"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

The Whys and Hows

The Secret Story of Gold and Silver on Indian Sweets

As a kid I remember staring at a piece of kaju katli glittering with silver and asking my mother Mom can I eat this silver She chuckled at my innocent curiosity her eyes twinkling with amusement and gently replied Yes it s completely safe That moment stayed with me sparking a fascination not just for sweets but for the delicate silver and gold leaf vark that has adorned Indian mithai for centuries carrying stories of tradition craft and celebration in every shimmer nbsp There is something magnetic about stepping into an Indian sweet shop during festive seasons Glass counters overflow with kaju katli barfi laddoos and more each delicately coated with silver or gold so fine it almost floats on air At first glance it seems purely decorative but vark carries far deeper significance It embodies centuries of history medicine faith and craftsmanship For many Indians a sweet without its

24 Oct 2025
The Whys and Hows

Tracing the Spark: The Fascinating History Behind Diwali’s Firecrackers

Diwali the festival of lights is often remembered for its glowing diyas colorful rangolis and the dazzling display of fireworks lighting up the night sky But few pause to ask where did this sparkling tradition come from Interestingly firecrackers were not originally a part of ancient Diwali celebrations Historical evidence suggests that the early festivities focused more on lighting oil lamps exchanging sweets and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity nbsp The bursting of crackers came much later a fusion of Indian traditions with Chinese invention and Mughal-era luxury Gunpowder which was first invented in China found its way to India through trade routes and military exchanges By the th or th century Indian kings and emperors began experimenting with fireworks as symbols of power and celebration Over time these royal displays of light became associated with major festivals especially Diwali symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over

18 Oct 2025
The Whys and Hows

The Joy of Discovery: Citizen Scientists Unearth Rare Pink and Purple Fungi, Painting a New Picture of Biodiversity

In a discovery as magical as it sounds citizen scientists across the United Kingdom have unearthed hundreds of new sites hosting rare pink and purple fungi species so vibrant that they seem almost otherworldly From quiet graveyards to misty sheep pastures and backyard lawns these dazzling mushrooms the pink waxcap and violet coral are rewriting what we know about Britain s hidden biodiversity The discoveries were made as part of Plantlife s Waxcap Watch an annual citizen science survey that encourages people to spot and record grassland fungi What began as a simple autumn activity has now blossomed into one of the UK s largest biodiversity projects bringing together ordinary nature lovers to protect extraordinary species Citizen Science When Communities Become ScientistsThe success of this initiative highlights a growing trend in citizen science where everyday people join hands with experts to collect and analyze data For Plantlife s fungi survey

15 Oct 2025
The Whys and Hows

Three Nations, One Heartbeat: The Beauty of the World’s Tripoints

Across continents there are special places where three countries meet at a single point These are called tripoints and according to the International Journal of Tourism Space Place and Environment the world has over of them How do they form Tripoints form when three national borders intersect naturally sometimes along rivers mountains or open plains They are often marked by monuments stones or cairns that symbolize unity rather than division Why do they matter Because they show how geography and humanity intersect These points aren t just political lines they are reminders that people cultures and histories flow across borders They invite travellers to experience diversity and togetherness in one place Let s explore how five of the world s most fascinating tripoints came to be and why they continue to inspire travellers with their unique blend of geography and humanity Dreilandereck Switzerland Germany France The Dreilandereck located in Basel

13 Oct 2025
The Whys and Hows

Celebrate National Ayurveda Day 2025: 4 Ayurvedic Herbs You Must Include for Better Health!

National Ayurveda Day is a celebration of India s ancient wisdom highlighting the power of natural remedies that have been trusted for centuries Ayurveda which literally means the science of life emphasizes a holistic approach to health focusing on the balance between mind body and spirit In today s fast-paced world these natural remedies are more relevant than ever Here are four Ayurvedic herbs that can help strengthen immunity reduce stress enhance digestion and promote overall wellness naturally Ashwagandha The Stress-BusterAshwagandha known as the Indian ginseng is one of Ayurveda s most celebrated herbs It is renowned for its ability to reduce stress combat anxiety and improve mental clarity Modern studies support its traditional use showing that Ashwagandha can help balance cortisol levels enhance sleep quality and boost energy nbsp Whether consumed in powder form capsules or herbal teas this adaptogen helps the body adapt to stress while rejuvenating both

22 Sep 2025
The Whys and Hows

No Screws, No Plates Just Glue: The Future of Fracture Repair Is Here

Imagine breaking a bone and having it repaired within minutes without the screws plates or rods that usually come with orthopedic surgery This once-distant dream is now closer to reality A team of Chinese scientists has developed Bone- a groundbreaking bio-adhesive that repairs bone fractures in as little as three minutes Led by Dr Lin Xianfeng an orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Zhejiang Province this innovation has the potential to reshape fracture treatment worldwide Unlike traditional implants which often require follow-up surgeries Bone- dissolves naturally in the body as the bone heals Inspiration from Nature Oysters Show the WayThe secret behind Bone- lies in biomimicry taking inspiration from nature s own solutions Oysters known for their ability to cling tightly to underwater rocks despite strong waves and currents provided the model for this adhesive Just as oysters withstand turbulent waters Bone- maintains strong adhesion in blood-rich

17 Sep 2025
The Whys and Hows

Navapur Railway Station: One Bench, Two States, and a Unique Story of Division

While traveling with my family on vacation we stopped at Navapur Railway Station Tired from the journey I sat down on a simple wooden bench at the platform My parents and siblings sat beside me but then my father chuckled and said Do you realize you are sitting in Gujarat while the rest of us are in Maharashtra I looked down and noticed a line running right through the middle of the bench That was the moment I discovered the fascinating story of Navapur Railway Station a station that literally belongs to two different states India is a land of diversity not just in people culture or food but sometimes even in its railway stations Among the thousands of stations in the country Navapur Railway Station is one of a kind Situated in the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra and the Tapi district of Gujarat this station is divided almost perfectly

18 Aug 2025
The Whys and Hows

Badluram Ka Badan – The Song, the Soldier, and the Survival Story

If you ever see soldiers of the Assam Regiment on parade you might hear a catchy almost playful song Badluram Ka Badan Zameen Ke Neeche Hai The melody is light but behind it lies a story of courage loss and an extraordinary twist of fate during one of the toughest battles fought on Indian soil This song composed by Major M T Proktor honors Rifleman Badluram a soldier of the st Battalion Assam Regiment who laid down his life in World War II It is sung with pride by new recruits during their passing-out parade in Shillong and has become a timeless reminder of both sacrifice and survival The Man Behind the Name Rifleman BadluramBorn in a time when India was still under British rule Rifleman Badluram served in the British Indian Army s Assam Regiment In during the Second World War his unit was stationed in and around Kohima

15 Aug 2025
The Whys and Hows

When Trains Meet Planes: Inside New Zealand’s One-of-a-Kind Gisborne Airport

Imagine arriving at an airport not just to see planes soaring overhead but also trains casually rolling across the same runway Welcome to Gisborne Airport a small but fascinating airport on the eastern coast of New Zealand s North Island where technology timing and teamwork come together in perfect sync This isn t science fiction It s a real-life marvel where the Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line crosses right through the main runway Here instead of jets rushing past each other you might just spot a train and a plane patiently taking turns nbsp a sight that leaves visitors awestruck and camera-ready nbsp A Glimpse into the Heart of GisborneLocated in the Elgin neighborhood of Gisborne this airport is one of airports in New Zealand Despite its size it serves more than lakh passengers a year and operates over domestic flights per week While its statistics may sound modest what makes

4 Aug 2025
The Whys and Hows

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