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Why was Lotus chosen as the National Flower of India

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The Lotus is the national flower of India. Although the lotus is not directly featured on the Indian national flag, it holds significant symbolic importance in the context of India and its culture. Symbol of purity and beauty:   The lotus is a sacred flower in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It represents purity, enlightenment, and self-regeneration. In Hinduism, the lotus is often associated with gods and goddesses, such as Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Vishnu (the protector of the universe), who are depicted sitting on a lotus. Symbol of Indian civilization:   The lotus has deep historical roots in India. It has been a symbol of Indian culture and identity for thousands of years. The flower is also seen as a symbol of India's national aspirations for progress, growth, and spiritual beauty. Association with the Ashoka Chakra:   Although the lotus is not depicted on the flag itself, it is often linked to the Ashoka Chakra, which is present on the flag. The Ashoka ...

My experience of traveling on the Vande Bharat Express from Nagercoil to Chennai with my son

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Introduction: The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is an advanced, semi-high-speed, and fully indigenous train service launched in 2019 by the Indian Railways. Here are some key details: 1. Speed and Performance: The Vande Bharat Express has a top speed of 160 km/h and aims to reduce travel time on busy routes, making long-distance travel faster and more convenient. 2. Design and Comfort: The train features modern, state-of-the-art amenities, such as ergonomically designed seating, Wi-Fi, advanced air-conditioning, bio-vacuum toilets, onboard refreshments, and automatic doors. It has been designed with safety features like anti-collision technology (Train Collision Avoidance System - TCAS) and fire-resistant materials. 3. Indigenous Manufacturing: The Vande Bharat Express is fully made in India. It is manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, under the "Make in India" initiative. 4. Routes: The firs...

Mussels - a variety of bivalve molluscs and a kind of exotic sea food

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Introduction Mussel is the common name used for members of several families of bivalve molluscs from saltwater and freshwater habitats. These groups have in common a shell whose outline is elongated and asymmetrical in comparison with other edible clams, which are commonly less rounded or oval. Marine mussels are mostly available in the low and mid intertidal zone in temperate seas globally. Other species of marine mussel live in tropical intertidal areas, but not in the same huge numbers as in temperate zones. Freshwater mussels inhabit permanent lakes, rivers, canals and streams throughout the world except in the polar regions. They require a constant source of cool and clean water. They prefer water with a substantial mineral content and use the calcium carbonate to build their shells. Mussels in Tamilnadu Generally, we get mussels in large quantities in the months of November and December. People enjoy these dishes during this season. Green mussels...

Flowers from different countries that represents rich cultural heritage and tradition

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Introduction: Flowers have been admired for their beauty and symbolic meanings throughout the world. Different flowers across the world represent deep cultural meanings, emotions, traditions, and beliefs in various societies. Here is the list of flowers and their significance. Cherry Blossoms: Cherry Blossoms or Sakura are considered the floral symbol of Japan. These elegant pink and white flowers are the iconic symbol of Japan's cultural identity. . Rose: The rose is the national flower of the US and embodies the essence of the American spirit. It is the resilience of the people, the diversity, and the constant pursuit of beauty. In ancient Rome, the rose symbolized secret meetings and secret gatherings. Lotus: Lotus is the national flower of India and the Philippines. As per Buddhism and Hinduism, it characterizes purity, enlightenment and divine beauty. Although it grows in muddy water, its flower is always clean and untouched. It holds a sacre...

Describe a friendship that fell apart and why/how did it happen

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Introduction: Jothi, nicknamed "Joe", was my best friend till now when compared to all other friends. Although I have few other precious friends in my life, she will be my first. She has been with me since the 9th standard (1999). From that day till now, we both have an unspoken love towards each other. She was the one who used to take care of me whenever I went wrong. And used to buy me all the new foods which she ever tastes. She loves me a lot and vice versa. But after 2009, we couldn't spend much time together. Still, our friendship stays in our hearts. Jothi's Wedding: Like many people, after Joe's wedding in June 2009, our communication decreased a lot. She got settled in Singapore with her hubby. But she used to call every week and our friendship continued. We even met a couple of times whenever she came to India. I had a chance to meet her baby. She also came to my wedding in 2013. When and how did we lose contact: After 2014, we hardly had any chances to ...

Christmas decorations gives us warmth, joy, community involvement, friendliness and family connection :)

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Why is Christmas celebrated: Christmas is celebrated by marking the birth of "Jesus Christ" on Dec 25th in the Gregorian calendar. It is not only a festival but has become a secular family holiday season for North Americans and Europeans. Many people across the world use this festive season for celebration and relaxation. Tradition of Christmas Decoration: The tradition of Christmas decorations began in Germany, where they used to add fruits and nuts to the tree, symbolizing the promise of welcoming spring. But after 1605, a fur tree was brought inside the house and adorned with paper roses, candles, nuts and fruits. Nowadays, people use different ideas to decorate their houses and trees. How I decorate my house: As per my family tradition, we used to hang stars, decorate a Christmas tree and place cribs. In the past, we used the branches cut from the tree and hanged some decorative items there. But now we can purchase different types of trees available in the stores. My husb...

My first day of school - A day to cherish and remember for every human being

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Introduction: Our lives are full of memories which we experience on a daily basis. Similarly, going to school for the first time is also memorable. No one can forget their first day, no matter whether good or bad. During my days, most kids used to cry on their first day of school. My Experience: As my mother worked as a teacher, I was raised by my grandparents and Chithis, who lived in a village which is 100kms from the place where my mom works. My mom used to visit me every week. Although she visited me frequently, I was more attached to my grandma and Chithis. When I was 3 years old, my parents took me to Tirunelveli (the place where my mom worked) and decided to put me in the top and prestigious school in Palayamkottai. My dad struggled enough to secure a seat for me in that school. My grandmom also accompanied me to school on the first day. All the kids were crying to go back to their moms, but poor me cried to get back to my grandmom. So, for the first three days of school, my gra...