Strengthening Democracy Through Participation

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY 

National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year on 25 January in India to encourage citizens, especially young voters, to participate actively in the democratic process. The day marks the foundation of the Election Commission of India, which was established on 25 January 1950.

Significance of National Voters’ Day

Voting is the backbone of a democracy. National Voters’ Day highlights the importance of each citizen’s vote and reminds people that democracy thrives only when citizens exercise their right to choose their representatives. The day also aims to spread awareness about electoral rights and responsibilities.

Special emphasis is placed on first-time voters, motivating young citizens to register, vote responsibly, and become informed participants in the nation’s political life.

Objectives of the Day

National Voters’ Day focuses on:

● Encouraging voter registration

● Promoting ethical and informed voting

●Increasing awareness about electoral processes

●Ensuring inclusive participation of all eligible citizens

● Strengthening trust in democratic institutions

Each year, the Election Commission announces a theme reflecting current democratic priorities.

Theme for This Year

The theme for National Voters’ Day this year is “My India, My Vote – Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.” This theme highlights the idea that democracy becomes meaningful only when citizens actively participate in the electoral process. It emphasises the power of each individual vote and encourages voters—especially the youth and first-time voters—to recognise their role in shaping the nation’s future. By placing the citizen at the centre of democracy, the theme reinforces the belief that every voice matters and every vote counts.

Role of the Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a vital role in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. Through initiatives such as voter awareness campaigns, digital voter services, and accessibility measures for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the ECI works continuously to make the electoral process more inclusive.

Importance of Youth Participation

Young voters bring fresh perspectives and energy to democracy. Their participation ensures that national policies reflect the aspirations of future generations. National Voters’ Day encourages youth to move beyond apathy and recognise voting as both a right and a responsibility.

Conclusion

National Voters’ Day is more than a celebration—it is a reminder of the power citizens hold in shaping the future of the nation. Every vote matters, and every voice counts. By participating actively and responsibly in elections, citizens strengthen the foundations of democracy.

A strong democracy begins with an informed and committed voter.

Celebrating Equality and Empowerment

NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY IN INDIA 

Every year on 24 January, India observes National Girl Child Day to highlight the importance of protecting, educating, and empowering girls. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this day serves as a reminder that a nation’s true progress is measured by how it treats its girls.

Why National Girl Child Day Matters

Despite significant progress, many girls in India still face challenges such as gender discrimination, limited access to education, early marriage, poor healthcare, and social bias. National Girl Child Day aims to raise awareness about these issues and encourage society to ensure equal rights and opportunities for girls.

The day also seeks to change mindsets—moving away from viewing girls as a burden and recognising them as individuals with immense potential and capability.

Objectives of the Day

National Girl Child Day focuses on:

● Promoting gender equality

● Encouraging education for girls

● Ensuring health, nutrition, and safety

● Creating awareness about the legal rights of girls

●Eliminating harmful practices like female foeticide and child marriage

Each year, the government announces a theme that highlights a specific concern related to the welfare and empowerment of the girl child.

Government Initiatives Supporting the Girl Child

Several government programmes strengthen the message of National Girl Child Day:

●Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – to save and educate the girl child

●Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – to support the financial future of girls

●Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav – to promote school enrolment for girls

These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment where girls can grow with dignity, confidence, and independence.

The Role of Society

While policies and programmes are important, real change begins at home and in communities. Respecting girls, giving them equal opportunities, encouraging their ambitions, and ensuring their safety are responsibilities shared by everyone.

Educated and empowered girls grow into strong women who contribute positively to families, communities, and the nation.

Conclusion

National Girl Child Day is not just a date on the calendar—it is a call to action. It reminds us to stand against discrimination, support education, and nurture the dreams of every girl child. When girls rise, society rises with them.

A girl child is not just the future of tomorrow—she is the strength of today.

The Boy with the Golden Arm

NEERAJ CHOPRA 

Neeraj Chopra, born on 24 December 1997 in the village of Khandra, Panipat (Haryana), is India’s most celebrated javelin thrower — an athlete whose name is now synonymous with excellence, perseverance, and historic firsts in Indian sports. 

From ‘Motu’ to Medal Magic

As a teenager, Neeraj was noticeably plump and weighed nearly 90 kg. Friends often teased him as “motu” (fatso), until his father encouraged him to join a gym. Soon after, he wandered into the Shivaji Stadium in Panipat, picked up a javelin — and coaches instantly recognised his natural aptitude. With early encouragement from Sports Authority of India coach Jaiveer Singh and later mentorship from coach Naseem Ahmad in Panchkula, Neeraj switched from being overweight to overtaking the best in the world.

Without formal technique training early on, he learned by watching YouTube clips of legendary thrower Jan Železný, instantly improving his own skill. 

Early Breakthroughs

Neeraj first burst into the national spotlight in October 2012, winning the junior national title with a throw of 68.40 m. By 2015, he was among the senior elite, earning a spot at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala for advanced training, nutrition, and technique refinement.

In 2016 at the World U20 Championships in Poland, Neeraj threw 86.48 m — a world U20 record — and took gold, becoming the first Indian to set an athletics world record and win that title. 

He followed this with golds at the South Asian Games (2016), Asian Championships (2017), Commonwealth Games (2018), and Asian Games (2018). 

Olympic Glory and Global Breakthrough

On 7 August 2021 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to COVID-19), Neeraj etched his name into history. With a sensational 87.58 m throw in the final — his second attempt — he won the gold medal in javelin, becoming India’s first Olympic champion in athletics and just the second Indian individual Olympic gold medallist after shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008). 

His triumph ignited nationwide pride and dramatically raised interest in track and field across India. 

The Global Indian

Beyond the Olympics — Global Medals and Milestones

After Tokyo, Neeraj continued to shine on the world stage:

● 2022 World Athletics Championships — Silver medal in javelin, India’s second medal ever at the World Championships. 

● 2023 World Athletics Championships — Gold medal with an 88.17 m throw, making Neeraj the first Asian javelin thrower to become world champion. 

The Global Indian

● 2024 Paris Olympics — Silver medal with a personal best Olympic throw of 89.45 m, making him one of the few Indians with multiple Olympic medals and the first Indian track and field athlete to do so. 

● 2025 Diamond League — Achieved a historic personal best of 90.23 m, breaking the 90-metre barrier — a landmark for Indian athletics. 

● Neeraj Chopra Classic (2025) — Won the inaugural edition in Bengaluru, India’s first international field event hosted domestically. 

● Despite battling a back injury later in 2025, which saw him finish eighth at the World Championships in Tokyo, Neeraj remains a dominant and inspirational figure in javelin throw.

Army, Awards, and Honour

Neeraj is not just a sportsperson but also a soldier — inducted into the Indian Army as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) with the Rajputana Rifles in 2016. He was promoted to Subedar Major and, in 2025, was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in recognition of his contributions to Indian sport. 

His many awards include:

● Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (India’s highest sporting honour) (2021) 

● Padma Shri (2022) 

● Arjuna Award (2018) 

● Vishisht Seva Medal (2020) and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2022)

Legacy and Influence

From a chubby village boy nicknamed “motu” to an Olympic and World champion, Neeraj’s journey transcends sport. He has inspired a generation of young Indians to pursue athletics, changing how javelin and track and field are viewed in a cricket-dominant nation. 

The Global Indian

As of today, Neeraj remains among the most followed athletes on social media and a symbol of relentless hard work, national pride, and sporting excellence. 

Glow in the Dark, Nature’s Light Show

FIREFLIES 

Have you ever witnessed the night come alive with tiny flickers of light dancing through the air? Fireflies, nature’s living lanterns, create one of the most magical spectacles on Earth. If you haven’t experienced it yet, May is the perfect time to do so. Head to rural Maharashtra, where forests and fields transform into glowing wonderlands during the annual Firefly Festival.

Popular destinations close to Mumbai, such as Bhandardara and Purushwadi, are well-known for their breathtaking firefly displays. Beginning around 17 May and lasting for nearly a month, the festival attracts nature lovers, families, photographers, and students alike. To preserve the experience, many locations thoughtfully designate separate zones for firefly watching and stargazing, ensuring minimal disturbance to both insects and observers.

Global Firefly Hotspots

India is not alone in celebrating this luminous phenomenon. Across the world, fireflies create equally stunning displays:

●Kuala Selangor and Kampung Kuantan, Malaysia – Mangrove forests along the Selangor River host thousands of fireflies that flash in perfect synchrony, lighting up entire trees.

●Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains, USA – Famous for the Photinus carolinus, a rare species that flashes in coordinated waves, drawing visitors from across the globe.

●Nanacamilpa, Mexico – A protected forest sanctuary where millions of fireflies illuminate the landscape during peak season.

These destinations highlight the global importance of conserving habitats where fireflies thrive.

Fireflies and Stargazing: A Perfect Pair

Firefly habitats are usually far from city lights, making them ideal locations for stargazing. As fireflies glow below, the night sky above reveals constellations such as the North Star, Orion, Big Dipper, and Scorpius. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a silver river, creating a rare experience where Earth and cosmos shine together.

Why Do Fireflies Glow?

Fireflies glow due to a fascinating process called bioluminescence. Inside their bodies, oxygen reacts with luciferin (a light-producing chemical) and luciferase (an enzyme), producing light without heat—often called cold light. This makes firefly light extremely energy-efficient.

The glow is primarily part of a mating ritual. Each species has a distinct flashing pattern. Males signal while flying, and females respond from leaves or grass, helping them recognise the correct partner. The pre-monsoon months of May and June, with warm and humid conditions, provide the ideal environment for this glowing courtship.

Interestingly, firefly larvae also glow faintly, warning predators that they are toxic—a natural defense mechanism.

The Need for Conservation

Sadly, firefly populations are declining worldwide due to light pollution, habitat destruction, pesticide use, and urbanisation. Artificial lights confuse fireflies and disrupt their mating signals. Responsible tourism—avoiding flashlights, loud noises, and plastic waste—is essential to protect these delicate insects.

Many local communities now promote eco-friendly firefly festivals, raising awareness about conservation while supporting rural livelihoods.

A Night of Wonder Awaits

Watching fireflies feels like stepping into a dream where nature reveals its quiet magic. As trees sparkle with living lights and stars shimmer overhead, the experience offers peace, wonder, and a deep connection with the natural world. In a fast-paced, technology-driven life, fireflies remind us that some of the most beautiful sights appear only when we slow down and embrace the darkness.

So this summer, step away from city lights, look up at the stars, watch the fireflies dance—and let nature’s light show leave you spellbound.

Do you know

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAVE ENERGY AND TIDAL ENERGY 

The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and are constantly in motion. This movement contains a huge amount of energy that can be converted into electricity. Two important forms of ocean-based renewable energy are wave energy and tidal energy. Although both come from the sea, they are created in different ways and use different technologies.

What Is Tidal Energy?

Tides occur because of the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth’s oceans. As Earth rotates, this pull causes sea levels to rise and fall in a regular and predictable pattern, usually twice a day.

Tidal energy is generated by capturing this movement of water. One common method uses underwater tidal turbines, which look similar to wind turbines but are smaller and much stronger to withstand ocean currents. As tidal water flows past the blades, it turns the turbine, which powers a generator to produce electricity.

Another method involves tidal barrages. These are large barriers built across bays or estuaries. Water is trapped behind the barrage at high tide and then released at low tide, flowing through turbines to generate power.

Advantages of tidal energy:

● Highly predictable and reliable

● Produces clean, renewable electricity

● Long-lasting infrastructure

Limitations:

● Expensive to build

● Can affect marine ecosystems

● Suitable only in areas with strong tidal currents

What Is Wave Energy?

Wave energy comes from wind blowing across the surface of the ocean. The stronger and longer the wind blows, the larger the waves become. Unlike tides, waves vary depending on weather conditions.

Wave energy is captured using machines called wave energy converters. Some of these devices float on the ocean surface and move up and down with the waves. This motion drives pistons or hydraulic systems connected to generators. Other designs trap waves inside a chamber, forcing air through a turbine to generate electricity. Some wave energy systems are placed near the shore, while others operate offshore.

Advantages of wave energy:

● Large energy potential

● Does not produce pollution

● Can be installed near coastal areas

Limitations:

● Less predictable than tidal energy

● Technology is still developing

● Can be damaged by storms

Future of Ocean Energy

Scientists and engineers around the world are still improving these technologies to make them cheaper, safer, and more efficient. Countries with long coastlines, such as the UK, Portugal, Australia, and India, have great potential to benefit from ocean energy.

If developed successfully, wave and tidal energy could play a major role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, helping to fight climate change and provide clean, renewable power for future generations.

The Hidden Power of Endurance

THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE 

Life is rarely a smooth road. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you are trying to achieve, obstacles are inevitable. Many people give up too early because they expect success to arrive quickly and effortlessly. When difficulties appear, they assume something is wrong with them or with their path. This belief is mistaken. Struggle is not a sign of failure—it is a natural part of progress.

Persistence is the ability to continue despite setbacks, failures, criticism, and exhaustion. It is not blind stubbornness, but the quiet decision to keep going when things become uncomfortable.

History, culture, and human experience repeatedly show that success belongs to those who can endure pain, delay, and disappointment without losing direction.

Fighting the Same Battle More Than Once

Margaret Thatcher once said, “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” This simple statement reflects a hard truth about life. Very few victories are achieved in a single attempt. Whether it is a career goal, a business idea, a relationship, or a personal habit, failure often comes before success—and sometimes more than once.

Losing once does not mean the battle is over. It means you have learned something. If you quit after the first failure, defeat becomes permanent. If you return with experience, better preparation, and stronger resolve, your chances of success increase. Persistence gives you multiple opportunities to succeed.

In everyday life, this truth is easy to observe. You may fail an exam once, yet pass later. You may lose a job, only to find a better opportunity. You may make mistakes in a project, but correcting them can lead to stronger results. Winning often comes after several losses, not before them.

Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight

A Japanese proverb wisely says, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Falling is not the problem—staying down is. Every human being fails, stumbles, and feels defeated at some point. What separates those who succeed from those who do not is what they do after they fall.

After failure, you always have a choice. You can remain stuck, complain, and blame circumstances. Or you can stand up, adjust yourself, and move forward. Standing up one more time than you fall is what creates progress.

Practically, this means accepting mistakes without self-hatred, learning without self-pity, and trying again without fear of embarrassment. Each fall builds experience. Each recovery builds confidence. Over time, failure becomes less frightening because you know you can always rise again.

Keep Going Through the Hardest Phase

There are moments in life when difficulties surround you from all sides. Everything feels painful, confusing, and overwhelming. During such times, quitting may seem like relief. But this is exactly when endurance matters most.

Winston Churchill’s advice remains timeless: “If you are going through hell, keep going.” Stopping in the middle of suffering does not end it—it prolongs it. If you are already in a difficult situation, moving forward is often the fastest way out. Pain has an endpoint, but only if you continue.

Whether it is a demanding phase at work, learning a difficult skill, or dealing with a temporary personal crisis, persistence protects the effort you have already invested. Progress may be slow, but slow movement is still movement.

When Hardship Makes You Stronger

An Arabian proverb says, “Blows that do not break your back strengthen it.” Not every hardship is destructive. Many challenges are lessons in disguise.

Surviving pressure, criticism, failure, or loss builds emotional strength, mental endurance, and practical wisdom. Just as muscles grow by resisting weight, character grows by resisting adversity. Comfort may feel pleasant, but struggle builds resilience.

This does not mean you should seek suffering. It means you should not fear it. When difficulties arise, treat them as training rather than punishment. Each challenge prepares you for greater responsibility ahead.

Why Persistence Matters More Than Talent

Persistence does not guarantee instant success, but it guarantees growth. Growth leads to better decisions, stronger confidence, and higher chances of long-term success. People who persist develop patience, discipline, and emotional balance—qualities that often matter more than talent alone.

In personal life, persistence helps build healthy habits, stronger relationships, and self-respect. In professional life, it helps withstand competition, criticism, and uncertainty. Over time, persistence turns ordinary effort into extraordinary results.

You may feel tired. You may feel discouraged. You may feel like giving up. But remember—you do not need to win today. You only need to continue. Fight the battle again. Stand up one more time. Keep moving through the difficult phase. Let hardship strengthen you instead of breaking you.

Persistence is not loud or dramatic. It is quiet, repetitive, and often unnoticed. Yet it remains one of the most powerful forces shaping human success.

Do you know

WHY DOES A CLOCK GO ONLY UP TO 12?

Have you ever wondered why most clocks show numbers only from 1 to 12, even though a full day has 24 hours? The answer takes us back thousands of years, to ancient civilisations and their early understanding of time.

The Ancient Love for the Number 12

Long before modern clocks existed, ancient cultures—especially in Mesopotamia and Egypt—considered the number 12 very special. Historians believe this may have been because:

● There are 12 lunar cycles (months) in a year

● There are 12 prominent constellations in the night sky

● The number 12 is easy to divide (by 2, 3, 4, and 6)

Because of this, 12 became a convenient and meaningful number for measuring time.

Sundials: The First Clocks

One of the earliest timekeeping devices was the sundial. It worked using the Sun’s movement across the sky.

A sundial had:

● A flat surface marked with divisions

● A vertical stick or pillar called a gnomon

● As the Earth rotated, the Sun’s position changed, causing the shadow of the gnomon to move. Ancient sundials often divided the daylight—from sunrise to sunset—into 12 parts. The middle point marked midday, when the Sun was highest in the sky.

Dividing the Night

When people later learned to measure time at night using water clocks (clepsydra) and oil lamps, they divided the night into 12 parts as well. This led to the idea of a 24-hour day:

● 12 hours of day

● 12 hours of night

However, these early hours were not equal in length, because days are longer in summer and shorter in winter.

The Birth of Accurate Timekeeping

With the invention of mechanical clocks in medieval Europe, timekeeping became more accurate. By then, the 24-hour framework was deeply rooted, so people kept it—even though they now had better technology.

To make clockfaces easier to read, clockmakers continued using 12 numbers, allowing the hour hand to go around the dial twice a day.

AM and PM Explained

In countries like India, time is commonly shown using the 12-hour system, divided into:

AM (Ante Meridiem) – Before midday

PM (Post Meridiem) – After midday

So, 7:00 AM means morning, while 7:00 PM means evening.

What About the 24-Hour Clock?

Many countries use the 24-hour time system, especially in:

● Military

● Railways

● Aviation

● Hospitals

In this system:

● 1:00 PM becomes 13:00

● 8:00 PM becomes 20:00

In India, the 24-hour system is mainly used in transport schedules and defense services.

Why Not 24 Numbers on a Clock?

Although 24-hour clockfaces do exist, they are less popular. Why?

● The numbers are crowded and harder to read

● The 12-hour clock is simpler and more familiar

● People are used to dividing the day mentally into morning and evening

After all, no one wants a clock that causes a real time crunch!

Did You Know?

● Ancient Egyptians also divided the year into 360 days, another number linked to 12

● Some modern watches combine both 12-hour and 24-hour markings

● Digital clocks still follow ancient ideas, even with modern technology

Conclusion

A clock goes only up to 12 because of ancient beliefs, early tools like sundials, and human preference for simplicity. Even with advanced technology, we continue to use this age-old system—a perfect example of how history shapes everyday life.

Time may move forward, but its design still ticks to an ancient rhythm!