The backbone of civilizations

ROADS

We drive on them, walk, watch parades, and run marathons on them, yet we spare them little thought, and take them for granted. When they are closed for repairs however, or rendered impassable because of floods, landslides, or potholes, we miss our roads very much indeed.

From the earliest times, one of the strongest indicators of a society’s development has been the presence or absence of a road system. The people of the over 5000 year old ancient Indus Valley Civilization, constructed wide, straight roads, paved with stone, in a grid formation with a drainage system that ran along their sides.

It’s not really known when and how the very first roads came into existence. Early roads or dirt tracks were probably formed when people and animals walked over the same paths repeatedly, as they hunted for food and water. Eventually, as groups of people started living in small communities, these early footpaths probably turned into better defined routes.

After the wheel was invented about 7000 years ago, larger, heavier loads began to be transported in carts that trundled along the rough dirt roads. However, the limitations of these roads soon became apparent. As soon as it started raining, the roads turned into muddy bogs where the wooden wheels got stuck into. Thus, the need for paved roads was born out of sheer necessity. The people of the ancient city of Babylon paved their roads with asphalt, a sticky, black, naturally occurring substance, between 625 and 604 B.C. The world’s finest road builders were undoubtedly the ancient Romans, who, at the height of the Roman Empire, built and maintained about 80,000 kilometres of complex, superbly built roads.

These covered all of the north of England, a large part of Western Europe, spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, and circled and crisscrossed the entire Mediterranean area. The roads built by these champion road builders, were usually perfectly straight. This was because Roman roads were meant primarily to move armies of soldiers along, and winding roads with bends in them not only took longer to navigate, but also provided robbers and enemies with perfect hiding places.

Roman roads were always built a little higher at the centre, and tapered off to ditches at the sides, to allow rainwater to drain away, leaving the road free from mud. Whenever a Roman Emperor conquered a new territory, roads would immediately be built to link it with the rest of the Roman Empire. 

The Romans built their roads very intelligently – they generally used material that was available locally, and when they had to build across boggy ground. Roman engineers put down bundles of sticks and sheepskins as foundations, to stop the road from sinking. Below the Temple of Saturn in Rome, Emperor Augustus placed a ‘golden milestone’ ‘Millarium Aureum,’ which recorded the distances that separated his capital, Rome, from the principal cities of his Empire.

There were ‘miliaria’ or milestones, on all principal roads too – they had the name of the emperor inscribed on them, and indicated to travellers how many miles away they were from Rome. This is the origin of the famous proverb ‘All roads lead to Rome’, which means that there are different ways to achieve the same results.

Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, and the road network was constructed and maintained to connect every province of the empire to this nerve centre. There were post houses, where horses could be changed, and inns every fifteen to twenty kilometres on Roman roads. Though the Romans did not have maps, they had an ‘itinerarium’ which listed the structures along the course of each Roman road. This allowed travellers to plan their routes in advance.

Roman roads were constructed by Roman soldiers or legionnaires who were well disciplined, extremely tough, highly trained, and ruthless. They did their work with dedication and efficiency, which is why Roman roads still exist in many parts of Europe, 2000 years after the empire ended! In England, many existing roads are the original ones built by the Romans, re-touched and re-done numerous times. Roman soldiers made prisoners of war and slaves do hard manual labour on roads. Roman emperors wanted to make sure that their soldiers were always fit and occupied, even when there were no military campaigns; so building and maintaining forts and roads was a routine part of a soldier’s duties. Roman roads were not free – tolls were collected at towns along the course of the road.

The Incas, who lived more than seven centuries ago, were also prodigious road builders, and built over 22,000 kilometres of roads during their rule. Since the wheel had not been invented during their time, they lived in one of the world’s most precipitous and difficult terrains, high up in the Andes Mountains. 

Inca roads were completely different from other roads. Though some Inca roads were four to five metres wide, some were so steep that walls had to be built at their sides to prevent travelers from falling off them!

Ordinary people needed special permission to travel on the roads in the Inca Empire, which were meant mainly for the use of the army, government officials, and a 24-hour messenger service which was organized rather like a superbly co-ordinated relay race. Messengers lived in small huts located about eight hundred metres apart on the major roads. Trained to run at high speeds, a messenger would repeat his message at the next hut, where another messenger would be waiting to sprint to the next hut ahead. In this way, news traveled at 240 kilometres a day! News was always conveyed verbally through messengers running on roads, as the Incas had no written script to write things down. Since their terrain was full of tall cliffs, mighty rivers, and deep gorges, the Incas built amazing, hand-woven bridges called chacas to cross them. These unique bridges lasted as long as 500 years, and were held in very high regard by the Incas. The punishment for tampering with such a bridge was death. The hanging or suspension bridge was undoubtedly the Incas’ masterpiece. These bridges were built from huge cables fashioned from woven reed that were replaced every two years. An Incan bridge over 75 metres long, built in 1350, lasted until 1890! 

The Incas employed bridgekeepers or ‘chacacamayocs’ at every bridge, and they were responsible not only for maintaining and administering the bridge, but also for collecting tolls, and helping frightened travelers across. Sadly, it was their superbly constructed roads that led to the downfall of the Incas. Invading Spanish explorers used the Incas’ own roads to move armies and weapons deep into their empire, to eventually conquer, and subjugate the Incas. Roads had great importance in ancient India. Under the Mauryans, the entire subcontinent was criss-crossed with roads. A royal highway connecting Taxila and Pataliputra was built - a road, which survives to this day as the Grand Trunk Road.

The Greek diplomat, Megasthenes, who spent 15years in Chandragupta Maurya’s court, wrote in his account of the Mauryan kingdom that a ‘Ministry of Public Works’, with an army of officials was responsible for the construction, marking, and maintenance of the roads and rest houses. The numerous spies of Emperor Ashoka Maurya, disguised as common traders, entered and exited from his capital through an elaborate system of tunnels that lay under the city’s main roads. 

Some ancient roads have had a great influence on the course of human history. The Silk Road, more than 6000 kilometres long, is not one single road, but a historical trade route that stretched westward from China across Asia’s deserts and mountain ranges through the Middle East, until it reached the Mediterranean Sea. 

This ancient international trade route was as plendid cultural bridge, linking the cultures of China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greece, and Rome. It was called the Silk Road because silk, which was made only in China in ancient times, was the item most coveted by traders who traversed this route.

Four great ancient Chinese inventions - paper making, printing, gunpowder, and the compass, as well as the skills of silkworm breeding and silk spinning were transmitted to the West through the Silk Road. Many products from the West flowed into China through this route, including grapes, clovers, walnuts, carrots, peppers, beans, spinach, cucumbers, pomegranates, rare animals, and jewellery. Chinese porcelains and lacquers were sent to the West as well. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism reached China through the Silk Road. The Silk Road, a forum for the spreading of knowledge, ideas, culture and religion for over 3,000 years, had a far reaching effect on world civilization.

The Khyber Pass, an ancient mountain pass that connects Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is an integral part of the Silk Road, has great historic importance. 

It was through the biting cold of this pass that invaders like Alexander the Great, Mahmud Ghazni, and Muhammed Ghori swept into the Indian subcontinent. Zahiruddin Babur made use of this pass to establish a mighty Mughal Empire that ruled India for more than three centuries. 

Throughout history, roads have been used as a metaphor for life’s journey. Living our lives is rather like traversing a long road. Sometimes, we have smooth stretches that we travel along with ease, but occasionally, we encounter twists, turns, and bends of difficulty. There are times when our road is divided, and we have to decide which way we will turn. We sometimes meet narrow passes of opportunity on life’s road, when we have to make the difficult choice between security or adventure, as we move towards achieving our goals.

Do you know:

● The ancient Chinese living in mountainous regions over rivers and gorges dug holes in rocky cliffs, rammed thick wooden or iron pegs into them, and placed wooden boards on the pegs to make narrow, plank roads.

● The native Indians, original inhabitants of the North American continent, followed the walkways created by migratory animals. These became their paths or trails. By the time European explorers arrived on the continent, there were many networks of trails, and the Europeans built roads on them.

● The petroleum company that introduced an improved quality petrol called ‘Speed’ is Bharat Petroleum. 

● One of the reasons why Napoleon Bonaparte failed to conquer Russia when he invaded it in 1812 with 6,00,000 men, was because the country had such poor roads. The army could only advance at a snail’s pace in very bad weather, and this took its toll on the French soldiers.

● The longest road in the world is the Pan-American Highway. It is a network of roads that stretches from Alaska to Argentina. It is over 25,000 miles long.

● Asphalt is a sticky, black material that is made from oil and sand. It is a very good material for roads, because it is durable and it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

● Roads made from recycled car tyres were first built in the USA in the 1960s. These environmentally friendly, rubber roads make less noise.

● The most beautiful road in the world is said to be the Great Ocean Road in Australia. It winds along the coast of Victoria and it is known for its scenic views.

Some of your favourite foods created by accident

ACCIDENTALLY DELICIOUS 

Have you ever been really hungry, but there wasn’t much to eat in your kitchen? Did you throw together a bunch of stuff you had on hand and were pleasantly surprised when it tasted good? You aren’t alone. Some of our favorite foods were created by accident. Here’s a sample menu of some familiar foods that might never have happened if someone hadn’t created them by mistake.

Ice cream cone: Before the ice cream cone, people ate their ice cream out of dishes or paper wrappers. This changed at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair in Missouri. A vendor, the story goes, ran out of dishes to serve his ice cream. Luckily, Ernest A. Hamwi was set up next to him and was selling crisp waffle-like pastries called zalabia. The quick-thinking Hamwi rolled a zalabia into a cone shape. It cooled quickly, and the ice cream vendor filled it with ice cream for his customers. He was able to continue selling ice cream, and customers got a second treat when they realized they could eat the cone. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite all over the world. But the baker who might have invented them likely was trying to make a different kind of cookie. In 1930, Ruth Graves Wakefield and her husband were running the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. One day, Wakefield was making cookies for her guests, but she was out of baker’s chocolate to melt and add to the dough. Instead, she chopped up a block of semi-sweet chocolate and added the pieces. She thought the pieces would melt and make the entire cookie chocolate. But the chocolate pieces stayed intact, melting into gooey little bits inside the cookie. The chocolate chip cookie was born. These cookies are often called Toll House cookies because of where they were first made popular.

Potato Chips: One of the world’s favorite snacks might have been the result of a complaint. In 1853, a man was eating dinner at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York. He ordered fried potatoes, a popular side dish. But when they came out of the kitchen, he didn’t think they were crispy enough. He sent them back to the kitchen, where chef George Crum was so angry at having his cooking criticized that he sliced the potatoes really thin, put lots of salt on them, and fried them. Not only did the diner love them, but everyone else did, too. They soon became a specialty of the restaurant. 

Tofu: Tofu, or bean curd, is made by curdling fresh soy milk, pressing it into a solid block, and then cooling it. Tofu was accidentally invented in China 2,000 years ago, when a cook added seaweed to soy milk, which made it curdle. This is the same process that is used for making cheese. Like cheese, tofu is a great example of how really messing up a recipe can create something unexpectedly good.

Cheese Puffs: Who in the world could have thought up cheese puffs? you ask. The company that invented them wasn’t even trying to make food for people. It was producing animal feed. In the 1930s, the Flakall Company of Wisconsin made food for livestock from small, flaked pieces of grain. One day, an employee, Edward Wilson, watched workers pouring cornmeal into the flaking machine, moistening it to keep it from clogging. Because the machine was hot, the wet cornmeal came out of it in puffy ribbons that hardened when they hit the air. Wilson took some of the ribbons home, added oil and flavoring to them—and voilà: cheese puffs!

Popsicles: On a hot day, nothing tastes better than an icy-cold popsicle. This summer treat was invented by an 11-year-old boy. In San Francisco in 1905, Frank Epperson mixed some sugary soda powder into a glass of water, but then he left it out on his porch with the wooden stirring stick still in it. That night, temperatures dropped so low that the mixture froze. The next morning, Frank took the frozen mixture out and used the wooden stick to hold it while he licked it. Frank knew he’d made something special, and soon he was selling the frozen treat to people in his neighborhood. He named it the “Epsicle.” (“Sicle” was a shortened version of “icicle.”) As an adult, he patented the frozen treat. His kids convinced him to change the name to what they called it: “Pop’s Sicle,” which soon became the popsicle.

An exalted award

THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 

One of the most highly regarded prizes in the world is given to honour the person who has done the most toward promoting peace in the world.

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of five prizes created by Swedish businessman and inventor Alfred Nobel (1833–1896). He left money for the awards in his will and specified how each should be bestowed. Awarded on a yearly basis, the Peace Prize consists of a diploma, a medal, and a monetary award that varies a bit over time. Not long ago, the amount was 10,000,000 Swedish kronor (more than $1,600,000). The prize is presented annually in Oslo, Norway, on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death.

First given in 1901, the Peace Prize, in Nobel’s own words, is awarded “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peaceful congresses.” This may also include people or groups who have worked to resolve conflicts or create peace.

The recipient is chosen by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which is appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. Initial nominations for the prize may be made by a large group of people considered qualified, such as former recipients, university professors, and special advisers to the committee. The committee reviews the nominees and chooses a winner. In some years, no award has been given.

Some famous people have received the Nobel Peace Prize over the years. They include President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 for his part in promoting the League of Nations after World War I; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964 for his role in leading a peaceful civil rights movement; and Mother Teresa in 1979 for her charity work with underprivileged people in Calcutta, India. In more recent decades, the prize has gone to the United Nations and its secretary general, Kofi Annan, in 2001 for their work toward a more peaceful world; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former U.S. vice president Albert Gore in 2007 for their efforts to increase awareness of global warming; and the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo in 2024 for its atomic bomb survivors’ efforts to share their testimony to help keep nuclear weapons from ever being used again. 

HIDDEN BENEFITS OF COMPETITIONS

Why competition matters 

Competitions are a part of student life. They can be about anything – mathematics, science, sports, art or even building robots. Sometimes, students might feel scared or unsure about entering competitions. However, they have hidden benefits that can help students grow and learn in different ways. Let’s find out why participating in competitions matters:

Why does participation matter?

● Learning new things: Competitions help develop new skills and knowledge. Whether it’s solving maths problems, writing stories or building something interesting, students learn by doing. This hands-on experience is different from regular classroom learning. It makes lessons come alive.

● Building confidence: Competitions help students believe in themselves. Sharing your work in front of people can be scary, but the fear starts to fade once you give it a try. This boost in confidence can help students in other areas of life, like making new friends or speaking in public.

● Teamwork and communication: Some competitions require working in teams. This teaches students how to cooperate with others, share ideas and solve problems together. Even in individual competitions, students often get help and advice from teachers, friends or family. Learning to communicate and work with others is a valuable life skill.

● Dealing with challenges: Not everything goes perfectly in competitions. Competitions teach students how to face challenges, find solutions and keep trying even when things get tough. 

● Discovering passions: Competitions can help students find what they are passionate about. It might be sports, music, writing or something else. This discovery can guide them in choosing hobbies, subjects to study, or even future careers.

● Meeting new people: Competitions are a great place to meet students with similar interests.  Meeting new people can open up new opportunities and help students build a supportive network.

● Fun and excitement: Lastly, competitions are fun. The thrill of preparing, participating, and seeing the results is great. Even if students don’t win, the experience itself can be enjoyable and memorable. 

How to start -

Here are some easy tips to help you make the most out of competitions:

☆ Choose the right competition: Pick a competition that matches your interests and skills. This will make it more fun and less stressful.

☆ Prepare well: Research, practice and study for the competition. The more you practise, the better you will get.

☆ Manage your time: Plan your time well so you can balance studying, practising and relaxing.

☆ Learn from others: Watch and learn from other students. See what they do well and try to improve your own skills.

☆ Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask teachers, friends or family for help. They can give you good advice and support.

☆ Stay positive: Believe in yourself and stay positive. It’s okay to make mistakes because they help you learn and grow.

☆ Learn from failure: Don’t be discouraged by failure. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

By following these easy tips, you can do well in school and life.

Overcoming fears: Many students avoid competitions because they feel they’re not good enough and have no chance of winning. Some worry that their friends might tease them if they don’t perform well. There’s also the fear of disappointing parents and teachers. However, it’s important to remember that competitions are more about learning and growing than just winning. With the right support and a positive mindset, these fears can be overcome, and you can participate with confidence. If you feel pressure from friends, parents or teachers to win, remind them of Confucius’ wise words: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.”

THE ACCLAIMED ANIMATION HOUSE

Walt Disney Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Know?

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

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

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

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

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

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

COLOUR STORY

The Origins Of Yellow

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

Yellow in nature: Ochre

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

Prehistory

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

How it’s made…

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

The Renaissance

How it’s made...

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

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

Ancient Egypt

How it’s made...

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

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

The Modern Era

How it’s made…

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

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

What about now?

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

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE

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

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

ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE POSSESSIONS

Gold Jewellery

For many eons, human beings have used jewellery to enhance their beauty. Through the course of history, jewellery has been made out of animal bones and claws, mud, ceramics, precious metals, glass, gems and stones. Let’s look at the some of the different styles of jewellery found in India. 

History of jewellery: Jewellery dates back to almost 75,000 years ago when it was made from animal hide and reeds and decorated with animal and fish teeth, bones, shells, berries, pebbles, feathers, tusks and antlers. When humans discovered metals like silver, gold, platinum, titanium, brass and iron and also about their positive effects on the human body, they started making metal jewellery. 

Significance of jewellery: With human evolution, jewellery moved from being mere pieces of beauty to status symbols and objects of financial security. People started wearing jewellery as fashion accessories to express themselves. Pieces of jewellery also became heirlooms that were passed on from generation to generation and down the family tree. Jewellery continues to be one of the most valuable possessions owned by mankind. 

Jewellery of India: According to archeological evidence, the first use of jewellery in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. People used sharp stones to create jewellery using the technique of polychromy-painting stone beads in different colours. When the Mughals invaded India, they brought with them the technique of gemstone setting and introduced Indians to the use of gems and metals in jewellery making. Their designs were detailed and royal and this made jewellery accessible to only a few, making it a symbol of social status in India. 

Diamonds: Diamonds are one of the few stones that find universal appeal in jewellery. Diamonds were first discovered by Indians in 400 B.C. Their refracting powers made them unique and valuable. Hindus believe that diamonds were created when lightning struck and the first diamond was presented by Lord Krishna to Radha to complement her beauty. Hence they are considered lucky and believed to have curing powers. Diamonds are also considered to protect wearers from evil spirits. Indians also became skilled at the technique of diamond drilling (used to extract diamonds from earth), which they taught the world. The first use of diamonds in jewellery was in 1074 A.D., when the queen of Hungary demanded a diamond in her crown.

Filigree: The process of making this type of jewellery involves joining really thin silver wires together to shape a piece of jewellery. These pieces are not engraved, carved or moulded and thus require high technicality and patience to create. This style is very popular in the eastern states of India. 

Navratna: Navratna jewellery originated in India and is still considered to be religiously significant. The pieces are made using nine gems - diamond, ruby, yellow and blue sapphire, emerald, coral, pearl, hessonite and cat's eye. These jewels are believed to have supernatural powers as they are all connected to celestial bodies. Due to this belief, many people wear this type of jewellery as lucky charms just like kings did in the ancient times. 

Meenakari: Meenakari is the Persian art of colouring the surface of metals by fusing brilliant colours. The art was brought to Varanasi by Persian enamellists around the early 17th century during the Mughal era. Images of Gods or animal figures are engraved on the metal, which are then filled with coloured enamel. This technique makes the piece of jewellery unique. The rising demand for this type of jewellery makes it expensive. 

Jadau: Jadau is made by embedding stones or crystals in gold. The technique to make this style of jewellery was brought to India by the Mughals. This type of jewellery is found in North India and is popular amongst brides. 

Kundan: Kundan originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and is very similar to jadau as it is made using the technique of embedding. However, in this form, craftsmen embed glass or uncut diamonds, instead of gems, in gold. The content of gold is less as craftsmen focus on showcasing the coloured glass or diamonds. The process of making this jewellery is time consuming and requires detailing, which is why it is quite expensive. 

Ivory jewellery: Jewellery made by carving ivory (derived from elephant tusks) is called ivory jewellery. Usually, bangles and thick necklaces were made from ivory as the raw material (tusks) is not malleable. However, using elephant tusks is now banned and craftsmen create the ivory look from hard plastic. 

Pachchikam: Pachchikam jewellery has numerous theories surrounding its origin. Some believe it was created by Europeans and reached India through trade and others believe it was originally created in India. This type of jewellery is very similar to Kundan as both use uncut diamonds and coloured glass. However, this style is a lot more delicate. Unlike Kundan, only silver is used as a base for this jewellery, making it reasonably priced. 

Thewa: Thewa is a special art of jewellery making, which involves fusing a layer of intricately carved 23 carat gold or silver on molten coloured glass. This style dates back to the Mughal era. The word 'thewa' originates from Rajasthan and literally means 'setting'.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Boiled rice water 

 Drinking the water in which rice is cooked is really good as it can boost your energy levels. In India, farmers generally drink cooked rice water before they start their laborious work in the fields. They stay energetic throughout the day in spite of their hard work in the fields, thanks to rice water.

Most of us eat rice cooked in pressure cookers and electric cookers and that is the reason why we don’t have the habit of drinking cooked rice water. In fact, we don’t know the health benefits of boiled rice water. When rice is cooked in a pot along with water, the remaining water can be removed and consumed after the rice is cooked. That water is totally nutritious as the rice is boiled or cooked in it. 

Rice is consumed almost all over India and some parts of Asia. In fact, cooked rice water is used for beauty purposes. It is included in many skin care and hair care recipes. Some people use raw rice water whereas others recommend cooked rice water to get the benefits better. 

When rice gets cooked, it releases many of its nutrients into the water and that is the reason why that water should not be thrown away after the cooking process is over. 

Some of the health benefits of boiled rice water:

Prevents gastroenteritis: Rice water is said to prevent gastroenteritis. This is one of the health benefits of cooked rice water. Consuming rice water regularly is good for health.

Prevents cancer: Drinking cooked rice water regularly may also prevent certain types of cancer. This is one of the benefits of drinking cooked rice water.

Protection from sun: Rice water contains a substance called oryzanol. It helps withstand the UV rays from the sun. Use rice water internally and externally to help your skin take the sun’s heat.

Alzheimer’s: Although research has not yet confirmed this, there are some sources that say that cooked rice water has the ability to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This is one of the benefits of drinking cooked rice water.

Constipation: Rice water is good in preventing constipation. When you are suffering from constipation, try drinking cooked rice water as a remedy.

Carbohydrates: Rice water can be a good source of carbohydrates. If you are looking for a healthy source of carbohydrates, try drinking rice water.

Body temperature: Rice water plays an important role in regulating the temperature levels of your body. It is advisable to drink some rice water to withstand the summer heat.

REFRESHING JOURNEY OF A HUMBLE BEAN

 The story of coffee in India 

The tale of how coffee, a humble bean, found its roots in India is an intriguing one and involves ancient source trades, a daring heist, colonial expansion and the mushrooming of digital platforms. 

The origins:

Though its historical roots can be traced to Africa, it was Yemen in West Asia which emerged as the powerhouse of coffee cultivation, exporting the commodity to all corners of the then-known World. Arab merchants who were engaged in trade with India, the epicenter of the spice trade, introduced roasted coffee to the subcontinent, where it quickly captivated the elites, sparkling a surge in demand. 

As the demand for the bean outpaced supply, it was clear that the commodity had to be locally grown. But many factors prevented this. To retain their monopoly over coffee cultivation, Yemeni farmers and producers allowed only roasted beans to be sold. The penalty for the sale of green coffee beans was death. 

The heist:

In 1670, Indian Sufi saint Baba Budan, who was returning from pilgrimage to Mecca, was by chance exposed to coffee in Yemen. After learning as much as possible about the bean, he devised ways to bring the seeds back home. He hid seven beans in his beard and cane, and made the long voyage back to India. 

Once he was home, he planted the beans on the slopes of Chandragiri Hills in Chikkamangaluru, Karnataka. This act not only marked the genesis of coffee cultivation in India but also sowed the seeds of a thriving coffee culture that would spread across the country. The hills are now referred to as the Baba Budangiri Hills and a shrine has been built there in his honour. 

The expansion:

If this was the inception of coffee cultivation in India, colonial expansion proved to be the turning point. In the 18th century, realising the potential of the Indian climate for coffee cultivation, the British began large-scale plantations in the southern states. To date, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu form the core of the traditional coffee-growing region, contributing a whopping 92% of the country’s coffee production. 

The French influence on Indian coffee cannot be discounted. It is evident in the use of chicory, a roasted root vegetable that adds a characteristic earthy bitterness to the coffee. Indeed this era saw the establishment of systematic cultivation methods.

Notable among them is the development of the Monsoon Malabar coffee, a unique process adapting to the challenges of sea transport. 

The industry:

Post independence, India witnessed a significant shift in the coffee industry with the establishment of the Indian Coffee Board and the enactment of the Coffee Act of 1942. These developments facilitated a more organised and supportive environment for coffee growers, leading to the predominance of small holder production. Today, a significant percentage of coffee growers in India are small farmers. These years also saw coffee being cultivated beyond the traditional belt--- to the eastern coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and to the northeastern states. This diversification introduced a variety of microclimates and terroirs, contributing to the unique profiles of Indian coffee, including the distinctive Indian-monsooned coffee. 

The culture:

Coffee in India has transcended its status as merely a crop. Today, it has woven itself into the cultural fabric. Especially in the south where traditional filter coffee is a revered daily ritual. 

The digital age has ushered in a new chapter for Indian coffee, with the emergence of exclusive brands and the rise of online marketplaces.  This transformation has democratised access to premium coffee, allowing consumers to enjoy high-quality brews with the click of a button. 

From the daring heist of Baba Budan to the digital marketplace, the evolution of Indian coffee is as refreshing as the beverage itself. 

ANIMAL CARE AS LIFE’S WORK

A career in Veterinary Science

Dogs and cats, friendly horses, the animals in zoos — they’re a source of wonder to people of all ages. And at one time or another, many people have felt the pull of making animal care their life’s work.

The work: Veterinarians identify and treat medical problems in animals. They treat injuries, set broken bones, perform surgery, prescribe medicines and administer vaccinations. By these methods and by doing research, vets help to protect people from diseases carried by animals.

Veterinarians for large animals handle health problems of farm animals, such as cattle and horses. They are also involved in educating and encouraging farmers to build up the quality of their animal stock. The majority, however, treat small companion animals such as dogs, cats, and birds. They also advise pet owners on care and breeding of pets. Some veterinarians care for zoo or aquarium animals or for laboratory animals.

Several other career options are open to graduates in veterinary science. Dairy and poultry farms require the services of a veterinarian. The health of the animals on the farm is the responsibility of the veterinarian. They also advise farmers on the care, breeding, and maintenance of these animals. A veterinarian can also become a Meat Inspector for slaughter houses, or work at insurance and banking offices where he would have to assess the worth of animals. Livestock Inspectors are veterinarians who work with animals to be used for food to detect illnesses or diseases that might harm the animals or be passed on to humans.

In the pharmaceutical industry, veterinarians test new drugs, antibiotics, and surgical techniques on animals to determine their usefulness with humans. They can be part of the research in animal welfare societies or teach in colleges.

Taking care of animals is not as simple as it may appear to be. While a man can explain his problems to his doctor, you need extra perception to know what is wrong with animals. That’s why each day is a new challenge as every case is a new case. The working conditions are slightly more adversarial at animal clinics and hospitals — humans do not usually bark, bite, or chirp (though there are exceptions) while receiving treatment. 

Education & skills: Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) is the basic requirement for becoming a veterinarian. The course is of four-and-a-half years followed by one year of internship. Eligibility is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Like medical doctors they need training in subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, etc. Now multiply that by the number of different type of patients they see. A horse has different needs than an iguana, an elephant won’t respond the same way as a cat. Practical training is an important element of the course. Veterinary science courses are conducted in veterinary colleges which are located in almost every state. All India Quota seats in Veterinary Colleges are filled on the basis of NEET score and counselling is done by the Veterinary Council of India (vci.nic.in). For details, visit (cbseneet.nic.in). Remaining seats are filled on the basis of merit or through an entrance examination held by the concerned institution. 

To become a Vet, you need to have these skills:

1. Genuine love for animals and interest in their health and welfare. 

2. Quick body reflexes to tackle the animals’ moody behaviour. 

3. An inquiring mind. Organizational and supervisory skills. 

4. A responsible approach to work.Physical stamina, good vision and manual dexterity.

Institutes: 

Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur (nvcnagpur.net.in)

Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai (bvc.org.in)

Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (U.P.) (ivri.nic.in)

Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Chennai (tanuvas.tn.nic.in/MVC.htm)

West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata (wbuafscl.ac.in) 

College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur (kau.edu)

Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad (angrau.net)

College of Veterinary Science, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture of Technology, Pantnagar(gbpuat.ac.in/colleges/COV/index.html)

College of Veterinary Science And Animal Husbandry, Anand (aau.in)

Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (aau.ac.in)

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana (gadvasu.in)

Remuneration: In a government job, a veterinarian gets a goodsalary. The earning in private clinical practice varies according to private location, type of practice, and years of experience. In metropolitan cities, private practice is lucrative, especially in dealing with pets.

Employment profile: A wide range of jobs is available for vets. Look to urban areas for smallanimal practices, and rural areas for large-animal practices. Some vets work for the government and play a leading role in public health efforts. Their services are used in zoos, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Defence Services also need the services of a veterinarian. The practice of keeping pets at home is growing and owners more willingly pay for intensive care than in the past. In addition, emphasis on scientific methods of breeding and raising livestock and poultry, and continued support for public health and disease control programmes will contribute to the demand for veterinarians.

THE STICKY SUBSTANCE THAT WE LIKE TO CHEW

 Chewing gum

Most of us love chewing gum. It’s fun! When we chew gum, we want to blow it as a big balloon. The balloon blows, the eyes are wide open: When is it going to pop?

While chewing gum, have you ever thought about questions like “How and when was chewing gum invented? Who chewed it first? What did the first gum taste like?” Let’s read the history of gum.

The invention of gum and the habit of chewing dates back to ancient times, around 6000 years ago! Archaeologists have found gum-like substances during excavations around Sweden and Finland. It is thought that people living in these regions in ancient times chewed the sticky substance they obtained from birch bark tar. They chewed the gum not for fun or relaxation as we do now, but to clean their teeth, cure bad breath and relieve their stomachs. Also, the colour of the gum was not white or colourful, but grey.

Ancient Greeks and Romans also discovered the white resin of the gum tree in their region. They called this sticky substance mastic. Scientists believe that people in this period also chewed gum for oral health. 

With its freshness and sweet smell, this chewing gum is still collected from trees and sold as mastic gums today. This precious tree where the chewing gum comes from grows on Chios Island and the Çeşme Peninsula in Turkey. 

People living in Africa made chewing gum from the sap of the acacia tree. The sap has an orange pink colour and a rubber-like structure. This substance, known as acacia gum or gum Arabic, was used both as chewing gum and as an adhesive. Egyptians used it to preserve their mummies. Some Italian painters used it to make paint and glue. In India, it was used to make medicine.

In Australia, gum was obtained from eucalyptus tree. It’s no surprise that koalas chew the tree’s leaves for so long! Lemurs and monkeys soften the sap in tree stems with their saliva in their mouths and then chew it.

In Southeast Asia, gum was obtained from the ginseng plant. Americans chewed the resin collected from spruce trees. In Mexico, people made a kind of chewing gum called “chicle” by drying the resin of the tree known as sapodilla.

Hundreds of years later, the production of chewing gum changed completely. In the late 1860s, Thomas Adams tried adding flavourings to natural rubber and could make a tasty chewing gum. It was then started to be produced in factories to be sold. That’s how packaged chewing gums entered people’s lives.

Natural chewing gum is still chewed to avoid bad breath and relieve the stomach as well as strengthen the jaw muscles. But most of the packaged, colourful and sweet chewing gums sold in markets contain sweeteners, flavour and colour additives. These substances are harmful for our health. For this reason, you should read the package of chewing gum before buying it and learn the ingredients it contains.

As the chewing gum gradually became more popular, other producers tried to find different formulae. In 1928, Walter Dimer achieved in making gum that could blow bubbles. By using natural rubber in the right amount, he made a chewing gum that was thin but strong enough not to break and soft enough to be chewed.

When you swallow chewing gum, don’t worry, it won’t stick to your stomach. It’ll break down in the stomach and is evacuated in the poop within a few days. Still, be careful not to swallow while chewing gum!

A SPACE FOR CREATIVITY AND ORDER

 Margin

  Have you ever wondered why there’s that empty space on the sides of your notebook pages? You know the margin that sits quietly, often untouched, framing your creative musings or meticulous notes. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the original reason for this side space and why it has become a steadfast companion to our scribbles and sketches

The Tale of Margins in Typography

 To understand the genesis of notebook margins, we need to take a step back and delve into the world of typography. The term “margin” has its roots in the Latin word “Margo,” meaning edge or border. In the realm of printed books, margins have served a crucial purpose for centuries.

  In the early days of printing, before the digital age swept in, books were crafted with precision and care. Printers left extra space on the sides to account for any potential variations during the printing process. This buffer zone, known as the margin, acted as a protective barrier, preventing text and illustrations from being cut off or distorted.

Notebooks: Where Margins Find a Home

  Now, let’s fast forward to the notebooks that accompany you on your learning adventures. Whether you’re jotting down science experiments, crafting short stories, or solving mathematical mysteries, the margin in your notebook serves a purpose beyond just a framing element.

1. Space for Reflection: The margin provides room for reflection. It’s a place where you can add comments, thoughts, or questions about the main content. Imagine it as your personal dialogue space with your own ideas.
2. Organising Chaos: Have you ever noticed how a neatly written note looks more appealing than one that sprawls across the entire page? The margin helps maintain order, keeping your thoughts in check and your notes well-organized.
3. Aesthetic Harmony: Just like a frame complements a beautiful painting, the margin enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your notes. It’s the breathing space that ensures your content isn’t cramped, allowing for a visually pleasing layout.

Insights from the Digital Realm

  In this era of digital notebooks and tools, the concept of margins hasn’t vanished; it has simply adapted. Discussions on platforms like Reddit and Quora highlight the importance of digital margins in providing a sense of structure and preventing the clutter that can arise in the virtual space.

  Users of digital notebooks often appreciate the ability to customise margins, replicating the familiar feel of traditional notebooks. This fusion of the old and the new showcases how the essence of margins remains timeless, even in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Laboratory Notebooks: Where Precision Matters

  In the scientific realm, laboratory notebooks follow a set of guidelines to ensure accuracy and traceability. The margin in these notebooks isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a critical component in maintaining the integrity of recorded data.

  Laboratory margins act as a protective zone, guarding against accidental spills or smudges that could compromise the information on the page. They also serve as a space for annotations, allowing scientists to provide additional context or updates to their findings.

The Evolution of Lined Paper

  Lined paper, a close companion of margins, has its own fascinating history. In the past, red vertical lines on paper served a dual purpose: they guided the writer in maintaining a straight line of text and acted as a deterrent against alterations or erasures.

  In the context of margins, the lines work in harmony, creating a structured canvas for your ideas while discouraging the chaos that can arise when the writing goes astray.

Conclusion: Where Creativity Meets Structure

  In essence, the original reason for the side space in a notebook goes beyond a mere typographic tradition. It’s a thoughtful design choice that balances creativity with structure, allowing your ideas to flourish within a framework of order.

  As you flip through the pages of your notebook, take a moment to appreciate the margin—the unsung hero that silently guides your pen, encourages neatness, and provides a canvas for your imagination. Embrace the space, both physical and digital, and let it be a testament to the beautiful marriage of creativity and order.