Sport that gives pure joy

SKATEBOARDING 

Imagine zooming down a road, the wind rushing through your hair as you pull off a trick you just mastered. Skateboarding is all about pure joy—as it offers you a chance to chart your own path, literally! Plus, the new friends that you make at the skate park are an added bonus. But that’s not all—skateboarding is exercise in disguise! It is actually a full-body workout that strengthens your core muscles, upper body and legs without you even realising it. And, every time you land a tricky move you have been practising, you get an amazing sense of accomplishment—like you can conquer the world!

Balancing gracefully while adjusting your speed and weight gives you a huge boost of confidence. And, there is an important life lesson to learn too—it is okay to stumble and fall as long as you get up and keep going. Skateboarding is also a social activity—it is way more fun when you race your friends on a skateboard, right? So, what are you waiting for? Find a skate park near you and get rolling! 

What is skateboarding?A skateboard is a small, flat board (81 cm long and 23 cm wide) with wheels attached to the bottom. The back end of a modern skateboard curves upward—this part is called the kicktail. A skateboarder stands on the board as it rolls, staying balanced by shifting the feet and body.

There are two main styles of skateboarding: vertical (or vert) and street style. Vert skaters perform tricks in the air by launching off ramps or riding in U-shaped structures called half-pipes. Street skaters use urban landscapes as their playground—riding over steps, railings and ledges to perform cool tricks.

Science behind the Sport: Skateboarding isn’t just fun, it is science in action. Every time you skate, you are using science to stay in control. 

● Motion and Inertia – When you push off, your board keeps moving until friction slows it down.

● Gravity – It pulls you down after a jump, helping you to land smoothly.

● Friction – The friction between the wheels and the ground offers a firm grip, helping you to manoeuvre the turns and stop. 

● Balance – To stay on the board, you must keep your weight centred. If you lean forward or backward too much, you will tip over.

So whether you’re dreaming of mastering complex tricks or just cruising down the street, skateboarding offers something for everyone. It’s not just about the cool moves—it’s about building confidence, making friends, and discovering the thrill of rolling on four wheels. Remember to wear your safety gear, start slow, and most importantly, have fun! The skateboarding world is waiting for you—grab your board and join the ride!

Famous Indian Skateboarders

● Atita Verghese is India’s first professional female skateboarder. She founded Girl Skate India, inspiring and empowering young girls to take up the sport. 

● At just eight years old, Zarah Ann Gladys of Kochi, Kerala, became the youngest competitor at the World Skateboarding Tour 2024 in Dubai. She won titles at UAE’s Aljada Skate Jam and Circuit X.

● Shivam Balhara was just ten when he represented India at the 2018 Park World Championships Nanjing (China).

● Mumbai skateboarder Sagar Waghela is one of the early enthusiasts who focuses on building skate communities in India.

Words to Know

Ollie: A jump where the skater pops the board into the air using the back foot.

Kickflip: A trick where the skater kicks the edge of the skateboard with the front foot to make the board spin horizontally. 

Pop Shove-it: A trick where the board spins 180 degrees without flipping.

Manual: Balancing on just the front or back wheels while riding.

Grind: Sliding along an edge or rail using the trucks (metal parts under the board).

Slide: Sliding along a surface using the board’s deck (instead of the trucks).

UNESCO honours India’s ancient texts

UNESCO’s MEMORY OF THE WORLD REGISTER 

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a global initiative that was launched in 1992 with the aim of “guarding against the collective amnesia, calling upon the preservation of the valuable archive holdings and library collections all over the world, and ensuring their wide dissemination”.

Two very important ancient Indian books—the Bhagavad Gita and Bharata’s Natyashastra—have been added to a special list by the The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (“UNESCO”) called the Memory of the World Register. This list keeps and protects important documents that have helped shape history and culture all around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this is a proud moment for every Indian because it shows the world how important and valuable India’s culture and wisdom are. These books have inspired people for centuries and now the whole world recognises their importance. With the latest additions, the Memory of the Register now contains 570 entries.

What Are These Ancient Texts?

Bhagavad Gita: It’s a famous conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna. It talks about life, duty, and how to live wisely. Many people see it as a guide for spiritual and moral lessons.

Natyashastra: Written by an ancient sage named Bharat Muni, this book is like the “rulebook” for Indian performing arts like dance, music, and theatre. It has been the foundation for these arts for thousands of years!

India now has 13 entries on this Register.

A story passed down through generations

THE LEGEND OF THE SEVEN DIVINE SIBLINGS OF GOA 

Long ago, when the earth was still untouched by modern civilisation and the forests of Goa were dense and sacred, seven divine siblings—seven sisters and one brother, according to popular folklore—descended upon the land. They were manifestations of divine power, each embodying a unique aspect of nature, spirit, and protection.

The Siblings Were:

1. Lairai – The fierce and fearless one

2. Kelbai – The protector of fertility and nature

3. Sateri – The serene guardian of balance

4. Mahamaya – The embodiment of cosmic wisdom

5. Morjai – The warrior guardian of the coastal lands

6. Mirabai (Milagres Saibinn) – The spiritual and compassionate sister

7. Ajadevi / Adiadipa – The mysterious and devoted sister who vanished

8. Khetoba / Betal (Brother) – The powerful guardian spirit

A Time of Unity

In their early days, the siblings lived together harmoniously in a forested region, offering blessings to those who respected the land and its spirits. They made a pact: they would each take a different corner of Goa to protect and nurture its people. But before they separated, a quarrel broke out—some say between Lairai and her brother Khetoba.

Lairai, strong-willed and radiant, wished to perform the Agnidivya—a sacred fire-walking ritual. Her brother and some sisters cautioned her against it, fearing it would consume her. But Lairai, resolute and brave, insisted. This disagreement caused emotional turmoil, and the siblings decided to part ways, each settling in different villages across Goa.

The Separation

Lairai chose Shirgao, nestled in the hills, where she could perform her fiery ritual and be close to devoted worshippers.

Kelbai moved to Mulgao, where she became a guardian of crops and children.

Sateri settled in Kavalem or Curdi, associated with tranquil power and household protection.

Mahamaya went to Mayem, embodying knowledge and spiritual insight.

Morjai took her place by the coast in Morjim, standing tall as a protector against invaders.

Mirabai, during Portuguese colonisation, was converted to Christianity and became Milagres Saibinn, choosing Mapusa as her home and blessing all who came to her, regardless of faith.

Ajadevi / Adiadipa, stricken by grief or duty, disappeared, believed to have committed sati (ritual self-immolation) and is no longer actively worshipped.

Khetoba, the brother, became the guardian deity of crossroads and cremation grounds, often worshipped as Betal.

A Lasting Bond

Though separated by time, space, and even religion, the bond between the sisters endured. Every year, during the feasts and festivals, ritual offerings are exchanged between their shrines:

During Lairai’s Zatra in Shirgao, jasmine flowers (mogrim) are sent from Milagres Saibinn’s church in Mapusa.

In return, coconut oil and candles are sent from Lairai’s temple to Milagres during her feast.

These gestures honour their eternal kinship and symbolise unity despite difference—a powerful lesson in Goa’s rich tradition of interfaith harmony.

There may be slight variations in this story. But this legend isn't just folklore. It’s a deep reflection of:

Goa’s cultural fabric, where Hindu and Christian beliefs intersect,

Divine femininity, in its many forms—fiery, gentle, protective, wise,

A message of unity beyond religious boundaries, rooted in shared heritage.

The fire-walking ritual of Shirgao Jatra

HOMKUND 

The Shirgao Jatra is one of Goa’s most intense and spiritually significant festivals, dedicated to Goddess Lairai, who is considered a powerful and fierce form of Goddess Parvati. The festival celebrates her victory over evil forces and is deeply rooted in local legend and folk traditions. It’s one of the most famous “jatras” (pilgrimages) in Goa, attracting thousands of devotees.

Location: Shirgao village, Bicholim taluka, North Goa.

Main Temple: Lairai Devi Temple, a revered site with a long history.

Deity: Goddess Lairai is worshipped as one of the seven sisters (Sateri, Kelbai, Mahamaya, Lairai, Morjai, Milagres, and Chamunda) — powerful local goddesses in Goan mythology.

Highlights of the Festival:

1. Agnidivya (Homkund) – The Fire-Walking Ritual is the most iconic part of the festival. Devotees known as Dhonds prepare for weeks with strict discipline and fasting. Around 3–4 a.m., after prayers and chanting, the dhonds walk barefoot across a long path of burning embers. This is seen as an act of faith, purification, and devotion to Lairai. Thousands gather to witness this awe-inspiring ritual, believed to grant spiritual merit and blessings.

2. Processions and Offerings: The deity is taken in a procession around the village. Devotees offer Jasmine (mogra) flowers, coconuts, incense, and light traditional oil lamps. Folk music, traditional Goan instruments, and chanting of bhajans fill the air.

3. Cultural Unity: Although rooted in Hindu tradition, the festival draws people from all communities, including Christians and Muslims, showing Goa’s deep interfaith harmony.

When is it Celebrated?

Usually held in late April or early May, on the full moon day (Vaishakh Shuddha Panchami). In 2025, it falls on May 2.

The young cricket star who made history

VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI

Imagine being just 14 years old and playing in one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world — that’s exactly what Vaibhav Suryavanshi did! On April 19, 2025, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest ever player to play in the Indian Premier League (“IPL”) after making his debut for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur at the age of 14 years and 23 days. He started his innings with a BANG — he hit the very first ball he faced for a six. He scored 34 runs from 20 balls, showing everyone he’s got serious skills. Although his team lost by just 2 runs, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s amazing debut was the real win. At just 13, he made headlines during the IPL 2025 mega auction by becoming the youngest cricketer in history to be shortlisted for an IPL auction. He was signed by the Rajasthan Royals team for the IPL 2025 season.

The 14-year-old prodigy shattered multiple long-standing IPL records during his side's match against Gujarat Titans on April 29 in Jaipur. He scored 100 runs in only 35 balls - that’s super fast! He broke the record for the fastest century by an Indian in the IPL. And guess what? Vaibhav Suryavanshi also broke a massive world record. He is now the youngest ever to score a ton in the T20 format.

About Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Vaibhav Suryavanshi was born on March 27, 2011, in Tajpur village, Bihar. His cricket journey started early, when his father—a farmer—noticed his love for the game at age four. To support his son’s passion, he built a small practice area in their backyard and even sold his farm in Motipur to help fund Vaibhav’s cricketing dreams. After Vaibhav Suryavanshi turned nine, he joined a cricket academy located in the nearby town of Samastipur.

Strings that speak

THE TIMELESS ART OF PUPPETRY 

In a world dominated by screens and digital storytelling, the age-old charm of puppetry still holds its ground. From the vibrant Kathputlis of Rajasthan to the shadow puppets of Indonesia and the marionettes of Europe, puppets have enchanted audiences for centuries, weaving stories with strings, shadows, and spirited movements.

Puppetry is more than entertainment—it is a mirror to culture, tradition, and imagination. Across the globe, puppet shows have long served as a medium for folklore, moral lessons, political satire, and religious epics. Long before cinema and animation, puppeteers brought gods, kings, animals, and even demons to life on makeshift stages, captivating both young and old.

Tholu Bommalata 

There are many types of puppets: string (marionettes), hand, rod, shadow, and glove puppets, each with its own distinct method of operation and appeal. In India alone, different regions boast unique forms—like Tholu Bommalata from Andhra Pradesh (leather shadow puppetry) or Gombeyatta from Karnataka (rod puppets). Each style carries centuries of heritage, performed with live music, narration, and traditional costumes.

Gombeyatta 

Today, puppetry has expanded beyond folk art. It plays a role in education, therapy, and even political commentary. Modern puppeteers are blending technology with tradition, creating interactive performances and digital puppetry that preserve the soul of the art while reaching new audiences.

Yet, for all its evolution, the essence of puppetry remains unchanged: it's about storytelling through movement, voice, and heart. In the skilled hands of a puppeteer, a lifeless figure becomes a breathing character, speaking truths that resonate across time and culture.

As long as there are stories to tell and listeners to wonder, puppets will continue to dance, whisper, and sing—reminding us of the magic that lies in the simplest forms of expression.

World puppetry day is celebrated on March 21st.

Do you know

HOW LIDAR WORKS 

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a kind of combination of light and radar. LiDAR sends pulses of laser beams at objects far away. Tracking the distances these beams of light travel helps create accurate three-dimensional, or 3D, maps and configurations. 

When scientists tried a primitive form of LiDAR in the 1930s, they just used big flashlights. Initially, they were looking for particles in the atmosphere called aerosols. In 1960, the first working laser was devised, which greatly expanded what was possible with LiDAR. 

Laser light is different from the light of a flashlight. It has a narrow beam of light that can travel great distances without getting wider or weaker. Let’s say a LiDAR scanner is aimed at a bicycle a few blocks away. When the light reaches the bike, it bounces back the way it came and hits the receiver. 

The amount of time it took for the light to travel roundtrip is recorded by a computer. By dividing that number by two, you know how far away the bike is—its range. But that’s not all. You can also tell how far away the handlebars, pedals, and wheels are and how they’re positioned. 

Scientists from different disciplines take those many points of light and turn them into accurate 3D images. 

Seismologists, or earthquake scientists, can see previously unknown fault lines. Volcanologists can watch how volcanoes breathe gas. Conservationists can find areas and trees that endangered animals call home.