Indian Daddy's Blog

 

For us, Zubeen Garg was not just a singer—he was the heartbeat of an entire generation. After the golden touch of Jitul Sonowal, it was Zubeen who brought to us the real essence of modern Assamese music blended with western rhythms. His voice, his compositions, and his melodies became the soundtrack of our youth. I still remember my student days vividly. Traveling in night buses from Guwahati to Dhemaji, we would halt at midnight in Nagaon, Amoni. The roadside restaurants and tea stalls would always be alive with Zubeen’s evergreen hits— Barasha Jetia Name Bukute , Maya Mathu Maya , Gane Ki Ane , and countless others. Those nights, under the dim lights and the misty air, his music filled our hearts with love, romance, and a sense of belonging. As a guitarist, I spent endless evenings with my college friends converting Zubeen’s songs into chords and notations. We sang them at freshers’ and farewell parties, hostel music sessions, birthdays, and informal gatherings. His music traveled wi...

Rhinos are symbols of resilience, yet they remain among the most vulnerable species on our planet. Recent conservation successes across the world—from population recovery of the Greater One-Horned Rhino in India and Nepal, to strengthened protection for White Rhinos in Africa, and intensified global collaboration for the critically endangered Javan and Sumatran Rhinos—show what is possible when science, communities, and political will come together. As we celebrate today, let us remember that every rhino saved safeguards biodiversity, strengthens ecosystems, and inspires hope for future generations. Together, we can keep the five species of rhinos thriving in the wild. 🌍 #WorldRhinoDay #Conservation #Biodiversity #Rhino

  On this World Elephant Day, the Asian elephant stands as both a symbol of nature’s grandeur and a reminder of our fragile coexistence. Once roaming vast landscapes across Asia, they now face shrinking habitats, fragmented corridors, and rising human-elephant conflict. Villages and farmlands have replaced forests, forcing elephants into closer contact with people. In this uneasy overlap, lives are lost—human and elephant—and trust erodes on both sides. These challenges are changing behaviours. Elephants, once shy and secretive, are now bolder, often entering croplands for food. Humans, once revering elephants as cultural icons, may see them as threats. This mutual shift reflects a battle we seem to be losing—not against elephants, but against the balance of coexistence itself. Our role is clear: protect and restore habitats, secure safe passage through corridors, and adopt conflict mitigation measures that respect both lives and livelihoods. World Elephant Day is not just a da...

Jabari Asim is an American author and poet who writes for both children and adults. Asim’s board books with fresh, free-flowing verse encourage silliness and curiosity, while his picture books and middle grade tiles often focus on American African history. He is an associate professor at Emerson College in Boston. His poetry, drama and prose have been widely published in various periodicals and anthologies. He was an editor for 11 years at the Washington Post , where he also wrote a syndicated column on politics, popular culture, and social issues. Some of his books for children include: ·       Girl of Mine ·       Whose Toes are Those? ·       Whose Knees are These?

  Paula Young Shelton is a children’s author and an early childhood educator with nearly 30 years of experience teaching young children. She is a graduate of Duke University (USA) and holds a Masters degree in education from Bank Street College. She was a niece of Martin Luther King Jr., though Shelton wasn’t even a year old when her family moved from New York to the south [of the US] in order to be on the front lines of the civil rights movement. Some of her books for children include: ·    Child of the Civil Rights Movement ·    Just Like Jesse Owens

Harshika Udasi is a children’s author with over two decades of experience. She has worked with prestigious newspapers such as The Times of India, Business Standard, The Hindu etc. Her first children’s book went on to win the FICCI Best Children’s Book Award (English) 2017. She has also written for various anthologies, including Flipped 2, On Your Marks, Dance Nani Dance, Caturday, etc. Besides writing, Udasi also runs Book Trotters Club, a reading club for children aged 3 to 16 years, which she has taken across India- Pune, Nashik, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.     Some of her Books for Children include: ·    Kitu’s Very Mad Day ·    Friends Behind Walls ·    The Story Quilt 

Who needs a luxury spa when you’ve got a mud pool in the wild? Watch this hilarious and heartwarming moment of a rhino enjoying a full-body mud bath — the original wildlife wellness ritual! Wallowing helps rhinos stay cool, protect their skin, and even keep pesky bugs away. Conservation can be fun too!

  Discover the Wonderful World of Asha Nehemiah! 📚✨ Have you ever imagined mixing a pinch of magic with a long village name and going on a journey with your Amma? If that sounds exciting, then you'll love the stories written by Asha Nehemiah! Asha Nehemiah is a magical storyteller who writes fun, funny, and adventurous books for children. Whether you're just beginning to read or zooming through chapter books, there's something in her stories for everyone. Her books are full of laughter, surprises, and unforgettable characters who make you want to keep turning the pages. Why are Asha Nehemiah’s books so special? Because they help us see the world differently. Through her stories, she talks about important things like including everyone, treating boys and girls equally, and celebrating our many cultures. And the best part? She does all this while making us laugh and keeping us glued to the page with exciting adventures! 📘 Books You’ll Love Amma’s Journey – Join Amm...

  Katie Bagli is a children's author with 40 published titles. She loves to go for walks in the wild and finds mountains, forests, and oceans fascinating. She has published articles in magazines such as the Sanctuary Club, Highlight Champs, Saevus, and The Children's Magazine. She is also writing articles on nature for the children's section of the Young World of The Hindu. She also writes a monthly column on Nature in Robinage , a children’s magazine. Some of her books for children are: ·     Many Secrets of Mangroves ·     On the Wild Side ·     A Wormy Tale  

  Anant Pai (September 1929- February 2011) was the founder of the hugely popular comic storybook brand, Amar Chitra Katha .  Launched in 1967 with nearly 600 titles and more than 100 million copies sold, Amar Chitra Katha is a household name in India. Based on mythological stories, the comics gained huge popularity rapidly all over the country, and Pai came to be lovingly addressed with the famous nickname, ‘Uncle Pai,’ by children. Some of his books, made with his extraordinary team, for children include: ·     Krishna ·     Tipu Sultan ·     Tales of Giants and Demons

  Swati Sarawagi is an educator and children’s author. She is the Founder and Director of Swarnim International School , Kolkata.  An M.A. degree in Psychology from Andhra University and Masters in Education from James Cook, Australia and an alumnus of the Harvard Graduate School of Education , Sarawagi is the recipient of Under 50 Nation Wide Awards, 2022 , Business leader-CBSE Education by Business Mint.  A gold medallist from La Martiniere, Kolkata, Sarawagi continually contributes to the upliftment of the marginalised.  Her books for children have an underlying social message. Her books for children include: ·     The City of Joy ·     The Pink City ·     The City of Destiny

Venita Coelho is an award-winning author, artist and screenwriter who writes for children as well as adults. A winner of the Sahitya Akademi Bal Puraskar , Coelho has also bagged the Hindu Goodreads Award (twice!) for Best Fiction for Children, The Neev Award and the Peekabook Award. Her collection of feminist ghost stories, The Washer of the Dead , was longlisted for the Frank O’ Connor Award. Besides 12 published books, Coelho has had a long career in film and television as a writer, director and producer. Yash Raj Films has recently signed a three-book deal with her for unpublished manuscripts to be turned web-series.   Some of her books for children include: ·    Dead as a Dodo ·    All of Me ·    Tiger by the Tail  

The mother-calf bond in Asian elephants is an extraordinary relationship built on care, protection, and learning. From birth, a calf depends entirely on its mother for nourishment and safety, staying close to her at all times. The mother uses her trunk and body to guide and comfort her baby, teaching it crucial survival skills like foraging and social interaction. This relationship extends beyond just the mother—other females in the herd, known as allomothers, also play a role in raising the calf. For up to three years, the calf suckles, but even after weaning, it remains deeply connected to its mother, learning migration routes and herd dynamics. This nurturing relationship ensures the calf's survival and shapes the future of the herd.

    The first (partial) solar eclipse of 2025 will occur on March 29 at 2:21 pm (IST), peak at 4:17 pm, and end at 6:14 pm. The eclipse will be, unfortunately, not visible from India, though it will be visible from the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, parts of North America, Europe, and Africa. If you don’t know what a solar eclipse is, it is a phenomenon which occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. The Moon’s darker shadow (umbra) covers a small patch of the Earth; this patch experiences a total solar eclipse. The less-deep part of the shadow (penumbra) falls on a much larger region than the umbra. This area experiences a partial solar eclipse.  Post writer: Dhruba Neel Dutta

Short reels and videos have captivated audiences across all age groups. With their quick, engaging format, these videos have become integral to digital consumption. However, a recent study by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, published in PLOS One , sheds light on the potential academic consequences of short video usage among elementary school students in China. The study analyzed data from 1,052 students across urban and suburban elementary schools. Researchers collected information through detailed questionnaires and academic records, assessing students' short video habits. Parents also provided insights into their own media consumption and perspectives on their children's screen time. Key Findings The study found a clear negative relationship between short video usage and academic performance. The more time students spent on short video platforms, the lower their academic outcomes across various subjects. This pattern appears to be linked to attention levels—...

  Welcome to the first post in my new blog series, where I dive into the fascinating world of birds, their behaviors, and their significance in our ecosystems. Today, I want to introduce you to a striking yet often overlooked resident of Assam’s wetlands— the Indian Pond Heron ( Ardeola grayii ). Spotting the Indian Pond Heron The Indian Pond Heron is a master of camouflage. When perched among reeds and vegetation, its brownish streaked plumage blends seamlessly with its surroundings, making it nearly invisible. However, the moment it takes flight, its hidden beauty is revealed—pristine white wings that contrast sharply against the backdrop of lush greenery and blue skies. Why This Bird Matters Ecosystem Role: As a wader, it helps maintain the balance of wetland ecosystems by feeding on fish, frogs, and insects. Adaptability: Unlike many other water birds, it thrives in both natural and man-made water bodies, including paddy fields and village ponds. Indicator Species: The pres...

Leila Seth (1930–2017) was a trailblazing figure in Indian legal history, breaking multiple barriers and setting important precedents for women in law and justice. Her life and work were marked by a deep commitment to fairness, human rights, and education. She is remembered for her remarkable legal career and efforts to make the law more accessible and meaningful for the common people, especially children. A Trailblazer in the Legal Field Leila Seth’s achievements were unparalleled. She made history as: The first woman to top the Bar examinations in London, demonstrating her academic brilliance and paving the way for Indian women in the legal profession. The first woman judge of the Delhi High Court, a role in which she made significant contributions to justice and legal reform. The first woman to become Chief Justice of a state in India, serving in Himachal Pradesh, where she continued her work in ensuring equitable access to justice. Her legal career spanned several decades, during w...

Building good habits in children is both a tricky and challenging task—one that often feels like a million-dollar question for parents. While it’s important not to be overly possessive, the reality is that personal, family, and social influences often push parents toward overprotectiveness. Striking the right balance between guidance and independence is key to nurturing a child who is responsible, confident, and well-adjusted. Here are 10 blog post ideas related to building good habits in children: The Power of Routine: How Daily Habits Shape a Child’s Future Leading by Example: Why Children Learn More from Actions Than Words Balancing Discipline and Freedom: How to Guide Without Controlling The Role of Storytelling in Instilling Good Habits in Kids Screen Time vs. Playtime: Encouraging Healthy Digital Habits Small Wins, Big Impact: How Tiny Changes Lead to Lifelong Habits How to Make Learning Fun: Turning Chores into Engaging Activities From Gratitude to Responsibility: 5 Essential H...

  Madhurima Vidyarthi: A Healer of Bodies and Minds Through Medicine and Stories Madhurima Vidyarthi is a rare blend of science and storytelling—an accomplished endocrinologist and an imaginative writer who seamlessly weaves her expertise in medicine with a deep passion for fiction. Trained in Kolkata and London, she is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), a prestigious recognition of her excellence in the medical field. Yet, beyond her medical practice, Vidyarthi has dedicated herself to the art of storytelling, crafting narratives that resonate with readers across age groups. Her literary journey extends from insightful essays and opinion pieces in publications like The Statesman, The Woman Inc., and Saaranga Magazine to fiction that captures the complexity of human emotions, relationships, and whimsical imagination. She is also a contributor to the Italian Consulate’s initiative, Bridge of Stories, a unique anthology bringing together Indian and Italian writers t...

I spent a full day at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) at Kaziranga National Park a few years ago . It was an experience that left a lasting impact on me, not just because of the incredible work being done there but because of one particular resident—a young rhino calf whose life had been shattered by poachers. At CWRC, I met two dedicated wildlife veterinarians,  Dr. Pranjit Basumatary and Dr. Samsul Ali , both of whom I considered my brothers in conservation. Over the years, they had rescued and rehabilitated countless wild animals, each with its own heartbreaking yet hopeful story. But nothing prepared me for the sight of the  small, male rhino calf  wandering around the enclosure, searching for someone he would never find—his mother. She had been  brutally killed by poachers , leaving him alone, confused, and vulnerable. Though he was in good health and receiving expert care, his eyes still seemed to carry the weight of loss. As I st...

Parenting is not a rigid process; it is dynamic, ever-evolving, and deeply rooted in learning. It mirrors the careful experimentation of cultivating a new seedling. Just as a plant researcher meticulously monitors growth conditions—soil quality, temperature, moisture levels, and the angle of light hitting the leaves—modern parenting demands an equally attentive approach. Each aspect of a child’s early development, from psychological well-being to intuition and emotional intelligence, requires careful observation and nurturing. One of the simplest yet most impactful moments of a parent-child relationship is the  First interaction after school. This moment can set the tone for the rest of the day, influencing a child's mood, confidence, and willingness to share their experiences. The First Question After School: Breaking the Ice As my child steps onto our doorstep, I make it a point to greet him warmly. My first words are always: "Hi, darling! How was your day?" This simpl...

Harshikaa Udasi is a renowned children's author and journalist with over two decades of experience in the media and literary world. She has worked with some of India’s most prestigious newspapers, including The Times of India, Business Standard, and The Hindu, where she honed her skills in storytelling and reportage. Her deep passion for writing and her ability to connect with young readers led her to the world of children's literature, where she has made a significant mark. Her debut children's book, Kitu’s Very Mad Day , was a resounding success, winning the FICCI Best Children’s Book Award (English) in 2017. The book, known for its engaging narrative and relatable themes, cemented her position as a leading voice in Indian children’s literature. In addition to her standalone works, Udasi has contributed to several anthologies, including Flipped 2, On Your Marks, Dance Nani Dance, and Caturday, showcasing her versatility in storytelling across different themes and genr...