A lesson on reading

 THE STRAINER AND THE RIVER 

A young student once approached his teacher with a troubled look.

“Master,” he said, “I’ve read so many books… but I’ve forgotten most of them. What’s the point of reading if I can’t remember?”

The teacher did not reply. Instead, he gave the boy a calm, knowing glance and allowed the question to linger in silence.

Days passed. One afternoon, they sat together by a flowing river. The teacher suddenly spoke, “I’m thirsty. Bring me some water… but use that old strainer lying on the ground.”

The student looked puzzled. A strainer? With so many holes? Surely, it was a useless task. Yet, out of respect, he obeyed.

He dipped the strainer into the water and hurried back—but by the time he reached the teacher, it was empty.

He tried again. And again.

He ran faster, tilted it at different angles, even tried covering holes with his fingers. But the water slipped through every time.

At last, exhausted and disheartened, the boy dropped the strainer at the teacher’s feet. “Master, I’ve failed. It’s impossible to carry water in this.”

The teacher smiled gently. “You did not fail. Look closely at the strainer.”

The boy glanced down—and his eyes widened. The once old, dusty, blackened strainer was now shining clean. Though it had carried no water, the river had washed it, over and over, until it gleamed like new.

The teacher then explained,

“This is what happens when you read. You may not retain every story, every word, or every lesson. Just like the water, much of it may slip away. But the very act of reading cleanses your mind. It refreshes your thoughts, nourishes your spirit, and leaves you brighter, lighter, and wiser—often without you even realising it.”

The student’s heart filled with understanding. At last, he knew: the true purpose of reading was not to store knowledge like a vessel… but to let it flow through him, shaping and purifying his soul.

✨ Moral: Books may not fill your memory, but they will always cleanse your mind and enrich your spirit.

Timeless Treasures of Indian Heritage

AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES 

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India, are among the greatest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture. Though often mentioned together, they are about 100 km (62 miles) apart and represent different time periods and religious traditions. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrated for their breathtaking craftsmanship, cultural significance, and ability to bring history to life.

🏛 Ajanta Caves – Painted Narratives of Buddhism

● Location: Nestled near the Waghora River, about 100 km from Ellora.

● Religion: Entirely Buddhist.

● History: Built in two phases, from around the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE, the 29 rock-cut caves served as monasteries and prayer halls (chaityas) for Buddhist monks.

● Artistic Significance: Ajanta is world-renowned for its mural paintings and frescoes that narrate the Jataka tales, depicting Buddha’s previous lives in both human and animal forms. These artworks are admired for their expressive portrayal of human emotions, fine detailing, and the use of natural mineral pigments that have retained their vibrancy for centuries.

● Rediscovery: After being abandoned for centuries, the caves were rediscovered in 1819 by British officer John Smith during a tiger-hunting expedition.

● Cultural Importance: Ajanta offers a glimpse into ancient Indian life, fashion, and spirituality while showcasing the pinnacle of early Buddhist art.

🏰 Ellora Caves – A Harmony of Faiths in Stone

● Location: Carved into the Charanandri Hills near the village of Ellora.

● Religion: Represents Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, reflecting India’s long tradition of religious harmony.

● History: Excavated between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, Ellora’s 34 caves illustrate the coexistence and flourishing of different faiths.

● Artistic Significance:

Buddhist Caves (1–12): Monasteries and prayer halls with serene Buddhas.

Hindu Caves (13–29): Known for dynamic carvings of Hindu deities and epics. The most remarkable is Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)—the largest monolithic rock excavation in the world, carved top-down and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Jain Caves (30–34): Distinguished by delicate sculptures symbolizing Jain philosophy.

● Cultural Importance: Ellora’s architectural brilliance and monumental sculptures represent artistic mastery and religious inclusivity. 

Key Differences and Similarities

• ​Religious Focus: Ajanta is exclusively Buddhist, while Ellora showcases a multi-religious complex of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments.

• ​Time Period: Ajanta is older, with its caves dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. Ellora's caves are newer, dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE.

• ​Art Form: While both sites feature exquisite art, Ajanta is particularly famous for its paintings, while Ellora is known for its remarkable sculptures and architecture, especially the monolithic Kailasa Temple.

• ​Shared Traits: Both cave complexes are masterpieces of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture, serve as a testament to the skill of artisans from the past, and are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

🌟 Why they matter today

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are more than monuments—they are living museums that preserve the spirit of ancient India. They:

Showcase artistic brilliance and engineering skill.

Reflect religious diversity and cultural harmony.

Continue to inspire historians, artists, and travelers worldwide.

Visiting these caves is like stepping into a time capsule, where every sculpture and painting whispers stories of devotion, creativity, and the timeless values of India’s heritage.

The science behind Glow-in-the-Dark materials

PHOSPHORESCENT MATERIALS

Glow-in-the-dark objects have always fascinated us — from glowing stars on bedroom ceilings to safety signs that shine in the dark. But what exactly makes these materials emit light even when the surrounding environment is dark? The answer lies in a special process known as phosphorescence.

What are Glow-in-the-Dark materials?

Glow-in-the-dark materials are scientifically called phosphorescent materials. They contain special compounds known as phosphors. These phosphors are capable of absorbing and storing energy from light sources such as sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light.

How do they work?

When glow-in-the-dark objects are exposed to light, the phosphors inside them absorb energy. At the atomic level, this energy excites the electrons, pushing them into a higher energy state. Instead of releasing this energy immediately, the electrons hold onto it for a while.

When the light source is removed, the electrons begin to slowly return to their normal state. As they do, they release the stored energy in the form of visible light. This light appears as a gentle, glowing effect that can last for minutes or even hours, depending on the material.

Why does the glow last?

Unlike regular fluorescent materials, which emit light almost instantly when exposed to light and stop glowing as soon as the source is gone, phosphorescent materials release energy gradually. This slow release creates the persistent glow we see in the dark, long after the light source has been removed.

Everyday uses of Glow-in-the-Dark materials

Phosphorescent technology is used in a variety of ways, such as:

● Decorative items like toys and stickers

● Safety signs and emergency exit markers

● Watch dials and instrument panels

● Novelty objects like glowing paint and clothing

Conclusion

Glow-in-the-dark materials are more than just fun novelties — they are practical tools that rely on the fascinating science of phosphorescence. By absorbing and slowly releasing stored energy as light, these materials continue to glow even when the world around them is dark.

Nature’s resilient survivors

CACTI 

Have you ever wondered how some plants manage to thrive in the hottest, driest places on Earth? Cacti are a perfect example. These fascinating plants have evolved unique adaptations that help them survive in extreme desert environments. Let’s explore what makes cacti some of nature’s toughest survivors.

What Are Cacti?

Cacti (plural of cactus) belong to the plant family Cactaceae. They are mostly found in desert regions, especially in North and South America. These remarkable plants come in many shapes and sizes—from tiny round ones that fit in your palm to towering giants like the saguaro cactus, which can grow over 40 feet tall.

Despite their differences, all cacti share special features that allow them to withstand extreme heat and lack of water.

The Secret Weapon: Water Storage

One of the most important survival strategies of cacti is their ability to store water. Their thick, fleshy stems act as reservoirs, holding large amounts of water for long periods. This adaptation is crucial in places where rain is scarce. Unlike most plants, cacti do not have regular leaves. Instead, their stems take on multiple roles—storing water and performing photosynthesis.

The stems are coated with a thick, waxy layer that seals in moisture and shields the plant from the desert sun. This layer prevents water from evaporating too quickly. In fact, some large cacti can store hundreds of litres of water and slowly use it during long dry spells. When rain finally comes, the cactus soaks up as much as possible, preparing for the next dry season. Thanks to this incredible water-storage system, cacti can survive for months or even years without rain.

Spines: Their Natural Armour

Instead of leaves, cacti have sharp spines that serve multiple purposes. The spines protect cacti from animals that might try to eat their juicy, water-filled stems. Desert animals may find cactus flesh tempting, but the spines make it difficult and painful to access.

Spines also reduce water loss by creating small patches of shade on the cactus surface, lowering its temperature and preventing excessive evaporation. In some species, spines even collect dew or fog from the air, which drips down to the roots to be absorbed.

Special Photosynthesis for Water Conservation:

Like all plants, cacti need sunlight to make food through photosynthesis. But they use a special method called CAM photosynthesis (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) to save water. Instead of opening their stomata during the hot day, cacti open them at night when it’s cooler and more humid. They take in carbon dioxide at night, store it, and use it the next day to produce food. This clever trick allows cacti to conserve water while still making energy.

Cacti and their ecosystem: Cacti are not just survivours—they are vital members of their ecosystems. Many birds, rodents, and reptiles take shelter in or around cacti to stay safe from predators. Their flowers and fruits feed animals like bats and birds, which in turn help pollinate the plants.

Cacti also stabilise desert soils by retaining moisture and preventing erosion, which keeps the environment balanced and healthy even in harsh conditions.

Fun Facts About Cacti:

● Some cacti can live for hundreds of years. The saguaro cactus, for instance, can survive for over 200 years.

● Cacti produce stunning, colorful flowers that often bloom just once a year, making them rare and special sights.

● While some cacti have water-rich pulp, it’s usually unsafe to drink their water unless you know the species is safe.

Lessons from Cacti: Cacti are powerful symbols of resilience and adaptation. Their ability to flourish in unforgiving deserts shows nature’s incredible power to overcome challenges. By appreciating these remarkable plants, we can learn to face difficulties in our own lives with patience, strength, and determination—growing and thriving no matter the obstacles.

In the desert’s harsh embrace, cacti stand tall—not just as survivors, but as teachers of endurance, resourcefulness, and balance in nature.

Japan’s Wackiest Celebration

THE BELLY BUTTON FESTIVAL 

Every summer in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, something delightfully quirky takes over Furano City—the Hokkai Heso Matsuri, better known as the Belly Button Festival. This hilarious and heartwarming event celebrates not only the town’s central location in Hokkaido (its “belly button”) but also the human connection symbolised by our navels.

A festival of laughter and community: The Belly Button Festival began in 1969 with a simple but meaningful goal: to strengthen community bonds through laughter and shared joy. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved tradition that attracts locals and visitors alike. What better way to unite a community than by dancing with a giant face painted on your stomach?

The Belly Button dance competition: At the heart of the festival is the famous Belly Button Dance Competition. Nearly 4,000 participants parade through the streets with comical faces—called Zubara—painted on their tummies. Bright costumes, lively music, and infectious smiles create an atmosphere that is both silly and uplifting. Even tourists can join in the fun by registering for the Jump-In Team, ensuring that everyone can be part of the laughter.

Delicious Belly Button-Inspired Dishes: The festival isn’t just about dancing—it’s a feast for food lovers too! The Belly Button Gourmet is another highlight, with local chefs creating special dishes inspired by the theme. Imagine belly-button-shaped curry rice or creative versions of yakisoba (fried noodles), all made using fresh local ingredients. These playful meals reflect the joyful spirit of the celebration.

A visit to the Belly Button Shrine: No trip to the festival is complete without a visit to the Heso Shrine, officially known as Hokushin Shrine. Its central position in Hokkaido earned it the nickname “belly button shrine.” Nearby is Hakako-do, a hall that stores umbilical cords sent by families from all over Japan. This tradition symbolises love, birth, and family ties—the deeper meaning behind the festival’s lighthearted exterior.

More than just a quirky event: While the idea of celebrating belly buttons might sound odd at first, the Hokkai Heso Matsuri is far more than a novelty. It’s a vibrant celebration of joy, unity, and life itself. Through laughter, dance, and shared traditions, the people of Furano City remind everyone that even the silliest things—like a painted tummy—can bring people together in meaningful ways.

The Belly Button Festival proves that joy can be found in the most unexpected places—sometimes, right in the centre of Hokkaido!

Do you know

WHY CAN'T WE REMEMBER BEING BABIES?

Have you ever wondered why none of us can recall our very first years of life? We all went through countless experiences as infants—our first laugh, the first time we crawled, or the first toy we held—but those moments remain locked away from our conscious memory. This mysterious gap in memory is called infantile amnesia, and scientists have been curious about it for decades.

There are several reasons why we can’t remember our babyhood:

1. Brain Development

The hippocampus, a part of the brain crucial for forming long-term, explicit memories, is still developing in the first few years of life.

Babies do learn and remember things, but these memories are often implicit (skills, habits, emotional responses) rather than explicit (clear, story-like memories).

2. Language Development

Memories are easier to form and recall once we have words to describe experiences.

Since infants don’t yet have a developed vocabulary, they can’t encode events in a way that matches how we recall them later in life.

3. Sense of Self

Autobiographical memory (the kind where we remember personal life events) depends on having a concept of “self”.

Babies don’t fully recognise themselves as separate, enduring individuals until around age 2. Without that sense of self, experiences aren’t stored as “my memories.”

4. Memory Storage and Forgetting

Early memories may be stored differently and later become inaccessible as the brain reorganises during childhood.

Neural pruning (the brain trimming unused connections) might also wipe out or reshape early memories.

5. Emotional Encoding

Babies do form emotional bonds and associations (for example, recognising a caregiver’s face or feeling soothed by a lullaby).

These are remembered in a more emotional, bodily sense rather than as clear, retrievable stories.

So, while we can’t recall being babies in the way we remember school or birthdays, our earliest years still shape us profoundly—through attachments, habits, and emotional patterns.

From Taiwan to the World

BUBBLE TEA 

Imagine sipping a drink that’s not just a beverage but also a dessert — where chewy pearls bounce in your mouth and sweet flavours burst with every sip. This is Bubble Tea, also called Boba Tea — a Taiwanese invention that has become a global craze, especially among teenagers.

The beginning of Bubble Tea: Bubble Tea was first created in Taiwan in the 1980s. At that time, it was simply iced milk tea. The twist came when tapioca pearls — small, chewy balls made from cassava starch — were added.

One popular story says a tea shop owner experimented by dropping sweetened tapioca balls into tea, and the drink quickly became a hit. While several shops in Taiwan claim to be the “original creators”, what’s certain is that the idea spread rapidly.

Interestingly, the name “Bubble Tea” does not come from the pearls. It actually refers to the frothy bubbles that form when the tea is shaken.

Why is it so popular?

Bubble Tea is loved worldwide, but it has a special place in the hearts of teens. Why?

Customisable: You can pick the type of tea (milk tea, green tea, fruit tea), sweetness level, and toppings like jelly, pudding, or popping boba.

Fun Experience: The chewy pearls turn a simple drink into a snack-and-drink combo.

Instagram Appeal: With colorful layers and transparent cups showing the pearls, it’s picture-perfect for social media.

Bubble Tea in Taiwanese Culture: In Taiwan, Bubble Tea is more than a drink — it’s part of youth culture. Bubble Tea shops fill the streets, buzzing with students and friends catching up over their favourite flavours.

It’s also considered a great after-school snack: refreshing in the summer, warming in the winter, and always filling because of the tapioca pearls. Over the years, Bubble Tea has become a symbol of Taiwanese identity and is now enjoyed across the world.

A global favorite: From local tea stalls in Taiwan to trendy shops in cities across Asia, America, and Europe, Bubble Tea has truly gone global. What began as a fun experiment is now a worldwide phenomenon — proving how a simple idea can spread joy and culture far beyond its homeland.

✨ In short: Bubble Tea is more than just a drink. It’s a delicious mix of tradition, creativity, and youth culture that continues to win hearts all over the world.