The Mother of Orphans

SINDHUTAI SAPKAL 

Introduction: Sindhutai Sapkal, affectionately called “Mai” (Mother), was a remarkable Indian social worker and activist remembered for her extraordinary compassion. Her life was a journey from hardship and rejection to becoming the mother of over a thousand orphaned children. She proved that true motherhood lies not in giving birth but in giving love, care, and dignity to those who have none.

Early Life and Struggles: Sindhutai was born on 14 November 1948 in Wardha, Maharashtra, into a poor family. Considered an unwanted child, she was nicknamed “Chindhi” (torn piece of cloth). Her father supported her education, but due to family pressure, she was married at the tender age of 12 to a man twice her age.

By 20, she was the mother of three children and pregnant with her fourth when her husband abandoned her. Thrown out of her home, she gave birth to her daughter alone in a cowshed, cutting the umbilical cord with a sharp stone.

Homeless and destitute, Sindhutai survived by begging at railway stations and streets. During this painful period, she witnessed the suffering of countless orphaned and abandoned children. This experience awakened a lifelong mission in her heart: to become a mother to all those who had no one.

In an extraordinary act of fairness, she entrusted her biological daughter to a trust, ensuring she could treat all orphaned children equally without bias.

A Life of Social Service: Sindhutai began by taking in abandoned children she met on the streets and providing them food and shelter. Over time, her family of children grew. With sheer determination, courage, and community support, she went on to establish several orphanages and organisations across Maharashtra, including:

● Sanmati Bal Niketan Sanstha (Hadapsar, Pune): An orphanage with facilities for children.

● Punarutthan Samarasata Gurukulam (Chinchwad): For the upliftment of the Pardhi community and their children.

● Saptasindhu Mahila Adhar, Balsangopan Aani Shikshan Sanstha: For the welfare of poor and underprivileged women and children.

Through her tireless efforts, she nurtured and raised more than 1,500 orphaned children, many of whom went on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and social workers. Her children lovingly called her Mai, and as they grew up, her family expanded to include hundreds of sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, creating a vast extended family.

Awards and Recognition: Sindhutai’s selfless service earned her immense recognition. She received over 750 awards, the prize money from which she invested in building and running her orphanages. Some of her most prestigious honors include:

● Padma Shri (2021) – for her outstanding work in social service.

● Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) – India’s highest civilian award for women.

● Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice (2013).

● Ahilyabai Holkar Award (2010) – from the Government of Maharashtra.

● Honorary Doctorate – from Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering, Pune.

Her inspiring journey was also depicted in the Marathi biopic “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal” (2010), which brought her life story to a wider audience.

Legacy: Sindhutai Sapkal passed away on 4 January 2022, but her legacy lives on through the thousands of lives she transformed. She turned her pain into purpose and her struggles into strength, showing the world the true meaning of motherhood and humanity.

Conclusion: Sindhutai Sapkal’s life is a timeless reminder that greatness does not lie in power or wealth, but in compassion and service to others. From being an unwanted child herself to becoming the Mother of Orphans, she proved that one individual, with courage and love, can change the destiny of thousands.

Her story inspires us to look beyond ourselves, extend a hand to the needy, and spread kindness wherever possible.

Rain Catchers of India

JOHAD 

India has always had a rich tradition of water conservation. In many regions, people developed simple but effective methods to collect and store rainwater, ensuring that they had enough for drinking, farming, and daily use even in dry seasons. One of the most famous and successful traditional rainwater harvesting structures is the Johad.

What is a Johad?

A Johad is a traditional earthen check dam or small pond used to store rainwater. It is usually made by digging a pit and building a small mud wall (embankment) to hold back the rainwater that flows from surrounding areas. The stored water seeps into the ground, recharging wells and increasing groundwater levels.

Johads are mainly found in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, especially in semi-arid regions where water scarcity is common.

Importance of Johads

1. Rainwater Storage – Collects and stores seasonal rainfall for use throughout the year.

2. Groundwater Recharge – Helps water seep into the soil, raising the water table.

3. Support for Agriculture – Provides irrigation water during dry periods.

4. Drinking Water – Acts as a source of clean water for villages.

5. Environmental Benefits – Increases greenery, supports biodiversity, and prevents soil erosion.

Johads in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, one of the driest states of India, has revived thousands of Johads through community participation. The most famous example is in the Alwar district, where social worker Rajendra Singh, known as the “Waterman of India”, led a movement to restore old Johads. These efforts transformed barren lands into fertile fields, brought back wildlife, and revived rivers like the Arvari.

Johads today

Even in modern times, Johads are considered a low-cost and eco-friendly solution to water scarcity. Many communities are combining traditional Johads with modern rainwater harvesting techniques to ensure water security.

✨ Conclusion: Johads are not just ponds—they are living examples of India’s wisdom in water conservation. They show how simple community efforts can solve even the toughest problems like droughts and water shortages.

An inspiring story of devotion

PRAHLAD

The story of Prahlad is one of the most inspiring and powerful tales in Hindu mythology, especially in the Vaishnava tradition. It symbolises the triumph of devotion (bhakti) and righteousness over pride and evil, while also highlighting the omnipresence and protective grace of Lord Vishnu.

The Demon King Hiranyakashipu: The tale begins with the mighty Asura king, Hiranyakashipu, who was filled with anger and revenge. His younger brother, Hiranyaksh, had been slain by Vishnu in His Varaha (boar) avatar. Consumed by grief and fury, Hiranyakashipu performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma, seeking a boon that would make him virtually immortal.

His boon was carefully worded:

He could not be killed by man or beast,

Neither by day nor night,

Neither indoors nor outdoors,

Neither on land, water, nor in the air,

And not by any weapon.

Brahma granted this boon, and Hiranyakashipu, believing himself invincible, grew arrogant. He declared himself the supreme ruler and god, demanding that all his subjects worship him alone. Those who resisted were punished or killed.

Prahlad’s birth and devotion: While Hiranyakashipu was deep in penance, his wife Kayadhu was taken into the care of the sage Narad. During this time, Narad narrated stories of Lord Vishnu to her, and these divine teachings reached her unborn child. Thus, Prahlad, even before birth, was filled with unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.

From childhood, Prahlad was extraordinary. He constantly chanted Vishnu’s name, meditated on Him, and spread His glory. This enraged his father, who could not tolerate his son worshipping his sworn enemy. Despite Hiranyakashipu’s threats and harsh punishments, Prahlad’s devotion remained firm and fearless.

The Trials of Prahlad

Blinded by anger, Hiranyakashipu tried in many ways to kill his son:

Prahlad was thrown from a cliff, but survived.

He was trampled by elephants, but remained unharmed.

Venomous snakes were set upon him, but their poison did not work.

He was given poisoned food, but it turned harmless.

Each time, Prahlad emerged safe under the divine protection of Vishnu.

One of the most famous trials involved Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire. She sat on a burning pyre with Prahlad in her lap, hoping to burn him alive. 

But Prahlad’s devotion saved him. Holika perished in the flames, while Prahlad came out unhurt. This incident is remembered in the festival of Holi, where bonfires symbolise the victory of good over evil.

The Arrival of Narasimha: At last, enraged by his son’s defiance, Hiranyakashipu confronted Prahlad.

“Where is your Vishnu now?” he thundered.

Calmly, Prahlad replied, “He is everywhere.”

Mocking him, Hiranyakashipu pointed to a pillar in his palace. “Is He in this pillar too?”

“Yes,” answered Prahlad with unshaken faith.

In furious disbelief, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar with his mace. To everyone’s astonishment, the pillar cracked open and from it emerged Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha—a terrifying half-man, half-lion incarnation.

Narasimha seized Hiranyakashipu and fulfilled the conditions of the boon in a divine way:

He killed him at twilight (neither day nor night),

On the threshold of the palace (neither indoors nor outdoors),

Placed him on His lap (neither on earth, water, nor air),

And tore him apart with His claws (not a weapon, neither man nor beast).

Thus, Vishnu destroyed the tyrant without breaking Brahma’s boon, proving that divine justice always prevails.

The Aftermath: Narasimha’s anger was so fierce that even the gods trembled, but Prahlad, with his pure heart and humility, approached Him fearlessly. With folded hands, he sang praises of Vishnu, and it was only his devotion that calmed Narasimha’s fury.

Prahlad was then blessed and made king. He ruled the Asuras with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. His story became a shining example of unwavering faith, the power of devotion, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

✨ Moral of the Story: True devotion and faith in God can protect us from even the greatest dangers. Pride and arrogance may seem powerful, but in the end, humility and righteousness always triumph.

Our National Flag

 THE TIRANGA 

The national flag of India, fondly called the Tiranga or Tricolour, is a proud emblem of our nation’s unity, freedom, and sovereignty. It reflects the spirit of sacrifice, peace, and progress, and occupies a sacred place in the hearts of every Indian.

The journey of the Indian National Flag: The Tiranga we know today was not created overnight. It evolved through many designs during the freedom struggle, each representing the political aspirations and dreams of the people of India.

🇮🇳 Early Flags(1906–1917)

● 1906 – The Calcutta Flag 

Designers: Sachindra Prasad Bose and Sukumar Mitra.

Where hoisted: Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Design: Three horizontal stripes – green (top) with eight half-open white lotuses, yellow (middle) with “Vande Mataram” written in Devanagari script, and red (bottom) with a white sun and a crescent moon.

Significance: The first unofficial national flag symbolising unity against colonial rule.

● 1907 – The Berlin Committee Flag

Proposed by: Madam Bhikaji Cama and Indian revolutionaries in Europe.

Designed by: Hemchandra Kanungo.

Design: Similar to the 1906 version but with seven stars on the top stripe representing the Saptarishi (seven sages).

Event: Unfurled at the 2nd International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany.

● 1917 – The Home Rule Flag

Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.

Design: Nine alternating horizontal stripes (five red and four green) with seven white stars in the shape of the Saptarishi. A Union Jack was placed in the top-left corner, and a crescent moon and star were on the top right.

Significance: Represented the demand for self-governance within the British Empire.

🇮🇳 The Swaraj Flag (1921–1931)

● 1921 – Gandhi’s Swaraj Flag

Event: All India Congress Committee session at Bezwada (now Vijayawada).

Designer: Pingali Venkayya, modified by Mahatma Gandhi.

Design: Red and green stripes representing Hindus and Muslims, with a white stripe added for other communities. A Charkha (spinning wheel) was placed in the centre to symbolise self-reliance and Swadeshi.

Significance: Became a unifying symbol of the freedom movement.

● 1931 – The Tricolour with Charkha

Adopted by: Indian National Congress.

Design: Saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with a blue Charkha in the centre.

Note: It was clarified that the colours had no communal association—Saffron stood for courage and sacrifice, White for truth and peace, and Green for prosperity.

Significance: Direct forerunner of the current national flag.

🇮🇳 The Current Tiranga (1947 – Present)

On 22 July 1947, just before India’s independence, the Constituent Assembly adopted the current form of the national flag.

Design Changes: The Charkha in the centre was replaced with the Ashoka Chakra—a navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes, taken from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

Symbolism:

Saffron: Strength and courage.

White: Peace and truth.

Green: Fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.

Ashoka Chakra: Eternal movement, progress, and the principle of Dharma (righteousness).

The Tiranga was officially hoisted for the first time as the national flag of independent India on 15 August 1947. Since then, it has been a constant reminder of our nation’s unity, sovereignty, and heritage.

Respect for the Tiranga: The Flag Code of India prescribes rules for displaying and handling the national flag. It must always be hoisted with dignity, never touch the ground or water, and be treated as a sacred national symbol.

Conclusion: The evolution of the Tiranga is not just a story of changing designs—it is the story of India’s awakening, sacrifices, and unity in diversity. From the early flags of 1906 to the majestic Tricolour of today, each version carried the hopes of millions. The present Tiranga is a symbol of our identity and a constant inspiration to uphold the values of courage, truth, peace, and progress.

The shape that always lands the same way

BILLE 

Imagine you throw a toy into the air. It flips, spins, and twirls before falling down. But no matter how it falls, it always lands on the same side. Sounds like magic, right? Well, scientists have actually made such a shape! They call it Bille.

What is Bille?

Bille is not just an ordinary toy. It’s a special pyramid-shaped object called a monostable tetrahedron.

Tetrahedron means it has 4 triangular faces.

Monostable means it has only one stable resting position.

No matter which side you place it on — A, B, or C — Bille will slowly tip over and settle on side D every time.

The puzzle behind Bille: Back in 1966, two famous mathematicians, John Horton Conway and Richard Guy, asked a big question:

"Can anyone make a tetrahedron that always lands on the same side?"

For many years, no one could solve the puzzle.

Then, Professor Gábor Domokos and his student Gerg Almádi from the Budapest University of Technology in Hungary took up the challenge. For three years, they tested computer models and different shapes until they found the secret:

The tetrahedron had to be mostly hollow.

One side needed to be thousands of times heavier than the others.

How they built it: With the help of engineers, they made Bille:

The frame is light carbon fibre tubes.

One side is made of very heavy tungsten-carbide alloy.

It’s about 50 cm long (like a guitar) but weighs only 120 grams.

The name “Bille” comes from the Hungarian word billen, which means “to tip”.

Why is Bille Useful?

Bille is more than just a science trick. It can help in important ways:

1. Space Missions – Lunar landers that fall on uneven ground sometimes can’t get back up, ending the mission. A Bille-shaped lander would always land in the right position, saving millions of dollars.

2. Robotics – Robots made with Bille’s design could stand up by themselves after falling, making them better at moving on rough ground.

Fun Fact – What is a Tetrahedron?

A tetrahedron is a 3D shape with:

4 triangular faces

4 corners (vertices)

6 edges

It looks like a pyramid with a triangle at the base, and all its faces are flat.

Celestial event of shadows

ECLIPSES 

An eclipse is a fascinating celestial event that occurs when one astronomical body passes into the shadow of another. The two most common types of eclipses we observe from Earth are solar eclipses and lunar eclipses. These rare alignments have intrigued humanity for centuries, inspiring myths, legends, and scientific curiosity.

1. Solar Eclipse: A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on our planet. Solar eclipses can only occur during the new moon phase and are categorised three main types:

Total Solar Eclipse: The most spectacular type, where the Moon completely covers the Sun. The sky darkens dramatically, and the Sun’s corona — its outer atmosphere — becomes visible as a shimmering halo.

Partial Solar Eclipse: The Moon partially covers the Sun, making it appear as a crescent shape.

Annular Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon is farther from Earth and appears smaller than the Sun. It passes directly in front of the Sun but does not cover it entirely, leaving a bright “ring of fire” around its edges.

2. Lunar Eclipse: A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, and Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. They can only occur during the full moon phase and are classified into:

Total Lunar Eclipse: The Moon passes entirely into Earth’s darkest shadow (umbra), often turning reddish-orange — a phenomenon called a “blood moon” — caused by Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight and bending red light toward the Moon.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Only part of the Moon enters the umbra, so one portion darkens while the rest remains illuminated.

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The Moon passes through the faint outer shadow (penumbra), causing only a subtle dimming that can be hard to notice.

3. Why eclipses don’t happen every month: Although the Moon orbits Earth every month, eclipses are rare because the Moon’s orbit is tilted about 5° compared to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Eclipses occur only when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align near the points where their orbital paths intersect, called nodes.

4. Cultural and scientific significance: In ancient times, eclipses were often seen as omens — some civilisations feared them, while others celebrated them. Today, they are opportunities for science and education. Solar eclipses allow scientists to study the Sun’s corona, while lunar eclipses help in understanding Earth’s atmosphere.

5. Safety note for solar eclipses: It is extremely dangerous to look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse without proper protection. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. Always use certified eclipse glasses or other safe viewing methods like a pinhole projector.

Conclusion: Eclipses are breathtaking reminders of the precise and majestic dance of celestial bodies in our solar system. Whether it’s the sudden twilight of a total solar eclipse or the mysterious red glow of a blood moon, these events connect us to the cosmos and the grand scale of the universe.

An Ode to Giants

CELEBRATING WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 

Introduction: Every year on August 12, the world unites to observe World Elephant Day, an international event dedicated to the preservation and protection of these magnificent creatures. More than just a date on the calendar, it is a global call to action — a reminder of the urgent threats elephants face and a celebration of their intelligence, emotional depth, and vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.

History and Significance: World Elephant Day was co-founded on August 12, 2012, by Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark of Canazwest Pictures, along with Sivaporn Dardarananda, Secretary-General of the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand. The inaugural event was supported by actor William Shatner, who narrated a documentary on the reintroduction of captive Asian elephants into the wild.

The aim was clear: to shine a global spotlight on the plight of both African and Asian elephants — keystone species essential for the health of forests and grasslands. Sadly, their populations have declined drastically over the past decades due to human-driven threats.

The Gentle Giants of Our Planet: Elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth.

African Elephants – Found across sub-Saharan Africa, with large ears shaped like the African continent.

Asian Elephants – Native to India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia, with smaller, rounded ears.

Far beyond their physical grandeur, elephants are highly intelligent, social animals capable of deep bonds and complex communication. They play an essential role in dispersing seeds, maintaining grasslands, and even creating waterholes used by countless other species.

Threats to Survival:

1. Poaching: Despite international bans, the illegal ivory trade continues to fuel the slaughter of tens of thousands of elephants every year, particularly in Africa.

2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Expanding human settlements and agriculture destroy and divide elephant habitats, forcing them into farmlands in search of food and water, leading to dangerous human-elephant conflicts.

3. Mistreatment in Captivity: In many parts of the world, elephants are exploited for entertainment and tourism, enduring harsh training and inadequate living conditions.

4. Human-Elephant Conflict: Competition for resources often leads to tragic outcomes for both humans and elephants. Efforts are now focused on solutions such as wildlife corridors, early warning systems, and community-based coexistence programs.

Global Conservation Efforts: World Elephant Day also highlights the tireless work of conservationists worldwide. Key initiatives include:

Anti-Poaching Programmes – Equipping rangers, using tracking technology, and strengthening law enforcement.

Habitat Protection – Creating and managing protected reserves and reforestation projects, and establishing wildlife corridors.

Community Engagement – Offering alternative livelihoods, raising awareness, and reducing conflicts.

Ethical Tourism – Encouraging responsible travel that supports conservation and allows elephants to thrive in the wild.

In India, home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants, Project Elephant (launched in 1992) has been a cornerstone in protecting these gentle giants and their habitats.

How you can help: Even small actions contribute to elephant conservation:

Raise Awareness – Share facts, stories, and conservation updates on social media (#WorldElephantDay, #SaveElephants).

Support Ethical Choices – Avoid ivory products and tourist activities that exploit elephants.

Donate – Contribute to reputable organisations working for elephant welfare.

Educate – Learn about the challenges elephants face and inspire others to act.

Conclusion: World Elephant Day is a poignant reminder that the future of these gentle giants rests in human hands. By working together — as individuals, communities, and nations — we can ensure that elephants continue to roam our planet for generations to come. Protecting elephants is not just about saving a species; it’s about safeguarding the delicate balance of nature itself.