Mukkuruni Kozhukattai

THE GIANT MODAK OF MUKKURUNI VINAYAGAR 

Inside the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, stands the imposing Mukkuruni Vinayagar, a revered form of Lord Ganesha. The deity is particularly famous for a remarkable offering made during Ganesh Chaturthi—a giant modak, or kozhukattai, prepared specially for the Lord.

The name Mukkuruni has its roots in an ancient Tamil measure of grain. “Mu” means three, while “kuruni” refers to a traditional measure of grain. The name is therefore closely associated with the traditional offering made using three kurunis of rice.

A MAJESTIC GANESHA 

Mukkuruni Vinayagar is an impressive idol, standing about 8 feet tall and carved from a single block of granite. According to tradition, the idol was discovered during the excavation of the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam in Madurai during the 17th century, in the period of King Tirumala Nayak. It was subsequently installed in the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

The shrine has become an important place of worship for devotees who seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles.

THE GIANT MODAK 

The most fascinating tradition associated with Mukkuruni Vinayagar is the preparation of a gigantic Mukkuruni Kozhukattai during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Unlike the small modaks commonly prepared in homes during the festival, this temple offering is made as one enormous modak. Reports of its preparation have described a modak weighing around 30–35 kilograms.

The traditional recipe includes rice, jaggery, coconut, roasted Bengal gram, sesame seeds, ghee and aromatic spices. The ingredients are carefully prepared and combined before the enormous sweet is shaped and wrapped for steaming.

INGREDIENTS TRADITIONALLY REPORTED FOR THE GIANT MODAK 

The giant Mukkuruni Modak is prepared using approximately 30 kg of rice, which is ground into flour, and 30 kg of jaggery. The recipe also includes around 25 fresh coconuts, 4 kg of roasted Bengal gram, 4 kg of white sesame seeds, 4.5 kg of ghee, 250 g of cardamom, and 50 g of nutmeg. These ingredients are carefully combined to create the enormous sweet offering made for Mukkuruni Vinayagar during Ganesh Chaturthi.

These quantities are reported for the large temple preparation and may vary according to the year's offering and preparation.

HOW IS THE GIANT MODAK PREPARED?

The preparation of such a huge offering requires considerable care and teamwork. The rice is processed into flour, while the jaggery, coconut and other ingredients are prepared for the sweet mixture.

The rice dough is shaped into a large outer covering, and the sweet filling is placed inside. The enormous modak is then carefully sealed and wrapped in banana leaves and cloth so that it retains its shape while cooking.

The giant offering is placed in a large vessel and steamed for many hours. Reports have described the cooking process as lasting approximately 24 hours. Once completely cooked, the giant modak is taken to the shrine and offered to Mukkuruni Vinayagar during the special Ganesh Chaturthi worship.

After the religious ceremony, the offering becomes prasadam and is distributed among devotees.

AN OFFERING OF DEVOTION 

The giant modak is more than an extraordinary culinary creation. In Hindu tradition, modak is closely associated with Lord Ganesha and is regarded as a favourite offering to the deity. The enormous size of the Mukkuruni Kozhukattai reflects the devotion and reverence with which the Lord is worshipped.

The ingredients and expenses connected with such temple offerings may also be supported through devotee sponsorship or ubayam, in which devotees, families or groups contribute towards religious ceremonies and offerings.

ARE GIANT MODAKS PREPARED ELSEWHERE?

The preparation of very large modaks is not unique to Madurai. Giant modaks have also been prepared during Ganesh festivals and temple celebrations in different parts of India.

For example, Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in Jaipur featured enormous modaks during its 2025 Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. In Maharashtra, giant modaks have also been prepared as part of large-scale Ganpati celebrations. In Kolkata, an enormous modak weighing more than a tonne was created as a public culinary attraction in 2026.

However, the Mukkuruni Kozhukattai has a special place in Madurai's temple tradition because the giant offering is directly associated with Mukkuruni Vinayagar and the traditional meaning of his name.

A TRADITION THAT BLENDS FAITH AND HERITAGE 

The story of Mukkuruni Vinayagar and his giant modak brings together religion, history, food traditions and Tamil cultural heritage. From the imposing granite idol to the painstaking preparation of a gigantic steamed offering, every aspect of the tradition reflects the importance of Lord Ganesha in the lives of devotees.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, the sight of the enormous modak being prepared and offered to Mukkuruni Vinayagar is a memorable part of the celebrations at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is a wonderful example of how India's ancient temple traditions continue to live on through generations.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Mukkuruni Vinayagar is housed inside the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

●The idol is about 8 feet tall and is carved from a single block of granite.

●The name Mukkuruni is associated with three kurunis, an ancient measure of grain.

●The giant temple modak is prepared as one large offering, rather than as many small modaks.

●Reports have placed the weight of the giant modak at approximately 30–35 kg, although quantities can vary.

●The huge offering may require many hours of steaming before it is ready for the special worship.

●After the offering, the modak is distributed as prasadam to devotees.

Let Your Money Multiply

FROM SAVING TO INVESTING 

“The best time to start investing was yesterday. The next best time is today.”

Most of us learn how to earn money and save money, but very few are taught how to grow money. Investing means putting your money to work so it can increase in value over time. Instead of letting your savings sit idle, smart investments help you build wealth for future goals such as higher education, buying a home, starting a business, or enjoying a secure retirement.

In today's world, even small investments made regularly can grow into a large amount through the power of compound interest and long-term investing.

WHY SHOULD WE INVEST?

Think of investing like planting a small sapling. With time, water, and care, it grows into a strong tree. Similarly, money invested wisely can grow year after year.

BENEFITS OF INVESTING:

●Beats inflation and helps your money retain its value.

●Builds wealth over the long term.

●Helps achieve financial goals.

●Creates an emergency financial cushion.

●Teaches financial discipline.

THREE IMPORTANT INVESTMENT TERMS 

💧 Liquidity

Liquidity refers to how quickly and easily you can access your money whenever you need it. Investments with high liquidity can be converted into cash almost immediately without losing much value. For example, a savings account has very high liquidity, while real estate has low liquidity because it usually takes time to sell.

📈 Return

Return is the profit or growth you earn from your investment over a period of time. Different investments offer different returns depending on their nature and market conditions. For example, fixed deposits usually provide steady returns, while stocks and mutual funds have the potential to offer higher returns over the long term.

⚠️ Risk

Risk is the possibility that an investment may lose value or not give the returns you expected. Generally, investments with higher potential returns also carry higher risk. Understanding your risk tolerance helps you choose investments that match your financial goals and comfort level.

Popular investment options in India (2026)

1. Savings Account

A savings account is the safest place to keep money for daily needs and emergencies. It offers easy access through ATMs, UPI, and online banking, but usually provides low interest.

2. Fixed Deposit (FD)

An FD is a low-risk investment where money is deposited for a fixed period and earns a fixed interest rate. It is suitable for people who want guaranteed returns.

3. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is one of India's safest long-term investment schemes. It has a 15-year lock-in period, offers tax benefits, and the interest is tax-free.

Latest Update (July–September 2026): The Government has kept the PPF interest rate at 7.1% per year for the current quarter.

4. Mutual Funds

Mutual funds collect money from many investors and invest it in stocks, bonds, or other assets. They are managed by professional fund managers.

A popular way to invest is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), where you invest a fixed amount every month. SIPs have become extremely popular in India in 2026 as millions of investors use them for long-term wealth creation.

5. Stocks (Shares)

Buying shares means owning a small part of a company. Stocks can give high returns over time, but their prices rise and fall daily, making them a high-risk investment.

6. Bonds

Bonds are loans given to governments or companies. They generally offer fixed interest and are less risky than stocks.

7. Gold

Gold has been a trusted investment in India for centuries. Today, people invest through jewellery, coins, bars, Gold ETFs, or digital gold. Gold often acts as a hedge during uncertain economic times.

8. Real Estate

Real estate includes land, houses, and commercial property. It can grow in value over time but usually requires a large investment and is less liquid.

SMART INVESTMENT TIPS FOR STUDENTS AND BEGINNERS 

●Start investing early, even with a small amount.

●Invest regularly instead of waiting for a large sum.

●Diversify your investments instead of putting all your money in one place.

●Keep an emergency fund before making risky investments.

●Invest according to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

LATEST INVESTMENT TRENDS IN INDIA (2026)

●SIPs continue to be one of the fastest-growing investment methods in India, with monthly contributions crossing record levels in 2026.

●Government small savings schemes like PPF, NSC, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana continue with unchanged interest rates for July–September 2026.

●Digital investing through mobile apps has made investing easier than ever, allowing people to invest in mutual funds, stocks, and gold from their smartphones.

CONCLUSION 

Money should not simply be saved—it should be given an opportunity to grow. Every investment has its own balance of risk, return, and liquidity. By understanding these basics and investing wisely, anyone can take small steps today toward a stronger financial future tomorrow.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Albert Einstein reportedly called compound interest the “eighth wonder of the world.”

●Investing ₹500 every month through a long-term SIP can grow into a substantial amount over many years, depending on market returns.

●Starting early is often more powerful than investing a larger amount later because of the extra time your money gets to grow.

The Art Movement That Broke All the Rules

DADAISM 

Art is often used to express beauty, emotions, and ideas. But one art movement chose to challenge everything that people believed about art. That movement was Dadaism—a bold, rebellious, and highly experimental art movement that emerged during one of the darkest periods in world history.

WHAT IS DADAISM?

Dadaism was founded by the writer Hugo Ball in 1916 in Zurich, Switzerland, during the First World War (1914–1918). The horrors of war, which claimed millions of lives, deeply shocked artists and writers. They believed that the society and values that had led to war needed to be questioned.

Dadaism became an avant-garde (innovative and experimental) movement that rejected traditional ideas of art. Instead of creating beautiful or realistic works, Dada artists used absurdity, humour, and surprise to protest against war, violence, and the established social order. It was more of a protest movement than a fixed style of art.

HOW DADAISM BEGAN 

After World War I, many Dada artists left Zurich and returned to cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Hanover, Paris, and New York. As the movement spread across Europe and America, each city developed its own unique style of Dadaism. Soon, Dadaism gained international recognition and influenced literature, theatre, dance, music, poetry, and politics.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DADAISM 

Dadaism was unlike any earlier art movement. Its main features included:

●Opposition to war and traditional social values.

●Freedom of expression through art, music, poetry, theatre, and politics.

●Use of photomontage, collage, assemblage, chance, and automatism.

●Everyday objects were turned into artworks with little or no modification.

●Publication of manifestos and magazines to spread their revolutionary ideas.

●Challenging the boundaries of what could be considered art.

Many Dada exhibitions shocked the public, and some were even closed by authorities because they were considered too controversial.

IDENTIFYING DADAISM 

Dada artworks often include:

●Photomontage: Images and text cut from newspapers and magazines and combined into new compositions.

●Ready-made objects: Ordinary objects displayed as works of art.

●Dislocation: Familiar objects placed in unusual contexts to make people think differently.

●A playful, satirical, and anti-establishment approach.

FAMOUS DADA ARTISTS 

●Raoul Hausmann (1886–1971)

A pioneer of the Berlin Dada movement, Hausmann was known for politically charged works criticizing war, nationalism, and authority. He invented photomontage using newspaper cuttings and created The Spirit of Our Time, a sculpture symbolising blind conformity.

●Hannah Höch (1889–1978)

The only woman in the Berlin Dada group, Hannah Höch was a pioneer of photomontage. Her artworks challenged gender roles, politics, and social norms. Her famous work, Cut with the Kitchen Knife, combined text, machines, and political figures to criticise post-war society.

●Max Ernst (1891–1976)

Max Ernst was a leading Dada artist who later became a major figure in Surrealism. He created dreamlike collages that mixed human, animal, and mechanical forms. He also developed experimental techniques such as frottage (rubbing).

●George Grosz (1893–1959)

George Grosz used satire and caricature to expose corruption, hypocrisy, and brutality in post-war Germany. His famous painting The Pillars of Society criticised political leaders and the ruling class.

●The Legacy of Dadaism

Although Dadaism lasted for only a short period, its influence was enormous. It changed the way people thought about art and inspired later movements such as Surrealism, Conceptual Art, and Pop Art. Dadaism proved that art can be a powerful tool for questioning society, challenging traditions, and encouraging freedom of thought.

AMAZING FACTS 

●The word “Dada” was chosen because it had no fixed meaning, reflecting the movement’s love of randomness.

●Dada artists believed that anything could become art if presented with a new idea.

●Photomontage, a technique popularised by Dada artists, later became widely used in advertising, magazines, and graphic design.

●Dadaism is remembered as one of the most influential anti-war art movements in history.

Dadaism reminds us that art is not only about beauty—it can also be about questioning, protesting, and inspiring change.

India’s First Newspaper

📰 HICKY’S BENGAL GAZETTE 

Do you know that India’s first newspaper was published more than 240 years ago?

The history of newspapers in India began in 1780 with a small English-language weekly called Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, also known as the Calcutta General Advertiser. It was started by James Augustus Hicky in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata) on 29 January 1780.

🗞️ HOW DID IT BEGIN?

James Augustus Hicky introduced the newspaper at a time when printing and publishing were still in their early stages in India. His newspaper carried news, advertisements, social comments and opinions about the events of the day.

Hicky was known for his fearless writing. He openly criticised powerful officials of the British East India Company, including Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of Bengal.

His boldness eventually led to serious consequences. His newspaper faced government pressure, and his printing press was seized. Hicky’s Bengal Gazette ceased publication in 1782.

Although it survived for only about two years, it made an important mark in Indian history.

DO YOU KNOW?

●Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was the first newspaper printed in India.

●It was first published on 29 January 1780.

●It was published from Calcutta, now known as Kolkata.

●It was an English-language weekly newspaper.

●Its founder was James Augustus Hicky.

●The newspaper was published for only about two years.

AMAZING FACTS 

🔹 The first newspaper was not started by an Indian. James Augustus Hicky was an Irishman.

🔹 It was not a daily newspaper. It was published once a week.

🔹 Hicky was not afraid to criticise those in power. His outspoken writing brought him into conflict with the British authorities.

🔹 The newspaper had advertisements too! Just like newspapers today, it carried advertisements along with news and other content.

🔹 Its short life had a lasting impact. Hicky’s newspaper is remembered as the starting point of newspaper journalism in India.

FROM 1780 TO THE DIGITAL AGE 

From the first printed newspaper to today’s e-newspapers, news websites and mobile apps, journalism in India has travelled a remarkable journey.

Hicky’s Bengal Gazette may have been small and short-lived, but it opened the door to a new era of communication. It marked the beginning of a newspaper tradition that would eventually become an important part of Indian society and history.

So, the next time you pick up a newspaper, remember that its Indian journey began way back in 1780! 

🇮🇳 DO YOU KNOW?

Do you know how many newspapers and periodicals are registered in India today?

India has one of the world's most diverse print-media landscapes. According to the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), 1,51,474 periodicals were registered in India as of 31 March 2024.

But here is the interesting part: these figures include newspapers, magazines and other publications that are published at regular intervals. They are not all daily newspapers.

India's newspapers and periodicals are published in many different languages, reflecting the country's incredible linguistic and cultural diversity.

🤯 AMAZING FACT!

From Hicky's Bengal Gazette, India's first newspaper published in 1780, to more than one lakh registered periodicals today, India's print journalism has come a remarkably long way!

From one newspaper to a vast world of print media—that's an amazing journey! 📰🇮🇳

India Showcases Its Culinary Heritage

A ROYAL VEGETARIAN FEAST AT BRICS 2026

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

A MENU THAT CELEBRATED INDIA 

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

●Khandvi Mille-Feuille

A creative twist on Gujarat's famous khandvi.

●Khumb Galouti

Soft and flavourful mushroom galouti kebabs.

●Gucchi Marmik

A delicacy made with rare Himalayan morel mushrooms.

●Paneer Lababdar

A rich and creamy North Indian paneer curry.

●Gajar-Beans Poriyal

A healthy South Indian-style vegetable stir-fry.

●Millet Pulao

A nutritious pulao made from India's traditional millets.

●Jalebi with Purani Delhi Fruit Cream

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

●Shahtoot Phirni

A traditional rice pudding flavoured with mulberries.

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

WHY AN ALL-VEGETARIAN DINNER?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

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

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

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

AMAZING FACTS 

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

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

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

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

CONCLUSION 

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

The Graceful Guardians of Wetlands

IBISES 

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

WHAT IS AN IBIS?

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

A BIRD BUILT FOR WETLANDS 

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

LIFE IN A COLONY 

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

WHY ARE IBISES IMPORTANT?

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

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

IBISES IN INDIA 

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

DID YOU KNOW?

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

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

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

●They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

AMAZING FACTS 

●There are about 30 species of ibises worldwide.

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

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

●They are excellent flyers as well as skilled waders.

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

CONCLUSION 

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

A Folk Tale from Chester, West of England

THE GIRL AND THE OLD WOMAN 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORAL OF THE STORY 

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

A Lesson in Faith, Gratitude, and Strength

WHY ME?

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

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

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

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

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

Arthur Ashe also shared these beautiful words:

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

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

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

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

The Moral of the Story

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

The Hidden Gem of the Nilgiris

MUKURTHI NATIONAL PARK 

Nestled high in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Mukurthi National Park is one of India’s most beautiful and ecologically important protected areas. Spread across 78.46 square kilometres, the park forms a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve. It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Ghats, making it a place of global natural importance.

Located between Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, Mukurthi is famous for its breathtaking landscapes of rolling grasslands, mist-covered mountains, sparkling streams, and dense shola forests. This unique combination of grasslands and evergreen forests is found only in the high-altitude regions of the Western Ghats.

Originally, the area was used as grazing land by the indigenous Toda tribe. During the British period, several exotic tree plantations were introduced, changing parts of the landscape. To protect its rich biodiversity, Mukurthi was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1982 and became a National Park in 1990.

The park experiences a cool climate throughout much of the year, with heavy rainfall, thick mist, and strong mountain winds. Its shola forests are home to many rare trees, including the Nilgiri rhododendron, wild cinnamon, Nilgiri champa, and several species of orchids, balsams, and ferns. More than 190 endemic plant species grow here, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

The star attraction of Mukurthi National Park is the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat found only in the Western Ghats. According to the 2025 census, about 2,668 Nilgiri Tahrs remain in the Nilgiris region of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with around 285 living inside Mukurthi National Park. Protecting this rare animal is one of the park’s main conservation goals.

Mukurthi is also home to many other fascinating animals, including the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, sambar deer, barking deer, jackal, and the endangered Nilgiri marten. Bird lovers can spot colourful species such as the Nilgiri laughingthrush, Malabar whistling thrush, black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, common kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, and Brahminy kite.

Situated about 45 kilometres from Ooty, Mukurthi National Park is easily accessible by road from Coimbatore and Bengaluru. With its spectacular scenery, rare wildlife, and unique mountain ecosystem, Mukurthi is a priceless treasure of the Western Ghats and an inspiring reminder of the importance of protecting India’s natural heritage.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Mukurthi National Park is part of the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats World Heritage Site.

●It protects the unique shola–grassland ecosystem, found only in the high mountains of South India.

●The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats and does not occur anywhere else in the world.

●The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, of which Mukurthi is a part, was India’s first biosphere reserve.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Mist and cool winds keep Mukurthi pleasant for most of the year.

●The park’s streams feed important rivers like the Bhavani River.

●More than 190 endemic plant species grow in this small protected area.

●Mukurthi is one of the safest habitats for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in India.

Nature’s Precious Gems

PEARLS 

Pearls are among the most beautiful treasures created by nature. Unlike diamonds, rubies, or emeralds, pearls are the only gemstones formed by a living animal. They are found inside the shells of oysters, mussels, clams, and other molluscs that live in seas and rivers. For thousands of years, pearls have been admired for their beauty and have been considered symbols of purity, wisdom, and wealth.

HOW IS A PEARL FORMED?

A pearl begins when a tiny irritant, such as a parasite or a small piece of shell, enters an oyster’s shell and threatens its soft body. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a smooth, shiny substance called nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. Nacre is made mainly of calcium carbonate and aragonite.

The oyster keeps coating the irritant with layer after layer of nacre. Over several years, these layers build up and form a beautiful pearl. This is a natural defence mechanism of the oyster, and only about 1 in every 10,000 oysters contains a naturally formed pearl.

NATURAL AND CULTURED PEARLS 

In the past, professional pearl divers searched oyster beds in the sea to find natural pearls. Today, most pearls sold around the world are cultured pearls. In pearl farming, oysters and mussels are carefully raised. When they become mature, a tiny bead or piece of shell is placed inside the oyster. The oyster then covers it with nacre, producing a pearl over the next few years.

PEARLS IN ANCIENT BELIEFS 

Pearls have inspired many fascinating legends across different cultures.

●Persians believed pearls were created when a rainbow touched the earth after a storm.

●Chinese legends said pearls grew inside the heads of dragons and were hidden in their teeth.

●Japanese folklore described pearls as the tears of angels and mermaids.

●A Tahitian legend says oysters rise to the sea surface on full moon nights and collect dew drops, which become black pearls.

In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is believed to wear the divine pearl called Kaustubha. The Qur’an also describes paradise as being adorned with pearls.

PEARLS THROUGH HISTORY 

Pearls have been treasured since ancient times. Archaeologists have found pearl artefacts dating back to 2300 BCE in Mesopotamia. The ancient Egyptians valued pearls so highly that they buried them with their owners as precious possessions for the afterlife.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Pearls are the birthstone for June.

●A pearl is the only gemstone created by a living creature.

●Pearls can be white, black, pink, golden, cream, or even lavender.

●Pearl farming is also known as pearliculture.

●The largest producer of pearls in the world is China. China produces more than 95% of the world's cultured freshwater pearls, making it the world's leading pearl-producing country by volume.

●India also produces cultured pearls, mainly in coastal states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, but on a much smaller scale.

TOP PEARL-PRODUCING COUNTRIES 

●China: Freshwater cultured pearls (world's largest producer)

●Australia: South Sea pearls (large, high-quality white pearls)

●Japan: Akoya pearls (round, lustrous saltwater pearls) 

●French: Polynesia (Tahiti), Black Tahitian pearls 

●Indonesia: Golden and South Sea pearls

AMAZING FACTS 

●Every pearl is unique—no two pearls are exactly alike.

●A natural pearl may take several years to form inside an oyster.

●The shiny glow of a pearl is called its lustre.

●Healthy oysters play an important role in keeping water clean by filtering it.

Pearls remind us that something beautiful can grow from a challenge. A tiny irritant inside an oyster is transformed into one of nature’s most precious gems through patience and perseverance.