“Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (1888-1970) was an Indian physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his discovery of the “Raman Effect” — how light changes when it passes through a transparent material. Born in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Raman showed extraordinary talent from childhood, passing his matriculation exam at just 11! He worked at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Kolkata, where he made his Nobel-winning discovery using simple, inexpensive equipment. February 28th is celebrated as National Science Day in India to honor his achievement. Raman also received the Bharat Ratna and was the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in science.”

“The “Raman Effect” — how light changes when passing through transparent material.”

“It implies that great discoveries depend on TALENT and THINKING, not expensive equipment.”

“To honor C.V. Raman’s Nobel Prize-winning discovery.”

“Every year, approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters our oceans. That is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck of plastic into the sea every single minute! This plastic breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics, which are eaten by fish and sea creatures who mistake them for food. Scientists have found microplastics in the stomachs of whales, sea turtles, and even in the fish that humans eat. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch — a floating mass of plastic debris — is now twice the size of Texas! If we do not act immediately, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight.”

“8 million tonnes per year — a garbage truck every minute!”

“Fish eat microplastics, and HUMANS eat those fish — so plastic enters our food chain.”

“More plastic than fish in the ocean. This should alarm and motivate action.”

“On 12th March 1930, Mahatma Gandhi began one of the most famous protests in history — the Salt March (Dandi March). The British had imposed a tax on salt, making it illegal for Indians to make their own salt. Gandhi considered this deeply unjust — salt was a basic necessity used by every Indian, rich or poor. He walked 385 kilometres from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat, taking 24 days. Thousands joined him along the way. On 6th April, Gandhi picked up a handful of natural salt from the shore, symbolically breaking the unjust British law. This act of peaceful defiance inspired millions and drew worldwide attention to India’s freedom struggle.”

“Because salt was used by EVERYONE — rich and poor. Taxing it affected ALL Indians, making it the perfect symbol.”

“385 kilometres in 24 days, from Sabarmati to Dandi.”

“It symbolized defiance against unjust British laws — a peaceful but powerful act that inspired millions.”

“Kathakali is a magnificent classical dance drama from Kerala that is over 400 years old. What makes Kathakali unique is its extraordinary makeup and costumes — performers spend hours having elaborate face paint applied in vivid greens, reds, and whites, each colour representing different character types. Green faces represent noble heroes, red represents evil characters, and white represents virtuous females. Performers communicate entirely through hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions, and eye movements — there are 24 basic mudras and 9 facial expressions (navarasas). Training for Kathakali begins in childhood and takes 8-10 years of rigorous practice. Performances traditionally last all night, from sunset to sunrise, and are usually based on stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.”

“Green = noble heroes, Red = evil characters, White = virtuous females.”

“Because performers must master 24 mudras, 9 expressions, AND tell stories without words — extremely complex!”

“Open answer — compare to mime (no words), opera (elaborate costumes), or Japanese Kabuki theatre.”