A Folktale from Tamil Nadu

THE CLEVER WIFE’S MORTAR TRICK 

This is a funny folktale from Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India known for its rich traditions, delicious food, and colourful festivals. Folktales like this were told by elders to make people laugh while also teaching a lesson.

Long ago, in a small village, there lived a poor but kind man named Ponnan. He didn’t have much, but he always shared whatever little food he had—even with strangers! His wife often scolded him, saying,

“Please think of our family! You keep bringing strangers home for lunch. What will we eat?”

But Ponnan’s heart was too big to say no.

One morning, after Ponnan left for work, his wife saw two men coming towards their hut, rubbing their stomachs. She guessed Ponnan had invited them for lunch again. “Oh no, not today!” she thought, frowning.

Just then, her eyes fell on the large mortar and pestle she used to pound rice in. An idea lit up her face.

She dragged the heavy mortar to the middle of the room, scrubbed it clean until it shone, and smeared bright saffron paste on top. Then, she draped a fresh flower garland around it. Soon, it looked like a sacred idol being worshipped!

She sat cross-legged in front of it, rocking it gently and chanting strange-sounding mantras. Her ears pricked up as the men stepped inside.

“Ah, here comes the feast!” whispered one man to the other. But they froze when they saw the decorated mortar and pestle.

“What’s going on here?” one asked nervously.

Ponnan’s wife smiled sweetly. “Didn’t my husband tell you? This is his special deity. It’s… unusual.”

“Unusual? How?” they asked.

Lowering her voice, she said slowly, “It demands… human blood.”

The men’s eyes grew wide with fear. “Yes,” she continued, “My husband brings guests home, then hits them on the head with the pestle to offer their blood!”

Terrified, the men turned and ran out—just as Ponnan returned.

Ponnan saw them running and asked his wife, “What happened?”

“They wanted the pestle,” she said casually, “but I refused to give it.”

“What? You silly woman!” cried Ponnan, grabbing the pestle. “Wait! Take the pestle!” he shouted, running after them.

The poor guests, already frightened out of their wits, thought Ponnan was indeed chasing them with the deadly pestle. They ran faster and faster until they disappeared from sight, never to trouble Ponnan’s family again.

When Ponnan returned home, puzzled, his wife burst out laughing and told him the whole story. At last, even Ponnan had to smile and admit, “Today, your cleverness has fed us better than my kindness!”

That evening, the family enjoyed their simple meal in peace—thanks to the wife’s quick wit and presence of mind.

Moral of the Story:

Quick thinking and cleverness can save you from difficult situations. Wisdom is sometimes more valuable than strength or wealth.

Do you know

HOW DO TOUCHSCREENS KNOW WHERE YOU TAP?

Touchscreens are everywhere today—on mobile phones, tablets, ATMs, ticket machines, and even smart refrigerators! But have you ever wondered how a flat piece of glass can sense exactly where you touched it? Let’s explore this step by step.

1. The Basic Idea: A touchscreen is a special type of display that can detect the location of your touch. It replaces the need for a physical keyboard or mouse. When you tap, swipe, or pinch, the screen converts your finger’s movement into an electronic signal that the device understands.

2. Capacitive Touchscreens (Modern Technology)

Most modern devices use capacitive technology. Here’s how it works:

The screen has a transparent layer that stores a very tiny electrical charge.

Your finger is a good conductor of electricity (because the human body contains water and salts).

When your finger touches the screen, it disturbs the electric charge at that exact point.

The system senses where this disturbance occurred.

This information is sent to the processor (the brain of the device).

The processor reacts instantly—like opening an app, typing a letter, or zooming into a photo.

Because this process happens extremely fast, it feels like the screen is responding immediately.

3. Earlier Technology: Resistive Touchscreens

Before capacitive touchscreens became popular, many devices used resistive touchscreens (you may have seen these on old ATMs or early phones).

They worked by pressure.

A resistive touchscreen has two thin layers.

When you press the screen, the two layers touch each other, creating a connection.

The device detects this connection and understands where you pressed.

These screens worked with fingers, styluses, or even gloves, but they were less sensitive and not as smooth as modern screens.

4. Why capacitive screens are better

Multi-touch: You can use two fingers to pinch, zoom, or rotate.

Fast and smooth: Response feels instant.

Durable: No flexible top layer that can wear out.

Clear display: More transparent, so images look sharper.

5. Fun Facts

If you try to touch a capacitive screen with a plastic pen or while wearing regular gloves, it may not work, because they don’t conduct electricity. Special “touchscreen gloves” have conductive material.

Some touchscreens can even detect how hard you press (force touch).

The first popular smartphone with a capacitive touchscreen was the Apple iPhone in 2007.

6. Everyday examples: Smartphones and tablets, Bank ATMs, Ticket booking machines, Smart watches, Car dashboards and 

Interactive whiteboards

In short: Touchscreens work either by detecting pressure (older resistive screens) or by sensing the electricity in your fingertips (modern capacitive screens).

A true teacher beyond time

SANT KABIR 

Early Iife: Sant Kabir (1440–1518) is one of the most revered poet-saints of India. His exact birth details are uncertain, but tradition says he was born near Varanasi (Kashi) and raised by a poor Muslim weaver couple, Niru and Nima. Some legends say he was found as a child and miraculously raised, symbolising that his message transcends caste and religion. Kabir grew up as a weaver by profession, which shaped his simple, down-to-earth style of living and speaking.

Philosophy and Teachings: Kabir believed that true devotion lies in purity of heart, not in outward appearances or rituals. He strongly criticised meaningless religious practices, superstitions, and caste discrimination. His philosophy can be summed up in a few key ideas:

God is one and formless, beyond religious labels.

Inner devotion (bhakti) is superior to rituals and traditions.

Equality of all humans, regardless of caste, creed, or profession.

A true Guru (Satguru) is essential for guiding one’s spiritual journey.

He was bold in saying that those who depend too heavily on rituals often lack true faith. A strong believer needs no outward assurance.

Kabir in Kashi: Kashi, where Kabir lived, was a major centre of religion and rituals. The Brahmins maintained a monopoly over spiritual practices, while common people were trapped in fear of God and superstitions. Kabir challenged this system.

Once, a group of Brahmins had come to the Ganga for a ceremonial bath. Kabir, who was also there with his lota (water pot), offered it to them. Horrified, they rejected it, saying his pot was “impure” because he was a weaver and of “low caste.” They even claimed that using his vessel would destroy the merit of bathing in the Ganga.

Kabir only smiled and replied:

“If the Ganga cannot purify my water pot, how can I believe it can purify me?”

With this sharp yet simple remark, Kabir taught that purity is not about caste or ritual, but about the inner self.

Kabir in Maghar: Superstitions about life and death were also deeply rooted. People believed that anyone who died in Kashi would go to heaven, while those who died in Maghar would go to hell. Kabir was born and lived in Kashi, but when his end was near, he deliberately moved to Maghar.

Through this bold act, he wanted to show that salvation does not depend on the place of death but on one’s karma (actions) and devotion. He expressed this truth in his immortal lines:

Kya Kasi kya usar Maghar, Ram hriday bas mora

Jo Kasi tan taje Kabira, Ram kaun nihora

(What is Kashi and what is barren Maghar, when Ram is in my heart?

If Kabir departs his body at Kashi, what use is my belief in Ram?)

Kabir’s Poetry: Kabir’s verses are preserved mainly in the form of dohas (couplets). Written in a simple mix of Hindi, Awadhi, and Bhojpuri, they were accessible to common people. His poetry covers themes of:

True devotion and self-realisation.

Criticism of hypocrisy in religion.

Equality of all humans.

Power of remembering God’s name (Naam).

A famous Doha illustrates his wisdom:

“Dukh mein sumiran sab kare, sukh mein kare na koi,

Jo sukh mein sumiran kare, toh dukh kahe ko hoi.”

(Everyone remembers God in sorrow, but not in happiness.

If one remembers Him in happiness, why should sorrow come?)

Kabir and the Bhakti Movement: Kabir was a central figure of the Bhakti Movement, alongside saints like Mirabai, Surdas, and Tulsidas. He belonged to the Nirguni Bhakti tradition, which believes in a formless God. His teachings created a bridge between Hindus and Muslims, promoting unity and tolerance.

Legacy: Followers of Kabir are called Kabir Panthis, and his influence is seen across India.

His verses are compiled in the Bijak, and some also appear in the Guru Granth Sahib of the Sikhs.

Kabir is remembered as a poet, philosopher, reformer, and above all, a fearless teacher.

Kabir as a Teacher: Kabir was more than a saint — he was a teacher of life. He never taught from scriptures alone, but from his fearless conviction and lived experiences. He showed:

Purity of heart is greater than rituals.

Faith should be free from fear and superstition.

God lives within every human being.

Courage is needed to stand against blind traditions.

Conclusion on Teacher’s Day: On Teacher’s Day, when we honour those who shape our lives with wisdom, it is fitting to remember Sant Kabir. His teachings remind us that a true teacher does not simply transfer knowledge, but awakens us to higher truths.

Kabir’s life and poetry continue to inspire us to think fearlessly, love sincerely, and live truthfully. Just as he lit the path for people trapped in ignorance and superstition, today’s teachers too guide students towards light, knowledge, and wisdom.

On this day, let us salute all teachers — the visible ones in our classrooms and the timeless ones like Sant Kabir — who awaken our hearts and minds.

Nature’s Furry Diggers

GROUNDHOGS 

Groundhogs, often called woodchucks, are more than just the stars of Groundhog Day folklore. These chunky, furry animals are incredible diggers, skilled climbers, and clever survivors. Belonging to the squirrel family, they are actually a type of marmot, making them close relatives of chipmunks and prairie dogs. Found across the United States and Canada, groundhogs are fascinating creatures worth more than their shadow-spotting reputation.

● Fun Fact

Like all rodents, a groundhog’s teeth never stop growing! To keep them trimmed, groundhogs must constantly gnaw on bark, plants, or even wooden structures.

● Appearance and Size

Length: About 60 cm (including tail)

Weight: 4–6 kilograms (though some get heavier in fall before hibernation)

Coat: Thick brownish fur

Special features: Sharp claws for digging and strong legs for climbing and swimming

Groundhogs may look chubby, but their bodies are perfectly built for survival.

● Master Builders – Super Diggers!

Groundhogs are among the best diggers in the animal world. Using their powerful claws, they dig burrows that can stretch over 10 metres long with multiple chambers and exits. A single burrow can include:

A sleeping chamber lined with grass

A nursery for raising young

A toilet chamber to keep the burrow clean

Hidden escape tunnels for safety

In fact, one groundhog can move more than 300 kilograms of dirt while creating its underground home!

● Food Lovers – What Do They Eat?

Groundhogs are herbivores, meaning they feed mainly on plants. Their diet includes:

Grasses and clovers

Fruits and vegetables

Flowers

Tree bark and twigs

They eat extra during summer and fall to build up fat reserves for winter. A plump groundhog is a healthy groundhog!

● Survival Skills – Extra Abilities

Though best known as diggers, groundhogs can also climb trees to escape predators.

They are good swimmers, diving into ponds or streams when threatened.

Their keen sense of smell helps them detect food and danger from afar.

● Winter Sleepers – Hibernation Experts

Groundhogs are true hibernators. When winter arrives, they retreat into their burrows and slow their body functions:

Heart rate drops from 80 beats per minute to as low as 5.

Body temperature falls almost to the surrounding soil temperature.

They remain curled up, living off stored fat, until spring returns.

This behaviour is what inspired Groundhog Day traditions. On February 2nd, people watch to see if a groundhog sees its shadow, supposedly predicting whether winter will last longer.

● Role in Nature: 

Groundhogs play an important role in the ecosystem:

Their abandoned burrows become homes for foxes, rabbits, and other animals.

By digging, they help aerate the soil and improve plant growth.

They are a food source for predators like coyotes, hawks, and foxes.

Conclusion: Groundhogs may be famous for their weather predictions, but they are far more impressive in reality. From digging elaborate burrows to surviving harsh winters in hibernation, these furry engineers are a vital part of the natural world.

Next time you hear about Groundhog Day, remember – behind the superstition lies a remarkable animal with unique skills and an important role in keeping ecosystems balanced.

The explorers of the deep sea

AQUANAUTS 

When we hear the word astronaut, we immediately think of people exploring the vastness of space. But do you know there are also explorers who live and work in the depths of the ocean? These brave men and women are called aquanauts. Just as astronauts travel into outer space, aquanauts dive into the mysterious inner space of our planet – the oceans.

Who is an Aquanaut?

An aquanaut is a person who spends at least 24 hours underwater in a pressurized environment. Unlike normal scuba divers who return to the surface after a few hours, aquanauts live in underwater habitats – special stations placed on the sea floor that allow them to breathe, eat, sleep, and carry out experiments beneath the waves.

What Do Aquanauts Do?

Aquanauts are usually scientists, researchers, or trained divers who explore the undersea world for different purposes:

Marine Biology: Studying plants, animals, and ecosystems under the sea.

Environmental Research: Observing coral reefs, pollution, and climate change effects on oceans.

Technology Testing: Trying out new diving suits, submersibles, and underwater robots.

Astronaut Training: NASA often sends astronauts to live underwater, since it closely mimics the isolation and pressure conditions of space.

Famous Underwater Missions

Conshelf (1960s): French explorer Jacques Cousteau carried out the first underwater living experiments.

Aquarius Reef Base (Florida, USA): The world’s only underwater research laboratory where modern aquanauts live and work.

NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations): A program where astronauts train underwater as aquanauts before heading to space.

Challenges Faced by Aquanauts

Living underwater is exciting but also very challenging:

They must adapt to high pressure conditions.

They face risks like limited oxygen supply, cold temperatures, and isolation.

Returning to the surface is not easy – aquanauts must rise slowly to avoid decompression sickness (the “bends”).

Why Are Aquanauts Important?

The oceans cover more than 70% of our Earth, yet much of it remains unexplored. Aquanauts help us:

Discover new marine species.

Understand how oceans affect weather and climate.

Find sustainable ways to use ocean resources.

Develop skills and technologies useful for space exploration.

Conclusion: Aquanauts are true pioneers who remind us that exploration is not only about reaching for the stars but also about diving into the depths of our own planet. Their courage and research open doors to new knowledge about life under the sea and even prepare humanity for journeys into space.

They are, in every sense, the astronauts of the ocean. 🌊

Folktale from Santhal tribes

THE BULLOCK THAT GAVE BIRTH TO A CALF 

Once upon a time, there was a poor cowherd named Sona. He bought a small calf and was taking it home. On the way, he stayed at a villager’s house. The villager was a greedy oilman. At night, the oilman made a trick. He put oilcake on the calf, untied his bullock, and let it lick the calf. Then he called the villagers and said, “Look! My bullock has given birth to this calf!”

In the morning, when Sona wanted to take his calf, the oilman stopped him. The villagers believed the oilman and asked, “If your calf is really yours, why was the bullock licking it?” Poor Sona was very sad and went into the forest.

There, a bird called chappa (nightjar) and a jackal promised to help him. They came with Sona to the village. First, the bird said, “I had a dream. I saw an egg sitting on another egg.” Then the jackal said, “I also had a dream. I saw the sea on fire.”

The villagers laughed, “These dreams are impossible! An egg cannot sit on another egg, and the sea cannot burn!”

The bird replied, “If these are impossible, then how can a bullock give birth to a calf?”

The villagers understood their mistake. They returned the calf to Sona and punished the greedy oilman.

Moral: Truth always wins, and lies can never last long.

Where music meets movement

BALLET DANCE 

Introduction: Ballet is a highly technical and graceful form of performance dance that originated during the Italian Renaissance (15th–16th centuries) and later developed significantly in France and Russia. Today, it is a global art form admired for its precision, beauty, and ability to combine music, movement, and storytelling. Ballet is not just a dance form but also a cultural treasure that has evolved over centuries into multiple styles, training methods, and creative expressions.

History of Ballet: 

● Italian Renaissance (15th–16th centuries):

Ballet began in the Italian courts as lavish entertainment for nobles. Early performances were elaborate spectacles where aristocrats themselves often danced.

● French Development (16th–17th centuries):

With Catherine de’ Medici’s influence, ballet spread to France. King Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King” and an accomplished dancer, elevated ballet to an art form. In 1661, he founded the Académie Royale de Danse in Paris, which laid the foundation for professional ballet.

● Romantic Era (19th century):

Ballet shifted toward emotion, imagination, and the supernatural. This period introduced pointe work (dancing on the tips of the toes) and the Romantic tutu (a long, bell-shaped skirt). Famous works include Giselle and La Sylphide.

● Russian Classical Ballet (late 19th century):

Russia became the heart of ballet, with choreographers like Marius Petipa creating grand productions that are still performed today. Iconic ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty showcased elaborate sets, demanding technique, and dramatic storytelling.

● 20th Century to Present:

Ballet continued to evolve, blending with modern dance. Choreographers like George Balanchine pioneered neoclassical ballet, while others pushed boundaries with contemporary ballet.

Types and Styles of Ballet:

● Classical Ballet:

The most traditional style, known for graceful, flowing movements, strict technique, and symmetrical staging. Usually tells a story with elaborate costumes and sets (The Nutcracker is a prime example).

● Romantic Ballet:

Focused on emotion, nature, and mystical themes. Dancers often portrayed supernatural beings like sylphs and spirits.

● Neoclassical Ballet:

Developed in the 20th century by choreographers like George Balanchine. It retains ballet technique but is faster, less rigid, often plotless, and emphasises the relationship between movement and music.

● Contemporary Ballet:

A fusion of classical ballet and modern dance. It allows greater freedom, floor work, and experimental movement. Costumes and sets are usually simple, focusing on the dancer’s body and movement.

Ballet Training Methods:

Over time, different regions have developed their own training schools and methods, each emphasising unique qualities:

● Vaganova Method (Russian): Strong focus on strength, precision, and expressive upper-body movement.

● Cecchetti Method (Italian): A scientific, rigorous system designed to develop balance, coordination, and discipline.

● Bournonville Method (Danish): Recognised for lightness, quick footwork, and understated elegance.

● Balanchine Method (American): Known for extreme speed, deep pliés, and athleticism, developed by George Balanchine.

Famous Ballets:

Some of the most celebrated ballets that remain central to the repertoire are:

● Swan Lake

● The Nutcracker

● The Sleeping Beauty

● Giselle

● Don Quixote

Legendary Ballet Dancers: 

● Anna Pavlova (Russia): Famous for The Dying Swan, she brought ballet to audiences worldwide.

● Mikhail Baryshnikov (Soviet Union/USA): Widely considered one of the greatest male dancers of all time.

● Margot Fonteyn (UK): Prima Ballerina Assoluta of The Royal Ballet, known for her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev.

● Rudolf Nureyev (Russia): Known for his dramatic stage presence and athleticism.

● Misty Copeland (USA): Made history as the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre.

Basic Ballet Terminology:

Ballet uses a vocabulary largely derived from French. Some key terms include:

● Plié: Bending of the knees.

● Relevé: Rising onto the balls of the feet or toes.

● Pirouette: A spin or turn on one leg.

● Arabesque: Balancing on one leg with the other extended straight behind.

● Grand Jeté: A large, dramatic leap across the stage.

● Port de Bras: “Carriage of the arms,” graceful arm positions and movements.

● Turnout: Outward rotation of the legs from the hips, fundamental to ballet technique.

Importance of Ballet:

Develops discipline, flexibility, and strength.

Enhances poise, confidence, and stage presence.

Provides the foundation for many other dance forms.

Serves as a cultural and artistic bridge between tradition and innovation.

In Essence:

Ballet is poetry in motion—an art that blends grace, strength, and storytelling. From royal courts to global stages, it has endured for centuries, constantly evolving while remaining rooted in tradition.