Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and noticed the familiar face of the “Man in the Moon”? If you have, you might be surprised to learn that this face looks completely different when viewed from the Southern Hemisphere. Down there, the Man in the Moon appears upside down, and some say it looks more like a rabbit. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this celestial mystery.

Imagine standing in New York, looking up at the Moon. You see the familiar features that form the Man in the Moon: the dark patches, known as Maria, that create the illusion of eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Now, picture yourself travelling all the way to Sydney, Australia. You look up at the Moon again, expecting to see the same face, but something’s off. The Man in the Moon is upside down! This flip isn’t some kind of lunar magic trick; it’s all about perspective.

The Earth is a sphere, and as you move from one hemisphere to another, your viewpoint of the Moon changes. In the Northern Hemisphere, we see the Moon from one angle, and in the Southern Hemisphere, we see it from the opposite angle, causing the Moon to appear flipped.

The dark Maria on the Moon, like the Sea of Tranquility and the Sea of Serenity, form patterns that we interpret as faces or shapes. In the Northern Hemisphere, these features align to create the Man in the Moon. But travel south of the equator, and those same features are seen from a different perspective, making them appear upside down.

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, this upside-down Man in the Moon can look like a rabbit. Different cultures have their own interpretations of the Moon’s features. In Japan and China, for example, people traditionally see a rabbit-pounding mochi, a type of rice cake. This aligns closely with the Southern Hemisphere’s view, where the Moon’s features seem to form the shape of a rabbit.

This fascinating shift in perspective highlights the diverse ways we experience the world around us. The Moon itself doesn’t change, but our view of it does, depending on where we stand on Earth. It’s a beautiful reminder of how interconnected yet varied our experiences can be.

Next time you find yourself in a different hemisphere, take a moment to look up at the Moon. Whether you see a man, a rabbit, or something entirely different, it’s a chance to appreciate the ever-changing yet constant nature of the universe. The Moon, with its silent, serene presence, tells a different story depending on your vantage point. It’s a small but profound example of the wonder and beauty of our world.

So, the next time you stare up at the night sky, remember that what you see isn’t just a fixed image. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing perspective that varies with your location, adding a layer of magic to the simple act of moon-gazing. Whether you’re in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, the Moon is always there, a constant companion that subtly shifts its face, inviting you to see the world anew.

Imagine a vast expanse of shimmering blue, teeming with life and promise. This was once the Aral Sea, a jewel nestled between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. As the fourth-largest lake in the world, it was a source of pride, sustenance, and wonder for the people of Central Asia.

“Water is the driving force of all nature,” Leonardo da Vinci once said. Indeed, the Aral Sea was a driving force for the region’s ecology and economy. Its waters yielded bountiful fish harvests, while its moderating effect on the local climate made agriculture flourish in the surrounding lands.

But then came the turning point. In the 1960s, Soviet planners had a vision: to transform the arid plains into a cotton-growing powerhouse. They diverted the sea’s life-giving rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, to irrigate vast fields of “white gold.” Little did they know, this decision would set in motion one of the greatest environmental catastrophes of the 20th century.

Year by year, the sea began to shrink. As philosopher Heraclitus wisely noted, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” The Aral Sea was changing, and with it, the lives of all who depended on it.

By the turn of the millennium, the once-mighty sea had lost 90% of its volume. Where fish once swam, rusting ships now sat stranded on a toxic desert of salt and pesticides. The local climate became harsher, with hotter summers and colder winters. Dust storms carried poisonous particles from the exposed seabed, causing health problems for nearby communities.

“We have not inherited the Earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children,” goes an old Native American proverb. The fate of the Aral Sea serves as a stark reminder of our responsibility to steward our planet’s resources wisely.

But amidst this grim tale, a glimmer of hope emerged. In 2005, Kazakhstan built the Kokaral Dam, separating the northern part of the sea. This smaller body of water, now called the North Aral Sea, has seen a remarkable recovery. Fish populations are rebounding, and with them, the fortunes of local fishing communities.

The southern part, however, remains a cautionary tale. Its eastern lobe has all but disappeared, while the western basin struggles to maintain its water levels.

Today, the Aral Sea stands as both a warning and an opportunity. It warns us of the unintended consequences of manipulating nature on a grand scale. Yet it also shows us that with determination and wise management, even the most damaged ecosystems can begin to heal.

As we face global challenges like climate change and water scarcity, the story of the Aral Sea resonates more than ever. It reminds us that our actions have far-reaching consequences, but also that it’s never too late to change course.

In the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” As we write the next chapter in the Aral Sea’s story, let us be those thoughtful, committed citizens – for the sake of this unique ecosystem and for the health of our planet as a whole.

The tale of the Aral Sea is far from over. It’s a living testament to human ingenuity and folly, to destruction and resilience. As we stand at this crossroads, what role will you play in shaping its future – and that of other threatened wonders around the world?

Frustrated with my daily routine, shuffling between office and home, I decided to isolate myself from the crowd of Durga Puja and pack my bags to enjoy nature during Durga Puja holidays. Little did I know that this spontaneous decision would lead me to a hidden paradise nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.

My journey began from Delhi as I reside in NCR (National Capital Region) at the cosy “Indian Backpackers Hostel” in Jagatsukh village, Manali, a steal deal for just ₹417/- per night. As I stepped out of the vehicle, the crisp mountain air filled my lungs, instantly washing away the memories of my stuffy office cubicle.

Chitkul, my first stop, was like stepping into a living postcard. Picture this: snow-capped peaks touching the sky, their reflection shimmering in the crystal-clear Baspa River. It was love at first sight.

The next morning, I found myself huffing and puffing up to Mathi Temple. But oh, was it worth it! The view from the top was straight out of a dream – the tiny village of Chitkul sprawled below, surrounded by majestic mountains. I stood there, mouth agape, wondering if I had accidentally wandered onto a movie set.

In Sangla Valley, I stumbled upon the quaint tradition of the ‘7 Pebbles Wish’. As I carefully stacked my pebbles by the riverside, I wished for more adventures like this. To my delight, the stack stood firm. Who knows? Maybe there’s some magic in these mountains after all!

The adventure junkie in me couldn’t resist the Charang Chitkul Pass Trek. It was no walk in the park, mind you. But with each gruelling step, the landscape transformed, revealing alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and glaciers that looked like rivers frozen in time. At the pass, 5,240 meters high, I felt on top of the world – quite literally!

The Kamru Fort was like stepping back in time. As I climbed its ancient steps, I imagined myself as a Kinnaur warrior, defending the fort from invaders. The view from the top? Let’s just say it made me forget all about my Instagram feed.

But the real showstopper was Rakcham. Imagine a village straight out of a fairy tale – traditional houses with slate roofs, apple orchards heavy with fruit, and a backdrop of mountains so magnificent it makes your heart skip a beat. I half expected a dragon to swoop down from the peaks!

As the days flew by, I found myself transformed. The guy who once complained about a five-minute walk to the office was now gleefully embarking on day-long treks. The constant ping of emails was replaced by the soothing sound of prayer wheels at the Buddhist Monastery. And my idea of excitement evolved from binge-watching series to white-water rafting on the Baspa River.

Every evening, as I sat by the hostel’s bonfire, swapping stories with fellow travellers, I realized something. This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a journey back to myself, a reconnection with the wide-eyed kid who once dreamed of adventures.

Chitkul and its surrounding areas are truly a hidden gem in the Indian Himalayas, perfect for those seeking solitude, adventure, and natural splendour.

As I returned home, my backpack was heavier with souvenirs, but my heart was lighter. The mountains had worked their magic. I returned to my cubicle, but now with the spirit of a wanderer, the memories of Chitkul’s beauty etched in my mind, and a burning desire for the next adventure.

Who knew that a simple decision to escape the Durga Puja crowds would lead to the most thrilling chapter of my life?

“Chitkul, you beauty, I’ll be back.”

Poor and Rich are differentiated by the amount of funds they have. The Rich has ample funds, whereas the poor deal with scarcity. The universal principle of economy is that the amount invested in any project provides returns in proportion. The Rich can invest a considerable amount, giving significant returns, making the rich stay rich and more prosperous. Poor is unable to do so as he does not have funds to invest anywhere, and naturally, there are no returns of funds to him from anywhere, making him stay poor or become poorer, as he does not have any savings to bring him out of poverty.

Rich people have a steady turnover of funds. They have money-yielding projects from many generations. Their invested money in these projects brings them more money that is reinvested in the projects or used in starting new projects. This, in turn, adds to the returns, and the rich become more prosperous with a higher reserve of funds. Rich people know how to utilise and invest their funds in profitable projects. They have the financial resources to take risks. The capital reserve of the rich people runs the commerce and economy of the business world.

But people with low incomes need more funds to do something. They may be working in low-paying jobs or may be jobless. As a result, they need to have a regular and sufficient amount of money and savings. Multiple factors add woes to their sorrow. The cost of living keeps constantly rising, and their low-paying jobs cannot match their minimum required expenses. It makes them poorer. Low-paying jobs or no jobs result in nil savings.

On the other hand, they may have to borrow money from different sources that drag them into a pool of debts. These debts keep rising because of compounding interest payable on the obligations, and people experiencing poverty lose whatever property or assets he has to pay the debt. People with low incomes become paupers in this process.

The poor generation always tries to try things that can bring them money. Any work to earn money requires a minimum amount of money they do not have. They do not dare to ask for loans as nobody would give them any money as a loan since their repaying capacity could be more trustworthy. These people also are reluctant to learn any skill that can fetch them money. This also requires a certain amount of money. All these keep them devoid of any source of earning that can improve their living standards, and they remain poor as before.

Poor people need to gain knowledge or understanding of utilising or rotating money since they do not have any money to do so. They also can not recognise opportunities to earn money. They cannot also use options if it comes on their way. In short, lack of knowledge, funds, education, or training in any skills keeps them poor as they were long back.

These are why the rich remain rich, and the poor remain poor.

When you do Yoga correctly, you don’t need to know everything about its history to gain from it. On the other hand, having a rudimentary understanding of Yoga’s history may drive you to learn more about the discipline’s past and aid you with your spiritual practice.

The first yoga literature in Sanskrit was found in early religious texts known as the “Vedas” in India. The word “Yoga” can mean several different things. The verb “yug” means “to hook up,” and the word “yug” relates to the action of fastening horse bridles to a wagon. Yoga, however, also denotes actively using, joining, or uniting. Yoga is increasingly generally regarded as a discipline or a way to join. The terms “Yogi” and “Yogin” are used to refer to yoga practitioners, while “Yogini” is used for women.

Yoga is an exercise program for the body and mind performed for over 5000 years. It promotes living in the now and being mindful. Because it brings attention back to the now in a constantly changing society where people are frequently focused on the future rather than the present, Yoga is more popular today than ever. There are several variations of Yoga, all of which are derived from the old tradition. Choosing which yoga style to practice first could be challenging for a beginner. You can only figure out which style best suits you by trying various options.

This article will briefly overview some of the most well-liked yoga styles.

1. Hatha Yoga

Traditional “Hatha Yoga” consists of simple physical positions and breathing techniques often done slowly and steadily with breaks in between. The majority of yoga practices in the West are Hatha-inspired; however, each style differs in terms of the emphasis it places on breathing and meditation as well as the “Asanas,” or natural poses. Hatha strongly emphasises correctly executing the classic poses in accordance with the body’s capacities. In Sanskrit, “ha” denotes the sun, while “the” denotes the moon. Hatha represents masculine and feminine, yin and yang, darkness and light. The goal of Hatha Yoga is to achieve harmony between these opposing forces.

2. Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa, derived from the Sanskrit term for “flow,” is a dynamic style of Yoga that emphasises the synchrony of breath and movement. It involves a fluid sequence of postures, transitioning seamlessly from one pose to another. Vinyasa Yoga generates internal heat in the body, intensifying the practice and promoting purification through sweat. With fewer pauses than Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga offers a continuous and stimulating experience, building strength, flexibility, and a heightened mind-body connection. It cultivates a sense of flow and vitality while purging toxins through the cleansing process of perspiration.

3. Ashtanga Yoga

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois teaches “Astanga Yoga,” often called “Ashtanga Yoga,” in Mysore, India. He brought “Astanga Yoga” to the West about 25 years ago; at 91 years old, he is still instructing. Physically intensive yoga styles like Ashtanga provide strength, flexibility, and endurance training. It portrays the distinctive Hatha yoga style the legendary sage Vamana Rishi developed and practised. It’s said to be the first asana Patanjali intended to be performed. A series of Yoga poses known as “Astanga Yoga” are performed continuously without stopping. The breathing and the movements must be coordinated, just like in “Vinyasa Yoga”.

A specific order must be followed when performing Astanga Yoga poses. The body is cleansed and detoxified during the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa), preventing pollutants from clogging. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana), which purifies and opens energy pathways to let the energy flow freely, decongests the nervous system. One must pass from the previous posture to move on to the following one.

4. Bikram Yoga

Even though there are many types of Yoga, “Bikram yoga” stands out. Even while the technique is identical, the environment is different: “Bikram yoga” is practised in a room heated to a temperature between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit!

The inventor of this style of Yoga is Yogi Bikram Choudhury, who began his yoga studies with the renowned physical culturalist Bishnu Ghosh when he was just three years old. They developed this technique as one of the best ways to help the body transition through challenging stretches and positions. Since some postures are more complicated than others, a beginner in Bikram will require the help of a skilled teacher to get started.

The intense heat of Bikram yoga is meant to assist you in finding a deeper, more stable posture. The body becomes more flexible due to the heat, which makes it easier to adopt better postures and boosts the efficiency of the entire workout. The heat will help you enter some of the more challenging Bikram yoga postures more comfortably and, hopefully, benefit more from them. Additionally, as the temperature rises, your body will sweat more readily, which will cause your pores to release more contaminants. The heat also decreases your risk of getting wounded.

Your muscles are stretched and strengthened when you practice “Bikram yoga”. With Bikram yoga, you may strengthen and improve your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Additionally, you are rubbing and working on your inside organs, which helps to lubricate and build the body’s glands and strengthen the nervous system. All of this exercise, especially in the environment created by Bikram, helps the body rid itself of toxins and provides the training your muscles need.

5. Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga, developed by Paul Grilley, is a gentle and calming style emphasising deep stretching and finding balance within the body. It integrates principles from Taoism, Chinese acupuncture, and Indian yoga philosophy. In Yin Yoga, poses are held for an extended duration, allowing for a deep release of tension and stimulation of the body’s meridian lines. This meditative practice nurtures flexibility, mindfulness, and a profound sense of relaxation, promoting harmony between the physical and energetic aspects of being.

6. Power Yoga

A variation of Yoga based on “Astanga Yoga” called “Power Yoga” is intended for people who enjoy strenuous exercise. In order to help you connect with your inner strength, power yoga is a high-intensity yoga practice that blends mental and physical challenges with a heated, climate-controlled Vinyasa flow. It stimulates the body and minds through balance and purpose while healing and detoxifying them. This kind of Yoga is prevalent in gyms and fitness facilities. Despite having Astanga yoga as its foundation, it frequently incorporates many other styles of Yoga, creating a very active yoga session.

Power yoga is a vigorous exercise that combines physical strength, sweat, and spirituality. It distinguishes between three kinds of power: mental, spiritual, and physical. The three types of power are spiritual power, which is the force that underlies the physical and mental force, and physical power, which increases the body’s strength and promotes health.

7. Iyengar Yoga

Do you experience recurring back pain or other physical limitations? You want to narrow your attention and reduce your level of stress. Attend a meditation class. I’m trying to find a challenging workout. “Iyengar Yoga” was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most well-known yoga teachers in the world. An Iyengar-based class would be fantastic because of its emphasis on proper form and the use of props. The physical positions place a lot of emphasis on accuracy, good posture, and straight lines. The frequent use of accessories like blocks and belts is another characteristic of this yoga technique. Each pose in “Iyengar Yoga” is frequently held for a lengthy amount of time, and breathing heightens its effects.

8. Tri Yoga

Tri Yoga is a holistic yoga practice that harmoniously blends breathwork, physical postures, and a balanced combination of dynamic and static poses. Created by Kali Ray, it incorporates wave-like movements of the spine and specific breathing techniques. With its seven levels of intensity, Tri Yoga offers a progressive path for practitioners to deepen their practice and explore meditative content. It promotes balance, flexibility, and a conscious connection between the body, breath, and mind.

9. Sivananda Yoga

A variety of “Hatha Yoga”, known as “Sivananda Yoga”, was named for Swami Sivananda’s teachings. The emphasis of the training is on keeping the practitioner happy and healthy.

Sivananda training emphasises consistent relaxation and deep, yogic breathing more than the more athletic Ashtanga Vinyasa style of Yoga.

A moderate kind of Yoga called “Sivananda Yoga” promotes meditation, vegetarianism, and having a cheerful outlook. Swami Vishnu-Devananda developed this yoga style. Instruction in “Sivananda Yoga” may include chanting, meditation, and profound relaxation.

10. Kundalini Yoga

Even though the emphasis is on chanting and breathing techniques, “Kundalini Yoga” also incorporates physical training. Yoga practitioners are familiar with Kundalini as the snake-like power in the Muladhara Chakra, the first of the seven Chakras. In that order, the other six chakras are Svadhishthana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Visuddha, Ajna, and Sahasrara. The intention is to awaken the Kundalini energy at the base of the spine, help it ascend the spine via the body’s chakras, and then direct it to your brain, where it will produce a rich spiritual experience.

Even while it might be unrealistic to try all the many kinds of Yoga, getting a taste of some of the crucial branches, like Kundalini yoga, will help you comprehend the benefits and core principles of Yoga. On the other hand, Kundalini Yoga isn’t just another form of exercise. Kundalini is a powerful force that should only be used under the guidance of an experienced teacher. It is called the “mother of all yoga” and is one of the most substantial types.

It is a technical question and can have many different answers to it. Walking and travelling are sometimes different. You can walk to the cross, but you can also use many other means to travel. You can use your vehicle or public transport system to travel. But walking a certain distance cannot be a parameter of being a traveller.

Travelling is reaching a pre-decided destination using so many means of transportation available today. Walking is a physical exercise that can also be used as a means to travel to reach the goal. To be termed as a traveller, it is not important that you need to walk a certain distance. You may be called a walker or runner, as in “Forest Gump”. But was he a traveller? No one thought so. Many were running after him, following him without knowing about his destination or his intentions as to why he was running like this. Once he decides enough is enough and returns to his home, all others also dismantle without knowing what they are doing and why.

Travelling can be termed a hobby of a person. Going to a new place you never visited can be the most incredible urge to travel. You may be a Globe-Trotter to see the world. But it may be a lifetime task if you only walk to complete your mission. There are areas where you have to avail the public transport services, especially when crossing a sea or an ocean. You must have solid ground under your feet if you wish to walk. You cannot walk on water or in the air, and you have to have the means of travelling invented by man to travel on such surfaces.

About our planet Earth:

Scientists discovered that our planet Earth’s equatorial circumference is about 24,901 miles or 40,075 km. But from pole to pole, the meridional circumference is about 24,860 miles or 40,008 km. This difference is because of the shape of the planet. Our planet is flat on its poles. So a walker cannot travel more than this distance even if he decides to cover the whole world in his lifetime, as in “Around the world in 80 days.”

Travelling and walking are two distinctly different things to do. You can walk round and round, reaching nowhere but covering a great distance in terms of covering miles on the road. But this does not make you a traveller. You can be called a walker but not a traveller. Travelling takes you to new places you want to reach, and yes, walking may be one of your means to do so. Currently, people call it hiking. But it is now also Hitch hiking, where you avail the assistance of travellers on their vehicles going the same way you are going, asking for a ride.

The walker who was a traveller:

Meegan covered on foot a distance of 19,019 miles from Tierra Del Fuego to the Northernmost point of Alaska. He took 2,425 days to do so. He started in the year 1977 and finished his walking in the year 1983. It is a record of the longest unbroken walk with the most degrees of latitude ever covered on foot by a man.

There are others in the later years who accomplished globe-trotting on foot, visiting even up to 22 countries. Human capacities have limitations; a man can walk up to 26.2 miles daily with proper training.

So, if you want to walk to have good health, by all means, you can do so. But to become a traveller on foot, you must have perfect health and professional training. And you can cover the entire perimeter of the Earth on foot to be called a traveller. But there is no minimum distance limit decided for the title.