From a small town in India to Google CEO

SUNDAR PICHAI’S JOURNEY 

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

Early Years in India: Middle-Class Upbringing and Education

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

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

Career as CEO of Alphabet Inc. and Google

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

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

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

The private life of Sundar Pichai

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

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

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

What we can learn from Sundar Pichai

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

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

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

The Weather Woman of India

ANNA MANI 

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

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

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

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

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

The memory whiz

VISHVAA RAJAKUMAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Longest serving woman in space

SUNITA WILLIAMS 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author of Harry Potter

J. K. ROWLING 

You already must have been hooked onto Harry’s adventures in the magical world. But before the enchanting world of Harry Potter came to life, its creator, J.K. Rowling had faced many challenges. Her story is a magical reminder of how remaining brave, consistent and creative can turn dreams into reality.

In the early 1990s, Rowling was a single mother living in Scotland. She struggled with difficult times, including loneliness and sadness. Despite these hardships, Rowling held onto her dream of becoming a published author.

Rowling spent hours writing in local cafes, often with her baby daughter by her side. She faced rejection from many publishers before Bloomsbury, a small publishing house, decided to publish her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Even after the first book was published in 1997, Rowling’s success was not immediate. It was only with the release of the following books and their movie adaptations that the Harry Potter series became a worldwide sensation.

What makes Rowling’s story so inspiring is not just her success, but the journey she took to achieve it. She used her struggles as inspiration for her writing, creating characters that were relatable and engaging.

Rowling’s dedication to her writing and her belief in herself are important lessons not only for the young aspiring writers but also to all of us. Her story shows that failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to success, and that challenges can lead to great achievements.

Today, J.K. Rowling is one of the most successful authors in the world. The Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has inspired a whole generation of readers and writers.

Her story is a reminder that no dream is too big and that with hard work and belief in oneself, anything is possible. So what do the characters in her books teach you?

Father of Indian Food Science

Dr KONGANDA THAMMU ACHAYA 

Indian culinary science is rich, and needs to be studied and catalogued. This is exactly what Dr Konganda Thammu Achaya did. An eminent Indian food scientist, chemist and historian, Achaya made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian cuisine and its rich culinary history. Known as the "Father of Indian Food Science", Achaya's work played a pivotal role in highlighting the diverse and vibrant food traditions of India, often bringing attention to the country’s ancient food practices, culinary diversity and the science behind Indian cooking. 

Born on October 6, 1923, in Kollegal, Chamarajanagar, then Mysore State, Achaya had deep interest in food and nutrition from an early age. His academic journey led him to pursue studies in science, and he eventually earned a degree in Chemistry and Biology, which laid the foundation for his future work in food science. After graduating from the University of Madras in 1943, he worked in the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, for the next three years. He did his Ph D work in T.  P. Hilditch's lab at the University of Liverpool. His academic and professional expertise helped him bridge the gap between science and the art of cooking, which was reflected in his thorough research and writings on Indian food. 

Achaya's most notable contribution was his comprehensive work on the history of Indian food. His book, Indian food: A historical companion, published in 1994, became an authoritative source on the origins and evolution of Indian cuisine. The book explored the historical, cultural and geographical influences that shaped Indian food over thousands of years. It traced the development of food practices from ancient times, examining how trade, migration and cultural exchanges, influenced the use of spices, cooking techniques and food preparation in India. One of his key achievements was detailing the role of Indian spices in global trade. Achaya was instrumental in documenting the early history of Indian spices, which had been crucial to the development of both Indian and global cuisine. He illustrated how spices like black pepper, cardamom and turmeric, among others were not only integral to Indian cooking, but also played a major role in the establishment of trade routes that connected the land with the rest of the world. His research helped contextualise the spread of these spices and their impact on food culture worldwide. He passed away on September 5, 2002.

First woman Prime Minister in the world

SIRIMAVO BANDARNAIKE

Sirimavo Bandarnaike became the first woman Prime Minister in the world, when she was chosen to head the government of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1960, following the assassination of her husband. 

Sirimavo Bandarnaike was born in 1916, to an aristocratic family. She was married to Solomon Bandarnaike in 1940 when he was a minister in the government of Ceylon, then a British colony. Solomon Bandarnaike became the Prime Minister of Ceylon in 1956. In the same year, he was assassinated. Then, Sirimavo Bandarnaike became the leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. And, in July 1960, she became the first woman Prime Minister in the world. Her party lost the 1965 elections. 

Sirimavo Bandarnaike was back as the Prime Minister in 1970 elections. Her second term was difficult, with a rebellion in 1971, as well as the establishment of a new republican constitution in 1972. She was deprived of her civil rights in 1980. In 1994, she was re-elected as Prime Minister. Her daughter, Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was also briefly Prime Minister in 1994, later became the President. 

WAH USTAD WAH

Zakir Hussain

(March 9, 1951 - December 15, 2024)

Zakir Hussain blurred cultural boundaries to emerge as a global icon in a career spanning decades, playing a pivotal role in helping Indian music leave a mark on the world stage.

Born in music: The eldest son of legendary tabla artiste Ustad Alla Rakha, Hussain was born in 1951 in Mumbai and was taught how to play the instrument by his father. He began performing by the age of 7.

Wunderkind makes waves: Hussain began his professional career at the age of 12, accompanying India’s classical music legends for various shows. He started performing globally in his teens, playing alongside stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

Imprint on world stage: By 18, he was regularly performing internationally and eventually went on to work with the likes of Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, George Harrison of The Beatles, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, jazz musician Herbie Hancock and virtuoso guitarist John McLaughlin. Moving beyond the tradition: In 1973, he formed the band ‘Shakti’ with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band introduced a new sound to the world by ,combining Indian music with elements of jazz. Their first studio album in 46 years, ‘This Moment’, won three Grammys in 2024.

An eye for innovation: His ventures like Tabla Beat Science, a fusion of Indian classical music with electronic and world music, and orchestral works such Symphony Orchestra of India showcased his drive to innovate while respecting his roots. 

‘Wah Ustad’, An Icon beyond the stage: The iconic ‘Wah Taj’ tea ad featuring him playing the tabla against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s and propelled him to household fame. The voice-over complimenting Hussain with “Wah Ustad, Wah!” became an oft used term for many an occasion, cutting across societal and generational divides.

Awards and accolades: He was conferred with the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002) and Padma Vibhushan (2023). He also won four Grammys, three of them this year. He was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognising his excellence in Indian classical music and the National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award for traditional artists in the US.

YOUNGEST WORLD CHESS CHAMPION

Gukesh Dommaraju

Dressed in his usual understated style, Gukesh Dommaraju entered the chess hall with a calm demeanor that belied the stakes at hand.

Adjusting his collar twice with a mild flourish, à la Rajinikanth, he exuded a quiet confidence. With eyes closed and muttering a mantra under his breath, the 18-year-old was ready to plunge into history.

Four hours later, the world watched as Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion, outpacing Garry Kasparov's record by four years.

Gukesh's strategy of relentless pressure throughout the match, coupled with his ability to capitalize on Ding's momentary lapse, proved to be the winning formula. With a score of 7.5-6.5, Gukesh dethroned Ding and became the 18th World Chess Champion. As his father paced nervously during the final game, the world held its breath. And when the final move was played, Gukesh's calm exterior finally cracked into a radiant smile.

"I've dreamt of this moment for ten years. To see it come true is indescribable," he said after the victory, his voice quivering with emotion. His eyes glistened as he embraced his parents, the two people who had sacrificed the most for his success.

The journey to the pinnacle of chess was anything but smooth for this lanky teenager from Chennai. Gukesh's triumph over reigning champion Ding Liren in a dramatic 14th game wasn't just a victory for him but also a celebration of the sacrifices his family made to support his dreams.

Born to parents hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Gukesh's chess journey began at age seven, and by 13, he was already making headlines. His parents, Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and Padma, a microbiologist, quickly realized their son's extraordinary talent.

They made significant sacrifices to nurture his budding career. In 2017, Dr. Rajinikanth took a bold step: he paused his medical practice to travel the globe with Gukesh, often on a tight budget, as the young prodigy chased the chess master halo. Meanwhile, Padma became the family's primary breadwinner, ensuring their home stayed afloat while supporting her son's dreams.

"We believed in Gukesh, but belief alone isn't enough. It's about perseverance, and as a family, we are committed to that," said Padma, reflecting on their journey. There were moments of doubttimes when funds ran low and when defeats felt heavier than victories. But the family's faith in Gukesh's talent never wavered.

Gukesh's demeanour at the board has earned him admiration across the chess world. Known for his unflappable poker face, he remains calm in even the most nerve-wracking situations. His mantra? Focus and discipline.

"Wherever I play, my goal is simple: to stay focused and win," Gukesh said in an earlier interview. This mindset was on full display in Singapore, where he capitalized on a rare blunder by Ding Liren in the final game to clinch the title.

But beyond his calm exterior lies a young man who faced enormous pressure. Losing a critical game as a 12-year-old at an international tournament brought him to tears. It was a stark reminder that the road to greatness is paved with heartbreaks. Yet, each setback only strengthened his resolve. His parents' unwavering support and his relentless work ethic laid the foundation for his championship run.

Gukesh's win adds another jewel to Chennai's illustrious chess legacy. The city, home to former World Champion Vishwanathan Anand, has long been India's chess capital. Anand himself was effusive in his praise: "Congratulations! This is a proud moment for chess, for India, and for me personally." Gukesh's school, the Velammal Group, which also nurtured talents like R. Praggnanandhaa, celebrated his victory as yet another testament to its commitment to fostering young talent. His success has also ignited a renewed interest in chess among India's youth, with clubs and academies reporting a surge in inquiries. India's new chess king didn't just break records; he inspired a nation. Only a year ago, at 17, Gukesh clinched the FIDE Candidates title, setting the stage for this epic showdown against Ding. Despite the odds, he showed remarkable confidence, declaring himself ready for the challenge. Gukesh's story is one of grit, discipline, and the unwavering support of a family that believed in him. His win not only cements his place in chess history but also highlights the sacrifices and determination it takes to reach the top.

As India celebrates its youngest-ever World Chess Champion, the message is clear: dreams, when nurtured with passion and perseverance, can indeed become reality. And for Gukesh, this is just the beginning of a legacy that promises to inspire generations.

THE LORD’S WAY

Timeless appeal of Krishna’s character to modern youth

Krishna is a comprehensive role model, offering timeless wisdom that is applicable in addressing challenges of today.

Krishna, a central figure in Hindu philosophy and mythology, embodies numerous qualities that make him an ideal role model for today's youth. His teachings and actions, as depicted in ancient scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, offer valuable insights for navigating modern challenges. Few of them are highlighted here which can be imbibed by the youth of today to excel in their lives.

Leadership and Duty: Krishna's guidance to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities, even in difficult circumstances. This lesson is particularly relevant for youth facing career decisions and societal pressures.

Ethical Decision-making: Krishna's discourse on dharma (righteous living) provides a framework for making ethical choices. In an era of complex moral dilemmas, this guidance can help young people develop a strong moral compass.

Emotional Intelligence: Krishna's ability to understand and manage emotions, both his own and others', demonstrates the importance of emotional intelligence. This skill is crucial for personal relationships and professional success in today's interconnected world. 

Adaptability: Throughout his life, Krishna adapts to various roles - from cowherd to statesman. This flexibility is a vital trait for youth navigating a rapidly changing global landscape. 

Inclusivity and Equality: Krishna's interactions with people from all walks of life, regardless of caste or status, promote inclusivity and equality. These values are essential in addressing contemporary social issues. 

Balance in Life: Krishna's philosophy of karma yoga advocates for balancing action with detachment from outcomes. This approach can help youth manage stress and maintain perspective in a high-pressure society. 

Creativity and Innovation: Krishna's unconventional problem-solving methods, such as his strategies during the Kurukshetra war, encourage creative thinking - a crucial skill in today's innovation-driven world. 

Self-realization: Krishna's teachings on self-knowledge and spiritual growth offer guidance for personal development, helping youth find purpose and meaning in life. 

Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Krishna's role as a mediator and diplomat provides lessons in negotiation and peaceful conflict resolution, skills vital in both personal and professional spheres.

Environmental Stewardship: Krishna's close association with nature, particularly in his youth, can inspire environmental consciousness among today's youth, addressing urgent ecological concerns. 

By embodying these qualities, Krishna serves as a comprehensive role model, offering timeless wisdom that remains relevant and applicable in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by today's youth.

SHE HEARD THE STARS

Jocelyn Bell Burnell

Jocelyn Bell Burnell, an eminent astrophysicist from Northern Ireland, is known for her perseverance, discovery and advocacy. In 1967, she revolutionised the field of astronomy with the discovery of 'pulsars'.

Jocelyn was born on July 15, 1943, in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Allison and G Phillip Bell. Her father was an architect who helped design the Armagh Planetarium. During her visits there, the staff encouraged her to pursue further studies in astronomy. Even as a child, she used to read her father's book on astronomy, which also encouraged her to explore the field. 

Jocelyn grew up in Lurgan and attended the Preparatory Department of Lurgan College from 1948 to 1956. This was a time when boys could pursue technical fields, but girls were expected to learn skills like cooking and cross-stitching. However, it was different for Jocelyn, as her parents and a few others challenged the school's policies, and she was able to study science. But then, she failed her eleven-plus exam, and her parents sent her to The Mount School, a Quaker girls boarding school in York, England, where she completed her secondary education in 1961. Here, she was impressed by her physics teacher Mr Tillot, and said, "You don't have to learn lots and lots..... of facts; you just learn a few key things, and.... then you can apply and build and develop from those.... He was really good teacher and showed me how easy physics was." 

After finishing her secondary education at The Mount School, she joined the university of Glasgow for a Bachelor of Science in Natural Philosophy (physics) and graduated in 1965. Then she joined New Hall, Cambridge, where she gained her Ph D in 1969 in radio astronomy. As a research assistant at Cambridge, she helped in building a large telescope, and in 1967, while reviewing the experiments monitoring quasars, she discovered a series of extremely regular radio pulses. Extremely puzzled over this peculiar occurrence, she consulted her advisor, astrophysicist Antony Hewish, and together their team spent months eliminating possible sources of the pulses, which they dubbed LGM (Little Green Men). Once they monitored the pulses using more sensitive equipment, they discovered several more regular patterns of radio waves and determined that these waves were emanating from rapidly spinning neutron stars, which the press later named as 'pulsars'.

This discovery was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1974, but it was given to only Antony Hewish and Martin Ryle. Jocelyn did not receive the award, but she maintained that: "The fact that I was a graduate student and a woman, together, demoted my standing in terms of receiving a Nobel Prize." This decision continues to be debated even today. 

ASSAM'S SON OF THE SOIL

Lachit Borphukan (1622 - 1672)

Lachit Borphukan was the commander-in-chief of the Royal Ahom Army. The Ahom dynasty ruled present-day Assam from 1228-1826.

Lachit was bestowed the title of Borphukan by the Ahom king, Chakradhwaj Singha (1663 - 1670), in recognition of his bravery, leadership skills and mastery of guerilla warfare. Known as Shivaji Maharaj of North East India, Lachit Borphukan is an icon of the Assamese nationalist movement. He was the mastermind behind the famous naval defeat of the Mughal army of Aurangzeb on the Brahmaputra river in 1671.

The conflicts between the Mughals and the Ahoms began in 1615 as the Mughals wanted to get total control over the areas in Brahmaputra valley. Lachit Borphukan grew up amidst a background of battles and war-like events. This instilled courage and patriotism in him. 

In 1661, Aurangzeb became the Mughal king. He was determined to gain control of the Ahom kingdom. Mir Jumla, the Viceroy of Bengal, was assigned this task. This Mughal invasion began in January 1662. He was able to capture Guwahati, but his army found it difficult to capture more territory due to the difficult terrain full of dense jungles, hills rivers and ground covered with monsoon water. The Ahom army cleverly used guerilla warfare tactics to defend the rest of their territory. Mir Jumla found it difficult to sustain the battle. The Ahoms too lost significant areas to the Mughals. Finally, both sides agreed to end the battle. The Treaty of Ghilajharighat was signed on January 23rd, 1663.

Guwahati was recaptured from the Mughals, in September-October 1667, by the Ahoms under the leadership of Lachit Borphukan. However, the Ahoms were very angry at the humiliating conditions laid down in the Treaty of Ghilajharighat. The Ahom king Chakradhwaj Singha, was determined to drive away the Mughals from their occupied areas of his Ahom kingdom. This whish came true during the Battle of Saraighat.

The Battle of Saraighat 1671 was a remarkable naval battle between the Mughals and Ahom soldiers, led by Lachit Borphukan. Although he was very ill, Lachit Borphukan bravely motivated his men to fight the battle. He succeeded in luring the Mughals into sending their naval fleet onto the Brahmaputra river water at Saraighat (Guwahati).

Lachit Borphukan made the smaller Ahom naval boats from a 'bridge' across the narrow portion of the Brahmaputra Saraighat. By using clever psychological warfare tactics and military intelligence, Lachit Borphukan exploited the weakness of the Mughal navy and defeated Aurangzeb's soldiers. Years later, the Mughals again occupied Guwahati. But in 1671, it was Lachit Borphukan who was the victor.

"Bora Masu, Bati Ghora" is the famous war cry attributed to Lachit Borphukan, the heroic commander of the Ahom army during the Battle of Saraighat. It means "Give me a hundred men, I will defeat a thousand enemies." While fighting the battle, in spite of being in immense pain, he told his soldiers, "You may turn around any time you choose, but despite my pain, I intend to fight to my death."

Today, the Lachit Borphukan gold medal is given to the best cadet in the National Defense Academy. This award was set up in 1999 to inspire the cadets to emulate Borphukan's heroism in the battlefield. Lachit Divas is celebrated on 24th November every year in Assam. 

A 35' high bronze statue of Lachit Borphukan, eight 18' statues of soldiers and two 32' long water cannons made of fibre-glass stand on a pedestial fixed to a pillar embedded 50m deep in the Brahmaputra river water on the river bed. It is 5m above the High Flood Level mark. The statue is a reminder that his valour on the battlefield will never be forgotten. For the ever-brave exemplary leader that Lachit Borphukan was, his kingdom always came first. 

JEWEL OF INDIA

"Ratan" Tata 

"I am not a person who believes in fate. I believe in hard work. "

Ratan Tata (1937 - 2024)

On October 9, 2024, Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 89, due to age related health issues in Mumbai. He was one of the most-known businessman in India. He was the former Chairman and the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata group. He was the most influential industrialist in the country and has left behind a legacy that has significantly shaped the landscape of Indian industry. Ratan Tata was an excellent leader and was known for his many acts of kindness. He helped a lot of people and had a great passion for animals. 

Who was Ratan Tata?

Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Navsari, Gujarat to Soonoo and Naval Tata. However, he was brought up by his grandmother Navajbai R. Tata. He was born in a prominent and rich family. His great-grandfather was Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. 

After attending school in Bombay, Ratan Tata finished high school in New York City in 1955. He then studied at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, where he earned a B.S. (1962) in architecture before returning to India to work. 

Tata Group Leadership

 

Ratan Tata served as the Chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012 and 2016-2017. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally and diversified its business interests. Under his leadership, Tata Group also launched several successful projects, including the Tata Nano, which aimed to create an affordable car for the masses. 

He expanded the Tata Group by acquiring international companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel. 

Giving back to society 

Ratan Tata believed in helping people and giving back to society. He has donated a lot of money to help schools, hospitals, poor people and communities. He loved animals and supported many animal welfare organisations. 

Awards

 

Ratan Tata has received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2008 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2014, two of India’s highest civilian honours. 

Mentorship 

After retiring, he has been active in mentoring young entrepreneurs and investing in startups through Ratan Tata Trust and other initiatives. After his retirement in 2012, he played the role of an investor, mentor and guiding light for many startups. Some startups he invested in include Snapdeal, FirstCry, Ola and CureFit.

What can we learn from Ratan Tata?

There are many valuable life lessons we can learn from Ratan Tata. Here are a few lessons:

Humility: Despite his great success, Ratan Tata was known for being humble and down-to-earth. This teaches us to be grounded and respectful to everyone despite our success. 

Generosity and Giving Back: Ratan Tata has always given back to society through his numerous charitable initiatives. This shows us that true success means helping others and improving the world around us. 

Hard Work and Dedication: His success came from dedication and perseverance, showing us that effort pays off. 

Resilience: Ratan Tata also faced many challenging situations and setbacks in his career. This teaches us that we need to be determined and constantly persevere and understand that failures are a part of the journey to success. 

Integrity: Ratan Tata was well known for his honesty and strong moral values. This shows that it is always important to do the right thing, even when it's difficult. Always standing up for the right thing, ensures respect and success. 

POPULAR CARTOON CHARACTER

Elsa

Elsa, the enchanting and powerful character from Disney’s "Frozen", has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Introduced in the 2013 animated film Elsa is the Snow Queen of Arendelle. Her magical ability to create ice and snow inadvertently plunges her kingdom into eternal winter. Voiced by Idina Menzel, Elsa embarks on a journey of self-discovery, embracing her powers and learning to control them. Her anthem, "Let It Go", became a global sensation, symbolising empowerment and freedom. 

Elsa's character resonates with audiences for her strength, resilience, and the message of self-acceptance. She challenges traditional princess stereotypes, emphasising the importance of love between sisters Elsa and Anna.  This iconic character has become a symbol of empowerment, inspiring countless fans to embrace their uniqueness and let their inner strength shine. 

FATHER OF MODERN GENETICS

Gregor Mendel

Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk who discovered the basic principles of heredity through experiments in his garden.

Mendel’s observations became the foundation of modern genetics and the study of heredity, and he is widely considered as ‘The Father of Modern Genetics’.

Early Life 

Gregor Johann Mendel was born on July 22, 1822, to Anton and Rosine Mendel, on his family’s farm, in Heinzendorf, Austria. He spent his early youth in that rural setting. In 1840, he graduated from the secondary school in Troppau with honors.

Following his schooling, Mendel graduated from the Philosophical Institute of the University of Olmutz in 1843. That same year, against the wishes of his father, Mendel began studying to be a monk. He joined the Augustinian order at the St. Thomas Monastery.

Scientific Exposure

In 1851, he was sent to the University of Vienna, at the monastery’s expense, to continue his studies in the sciences. While there, Mendel studied mathematics and physics under Christian Doppler, after whom the Doppler effect of wave frequency is named.

He studied botany under Franz Unger, who had begun using a microscope in his studies.

In 1853, upon completing his studies at the University of Vienna, Mendel returned to the monastery in Brno and he began the experiments for which he is best known.

Experiments and Theories

Around 1854, Mendel began to do research on the transmission of hereditary traits in plant hybrids. Mendel’s research continued over as many as eight years and involved tens of thousands of individual plants.

Mendel chose to use peas for his experiments due to their many distinct varieties. After analyzing his results, he reached two of his most important conclusions: the Law of Segregation, which established that there are dominant and recessive traits which were passed on randomly from parents to offspring and the Law of Independent Assortment, which established that traits were passed on independently of other traits from parents to offspring.

In 1865, Mendel delivered two lectures on his findings to the Natural Science Society in Brno. Mendel did little to promote his work. The importance of his work was largely overlooked at that period.

Later life and Legacy

Gregor Mendel died on January 6, 1884, at the age of 61. His work, however, was still largely unknown.

But, decades later, Mendel’s research was recognized by several noted geneticists, botanists, and biologists conducting research on heredity. Its significance was more fully appreciated, and his studies began to be referred to as Mendel’s Laws. His research and theories are considered fundamental to any understanding of the field of genetics, and he is thus considered the ‘Father of Modern Genetics’.

GREATEST PACE BOWLER OF INDIA

Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev (born January 6, 1959, Chandigarh, India) Indian cricketer and the greatest pace bowler in his country’s history. He is the only cricketer to have scored over 5,000 runs and taken more than 400 wickets in Test (international match) cricket.

Dev made his debut in first-class cricket playing for his state, Haryana. He joined the Indian national team for a 1978–79 Test series against Pakistan. Although his tally of seven wickets over three matches in a losing effort was not the most spectacular of debuts, Dev played with great energy, possessing an impressive outswinger delivery and an aggressiveness that Indian cricket had not seen in a long while. In fact, Dev was India’s first genuine fast bowler, and he went on to lead the country’s bowling attack for the next two decades. He ended his Test career with a record 434 wickets in 131 Test matches (a record that was broken in 2000 by Jamaica’s Courtney Walsh), including 23 five-wicket matches. In one-day internationals, he took 253 wickets over 225 games.

Dev also made a mark as a hard-hitting middle-order batsman. In a 1978–79 Test series against the West Indies, he not only took seven wickets in the fourth Test but also scored 126 runs in the fifth Test to help India win the series. His attacking game, peppered often with huge boundaries (hits that cross the boundary of the field), helped him score 5,248 runs in 131 Tests (including eight centuries [100 runs in a single innings]) and 3,783 runs in 225 one-day internationals (with one century).

Dev was made the captain of the Indian national team in 1983. As a leader, he downplayed strategy and led by example. This was best seen in the 1983 Prudential Cup, when he almost single-handedly helped India defeat Zimbabwe with a 175 not out (his 175 runs were a career high). However, inconsistent performances led to his being relieved of the captaincy soon after the victory. He was even dropped from the side briefly in 1984. Nevertheless, Dev played several match-winning innings for India. The most famous of these include his “5 for 28” (taking five wickets while conceding only 28 runs) against Australia to give India victory in the 1981 Melbourne Test; taking nine wickets against the West Indies in 1983; scoring 119 off of 138 balls to save India from a Test defeat against Australia in 1986; and slamming four consecutive sixes (balls that pass the boundary without ever touching the playing field) against England in 1990. He became only the second player in cricket history to claim 400 wickets, and in 1994 he broke Richard Hadlee’s record of 431 wickets.

Dev retired in 1994 and had a brief but unsuccessful 10-month spell as the coach of the Indian national team from October 1999 to August 2000. In 1999 he was implicated in a match-fixing controversy that led to his coaching departure, but he was later cleared of all charges after an investigation conducted by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation. He was chairman of India’s National Cricket Academy from 2006 to 2007 but was forced out when he became an executive in the privately funded upstart India Cricket League (ICL). He left the ICL in 2012 and returned to the good graces of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body of Indian cricket. Kapil Dev was the greatest pace bowler India has produced, and their greatest fast-bowling allrounder. If he had played at any other time - not when Imran Khan, Ian Botham and Richard Hadlee were contemporaries - he would surely have been recognised as the best allrounder in the world. In any case he did enough to be voted India’s Cricketer of the Century during 2002, ahead of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. His greatest feats were to lead India almost jauntily, and by his all-round example, to the 1983 World Cup, and to take the world-record aggregate of Test wickets from Hadlee. It was the stamina of the marathon runner that took him finally to 431 wickets and only a yard beyond.

He might not have been quite the bowling equal of Imran, Hadlee or Botham at his best, and his strike rate was less than four wickets per Test, but he was still outstanding in his accuracy and ability to swing the ball, usually away from right-handers. And he could hit a ball even more brilliantly than he bowled it, with uncomplicated flair.

Kapil had a rather ordinary stint as India’s coach for 10 months between October 1999 and August 2000. At the height of the match-fixing allegation by Manoj Prabhakar - a charge that was subsequently dismissed - Kapil resigned as coach. Hurt by the betting controversy, he announced that he was leaving the game. However, he returned from a significantly quiet period when Wisden named him their Indian Cricketer of the Century. He won, and then returned to cricket as a bowling consultant and served as chairman of National Cricket Academy for two years. In May 2007, Kapil joined the breakaway Indian Cricket League, which led to his removal from the NCA.

THE WORLD'S FIRST BILLIONAIRE

  John D. Rockfeller

John D. Rockfeller (July 8, 1839–May 23, 1937), the founder of Standard Oil, was once the richest man in the world. He was the world’s first billionaire. 

"He amassed a net worth of at least $1 billion in 1916. When Rockefeller died in 1937, his net worth was estimated to be approximately $340 billion in today's dollars."

By the age of 25, he had one of the largest oil refineries in the United States. He was 31 when he became the world's largest oil refiner. At 38, he controlled 90% of the oil refined in the United States. At fifty, John was America's richest man. As a young man, every action, attitude, and connection was crafted to establish his wealth.

But at the age of 53, he fell unwell. His entire body became wracked with pain, and he lost all his hair. In total anguish, the world's lone millionaire could buy anything he wanted but could only eat soup and crackers.

According to an associate, "He couldn't sleep, wouldn't smile, and nothing in life meant anything to him". His personal, highly trained physicians indicated that he would die within the year. That year passed painfully slowly. As he approached death, he awoke one morning with the faint understanding that he would not be able to bring any of his fortune with him to the next world.

The man who could dominate the commercial world suddenly realised he had no control over his personal life. He informed his solicitors, accountants, and management that he intended to devote his assets to hospitals, research, and charity work. John D. Rockefeller started his foundation.

The Rockefeller Foundation financed Howard Florey and his colleague Norman Heatley's penicillin research in 1941. But arguably the most astounding aspect of Rockefeller's narrative is that when he began to give back a fraction of all he had gained, his body's chemistry changed dramatically, and he recovered.

He was expected to die at the age of 53, but he survived to reach 98 years old. Rockefeller learnt gratitude and returned the great bulk of his money. This made him whole. It's one thing to be healed. It is another to become fit. He was a devout Baptist who attended the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

Before he died, he wrote in his diary: "God taught me that everything belongs to Him, and I am merely a conduit to carry out His will. My life has been one long, happy holiday since then; full of work and play, I let go of my worries along the road, and God was wonderful to me every day.

FOUNDER OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Henry Ford 

Henry Ford is famous for making cars easier for most people to buy. He did this by producing the cars using an assembly line.

Henry Ford was born in 1863 in Michigan. He had 4 siblings, and his family owned a farm. He worked on the farm when he was young, but he soon discovered that he loved taking things apart to see how they worked, and then putting them back together again.

He worked on watches a lot and ended up helping many people fix their watches. In 1879, when he was 16 years old, he moved to Detroit to start working with machines, though he did come home and work on the farm a little, too.

Ford got married to Clara Bryant in 1888 and worked in a sawmill. He eventually became an engineer.

Ford worked for the Edison Illuminating Company and even got to meet Thomas Edison! Edison encouraged him to keep working on his plans for his horseless carriage, powered by a motor. 

Ford’s gasoline-powered horseless carriage was called the Quadricycle. He sold the Quadricycle and started his own company to continue his work making vehicles.

He did not stay with the first company for very many years but eventually started the Ford Motor Company. He spent many years developing cars, which were made only a few at a time.

Ford was not the first person to create a car, but he was the one who began to make them accessible to a lot of people in the United States.

His “Model T” car, released in 1908, was easy to drive and repair, which made many people want one.

He needed to make a lot of cars very quickly. His company, Ford Motor Company, hired skilled workers to work on an assembly line. The car would move through the line, and each worker had a job along the line.

One worker might put on the steering wheel, while at a different spot on the line, another worker put on tires. Every Model T was painted black. The company could make many cars at a time this way, which made them cheaper to produce.

In addition to using the assembly line to produce cars, Ford was also known for paying his workers fair wages.

Henry Ford died in 1947, but his company is still around and making cars today.

FATHER OF SURGERY

Sushruta 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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