A natural rhythm of life

THE PARTS OF THE DAY 

The day is a cycle that follows the path of the sun, influencing not just the environment, but also our moods, activities, and routines. Understanding the parts of the day helps us structure our lives more effectively and tune in to nature’s rhythm. Each part of the day has its own unique characteristics and significance.

Early Morning (Pre-dawn to Sunrise): 

Approximately from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM, the early morning is often considered the most peaceful time of the day. The world is still asleep, and nature begins to stir gently. This period is traditionally associated with meditation, spiritual practices, and a quiet start to the day. Many believe it to be the ideal time for reflection and mental clarity.

Morning (Sunrise to Late Morning): 

From 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the morning marks the beginning of activity. The sun rises, lighting up the world with energy and warmth. People begin their daily routines, including exercise, breakfast, and heading to work or school. This is a time of productivity, focus, and freshness.

Afternoon (Noon to Mid-Afternoon)

Spanning 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the afternoon is often characterised by high energy and the continuation of work or study. It is also when the sun is at its highest, often making this part of the day the warmest. Lunch is typically eaten during this time, followed by a brief period of renewed activity.

Evening (Late Afternoon to Sunset)

Between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, the evening brings a gradual slowdown. As the sun begins to set, many people wrap up their work and return home. The sky often displays beautiful colours, and there is a sense of winding down. It’s a good time for leisure activities, walks, or spending time with family.

Night (After Sunset)

From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, night sets in. The environment becomes calmer as people settle down for dinner and rest. Artificial lights replace sunlight, and the focus shifts from productivity to relaxation. For many, this is a time to unwind, watch TV, read, or engage in hobbies.

Late Night (Bedtime to Early Morning)

Covering 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM, late night is a time of rest and recovery. Most people sleep during this phase, allowing their bodies and minds to recharge. It’s the quietest part of the 24-hour cycle, preparing us to begin anew with the next dawn.

A Zen story

IN THE HANDS OF DESTINY

Nobunaga was a great Japanese warrior. Once when the enemy attacked him, he decided to take him on, though he had only a tenth of the soldiers the other man had. Nobunaga had the confidence that he would win nevertheless. However, his soldiers were hesitant and afraid. Rallying them together with words of encouragement, Nobunaga led his men to battle. On the way he stopped at a Shinto shrine. He gathered his men around and said:

"After I come out from the shrine I will toss a coin. If it shows head, we will win, if tail, we will lose. Let us see what destiny has in store for us."

Nobunaga entered the shrine and prayed silently. He came out and tossed coin. It was head! His soldiers were infused with so much courage, that they won the battle easily. 

"No one can change the hand of destiny," said Nobunaga's aide after the battle. 

"Indeed not," said Nobunaga. Then he fished out the coin. Two coins were stuck back-to-back. Both sides showed heads!

A chronological view of global and Indian contexts

GENERATIONS THROUGH TIME 

Understanding generations helps us make sense of how historical, social, and technological events shape people’s values, behaviour, and identity. While Western generational labels are widely used, India’s distinct history offers its own unique generational milestones. Below is a chronological exploration of generations from both perspectives.

1. The Lost Generation (approximately 1883–1900)

Global Context: Born in the late 19th century, this generation came of age during World War I. Disillusioned by war and societal collapse, many questioned traditional norms.

Notable Traits: Cynicism, existentialism, artistic innovation.

Indian Parallel: Early freedom fighters and thinkers under colonial rule, facing oppression and beginning the intellectual foundations of the independence movement.

2. The Greatest Generation (approximately 1901–1927)

Global Context: Survived the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and rebuilt the world post-war. Often seen as exemplars of sacrifice and patriotism.

Indian Parallel: The generation that actively participated in India’s independence movement, including key leaders and countless unsung heroes who resisted British rule and laid the groundwork for a free nation.

3. The Silent Generation (approximately 1928–1945)

Global Context: Grew up during World War II but were too young to fight. Known for conformity, discipline, and traditional values.

Indian Parallel: Children of partition and independence. Many faced the trauma of 1947, communal riots, and mass migrations, growing up in the uncertainty of a newly formed India.

4. Baby Boomers (approximately 1946–1964)

Global Context: Born after World War II in a time of economic prosperity, cultural shifts, and social revolutions.

In India: This generation was born post-independence. They experienced Nehruvian socialism, the License Raj, early wars (1962, 1965, 1971), and the Green Revolution. Their worldview was shaped by scarcity, resilience, and national development.

5. Generation X (approximately 1965–1980)

Global Context: Grew up during the Cold War, oil crises, and rise of personal technology. Known for independence and skepticism.

In India: Witnessed political instability (Emergency era, 1975–77), state-controlled media, and the early signs of liberalisation. Doordarshan and transistor radios were cultural staples.

6. Millennials / Gen Y (approximately 1981–1996)

Global Context: Came of age with the internet, globalisation, and 9/11. Values include flexibility, purpose, and tech-savviness.

In India: First generation shaped by post-1991 liberalisation. Saw a boom in education, IT jobs, mobile phones, and cable TV. Culturally global, yet rooted in traditional family values.

7. Generation Z (approximately 1997–2012)

Global Context: Digital natives raised on smartphones, social media, and instant connectivity.

In India: Grew up during the smartphone revolution, e-learning, and social media dominance. Shaped by global pop culture and issues like climate change and mental health. Also faced the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during their formative years.

8. Generation Alpha (approximately 2013–2024)

Global Context: The first generation fully born in the 21st century. Expected to be the most technologically immersed so far.

In India: Raised with AI, digital classrooms, and streaming content. Heavily influenced by the pandemic-era shift to virtual life and early exposure to devices and online learning.

9. Generation Beta (approximately 2025–2039) (Future)

Global Context: Expected to grow up in a world dominated by AI, automation, climate action, and augmented reality.

In India: Will likely face the challenges of urban density, sustainability, and new-age education formats. May be more globally connected yet locally rooted.

10. Generation Gamma (approximately 2040–2054) (Speculative)

Could witness space tourism, synthetic biology, and hyper-immersive digital realities. Traditional ideas of identity, learning, and work may be radically transformed.

11. Generation Delta (approximately 2055–2069) (Speculative)

May live in an era of post-Earth ambition (like Mars colonisation), advanced AI-human integration, and a redefined concept of "reality."

Conclusion: While labels like Gen X, Y, Z, and Alpha are globally recognised, India’s historical timeline—from colonial rule to tech-boom modernity—adds rich texture to each generational experience. Understanding these layers helps us see not just when people were born, but how their worlds were shaped—and how they, in turn, shape ours.

Do you know

WHO IS A PIED PIPER?

The dictionary defines a Pied Piper as a leader whom people willingly follow—often one who leads others into danger or trouble through false or elaborate promises. This meaning comes from a well-known German folk legend, famously documented by the Brothers Grimm and later popularised in the 1842 poem “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning.

According to the legend, in 1284, the town of Hamelin in Germany was overrun by rats. As Browning vividly describes, the rats "fought the dogs and killed the cats / And bit the babies in their cradles / And ate the cheeses out of the vats..." The townspeople were desperate, and the mayor and town authorities were at a loss.

At that moment, a mysterious man dressed in pied (multicoloured) clothing appeared. He introduced himself as a piper with a magical charm, claiming he could lure away any creature with the music of his pipe. He offered to rid the town of rats for a fee of one thousand guilders. The mayor agreed.

The Pied Piper stepped out and began playing a lilting tune. To everyone’s astonishment, the rats poured out of every house and hole, following the music. He led them to the River Weser, where they all tumbled in and drowned. The townspeople rejoiced.

But when the Piper returned to collect his payment, the mayor balked, calling the fee too high. Feeling cheated and betrayed, the Piper left—only to return soon after. 

This time, he played a different melody, and all the children of Hamelin, enchanted by the tune, followed him. 

He led them to a mountainside cave, and they vanished—never to be seen again.

Only one child remained behind, unable to keep up due to a physical disability. Through him, the town learned what had happened, and the people were left in regret and sorrow, having paid a terrible price for their broken promise.

The Moral: The tale of the Pied Piper is a powerful reminder to keep one’s promises, be cautious of charismatic leaders who offer too much and understand that actions have consequences, especially when trust is broken.

Destined for the skies

WING COMMANDER VYOMIKA SINGH 

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a distinguished officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), renowned for her exemplary service as a helicopter pilot and her pivotal role in Operation Sindoor in 2025. 

✈️ Early Life and Education: Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Vyomika Singh was inspired from a young age to pursue a career in aviation. Her name, derived from Sanskrit, means "one who resides in the sky," reflecting her aspirations. 

In a memorable incident from her school days, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh recounted a moment that significantly influenced her decision to pursue aviation. While in Class 6, during a classroom discussion about the meanings of students' names, someone pointed out that "Vyomika" means "one who resides in the sky."  Her teacher affirmed this interpretation and, perhaps playfully, remarked that she was destined to "own the sky." This comment left a lasting impression on young Vyomika, inspiring her to aspire to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force.

She completed her schooling at St. Anthony’s Senior Secondary School in Delhi and went on to earn an engineering degree in environmental engineering from Delhi College of Engineering. During her academic years, she was an active member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which further fueled her ambition to join the armed forces.  

🛩️ Military Career: Commissioned into the IAF's Flying Branch on December 18, 2004, Singh specialised in helicopter operations. She has accumulated over 2,500 flying hours on aircraft such as the Chetak and Cheetah, operating in challenging terrains including Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. Her notable missions include a high-risk rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, where she provided critical air support in remote, high-altitude areas.  

On December 18, 2017, she was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, and two years later, she received a permanent commission in the Flying Branch.  

🎖️ Operation Sindoor: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. Wing Commander Singh co-led the official media briefing alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. She detailed the precision strikes that destroyed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, emphasising the use of advanced technology to minimise civilian casualties.  

Her articulate and composed presentation garnered widespread acclaim, with many praising her clarity and confidence.  

👩‍✈️ Personal Life and Recognition: Vyomika Singh is married to Wing Commander Dinesh Singh Sabharwal. Throughout her career, she has been recognised for her dedication and professionalism, receiving accolades such as the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) and the Chief of Air Staff Commendation.  

In 2021, she participated in a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mount Manirang (21,625 feet) in Himachal Pradesh, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations marking 75 years of India's independence.  

Do you know

HOW DO ESCALATORS WORK?

An escalator is a moving staircase that helps people go up and down between floors without having to walk. It is made of many steps that are joined together like a big conveyor belt. It works using chains and gears. A motor-powered chain moves the steps up and down between floors in a continuous loop.

6 simple steps to understand how escalators work:

● A motor powers the gears at the top of the escalator. 

● The gears pull a chain, which moves the steps continuously. 

● Each step has wheels that roll along tracks. 

● The handrail moves in sync with the steps to help maintain balance. 

● At the top and bottom, the steps flatten out, making it easy to step on or off.

● The steps then recycle underneath and start again for the next riders.

 

A brilliant story of a mother’s bravery

HIRKANI 

Women have worked valiantly and diligently throughout history to identify themselves as individuals and specialists in their fields. As a consequence, we can now witness courageous women serving and safeguarding our nation more effectively, as well as acting as an inspiration to millions of young girls throughout the world. Here's one such true story of a Hirkani, a valiant woman under the Maratha Empire who is still recognised for her act of heroism.

Hirkani used to reside near the fort of Raigad. Shivaji took control of the fort in 1674 and made it his capital. Climbing this fort, which is situated on a hilltop, was extremely difficult and practically impossible for anyone. A village used to reside at the base of the fort, and all of the fort's daily necessities were transported along the fort's main road. The fort's gates opened in the morning and closed in the evening. Due to security concerns, it was agreed that the gates would not be opened after daybreak at any cost, as any adversary may enter. Hirkani, like the rest of the villagers, used to go to the fort every day to sell milk.

Hirkani went to the fort to sell milk to the clients like she did every day. However, because her child was sick that day, she arrived late at the fort. She took her time getting to the fort since she came late. As a result, she was unable to return to the departure gate on time. When she returned, she saw that the fort gate had been shut and so she was detained at the gate. Because her child was alone, she pleaded with the soldier to let her go.

The soldier guarding the gate refused to allow her since Shivaji had ordered that the gate be closed after sundown. Hirkani, being the strong mother that she was, couldn't leave her kid alone at night. She made the decision to ascend the slope in the dead of night, and she did it, ultimately reaching her house. When Hirkani returned to the fort gates the next morning, the soldier saw she had several wounds and bruises. Since the soldier had instructed her to stay within the fort the previous night, he was astonished to see her outside the gate. Because an official regulation had been breached, it was determined that she would be presented to Shivaji.

When Shivaji inquired as to why Hirkani walked outside the fort in the evening, the courageous lady said that her kid was alone at home and she couldn't leave him alone. Shivaji was so moved by Hirkani's bravery that he ordered the erection of a wall at the vertical fall. Hirkani Buruj was the name given to this wall in honour of the courageous mother.

Hirkani's narrative has inspired a number of traditional tales and literature, as well as men and women all throughout India. In 2017, the Pune City Police Headquarters dedicated a multi-purpose facility dubbed 'Hirkani' to its female constables and officers, in honor of her bravery.