G Writes

Today is National Reading Day, a perfect occasion to explore the world of books and the joy of reading. Established to honor the legacy of P.N. Panicker, the father of the library movement in Kerala, this day reminds us of the profound impact reading can have on our lives. Let's look into the history and significance of this day, the types of books you can read, the advantages of reading, tips to fit reading into a busy schedule, and the role of technology in modern reading habits. The History and Significance of National Reading Day National Reading Day is celebrated on June 19th each year to commemorate the death anniversary of P.N. Panicker, a revered teacher and the driving force behind Kerala's library movement. Panicker's efforts in establishing local libraries and promoting reading have led to Kerala achieving a 100% literacy rate, a remarkable feat recognized worldwide. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 19th as National Reading Day, extending the c

In the warm kitchen of their modest home, Arjun and Priya prepared to create a masterpiece. The soft morning light filtered through the window, casting a golden glow on the fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender chicken pieces that lay before them. The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of Priya’s mehendi, still fresh on her hands from their wedding ceremony. Priya, adorned in a simple yet elegant saree, her sindoor a bright crimson line parting her hair, moved gracefully around the kitchen. Arjun watched her, his heart swelling with admiration and love. She was the epitome of beauty, her shyness only adding to her charm. Their eyes met briefly, a silent communication passing between them, a blend of shyness and affection. Without words, they began their culinary dance. Arjun handed Priya a bowl of yogurt marinated chicken, infused with spices that whispered tales of their heritage and dreams. She smiled softly, her fingers brushing his as she took the bowl. Each touch,

Image credit: QuantumCurator In the past few days, the night skies have been adorned with a breathtaking view in many parts of the world that took the attention of people across the globe—the A u r o r a B o r e a li s , also known as the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon, typically confined to the polar regions, has graced the heavens over diverse landscapes, from the vast expanses of Europe to the remote corners of Ladakh, India.  But what exactly is this mesmerizing display, and why has it ventured so far from its usual domain? A Dance of Light and Magnetism Image Credits: Alphacoders The Aurora Borealis is a celestial ballet of shimmering lights, an ethereal display that has fascinated humanity for centuries. But its beauty is not merely superficial; it's a manifestation of intricate interactions between charged particles from the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the Sun, our radiant star, which continuously releases a stream

As temperatures soar across various parts of India, a major concern grips the nation: the ongoing heat wave. But what exactly is a heat wave, and why does it bring such extreme conditions? Let's look into the details to understand the current situation, its underlying causes, and what can be done to mitigate its impact. Image credits: The Academic What is a Heat Wave? A heat wave isn't just a hot day or two; it's an extended period of exceptionally high temperatures coupled with humidity. During a heat wave, hot air gets trapped near the ground, creating a dome-like effect that prevents cooler air from moving in. This phenomenon is often caused by high-pressure systems in the atmosphere, which act like a lid, locking the heat in. Why is India Experiencing Severe Heat Waves? Several factors contribute to the intensity and frequency of heat waves in India. Climate change stands out as a significant driver, altering weather patterns and exacerbating extreme heat events. Global

  In a city where Christmas was not just a season but a vibrant spectacle, I grew up as a wide-eyed girl with dreams as big as the festive decorations that adorned our neighbor's homes. The streets glittered with twinkling lights, and the air was thick with the fragrance of plum cakes, a sweet promise of holiday joy. My family wasn't rich, and though love filled our home, financial struggles cast a shadow over our ability to partake in the extravagant celebrations around us. Each year, as Christmas approached, I would gaze longingly at the festive storefronts and imagine the warmth that a Christmas tree, a crib, and hanging stars would bring to our home. "Mom, Dad, can we please buy a Christmas tree this year?" I would ask, hope and longing woven into my voice. My parents, their eyes filled with love but burdened by the weight of our circumstances, would reply with a gentle, "Sweetheart, we're tight on money this year. But we have each other, and that's t

Picture this: it's a bright, sunny day, and you're ready for a day at the beach. You reach for your sunscreen, eager to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But, have you ever considered the lesser-known threat that might be lurking within that bottle? Phthalates, the invisible intruders in your daily life, could be hiding in plain sight. What Are Phthalates? Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are sneaky chemicals that have slithered into a wide array of products, from plastics and solvents to personal care items. These compounds, often colorless, odorless, and oily, are masters of disguise – they don't easily evaporate, and they don't even chemically attach to the materials they're added to. This makes them a truly "everywhere" chemical. Now, you might be wondering how these elusive substances find their way into your life. The answer is more surprising than you might think. You can encounter phthalates through ingestion, inhalation, skin absorption, an

Navratri: A Celebration of Divine Feminine Energy Navratri spans nine nights and ten days, making it one of the lengthiest Indian festivals. Concluding with Dussehra, Navratri is a time when we honor Goddess Durga in her nine forms over these nine days. The tenth day, celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi, signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. While theoretically, there are four seasonal Navratri, in practice, it's the post-monsoon autumn festival known as Sharada Navratri that is most widely observed in honor of Maa Durga. Diverse Navratri Celebrations Across India 1. Maharashtra Maharashtra marks the beginning of Navratri with Ghatasthapana, meaning 'mounting of a jar.' Rural households install a copper or brass jar filled with water on a small heap of rice placed on a wooden stool. Eight symbols of agriculture, such as mango leaves, coconut, and staple grains, are placed alongside the jar. The family worships this po