The Forest Giraffe

OKAPI 

The okapi is a rare and fascinating animal that looks like a mix between a giraffe and a zebra. It has a long neck like a giraffe and beautiful black-and-white stripes on its legs, which make it resemble a zebra. In reality, the okapi is the giraffe’s closest living relative.

Where Do Okapis Live? 

Okapis are found only in one place on Earth – the Ituri Rainforest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. They live deep in the forest, where tall trees, thick plants, and quiet surroundings keep them safe. Because of this secretive lifestyle, scientists only discovered okapis in 1901, even though local people knew about them for centuries.

Appearance and Special Features: Okapis have reddish-brown, oily fur that helps keep them dry in the rain.

The white stripes on their legs work like camouflage, helping them blend into the forest shadows.

They have a long, blue tongue (up to 18 inches long!) which helps them pull leaves from tall trees and even clean their ears and eyes.

Males have small horns called ossicones, while females usually don’t.

Diet and Eating Habits: Okapis are herbivores. They eat leaves, buds, fruits, ferns, and fungi. They are known to consume more than 27 kilograms of food every day. Sometimes, they also eat clay and even bat droppings to get important minerals and salts missing from their leafy diet.

Family and Behaviour: Okapis are solitary animals, meaning they prefer living alone.

They are very territorial and use scent from their hooves to mark their area.

Mother okapis hide their babies in the forest for weeks after birth to protect them from predators. Interestingly, baby okapis don’t poop for the first month – this helps keep their hiding spots secret.

Okapis communicate with low sounds that humans cannot hear, a way of “talking” safely in the forest.

Threats and Conservation: Sadly, okapis are endangered. Their rainforest home is being destroyed due to deforestation, mining, and farming. They are also hunted by poachers. To protect them, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared the okapi its national animal and created protected reserves like the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fun Facts: 

● Okapis are sometimes called the “African unicorn” because of their shy nature and mysterious appearance.

● Their closest relative is the giraffe, not the zebra, despite their stripes.

● An okapi can live up to 20–30 years in captivity.

Conclusion: The okapi is a truly unique creature of the African rainforest. With its zebra-like stripes, giraffe-like body, and shy personality, it reminds us of how diverse and amazing nature can be. Protecting the okapi also means protecting the rainforest, which is home to countless other plants and animals.

The happiness formula

KICK OUT THE 3 EVIL C’s, WELCOME THE 3 POSITIVE P’s

Happiness is something all of us seek, but very often we unknowingly block our own path to it. One big reason is the kind of energy we give and receive in our daily lives. Our interactions—what we say, how we react, and how we behave—deeply affect both ourselves and others. While we all want positive energy from people around us, we often forget that our own actions also send out energy that either uplifts or drains others.

To truly become positive, we must consciously get rid of the three evil C’s: Complain, Compare, and Criticise. These three habits not only spoil relationships but also reduce our own happiness and peace of mind.

What are the three evil C’s?

The three evil C’s—complain, compare, and criticise—are habits that trap us in negativity. When these dominate our thoughts and actions:

● We start competing unnecessarily with friends, peers, and relatives.

● We complain about situations rather than working towards solutions.

● We criticise people instead of supporting them.

These behaviours may seem small, but they silently damage our friendships, lower our confidence, disturb our focus, and add unnecessary pressure to life.

1. What is Complaining?

Complaining is expressing dissatisfaction about things, often without taking steps to improve them. It’s easy to complain, but it doesn’t solve the problem—it only amplifies our frustration.

Life is full of unexpected situations, and not everything will go as planned. The real test is how we respond:

■ Do we complain endlessly, focusing on the negatives?

■ Or do we adapt, stay calm, and try to find solutions?

People who complain constantly fail to see opportunities. On the other hand, those who learn to accept and adjust radiate positivity and inspire others.

2. What is Comparing?

Comparison is natural—we all do it. Sometimes it’s even useful, like comparing products before buying the best one. But when it comes to people, comparison can be harmful.

Each individual is unique. When we compare ourselves with others—whether it’s marks, skills, looks, or achievements—we only bring unhappiness. Someone will always be better at something, and that’s okay.Instead of comparing, we should:

■ Focus on our own strengths.

■ Celebrate our uniqueness.

■ Work on developing our talents.

Remember: Your biggest competitor is not someone else, but the person you were yesterday.

3. What is Criticising?

Criticism, when negative, is the most harmful of the three C’s. It is about finding faults in others, pulling them down, or making their efforts look small.

Often, criticism stems from jealousy or insecurity. For example:

■ A friend scores better in a test—you dismiss it as luck instead of appreciating their hard work.

■ A classmate joins dance classes—you laugh at their mistakes instead of encouraging their enthusiasm.

Such behavior damages trust, friendships, and confidence. Constructive feedback is healthy, but destructive criticism spreads only negativity.

How to Get Rid of the Three Evil C’s?

The good news is that these habits can be changed. Here’s how:

1. Replace Complaining with Gratitude:

Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, think about what’s right. A gratitude journal—writing down three good things every day—can train your mind to see positives.

2. Replace Comparing with Self-Improvement:

Compete with yourself, not others. Set personal goals and measure your progress. This way, every achievement, however small, feels meaningful.

3. Replace Criticising with Encouragement:

Encourage and appreciate people for their efforts. A simple “Well done!” or “Keep going, you’re improving!” can make someone’s day and strengthen bonds.

Final Thoughts: The three evil C’s—complain, compare, and criticise—might seem harmless in the moment, but over time they steal our peace, positivity, and happiness. By consciously avoiding them, we not only become better individuals but also spread positivity in our families, classrooms, and communities.

Life is too short to waste on negativity. Choose gratitude over complaints, self-growth over comparisons, and encouragement over criticism. In doing so, you’ll find that happiness isn’t something you chase—it’s something you create.

✨ Happiness begins when we let go of the three evil C’s and embrace the three positive P’s: Peace, Progress, and Positivity.

Colours and Their Associations

COLOUR SYNAESTHESIA 

Colours are more than just visual experiences – they hold powerful meanings and associations that influence our emotions, behaviour, and even memory. From the vibrant energy of red to the calm trust of blue, every colour carries a psychological impact.

Colours and what they symbolise

● Red – Excitement, strength, love, energy

● Orange – Confidence, success, bravery, sociability

● Yellow – Creativity, happiness, warmth, cheer

● Green – Nature, healing, freshness, quality

● Blue – Trust, peace, loyalty, competence

● Purple – Royalty, luxury, spirituality, ambition

● Pink – Compassion, sincerity, sophistication, sweetness

● Brown – Dependability, ruggedness, trustworthiness, simplicity

● Black – Formality, drama, sophistication, security

● White – Cleanliness, simplicity, innocence, honesty

These associations explain why certain colours are used in branding, fashion, or even daily life choices. For example, hospitals often use green or blue for their calming effect, while red is used in advertisements to grab attention.

What is colour synaesthesia?

Synaesthesia is a neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to an automatic, involuntary experience in another pathway. In simple words, the senses “cross over.”

Colour synaesthesia is a type of synaesthesia in which a non-coloured stimulus, or inducer, consistently and involuntarily causes the perception of colour. Importantly, for synaesthetes, this is not just imagination – it is a real and internal experience.

Possible inducers of colour

Graphemes (letters and numbers): This is the most common form, called grapheme–colour synaesthesia. For example, the letter A may always appear red, while the number 7 is consistently yellow. Each person has unique colour mappings.

Sounds: In chromesthesia (sound-to-colour synaesthesia), hearing music, spoken words, or even a car horn may trigger flashes of colour.

Concepts: Some people associate colours with abstract ideas, such as days of the week, months, or even emotions.

Key Characteristics of Colour Synaesthesia

Involuntary: The colour experience happens automatically without conscious effort.

Consistent: Associations remain stable over time. If the number 4 is blue today, it will be blue even decades later.

Specific: Each colour is precise. A synaesthete may know that B is cobalt blue, not just “any” blue.

Types of experience

Projector Synaesthesia: Colours are perceived as if they are physically projected onto the outside world. For example, the number 4 printed in black may be seen as blue.

Associator Synaesthesia: The person experiences the colour in their “mind’s eye.” They don’t see it externally but internally sense the colour whenever they encounter the inducer.

Why does it happen?

Synaesthesia is not a disease but a difference in brain wiring. It is thought to arise from extra connections between sensory regions of the brain, possibly due to genetic factors. Approximately 4% of the population experiences some form of synaesthesia, with colour synaesthesia being one of the most common.

Many synaesthetes see it as a unique gift because it can:

Aid memory (e.g., remembering spellings and numbers).

Boost creativity (many artists and musicians report having synaesthesia).

Offer a richer sensory world.

Even modern computers are inspired by this phenomenon, using artificial “colour coding” to detect errors or prevent cyber-attacks.

The fascination of colours

Colours influence the way we think, feel, and express ourselves. For synaesthetes, this experience goes beyond symbolism – it is a vivid, lifelong perception that makes their inner world richer and more colourful.

Next time you see a colour, think of its meaning – and imagine how extraordinary it must feel to “see sounds” or “colour numbers” like a synaesthete!

The Flying Revolution

DRONES 

A drone, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), is an aircraft that operates without a human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. These vehicles can be controlled remotely by an operator on the ground or, in more advanced models, can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans and a variety of sensors.

History of Drones: The idea of unmanned flight is not new—it dates back centuries, but drones as we know them evolved mainly through military and technological needs.

18th Century: The earliest examples include explosive-laden balloons used in warfare.

World War I: Experimental “aerial torpedoes” like the British Aerial Target and the American Kettering Bug were created, but never used in combat.

1930s: The word “drone” is believed to have originated from the DH.82B Queen Bee, a British radio-controlled aircraft used for target practice.

Vietnam War: Drones were widely used for reconnaissance, psychological operations, and as decoys.

Post 9/11: Military drones became essential for surveillance and targeted strikes.

2000s: Commercial and consumer drone production expanded rapidly, with models like the DJI Phantom making drones popular for photography and recreation.

Parts of a Drone

1. Frame

The body structure of the drone that holds all components together.

Usually made of lightweight but strong materials like carbon fibre or plastic.

2. Motors

Provide the rotational force to spin the propellers.

A quadcopter has 4 motors, hexacopter has 6, etc.

3. Propellers

The blades that spin to generate lift and thrust.

Shape and size affect speed, stability, and efficiency.

4. Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs)

Act as the connection between the battery and motors.

Control how fast each motor spins.

5. Flight Controller (FC)

The “brain” of the drone.

Processes data from sensors and user commands to keep the drone stable and responsive.

6. Battery

Provides power to the motors and electronic systems.

Most drones use rechargeable lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries.

7. Radio Receiver / Transmitter (Remote Control System)

Transmitter (handheld remote) sends signals from the pilot.

Receiver (on the drone) accepts signals and passes them to the flight controller.

8. GPS Module

Allows drones to know their position and fly autonomously using coordinates.

Helps in “Return-to-Home” (RTH) function.

9. Sensors

Gyroscope & Accelerometer → Keep the drone stable and balanced.

Barometer → Measures air pressure to maintain altitude.

Obstacle sensors → Help avoid collisions (in advanced drones).

10. Camera & Gimbal (in camera drones)

Camera → Captures photos and videos.

Gimbal → A stabilizing mount that keeps the camera steady for smooth footage.

11. Landing Gear

Supports safe take-off and landing.

May be fixed or retractable in advanced drones.

In short, a drone works because the frame holds everything, the battery powers the motors, the propellers generate lift, and the flight controller + sensors keep it balanced and responsive.

Types of Drones

Drones are classified by their design, wing type, or purpose.

1. Multi-Rotor Drones

Includes quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters.

Pros: Easy to fly, hover in place, suitable for aerial photography.

Cons: Short flight time, limited payload.

2. Fixed-Wing Drones

Look like traditional airplanes.

Pros: Long flight times, cover large areas, useful for mapping and agriculture.

Cons: Cannot hover, need runway or catapult for takeoff.

3. Single-Rotor Drones

Resemble helicopters.

Pros: Longer flight time, higher payload.

Cons: Expensive, mechanically complex.

4. Fixed-Wing Hybrid VTOL

Blend of fixed-wing and multi-rotor.

Pros: Take off/land vertically and fly long distances.

Cons: Technologically complex and costly.

Uses and Applications of Drones

Drones have moved far beyond the battlefield to transform industries and daily life.

🔹 Recreational

Aerial photography and videography

Drone racing and hobbies

🔹 Commercial

Filmmaking & Media: Capturing stunning aerial shots.

Agriculture: Crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, soil analysis.

Surveying & Mapping: Creating 3D models and topographic maps.

Delivery: Transporting packages, food, and medical supplies.

Infrastructure Inspection: Power lines, bridges, wind turbines, oil rigs.

🔹 Public Service

Search & Rescue: Reaching disaster-hit or remote areas.

Law Enforcement: Crowd monitoring, surveillance, crime scene analysis.

Environmental Monitoring: Wildlife tracking, pollution checks, climate studies.

Technological Advancements

Recent innovations are making drones more advanced, efficient, and intelligent.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML): Enables object recognition, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous decision-making.

5G & Connectivity: Faster data transfer, real-time control, long-distance operation.

Swarm Technology: Multiple drones working together for complex tasks like search missions or light shows.

Advanced Sensors: LiDAR, thermal cameras, hyperspectral imaging for specialized applications.

Better Power Sources: Hydrogen fuel cells and solar-powered drones for longer flight times.

Advantages of Drones

Access to dangerous or remote areas.

Time- and cost-saving.

Real-time aerial data and monitoring.

Challenges and Concerns

Privacy risks due to camera misuse.

Airspace safety issues and risk of collisions.

Misuse for illegal or harmful activities.

Limited battery life in small drones.

Conclusion: From military roots to everyday applications, drones have come a long way. They are now revolutionizing industries, aiding in public service, and opening creative opportunities. As technology continues to advance, drones will likely play an even bigger role in shaping transportation, agriculture, security, and entertainment in the future.

Do you know

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RABBIT AND HARE 

Rabbits and hares both belong to the same family, Leporidae, but they are not the same animal. Despite looking similar, they differ in their physical features, behavior, life cycle, and relationship with humans. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate how each has adapted to survive in its environment.

1. Physical Differences

Size and Build: Hares are generally larger, leaner, and more athletic than rabbits, which have a smaller, rounder, and more compact body.

Ears and Legs: Hares have longer ears (often tipped with black) and longer, stronger hind legs built for running. Rabbits’ ears and legs are shorter.

Fur: Hares have coarse fur, and many species, such as the snowshoe hare, change coat colour with the seasons—brown or grey in summer and white in winter for camouflage. Rabbits have softer fur that usually stays the same colour throughout the year.

2. Habitat and Behavior

Shelter: Rabbits dig complex underground tunnels called warrens for safety. Hares do not dig burrows; instead, they rest in shallow ground depressions called forms.

Social Structure: Rabbits are social and live in groups, while hares are solitary and mostly live alone or in pairs.

Defense Strategy: When threatened, rabbits dart into burrows to hide. Hares rely on their speed and long leaps to escape predators in open areas—some can run up to 70 km/h.

3. Offspring and Life Cycle

Rabbits (Kits or Kittens): Their young are altricial—born blind, hairless, and helpless. They remain in a fur-lined nest and require extensive parental care.

Hares (Leverets): Their young are precocial—born with fur, eyes open, and able to move around within hours. They need little parental care and are almost independent from birth.

4. Domestication

Rabbits: Easily domesticated and widely kept as pets or farm animals.

Hares: Wild animals by nature and not suitable for domestication.

5. Common Confusions

The term “jackrabbit” is misleading—it is actually a species of hare, not a rabbit. Such names often add to the confusion between the two.

✅ In Summary

Rabbits = smaller, social, burrow-dwelling animals with helpless young.

Hares = larger, solitary, fast runners with independent young.

Both animals may look alike, but their lifestyles and survival strategies are very different. Rabbits thrive in safety and numbers, while hares rely on speed and independence.

Celebrating the Power of Images

WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY 

World Photography Day is celebrated every year on 19th August to honour the art, craft, science, and history of photography. It is a day dedicated to photographers—both professionals and enthusiasts—who capture moments that inspire, inform, and connect people across the world.

History and Significance: The date commemorates a remarkable milestone in photography’s history. On 19th August 1839, the French government announced the invention of the daguerreotype photographic process as a “free gift to the world.” Developed by Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, the daguerreotype became the world’s first practical photographic process and laid the foundation for modern photography.

World Photography Day is not just about technology, but about the transformative power of images. It recognises:

● Photography as an art form – encouraging creativity and self-expression.

● Documentation and preservation – capturing history, culture, and personal memories.

● Social change and awareness – using images to tell stories, spread awareness, and inspire action.

Theme of World Photography Day 2025: The official theme for World Photography Day 2025 is "My Favourite Photo." This theme encourages people around the world to share one photograph that holds deep personal meaning, along with the story behind it .

How the Day is Celebrated:

● Photo Exhibitions & Competitions – Museums, galleries, and photography clubs showcase creative works.

● Workshops & Talks – Professionals inspire budding photographers with tips and techniques.

 ● Social Media Campaigns – People share their best shots online with hashtags like #WorldPhotographyDay.

● Tributes to Pioneers – Honoring those who developed and advanced photography as an art and science.

Photography in Everyday Life: Today, with smartphones in nearly every hand, photography has become part of daily life. From preserving family memories to capturing breathtaking landscapes, photography allows us to share our perspective with the world instantly.

Conclusion: World Photography Day is more than a celebration of cameras and pictures—it is a reminder of the power of images to touch hearts, document history, and inspire change. Whether you are a professional photographer or someone who enjoys clicking moments on your phone, this day belongs to everyone who believes in the magic of photography.

The Mother of Orphans

SINDHUTAI SAPKAL 

Introduction: Sindhutai Sapkal, affectionately called “Mai” (Mother), was a remarkable Indian social worker and activist remembered for her extraordinary compassion. Her life was a journey from hardship and rejection to becoming the mother of over a thousand orphaned children. She proved that true motherhood lies not in giving birth but in giving love, care, and dignity to those who have none.

Early Life and Struggles: Sindhutai was born on 14 November 1948 in Wardha, Maharashtra, into a poor family. Considered an unwanted child, she was nicknamed “Chindhi” (torn piece of cloth). Her father supported her education, but due to family pressure, she was married at the tender age of 12 to a man twice her age.

By 20, she was the mother of three children and pregnant with her fourth when her husband abandoned her. Thrown out of her home, she gave birth to her daughter alone in a cowshed, cutting the umbilical cord with a sharp stone.

Homeless and destitute, Sindhutai survived by begging at railway stations and streets. During this painful period, she witnessed the suffering of countless orphaned and abandoned children. This experience awakened a lifelong mission in her heart: to become a mother to all those who had no one.

In an extraordinary act of fairness, she entrusted her biological daughter to a trust, ensuring she could treat all orphaned children equally without bias.

A Life of Social Service: Sindhutai began by taking in abandoned children she met on the streets and providing them food and shelter. Over time, her family of children grew. With sheer determination, courage, and community support, she went on to establish several orphanages and organisations across Maharashtra, including:

● Sanmati Bal Niketan Sanstha (Hadapsar, Pune): An orphanage with facilities for children.

● Punarutthan Samarasata Gurukulam (Chinchwad): For the upliftment of the Pardhi community and their children.

● Saptasindhu Mahila Adhar, Balsangopan Aani Shikshan Sanstha: For the welfare of poor and underprivileged women and children.

Through her tireless efforts, she nurtured and raised more than 1,500 orphaned children, many of whom went on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and social workers. Her children lovingly called her Mai, and as they grew up, her family expanded to include hundreds of sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, creating a vast extended family.

Awards and Recognition: Sindhutai’s selfless service earned her immense recognition. She received over 750 awards, the prize money from which she invested in building and running her orphanages. Some of her most prestigious honors include:

● Padma Shri (2021) – for her outstanding work in social service.

● Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) – India’s highest civilian award for women.

● Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice (2013).

● Ahilyabai Holkar Award (2010) – from the Government of Maharashtra.

● Honorary Doctorate – from Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering, Pune.

Her inspiring journey was also depicted in the Marathi biopic “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal” (2010), which brought her life story to a wider audience.

Legacy: Sindhutai Sapkal passed away on 4 January 2022, but her legacy lives on through the thousands of lives she transformed. She turned her pain into purpose and her struggles into strength, showing the world the true meaning of motherhood and humanity.

Conclusion: Sindhutai Sapkal’s life is a timeless reminder that greatness does not lie in power or wealth, but in compassion and service to others. From being an unwanted child herself to becoming the Mother of Orphans, she proved that one individual, with courage and love, can change the destiny of thousands.

Her story inspires us to look beyond ourselves, extend a hand to the needy, and spread kindness wherever possible.

Rain Catchers of India

JOHAD 

India has always had a rich tradition of water conservation. In many regions, people developed simple but effective methods to collect and store rainwater, ensuring that they had enough for drinking, farming, and daily use even in dry seasons. One of the most famous and successful traditional rainwater harvesting structures is the Johad.

What is a Johad?

A Johad is a traditional earthen check dam or small pond used to store rainwater. It is usually made by digging a pit and building a small mud wall (embankment) to hold back the rainwater that flows from surrounding areas. The stored water seeps into the ground, recharging wells and increasing groundwater levels.

Johads are mainly found in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, especially in semi-arid regions where water scarcity is common.

Importance of Johads

1. Rainwater Storage – Collects and stores seasonal rainfall for use throughout the year.

2. Groundwater Recharge – Helps water seep into the soil, raising the water table.

3. Support for Agriculture – Provides irrigation water during dry periods.

4. Drinking Water – Acts as a source of clean water for villages.

5. Environmental Benefits – Increases greenery, supports biodiversity, and prevents soil erosion.

Johads in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, one of the driest states of India, has revived thousands of Johads through community participation. The most famous example is in the Alwar district, where social worker Rajendra Singh, known as the “Waterman of India”, led a movement to restore old Johads. These efforts transformed barren lands into fertile fields, brought back wildlife, and revived rivers like the Arvari.

Johads today

Even in modern times, Johads are considered a low-cost and eco-friendly solution to water scarcity. Many communities are combining traditional Johads with modern rainwater harvesting techniques to ensure water security.

✨ Conclusion: Johads are not just ponds—they are living examples of India’s wisdom in water conservation. They show how simple community efforts can solve even the toughest problems like droughts and water shortages.

An inspiring story of devotion

PRAHLAD

The story of Prahlad is one of the most inspiring and powerful tales in Hindu mythology, especially in the Vaishnava tradition. It symbolises the triumph of devotion (bhakti) and righteousness over pride and evil, while also highlighting the omnipresence and protective grace of Lord Vishnu.

The Demon King Hiranyakashipu: The tale begins with the mighty Asura king, Hiranyakashipu, who was filled with anger and revenge. His younger brother, Hiranyaksh, had been slain by Vishnu in His Varaha (boar) avatar. Consumed by grief and fury, Hiranyakashipu performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma, seeking a boon that would make him virtually immortal.

His boon was carefully worded:

He could not be killed by man or beast,

Neither by day nor night,

Neither indoors nor outdoors,

Neither on land, water, nor in the air,

And not by any weapon.

Brahma granted this boon, and Hiranyakashipu, believing himself invincible, grew arrogant. He declared himself the supreme ruler and god, demanding that all his subjects worship him alone. Those who resisted were punished or killed.

Prahlad’s birth and devotion: While Hiranyakashipu was deep in penance, his wife Kayadhu was taken into the care of the sage Narad. During this time, Narad narrated stories of Lord Vishnu to her, and these divine teachings reached her unborn child. Thus, Prahlad, even before birth, was filled with unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.

From childhood, Prahlad was extraordinary. He constantly chanted Vishnu’s name, meditated on Him, and spread His glory. This enraged his father, who could not tolerate his son worshipping his sworn enemy. Despite Hiranyakashipu’s threats and harsh punishments, Prahlad’s devotion remained firm and fearless.

The Trials of Prahlad

Blinded by anger, Hiranyakashipu tried in many ways to kill his son:

Prahlad was thrown from a cliff, but survived.

He was trampled by elephants, but remained unharmed.

Venomous snakes were set upon him, but their poison did not work.

He was given poisoned food, but it turned harmless.

Each time, Prahlad emerged safe under the divine protection of Vishnu.

One of the most famous trials involved Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire. She sat on a burning pyre with Prahlad in her lap, hoping to burn him alive. 

But Prahlad’s devotion saved him. Holika perished in the flames, while Prahlad came out unhurt. This incident is remembered in the festival of Holi, where bonfires symbolise the victory of good over evil.

The Arrival of Narasimha: At last, enraged by his son’s defiance, Hiranyakashipu confronted Prahlad.

“Where is your Vishnu now?” he thundered.

Calmly, Prahlad replied, “He is everywhere.”

Mocking him, Hiranyakashipu pointed to a pillar in his palace. “Is He in this pillar too?”

“Yes,” answered Prahlad with unshaken faith.

In furious disbelief, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar with his mace. To everyone’s astonishment, the pillar cracked open and from it emerged Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha—a terrifying half-man, half-lion incarnation.

Narasimha seized Hiranyakashipu and fulfilled the conditions of the boon in a divine way:

He killed him at twilight (neither day nor night),

On the threshold of the palace (neither indoors nor outdoors),

Placed him on His lap (neither on earth, water, nor air),

And tore him apart with His claws (not a weapon, neither man nor beast).

Thus, Vishnu destroyed the tyrant without breaking Brahma’s boon, proving that divine justice always prevails.

The Aftermath: Narasimha’s anger was so fierce that even the gods trembled, but Prahlad, with his pure heart and humility, approached Him fearlessly. With folded hands, he sang praises of Vishnu, and it was only his devotion that calmed Narasimha’s fury.

Prahlad was then blessed and made king. He ruled the Asuras with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. His story became a shining example of unwavering faith, the power of devotion, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

✨ Moral of the Story: True devotion and faith in God can protect us from even the greatest dangers. Pride and arrogance may seem powerful, but in the end, humility and righteousness always triumph.

Our National Flag

 THE TIRANGA 

The national flag of India, fondly called the Tiranga or Tricolour, is a proud emblem of our nation’s unity, freedom, and sovereignty. It reflects the spirit of sacrifice, peace, and progress, and occupies a sacred place in the hearts of every Indian.

The journey of the Indian National Flag: The Tiranga we know today was not created overnight. It evolved through many designs during the freedom struggle, each representing the political aspirations and dreams of the people of India.

🇮🇳 Early Flags(1906–1917)

● 1906 – The Calcutta Flag 

Designers: Sachindra Prasad Bose and Sukumar Mitra.

Where hoisted: Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Design: Three horizontal stripes – green (top) with eight half-open white lotuses, yellow (middle) with “Vande Mataram” written in Devanagari script, and red (bottom) with a white sun and a crescent moon.

Significance: The first unofficial national flag symbolising unity against colonial rule.

● 1907 – The Berlin Committee Flag

Proposed by: Madam Bhikaji Cama and Indian revolutionaries in Europe.

Designed by: Hemchandra Kanungo.

Design: Similar to the 1906 version but with seven stars on the top stripe representing the Saptarishi (seven sages).

Event: Unfurled at the 2nd International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany.

● 1917 – The Home Rule Flag

Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.

Design: Nine alternating horizontal stripes (five red and four green) with seven white stars in the shape of the Saptarishi. A Union Jack was placed in the top-left corner, and a crescent moon and star were on the top right.

Significance: Represented the demand for self-governance within the British Empire.

🇮🇳 The Swaraj Flag (1921–1931)

● 1921 – Gandhi’s Swaraj Flag

Event: All India Congress Committee session at Bezwada (now Vijayawada).

Designer: Pingali Venkayya, modified by Mahatma Gandhi.

Design: Red and green stripes representing Hindus and Muslims, with a white stripe added for other communities. A Charkha (spinning wheel) was placed in the centre to symbolise self-reliance and Swadeshi.

Significance: Became a unifying symbol of the freedom movement.

● 1931 – The Tricolour with Charkha

Adopted by: Indian National Congress.

Design: Saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with a blue Charkha in the centre.

Note: It was clarified that the colours had no communal association—Saffron stood for courage and sacrifice, White for truth and peace, and Green for prosperity.

Significance: Direct forerunner of the current national flag.

🇮🇳 The Current Tiranga (1947 – Present)

On 22 July 1947, just before India’s independence, the Constituent Assembly adopted the current form of the national flag.

Design Changes: The Charkha in the centre was replaced with the Ashoka Chakra—a navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes, taken from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

Symbolism:

Saffron: Strength and courage.

White: Peace and truth.

Green: Fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.

Ashoka Chakra: Eternal movement, progress, and the principle of Dharma (righteousness).

The Tiranga was officially hoisted for the first time as the national flag of independent India on 15 August 1947. Since then, it has been a constant reminder of our nation’s unity, sovereignty, and heritage.

Respect for the Tiranga: The Flag Code of India prescribes rules for displaying and handling the national flag. It must always be hoisted with dignity, never touch the ground or water, and be treated as a sacred national symbol.

Conclusion: The evolution of the Tiranga is not just a story of changing designs—it is the story of India’s awakening, sacrifices, and unity in diversity. From the early flags of 1906 to the majestic Tricolour of today, each version carried the hopes of millions. The present Tiranga is a symbol of our identity and a constant inspiration to uphold the values of courage, truth, peace, and progress.

The shape that always lands the same way

BILLE 

Imagine you throw a toy into the air. It flips, spins, and twirls before falling down. But no matter how it falls, it always lands on the same side. Sounds like magic, right? Well, scientists have actually made such a shape! They call it Bille.

What is Bille?

Bille is not just an ordinary toy. It’s a special pyramid-shaped object called a monostable tetrahedron.

Tetrahedron means it has 4 triangular faces.

Monostable means it has only one stable resting position.

No matter which side you place it on — A, B, or C — Bille will slowly tip over and settle on side D every time.

The puzzle behind Bille: Back in 1966, two famous mathematicians, John Horton Conway and Richard Guy, asked a big question:

"Can anyone make a tetrahedron that always lands on the same side?"

For many years, no one could solve the puzzle.

Then, Professor Gábor Domokos and his student Gerg Almádi from the Budapest University of Technology in Hungary took up the challenge. For three years, they tested computer models and different shapes until they found the secret:

The tetrahedron had to be mostly hollow.

One side needed to be thousands of times heavier than the others.

How they built it: With the help of engineers, they made Bille:

The frame is light carbon fibre tubes.

One side is made of very heavy tungsten-carbide alloy.

It’s about 50 cm long (like a guitar) but weighs only 120 grams.

The name “Bille” comes from the Hungarian word billen, which means “to tip”.

Why is Bille Useful?

Bille is more than just a science trick. It can help in important ways:

1. Space Missions – Lunar landers that fall on uneven ground sometimes can’t get back up, ending the mission. A Bille-shaped lander would always land in the right position, saving millions of dollars.

2. Robotics – Robots made with Bille’s design could stand up by themselves after falling, making them better at moving on rough ground.

Fun Fact – What is a Tetrahedron?

A tetrahedron is a 3D shape with:

4 triangular faces

4 corners (vertices)

6 edges

It looks like a pyramid with a triangle at the base, and all its faces are flat.