The Lion of Punjab

LALA LAJPAT RAI 

Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the most prominent leaders of India’s freedom struggle and a fearless voice against British colonial rule. Popularly known as “Punjab Kesari” (The Lion of Punjab), he was admired for his courage, nationalism, and lifelong dedication to the cause of Indian independence.

Early Life and Education

Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28 January 1865 in Dhudike village, Punjab (now in Pakistan). His father, Munshi Radha Kishan, was a scholar of Persian and Urdu, which helped shape Lajpat Rai’s early interest in education and reform. He studied law at Government College, Lahore, where he was influenced by nationalist ideas and social reform movements.

Role in the Freedom Struggle

Lala Lajpat Rai was part of the famous trio Lal–Bal–Pal, along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal. This group represented the extremist wing of the Indian National Congress and believed in assertive resistance against British policies rather than moderate negotiations.

He actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement, encouraging Indians to boycott foreign goods and promote Indian-made products. His speeches inspired masses, especially the youth, to take pride in their culture and fight for self-rule.

Social Reformer and Educationist

Apart from being a freedom fighter, Lala Lajpat Rai was a great social reformer. He worked tirelessly for the upliftment of society, women’s education, and removal of social evils. He supported the Arya Samaj and believed in reform through education.

He played a key role in establishing the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) institutions, which combined modern education with Indian values. These institutions continue to contribute significantly to India’s educational landscape.

Protest Against Simon Commission

One of the most defining moments of Lala Lajpat Rai’s life was his protest against the Simon Commission in 1928. The commission, which had no Indian members, was strongly opposed across the country. Lajpat Rai led a peaceful protest in Lahore, during which he was brutally beaten by the British police.

Despite being seriously injured, he declared, “Every blow on my body will prove a nail in the coffin of British imperialism.” He later succumbed to his injuries on 17 November 1928, becoming a martyr for the nation.

Legacy and Inspiration

Lala Lajpat Rai’s sacrifice deeply impacted the freedom movement and inspired revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh. His fearless resistance, patriotism, and commitment to justice made him a symbol of courage and national pride.

Today, Lala Lajpat Rai is remembered not only as a freedom fighter but also as a thinker, writer, and reformer who believed in a strong, self-reliant India.

Conclusion

Lala Lajpat Rai’s life is a powerful reminder that freedom comes at a great cost. His bravery, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire generations of Indians to stand up for truth, justice, and the nation’s dignity. The Lion of Punjab truly roared for India’s freedom—and his echo still lives on.

Do you know

WHY DO WOLVES HOWL AT THE MOON?

A wolf unleashing a loud aarrrooo at the glowing Moon?

It’s cool. It’s spooky. It’s also, well, a myth. Wolves don’t actually do this.

Instead, they mostly howl to “talk” with one another. Wolves usually live in packs, often made up of a father, a mother, and their young. Packs may also include aunts, uncles, and cousins. Each pack claims a territory—an area where members live and hunt.

Whether lounging around or on the move, the wolves often need to communicate. To connect over short distances, they may yip, growl, and whine. But to “keep in touch” over longer distances, they howl. Different howls send different messages. Some rally the pack before a hunt or meal. Others are used to warn the pack of a threat. A wolf that gets separated from the group may howl to communicate that it’s lost. Once the pack responds, the wolf will howl back to reveal its location.

Sometimes, wolves may even howl just for fun! Scientists believe that group howls—when one wolf starts, and the others join in—help the group bond. Think of it like a sing-along!

But wait—if wolves mostly howl to connect with one another, what made people start thinking that they howl at the Moon?

The idea may have sprung from folktales. Also, wolves often hunt at night and lift their snouts toward the sky when howling. This may have led some people to believe that the creatures were directing their calls to the Moon. In reality, wolves raise their snouts because it helps the sound of their howls travel farther.

The Moon may not cause a wolf to howl. But wolf calls are still jaw-dropping. They allow packs to stick together, help make wolves safer, and may even boost a pack’s quality time together. Now that’s something to howl about! 

India’s First Queen to Fight British Rule

RANI VELU NACHIYAR 

Rani Velu Nachiyar was one of the earliest and bravest freedom fighters of India, long before the Revolt of 1857. She was the queen of Sivaganga in present-day Tamil Nadu and is remembered as the first Indian queen to wage war against the British East India Company.

Early Life

Rani Velu Nachiyar was born in 1730 to King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy, the ruler of Ramanathapuram. She received training in martial arts, horse riding, archery, and the use of weapons, along with education in several languages including Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English. This made her exceptionally well-prepared to rule and defend her kingdom.

Resistance Against the British

In 1772, her husband, King Muthuvaduganatha Periya Udaiyathevar of Sivaganga, was killed in a battle against the British. Refusing to surrender, Rani Velu Nachiyar escaped and spent years planning her counterattack. She formed alliances with powerful rulers like Hyder Ali of Mysore, who provided her with military support.

First Suicide Bomber in History

One of the most remarkable aspects of her struggle was the formation of a women’s army called “Udaiyaal Padai.” A commander from this army, Kuyili, carried out one of the earliest recorded suicide attacks in history by blowing up the British ammunition depot. This bold move weakened British forces significantly.

Victory and Legacy

In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar successfully defeated the British and regained control of Sivaganga, ruling the kingdom for several years afterward. Her courage, leadership, and strategic brilliance made her a symbol of resistance and women’s empowerment.

Importance in Indian History

Despite her achievements, Rani Velu Nachiyar remains less known compared to other freedom fighters. She was a pioneer who proved that Indian women were fearless leaders and warriors, capable of standing up to colonial power.

Conclusion

Rani Velu Nachiyar was not just a queen but a revolutionary. Her life reminds us that India’s fight for freedom began much earlier than commonly believed—and that women played a powerful role in shaping that history.

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.