The Times of India

In Madurai, an elderly craftsman continues to run his pen repair shop, even as the number of customers dwindles. Positioned near the East Gate of the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, he dedicates his days to this trade. While digital tools dominate the market, schoolchildren still seek pens for their studies. His unwavering commitment to his craft reflects the resilience of traditional trades amids…

Children may often seek parental approval before making decisions, which can affect their self-esteem. This reliance can lead to maladaptive perfectionism among young adults, who subsequently fear negative evaluation. While parental guidance is important, children also need opportunities for independence to build confidence. Encouraging age-appropriate choices and valuing effort can help in this …

​India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, every year on October 2. His legacy is not restricted to India; his ideas of peace and non-violence have inspired people around the world, including iconic social reformers such as Martin Luther King Jr. For those who wish to honour and connect with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology of truth, non-violence and social justi…

Japanese monk Sogaku Taguchi has entered a 12-year period of complete isolation at Nanzambo Temple. He will remain on temple grounds without any human contact until September 2038. This dedication follows rigorous preparations including the Kosogyo practice, which demands extensive daily rituals. Taguchi's role as Jishin involves tending to the tomb of Saicho, founder of the Tendai school of Budd…

Parijat, commonly referred to as harsingar or night-blooming jasmine, can flourish beautifully in containers with the right care. Ensure you use a solid pot with effective drainage and provide plenty of sunlight for optimum growth. Keep the soil moist with regular watering and apply light fertilizer to promote flowering during the growth phase. Post-bloom pruning stimulates fuller growth and incr…

Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the happiest state in India according to the Indian Happiness Index 2025. The index highlights the importance of factors like life satisfaction and emotional freedom in determining happiness. The state's connection to nature and traditional village life contributes significantly to its appeal. Communities in Himachal Pradesh celebrate local customs and festivals, e…

A 77-year-old man named VBR Prasad showcased his innovative spirit by consulting ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for a vertical farming business. During a chance encounter on a flight, a young traveler observed Prasad's respectful conversation with the AI, addressing it as 'sir.' This moment quickly drew attention online, illustrating Prasad's eagerness to learn and engage with technology.

There's something a little frustrating about craving a comforting bowl of white sauce pasta, only to remember that most recipes lean heavily on maida, refined flour, for that classic creamy base. If you're trying to cut back on refined flour, whether for digestion, general health, or just personal preference, it doesn't mean white sauce pasta is off the table. With a couple of simple swaps, you c…

Nico recently relocated from Paris to Mumbai for a new job, sharing his unique journey online. He quickly discovered that even short trips could be bogged down by traffic, leaving him with unexpected delays. As he adjusts to the unfamiliar culture and language, he faces challenges head-on. Nevertheless, Nico is finding joy in Mumbai's lively energy and diverse experiences, documenting his adventu…

Ebenezer Scrooge, the iconic character from Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, boasts a fascinating yet contested origin for his name. Although folklore suggests that Dickens found inspiration in a gravestone marked Ebenezer Scroggie, historians dispute this theory due to a lack of evidence. Some alternatives hint that the name may stem from terms with negative connotations of stinginess.

There is something surprisingly fascinating about standing in front of something that existed thousands of years ago. A ruined city, an ancient temple or even a 500-years old tree that has survived for centuries can make history feel less like something written in textbooks and more like something that is still around us.

Shashank Agrawal's inspiring journey from a financially challenged background to earning a career package over a crore exemplifies the power of perseverance. After achieving AIR 20 in the JEE Advanced and graduating from IIT Bombay, he is now thriving in the technology and finance sectors. Shashank's story emphasizes hard work and constant improvement, motivating students to believe in their pote…

In a fascinating comparison, Aditya Khaneja explores the differences between public holidays in Australia and India. He notes that while Australian holidays, such as the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup, prioritize leisure, Indian festivals like Independence Day and Diwali hold greater cultural significance. Additionally, Khaneja appreciates Australia's approach of rescheduling holidays that fal…

If you've ever wrapped your arms into Garudasana, or Eagle Pose, expecting a gentle little stretch and instead felt your shoulders practically scream, you're not imagining things. According to NIH News in Health, a publication from the National Institutes of Health, slumped, hunched posture from things like constant gadget use and long hours at a desk is directly linked to shoulders rounding forw…