The Day a Baby Elephant Hugged Me!!!

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When my father went to Phuket for his company’s annual sales meeting, my mother and I joined him for the trip. One of the most exciting experiences during our visit was going to an elephant sanctuary. My father’s company had arranged this visit as a team-building activity for all the employees. 

As soon as we reached the sanctuary, I saw many elephants of different ages. Some were tiny babies, while some were very old. There were many caretakers looking after them with great love and care. A friendly guide accompanied us throughout the visit and explained everything about the elephants.

Feeding a Baby Elephant with Milk

Our first stop was the milk parlour. The guide told us that we would get a chance to feed baby elephants with milk. There were many bottles of milk available, and visitors could purchase one if they wanted to feed a baby elephant.

My father immediately bought a bottle for me.

Within a few minutes, the caretakers brought out four or five adorable baby elephants. I was so excited that I almost forgot to blink! I wanted to touch one of them, but my mother was a little worried because she wasn’t sure if it would be safe. My father has always loved animals, so he smiled and gently took me near one of the baby elephants.

The moment the baby elephant noticed the milk bottle in my hand, it came rushing towards me while happily wagging its tiny tail and moving its head from side to side. I had only seen baby elephants wWhen my father went to Phuket for his company’s annual sales meeting, my mother and I agging their tails in cartoons before. Seeing it happen in real life was magical!

The guide stood beside me and helped me place the bottle into the baby elephant’s mouth. It immediately started suckling the milk just like a human baby. It even made soft sucking sounds while drinking. Within a minute, the entire bottle was empty.

Then something very special happened.

The baby elephant wrapped its trunk around me and gave me a big hug! I truly felt as if it was saying, “Thank you.” When my father went near it, the little elephant also gave him a warm hug. My father laughed and said, “He is just a sweet baby.”

That became one of my favourite moments of the entire trip.

Feeding Sugarcane

Next, we went to the sugarcane cutting station. We all helped cut fresh sugarcane for the elephants. My father filled two large baskets with sugarcane, while I carried a small basket specially for the baby elephants.

Many of my father’s colleagues were feeding the bigger elephants, but I wanted to find another baby elephant. Soon I found one waiting patiently. It gently picked up each piece of sugarcane with its trunk and carefully placed it into its mouth. Watching the trunk work like a hand was amazing.

While I was feeding it, my father pointed towards its beautiful white tusks and explained, “The tusks are not used for eating. The elephant has teeth inside its mouth for chewing.”

I learned something new that day!

A Mud Spa for Elephants

After everyone had finished feeding the elephants, our guide announced that it was time for the mud spa.

I looked at my father and asked, “Elephants are so big… do they also go to a spa?”

My father laughed and explained that the elephants would be covered with mud to cool their bodies. The mud also helps protect their skin and is very relaxing. In the wild, elephants naturally enjoy rolling in mud for the same reason.

We were each given a bucket full of mud. Some of the elephants sat down patiently while we gently spread the mud all over their bodies. When I touched the elephant, I noticed that its skin was very thick and rough, and its body hair felt stiff like tiny brushes. The elephants looked very calm and seemed to enjoy every moment.

My father joked, “If someone gave me such a mud spa, I would fall asleep immediately!” My mother laughed and agreed with him. I think the elephants probably felt the same way.

Bath Time!

After the spa, it was finally bath time. The elephants walked to a large bathing area where there were few water hoses and sprinklers. We happily sprayed water on the elephants to wash away all the mud.

The elephants seemed to love it! They stood happily under the sprinklers while the cool water poured over them. Some even played with the water. Soon all the mud had washed away, and their skin looked shiny and clean again.

It was so much fun watching them enjoy their bath.

Finally, the guide thanked everyone and the caretakers gently led the elephants back to their resting area.

What I Learned

This visit taught me that baby elephants behave very much like human babies. They love drinking milk, make cute suckling sounds, enjoy cuddles, and even give warm hugs.

I also learned that mud baths are not just for fun—they help elephants cool down, protect their skin, and even heal small skin problems. Most importantly, I realized that elephants are gentle, intelligent, and emotional animals that deserve our love, care, and protection.

Meeting these gentle giants and spending time with them is a memory I will treasure forever.

The Amazing Kailasa Temple – A Wonder Carved from One Rock 

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When we visited the Ellora Caves, we saw one of the most amazing places I have ever visited – the Kailasa Temple. At first, I thought it was just another beautiful temple. But when my father told me how it was built, I was completely surprised!

Most temples are built by placing one stone on top of another, just like building a house. But the Kailasa Temple was made in a completely different way. The workers did not bring stones from somewhere else. Instead, they carved the entire temple out of one giant mountain of rock.

The most unbelievable part is that they started carving from the top and slowly moved downward. Imagine making a beautiful statue by first carving the head and then the rest of the body without making any mistakes. If even one big mistake had happened, they could not simply replace the stone because the whole temple was one single rock!

It is believed that the builders removed thousands of tonnes of rock to create this masterpiece. They carved beautiful pillars, stairways, elephants, statues of gods and goddesses, and detailed designs directly into the rock. Every corner of the temple shows the incredible skill and patience of the artists.

While walking through the temple, my father pointed to one of its beautifully carved stone pillars and asked me, “Does this look familiar?” I looked carefully but could not guess. Then he took out a ₹20 note from his wallet and showed me the back of it. I was amazed! The famous Kailasa Temple at Ellora, including its magnificent stone pillars, is featured on the reverse side of India’s ₹20 note.

I had seen this currency note many times before, but I had never noticed what was printed on it. It made me realize that we carry a picture of one of India’s greatest architectural wonders in our pockets every day without even thinking about it. After visiting the temple in person, the ₹20 note became much more special to me. Now, whenever I see one, I will remember this incredible place and the brilliant people who built it more than 1,200 years ago.

When I stood there, I wondered, “How did people build something so huge without modern machines, cranes, or computers?” They only had simple tools, but they had great knowledge, careful planning, teamwork, and years of dedication. Their hard work created a monument that still amazes people more than a thousand years later.

The Kailasa Temple taught me that when people have determination, patience, and excellent planning, they can achieve things that seem impossible. It also made me feel proud that India is home to such an extraordinary engineering and artistic wonder. Visiting this temple was like stepping back in time and seeing what human creativity can achieve. I also learned that some of our country’s greatest treasures are not just found in museums—they are carved into mountains, preserved for centuries, and even printed on something as simple as a ₹20 note.

Exploring Chitrakote: India’s Widest Waterfall and Its Hidden Treasures

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The next day, after visiting the Tirathgarh Waterfall, we had a flight to Hyderabad in the evening. So, we had some free time in the morning. We had an early breakfast and then started for the Chitrakote Waterfall. My father kept telling me that he had visited this waterfall when he was of my age with his parents, brothers, and grandmother. But he said he did not remember anything about the visit except for a family photograph that he had seen during his childhood. It was one of the very few family pictures they had from those days.

We reached the waterfall at around 11 a.m. It was not like the previous day’s waterfall where we could go near the water. This waterfall was huge. I think because it had rained the previous day and in the nearby areas, the water was muddy. The water flowing over the falls was mixed with mud, so although it created a beautiful white mist as it fell, the waterfall itself looked yellowish-brown.

It is located on the Indravati River in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. It is the widest waterfall in India, spanning about 300 metres (980 feet) during the monsoon. The waterfall has a height of about 29 metres (95 feet). During the rainy season, the falls become especially spectacular as the entire width is covered with rushing water. Chitrakote Falls is popularly known as the “Niagara Falls of India.” Its magnificent horseshoe-shaped cascade and roaring waters create one of India’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

While Mom and I were enjoying the view, my father went around trying to find the place where they had taken their childhood photograph. In the picture, there seemed to be a table arranged like it belonged to a nice hotel, with the waterfall just behind it. But Father could not find such a place. Now the area is much more crowded. Although he found a guest house nearby, there was no quiet spot where he could see the waterfall in the background like in the old photograph. He thought his father must have spent a good amount of money to stay at that hotel or guest house.

Then we walked around the local market. I saw many local people selling tree bark and small stone-like substances. My father smelled them and told me they were called “Jhuna.” After talking to the local people, we came to know that this region is surrounded by dense Sal forests. The local tribal communities collect the naturally hardened resin from Sal trees and sell it to tourists as Jhuna or Sal resin. When placed on hot charcoal, it gives off a deeply aromatic and fragrant smoke that is used for purification and religious rituals. My father told me that during his childhood, my grandmother used to burn Jhuna every evening, and he loved its fragrance. He even bought one kilogram of Jhuna. He also told me that it works as a natural mosquito and insect repellent.

While walking around the other shops, we saw many wooden weapons like the ones carried by Gods and Goddesses in pictures and temples. Again, we thought they must have been made from the Sal trees growing around the area. Then we started holding some of the wooden weapons, and my father and I pretended to fight with them. My father was making funny demon noises, and we had a lot of fun. He said, “Let’s buy them and practice fighting at home.” Although my mother was not willing to buy them, my father finally convinced her. They cost only ₹150 each. He said that we should support the local tribal community by buying such handmade items. They usually do not have the facilities and opportunities that people in big cities enjoy. So, whenever we visit places like this, spending a small amount on local products is like helping a family. My father also said that we would use these wooden weapons in some performances so that Mom would not feel we had wasted the money. I was super excited to see what kind of performance we would do with them.

By this time, it was already 1 p.m. So, we had to leave for the city, have lunch, and then head to the airport. Driver Uncle started driving us towards the city.

This trip taught me that old family memories are very precious. Even though my father could not find the exact place where his childhood photograph was taken, it was wonderful to hear his stories and imagine how the place looked many years ago. I also learned that India is full of beautiful places, and every place has its own history, culture, and natural beauty. I was happy to know how the local tribal communities earn their livelihood by carefully using the natural resources around them, like collecting Sal resin and making beautiful wooden handicrafts. It made me realize that when we visit such places, buying local products is a small way to support their families and appreciate their hard work. This visit taught me that travelling is not just about seeing new places, but also about learning from the people who live there and respecting their way of life.

I came back with beautiful memories, the sweet fragrance of Jhuna, and two wooden weapons that remind me of the fun my father and I had together. Those memories are much more valuable than any souvenir.

A Journey Through Rain to a Hidden Wonder – Tirathgarh Waterfall

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When we went to Indravati last year, we had a return flight from Jagdalpur. My father searched for nearby places that we could visit before our flight. He found two waterfalls and planned a trip to see them.

I had never seen a real waterfall before except in YouTube videos. Since I always get excited whenever I see water bodies, my father told me, “You are definitely going to enjoy this.”

We went directly to Tirathgarh Waterfall after checking out of our hotel in Jeypore. The previous day, we had visited Deomali Hills and enjoyed a wonderful adventure there. The waterfall was about 120 km away, and it took us around 4-5 hours to reach by road. When we arrived near Tirathgarh Waterfall, there was no sign of any waterfall. My father even asked the driver if he really knew the place and whether the waterfall was actually there. Driver Uncle smiled and said that it was one of the most visited and beautiful places in the area.

We saw many vehicles parked on a muddy ground. The weather was cloudy, and the sky was covered with dark clouds. My father took his backpack, which contained snacks, water bottles, and a small umbrella, and we all got down from the car. We had to walk through a small market area. There were lots of monkeys there. Small shops were selling snacks, fruits, local handicrafts, and food. I noticed that people seemed scared of the monkeys, and the shopkeepers were carefully protecting their goods. Many shops were selling umbrellas. Since the weather looked uncertain, my father bought a large umbrella because the one in his backpack was quite small.

There was a small ticket counter at the entrance. As soon as we entered after buying the tickets, it started raining heavily. We moved forward and found a small shed where many people had already gathered. We rushed inside and somehow found a place to stand.

The rain became even heavier. The shed was not in very good condition, and water was leaking through the roof in many places. By then, I was very hungry, and there was not much food available nearby. Most people inside the shed were already wet, but everyone was patiently waiting for the rain to stop. Seeing my condition, my father decided that we should leave. Using our umbrella, we managed to reach the car.

My father asked the driver to find a dhaba because there were no proper restaurants nearby. Since it was the Dussehra season and the festival was only a couple of days away, many dhabas were closed. Finally, we found a small roadside hotel. It looked more like a mud house with just a few tables. The owner told us that some people had ordered country chicken in the morning, but they had not arrived yet. If we agreed, he could serve it to us. My father immediately agreed. Soon, we were served rice and country chicken. It was so delicious! My father said that such a taste is difficult to find even in big restaurants.

By the time we finished lunch, the sky had become clear. We were thinking of returning to the hotel, but Driver Uncle strongly suggested that we should not miss the waterfall. Even though we were not very interested anymore, he convinced us and drove us back to the parking area.

We walked towards the waterfall once again. When we reached near the shed, my father said, “Let me go ahead and quickly check whether it is worth visiting. If not, we will return because the journey back to the hotel is long.”

He went ahead quickly. After a few minutes, he came running back with a huge smile on his face.

“What a beauty! It looks like heaven on earth! Come fast, come fast!” he shouted excitedly.

The moment we saw the waterfall, our hearts almost stopped. Just a few seconds earlier, everything had looked ordinary. Then suddenly, we were looking at something extraordinary. It was a wonderful feeling.

From a distance, we could see the magnificent waterfall. We could hear the roaring sound of the water and the excited voices of people below. To reach the base of the waterfall, we had to walk down a long staircase. Because of the rain, the steps were slippery. We carefully made our way down. As we reached the bottom, I was amazed. There was so much water, so much noise, and so many people enjoying themselves. We could hardly hear one another.

My father told us to hold hands while going closer to the waterfall. The falling water looked like streams of white milk as it crashed against the rocks. It was beautiful, but also a little frightening because of the powerful force of the water.

Taking careful steps, we entered the water and moved towards a raised rocky area from where everyone seemed to be enjoying the best view. Water was falling directly onto that spot, and people were happily standing under it.

My father went there first. Then he helped me climb up, and we took some pictures together. When he stepped down so that my mother could join me, he slipped and fell into the water. Thankfully, he quickly got up and warned us to be very careful because the rocks were extremely slippery.

While my father was taking pictures of us, a lady came from behind and called his name. He turned around and was surprised to see one of his school teachers.

His teacher hugged him warmly, and it was such a lovely moment. She had come with her son and some relatives. They wanted to talk, but the sound of the waterfall was so loud that they could barely hear each other. So they decided to meet later near the parking area.

We took some photographs with my father’s teacher. After spending more time enjoying the waterfall and playing carefully in the water, we slowly made our way back

At the parking area, everyone talked for a while and exchanged phone numbers. My father’s teacher was very happy to see him after nearly 25 years, and my father was equally happy to meet her at such an unexpected place.

Soon, we said goodbye and started our journey back to the hotel.

Tirathgarh Waterfall was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. My father later said that Driver Uncle was absolutely right. He had tried so hard to convince us not to miss the waterfall because he knew how special it was.

This trip also taught me that we should always be careful while visiting natural places. A small mistake can lead to an accident.

Most importantly, I learned that we should always respect and value our teachers. They work hard to help us learn about the world and guide us throughout our lives.

Discovering Shrimp Farming in Andhra Pradesh 

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This summer holiday, my father decided to take us to visit one of his college friends who lives in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. He told me that his friend helps farmers who do shrimp and fish farming. I was very excited about this trip.

We started our journey in the morning and reached Machilipatnam by afternoon. Machilipatnam has a beautiful beach (Manginapudi Beach), so we decided to stay there for one night and travel to Bhimavaram the next day. My father and I both love beaches. We enjoy the waves, the sand, and the fresh sea breeze. I had taken a small basket to collect seashells, but unfortunately it got washed away by the sea. Even then, we had a wonderful time at the beach.

The next day, we travelled to Bhimavaram and reached my father’s friend’s house around 6:30 PM. We met his family. He has two daughters, Devika and Sanvi. Sanvi and I played together. Later, Uncle took us to a nearby park where we enjoyed many activities. It had been a long day, and I fell asleep as soon as I had my dinner. 

The next morning, Uncle and my father were ready by 8 o’clock. My father woke me up and packed a tiffin box for me. Aunty had prepared delicious idlis and pea curry. First, we visited Uncle’s warehouse where he stores shrimp and fish feed, medicines, and supplements. He explained some of the products and how farmers use them. Uncle had started this business only a few months ago, but he already knew many farmers because he had worked in a similar field before.

After loading some feed and supplements into his car, we started visiting farms. As we drove through the city, my father showed me many shops that sold feed, farming equipment, accessories, and laboratory testing services. Everything seemed connected to shrimp farming. Uncle told us that a large part of Bhimavaram’s economy depends on shrimp farming and related businesses. Many people have earned a good income by exporting shrimp and fish.

As we moved out of the city, I could see greenery everywhere. Coconut trees lined the roads, and there were ponds all around where shrimp farming was taking place. Near every pond was a small hut where the caretaker stayed to look after the farm. Around these huts, I saw cows, goats, chickens, ducks, dogs, and other animals.

We stopped at one of the farms. The caretaker was about to feed the shrimp. My father asked if we could go into the pond on a small boat. After speaking with the caretaker, Uncle got permission for us. Normally, visitors are not allowed inside because farmers want to avoid contamination, but they made an exception because they saw how excited I was.

My father and I got into a small metal boat along with the caretaker. He carried a bag of feed and used a rope to move the boat around the pond. At several marked locations, he threw feed into the water. Then he pulled up a net tray from beneath the pond and placed some feed inside it before lowering it again. My father asked why he was doing this. The caretaker explained that the trays help farmers check whether the shrimp are feeding properly. When they return later, they inspect the trays. If the feed is gone, the shrimp are eating well. If feed remains, it may indicate a problem. There were about ten such feeding points around the pond.

Whenever the caretaker lifted a tray, I could see many shrimp inside it. He even allowed me to hold one. I carefully picked up a shrimp, but suddenly it jumped in my hand. It felt like a small electric shock, and I immediately dropped it. I shouted in surprise. My father laughed and explained that the shrimp was simply trying to escape. The caretaker also laughed at my reaction.

After feeding was finished, we returned to the hut. There were goats, chickens, roosters, cows, and several baby goats. I could not resist holding the baby goats. Their mother kept making noises and did not want me to come near them. My father helped me hold one of the baby goat carefully. It very small and adorable.

Next, we visited the cowshed. One cow started walking towards me, and I became frightened. A farm worker quickly came and held her. He explained that the farm owner’s daughter, who is about my age, often plays with the cow. The cow may have thought I was her. My father gently patted the cow, and she tried to lick his hand. He told me that animals can sense kindness and often respond with affection.

The farm also had some very large roosters. Uncle told us that these roosters are sold for high prices because they are used in traditional cockfighting events during certain festivals. I remembered seeing pictures of cockfights at our hotel in Machilipatnam.

By then, I was hungry. When I opened my tiffin box, a small puppy came near me. I shared some idli with the puppy, and we enjoyed our breakfast together. While we were there, Uncle received a call from a farmer who was facing a problem at his pond. We immediately drove to the farm. Uncle inspected the pond and spent some time finding the cause of the issue. After checking everything, he explained that the ammonia level in the water had increased. He suggested the right treatment and advised the farmer on what product to use. Since Uncle had the required material in his warehouse, he asked the farmer to collect it later that day. I realized that Uncle was not just selling products. He was helping farmers solve problems and protect their livelihoods. He was a trusted guide for many farmers in the area.

Later, we returned to Uncle’s house. Aunty brought a ripe papaya from her garden, and we all enjoyed eating it together. It was very sweet and delicious. Before leaving, both families took some photographs together.

This visit taught me that different regions of India have different types of farming based on the resources available there. I also learned how important people like Naresh Uncle are. They support farmers, help solve their problems, and play an important role in making farming successful. I was amazed to see the large shrimp ponds, the feeding process, and the many animals living around the farms. I also learned that farming is not easy and requires a lot of knowledge, patience, and care. This trip was both fun and educational, and it gave me a new respect for farmers and the people who help them. I will always remember my exciting visit to the shrimp farms of Bhimavaram.

Dancing with My Superhero Papa

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Every year we celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi in our apartment. The celebration goes on for 7 to 9 days. All the families in our apartment come together every evening for puja. After the puja, we usually have cultural programs and fun games. Last year, my Papa and I decided to give a dance performance together. We took a long time to choose the song. We listened to many Bollywood, Tollywood, and even Hollywood songs. Finally, we decided to perform a folk dance from Odisha called Sambalpuri dance. The song we chose was the famous Sambalpuri song “Rangabati Rangabati.” My Papa told me that this song was popular even when he was a school-going boy.

We listened to the song many times. Since I could not understand Sambalpuri language, my father explained some of the meanings to me. But more than the meaning, I loved the beats and music. Whenever the song played, I just wanted to dance. We started practicing 10 days before our performance. Every evening we practiced for 30 minutes in front of our TV. Some dance steps were difficult for me, so my Papa taught me some easy and fun steps.

When my father visited my grandparents’ house few days back, he brought my grandmother’s Sambalpuri saree for me. The saree was around 30 to 40 years old, but it still looked so beautiful. Sambalpuri sarees are World famous. The cloth is soft, colorful, and very pretty. I loved the bright colors and beautiful patterns made by the talented weavers.  My father also bought Sambalpuri cloth for himself and stitched a nice shirt from it. We knew that with our Sambalpuri song and Sambalpuri dress, we were going to rock the stage!

On the evening of the performance, my mother helped me with my makeup. My father took a Lady palm plant leaf from the garden and carefully cut that to decorate my hair. It gave me a tribal look. After getting ready, we went downstairs, and everyone was surprised to see us in our beautiful traditional dress. They never expected us to perform like this. Everyone clapped when we went onto the stage.

Then the music started, and so did our dance. We tried our best and enjoyed every moment. Sometimes I forgot my steps, and my Papa quietly showed me what to do next. I danced with all my heart, and so did my Papa. I have never seen the fathers of my friends dancing on stage like this. But my Papa is my superhero. He can do anything. He told me that dancing with me on stage was one of his dreams, and this was the perfect occasion for it.

After our performance, all my friends came to me and told me how well I danced and how pretty I looked. All the uncles and aunties appreciated both me and my Papa. It was such a proud and happy moment for us.

This became one of the most wonderful memories for our family. My mother recorded our dance video, and sometimes we still watch it together on our TV and feel very happy.

The Day We Climbed Deomali Hills:

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We visited Deomali, the highest mountain in Odisha, during my Dussehra vacation last year. After a long drive from Nabarangpur, we reached the Deomali hills at around 3 PM. The roads were very narrow, and we travelled through winding serpentine hill roads to reach there.

Even though it was a sunny day, it became quite cold when we reached the base of the mountain. I quickly put on my earmuffs because we were going to climb the mountain. We saw many tourists coming down from the top. They all looked very tired, but at the same time very happy.My father packed a few water bottles into his backpack and said, “Let’s start immediately, otherwise it will get late.” My mother looked at the mountain with some fear and astonishment. Maybe she was not feeling very confident about the trek. But I pulled my mother along and encouraged her for this exciting mountain adventure.

My father was shocked to see how eagerly I was climbing the mountain. I was much faster than my parents. My father had injured his leg one year earlier, but he was still very determined to climb the mountain.

We met many visitors on the way. Some people were climbing up while others were coming down. Many were taking pictures, some were enjoying snacks, and some were sitting and talking while taking a break.

The mountain had many uneven rocks and stones, so it was not easy to climb straight up. Sometimes we had to change our path to make the climb easier, but we also had to make sure we were not going the wrong way. At times, I walked so fast that my parents became far behind me, and I could not see anyone ahead of me. So I had to slow down or go back to join them.

We came across many huge rocks, and some of the small stones rolled down whenever we stepped on them. So we had to be very careful to avoid accidents. I could imagine how dangerous it would become during the rainy season. It might even become impossible to climb.

Sometimes I felt scared when I looked down and realized how high we had climbed.

When we reached the middle of the mountain, my mother became very tired and frightened. Her legs were hurting badly, and she slowly lost confidence about reaching the top. She said, “I cannot walk anymore.” By that time, we had already completed almost 80% of the climb. We could see a red flag at the top of the mountain, and people reaching there were shouting loudly with excitement.

My father and I were also very excited to reach the top. But after seeing my mother’s condition, we decided to stop and take some rest. My father gently massaged her legs, but she was still in pain.My mother told both of us to continue climbing while she waited there. But we did not feel safe leaving her alone. So after resting for some time, we finally decided to return down the mountain together.

Climbing down was also not easy because the tiny pebbles and stones rolled down whenever we stepped on them. My father held my hand because I was moving too fast. He warned me that I might lose control and fall if I did not slow down.

While climbing up, we were slow. But while climbing down, we were much faster — maybe because of Earth’s gravity!

Finally, we safely reached the base of the mountain, where our cab driver was waiting for us. The driver asked whether we had reached the top. My father jokingly replied, “We were the only people who reached the top!” We all laughed loudly.

Even though we could not actually reach the top, we still enjoyed the trek very much. We loved the greenery, the magnificent hills, the floating clouds, and the beautiful blue sky. Visiting Deomali became an unforgettable memory for our family. If I ever get another chance, I will surely visit again — and next time, I will definitely reach the top of the mountain.

Secrets Under the Microscope

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One day, my father gave me a surprise. He showed me a small device and told me that we could see many different organisms that are invisible to our naked eyes. It was a very small device that I could hold in my palm. He told me that he had purchased it from Amazon. The device was called the Carson MicroFlip 100x-250x LED Lighted Pocket Microscope.

I am Discovering an Invisible World

My father went to the balcony and collected a pinhead-sized amount of soil from a flower pot and added it to a drop of water. He mixed it gently with a brush and then took a small stroke of the mixture onto a cover slip. He inverted the cover slip onto a glass slide and placed it under the microscope. He turned on the microscope and connected his smartphone to it. Now we could see the magnified image directly on the phone screen. We could even take pictures and record videos using the phone. I was amazed to see different kinds of organisms moving here and there in that tiny drop of water—organisms that we could never see with our naked eyes. Some were sliding, while others were gliding. We called our mother, and she also looked at them. She said, “That is why we should never touch dirty water.”

The Hidden Microorganisms in Garden Soil

Then my father pulled a few hairs from his head and placed them on a glass slide under the microscope. We were very curious to see how hair looked under magnification. Under the microscope, the hairs looked like huge pipes, and the base of the hair, called the hair follicle, looked like the base of a coconut tree. Overall, it felt as if I was looking at bamboo trees growing out from a bush.

A Closer Look at Hair and Hair Follicles

Next, my father brought a hibiscus flower and wanted to show me how pollen grains looked under the microscope. He gently dusted the pollen grains—the tiny yellow grain-like structures at the tip of the flower—onto the glass slide using a brush. OMG! What I saw under the microscope looked like deadly viruses shown in toothpaste advertisements. My father explained that pollen grains have many different structures and that they vary from plant to plant. He said that the spike-like structures on this pollen help it attach to the stigma, which helps in pollination.

Tiny Yellow Pollens of Hibiscus
Pollen Under the Microscope

I really enjoyed exploring a completely different world through the microscope. There are so many organisms around us that we cannot see with our eyes. Many things that look very simple to us are actually far more complex and beautiful when viewed under a microscope. It made me realize that there is an entire hidden world all around us waiting to be discovered.

A special trip to my Grandfather’s agricultural land in Indravati

On By jaganmayanand2 Comments

I went to Indravati during my Dussehra vacation this year. This is the place where my father spent his childhood. We went there to explore this beautiful place together. My father took us to a small piece of land that my grandfather had purchased beside the Indravati River many decades ago. My father often tells me how he spent a lot of time there enjoying nature and helping with the agricultural work during weekends and holidays.

The nearest town to Indravati is Nowrangpur. We reached Nowrangpur in the evening on 26th September. The next morning, on 27th September, we started our journey to Indravati at 9:00 AM. On the way, we stopped for breakfast at a roadside stall around 9:30 AM. It was very crowded, so I ate my breakfast inside the car. Even though it was a small roadside stall, the food was really delicious! My father said, “Whenever you see a crowd at a food stall, it means the food there is good.”

We reached my grandfather’s land by 10:30 AM. As soon as I got down from the car, my father pointed to a small creeper and said, “If you touch this plant, it will fold its leaves inward and droop. In Odia, it is called Lajakuli lata.” I smiled and told my father, “This is the Touch-Me-Not plant! I studied about it in my GK class last year.” The creeper was growing all along the roadside, and I really enjoyed playing with it.

Bhoomi playing with ‘Touch me not’ plant

When I entered the farm, I saw greenery everywhere. In the middle of the rice field, I noticed a scarecrow, and I was very excited to take a photo with it. Siva uncle (the tenant farmer) told my father that he made it using his old torn clothes. He also said that when the wind blows, the scarecrow waves its hands. I thought that must look very scary! It can easily scare children like me.

Bhoomi with the Scarecrow

The Siva uncle’s wife took me around the farm and showed me different plants. I saw mango trees, banana trees, lychee plants, turmeric plants, jackfruit trees, bamboo, teak, and cashew trees. My father told me, “These big trees were planted by my father. It is his hard work that we are enjoying the fruits today.”

Siba’s wife showing Bhoomi different plants

Then Siva uncle showed me the Mancha — a bamboo hut raised above the ground. It is used as a temporary shed for resting. My father said that sitting on the Mancha and gazing at the lush green rice fields was one of his favorite pastimes when he was a child. We all sat there for a while, enjoying the view and the gentle breeze.

Entire family enjoying the grreenery from Mancha
Bhoomi climbing the Mancha alone

Next, my father took me to a kaccha house near the Mancha. It was made of mud and polished with cow dung. Many small agricultural tools were stored inside. My father and Siva uncle plucked some pomelo fruits for us, and my father also harvested a whole bunch of bananas from the field.

Bhoomi’s father showing the fresh Pomelo fruit
at the Kaccha House

Then came a big surprise! Siva uncle had brought a swing for me. He tied it to one of the branches of the mango tree. Soon, my mother and I began swinging together. We went up and down, laughing and enjoying every moment of the ride.

Bhoomi enjoying the swing with mother

After some time, Siva uncle invited us to his home, which was on the other side of the river. As the water level was low, my father carried me on his shoulders, and we crossed the river to reach his village, Kastiguda. Siva uncle’s home was a small kaccha house, but it was very beautiful inside. He lives in a joint family with his father, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. Since it was festival time, we gave them new clothes, sweets, chocolates, and toys for the kids. They, in return, offered us some fruits and local sweets.

Bhoomi with Siva uncle’s wife
Siva Uncle’s Joint Family

In the backyard, I saw a mother hen with her tiny chicks grazing together. I asked my father to get the chicks for me. My father and Siba uncle’s son helped catch them, and soon I was holding them in my hands. I played with them happily, but they started chirping loudly, calling for their mother. The hen was watching me from a distance. When I went near to return the chicks, the mother hen suddenly jumped and pecked my leg with her beak! I got scared, but everyone laughed. My father smiled and said, “This is normal for any mother. They are always very protective of their children.”

Bhoomi holding the chicks

Later, my father showed me a hand pump in front of Siva uncle’s house. I had never seen one before because we live in a big city. He showed me how to pump water. It was a bit hard for me, but I still managed to get some water out. It was such great fun!

Bhoomi using the hand pump!

What I Learned

This trip to Indravati was one of the most special journeys of my life. I learned how beautiful and peaceful village life can be. I saw how farmers work hard to grow food and take care of nature. I also understood how much love and care people in villages share with each other.

It made me feel proud of my father and grandfather, and grateful for the beautiful memories they have given me. I will always remember this trip and hope to visit Indravati again soon!

The Benefits of Plants for Human Life

On By jaganmayanand1 Comment

Plants are the foundation of life on Earth. They give us everything we need to live, grow, and stay healthy. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, plants support every part of our existence.

They provide oxygen through photosynthesis, making our planet habitable. Plants give us food in the form of fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, and nuts that nourish our bodies and keep us strong. They are the source of spices, tea, coffee, and sugar, which add flavor and energy to our daily lives.

Plants also contribute to medicine and health — many modern medicines and traditional remedies come from plant extracts. From perfumes that add fragrance to fibers that make our clothes, plants touch every part of human life.

They help maintain the balance of nature by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, preventing soil erosion, and giving shelter to countless living organisms. Even emotionally, plants and greenery bring us peace, beauty, and happiness.

In short, without plants, life on Earth would not exist. They are our silent supporters, giving us everything — food, air, shelter, medicine, and joy.