BEYOND THE OBVIOUS

FASCINATING SPORTS - TEQBALL Teqball, a relatively new and innovative sport is gaining traction globally for its unique blend of football skills and table tennis-like gameplay. Developed in Hungary in 2012 by former professional footballer Gábor Borsányi and computer scientist Viktor Huszár, Teqball has rapidly become a popular recreational and competitive activity attracting enthusiasts and profe...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem titled REGAL REVERIE: ODE TO A NOBLE RULER is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature. The poem extols the virtues and qualities of a noble ruler addressing the immeasurable aspects of his intelligence, compassion and generosity. It uses vivid metaphors to convey the vastness of these virtues compared to measurable entities like the depth of oceans or the expa...

GENDER BIAS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: PART II  As a sequel to the podcast published last week,  GENDER BIAS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: PART II will be introduced in today’s podcast GENERIC MASCULINE PRONOUNS: Biased Language: Every student should bring his textbook to class. Inclusive Language: Every student should bring their textbook to class. GENDERED JOB TITLES: Biased Language: Chairman of the c...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem MONARCH'S ETERNAL BENEVOLENCE is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature that celebrates a benevolent and powerful ruler whose influence extends through time. It highlights the king's enduring grace, magnanimity and the hope that his legacy of kindness will last forever. The poem reveres a majestic ruler whose benevolence and power shape a kingdom that...

FASCINATING LANGUAGE: GENDER BIAS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE Gender bias in language refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender through the use of language. This bias is often deeply ingrained in linguistic structures, expressions, and vocabulary. English, like many other languages, has historically exhibited gender bias, reflecting and perpetuating societal norms and stereo...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem WAR'S ECHO-PEACE PROMOTES HUMANITY  is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature. This poem vividly portrays the relentless acts of war and bloodshed where the speaker describes the destruction of fortified cities, fertile fields and freshwater fountains by the protagonist's formidable forces.  Alongside the narrative of victory, the poem highlights the...

FASCINATING LANGUAGE: ON EUPHEMISM Euphemism is a linguistic device used to replace harsh, direct, or offensive words or phrases with milder, more socially acceptable ones. Euphemisms are often employed in various contexts to make communication more polite, less blunt or less uncomfortable. Here are some common examples and uses of euphemisms: Bathroom : Instead of directly referring to bodily fun...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem VICTORY'S ETHICAL ECHO is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature. This poem depicts a scene of power and triumph where ministers receive prestigious medallions and poets are honored with adorned elephants and chariots. Addressing the victorious Kudumi, the poem questions the morality of deriving pleasure from conquering others. Despite the joy brought to...

FASCINATING FACTS THE ECONOMIC STIMULI CREATED BY HINDU FESTIVALS IN INDIA As a sequel to the previous episode on festivals Diwali and Pongal and its economic impact in India in today’s podcast, the economic stimuli created by other Hindu festivals in India will be discussed elaborately. India with its rich cultural tapestry, boasts a plethora of festivals that go beyond their traditional and spir...

ABOUT THE POEM:  The poem KING’S CELESTIAL CONQUEST is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature. This poem tells the story of a ruler named Cheraladan, driven by an insatiable ambition for glory and expansion. He resents sharing the world with other rulers and leads his mighty army to conquer new territories, considering his kingdom too small. Despite his unyielding will and military c...

FASCINATING FACTS: ECONOMIC STIMULI IS THE REASON BEHIND THE CELEBRATION OF FESTIVALS LIKE DIWALI AND PONGAL IN INDIA The celebration of festivals like Diwali and Pongal in India is deeply intertwined with economic stimuli, playing a pivotal role in fostering economic activities, bolstering various sectors, and contributing to overall financial well-being. These festivals, beyond their religious a...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem REGAL COUNSEL TO A MONARCH is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature. The poem is addressed to a king which paints a vivid picture of his dominion — a stronghold nestled within expansive forests where majestic wild elephants roam freely akin to grazing cattle amid boulders that bear semblance to buffalo shapes. The speaker recognizing the ruler's esteemed...

WORDS WHOSE CONNOTATIONS HAVE EVOLVED OVER TIME IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Gay : Originally, "gay" meant happy or joyful. However, over the course of the 20th century, it underwent a significant shift in meaning and is now primarily associated with homosexuality. Awful : In its earlier usage, "awful" meant something that inspired awe or wonder. Today, it often conveys something n...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem TRIUMPH'S TAPESTRY: A WARRIOR'S ODE is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature that paints a vivid portrait of a triumphant warrior, celebrating the aftermath of a fierce battle. The swords, stained with the blood of vanquished enemies are likened to the beauty of the evening sky. The warrior's anklets, resembling the tusks of a killer boar, echo t...

Hello Listeners, The breathtaking poems of Sangam poets sang about nature, love, bravery and the life of people. The Sangam poems could be categorized into two main branches in terms of subject.  THE INTERIOR, AKAM  & THE EXTERIOR, PURAM form their two overarching themes.  Until now,  I was talking about the AGAM poems in all their magnificent splendour which actually enumerated the love and d...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem A SPRINGTIME UNREQUITED LAMENT a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature is a melancholic reflection on the arrival of spring, juxtaposing the natural world's renewal and the lover's own sense of desolation. Through vivid imagery and emotional resonance, it explores the stark contrast between the vibrant season and the lover's inner turmoil. The poem...

CHANGE IN CONNOTATION OF THE WORD RASCAL OVER THE DECADES The connotations of words in the English language can evolve over time due to shifts in culture, society, and usage. The word "rascal" is an example of a term whose connotation has changed over the years. Here comes a comprehensive discussion on how the connotation of the word rascal has evolved over the decades. Historical Mischi...

FASCINATING FACTS: DIVISION OF LABOR AND TEAMWORK  Division of Labor and Teamwork are related concepts. But they have distinct characteristics. Let me elaborate: Specialization vs. Collaboration : Division of labor involves breaking down tasks into specialized roles where individuals or groups focus on specific functions.  In contrast, teamwork emphasizes collaboration and joint efforts where indi...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem ANTELOPES' MIDDAY SERENADE is a translated version of a poem from Tamil literature. The poem eloquently portrays the enchanting arrival of the monsoon season which ushers in heavy rains that transform the forest into a stunning spectacle. The rainclouds burst forth showering the landscape with their tears and as a result, the once-dry forest is now lush and beautiful....

FASCINATING FACTS: DIVISION OF LABOR The division of labor is a concept that refers to the specialization of tasks and responsibilities within a group or society. It is a fundamental principle in economics and sociology and has far-reaching implications in various aspects of human life. Here's an elaboration on the principle of division of labor: Specialization: At its core, the division of la...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem LOVE'S POETIC JOURNEY a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature tells the story of a mother seeking a revered monk's advice about her daughter, who has eloped with a young man. The monk who met offers wisdom through poetic metaphors. He explains that, like scented sandalwood, priceless pearls and beautiful music, the daughter has found a worthy love that...

FASCINATING FACTS DIGNITY OF LABOR The concept of the dignity of labor emphasizes that all types of work, regardless of their nature or status should be respected and valued equally in society. It's a fundamental principle that highlights the importance of recognizing the worth and significance of every job whether it's manual labor, skilled professions or intellectual work. Here are some...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem LOVE'S ECHO FROM THE SEA is a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature. In this poem, the speaker, a young girl finds herself in a state of deep infatuation akin to the sea's enduring and constant nature. She reflects on the coastal landscape where seagulls like small-headed goats gather and graze creating a picturesque setting. The sea is depicted as an...

FASCINATING SPORTS - LIST OF EXTREME SPORTS WITH A SHORT NOTE Skydiving : Skydiving involves jumping from an aircraft at high altitudes and free-falling before deploying a parachute. It's the ultimate adrenaline rush, offering a brief taste of controlled flight. Rafting : Rafting also known as white-water rafting, is an exhilarating water sport where participants navigate turbulent rivers usin...

ABOUT THE POEM: The poem TWILIGHT'S SERENADE: A RURAL REVERIE, a translated version of a poem from Tamil Literature paints a serene picture of a rural evening setting, where a group of cowherds are making their way home after a day's work. These individuals are playing kondrai flutes, suggesting a sense of leisure and contentment as they guide their cattle along the path. The cattle, in tu...