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…

CREATOR OF RUBIK'S CUBE

Erno Rubik

He was born on 13 July 1944 in Budapest, Kingdom of Hungary, to poet Magdolna and glider-manufacturer Erno. He was inspired by his father's value-creating process of a target and a positive result, working with his hands.

He studied sculpture at Technical University and architecture at Academy of Applied Arts & Design, in Budapest. He became a member of Architecture Faculty. From 1967, he attended Hungarian Academy of Applied Arts and was Faculty of Interior Architecture & Design. 

While a professor of design at the academy, he pursued hobby of building geometric models. One of these was a prototype of his cube, made of 27 wooden blocks; it took him a month to solve the problem of the cube. It proved a useful tool for teaching algebraic group theory.

In late 1977 Konsumex, Hungary's state trading company, began marketing it. By 1980 Rubik's Cube was marketed throughout the world and over 100 million authorised units, with an estimated 50 million unauthorised imitations, were sold in first 3 years. Over 50 books were published describing how to solve Rubik's Cube

In early 1980s, he became editor of a game and puzzle journal called ..És játék (...And games). In 1983, he founded Rubik Studio, where he designed furniture and games. Among its products was another popular puzzle toy, Rubik's Magic along with Rubik's Snake and Rubik's 360 and more. 

In 1987 he became a professor with full tenure. In 1990 he became president of Hungarian Engineering Academy. At the Academy, he created International Rubik Foundation to support talented young engineers and industrial designers. 

He is actively involved in promotion of science in education. He works with several organizations: Beyond Rubik's Cube, Rubik Learning Initiative & Judit Polgar Foundation all of whose aim is to engage students in science, mathematics, and problem solving at a young age. 

His inspirations include Leonardo da Vinci, whom he regards as the Renaissance man; Michelangelo, whom he respects as a polymath, painter and sculptor, and M.C. Escher, who drew impossible constructions and grappled with explorations of infinity. 

In philosophers and writers, he admires Voltaire, Stendhal, Thomas Mann, Jean-Paul Sartre, Hungarian poet Attila Jozsef, Jules Verne and Isaac Asimov. In the field of architecture, he is an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier. 

A lifelong bibliophile,  he has a special interest in science fiction, outdoor activities of walking through nature, playing sports and sailing on Lake Balaton. He is an avid gardener and collecting succulents is his favourite pastime.

FROM WICKET-KEEPER TO CAPTAIN

Mahendra Singh Dhoni 

M. S. Dhoni was born on July 7, 1981 in Ranchi, Bihar (now Jharkhand). His father Pan Singh worked in junior management positions in MECON. He initially excelled in badminton and football, and was selected at district and club level in these sports. He was a goalkeeper for his football team and was sent to play cricket for a local cricket club by his football coach.

Though he had not played cricket, he impressed with his wicket-keeping skills and became regular wicketkeeper at Commando cricket club. He was picked for 1997/98 season Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-16 Championship and he performed well. He focused on cricket after 10th standard. 

Till class 12th he played only school cricket and club cricket but no professional cricket. In 1998, he was selected by Deval Sahay to play for Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL) team. Sahay used to gift him Rs 50 for each six that he hit in Sheesh Mahal tournament cricket matches. 

For CCL, he batted up the order and scored centuries and helped CCL move to A division. Sahay used his contacts in Bihar Cricket Association to push for his selection in junior Bihar cricket team and eventually senior Bihar Ranji Team for 1999–2000 season. Within 1 year, he moved from playing in CCL to Bihar Ranji team. 

He made Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar in 1999–2000 season, as an 18-year-old. He was a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Kharagpur railway station from 2001 to 2003.

His performance in 2002–2003 season included three half-centuries in Ranji Trophy and a couple in Deodhar Trophy, as he started gaining recognition for his lower-order contribution as well as hard-hitting batting style. He was part of East Zone squad that won Deodhar Trophy 2003–2004 season and contributed with 244 runs in 4 matches, including a century (114) against Central zone. 

In Duleep Trophy finals, he was picked over international cricketer Deep Dasgupta to represent East Zone. He scored a fighting half-century in the second innings in a losing cause.

His talent was discovered via BCCI's small-town talent-spotting initiative TRDW. Dhoni was discovered by TRDO Prakash Poddar (captain of Bengal in 1960s) when he saw Dhoni play for Jharkhand at a match in Jamshedpur in 2003 and sent a report to National Cricket Academy. 

He was picked for India A squad for tour of Zimbabwe and Kenya. Against Zimbabwe in Harare Sports Club, he had his best wicket-keeping effort with 7 catches and 4 stumpings. 

In tri-nation tournament involving Kenya, India A and Pakistan A, he helped chase down target of 223 against Pakistan A with a half-century. He scored back to back centuries, 120 and 119 against them. He scored 362 runs in 6 innings at an average of 72.40 and his performance was noted by Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, Ravi Shastri and others. 

He was picked in ODI squad for Bangladesh tour in 2004/05. He was run out for a duck on debut. In spite of an average series, he was picked for Pakistan ODI series. In second match, in his 5th ODI, he scored 148 in Visakhapatnam off only 123 deliveries and surpassed earlier record for highest score by an Indian wicket-keeper, a record that he re-wrote before end of the year. 

He had few batting opportunities in first two games of 2005 Sri Lankan bilateral ODI series and was promoted to No. 3 in third ODI at Jaipur). Sri Lanka had set a target of 299 after a Kumar Sangakkara century and in reply, India lost Tendulkar early. He ended with an unbeaten 183 off 145 balls, winning the game for India. 

The innings was described in Wisden Almanack (2006) as 'Uninhibited, yet anything but crude'. The innings set various records including highest individual score in ODI cricket in second innings, a record only broken after 7 years by Shane Watson. He ended the series with highest run aggregate (346) and was awarded Man of the Series. In December 2005, he was rewarded a B-grade contract by BCCI. 

He overtook Ricky Ponting as number 1 in ICC ODI Rankings for batsmen on 20 April 2006 becoming fastest batsman to do so, in 42 innings. His reign lasted just a week as Adam Gilchrist's performance against Bangladesh moved him to the top spot.

In next 16 matches, he hit just 2 fifties and averaged 25.93. He was criticised on his wicket-keeping technique by former wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani. Yet, for his performances in 2006, he was named in World ODI XI by ICC. 

In 2007 World Cup, India unexpectedly crashed out of World Cup after losses to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in group stage. He was out for a duck in both matches and scored just 29 runs in the tournament. After loss to Bangladesh, the house that he was constructing in Ranchi was vandalised and damaged by political activists of JMM. The local police arranged for security for his family. 

He put disappointing performances in World Cup behind him by scoring 91* against Bangladesh, after India were left in a tight spot in the run-chase. He was declared Man of the Match, his fourth in ODIs. He was adjudged Man of the Series. He had a good Afro-Asia Cup, scoring 174 runs in 3 matches at an average of 87.00, with a blitzkrieg 139 not out off 97 balls, a Man of the Match innings, in third ODI.

He was named vice-captain of ODI team for series against South Africa in Ireland and subsequent India-England 7-match ODI series. He was awarded 'A' grade contract in June 2007. He was elected as captain of Indian squad for World Twenty20 in September 2007. On 2 September 2007, he equalled idol Adam Gilchrist's international record for most dismissals in an innings in ODI by catching five English players and stumping one. 

During series between India and Australia in 2009, he hit an aggressive 124 runs in just 107 balls, in second ODI and a measured knock of 71 runs in 95 balls, along with Yuvraj Singh and saw India home by 6 wickets in third ODI. He took his first and only wicket in international cricket on 30 September 2009. He bowled Travis Dowlin of West Indies during a match in 2009 ICC Champions Trophy. 

He topped ICC ODI Batsman rankings for several months in 2009. He had an excellent year in ODIs in 2009, scoring 1198 runs in just 24 innings, at an astonishing average of 70.43. He was joint top-scorer in ODIs in 2009 along with Ricky Ponting, but the latter having played 30 innings. For his performances in 2009, he was named captain and wicketkeeper of World ODI XI by ICC. 

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 kicked off in the subcontinent and Dhoni-led India was seen as 'favourites'. Although he didn't have a good show with the bat averaging just 30.0 in seven innings and managing 150 runs, India reached the finals with victories over Australia and Pakistan in quarter-finals and semi-finals. Chasing a target of 275 in final against Sri Lanka, he rescued his team alongside Gautam Gambhir and later Yuvraj Singh to help India lift their second World Cup title since 1983. He scored 91 not out, finishing the game with a historical six and claiming Man of the Match award. 

The rest is history.

He captained Indian team in limited-overs formats from 2007 to 2017 and in Test cricket from 2008 to 2014. Under his captaincy, India won inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20, 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. 

He is one of highest run scorers in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with more than 10,000 runs scored and was considered an effective 'finisher' in limited-overs formats. He is regarded as a great wicket-keeper, batsman and captain in history of game. He was first wicket-keeper to effect 100 stumpings in ODI cricket. 

He announced retirement from Test format on 30 December 2014 and stepped down as captain of T20Is and ODIs in 2017. On 15 August 2020, he retired from all formats of international cricket. He continues to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings in IPL. He captained the side to championships in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021 editions of IPL league. Under his captaincy CSK won Champions League T20 in 2010 and 2014. He vacated captaincy on 24 March 2022, being replaced by Ravindra Jadeja. He became captain again after Jadeja resigned on 30 April 2022. 

THE FOREST MAN OF INDIA

Jadav Molai Payeng

     HERO…Well defining the word HERO is difficult. Superman and Batman are heroes to us, our teacher who always believes in us is a hero to us, our mom, dad, sister and brother who works tirelessly to provide for the family are heroes to us. The definition of a hero is left to interpretation. 

     Who do you think of when you hear the word hero? Well, heroes come from all walks of life. Everyone who we admire and idolize, is a hero to us. One thing is certain: we want to believe in heroes, but we’ve been going about it the wrong way. 

     Heroes are the ones who act nobly. Their lives inspire us. Therefore it is important for us to know the unsung heroes of our country who are impacting thousands of lives, changing the way we think, and making India truly a better place.

     Here's a story of one such hero who has achieved extraordinary feats and moved our country forward.

     This man, Jadav Payeng, rightly called "forest man of India", single-handedly converted a washed-out land into a 1,360-acre forest. 

     Almost three decades ago, a teenager, after noticing the deaths of a large number of reptiles due to lack of tree cover, started planting Bamboo in an area that had been washed away by floods. Today, that same land hosts 1,360 acres of Jungle called Molai Forest, named after Jadav “Molai” Payeng, the man who made this possible single-handedly!

     He was 16 when the catastrophic flood hit Assam destroying crops, vegetation, and wildlife. Payeng observed that the flow of migratory birds eventually started to decline to the forest areas and wetlands near his home and snakes and other reptiles were disappearing in large numbers. When he asked his village elders, they told him that with a decline in forest cover and deforestation, animals lost their habitats. In order to restore wildlife, the only solution was to build new homes or forests for the animals. He informed the forest department but they asked him to plant trees himself. So that's what he did. He located a riverine island, on the banks of River Brahmaputra, and began to plant the saplings. Payeng visited the island and planted a few saplings every day for three decades.

     Transforming the area into a forest was not a piece of cake. He experienced tough and difficult challenges. The odds were against him but he didn't give up. One of those obstacles was watering the growing area. Watering the area proved to be vast for one man. He could not draw water from the river and water all the growing plants. But that never stopped him.

     He came up with a brilliant idea. He built a bamboo platform on the top of each sapling and placed earthen pots with small holes in them. The water would gradually drip on the plants below and water them through the week. With his "never quit" attitude he conquered all those challenges and obstacles.

     In 1980, he started working with the social forestry division of Golaghat district when they launched a scheme of tree plantation on 200 hectares. Payeng was one of the labourers who worked on that 5-year-long project. When the project was completed other workers left but he chose to stay to look after the plants and he continued to plant more trees on his own, in an effort to remodel the area into a forest.

     Payeng was honoured at a public function arranged by the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University on 22nd April 2012 for his noteworthy achievement. The vice-chancellor of JNU Sudhir Kumar Sopory named him as "Forest Man of India". In October 2013, he was honoured at the Indian Institute of Forest Management during their annual event ‘Coalescence’.

     In 2015, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India. He received honorary doctorate degrees from Assam Agricultural University and Kaziranga University for his contributions.

     He started as a 16 year old boy, Today he is 57 and lives in his own forest, which is now also home to Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, over 100 deer, and rabbits, besides apes and several varieties of birds, including a large number of vultures. The forest department wanted to employ him but he refused because he believed he wouldn’t be able to pay attention to the cause if he was bound by responsibilities.

     Isn’t it fascinating to see the willpower of this man who fought alone and won the battle single-handedly? Where we don’t hesitate to cut trees for our luxuries, he sacrificed all the worldly pleasures to save the environment and the ecosystem. Our country needs more such heroes who are trying to make Earth a better place.