INDIAN BLACKBERRY

The Juicy Jamun

The glistening deep purple jamun, which leaves its characteristic stamp on the tongue and lips of the eater, is very popular in India. Children love the succulent sweetness of this fruit, which is also known as java plum and Indian blackberry. The jamun tree can be found all over India. 

The jamun is a hardy crop that can be grown under adverse soil and weather conditions. The tree is an evergreen that grows to a height of 30-40 feet. It can grow in many soils, but thrives best in deep loam and well-drained soils. It provides shade, and is often grown for its ornamental value. 

The jamun tree starts flowering from March to April. The flowers are fragrant and small. The fruits develop in a couple of months and are ready for picking by July-August. A well-grown tree yields 80 to 100kg of fruit. The fruit is oblong and oval-shaped, with a seed in the centre. Initially green incolour, it turns to deep red or bluish-black on maturity. It has a characteristic sweet-sour taste, and lends a purple tinge to the tongue when eaten.

The jamun can be eaten as it is, and also with salt. Further, it is processed to make varied products such as jams, jellies, preserves, and squashes. The ripe fruit is fermented to fabricate excellent quality wine, while the juice of the raw fruit is used to make vinegar. Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, the fruit is a boon for dieters and diabetics, as it contains absolutely no sucrose, and provides fewer calories in comparison with other fruits. Further, the fruit and its seed contain many medicinal properties. Research has proved that dried extracts of the seed, given to diabetics on a regular basis, help reduce the blood sugar level. The juice of the jamun is used in medicines to treat diarrhoea.

The other parts of the jamun tree also have various uses. The tree bark has high astringent properties, and is used as a mouthwash. It also finds use in dyeing and tanning processes. The leaves possess anti-bacterial properties and are used to make dental medicines. The wood of the jamun tree is extremely strong and has a unique water - resistant quality. So, it isused for sleeper planks on railway tracks.

* Jamun is a black plum that aids in skin care and weight loss, relieves stomach pain, and boosts immunity. It can be used in salads, desserts, juices, and smoothies.

* There is a good amount of vitamin C and other antioxidants in jamun, which can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells, and in turn, increase the strength of the immune system. 

* Regular consumption of jamun fruit or juice that contains notable levels of potassium, which is a vasodilator, may helpreduce your risk of highblood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks.

DO YOU KNOW

What are the floating dots that we see in our eyes?

Have you had this experience- you are outside in the sun, looking at the bright blue sky, and you suddenly notice white or transparent dots floating in your eyes! This phenomenon happens in our eyes, when red and white blood cells pass over the retina of our eye. The retina is like the film in a camera, lining the back of your eye and helping you see colours, shapes and details by turning light into electrical signals for your brain to understand. The red blood cells in the retina are invisible, because light from the sky ends up passing through them. However, white blood cells are bigger and more opaque (they are not invisible like the red blood cells). The light thus cannot pass through them. So, the floating dots that we think we see in the sky are actually our own white blood cells in our eyes!

TO BRING OUT THE BEST

Work with devotion and passion

When Valmiki completed his Ramayana, Narada wasn't impressed. 

"It is good, but Hanuman's is better", he said.

"Hanuman has written the Ramayana too!", Valmiki didn't like this at all, and wondered whose Ramayana was better.

So he set out to find Hanuman.

In Kadali-vana, grove of plantains, he found Ramayana inscribed on seven broad leaves of a banana tree.

He read it and found it to be perfect. The most exquisite choice of grammar and vocabulary, metre and melody. He couldn't help himself. He started to cry.

"Is it so bad?" asked Hanuman..

"No, it is so good", said Valmiki.

"Then why are you crying?" asked Hanuman.

"Because after reading your Ramayana no one will read my Ramayana." replied Valmiki.

Hearing this Hanuman simply tore up the seven banana leaves stating 

"Now no one will ever read Hanuman's Ramayana.'"

Valmiki was shocked to see this action of Hanuman and asked him why he did this.

Hanuman said, "You need your Ramayana more than I need mine. You wrote your Ramayana so that the world remembers Valmiki; I wrote my Ramayana so that I remember Ram."

At that moment he realised how he had been consumed by the desire for validation through his work.

He had not used the work to liberate himself from the fear of invalidation.

He had not appreciated the essence of Ram's tale to unknot his mind.

His Ramayana was a product of ambition; but Hanuman's Ramayana was a product of pure devotion and affection.

That's why Hanuman's Ramayana sounded so much better. 

That is when Valmiki realised that "Greater than Ram .... is the name of Ram!" 

There are people like Hanuman who don't want to be famous. They just do their jobs and fulfill their purpose.

There are many unsung "Hanumans" in our life too, our mother, father, friends, let's remember them and be grateful to all.

In this world, where everyone is highlighting his work and seeking validation, let us just do our karma (duty).

Our devotion, our passion bring out the best in us and thus in our work. Competition may bring success but if work and life becomes a race and battle to win, the work will loose its charm and passion, devotion will vanish eventually bringing losses and suffering. 

Be humble and the best version of yourself and do what you do with love, devotion and passion and success and love will fill your life.

FASCINATING STRUCTURES IN THE NATURAL WORLD

 Spider Webs 

Spider webs are some of the fascinating structures in the natural world. They are made by spiders using silk that they produce themselves, and they serve a variety of functions, from catching prey to providing shelter and protection. 

Spider silk is an incredible material, and scientists are studying it for potential applications in fields such as medicine and engineering. Spider silk is incredibly strong and flexible,  and some species of spider can produce silk that is stronger than steel yet much lighter. Spider silk is also biodegradable, making it an attractive alternative to synthetic materials. 

The structure of spider webs is also incredibly complex and varied. Different species of spiders create different types of webs, each suited to their specific needs. Some spiders create flat, sheet-like webs, while others create intricate, three-dimensional webs that can trap prey from all directions. 

Despite their incredible strength and complexity, spider webs are  not invincible. They can be damaged or destroyed by wind, rain or other environmental factors. However spiders can quickly rebuild their webs using their amazing silk producing abilities. 

In addition to their scientific significance, spider Webs are also a source of inspiration for artists and designers. The intricate patterns and structures of spider webs have been used in everything from fashion to architecture. 

Overall, Spider webs are fascinating and important part of the natural World. Learning about them can help us better understand the amazing abilities of these tiny, eight-legged creatures and their impact on our world. 

GREAT INFORMATION

 What happens when you flush a toilet?

When you flush a toilet, the waste and water in the bowl are pushed through a trap and into a drainpipe, which carries the waste away from your home and into the Municipal sewer system or septic tank. 

Once the waste enters the sewer system or septic tank, it goes through a series of treatment processes to remove impurities and make the water safe for reuse or discharge into the environment. The exact treatment process can vary depending on the location and type of treatment facility but typically involves several stages of filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection. 

In a Municipal sewer system, the wastewater is typically sent to a treatment plant, which undergoes a series of processes to remove solids and impurities. These processes may include screening, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, among others. Once the water has been treated, it may be released into a nearby waterway or used for irrigation or other purposes. 

In septic system, the wastewater flows into a septic tank, where solids are separated and broken down by bacteria. The liquid wastewater then flows out of the tank and into a drain field, which is further treated by the soil and vegetation before returning to the groundwater system.

Overall, the process of treating and managing wastewater is a crucial part of maintaining public health and protecting the environment. By properly disposing of sewage, we can help prevent the spread of disease, protect our water resources,  and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. 

APRIL 22

Earth Day 

The entire month of April is celebrated as Earth Month. During this month, people work to raise awareness about environmental issues, talk about the importance of protecting our planet, take action to address pressing environmental challenges and work towards promoting sustainability. The celebrations of Earth Month can be traced back to the first Earth Day, which was celebrated on April 22, 1970. 

On Earth Day, people engage in various activities to protect the environment, such as planting trees, cleaning up litter, and conserving energy. It’s a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and reflect on ways we can protect our planet for future generations. 

Earth Day reminds us of the importance of taking care of our Earth and encourages everyone to make small changes in their daily lives to reduce their impact on the environment. By working together, we can make a positive difference and create a healthier, more sustainable world for all living beings. 

Each year, the United Nations has a theme for Earth Day celebrations; this year's theme is Planet vs. Plastics. 

How is plastic destroying the planet?

* Plastic is not biodegradable. It only breaks down into microplastics that accumulate in ecosystems, posing a threat to wildlife. 

* Plastic pollution has contaminated every corner of the planet - from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountains. Microplastics have been found in soil, air, water sources, the food we eat and the air we breathe. 

* Animals become entangled in plastic debris, which leads to them suffocating and dying from internal injuries. 

* Many plastics contain harmful chemicals that are known to disrupt hormone systems and cause ailments. 

* Plastic pollution has wreaked havoc on ecosystems and threatened biodiversity. 

* The sheer volume of plastic waste generated globally overwhelms waste management systems, particularly in developing countries. Plastics cannot be destroyed and burning it leads to environmental pollution and health risks for nearby communities. 

Support the Earth Day theme:

# Do not accept plastic bags from shops and vendors. 

# Always carry a reusable bag, water bottle, straw and cutlery. 

# Take a part in a clean-up drive. 

WARRIOR ARTISTS OF ODISHA

Paika

The ancient kings of Odisha relied on the military prowess of the paika, an infantry class of warriors among their peasantry. As and when the need arose, the peasant soldiers were hired by the king to fight wars, defend territory or maintain law and order. Today, their martial traditions are kept alive in the form of Paika akhada.

Paika akhada means ‘warrior gymnasium’. In the past, the paika gurus not only trained the students on how to use force to control their body movements, but also taught them archery and swordfights.

Today, youths gather at the akhada after work to perform age-old physical exercises and practise swordfights. They also dance in choreographed moves with swords and shields to the rhythms of traditional drums. However, it is a dying art form. It is mainly performed in villages during festivals like Dussehra and other occasions. Dressed in vests and dhotis, the warrior dancers begin with slow moves. As the tempo increases, the dance moves get more and more vigorous and the men engage in mock combat.

Women have also joined their ranks in recent years, with young Sunita Behera forming the first all-woman Kalinga Kanya Paika Akhada Dal in Odisha in 2012. Behera hails from Khurda, the place where the Paikas rose in rebellion against the British East India Company in 1817. The group not only trains school and college girls in self defence, it also showcases their skills in martial arts, baton and sword fighting and military formations in various state and national-level events across the country.