Thursday 23 February 2012

mahabharat


Traditionally, the authorship of the Mahabharata is attributed to Vyasa. There have been many attempts to unravel its historical growth and compositional layers. The oldest preserved parts of the text are not thought to be appreciably older than around 400 BCE, though the origins of the story probably fall between the 8th and 9th centuries BCE. The text probably reached its final form by the early Gupta period  (ca. fourth century CE). The title may be translated as "the great tale of the Bhārata dynasty". According to the Mahabharata itself, the tale is extended from a shorter version of 24,000 verses called simply Bhārata
The Mahabharata is the longest Sanskrit epic. Its longest version consists of over 100,000 shloka or over 200,000 individual verse lines (each shloka is a couplet), and long prose passages. About 1.8 million words in total, the Mahabharata is roughly ten times the length of the Iliad and Odyssey combined, or about four times the length of the Ramayana. W. J. Johnson has compared the importance of the Mahabharata to world civilization to that of the Bible, the works of Shakespeare, the works of Homer, Greek drama, or the Qur'an.

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Spiritual

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Swami Vivekananda, known in his pre-monastic life as Narendra Nath Datta, was born in an affluent family in Kolkata on 12 January 1863. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was a successful attorney with interests in a wide range of subjects, and his mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was endowed with deep devotion, strong character and other qualities. A precocious boy, Narendra excelled in music, gymnastics and studies. By the time he graduated from Calcutta University, he had acquired a vast knowledge of different subjects, especially Western philosophy and history. Born with a yogic temperament, he used to practise meditation even from his boyhood, and was associated with Brahmo Movement for some time.

With Sri Ramakrishna
At the threshold of youth Narendra had to pass through a period of spiritual crisis when he was assailed by doubts about the existence of God. It was at that time he first heard about
Sri Ramakrishna from one of his English professors at college. One day in November 1881, Narendra went to meet Sri Ramakrishna who was staying at the Kali Temple in Dakshineshwar. He straightaway asked the Master a question which he had put to several others but had received no satisfactory answer: “Sir, have you seen God?” Without a moment’s hesitation, Sri Ramakrishna replied: “Yes, I have. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only in a much intenser sense.”
Apart from removing doubts from the mind of Narendra, Sri Ramakrishna won him over through his pure, unselfish love. Thus began a guru-disciple relationship which is quite unique in the history of spiritual masters. Narendra now became a frequent visitor to Dakshineshwar and, under the guidance of the Master, made rapid strides on the spiritual path. At Dakshineshwar, Narendra also met several young men who were devoted to Sri Ramakrishna, and they all became close friends.

Difficult Situations
After a few years two events took place which caused Narendra considerable distress. One was the sudden death of his father in 1884. This left the family penniless, and Narendra had to bear the burden of supporting his mother, brothers and sisters. The second event was the illness of Sri Ramakrishna which was diagnosed to be cancer of the throat. In September 1885 Sri Ramakrishna was moved to a house at Shyampukur, and a few months later to a rented villa at Cossipore. In these two places the young disciples nursed the Master with devoted care. In spite of poverty at home and inability to find a job for himself, Narendra joined the group as its leader.

Ayurveda


People from numerous countries came to Indian Ayurvedic schools to learn about this world medicine and the religious scriptures it sprang from. Learned men from China, Tibet, the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Afghanistanis, Persians, and more traveled to learn the complete wisdom and bring it back to their own countries. Ayurvedic texts were translated in Arabic and under physicians such as Avicenna and Razi Sempion, both of whom quoted Indian Ayurvedic texts, established Islamic medicine. This style became popular in Europe, and helped to form the foundation of the European tradition in medicine.
In 16th Century Europe, Paracelsus, who is known as the father of modem Western medicine, practiced and propagated a system of medicine which borrowed heavily from Ayurveda.
There are two main re-organizers of Ayurveda whose works are still existing in tact today - Charak and Sushrut. The third major treatise is called the Ashtanga Hridaya, which is a concise version of the works of Charak and Sushrut. Thus the three main Ayurvedic texts that are still used today are the Charak Samhita (compilation of the oldest book Atreya Samhita), Sushrut Samhita and the Ashtangha Hridaya Samhita. These books are believed to be over 1,200 years old. It is because these texts still contain the original and complete knowledge of this Ayurvedic world medicine, that Ayurveda is known today as the only complete medical system still in existence. Other forms of medicine from various cultures, although parallel are missing parts of the original information.
 

Ayurveda


          Five thousand years ago in the magnificent Himalayas, one of the greatest sages of India, Srila Vyasadeva wrote down the Vedas for the first time,Ayurveda : “The science of Life” (Ayur means life and Veda means science). The Vedas came from an oral tradition that reached back into antiquity. Srila Vyasadev entrusted the original copies of the texts with his most erudite and enlightened disciples, who, along with other great sages, inaugurated a very long sacrificial ceremony for hundreds of years for the purification and blessings of the entire world. Remember people lived for one to two thousand years back then. During that time, they studied and discussed these ancient texts with their own disciples, who wrote commentaries, and expanded and developed these original and eternal truths without ever altering them.
        During the years after the conclusion of this sacrifice, copies of this perfect Vedic texts were placed in various temples and libraries throughout India. They were written down in the original Sanskrit language for the benefit of the general population. (Sanskrit is the father of Latin and most of the world languages).Share this:ayurveda's fundamental and applied principles got organized and enunciated. In this historical construction, Ayurveda traces its origins to the Vedas, Atharvaveda in particular, and is connected to Hindu religion. Atharvaveda (one of the four most ancient books of Indian knowledge, wisdom and culture) contains 114 hymns or formulations for the treatment of diseases. Ayurveda originated in and developed from these hymns. In this sense, ayurveda is considered by some to have divine origin. Indian medicine has a long history, and is one of the oldest organised systems of medicine. Its earliest concepts are set out in the sacred writings called the Vedas, especially in the metrical passages of the Atharvaveda , which may possibly date as far back as the 2nd millennium BC. According to a later writer, the system of medicine was received by Dhanvantari from Brahma, and Dhanvantari was deified as the god of medicine. In later times his status was gradually reduced, until he was credited with having been an earthly kingnamed Divodasa.

Historical places...

                                               TAJ MAHAL: one of the wonders of the world.

                                                            


       

Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Ironically, the very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance, also leaves visitors mesmerized and perpetually enthralled. Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. However, until you know the love story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal, the beauty of the same would not enliven in your heart and mind and instead would come up as just another beautiful building/monument. It is the love behind this outstanding monument that has given a life to this monument. Come and explore the visceral charisma that it emanates! 

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Amazing India....!

  • India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of history.
  • India invented the number system. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta.
  • When many cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilization)
  • There are 300,000 active mosques in India , more than in any other country, including the Muslim world
  • Sanskrit is the mother of all the European Languages . Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer software - a report in Forbes magzine July 1987.
  • Chess (Shataranja or AshtaPada) was invented in India.
  • India is one of the few countries in the world, which gain independence without violence.
  • India has the second largest pool of Scientist and Engineers in the World.
  • India is the largest English speaking nation in the world.
  • India is the only country other than US and Japan, to have built a super computer indeigenously.
  • India has the largest number of Post Offices in the world
  • The largest employer in the world is the Indian Railways , employing over a million people
  • India was one of the richest countries till the time of British rule in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus, attracted by India's wealth, had come looking for a sea route to India when he discovered America by mistake.
  • The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982
  • The Vishnu Temple in the city of Tirupathi built in the 10th century, is the world's largest religious pilgrimage destination. Larger than either Rome or Mecca, an average of 30,000 visitors donate $6 million (US) to the temple everyday.
  • Varanasi, also known as Benaras, was called "the Ancient City" when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C., and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today.
  • Martial Arts were first created in India, and later spread to Asia by Buddhist missionaries.
  • Yoga has its origins in India and has existed for over 5,000 years. 
  • India is the world's largest, oldest, continuous civilization.
  • India is the world's Largest democracy.
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Monday 20 February 2012

GREAT INDIAN LADIES..

RANI LAXMIBAI: WORRIER

Rani Laxmibai's courage, deeds of valour and heroic battle against the British have become the theme of many a folklore and ballad in the country. She is the immortal warrior the country has ever seen. Even as a child Laxmibai learnt horse riding and sword fighting. When both her husband Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi and her only son died in 1853 she adopted a son and made him the heir to the throne. The British Governor General Dalhousie refused to recognize her adopted son as heir to the throne and ordered annexation of Jhansi into British Raj. Rani Laxmibai refused to part with Jhansi. A fierce fight ensued. The Rani fought the British undauntedly leading her forces from the front and showed great courage and skill. She was fatally wounded in the battle and she breathed her last on 18-06-1858


        KIRAN BEDI: IPS

Kiran Bedi is an Indian Police Officer and is the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972. She was born on 9th June 1949 in Amritsar, Punjab state, India, and is one of the most celebrated and widely known Police officers who ever served the Indian Police Force. Kiran Bedi is the second of the four daughters of her parents, Prakash Lal Peshawaria and Prem Lata Peshawaria. She completed her schooling from the Sacred Heart Convent School, Amritsar, and obtained her B.A. degree (1964-68) in English from the Government College for Women, Amritsar. She then earned a Master's degree (1968-70) in Political Science from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Even while in active service in the Indian Police, She continued her educational pursuits, and obtained a Law degree (LLB) in 1988 from Delhi University, Delhi. She was also awarded a Ph.D. in 1993 in Social Sciences by the Department of Social Sciences, the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.
The topic of her thesis was 'Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence'. Kiran Bedi is also a former all-India and all-Asian tennis champion, and had won the Asian Ladies Title at the age of 22. She began her career as a Lecturer in Political Science (1970-72) at Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar, India. In the year 1972, she was selected for the Indian Police Service. She said that she has joined police because of her urge to be outstanding. Kiran Bedi has received a number of Awards, including the following; President's Gallantry Award (1979), Women of the Year Award (1980), Asia Region Award for, Drug Prevention and Control (1991), Magsaysay Award (1994) for Government Service, Mahila Shiromani Award (1995), Father Machismo Humanitarian Award (1995), Lion of the Year (1995), Joseph Beuys Award (1997), Pride of India (1999), Mother Teresa Memorial National Award for Social Justice (2005) . 
                                    SHAHNAZ HUSAIN:QUEEN OF HERBAL

Shahnaz Husain is both the pioneer and the undisputed queen of herbal care in India. Thirty-four years ago Shahnaz dreamt of pioneering the Indian herbal heritage and Ayurveda, taking them far beyond the boundaries of her country and achieving the kind of international acclaim that has surpassed her wildest dreams. Today, she heads an organization that is the largest of its kind in the world, with an integrated system of an international salon chain, supported by product ranges. Shahnaz belongs to a royal family, who originally came from Samarkhand and later held prominent positions in the royal governments of Bhopal and Hyderabad, during the pre-independence days. It is also a family of eminent legal luminaries. Shahnaz had to comply with existing traditions and entered into an arranged marriage at the tender age of 15, becoming a mother by the time she was 16. She was fortunate to have a broadminded, Oxford-educated father, Chief Justice N.U. Beg, who put her through schooling in an Irish convent and instilled in her a love of poetry and English literature. He also imbued in her the right combination of traditional values and progressive ideas and Shahnaz learnt to love and respect the rich heritage of India. It was her extraordinary personal qualities that made her determined to emerge from a sheltered and secure life and venture into a totally different world of entrepreneurship, where she had to wage a lone battle to fulfil her dreams. When Shahnaz returned to India, after training for 10 years in cosmetology and cosmetic chemistry, in some of the leading institutions in London, New York, Paris and Copenhagen, she started her own herbal salon for skin and hair care. Instead of following the existing salon treatment methods, she decided to adopt the principle of 'Natural Care and Cure' and to apply the Ayurvedic system and formulate custom-made products for skin and hair problems. Today, the Shahnaz Husain Group is engaged in the formulation and marketing of over four hundred Ayurvedic formulations for skin, hair and body care, which have not only become widely known, but have received unprecedented international acclaim. During the last three decades, the Shahnaz Husain Group has acquired a tremendous global presence, having sold at prestigious stores, like Galeries Lafayette (Paris), Harrods and Selfridges (London), the Seibu chain in Japan, Bloomingdales (New York), La Rinascente in Milan (Italy), as well as exclusive outlets and clinics worldwide. In fact, Shahnaz was the first Asian to enter Galeries Lafayette in Paris in herbal care and the first Asian to be featured in the 18-foot shop window of the store. The Group has salons and outlets in prominent locations all over the world, which have extended on a unique franchise system. With the professional infrastructure to support the demands of products and publicity, and tremendous goodwill, the Shahnaz Husain Group has also gone global with its other ventures, like the Shahnaz Husain Forever Beautiful lifestyle shops, Beauty Training Institutes, Ayurvedic Centres and Shahnaz Husain Medispas. Shahnaz became the first and only woman in 107 years to receive the World's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success magazine of the USA. The Shahnaz Husain Group has also received several international awards for Quality, including the Global Quality Management Award for Quality Excellence and Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur 2002, in London. In September 2003, Shahnaz was selected for the prestigious Global Indian "Woman of the Millenium" Award, presented by Global Indian Congress, based in California, USA.
                  
                               KALPANA CHAVLA: ASTRONAUT

 Kalpana Chawla (July 1, 1961 - February 1, 2003), was an Indian-born American astronaut and space shuttle mission specialist. She was lost aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-107 when it disintegrated during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. Chawla was born in Karnal, Punjab, now in Haryana, India. Her interest in flight was inspired by J. R. D. Tata, a pioneering Indian pilot. Chawla studied aeronautical engineering at Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh, India, in 1982 where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Thereafter she moved to the United States to obtain a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington (1984). Chawla earned a second Master of Science degree in 1986 and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1988 from the University of Colorado. Later that same year she began working for NASA Ames Research Center. Kalpana Chawla alias Ruchi married Jean-Pierre Harrison in 1982 and became a naturalized United States citizen in 1990. Chawla held a Certificated Flight Instructor rating for airplanes and gliders and Commercial Pilot licenses for single and multiengine airplanes, seaplanes and gliders. She is posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Dr. Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian born Astronaut in 1997.

Saturday 18 February 2012

Scientists



The eminent scientist who ushered India into the atomic age was Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha. He was born on 30 October 1909 in a Parsi family of Mumbai. He is called the 'Father of Indian Nuclear Science'. Dr.Bhabha was appointed the first chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, set up in 1948. It was largely due to his efforts that the nation's first Atomic research Center, now named Bhabha Atomic research Center, was established at Trombay, near Mumbai. Under his expert guidance the nation's first atomic reactor 'Apsara' was also commissioned in 1956. In 1945, he founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. Dr.Bhabha had a highly distinguished career and was an exceptionally bright student. Even as a student, he made some fundamental discoveries in electricity, magnetism, quantum theory and the cosmic rays. Dr.Bhabha as the scientist of a very high caliber, received many national and international awards and honours. In 1942, he was awarded the 'Adams' award. In 1951, Bhabha was elected the president of the Indian Science Congress. In 1955, he was elected the chairman of the U.N. sponsored International conference on the peaceful uses of the atomic energy held in Geneva. The Government of India also honoured him with 'Padma Bhushan' in 1954. The 'Homi Jehangir Bhabha Award' has been instituted by Indian National Science Academy. He passed away in 1966 in a plane crash.

 

C.V.Raman was a scientist in Physics, who won noble prize in 1930. Raman was born on 7th November,1888 at Ayyanpettai in Tamil Nadu. He had his education in Visakhapatanam and Madras. After getting top ranking in the Financial Civil Service Competitive Exam, he was appointed as Deputy Accountant General in Calcutta (Kolkutta). In 1917 he became the professor of Physics at the Calcutta University. After 15 years service at the Calcutta University, Raman shifted to Bangalore and became the Director of the Indian Institute of Science in 1933. In 1943 he founded 'Raman Research Institute', near Bangalore. His discovery of the 'Raman Effect' made a very distinctive contribution to Physics. He was knighted by the British Government in 1929. He was also conferred the highest title of 'Bharat Ratna' in 1954. The 'Raman Effect' was a demonstration of the 'Collision' effect of light bullets (photons) passing through a transparent medium, whether solid, liquid or gaseous. Raman's publications include 'Molecular Diffraction of Light', 'Mechanical Theory of Bowed Strings' and 'Diffraction of X-ray's', 'Theories of Musical Instruments' etc. Raman conducted pioneering research in musical acoustics, particularly on Tamboura, the well known Indian musical instrument.


Jagdish Chandra Bose was an Indian physicist who pioneered the investigation of radio and microwave optics. Bose was born in Mymensingh in Bengal (now in Bangladesh) on November 30, 1858. His father, Bhagawan Chandra Bose worked as a tax collector for the British East India Company. His family originally hailed from the village Rarikhal, Bikrampur, in the current day Dhaka District of Bangladesh. Having started his studies in a local school, Bose studied at the St. Xavier's School and College at Kolkata. He passed the Entrance examination (equivalent to school graduation) of Calcutta University in 1875. He received a B.A. in Science from Calcutta University in 1879. Next, Bose went to England to study at Christ's College, Cambridge. He received a B.A. from Cambridge University and a B.Sc. from the London University in 1884. After completing his studies in London, Bose return to Kolkatta and was appointed Professor at Presidency College in Kolkatta. Then he became the director of the institute he founded and remained in the post till his death on 23rd November 1937. Jagadish Chandra Bose was one of the pioneers of modern science in India.His researchwas on the properties of electro-magnetic waves.



 Srinivasa Ramanujan was a great Mathematician, who became world famous at the age of twenty six. He was born at Erode in Tamil Nadu on 22 December 1887. Ramanujan could not complete his college education because of illness. He was so interested in mathematics that he learned on his own. He found out new formulas for solving mathematical problems and wrote articles about them. Professor Hardy a scientist in the Cambridge University saw one his article and impressed by his knowledge, took Ramanujan to England. Ramanujan was considered as the master of theory of numbers. The most outstanding of his contributions was his formula for p (n), the number of 'partitions' of 'n'. It was in 1914, while he was working in Trinity College he developed the 'Number Theory' and for his valuable contribution, was elected fellow of Trinity College on 18th October 1917. He returned to India in 1919 and began Research. He passed away on 26 April 1920. Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in his honour. Indian National Science academy and many other scientific institutions in India are giving various awards in memory of this brilliant mathematician. 


   
Vikram.A.Sarabhai, was the main personality behind the launching of India's first satellite, Aryabhata in 1975. He was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in a family of industrialists. He was also responsible for the Equatorial Rocket Building Station at Thumba. Sarabhai set up the Ahmedabad Textile Industries Research Association, a laboratory for research in Physics and the Indian Institute of Management. Sarabhai was the second chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission and the Indian Space Research Organisation. Sarabhai's study of cosmic rays under the eminent scientist Dr. C.V. Raman, revealed that cosmic rays are a stream of energy particles reaching the earth from the outer space, being influenced on their way by the sun, the atmosphere and magnetism. This study helps in observing terrestrial magnetism and the atmosphere, the nature of the sun and outer space. He was conferred 'Padma Shri' in 1966 and was posthumously awarded 'Padma Vibushan' in 1972. He was also awarded 'Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize' in 1962. This great scientist could be credited with launching India into space age.


NATIONAL THINGS OF INDIA


NATIONAL BIRD OF INDIA:PEACOCK

 
       
          PEACOCK,  Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), National Bird of India, is a colourful, bird with a fan-shaped crest of feathers. It is symbol of qualities like beauty, grace, pride and mysticism.Peacock is a large and majestic bird. It has got a long and beautiful tail. Both the peacock and the hen have crest. But the crest of hen is smaller in size.The male of the species is more colourful than the female,spectacular bronze-green train of around 200 elongated feathers.These birds do not sound as beautiful as they look they have a harsh call. The significance of peacock is attached to cultures of India, Far East, Ancient Persia, Greek and Christian. In Hinduism, the image of the god of thunder, rains and war, Indra, was depicted in the form of a peacock. In south India, peacock is considered as a 'vahana' or vehilce of lord Muruga. The figure of peacock is painted in various Islamic religious buildings. In Christianity, the peacock was also known as the symbol of the 'Resurrection'.It is fully protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
                                                
                                                     NATIONAL ANIMAL OF INDIA:TIGER

   Tiger is our national animal. Its total may be upto 4 meters [13ft] and weight upto 300 kg [660pounds]. It is the family member of cats and is also known as ‘big cat’. Its body pattern is black vertical strips which overlaps on white-orange fur. They are carnivores animals. There are many kinds of tigers like white tiger, golden tabby tigers…etc. They live in territorial habitat. It will always be close to water and plenty of prey. Tigers are strong at swimming. They often bath in ponds, lakes, and rivers. Cats avoid water but, tigers like it. It is the vehicle of Durga
  
                                                   NATIONAL FLAG OF INDIA


    After independence instead of spinning wheel, ashoka chakra was replaced. The chakraOur national flag is rectangular in shape .It has 3 horizontal columns, each has 3 different colours. That is why it is called tiranga or tricolour. At top it is saffron, middle it is white and bottom it is green. Saffron stands for spirit and sacrifice. White stands for peace and truth. Green stands for growth and in centre ashoka chakra stands for peace and love. The national flag is hoisted on all important buildings on any national festival. It is a rule that we should respect our national flag and not let it down. We should be ready to give our lives for our country.

                                                  NATIONAL TREE: BANYAN TREE 


BANYAN, the National fig tree of India also known as Ficus bengalensis grow over a large area. The roots then give rise to more trunks and branches. Because of this characteristic & longevity, the Banyan tree is considered immortal & sacred and is an integral part of the myths and legends in India. Even today, the banyan tree is the focal point of village life and the village council meetings under the shade of this huge shade-giving tree.
                                         
                                                    NATIONAL GAME:HOCKEY

  
 Hockey, in which India has an impressive record with eight Olympic gold medals, is officially the national sport. The Golden Era of hockey in India was the period from 1928 - 1956 when India won 6 consecutive gold medals in the Olympics. During the Golden Era, India played 24 Olympic matches, won all 24, scored 178 goals (at an average of 7.43 goals per match) and conceded only 7 goals. The two other gold medals for India came in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
                                             
                                        NATIONAL FLOWER:LOTUS 

   
         Lotus scientifically known as Nelumbunucifera is the national flower of India. It is also a symbol of triumple,since the lotus is rooted in the mud and can survive to regerminate for thousand of years. untouched by the impurity,lotus symbolises the purity of the mind and heart.It even symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and not tO forgetenlightenment.The leaves and flowers of lotus float and have long stem that contains air spaces in them.
                                       
                                                     NATIONAL FRUIT:MANGO


  The Mango is the national fruit. It has been cultivated in India since time immemorial. There are over 100 varieties of mangos in India, in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes. Common in the tropical part of the world, mangos are savored for their sweet juice and bright colors. People in India eat mangos ripe, or prepare them green as pickles or chutneys. They are rich in vitamin A, C, and D.
                         
                                                 NATIONAL ANTHEM: JANA GANA MANA