour used for decoration. It comes in a multitude of shades, from bright to light, and people use these to set a mood or depict certain emotions. But where did it all start? With yellow ochre. Known as an ‘earth pigment’, ochre is a natural mineral that is found in rocks or sand across the globe. It was among the first minerals used by humans.

Prehistory

Ancient peoples also seemed to paint their walls. One of the first cave paintings that uses yellow can be found in Lascaux, southwestern France. This cave painting of a horse is said to be around 17,300 years old! 

How it’s made…

Prehistoric yellow paint was made with clay containing yellow ochre that was mixed with spit or animal fat to create a paste. This paste would vary in shades from yellow to brown depending on the sand.

The Renaissance

How it’s made...

In the 1500s, artists used oil paints, made by mixing yellow pigment made with yellow ochre, with linseed oil. 

During the 16th century, yellow was associated with the disciple that betrayed Jesus Christ, Judas, and was used to depict envy or jealousy in artworks. It was often the colour of illness, as some cases of yellow fever would turn patients’ skin a mild shade of yellow. And later, in 18th century England, if you were seen to be a coward, you were called ‘yellowbellied’. Cowards were said to have a slippery nature, like reptiles. Some snakes and lizards have yellow undersides.

Ancient Egypt

How it’s made...

The ancient Egyptians used many natural minerals to create paints, including ochre. For brighter shades of yellow, they chose to use the mineral ‘orpiment’. Ground orpiment was blended with animal glues or natural gums to create a rich lemon or canary yellow.

In ancient Egypt, each colour had a symbolic meaning and yellow was the colour of the gods! It was believed that the skin and bones of the gods were made of gold. Meaning ‘eternal’ and ‘indestructible’, yellow was often blended with precious metals, like gold, to make depictions of the gods glow. Priests or priestesses of ancient Egypt were said to sometimes paint themselves yellow to ‘become’ closer to the gods.

The Modern Era

How it’s made…

In 1856, a chemical process that could create synthetic versions of natural pigments was discovered. This meant that more colours could be manufactured faster. At the end of the 19th century, there were over 8000 types of synthetic dyes to choose from, yellow being one of them!

New synthetic dyes meant that 18th and 19th century life was more colourful than ever! Yellow became the most popular way to attract attention in the French court. This meant that yellow hats, gloves and dresses were worn by all the fashionable folk of the time. Even famous artists were great admirers of the colour. Just think of Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ painting.

What about now?

Think of Pikachu, Spongebob, the Minions and even the emojis on your phone. Yellow is a colour of cheerfulness and optimism. It is a symbol of happiness. Once a colour to help depict stories, yellow has become a main feature in our everyday lives.

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE

It is not uncommon for certain species of insects and small critters to have evolved to have yellow markings as a way of warning predators against messing with them. Some fly-like insects mimic the distinctive yellow and black colouring of bees to trick predators into thinking they’re armed with a sting! Fire salamanders mean business though, as their bright yellow markings warn potential predators of their intensely toxic skin and their ability to squirt a highly irritating substance into the eyes or mouths of would-be threats.

From cave walls to famous artworks, clothing to a famous song, this undeniably cool colour has had a long journey through history and is bound to keep the future bright too.

EXTINCT BIRD

Dodo 

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a large flightless bird that inhabited the island of Mauritius, on the Indian Ocean, till the early 17th century. It weighed around 23kg and was bigger than a turkey. Its large, hooked bill, short, thick legs and small, useless wings – totally out of proportion to its bulky body – gave it a peculiar appearance. It laid a single, large egg in a nest made of grass on the ground.

The earliest known account of the Dodo is found in a journal entry of an expedition made to the island in 1598. The first written account which actually used the name Dodo is found in the 1628 letter of Emanuel Altham: “Very strange fowles called by ye portingals Do Do.” While some say that the name originates from Portuguese duodo, meaning ‘silly or stupid’, others attribute the name to the sound of the bird’s call.

Sadly, the increase in exploration and trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, brought about the extinction of the dodo.

Seamen and colonists found the clumsy-looking creatures both easy to catch and tasty to eat.

The settlers introduced pigs to the islands, which destroyed the dodo’s nests and young as they foraged. Thus, by the close of the 17th century, the luckless bird was extinct.

Today, the dodo survives only in expressions like ‘dead as a dodo’, signifying foolishness or silliness. 

STORY TIME

The suitcase

A man realised that he was about to die, as he saw God coming closer with a suitcase in His hand. God said, “All right son, it’s time to go.”

Surprised, the man responded, “Now? So soon? I had a lot of plans...”

“I’m sorry, but it’s time to go.”

“What do you have in that suitcase?” the man asked.

“Your belongings.”

“My belongings? You mean my things, my clothes, my money?” the man wondered.

“Those things were not yours; they belonged to the earth,” God replied.

“Is it my memories?” the man asked.

“Those never belonged to you, they belonged to time.”

“Is it my talents?”

“Those were never yours, they belonged to the circumstances.”

“Is it my friends and family?”

“I’m sorry they were never yours, they belonged to the path,” God said, as He shook His head.

“Is it my body?” the man asked.

“That was never yours, it belonged to the dust.”

“Is it my soul?"

Again God shook His head, “No that is mine.”

Full of fear, the man took the suitcase from God and opened it, just to find that the suitcase was empty. With tears coming down his cheeks, the man said, “I never had anything?”

God answered, “That is correct; every moment you lived was only yours. Life is just a moment, a moment that belongs to you. You were born with empty hands and will die empty-handed."

☆☆☆

For this reason, enjoy this time while you have it. Don’t let anything that you think you own, stop you from doing so. Live now. Live your life with kindness and love. Don’t forget to be happy; after all, this is the only thing that matters.”

EXPLORING THE UNIQUE RAKSHA BANDHAN TRADITIONS ACROSS INDIA’S DIFFERENT PARTS

 Threads of tradition

Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about rakhis and sweets; it’s a colourful blend of traditions that change as you move from one state to another in India. From sisters tying vibrant threads on their brothers’ wrists in the North to coastal communities offering coconuts to the sea, every region brings its own unique cultural significance to this sibling celebration. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that beautifully blends love and culture, displaying the rich diversity of India’s traditions. 

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra and other coastal regions, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Naarali Poornima, a festival that centres around the worship of the sea. On this day, the local fishing communities offer coconuts to the sea as a symbol of reverence and to seek blessings from it. People prepare special dishes using coconut as a main ingredient. After the sea worship rituals are completed, the festivities continue with community gatherings, marking the transition from religious observance to joyful celebration.

Rajasthan: While most North Indians celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and praying for their long lives, brothers, in return, vow to protect their sisters from all hardships. However, in the Marwari and Rajasthani communities, the tradition goes a step further. Here, sisters also tie a rakhi, known as a Lumba rakhi, on the bangle of their brother’s wife. The reason behind this unique custom lies in the belief that the wife, considered the ‘ardhangini’ or better half, is an integral part of the brother’s life. The ritual acknowledges that the responsibility of protecting and loving a sister is not just the brother’s duty alone but is shared equally by his wife. This makes the Raksha Bandhan celebration more unique, embracing the sister-in-law as an important part of the tradition.

Madhya Pradesh and Bihar: On this day, mothers and their sons do a special pooja, while farmers worship their land. The celebrations start a week before the main celebration. The wives of farmers go to their fields and collect soil by wrapping it in leaves. The soil is then sown with barley and kept in a thoroughly cleaned and decorated area of the house. This is called the ‘put’. When the seven days are up, mothers take the ‘put’ and pray for their sons’ longevity before immersing them in a well or river.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala: The celebration of Rasha Bandhan is called Avani Avittam in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The festivities are mostly for the family’s male members. On this day, Brahmins immerse themselves in the river and seek forgiveness for all of their past sins. The janau, or holy thread, worn across the body, is replaced with a new thread at the end of the custom. They also make promises to do good deeds during this "thread changing" ceremony. 

Odisha: On Gamha Purnima, cows and bullocks are worshipped in many regions of Odisha. The festival is marked by a unique local sport known as Gamha Diyan, which is one of the highlights of the festival. Gamha Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Baladeva, the elder brother of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Over time, this traditional festival has also embraced the observance of Raksha Bandhan, inspired by the Rakhi festival celebrated on the same day across North India. This blend of rituals symbolises the strong cultural ties and evolving traditions that continue to define Odisha’s vibrant heritage.

West Bengal: This day marks the end of the five-day ritual of Lord Krishna and Radha swinging on a jhula, celebrated as Jhulan Poornima. The festivities kick off on Pavitra Ekadashi and end on Raksha Bandhan, which falls on the full moon day. During this time, idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on a swing and made to swing, symbolising their divine love. The swing, adorned with vibrant flowers and intricate designs, becomes the highlight of celebrations, especially at the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, where the festival is marked with music and devotion. The whole atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and the colourful energy that surrounds the sacred bond of these divine beings.

INFUSE JOY INTO YOUR AND SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE

 The Significance Of A Smile

Have we ever thought about the gestures we use daily, knowingly or unknowingly, that have a profound impact on our lives? One such gesture, right under our noses, has the power to make us happier and potentially lengthen our lives. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it's the simple yet powerful act of smiling.

The smile is a ubiquitous and heartening gesture, connecting us all, whether acquainted or strangers. This simple expression has the remarkable ability to infuse joy into someone's life, fostering a sense of unity and warmth.

A study reveals that the frequency of smiles tends to decrease as we age. Astonishingly, adults over the age of thirty smile, on average, only 40-50 times a day, whereas children effortlessly clock in 300-400 smiles daily. The  bustling lives and responsibilities gradually overshadow the simplicity of smiling.

A smile costs nothing but holds immeasurable value. It transcends language barriers, brings solace to the weary, and bridges the gaps between strangers. As we navigate our daily routines, let's preserve this innate ability to smile and rediscover the joy that a sincere smile can bring.

So let us all wear a big genuine smile on our faces. Embrace the positivity it radiates and carry it forward, creating a ripple effect that transcends the boundaries. A smile is a universal language, and by sharing it generously, we contribute to creating a world filled with warmth, kindness, and joy. Let's spread this infectious energy of smiles, uplift the spirit with a smile in our day-to-day life. May your days ahead be filled with countless reasons to smile!

A DEADLY DISEASE

Tetanus

Tetanus is a deadly disease that is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can commonly be found in soil, dust, faeces, and saliva. The transmission occurs when someone’s skin breaks or is cut from an object that is contaminated with Clostridium tetani, allowing the bacterium to go into the body. Once inside, Clostridium tetani will produce toxins that affect the nerves that control muscles, which is also why one of the primary symptoms of tetanus is muscle contractions. Additional symptoms include fever, sweating, headaches, and high blood pressure. Tetanus is a significant global health concern, claiming nearly 34,700 lives, according to the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. Understanding the ways that tetanus transmits itself and its symptoms was crucial for the development of the first tetanus vaccine, which had its roots in a German physiologist named Emil Von Behring. 

Tetanus, a dangerous bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, poses a global health threat. The tetanus vaccine has significantly lowered the death toll of this deadly disease by making the immune system produce antibodies against the tetanus toxin. The article will focus on the development and impact of the tetanus vaccine on public health.

The history of tetanus and its vaccines:  The tetanus vaccine, also known as tetanus toxoid, had its first roots created in 1890 by a group of German scientists, all under Emil Von Behring, a German physiologist. Emil Von Behring was later awarded a Nobel Prize in 1901, honoring his development of the tetanus serum and, additionally, the first serum therapy for diphtheria, which was another common and deadly disease during the late 1800s. Later, based on previous findings, in 1924, the first inactive tetanus toxoid vaccine was created, meaning that morbidity and mortality caused by tetanus were lowered to some extent. Eventually, in 1938, an improved version of this vaccine was created that made itself easier to absorb with much fewer side effects. 

This variant would be proven to be incredibly effective later, when World War II began, where it prevented soldiers in the army from contracting tetanus. Soon after that, in 1948, DTP began to be used. It worked similarly to the tetanus vaccine, but it was also able to work as a vaccine for diphtheria and pertussis (two other deadly diseases) all at the same time. Despite its multiple functions, it was replaced later in 1992 with new versions due to the fact that the original caused high adverse injection reactions among people who received the injection, such as swelling around the area where the vaccine was injected. Unlike the previous version of the DTP vaccine, the new versions were able to be used on both adults and children.

The Functions of the DTP Vaccine: The DTP vaccine, which includes versions of DTaP, Tdap, and TD, is the most commonly used vaccine against tetanus since it can additionally act as a vaccine against two other deadly viruses as well. At its core, the vaccine is a preventive measure designed to train the immune system to recognize and combat these harmful bacteria. When administered, the vaccine introduces mostly harmless small fragments of the bacteria, known as antigens, to the immune system. These antigens cause the body to trigger the immune system to launch a defense. The body instantly calls specific proteins and cells called antibodies that are made to neutralize and destroy the small fragments of the viruses. 

The antibodies work to take down the antigens and destroy them quickly because, despite them posing a minor threat, the body will still attack foreign objects found in itself. Whenever the antibodies destroy the antigens, there will always be multiple memory cells. These specialized cells remember the antigens, making it so that whenever the actual virus gets into the human body, the immune system will immediately respond and attack it. This provides a level of protection that endures over long periods of time.

The reason why multiple doses of vaccines are administered is because they serve to reinforce and optimize the immune system’s quick response and efficiency. The DTaP vaccine is primarily administered to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. This vaccine operates through a five-dose series recommended by the CDC, actively engaging the immune system to recognize and combat these diseases. Administered at specific intervals during infancy and early childhood, the DTP vaccine aims to induce a tough and lasting immune response. Usually, negative effects are less severe, such as redness or swelling at the injection site and occasionally fever.

Conclusion: Tetanus is a deadly bacterial disease caused when Clostridium tetani enters the body. Thankfully, through the efforts of many scientists around the world, a vaccine was created. Overall, the tetanus vaccine plays a pivotal role in maintaining the immune system's defenses and ensuring that a strong defense against these bacterial threats is guaranteed. The impact of the DTP vaccine on public health has been profound and massive. By preventing the spreading of Tetanus and some other viruses, the vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of these potentially life-threatening infections. Its inclusion has illustrated the vital role vaccines play in preserving public health around the entire world. Through a comprehensive understanding of its mechanism of action and the establishment of robust immunization programs, the DTP vaccine stands as a demonstration of the power of medicine and vaccines in promoting a safer and more resilient society.

DO YOU KNOW

Why does octopus spit ink?

Octopuses, along with other cephalopods, use ink as a defense mechanism to distract or scare predators away so that they can escape. 

The ink is released from ink sacs located between the gills and is made of mucus and melanin. When released, the ink can be dispersed more widely if the octopus also uses a jet of water from its siphon. 

Some octopuses can even eject ink in thick spurts that look like their own body shape. 

INTERESTING FACTS

About India's Independence Day

Every year the whole nation of India fathoms the patriotic feeling with the tricolor of saffron, white and green on 15 August, which is celebrated as the Independence Day in India.

Here are some interesting facts about India’s Independence day:

● India had no national anthem when it became an independent country on 15th August, 1947. It was adopted as India’s national anthem later in the 1950s. The Bengali version of Jana Gana Mana was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 which was first sung during the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.

● Although India became independent on July 18, 1947, Lord Mountbatten declared 15th August as the date of Independence because this date observed the second anniversary of the surrendering of Japan to the Allied Forces during World War II.

● The National Flag was first hoisted at the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta on August 7, 1906. The flag had three horizontal strips of red, yellow and green color. The red strip at the top consisted of 8 white lotuses imprinted on the flag in a line. On the yellow strip, Vande Mataram was written in Hindi. There was a white sun on the left and a white crescent and star on the right imprinted on the green strip.

● The first variant of the national flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921. It consisted of two colors-red and green which represented the two significant communities. But Gandhiji later recommended to add a white strip in the middle with a spinning wheel. The white color represented the remaining Indian communities and the spinning wheel signified the progress of the country.

● Our country got its name ‘India’ from the River Indus, a place which was a home to the country’s first inhabitants.

● No country had ever been invaded by India in the last thousand centuries of its history.

● India shares its Independence Day with five more countries on August 15, but with different years. The countries are Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea, Congo, and Liechtenstein.

● Even after India became independent in 1947, Goa still remained a Portuguese colony. Portugal made amendments in its constitution stating Goa as a Portuguese state. It was made a part of India in 1961 after Indian troops annexed the state to India.

● The Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission is the only licenced company engaged in the production and supply of Indian flag. The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha located in Dharwad is the only manufacturer of the flag made with cotton.

● Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, featured on the famous Vogue magazine because of his unique dressing sense. His jacket became a popular fashion trend in the West and came to be known as the ‘Nehru jacket’.

● Mahatma Gandhi was absent from the celebrations of the country’s first Independence Day. He was there to be a part of a hunger strike that was conducted to impede the communal killings that were triggered due to partition.

● There was a controversy relating to the Indian national anthem, Jana Gana Mana that it was written by Rabindranath Tagore for the British emperor. He refused these claims on the basis that the song talked about the victory of Bhagya Vidhata of India and not of the British king.

● The price of 10 grams of gold was Rs 88.62 at the time of independence.

13 AUGUST

World organ donation day

Organ donation is a powerful act of generosity that gives hope and a second chance at life to those facing end-stage liver or kidney disease or even organ failure who are struggling as other treatment options fail. By choosing to be an organ donor, an individual’s organs can help those suffering from severe health conditions. The types of organs available for donation are the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Moreover, various tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, and bone can be donated as well, providing significant advantages to many patients in need. Remember, a deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a pair of kidneys can liberate two individuals from the need for dialysis. A single donated liver has the potential to be divided, benefiting two patients awaiting transplants. Two lungs from a donor can provide life saving assistance to two recipients. One pancreas donation can rescue one person’s life. Additionally, a donated heart can bring hope and joy to someone in need. Organ donation can be in the form of a Living donation, where the donor is still alive, and even cadaver donation, which occurs when the donor has passed away. However, millions of people lose their precious lives due to unavailability of organs. The demand for organ donation is high while only a few percentage of people donate organs. The waiting list for organs is too long and thus, many recipients struggle to get an organ and suffer in silence. Apart from the rising need for organs, there are also various myths attached to these subjects that should be debunked without any delay.

Myths regarding organ donation

Myth 1: Only young people can donate organs

Fact: This statement is false. Anyone can register for organ donation at any time and donate organs irrespective of his/her age. Don’t believe in any kind of rumors or social media posts. One’s health status will be checked after which he/she will be eligible for organ donation.

Myth 2: One’s family members are charged if they decide to donate organs

Fact: Remember, there is no cost to the donor’s family for organ, eye, and tissue donation. So, be assured, come forward, and take a pivotal step in donating organs and transforming the lives of people. Be an organ donor and encourage others to do so for improved survival rates of those battling liver, and kidney ailments. It is the need of the hour to avoid believing the myths and create awareness by educating people regarding how organ donation saves lives

Each organ transplant offers renewed hope to recipients and their families, fostering a positive outlook on life. One donor can save up to eight lives, highlighting the importance of encouraging organ donation in society. Organ donation can greatly improve the lives of those who are critically ill or bedridden. Many people die waiting for an organ, making donation a crucial way to offer a new chance at life. Living donation is a viable option for kidney and liver transplants. Eligible family members can donate a portion of their liver or a kidney to save a loved one’s life. Organ donation can help families cope with grief, providing comfort in knowing that their loved one’s gift will save lives and make a difference. Raising awareness through open discussions about living donations or personal organ donation experiences can promote the cause. Donate organs and save lives.

In India, of the total 18,378 organ transplants in the country in 2023 — the highest-ever in a year — 10% were to foreign nationals who had come to India for treatment, while more than six of 10 living organ donors were women, as per the data released by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).