ANCIENT TECHNICAL WONDER

Iron Pillar

     A 23 feet and 6 ton Pillar located at the Qutb Complex at Mehrauli in Delhi is an unsolved mystery. This pillar is made of iron and has attracted the attention of archeologists and material scientists across the world. 

     Standing at the centre of the Quwwatul Mosque the Iron Pillar dates back to 4th century AD. The pillar is made of 98% wrought Iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. Its high resistance to corrosion is a proof of the high level of skill achieved by the ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of Iron.

     The pillar carries a large number of inscriptions and graffiti of different dates. The oldest inscription on the pillar is that of a king named Chandra, generally identified as the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. The script and the poetic style of the inscription point to a date in the late fourth or early fifth century i.e. the Gupta period. 

     The inscription describes the king as a devotee of the God Vishnu, and records the erection of a dhvaja (flag) of Vishnu, on a hill called Vishnupada (hill of the footprint of Vishnu). Other Gupta inscriptions also describe Chandragupta II as a Bhagavata.

     The greatest mystery is about its composition and non-corrosive nature. The pillar was manufactured by the forge welding of pieces of wrought iron. In a report published explains that the pillar's resistance to corrosion is due to a passive protective film at the iron-rust interface. 

Reason for formation of protective passive film:

* The presence of second-phase particles (slag and unreduced iron oxides) in the microstructure of the iron. 

* High amounts of phosphorus in it.

* Alternate wetting and drying existing under atmospheric conditions. 

The height of the pillar, from the top of its capital to the bottom of its base, is 23.8 feet. Out of this 3.8 feet part is below the ground. The diameter is 48cm at the foot, tapering to 29cm at the top, just below the base of the wonderfully crafted capital. The base rests on a grid of iron bars soldered with lead into the upper layer of the dressed stone pavement. It is estimated to weigh more than six tonnes.

The original location of the iron pillar is debatable. According to the inscription of king Chandra, the pillar was erected at Vishnupadagiri.

* J. F. Fleet (1898) describes the location as Mathura, because of its proximity to Delhi and the city's reputation as a Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre. But during Gupta age, Mathura was a Buddhist centre. 

* Based on the study of ancient and historical writings, the Gupta-era iconography, analysis of metallurgy and other evidence, Meera Dass and R. Balasubramaniam (2004) stated that the iron pillar was originally erected at Udaygiri. 

* It is not certain when the pillar was moved to Delhi from its original location. Its still a mystery that how the movement of pillar was done in those ancient days.

THE BEAUTIFUL MEDICINAL FLOWER

 Butterfly Pea 

     The butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), a native of South America that has long been naturalized to Malaysia, Indonesia and India, is an eye-catching plant with ornamental, medicinal, and culinary uses. The plant is distinguished by its flower, whose unusual shape has earned it the alternate name of conch flower (or shankh-pushpam in several South Indian languages). Another distinctive feature of this flower is its brilliant cobalt blue colour that gives rise to its use as a dye and food colorant. Interestingly, the colour changes based on the pH level of the substance added to it - a property that is utilized in making butterfly pea flower tea, a herbal beverage initially an attractive blue in colour but turning to purple when lemon juice is added to it. The plant is known as Aparajita in Hindi and other North Indian languages. Other names include Gokarna, Girikarnika, Kokila and Yonipushpa. 

     Ayurveda uses the whole plant and its parts including leaves, flowers and roots in remedies for a host of diseases. The plant also finds its application in the Chinese and Unani system of medicine.

     The butterfly pea plant is a climbing herb that is commonly found in hedgerows all over the country. The leaves are bright green, elliptic and obtuse. Flowers are conch-shaped, growing singly and are about 4cm long and 3cm broad. They are a vivid blue in colour, with yellow markings. There are also two other varieties yielding lilac and white flowers. Fruits are flat pods, up to 7cm long, tapering at both ends and containing 6 to 7 seeds.

     In Ayurveda, the butterfly pea has been grouped under the category of medhya, which includes herbs that help improve memory and learning. The plant root, ground to a paste mixed with ghee or butter, is prescribed for children to increase comprehension and retention. The root extract is also used in traditional remedies for insomnia, intoxication, schizophrenia, dizziness, balance problems and skin diseases. The seeds of the plant are used as a mild purgative and in the treatment of intestinal worms. A traditional remedy for constipation is a small quantity (one-eighth of a teaspoon) of roasted powdered seeds taken with warm water. The juice of the leaves, mixed with salt, is applied as a fomentation to cure earache. A few drops of root juice extract are put into the nostrils as a remedy for migraine. A decoction of the whole plant is gargled to treat sore throats and mouth ulcers. In Bali, the flowers are used in traditional remedies for eye infections such as conjunctivitis. 

     The butterfly pea plant also finds application in South East Asian cuisines. The flowers and leaves are used to make butterfly pea flower tea, mentioned earlier, which is a very popular beverage in Thailand and Vietnam. The tea is often added to cocktails to showcase the instantaneous colour change from blue to pink or purple. In Malaysian cuisine, the flowers are used in a breakfast dish called Nasi kerabu, consisting of blue-coloured rice (rice cooked with butterfly pea petals) eaten with chicken or fish, fries, pickle and salad. The same dish is also made in Thailand, where it is known as Khao yam. In Myanmar and Thailand, the flowers are dipped in butter and fried as snacks. 

A DEVICE THAT GENERATES OZONE

Ozoniser

    It is a type of air or water purifier that uses ozone to kill bacteria and remove contaminants from food and water. 

     Ozone is a naturally occurring gas. A molecule of ozone has three oxygen atoms. Ozone is found in low concentrations throughout Earth's atmosphere. While the ozone layer shields Earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the Sun, it is a pollutant at ground level. 

  However, when used in the right amounts, ozone can sanitize food and drinking water. Studies have shown that injecting small amounts of ozone into filtered tap water can reduce more than 99.99% of food-borne microorganisms such as salmonella and E. coli. It can also remove residue of pesticides from fruits, vegetables, lentils, meat and seafood.

    An ozoniser is a device that generates ozone by charging the air with high voltage electricity. The gas is then either released into the air or water. Ozone improves the quality of indoor air by removing unpleasant odours and killing microbes. When fruits and vegetables are soaked in water infused with ozone, it removes chemicals, bacteria and fungus without hurting their nutritional content. In the process, the food tastes better and lasts longer. 

    On the flip side, some scientific studies suggest that the amount of ozone needed to effectively kill bacteria and remove odours can be harmful to humans and hence should be used with care.

MOTIVATIONAL STORY

The tomato story

     A jobless man applied for the position of 'office boy' at a very big company. The employer interviewed him, followed by a test of cleaning the floor.

"You are hired," the employer said. "Give me your email address, and I'll send you the application to fill, as well as when you will start."

The man replied, "I don't have a computer, neither an email."

"I am sorry," said the employer, if you don’t have an email, you cannot have the job."

     The man left with no hope. He didn't know what to do, with only ₹100 in his pocket. He then decided to go to the supermarket, bought a 10kg tomato crate, then sold the tomatoes door to door. In less than two hours, he succeeded and doubled his capital. He repeated the operation 3 times and returned home with ₹300. 

     The man realised that he could survive by this way, and started to go everyday earlier and returned late. Thus, his money doubled or tripled everyday. Shortly later, he bought a cart, then a truck and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles. Five years later the man's company was one of the biggest food retailers. 

     He started to plan his family's future and decided to have a life insurance. He called an insurance broker and chose a protection plan. When the conversation concluded, the broker asked him his email. The man replied, "I don't have an email."

     The broker replied curiously, "You don't have an email and yet you have succeeded to build an empire. Do you imagine what position you could have if you had an email?"

The man paused for a while and replied, "An office boy!"

Don’t be discouraged if something is not in your favour today. Better opportunities are always waiting ahead. 

AN IMPORTANT GLAND IN OUR BODY

Thyroid gland

  The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. It has two lobes, one on each side of trachea (or windpipe). The lobes are connected by a thin band of tissue, while a network of blood vessels surrounds the gland. The thyroid takes the iodine from the blood and uses it to make the active hormones thyroxine, also called tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine. An inactive form of thyroid hormones is stored inside the lobes in small chambers called follicles.

Thyroid hormones are released into the bloodstream, cells increase the rate at which they convert oxygen and nutrients into energy and heat for the body's use.   During a child's development, thyroid hormones stimulate an increase in growth rate. Release of thyroid hormones also stimulates mental activity and increases the activity of the other hormone-producing glands.

DO YOU KNOW

 Why muscles ache after exercise?

     Whatever you do, you are using your muscles. Not all of them move at once - you have 639 muscles in all - but you would be surprised to know how many of your muscles you use doing something as simple as walking. 

     When your muscles are working, they produce an acid called lactic acid, which makes the muscles feel tired. When you rest, your body gets rid of lactic acid, and you don't feel so tired.    

   When you do a lot of hard exercise, like a running race, you may get a cramp, a sharp pain in the muscles you are using the most. Cramp is caused by a big build-up of lactic acid in these muscles, and a lot of rest is needed to get rid of the cramp. So, although exercise, as we know, is good for your body, rest is just as good, and just as important. 

A SPACE FOR CREATIVITY AND ORDER

 Margin

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

The Tale of Margins in Typography

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

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

Notebooks: Where Margins Find a Home

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

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

Insights from the Digital Realm

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

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

Laboratory Notebooks: Where Precision Matters

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

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

The Evolution of Lined Paper

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

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

Conclusion: Where Creativity Meets Structure

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

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