Japanese folktale

THE TONGUE-CUT SPARROW (舌切り雀, SHITA-KIRI SUZUME)

The Tongue-Cut Sparrow is a very well-known and beloved traditional Japanese folktale. It's a classic example of a moralistic story found in many cultures, where kindness is rewarded and greed is punished.

Once upon a time, there lived a kind old man and his greedy, ill-tempered wife. The old man loved a little sparrow that often visited their home, and he would feed it and care for it as if it were his own child. The sparrow, in turn, would sing beautiful songs for him.

One day, while the old man was out, the sparrow accidentally ate some starch that the old woman had prepared for her laundry. Enraged by this, the cruel old woman grabbed the sparrow and, in a fit of anger, cut out its tongue before driving it away.

When the old man returned and learned what had happened, he was heartbroken. He set out on a journey to find his beloved sparrow. After a long search, with the help of other animals, he finally found the sparrow's home in a bamboo grove.

The sparrow, despite its injury, welcomed the old man warmly. It introduced him to its family and entertained him with a grand feast and delightful sparrow dances. When it was time for the old man to leave, the sparrow offered him a choice of two baskets: a small, light one and a large, heavy one. Being humble and not wanting to impose, the old man chose the small, light basket.

Upon returning home, he opened the basket to find it filled with precious treasures, gold, and silver. The old man and his wife became wealthy and lived comfortably.

However, the greedy old woman, seeing their newfound riches, became consumed with envy. She demanded to know where the old man had gotten the treasures. When she heard about the sparrow's generosity, she decided to visit the sparrow herself, hoping to get even more treasure.

She found the sparrow's home and, despite her past cruelty, the sparrows still offered her hospitality. When it was time for her to leave, she was also presented with the choice of two baskets. Driven by her insatiable greed, she immediately chose the large, heavy basket, convinced it would contain even greater riches.

Struggling with the heavy basket, she rushed home. As soon as she opened it, instead of treasure, out poured horrifying creatures, snakes, and demons, that terrified her. Some versions of the tale say she was carried away by the creatures, or that she was so frightened she fell down a mountain to her demise.

The Moral of the Story:

The "Tongue-Cut Sparrow" teaches valuable lessons about:

 * Kindness and compassion: The old man's kindness to the sparrow is ultimately rewarded.

 * Greed and its consequences: The old woman's greed and cruelty lead to her downfall.

 * Karma: The idea that good deeds are repaid with good fortune, and bad deeds lead to negative outcomes.

It's a popular tale that has been passed down through generations in Japan, often told to children to instill these moral values.

The giant creatures of the past

DINOSAURS🦕

Millions of years ago, long before humans walked the Earth, there lived giant creatures called dinosaurs. These reptiles ruled the land during a time called the Mesozoic Era, which was about 250 to 65 million years ago. They came in all shapes and sizes – some were small like chickens, while others were bigger than buses!

🌍 Where Did Dinosaurs Live?

Dinosaurs lived on every continent. Fossils (the remains of ancient creatures) have been found all over the world – from dry deserts to frozen lands. This tells us that dinosaurs were everywhere and adapted to many different environments.

🦖 Types of Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs are usually divided into two main types:

Herbivores: These dinosaurs ate plants. Some famous plant-eaters were Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and Stegosaurus.

Carnivores: These dinosaurs ate other animals. The most famous meat-eater is Tyrannosaurus rex, also called T. rex.

Some dinosaurs even had feathers, and scientists believe that modern birds are actually their descendants!

🔍 How Do We Know About Dinosaurs?

We know about dinosaurs from fossils – bones, footprints, and even eggs that turned into rock over time. Paleontologists (scientists who study fossils) dig them up and study them to learn how dinosaurs lived, what they ate, and how they moved.

💥 What Happened to the Dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs lived on Earth for over 160 million years, but about 65 million years ago, they suddenly disappeared. Most scientists believe that a giant asteroid hit the Earth, causing massive fires, climate change, and blocking sunlight. This led to the extinction of most dinosaurs.

🐦 Are Dinosaurs Really Gone?

Even though the big dinosaurs are extinct, their closest relatives – birds – are still flying in our skies today! So in a way, dinosaurs are still with us.

✨ Fun Facts

The name dinosaur means "terrible lizard."

Some dinosaurs could run as fast as a car!

The largest dinosaur may have been over 30 metres long.

Not all dinosaurs were huge – some were the size of a cat.

Goa’s Wild Monsoon Treasure

TAIKILO 

Taikilo (also spelled taikulo) is the local Goan name for Cassia tora, a legume‑family plant cherished in Goa during the monsoon. Here's what makes it special:

A wild edible green, Cassia tora sprouts prolifically about a week after the first heavy rains and continues through October.

It’s commonly seen along roadsides, open spaces, and fields across Goa.

The edible parts are the tender young shoots and leaves, picked similarly to tea leaves—two tips per shoot.

Reaches around 30–90 cm tall, with leaves about 5 cm long.

🍳 Culinary Uses in Goa

Commonly prepared just after the monsoon arrives:

Fritters (pakoras/bhajiyas): Leaves are chopped, mixed with spices and gram flour, then fried.

Bhaji and vadas: Stir‑fried or formed into grainy or smooth savory discs (bhojjos) often with soaked lentils, rice, chillies, coconut or jackfruit seeds.

Curries, chutneys and cooling 'tambli': Leafy paste or gravy variations are popular.

Herbal drink (kashaya): Made from seed powder decoction for immune boosting.

🌿 Nutritional and Medicinal Value

High in dietary fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Ayurvedic credentials: touted as a liver stimulant, mild laxative, heart tonic, anthelmintic, anti‑periodic, and beneficial for eyes and digestion.

Traditionally used to manage blood sugar and support gut health during monsoons.

🌾 Cultural Significance

One of Goa’s signature wild monsoon greens—plucked as part of seasonal rituals, and sometimes even used in decorations or eco‑rituals.

Collecting taikilo signals the first flush of monsoon and brings nostalgia for older generations.

🪴 To Sum Up

Taikilo is more than a seasonal vegetable—it's a cultural, medicinal, and culinary emblem of the Goan monsoon. If you spot it, you’re seeing a cherished heritage green bursting with flavour and tradition.

The Ancient Indian Science of Architecture

🏠 VĀSTU SHASTRA 

Vāstu Shastra, often simply called Vastu, is the traditional Indian system of architecture and design. It is an ancient science that lays down guidelines for building homes, temples, towns, and other structures in harmony with nature, the elements, and cosmic energies.

🕉️ What is Vāstu Shastra?

The word Vāstu means “dwelling” or “building”.

Shastra means “science” or “knowledge”. So, Vāstu Shastra means “the science of building”.

It comes from Vedic literature, and its roots go back thousands of years in Indian civilisation. It blends spiritual beliefs, architecture, astronomy, and geometry to create peaceful and prosperous living spaces.

Who wrote Vāstu Shastra?

The Vāstu Shastra is not attributed to just one single author. Instead, it is a collection of ancient texts and knowledge systems developed over centuries by various sages, architects, and scholars in ancient India.

However, some key figures and texts associated with the composition and development of Vāstu Shastra are:

📜 Prominent Contributors to Vāstu Shastra:

1. Vishwakarma

Known as the divine architect in Hindu mythology.

Believed to be the original creator of Vāstu principles.

Associated with building mythical cities like Dwarka (Lord Krishna’s city) and Lanka (Ravana’s kingdom).

2. Maya (Mayan Acharya)

A legendary architect and author of the text called Mayamata.

Mayamata is one of the key classical texts on Vāstu, especially in South India.

Maya is also said to have built the city of Indraprastha (from the Mahabharata).

3. Sage Bhrigu

Credited with Bhrigu Samhita, which includes astrological and architectural knowledge.

Considered one of the oldest contributors to Vāstu-related literature.

4. Vishwakarma Prakash

An important treatise that describes various Vāstu rules, believed to be authored by sages following Vishwakarma’s teachings.

📚 Key Ancient Texts on Vāstu Shastra:

These texts were composed by different scholars over time and form the foundation of Vāstu knowledge:

Mayamata – by Maya

Manasara – a comprehensive text on architecture and design

Samarangana Sutradhara – attributed to King Bhoja (11th century), it covers Vāstu, sculpture, town planning, and even flying machines!

Vishwakarma Vastu Shastra

Shilpa Shastra – deals with art, sculpture, and Vāstu

Vāstu Shastra is a collective wisdom, not written by just one person.

It evolved through the contributions of sages like Vishwakarma, Maya, Bhrigu, and later scholars.

The knowledge was preserved through texts, oral traditions, and temple architecture across India.

🌍 The Five Elements (Panchamahabhutas)

According to Vāstu, everything in the universe is made up of five elements:

1. Earth (Prithvi) – stability, foundation

2. Water (Jal) – flow, purity

3. Fire (Agni) – energy, power

4. Air (Vayu) – movement, freshness

5. Space (Akash) – openness, connection

Vāstu aims to balance these elements in a built environment to ensure health, happiness, and success.

🧭 Direction Matters: The Vāstu Compass

Vāstu Shastra gives great importance to direction (disha). The orientation of a building affects how sunlight, wind, and energy flows through it.

Direction Element Suitable Use According to Vāstu

East Air Entrance, Prayer Room

West Water Dining Room, Storage

North Earth Living Room, Study Room

South Fire Kitchen, Bedroom

Northeast Water Temple, Meditation Room

Southwest Earth Master Bedroom, Stability

🛖 Vāstu for a Home: Simple Tips

Here are some basic Vāstu tips commonly followed in Indian homes:

The main entrance should ideally face east or north.

The kitchen should be in the southeast corner.

The bedroom should be in the southwest part of the house.

The toilet/bathroom should be in the northwest.

Prayer rooms or pooja spaces are best in the northeast.

🛕 Temples and Towns

Many ancient Indian temples, palaces, and even cities like Jaipur were built using Vāstu principles. Temples are often perfectly aligned with the sun or specific constellations to create spiritual energy.

🔬 Is Vāstu Scientific?

Some Vāstu principles are linked to scientific ideas:

Sunlight from the east is healthy, so morning light should reach the house.

Cross-ventilation ensures fresh air.

Heavier structures in the southwest give better stability.

Keeping spaces uncluttered improves mental well-being.

However, Vāstu is also deeply tied to faith and culture, so not all ideas have modern scientific proof — yet many people believe it influences energy and prosperity.

🌟 Why is Vāstu Still Important?

In India, many people still consult Vāstu experts before:

Building a new house

Buying property

Designing shops or offices

Starting a new business

Whether it's belief or tradition, Vāstu continues to be a respected part of Indian lifestyle.

🧠 In Conclusion

Vāstu Shastra is a unique blend of science, art, and spirituality that has guided Indian architecture for centuries. While some may follow it strictly, others treat it as inspiration for designing spaces that feel balanced, positive, and harmonious.

A Home in Space

🛰️ THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)

Imagine a giant science laboratory floating 400 kilometers above Earth, where astronauts from different countries live and work together. That’s the International Space Station, or ISS — the largest man-made object in space and one of humanity’s most incredible scientific achievements.

🌍 What is the ISS?

The International Space Station (ISS) is a space laboratory that orbits Earth. It serves as a home and workplace for astronauts and cosmonauts. They conduct experiments in various fields like physics, biology, astronomy, meteorology, and medicine — all in microgravity.

Launched: The first part of the ISS was launched in 1998.

Orbit Height: About 400 km above Earth.

Speed: It travels at around 28,000 km/h and completes one orbit every 90 minutes.

Size: It’s about the size of a football field!

🌐 Who Built the ISS?

The ISS is a joint project involving five main space agencies:

NASA (United States)

Roscosmos (Russia)

JAXA (Japan)

ESA (Europe)

CSA (Canada)

More than 15 countries have contributed to its construction and operation, making it a symbol of international cooperation in space.

🧑‍🚀 Who Lives on the ISS?

Astronauts from different countries live on the ISS for about 6 months at a time. They work, eat, sleep, and even exercise in space!

To stay healthy in zero gravity, astronauts:

Exercise 2 hours daily

Eat specially packed food

Sleep in sleeping bags attached to walls (so they don’t float away!)

🔬 What Do They Do Up There?

The ISS is like a floating science lab. Astronauts do experiments that cannot be done on Earth, such as:

Studying how plants grow in space

Observing how the human body changes in zero gravity

Testing materials for future space missions

Monitoring Earth’s climate and weather

🚀 How Do Astronauts Get There?

Astronauts travel to the ISS aboard spacecraft like:

SpaceX Crew Dragon

Russia’s Soyuz

Earlier, NASA's Space Shuttle was used

These spacecraft dock with the ISS and bring supplies, equipment, and new crew members.

📡 How Long Will the ISS Last?

The ISS has been in operation for over 25 years. While it was originally planned to last till 2020, it has been extended till at least 2030. After that, new space stations (by NASA, China, or private companies) may take over.

🧠 Fun Facts

The ISS orbits Earth 16 times a day!

You can see it from Earth with the naked eye — it looks like a bright, fast-moving star.

Over 260 astronauts from 20+ countries have visited the ISS.

🌌 Why is the ISS Important?

The ISS teaches us:

How humans can live long-term in space

How to prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars

How countries can work together peacefully for science

🌟 In Conclusion

The International Space Station is more than just a space lab — it's a shining example of global teamwork, scientific curiosity, and the human desire to explore the unknown. As we look toward the future of space travel, the ISS remains a key stepping stone for new adventures beyond our planet.

🇮🇳 INDIA’S RETURN TO HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT: GROUP CAPTAIN SHUBHANSH SHUKLA SOARS TO THE ISS

After more than four decades, India has once again marked its presence in human spaceflight! On Wednesday, history was made as Group Captain Shubhansh Shukla became the latest Indian to travel into space, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket.

This momentous flight is part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, a commercial trip to the International Space Station (ISS), and it carries immense pride for India.

🚀 A Historic Launch

The Falcon-9 rocket, developed by SpaceX, lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday. After several delays, the mission finally took off successfully, watched live by millions around the world.

Destination: International Space Station (ISS)

Duration of journey: Approx. 28 hours

Expected docking time: 4:30 pm IST on Thursday

👨‍🚀 Who is Group Captain Shubhansh Shukla?

Group Captain Shubhansh Shukla is an experienced pilot from the Indian Air Force (IAF). His journey to space is a major milestone, as he becomes part of the small group of Indians who have flown beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft. Shukla’s mission marks India’s return to space after 41 years — a moment of pride and inspiration for the entire nation.

🌐 The Ax-4 Mission

The mission is being carried out by Axiom Space, a US-based company working on building the world’s first commercial space station. Ax-4 includes astronauts from different countries and backgrounds, and it represents a new era of private space missions.

Shukla and the rest of the crew will:

Conduct scientific experiments in microgravity

Interact with astronauts aboard the ISS

Represent India on a global stage of space exploration

🛰️ India in Space: A Proud Legacy

India’s space journey has come a long way:

Rakesh Sharma – the first Indian in space (1984)

ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) – success in 1st attempt

Chandrayaan-3 – successful landing on the Moon’s south pole in 2023

And now, Shubhansh Shukla’s spaceflight – the next giant leap!

This achievement also boosts India’s confidence as it prepares for Gaganyaan, its own manned space mission planned by ISRO.

🌟 A Moment of National Pride

This mission is not just a scientific achievement — it's a symbol of India's growing strength in global space exploration. From launching satellites to putting humans in space, India is moving forward with determination, skill, and dreams that reach beyond the stars.

As Shubhansh Shukla embarks on his journey, he carries with him the hopes and pride of over 1.4 billion Indians.

📢 In Conclusion

India has once again reached for the stars — and touched them. Group Captain Shubhansh Shukla's mission is a reminder that no dream is too big and no sky is the limit. The countdown to India’s bright space future has truly begun!

A tribute to the little bird that once lived on our windowsills

WHERE HAVE ALL THE SPARROWS GONE? 🐦💔

Once upon a time, the cheerful chirping of sparrows was a part of our everyday life. They fluttered around rooftops, built nests in crevices, and pecked at leftover grains in courtyards. But today, these small, humble birds have quietly disappeared from our cities—and few of us noticed.

🌾 Why Sparrows Mattered

Sparrows have long been our companions—gentle, non-threatening birds that lived close to humans.

They helped control insects and pests.

Their presence was a sign of a healthy environment.

They taught children the joy of observing nature up close.

In Indian culture, sparrows symbolise simplicity, family, and harmony.

⚠️ What Happened to Them?

Several human-made changes have pushed sparrows into decline:

🏠 Modern buildings with no open eaves or crevices to nest.

📡 Electromagnetic radiation from mobile towers that may affect their navigation.

🌾 Use of chemical pesticides that kill the insects sparrows feed on.

🛣️ Loss of greenery, gardens, and traditional grain stores.

🚫 Lack of awareness—we forgot they were even missing.

💡 Why Should We Care?

The disappearance of sparrows is a warning sign—an indicator that our environment is becoming unfriendly to small life forms. And when the small creatures vanish, bigger imbalances follow. Sparrows are not just "nice birds"—they're part of the ecosystem that keeps nature in balance.

🌱 How Can We Help the Sparrows?

It’s not too late. We can still bring them back with simple steps:

🏡 Install nesting boxes on balconies or trees.

🌿 Plant native shrubs, trees, and flowering plants.

🚱 Avoid using chemical pesticides in home gardens.

🍚 Leave some grains or water outside daily.

📣 Most importantly, raise awareness—tell others what we’re losing.

🌍 A Message for the Future

The sparrow’s soft chirp may be fading, but it is not lost forever.

By making space in our hearts and homes again, we can give these small birds a second chance.

Let’s act before the next generation grows up thinking sparrows are creatures only found in textbooks.

Goa’s Unique Monsoon Festival of Joy and Faith

🌧️ SÃO JOÃO 

As monsoon showers drench the lush landscapes of Goa every June, the state erupts into one of its most vibrant and joyous celebrations — São João, also known locally as Sant Janā, held annually on June 24, this festival is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, blending religious symbolism, seasonal joy, and community bonding in a way that’s uniquely Goan.

When is it Celebrated?

São João is celebrated every year on June 24th, marking the birth of St. John the Baptist.

✝️ History and Significance

✨ Religious Roots

The festival honours St. John the Baptist, who, according to the Bible, leapt with joy in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited her.

This joyful "leap" is symbolically re-enacted through the famous tradition of jumping into wells and water bodies.

St. John also baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, and the act of jumping into water during the festival is linked to the purifying power of baptism.

🌦️ Monsoon Connection

The timing of the festival coincides with the arrival of the monsoon in Goa, a season of renewal and abundance.

Overflowing wells, blooming flowers, and green surroundings form a beautiful natural backdrop for the celebrations.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community and Family Ties

Known as "Zanvoiamchem Fest" (Feast of the Sons-in-Law), it is customary for newly married sons-in-law to be invited by their mothers-in-law for a festive meal.

The celebration is also a way of giving thanks for marriages and childbirths in the previous year, thus strengthening family and community ties.

🎊 Traditions and Customs

💦 Jumping into Wells

The most iconic São João tradition!

Young men — and sometimes women and children — jump into wells, ponds, or streams, shouting “Viva São João!”

In some places, villagers throw in fruits or bottles of feni (cashew liquor) for jumpers to retrieve.

🌸 Kopels (Floral Crowns)

People wear kopels, beautiful crowns made of seasonal flowers, fruits, and leaves.

These symbolise nature’s bounty, joy, and St. John’s ascetic lifestyle.

🎶 Singing and Music

Groups visit homes singing traditional Goan songs (especially mandos) using local instruments like the ghumot, mhadalem, and kansallem.

They announce their arrival by beating coconut palm stumps on the ground.

🍛 Feasting and Sharing

Traditional Goan delicacies are prepared and shared:

Sanna (steamed rice cakes)

Vindalho de Porco (spicy pork curry)

Verdur (vegetable stew)

Patolleo (sweet dumplings steamed in turmeric leaves with coconut and jaggery)

Seasonal fruits like jackfruit, pineapple, and mango are widely enjoyed.

"Vojem": Newlywed brides often bring a platter of food and fruit to their in-laws' home.

⛵ Boat Parades (Sangodd)

Particularly in Siolim, locals organize a beautiful boat parade on the river.

Boats made of banana trunks and decorated with flowers and figures compete for the best-decorated float.

🔥 Judeu or Māru Effigies

In some villages, young men carry and later burn effigies made of hay and dry leaves, symbolically marking the end of negativity or evil.

📍 Where to Experience It Best

While São João is celebrated across Goa, the most spirited celebrations take place in:

Siolim (famous for the boat festival)

Anjuna

Candolim

Calangute

Assagao

Saligao

These villages come alive with music, processions, water games, and feasting during the festival.

🌈 Conclusion

The São João festival of Goa is more than just a celebration — it’s a beautiful blend of faith, folklore, nature, and neighbourhood spirit. Whether it’s the cheerful leap into a well, the laughter-filled boat parade, or the mouth-watering feasts with loved ones, São João truly captures the monsoon magic of Goa.