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Positive Reads

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: A Spiritual Gathering Set to Break Records!

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a grand spectacle of faith and spirituality, will unfold at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 25, 2025. This globally renowned festival will draw millions of devotees to the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—for a holy dip believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual blessings.Held every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated with unmatched fervor and devotion. Its origins are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, tracing back to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where drops of amrit (nectar of immortality) fell at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.The World’s Largest Religious EventRecognized as the world’s largest religious congregation, the Maha Kumbh Mela draws pilgrims from across the globe. With an estimated 40 crore attendees expected in 2025, the event will be hosted across 4,000 hectares along Prayagraj’s riverbanks. The budget for the festival which is projected at ₹6,382 crore, reflects its immense scale and significance.Holy Dip: Auspicious Bathing DaysBathing at the Triveni Sangam on specific days holds profound religious significance. Mark these dates:January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)January 13, 2025: Paush PurnimaJanuary 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan)March 12, 2025: Maghi PurnimaPlan Ahead: Travel and AccommodationGiven the massive influx of visitors, early planning is critical. Secure accommodation—whether tents, hotels, or dharamshalas—well in advance. Booking rail or air tickets early can also help avoid last-minute price surges and limited availability. With millions descending upon Prayagraj, preparedness will ensure a seamless experience.Prayagraj experiences chilly winters during January and February. Pack warm clothing, including inner layers, socks, scarves, gloves, and coats. Be ready for unpredictable weather changes by carrying an umbrella.Source: Google ImagesEnhanced Security and FacilitiesTo manage the massive crowds and ensure safety, extensive measures are in place. Over 2,300 CCTV cameras will monitor the event, aiding in crowd control and incident reporting. Additionally, teams will be deployed to ensure cleanliness across the festival grounds. Authorities plan to install 1.45 lakh restrooms and establish 99 temporary parking areas spanning 1,850 hectares.Ensure you bring:A valid identity cardTravel and accommodation reservationsAny necessary documentsA first aid kit, mask, and hand sanitizerImmerse in Spiritual and Cultural EnrichmentThe Maha Kumbh Mela is not just about the holy dip. Visitors can attend pravachans (spiritual discourses) by revered saints and gurus, as well as enjoy cultural events, including mythological plays, devotional music, and traditional folk dances.The festival’s administration team, supported by volunteers and police, ensures a safe and organized experience. Adhering to their instructions and traffic advisories is crucial to navigate the bustling event smoothly.The Deeper SignificanceThe Maha Kumbh Mela’s origins lie in ancient scriptures, symbolizing a celestial battle for immortality. The drops of amrit that fell on Prayagraj’s soil make it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Participating in the festival is believed to be a path to spiritual liberation and eternal blessings.The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 promises to be an extraordinary celebration of faith, culture, and humanity. With its profound spiritual significance and unmatched grandeur, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for devotees and visitors alike.

10 Jan 2025
Positive Reads

Rakhi’s Gift: How a Simple Act of Kindness Turned a Stranger into a Brother

It was a typical Sunday evening in Agra, and the bustling streets were filled with the usual commotion. Amidst the chaos, Abrar Ali, a 40-year-old e-rickshaw driver, went about his day, ferrying passengers to their destinations. Little did he know, that  evening would bring him an experience that would touch his heart deeply and form an unexpected bond.Around 4 PM, a 30-year-old woman, Rakhi Yadav, boarded Ali's e-rickshaw to visit her brother for Raksha Bandhan. The festival is a cherished tradition where sisters tie a rakhi, a sacred thread, around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love and protection. The city was alive with the festive spirit, but amidst all the hustle, Rakhi accidentally left behind a red bag in Ali's vehicle.A Shocking DiscoveryWhen Ali found the bag later that evening, he was taken aback by its contents. Inside were gold jewelry worth Rs 3 lakh, Rs 10,000 in cash, and some clothes. The gravity of the situation hit him immediately. Ali knew the value of what he had found, not just in monetary terms but in the sentimental worth it held for the owner.Without a second thought, Ali rushed to the nearest police station, Rakabganj, to report the find. His only hope was that the police could help locate the owner and return the belongings safely. He informed his family about the incident, and they wholeheartedly supported his decision, urging him to do the right thing.The Search for RakhiAt the Rakabganj police station, SHO Umesh Tyagi took charge of the situation. He shared the details of the bag on a WhatsApp group for Agra police, which quickly set the wheels in motion. Within a short time, the police were able to track down Rakhi Yadav, a resident of Gwalior.Rakhi was overwhelmed when she learned that her bag had been found. She had been distraught since realizing she had lost it in the busy streets of Agra. Despite Ali's efforts to find her after she had alighted from his e-rickshaw, the crowd had been too thick, and he couldn't locate her.A Brotherly GestureWhen Rakhi arrived at the police station, she was met with an unexpected sight—Ali, the humble e-rickshaw driver, waiting with her bag. She realized the honesty and kindness that had led to the safe return of her belongings. She checked the contents of the bag, and everything was intact.Overcome with gratitude and emotion, Rakhi did something that would forge an unbreakable bond between her and Ali. She took out a rakhi and tied it around his wrist, symbolizing her acceptance of him as her brother. "A brother protects his sister's property and honor. Abrar did just that. It doesn’t matter which religion he belongs to or his profession," she said with a smile.In a world often divided by differences, Ali's act of honesty and Rakhi's gesture of brotherhood serve as a reminder that kindness knows no boundaries. This Raksha Bandhan, a lost bag brought together two people from different walks of life, creating a bond that transcends the ordinary—a bond of trust, respect, and unspoken affection.

20 Aug 2024
Positive Reads

Silent Thunder: How Gandhi's Non-Violence Shook the Foundations of British Raj

In a world often shaped by conflict and aggression, Mahatma Gandhi's unwavering commitment to non-violence emerged as a powerful force that forever altered the course of India's struggle against British colonial rule. Through his philosophy of satyagraha, Gandhi inspired millions to embrace peaceful resistance and ignited a movement that would ultimately lead to India's independence. Gandhi's non-violent approach was impactful against the British Raj for several reasons. Firstly, it challenged the oppressors' reliance on violence, exposing the moral bankruptcy of their rule. By refusing to respond to brute force with brute force, Gandhi highlighted the stark contrast between the oppressors' methods and the principles of justice and compassion. Secondly, non-violence allowed for widespread participation in the freedom struggle. Gandhi's inclusive approach attracted people from all walks of life, transcending barriers of caste, religion, and socioeconomic status. The masses found solace and strength in his message of unity and non-violent resistance, joining together to create a formidable force against the British Raj. Furthermore, Gandhi's non-violence stance garnered international attention and support. His peaceful protests, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience movements resonated with people across the globe who were seeking justice and freedom. This international solidarity put significant pressure on the British government, forcing them to confront the moral implications of their oppressive rule. Ultimately, Gandhi's non-violence stance exposed the underlying fragility of the British Raj. By refusing to engage in violence, he denied the colonial authorities the opportunity to justify their use of force and oppression. Instead, Gandhi's peaceful resistance highlighted the strength of conviction and the power of truth. His legacy serves as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, peace can prevail, and justice can be achieved through steadfast adherence to principles of non-violence and truth.

14 Aug 2023
Positive Reads

Global News

Barcelona's Unfinished Marvel Hits a Towering Milestone After 141 Years

Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia Church, an architectural marvel that has been under construction for a staggering 141 years, has finally reached a significant milestone. The church's four towers, named after the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, have been fully erected, bringing the completion of this monumental project closer than ever before.  Designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral was originally intended to have 16 towers dedicated to biblical figures. However, due to various interruptions and setbacks, including Gaudi's death in 1926 and the destruction of his original models, progress on the church was impeded for decades.  On November 12th, local Christians will have the opportunity to witness the illuminated towers of the evangelists during the basilica's inaugural mass, which will continue until after Christmas. The symbolism of nature, faith, and art represented in the Sagrada Familia's architecture and sculpture will be celebrated through a special performance by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. With only the tower of Jesus remaining unfinished, the Sagrada Familia is poised to become the tallest cathedral in Europe once completed. Standing at an impressive height of 566 feet (172.5 meters), plus a 56-foot (17-meter) cross, it will be a monumental testament to perseverance and architectural brilliance. The completion of the Sagrada Familia's towers marks a significant achievement for Barcelona and the world of architecture. It serves as a testament to the dedication and vision of countless individuals who have contributed to this project over the years. The long-awaited finish line is in sight, and soon the Sagrada Familia will stand as a timeless symbol of faith and beauty for generations to come.

9 Nov 2023
Global News

The Whys and Hows

Flickering Focus: Unraveling the Factors Behind the Decreasing Attention Span of People Worldwide

In an era marked by constant connectivity and information overload, it seems that our attention spans are dwindling. From endless scrolling on social media to the constant bombardment of notifications, our ability to stay focused and engaged is facing unprecedented challenges. But why is the attention span of people all over the world decreasing? What are the factors at play in this shifting landscape of our cognitive abilities?   One significant factor is the rapid advancement of technology. The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices has fundamentally transformed the way we consume information. With a vast array of content available at our fingertips, we have become accustomed to quick and easily digestible bites of information. The constant need for instant gratification and the fear of missing out (FOMO) has fueled a culture of constant distraction.   The rise of social media platforms has further exacerbated the issue. Studies have shown that the design and algorithms of social media apps are engineered to capture and retain our attention. Endless scrolling and the constant stream of notifications trigger a dopamine response in our brains, creating an addictive feedback loop that keeps us hooked. The constant need for new stimuli and the fear of boredom drive us to seek instant gratification, fragmenting our attention. The digital age has also brought about a culture of multitasking. With the ability to switch between multiple tasks and devices, we often find ourselves juggling various activities simultaneously. However, research consistently shows that multitasking hampers productivity and diminishes our ability to focus. The human brain is not designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, leading to reduced attention and impaired cognitive performance. The rapid pace of modern life is another contributing factor. As our lives become increasingly fast-paced, we are constantly bombarded with information and stimuli. From the 24-hour news cycle to the demands of work and personal life, our attention is pulled in multiple directions. The constant need to process and respond to an overwhelming amount of information leaves little room for sustained focus. Moreover, the rise of on-demand entertainment has transformed our consumption habits. Streaming services provide instant access to a plethora of movies, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment. Binge-watching has become the norm, leading to prolonged hours of passive screen time. This habit of consuming content in large doses has conditioned our brains to expect instant gratification and has eroded our ability to engage in prolonged periods of sustained attention. However, it is important to note that not all hope is lost. Our brains possess remarkable plasticity, allowing us to adapt and develop new skills. There are strategies and techniques that individuals can employ to improve their attention and focus. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, have shown promising results in enhancing attention span. Setting boundaries with technology, practicing digital detox, and adopting time management techniques can also help combat the constant distractions. As we navigate the digital age, it is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits of technology and maintaining our cognitive well-being. By understanding the factors contributing to the decreasing attention span, we can make conscious choices to reclaim our focus and engagement. Through awareness, self-discipline, and intentional efforts, we can nurture our attention spans and cultivate a healthier relationship with the information-rich world we inhabit.

10 Sep 2023
The Whys and Hows

Star Citizens

Young Indian Prodigy Anupriya Yadav Dominates World Chess Ranking

Anupriya Yadav, a 6-year-old chess prodigy has emerged as a remarkable symbol of pride for India on the global stage. Surpassing all expectations, Anupriya has secured the top position in the World Chess Ranking for children under seven years of age, as announced by the International Chess Federation. This remarkable accomplishment is an extraordinary triumph for someone so young, especially when most children her age are engrossed in playing with dolls and toys. Anupriya's chess prowess has astounded seasoned veterans in the field. Her strategic moves on the chessboard have left even the most experienced opponents bewildered and surprised. Standing alongside Anupriya in the rankings are Buni from France, securing the second position, Warisa from Bangladesh in third place, and Nuvi from England in fourth place. Anupriya draws inspiration from India's legendary chess grandmaster, Vishwanathan Anand, and aspires to follow in his footsteps to become a Grandmaster herself. Besides her passion for chess, Anupriya, who is currently studying in the first grade, also has an avid interest in dancing to Bollywood songs. Anupriya hails from the Naini area of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Both her parents work as teachers. Her elder sister, Priya, also excelled in chess from an early age, earning numerous accolades. Witnessing her sister's achievements, Anupriya developed a deep interest for the game, leading her to embark on her own remarkable journey in the world of chess. Anupriya Yadav's extraordinary journey at such a tender age exemplifies the remarkable potential and talent that resides within the youth of India. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring chess players and a reminder that age is no barrier to pursuing and achieving greatness.

15 Jun 2023
Star Citizens

Know About Prerna Goel’s Entrepreneurial Journey and How She Continues To Inspire Women

Prerna Goel, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WhizCo., is a young and spirited woman who has reinvented the nation's digital marketing industry, which conventionally works by uploading content to various social media platforms.  Goel started her journey into the social and digital media industry by running a few Instagram communities, which led to multiple job opportunities. As the inbound inquiries kept coming in, she realized she needed to step it up to build a full-fledged digital marketing hub so she teamed up with some like-minded individuals to create WhizCo. Her love of cutting-edge technology led her to change the marketing and influencer engagement ecosystem. Being the co-founder, she leads business acquisition and revenue development which keeps her at the center of all client communications. She believes that communication is the most integral skill set that provides a thrust to her business. WhizCo is currently working with several brands, and it helps that people's awareness of the digital environment is growing over time. Additionally, the ecosystem's inherent dynamic nature keeps spawning new kinds of opportunities in addition to the ones that already exist, presenting fresh challenges, lessons, and opportunities. With her relentless effort, dedication and discipline, she sets a brilliant example for all women. “Women who work have greater financial independence, which enables them to support not only their families but also society as a whole and address many of its issues. They gain respect and much-needed self-confidence as a result”, she declares.  

22 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

This Eighteen-Year-Old Social Entrepreneur’s Art Platform Is a Favorite of Art Lovers Worldwide!

Suhani Dadphale, an eighteen-year-old was not one to sit idle during the covid lockdown. She was fascinated to realize how Instagram can be a platform to help artists and content creators to reach out and perform. Suhani, on realizing that there was not enough platform for people to express their creativity, try new ideas, and develop new things, started Sangam in 2020 to support local artists, entrepreneurs, and creative minds by providing a platform for them to network, grow their businesses, and showcase their talents. From a team of three, Sangam soon expanded as like-minded people joined her mission to propagate art. The crew began planning events like music festivals and open mic nights by the end of 2020. The main platforms used for the online events were Zoom, Google Meet, and Instagram Live.  Over the years, as Sangam grew Suhani gained clarity about her vision - to monetize art.  She realized that in India, as art is not commercialized, it is still regarded as a luxury and not as a way of life. Through Sangam, Suhani gave the industry some sort of organization and helped artists get their due thus proving that it can be a stable revenue source, Suhani is currently a member of the Ashoka Young Changemakers cohort, which consists of young people working on important issues from all around the nation.  

16 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

You Will Be Amazed to Know Why This MBA Couple Has Set Up a Food Stall Outside a Railway Station

You will be bowled over by this inspiring act of kindness that dissolves all boundaries of class and income to reaffirm one's faith in humanity. Ashwini Shenoy and her husband are both MBA graduates with comfortable jobs, but you would be surprised to know that they have set up a food stall outside Kandivali station in Mumbai and sell food from early morning 4 to 10 am before going to their work. The couple sells healthy breakfast items like poha, upma, paranthas and idli. Facebook user Deepali Bhatia had come to their stall for a bite and when she asked them why they are running this food stall, she was very touched by the answer and termed it as the most inspiring act of kindness. It turned out that the couple started the food stall to help their maid whose husband had been paralyzed. The 55-year-old maid had to be with her husband and attend to him and therefore, couldn’t work. She prepared food and the couple decided to sell it for her so that she didn’t have to run around for money. Ms. Bhatia referred to the couple as superheroes and their great act of kindness has gone viral with over 12 thousand likes and more than 100 comments. The couple deserves all the praise for giving one of the most valuable things of their lives - time. Image Source: Divya Marathi  

5 Oct 2019
Star Citizens

Nisha Yadav Personifies Strength, Grit and Struggles Behind the Glamour of Fashion

Rajasthani model, Nisha Yadav was very young when her parents arranged a marriage alliance for her. However, the gritty youngster refused to marry for which she was asked to leave home.  Now, Yadav is studying law and is an aspiring model who participated in the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week. Trials And Tribulations Yadav came from a humble background. She had to walk six kilometres to reach school. She nurtured big dreams but was being pushed into marriage at a young age. A determined Yadav refused to marry and was asked to leave home. Her sisters supported her and were also asked to leave. It is a matter of great admiration that the girls have made it big- One is an IAS officer, another is in the police, the third one is a software engineer while the fourth is a professor. Praise and Adulations Nisha Yadav’s story of overcoming obstacles to achieve success impressed Union Minister Smriti Irani so much that she took to Instagram to tell the world about it. She spoke about the success that the aspiring model found after struggling and working hard for it. Citing her example, Irani emphatically said that daughters should be married only after their education is completed after they are adults, and when they wish to get married. In the video, Yadav emotionally tells that her parents are fine now and they have accepted her and her sisters. Smriti Irani concluded by saying  “There is a story behind many faces. You see the glamour, you see the glory. They also hide a lot of tears.”  Living your dream is not wrong but you really need to work hard dedicatedly and sincerely towards your goal, then the world will recognise you. All thanks to Smriti Irani for sharing such an inspiring story with the world. Image Source: Screengrab from video Instagrammed by smritiiraniofficia  

29 Aug 2019
Star Citizens

Good News

Auto Driver’s Daughter Fights All Odds Including Cerebral Palsy To Join MBBS in a Renowned College

With the belief that any disability can only affect the body and not the spirit, a 19-year-old Gorakhpur girl, Yashi Kumari who is affected with cerebral palsy fought all odds to get a seat for MBBS in Kolkata’s Medical College and Hospital which is one of the oldest in Asia. Yashi’s parents got a rude shock when Yashi was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the tender age of eight. Her right upper and lower limbs were impaired, but Yashi managed to do all her routine work by herself. Her parents soon came to terms with her condition and extended their complete support. Yashi and her father, an auto driver, were also encouraged by her doctor, Dr, Jeetendra Kumar Jain in Prayagraj who advised her to continue her studies and not let her condition deter her from pursuing her dreams. Yashi scored 94% in high school and she decided to go to Kota for NEET coaching. However, as fate would have it, the pandemic started and her dreams got stalled. Not one to be discouraged, she started preparing for her studies in Gorakhpur in hybrid mode. Yashi was extremely delighted to know that she has cracked NEET and has won an MBBS seat in the ‘disability category’ in one of the oldest colleges in Asia. Her hard work and determination paid off despite her health condition posing numerous challenges. Yashi states that it was her urge to go against all odds and prove herself that kept her going during the hard times. She adds that one should not lose heart even if s/he is different from others, instead learn from the challenges and become strong and resilient.  

25 Nov 2022
Good News

This Bengaluru Techie Quits a Good Salaried Job to Pedal Across the Country for a Noble Cause

It is not easy for any person to quit a good salaried job and sweat it out on a bicycle across the country. Yet, this is what exactly Manjunath Nagraj did to fulfill his mission of spreading awareness about organ donation. In India, people are least bothered about organ donation and the dismal statistics are proof of lack of awareness on this issue. Manjunath decided to do his bit by cycling solo through the length and breadth of the country to meet as many people as he could and explain to them the importance of organ donation. Inspiration And Training Manjunath was concerned about a lack of awareness about organ donation. He realized that there is only one donor for a lakh of people. He wanted to bring a change and worked with an NGO but soon understood that his efforts were not enough. That is when he embarked on his mission of pedaling across the country to reach as many people as he could and spread the message. He started by covering distances of 400km-500km in Bengaluru and trained to survive in extreme conditions. Overcoming Challenges At the initial stage of his journey, he encountered heavy rains in Kerala. Flooded and ill-maintained roads were a big challenge as they led to several minor accidents. However, Manjunath persevered in his mission and believed that roads were the best way to reach a large number of people. Instead of taking to highways, he chose the longer routes that went through villages, towns and cities in order to touch a wider population to spread the message. Manjunath completed his journey in two phases- From Kanyakumari to Kashmir (4,000 km) in 40 days and Ahmedabad to Guwahati (3,000 km) in 30 days. It was a once in a lifetime journey for this adventurous young man who successfully completed his aim to educate as many people as he could about organ donation.

7 Nov 2019
Good News

The Newly Introduced Radio Station at Agra Jail Is a Source of Rejuvenation for the Inmates

Recently we came to know that the authorities of Viyyur Central Jail collaborated with Swiggy to deliver a pocket-friendly biriyani combo cooked by the inmates. And now we hear that Agra jail has launched a radio station for the rehabilitation of the inmates which is absolutely amazing. A Great Way to Revive The internal radio station which will be run by the inmates of the jail is going to be a great source of restoration for them. And not just that, they can also learn a lot of things about radio and show their prowess. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Babloo Kumar told ANI that the radio station will make the atmosphere jovial for the inmates as he said: “This radio station will be a source of entertainment for the prisoners. It will be operated by a prisoner. Programmes like special song request, health programmes and spiritual songs will be played. It will help in reducing their stress.” It feels good to see that the authorities of the jail are doing their best to bring positivity in the lives of the prisoners. Such recreational activities are needed for all inmates to understand that being optimistic is the best way of living. Image Source: ANI

1 Aug 2019
Good News

Global Inspirations

Boy Chided in School for Making Doodles Becomes a Restaurant Artist!

Joe Whale, a nine-year-old boy from Shrewsbury in the UK has an inclination towards art and was frustrated at very little art that he got to do in school, so he would doodle on the classroom table’s whiteboard. A number of times, Joe Whale got into trouble with his teachers for doodling in class. However, his thoughtful and sensitive parents instead of scolding him put him in a drawing class. After School Art Class Seeing Joe’s drawing talent, his parents enrolled him in an art class, Bloom. It’s been six weeks and Joe enjoys every moment of it. The art class enabled to bring out the artist in him. The teachers at the art class were mighty impressed by his talent and began posting his work on Instagram. A local restaurant, Number 4 came across Joe’s work and reached out to him. Doodling Job At A Restaurant When the management of the restaurant Number 4 contacted Joe, he thought he might have to simply doodle on a framed picture. It was only when he arrived at the restaurant did he come to know that he had to cover the entire white wall of the restaurant with doodles. His joy knew no bounds as he decorated the wall with doodles. Every child has a hidden talent and many children are fortunate to harness their skills with the help of parents or teachers. Joe’s parents instead of rebuking him for making doodles, arranged for him to go to an art class and allowed his talent to blossom. Image Source: Boing Boing

11 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

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