From a small town in India to Google CEO

SUNDAR PICHAI’S JOURNEY 

It is amazing how Sundar Pichai rose from a modest upbringing in a small Indian town to become the CEO of Google and Alphabet Inc. His life journey demonstrates how a person’s perseverance and hard work can propel him to success despite all obstacles. In addition to leading one of the world’s most significant corporations today, Pichai inspires thousands of individuals worldwide. Let’s examine his motivational background, academic credentials, private life, and success advice here:

Early Years in India: Middle-Class Upbringing and Education

On June 10, 1972, Sundar Pichai was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, to Regunatha Pichai and Lakshmi. His mother, Lakshmi, worked as a stenographer at GEC, while his father, Regunatha Pichai, was an electrical engineer. Pichai grew up in a modest middle-class Indian town with a younger brother named Srinivasan Pichai.

Pichai got his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from IIT Kharagpur after graduating from Jawahar Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Chennai and Vana Vani School at IIT Madras (Class XII). After that, he relocated to the US to attend Stanford University and earn an M.S. in material science and engineering. He then went on to earn an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. 

Career as CEO of Alphabet Inc. and Google

Pichai joined Google in 2004 and served as the company’s head of development and product management. He first helped make search engines like Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox easily accessible to consumers. Later, he was instrumental in the creation of Google Chrome, which is currently a popular computer all over the world.

Pichai was appointed Vice President of Product Development in 2008. He advanced to Senior Vice President in 2012, and in 2014, he was appointed Product Chief.

He became the CEO of Google in 2015 thanks to his perseverance, hard work, and remarkable work ethic. In 2019, he was also appointed CEO of Alphabet Inc.

The private life of Sundar Pichai

Sundar Pichai is married to Anjali Pichai (her maiden name was Haryani), and they have two children together. Over the years, Sundar and Anjali’s friendship developed into a lifetime partnership while they were both students at IIT Kharagpur.

In addition to his job, Sundar Pichai has a strong interest in football and cricket. As a boy, he aspired to play professional cricket, but life had other ideas.

In addition to being inspirational, Sundar Pichai’s success demonstrates the value of hard work and knowledge.

What we can learn from Sundar Pichai

1. Keep learning and adapting: Pichai highlights the value of ongoing education and flexibility. He thinks maintaining an open mind and curiosity promotes professional and personal development.

2. Lead with humility and empathy: He emphasizes the need to listen, comprehend diverse viewpoints, and enable teams rather than control them. He is well-known for his composed and modest leadership style.

3. Accept challenges: Pichai’s career demonstrates that success can be achieved by accepting challenges and venturing outside your comfort zone. He advocates for long-term planning and innovation.

An inexhaustible vessel

AKSHAY PATRA (अक्षय पात्र) 

The term "Akshay Patra" (अक्षय पात्र) comes from Sanskrit:

Akshay (अक्षय) = Never-ending, inexhaustible, or eternal

Patra (पात्र) = Vessel, pot, or container

So, "Akshay Patra" means "an inexhaustible vessel"—a container that never runs out of food or sustenance. In the Mahabharata, it symbolised divine abundance and eternal provision, ensuring that the Pandavas never went hungry during their exile. Today, the term is often used metaphorically to represent limitless resources, generosity, or divine blessings.

The Story of Akshay Patra

During their exile in the forest, the Pandavas and Draupadi often faced difficulties in obtaining food. To help them, Surya Deva (the Sun God) gifted Yudhishthira a divine vessel called the Akshay Patra. This vessel had a magical property—it would provide an unlimited amount of food until Draupadi herself had eaten for the day.

With the help of this vessel, the Pandavas could feed themselves and any guests who came to visit them during their exile.

The Incident with Durvasa Muni

Once, the sage Durvasa and his disciples arrived at the Pandavas’ hermitage after Draupadi had already eaten for the day. Since the Akshay Patra would not produce any more food until the next day, Draupadi was worried, as Durvasa was known for his short temper and could curse them if not served properly.

Feeling helpless, Draupadi prayed to Lord Krishna for help. Krishna arrived and asked Draupadi to bring the Akshay Patra. When she showed it to him, he found a single grain of rice stuck to it. He ate that grain, and miraculously, it satisfied the hunger of Durvasa and all his disciples.

When Durvasa and his followers felt full, they left without returning to the hermitage, thus saving the Pandavas from their wrath.

Symbolism of Akshaya Patra

The Akshay Patra represents abundance, divine grace, and sustenance. It is a reminder that faith in God and righteousness will always bring solutions to even the most difficult problems.

Global Positioning System

GPS

What is GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their precise location anywhere on Earth. It is operated by the United States Department of Defense but is available for civilian use worldwide.

How Does GPS Work?

GPS works using a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites continuously transmit signals, which GPS receivers (like those in smartphones, cars, and smartwatches) use to calculate location.

Steps in GPS Functioning:

1. Signal Transmission: GPS satellites send signals containing the satellite’s location and the exact time the signal was transmitted.

2. Signal Reception: A GPS receiver (in a phone, car, etc.) picks up signals from at least four satellites.

3. Distance Calculation: The receiver calculates the time it took for each signal to arrive and determines its distance from each satellite.

4. Triangulation (or Trilateration): Using distances from multiple satellites, the receiver determines its exact position (latitude, longitude, and altitude).

Components of GPS: GPS consists of three major components:

1. Space Segment – The satellites in orbit.

2. Control Segment – Ground stations that monitor and control satellites.

3. User Segment – GPS receivers used by people and devices.

Applications of GPS:

Navigation: Used in Google Maps, car navigation systems, and aviation.

Tracking: Used to track vehicles, pets, and shipments.

Surveying and Mapping: Helps in land surveys and geographic mapping.

Military Use: Used for guiding missiles, troop movements, and reconnaissance.

Disaster Management: Helps locate people in emergency situations.

Agriculture: Used in precision farming for better crop management.

Accuracy of GPS: GPS accuracy depends on various factors like signal blockage (tall buildings, mountains), atmospheric interference, and satellite positioning.

Standard GPS (Civilian Use): Accuracy of 3-10 meters.

Military and Special GPS (With Augmentations): Can be accurate up to centimeters.

Other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): While GPS is the most well-known, other countries have their own satellite navigation systems:

GLONASS (Russia)

Galileo (European Union)

BeiDou (China)

NavIC (India)

The Weather Woman of India

ANNA MANI 

Anna Mani,  often hailed as the Weather Woman of India, was a visionary physicist and meteorologist whose pioneering work reshaped India's scientific landscape. Born in 1918 in Travancore, now part of Kerala, she grew up with an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for learning. This passion led her to pursue physics and chemistry at Presidency College in Madras, where she studied under the renowned scientist C. V. Raman. Her academic brilliance and determination paved the way for a career that would leave an indelible mark on India's meteorological advancements.

At a time when India relied heavily on foreign technology for weather forecasting, Mani recognised the urgent need for self-reliance. She dedicated herself to developing indigenous weather instruments, ensuring that India could independently monitor its own climate and predict weather patterns with precision. Her contributions were instrumental in strengthening India's disaster preparedness, particularly in a country prone to monsoons, cyclones, and extreme weather conditions. Thanks to her relentless efforts, India emerged as a global leader in meteorology, reducing its dependence on external expertise.

But her ambitions stretched far beyond weather forecasting. Mani had an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and played a crucial role in monitoring the ozone layer. Long before climate change became a widely recognised issue, her research helped scientists better understand ozone depletion and its impact on global warming, making her a pioneer in India's fight against environmental challenges. She was ahead of her time, foreseeing the significance of atmospheric studies and their implications for future generations.

Breaking barriers in a male-dominated scientific community, she rose to become the Deputy Director General of the Indian Meteorological Department. Her leadership not only advanced India's scientific capabilities, but also served as a beacon of inspiration for young women aspiring to enter the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In a society where a few women pursued careers in science, Mani defied expectations and proved that talent and perseverance could shatter even the most rigid glass ceilings.

Her legacy continues to inspire countless scientists, researchers, and environmentalists in India and beyond. Anna Mani was not just a scientist, she was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a force of nature. Her life's work stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and an unyielding belief in scientific progress. Even today, as India advances in climate science and meteorology, her contributions remain foundational, reminding us that passion and dedication can change the course of history.

Do you know

WHY DO CATS AND DOGS HAVE WHISKERS?

Dogs and cats have whiskers (also called vibrissae) because they serve as highly sensitive sensory tools that help them navigate their environment. Here’s why they are important:

For Cats:

1. Enhanced Navigation – Whiskers detect air currents and help cats sense objects even in the dark.

2. Measuring Spaces – They help cats judge whether they can fit through tight spaces.

3. Protection – Whiskers detect potential dangers near their face, like sharp objects.

4. Communication and Mood Indicator – A cat's whisker position can signal emotions like curiosity or fear.

For Dogs:

1. Sensing the Environment – Whiskers help detect nearby objects and changes in airflow.

2. Protecting Their Face – They act as an early warning system to prevent bumps or injuries.

3. Enhancing Hunting and Play – Dogs use whiskers to detect small movements, especially useful for hunting breeds.

4. Emotional Expression – Whiskers move depending on the dog's mood, similar to cats.

In both animals, whiskers are deeply rooted in nerve endings, making them extremely sensitive. That’s why trimming or pulling them can be uncomfortable or even disorienting.

The memory whiz

VISHVAA RAJAKUMAR

Vishvaa Rajakumar is a 20-year-old memory athlete from Puducherry, India, who has garnered international acclaim for his exceptional cognitive abilities. In February 2025, he secured victory at the Memory League World Championship by memorizing 80 random digits in just 13.50 seconds and accurately recalling 30 images in 8.40 seconds. Imagine trying to remember a HUGE string of numbers, like when you're trying to memorise a super long password.

A student at the Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology in Puducherry, Rajakumar began his journey in memory sports in 2021. His rapid ascent in the field was highlighted by a significant win at the 2023 Asian Oceanian Open, marking his first major tournament victory. 

His secret? He uses something called the “Memory Palace" technique, which is like creating a virtual house in your mind and placing the things you need to remember in different rooms. It's like making a mental treasure hunt!

Appropriately called, "method of loci," an ancient memorisation technique that involves associating information with specific locations in a familiar setting, such as a house. This method enhances recall by leveraging spatial memory. 

Beyond his competitive achievements, Rajakumar emphasizes the importance of hydration for optimal brain function, noting that staying hydrated significantly aids cognitive performance. He also says that staying hydrated is super important for your brain.

His accomplishments have not only brought him personal recognition but have also spotlighted India's growing presence in the global memory sports arena.

Now, Vishvaa Rajakumar wants to become a memory trainer and open a memory school in India. He wants to teach everyone his awesome memory tricks! Think of him as a superhero for your brain!

A timeless symbol of beauty and renewal

CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN 

Introduction: Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are one of Japan’s most famous natural phenomena, attracting millions of visitors each year. These delicate pink and white flowers bloom in spring, creating breathtaking landscapes and marking the beginning of a new season. The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) has been a cherished Japanese custom for centuries, symbolising the transient nature of life.

Sakura flowers 

The Cultural Significance of Sakura: Sakura holds profound cultural importance in Japan:

Symbol of Impermanence: The brief yet stunning bloom of cherry blossoms represents the Buddhist concept of mono no aware—the awareness of the fleeting nature of life.

Influence on Art and Literature: Many classical Japanese poems, haiku, and artworks depict sakura as a metaphor for beauty, nostalgia, and the passage of time.

Historical Connections: Samurai and kamikaze pilots saw sakura as a symbol of honour and sacrifice, as their lives were short yet meaningful.

Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan:

1. Tokyo – Ueno Park and Chidorigafuchi: Ueno Park hosts spectacular hanami parties under ancient sakura trees. Chidorigafuchi offers stunning views with cherry blossoms lining the Imperial Palace moat.

2. Kyoto – Maruyama Park and Philosopher’s Path: Maruyama Park’s illuminated sakura at night creates a magical atmosphere. The Philosopher’s Path is perfect for a peaceful, picturesque stroll.

3. Osaka – Osaka Castle Park: Over 4,000 cherry trees bloom around the historic Osaka Castle.

4. Hokkaido – Goryokaku Park: Located in northern Japan, this park blooms later in the season, extending sakura viewing opportunities.

The Hanami Experience: Hanami is a cherished tradition where families, friends, and colleagues gather under cherry trees for picnics. Popular foods during hanami include bento boxes, sakura mochi (sweet rice cakes), and sake. Night-time hanami (yozakura) is another enchanting experience, with illuminated cherry trees creating a dreamlike setting.

The Science Behind Sakura Blooming: Cherry blossoms typically bloom between late March and early April, depending on the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency closely monitors and forecasts the sakura season. Climate change has been affecting bloom times, leading to earlier flowering in recent years.

Conclusion: Cherry blossoms are more than just beautiful flowers; they embody Japan’s deep appreciation for nature, tradition, and the fleeting moments of life. Whether you visit for hanami or simply admire the blossoms from afar, sakura season in Japan remains a magical and unforgettable experience.

Words we speak can shape the lives we lead

THE POWER OF AFFIRMATIONS 

Affirmations—positive statements repeated to reinforce self-belief—have gained widespread recognition in both spiritual and psychological circles. 

Rooted in ancient traditions and modern cognitive science, affirmations work on the principle that thoughts influence emotions, behaviour and even physical well-being.

Neuroscientists suggest that repeating affirmations can rewire the brain through neuroplasticity, strengthening positive thought patterns. 

A study in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience has found that self-affirmation activates the brain’s reward centres, reducing stress and increasing resilience. This aligns with spiritual teachings that emphasise the power of spoken words to manifest reality, such as in Hindu and Buddhist mantra practices or Christian declarations of faith.

Psychologists also note that affirmations help shift negative self-talk. By replacing limiting beliefs with empowering statements, individuals cultivate confidence and motivation. 

Some powerful affirmations include:

“I am worthy of love and success.”

“I attract positivity and abundance into my life.”

“I am strong, resilient and capable of achieving my goals.”

“Every challenge I face, helps me grow and improve.”

Whether used for healing or inner peace, affirmations serve as a simple yet profound tool—reminding us that the words we speak can shape the lives we lead.

The underground town of the world

COOBER PEDY

In the middle of the remote South Australian desert lies the small town of Coober Pedy, which houses strange underground residences and other facilities.

Coober Pedy is the world's only underground town where settlers live underground to escape the scorching summer heat as daytime temperatures touch a whooping 125°F or 51°C. Their homes, carved into caves, hills, and disused mine shafts maintain a comfortable year-round temperature of 23°C or 73°F.

A small mining town with a population of just under 2,000, Coober Pedy is the 'Opal capital of the world' that has been supplying the world's gem-quality opal since it was founded in 1915. In this waterless environment, not much activity happens above ground. Instead, the community exists inside some 1,500 underground residences seamlessly integrated into the desert's rugged terrain.

An average cave home at 8 to 22 feet below ground level with modern amenities, bedrooms, living area, kitchen and bathroom can be excavated out of the rock for pretty much the same price as building a house above surface. The homes have 40 inch thick support pillars and natural air shafts for ventilation. However, there is no sewage in underground Coober Pedy, so kitchens and bathrooms are always situated above ground, as the front rooms, which make the entrance of the house.

Every time you drill in Coober Pedy, you always have a chance to strike it rich. A local hotel opened in the town found opal worth $360,000 while digging out its rooms. Digging a simple rack into your wall could unexpectedly yield enough Opal to fill it with all the expensive things your heart desires.

In the 1980s, when the first underground hotel was built, Coober Pedy began attracting curious tourists. Now, it boasts a wide network of underground bars, shops, museums, and churches.

A folktale from West Bengal

FISH IN THE FIRE 

One day, in a certain village, a Wife felt a very strong urge to eat fresh fish. When she expressed her wish to her Husband, he went to the market and bought three fish. The Wife happily cleaned and cooked them.

When they sat down to eat, the Husband said, "Considering that I am the Lord and Master of the house, I will have two fish."

The Wife retorted, saying, "No, you shall not. I am not a servant that I will be content with one fish."

The Husband lost his temper and said, "I bought the fish from the bazaar. So, I should get two fish for all the trouble I took."

Not to be outdone, the Wife said, "Don't I deserve two fish for all the trouble I went through to cook them?"

The quarrel went on until the Husband suggested, "Let us keep a bet. Whoever speaks first will have to eat one fish."

They went to bed silently without touching the meal. The whole day passed, but neither of them moved or uttered a single word. The neighbours, wondering if something was the matter, knocked at the door again and again, but in vain.

Finally, they broke open the door and entered the house only to find the couple lying down. They shook them, but as neither of them uttered a sound, the neighbours thought that they were dead and carried them off to the crematorium.

The pyre was set up and the Husband was laid first, followed by his wife. Just as someone was about to light the pyre, the Husband jumped up yelling, "You win! I will eat one fish!!" 

His wife promptly sat up and said, matter-of-factly, "And I will eat the other two."

😄😁😂

Longest serving woman in space

SUNITA WILLIAMS 

Sunita Lyn "Suni" Williams, born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, is a distinguished American astronaut and retired U.S. Navy officer. She holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, with nine totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes. 

Educational and Naval Background: Williams graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science. She later earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1995. Her naval career includes roles as a helicopter pilot and test pilot, accumulating over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft types. 

NASA Career and Space Missions: Selected by NASA in 1998, Williams has participated in several significant missions:

● Expeditions 14/15 (2006-2007): She launched aboard STS-116 and spent approximately six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), setting a then-record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman.

● Expeditions 32/33 (2012): Williams served as a flight engineer and later as commander of the ISS, further cementing her status in space exploration. 

● Recent Mission and Extended Stay: In June 2024, Williams and fellow astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore embarked on a mission aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, initially planned as an eight-day test flight. However, due to technical issues with the spacecraft's propulsion system, their return was delayed, resulting in an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the ISS. They continued their duties during this period, contributing to various scientific experiments and station maintenance tasks. 

The astronauts returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, landing safely off the coast of Florida. Upon return, they have begun a 45-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth's gravity, addressing challenges such as muscle atrophy and balance issues common after prolonged space missions. 

Personal Background: Williams is of Indian and Slovenian descent, with her father hailing from Gujarat, India. She is married to Michael J. Williams, a federal police officer. Throughout her career, Williams has been an advocate for STEM education and has inspired many through her dedication to space exploration. 

Her recent mission highlights the unpredictability of space travel and the resilience required of astronauts. Williams' experiences continue to contribute valuable insights into long-duration spaceflight and its effects on the human body.

Amplify Goodness; Forsake Badness

EACH GIVES WHAT HE HAS 

The Berlin Wall, separating East and West Germany, was built on 13 August, 1961. It was historically dismantled on November 9, 1989.

Back in the days when Germany was divided, this huge wall separated East and West Berlin. People on both sides faced not only physical barriers, but also hatred and revenge. One day, in a provocative act, some East Berliners took a truck load of garbage, and dumped it on the West Berlin side of the wall.

Yet, rather than retaliating in a similar way, the West Berliners responded with an astounding display of humanitarian consideration. They took truckloads of canned food, bread, milk, and other provisions, and neatly stacked these on the East Berlin side. Atop the stacks, a simple but deep-impacting message was written: “Each gives what he has”.

The above story reminds us that hate and revenge have never been able to solve anything. Instead, they spiral down into an everlasting abyss of despair and anger. It is said that we can only give what we have. Just as an apple tree gives apples, and a berry tree yields berries, our actions and reactions stem from our essence. The apples and berries come from the essence of their trees. And the essence of each tree is different.

Life is full of good and bad things. In times of crisis, put in your best efforts, and react with intelligence, prudence, and composure. Furthermore, amidst the trials in life, always try to amplify the goodness within you.

Great River

MAHANADI 

One of the most important rivers of east-central India is the Mahanadi, which drains an area of about 1,32,100sq km and has a total length of 900 km. The Mahanadi, whose name translates to ‘Great River’, flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha before ending its journey in the Bay of Bengal. The 26-km-long Hirakud Dam – the world’s longest earthen dam and one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India’s independence – stands across this river.

The Mahanadi rises from the wild mountainous region of Bastar, about 40 km southeast of Raipur. As several mountain streams combine to form the river, its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, but the closest source is tracked to a point 6 km from Pharsiya village near Sihawa town in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh. For the first 100 km of its course, the Mahanadi trickles down as a small stream, with a valley width of only 500–600m, flowing northward past Raipur. On reaching the town of Sheorinarayan, it receives its first big tributary, the Shivnath. For the rest of its voyage the river flows eastward. It is joined by two more tributaries – the Jonkand Hasdeo – before entering Odisha near Sambalpur. By this time it has covered about half of its total length. About 10 km from Sambalpur, the Mahanadi is dammed by the Hirakud Dam, a composite structure of earth, concrete, and masonry spanning two hills, the Laxmidungri and Chandilidungri, and forming Asia’s largest artificial lake. 

Before the construction of the dam, the Mahanadi was notorious for its devastating floods that earned it the name of ‘Sorrow of Orissa’. However, the dam has reduced this problem to a great extent, with a network of canals, barrages and checkdams keeping the river well in control. As the river continues on its course, it is joined by several lesser streams including the Ib, Ong, and Tel. Skirting the boundaries of the Boudh district, it forces its way through a series of rapids between peaks and ledges till it arrives at Dholpur,Odisha. The rapids end here, and the river continues on its path to the Eastern Ghats, coursing its way through the 64-km-long Satkosia Gorge. It then joins the Odisha plains near Naraj, 14 km south of Cuttack, where it pours down between two hills that are a mile apart. Here, a barrage has been built to control the river’s flow into Cuttack.

Just before entering Cuttack, the river produces a distributary (the opposite of a tributary: a stream flowing away from a river) known as the Kathjori. The Kathjori splits up into numerous streams after entering the Puri district, and all of them flow into the Bay of Bengal. TheMahanadi itself flows eastward through the Cuttack district and enters the Bay of Bengal through multiple channels at False Point near Paradeep in Kendrapara district. 

The Mahanadi contributes much of the resources and facilitates for industrial development from east-central India to the east coast. The water potential of Mahanadi makes it the second largest in India after Godavari. Considered as the lifeline of east-central India, the Mahanadi River justifies its name given as the ‘Great (maha) River (nadi).

Do you know 

● The specific shape of the course of the Mahanadi River is geographically termed the ‘Horseshoe’ shape.

● Chilka Lake in Orissa gets over 60% of its inland flow from the Mahanadi River. It is a famous wetland site and a favourite visiting place for migratory birds.

Story of devotion and sacrifice

LEGEND OF DHARMAPADA

The Sun Temple of Konark has several fascinating legends associated with its construction and origin. One of the most popular stories is tied to the devotion and sacrifice of a young boy named Dharmapada.

According to the legend, King Narasimhadeva I commissioned the construction of the Sun Temple, and 1,200 artisans worked on it for 12 years. Despite their dedicated efforts, they struggled to install the crowning stone (kalasha) on the top of the temple, which was crucial for its completion.

The king had declared that if the temple was not completed within the stipulated time, all the artisans would be executed. As the deadline approached, the artisans became increasingly anxious. At that time, a 12-year-old boy named Dharmapada, the son of the chief architect Bishu Maharana, arrived at the site.

Though Bishu Maharana had left his home when his wife was pregnant, Dharmapada had grown up hearing about his father's work on the magnificent temple. When he learned of the artisans' plight, he examined the construction and ingeniously suggested a solution. Following his guidance, the crowning stone was finally placed, completing the temple.

However, the artisans feared that if the king learned a mere boy had succeeded where they had failed, they would still face punishment. To protect his father's reputation and save the artisans, Dharmapada made the ultimate sacrifice—he leapt into the waters of the Chandrabhaga River from the top of the temple.

The legend portrays Dharmapada as a symbol of wisdom, sacrifice, and dedication. Even today, his story resonates with the people of Odisha, adding a mystical aura to the majestic Sun Temple.

Power of words

A MAN AND THE BLIND BOY 

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said, "I am blind. Please help."

There were only a few coins in the hat. 

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took this sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by could see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon, the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. 

The boy recognised his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?" 

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I wrote only what you had written, but in a different way."

What he had written was, "Today is a beautiful day, and I cannot see it."

Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing? Of course, both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told the people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the story: 

Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively. 

Invite others towards good with wisdom. Live life with no excuses and love life with no regrets. When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have one thousand reasons to smile. Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear. 

Great men say, life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness. 

In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must have the ticket of a good conscience. 

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling. And even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason behind it.

The oldest giant tortoise

JONATHAN 

Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise who lives on the tiny island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. Born around 1832, he’s 192 years old! The world’s oldest living land animal, this gentle giant has a huge domed shell that is almost 1.2 m in length, strong, elephant-like legs and a long neck that helps him reach tasty leaves.

Today, Jonathan lives on the grounds of Plantation House, where the Governor of St Helena lives. He has a special vet who checks on him regularly, and his caretakers make sure he gets his favorite foods—fresh fruits and vegetables. Despite being nearly 200 years old, he still enjoys exploring his garden and meeting visitors from around the world!

Time-Traveling Tortoise! Jonathan has seen it all—watching our world change from horse-drawn carriages to self-driving cars. That’s Jonathan’s incredible story!

Jonathan was born around 1832. Back then, there were no cars, no phones, and definitely no video games! People rode horses, wrote letters by candlelight, and had never even dreamed of television. 

When he was middleaged, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone (1876). People could talk to someone far away for the first time!

As Jonathan munched on grass in his home on St Helena Island, scientists discovered X-rays (1895), which let doctors see inside our bodies like magic.

By the time he was 100 years old, the first airplanes were soaring through the skies.

When he was about 125, penicillin was discovered (1928), a medicine that would save millions of lives.

From Earth to Space: Jonathan saw the launch of Sputnik (1957), Earth’s first artificial satellite. He was there when Neil Armstrong took his famous first steps on the Moon (1969). He’s lived to see robots exploring Mars and telescopes discovering thousands of planets around other stars! 

In Jonathan’s later years, he’s witnessed some mindblowing changes:

* Birth of the internet (1990s)

* Phones becoming tiny computers that we carry in our pockets.

* The rise of robots and artificial intelligence.

A Living Legend: While the world around him has changed dramatically, Jonathan keeps living his peaceful life on the island of St Helena. He’s like a bridge between the past and present—a remarkable animal who has seen more history than any human alive today! 

Long Live Jonathan!

Picture within a picture

DROSTE EFFECT 

Take a close look at this picture. The woman is holding a tray with a cup of hot chocolate and a packet of cocoa, which shows her own picture holding the same items! This creates a ‘picture within a picture’ effect.

In 1904, a newly launched cocoa tin gained a lot of attention. It featured a nurse holding a tray with the same cocoa tin and a cup of hot chocolate. If you looked closely or used a magnifying glass, the “second” picture on the tin also showed the same image. This repeating picture fascinated consumers, and the cocoa tin, made by Droste, a Dutch chocolate manufacturer, became an instant hit. This technique of repeating images within smaller insets is now known as the Droste effect.

The Droste effect is a visual form of recursion. Recursion is when something repeats itself over and over again. It is a concept used in a variety of disciplines, ranging from mathematics and computer science to art.

The Droste effect was earlier known as mise en abyme, French for ‘placed in the abyss’. It meant an infinite reproduction of an image, as when one stands between two mirrors. Renowned Dutch graphic artist M C Escher used it in many of his works, such as Print Gallery and Drawing Hands.

At one time, the Droste effect was popular in product packaging. Even today, it can be seen in some products. The Laughing Cow cheese brand for instance, has a picture of a cow wearing earrings. When seen closely, the earrings are images of the package, each with the picture of the cow!

Did the Droste effect inspire the creation of the Matryoshka doll? Not really. The Matryoshka doll developed independently in 19th-century Russia. It consists of a set of wooden dolls nesting one inside the other, with each smaller doll resembling the larger one. The Droste effect is more of a visual design concept while the Matryoshka doll is a physical object.

A colourful celebration

HOLI’S MYRIAD HUES

 Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and in many parts of the world. While most people are familiar with the colourful celebrations and the joyous spirit of Holi, there are several lesser-known facts about this festival that add to its rich cultural tapestry.

Ecological significance: While Holi is primarily a cultural and religious festival, it also has ecological significance. The Holika Dahan is traditionally performed using wood from specific trees that have medicinal properties. The heat from the bonfire is believed to purify the air and kill bacteria, which is particularly beneficial at the onset of spring when diseases are more likely to spread. This practice highlights the ancient wisdom of using natural elements for health and well-being.

Traditional colours: The colours used in Holi, known as "gulal" and "abir," were traditionally made from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and minerals. For instance, yellow was made from turmeric, red from flowers like kewada, and green from neem leaves. These natural colours were not only safe for the skin but also had therapeutic benefits. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in using such natural colors to avoid the harmful effects of synthetic dyes.

Holi in different regions: Holi is celebrated differently in various regions of India, each with its own unique customs and traditions. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi is celebrated with great fervour and is known as "Lathmar Holi." Here, women playfully hit men with sticks, symbolising the playful acts of Radha and her friends with Krishna. In the state of Manipur, Holi is celebrated for six days and is known as "Yaoshang," where people build and burn a thatched hut to signify the burning of Holika.

Historical significance: Holi has been celebrated for centuries and has been metioned in ancient texts and inscriptions. The festival is described in the 7th-century Sanskrit drama "Ratnavali" by Harsha, and it is also depicted in ancient paintings and murals. This historical continuity highlights the enduring nature of Holi as a cultural and religious festival. 

Role of music and dance: Music and dance play a crucial role in Holi celebrations. Traditional songs, known as "Holi geet" or "Phagwah geet," are sung during the festival, often accompanied by instruments like the dhol and manjeera. These songs celebrate the love of Radha and Krishna and the joy ofspring. In some regions, there are specific dance forms associated with Holi, such as the "Dhamal" dance in Haryana, which is performed to the beats of the dhol.

Global influence: Holi has gained popularity worldwide with many countries adopting the festival's colorful and joyous spirit. In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Holi celebrations are becoming increasingly common, often organised by Indian communities and attended by people from diverse backgrounds. This global influence has also led to the creation of events like "colour run" a 5km race where participants are doused with coloured powder at various checkpoints. 

In art and literature: Holi has been a source of inspiration for many poets, writers, and artists. It has been depicted in numerous works of literature, paintings, and sculptures, capturing the essence of the festival's joy and vibrancy. The festival's themes of love, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil have been explored in various forms of art, making Holi a significant cultural symbol.

Post-Holi rituals: After the day of Holi, there are several post-festival rituals that are observed in different regions. In some parts of India, people apply sandalwood paste on their bodies to soothe the skin after being exposed to colours. In others, special sweets like gujiya and mathri are prepared and shared among family and friends. These rituals add a sense of closure to the festival and reinforce the bonds of community and family.

Holi is more than just a festival of colours; it is a celebration of life, love, and the triumph of good over evil. Its rich history, diverse traditions, and cultural significance make it a unique and cherished festival. As Holi continues to be celebrated across the world, it serves as a reminder of the power of joy, unity, and tradition in bringing people together. 

Mountains of Seven Colours

THE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS OF PERU 

The Rainbow Mountains of Peru, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), are a stunning natural wonder located in the Andes Mountains near Cusco. Their vibrant colours come from the sedimentary mineral layers that have been exposed over time due to erosion.

How Were the Rainbow Mountains Formed?

The colours of Vinicunca come from mineral deposits in the rock layers, exposed over thousands of years due to erosion. Each colour represents a different mineral:

Red: Iron oxide (rust)

Yellow: Iron sulphide 

Green: Chlorite (rich in magnesium and copper)

Brown and Purple: Manganese and claystone

White: Quartz and sandstone

Key Facts about the Rainbow Mountains:

Altitude: Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level

Location: Around 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Cusco

Vinicunca was covered by ice until about 2015 when climate change and melting ice revealed its colorful layers!