India National Flag

India’s Path to Freedom: A Journey of Courage and Unity

How India Got Its Independence

A long time ago, India was not free like it is today. It was ruled by the British, who came from a faraway country called England. The British controlled many things in India, and the Indian people wanted to be free to make their own decisions.

The Beginning of the Struggle

The journey to independence started when the people of India began to feel that they should be the ones to rule their own country. They wanted freedom, just like how you want to make your own choices sometimes. Many brave men and women started to speak up against the British rule. They wanted to show that India should be an independent country.

The Role of Mahatma Gandhi

One of the most important leaders of the independence movement was Mahatma Gandhi. He believed in something very special called “non-violence.” This means that he wanted to fight for freedom without hurting anyone. Instead of using weapons, Gandhi used peaceful ways to protest. He and his followers would march, refuse to buy British goods, and go on hunger strikes to show how serious they were about gaining independence.

One famous event led by Gandhi was the Salt March in 1930. The British had made a law that said only they could make salt, and they made people pay a lot of money for it. Gandhi and many others walked over 240 miles to the sea to make their own salt, breaking this unfair law. This peaceful protest showed the world how unfair the British laws were.

Other Brave Leaders

There were many other leaders who helped India gain its independence. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose all played important roles. Some leaders believed in peaceful protests like Gandhi, while others thought that they needed to fight back more strongly. But they all had one goal: to make India free.

The Struggle Ends

After many years of protests, marches, and difficult times, the British finally realized that the Indian people would not give up. They decided to leave India. On August 15, 1947, India became an independent country! The Indian people were very happy because now they could make their own decisions and govern themselves.

What Independence Means

Independence means that India could now have its own government, make its own laws, and choose its own leaders. The first Prime Minister of independent India was Jawaharlal Nehru, who had worked closely with Gandhi.

Why We Celebrate Independence Day

Every year on August 15th, India celebrates Independence Day. It’s a day to remember all the brave people who helped India become free. People fly kites, attend parades, and wave the Indian flag to show their love for their country.

Summary

India’s journey to independence was a long and difficult one, filled with many challenges. But with brave leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and the support of millions of people, India finally became free on August 15, 1947. Today, Independence Day is a time to celebrate freedom and remember the people who made it possible.

Fun Fact

Did you know that India shares its Independence Day with South Korea? Both countries celebrate their freedom on August 15th!

How to Be a Supportive Friend and a Loving Parent: Celebrating the Best of Both Worlds

Being a parent is a huge responsibility, but it’s possible to be both a guiding authority and a supportive friend. The key lies in balancing discipline with connection. Here’s how a mother can achieve this, and how it differs from a traditional parenting approach.

The Parenting Approach

Traditional parenting often focuses on authority. This means setting rules, enforcing discipline, and guiding behavior. For example, a mother insists on a strict bedtime to make sure her child gets enough rest. She might also say, “You need to finish your homework before you can watch TV.”

While these actions are essential for a child’s development, they can sometimes create distance. The child might view the mother primarily as an enforcer of rules rather than someone who understands their feelings and needs.

The Friend Approach

Being a friend as a mother involves more than just enjoying fun activities together. It’s about creating an open, trusting relationship where the child feels valued and understood. Here’s how this can be done effectively:

  1. Active Listening: Instead of just directing, engage in conversations where you actively listen to your child’s thoughts and feelings. For instance, if your child is worried about a school project, listen to their concerns before offering advice or solutions. This shows empathy and respect for their feelings.
  2. Shared Interests: Find common interests and spend time enjoying them together. If both of you love baking, set aside time to cook together. This builds a bond and makes the child feel special and understood.
  3. Open Communication: Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. If your child comes to you with a problem, avoid immediately jumping to solutions or reprimands. Instead, offer support and let them express themselves fully.

Examples

Imagine a child comes home upset because they didn’t make the soccer team. A traditional approach might involve comforting them but also stressing the importance of hard work and perseverance. A friend-like approach would involve more than just comfort; it would include empathizing with their disappointment, discussing their feelings openly, and perhaps even exploring new interests together.

Or consider a situation where a mother and her child disagree about curfew times. Rather than just imposing a rule, a friend-like approach might involve having a calm discussion where the mother explains her concerns and listens to her child’s perspective. This collaborative approach can lead to mutual understanding and respect.

Conclusion

Being a mother who balances authority with friendship doesn’t mean abandoning rules or responsibilities. Instead, it’s about fostering a supportive relationship where the child feels heard and valued. This balance can lead to a stronger, more trusting relationship, making both parenting and friendship rewarding.

Gourmet Baklava – Sarth City Mall – Hyderabad

Was delighted to see Baklava in Sarath City Capital Mall, Hyderabad. So just tried the three options recommended by the shop keeper.

Mamul Math 1 piece – INR 190

Baklava Special 1 Piece – INR 167

Blueberry Kunafa Small – INR 366

Not really sure how did he do pricing calculation because the most delicious one was either mamul math or Baklava Special You can refer to the images ( will be uploaded soon)

Ingredients of Baklava

  1. Phyllo dough – thin sheets of dough made from flour and water
  2. Nuts – typically chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds
  3. Butter or oil – for brushing the phyllo dough layers
  4. Sugar or honey – for sweetening the pastry and making the syrup
  5. Water – for making the syrup
  6. Lemon juice – for balancing the sweetness of the syrup (optional)
  7. Spices – such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves, for flavoring the nut filling (optional)

Some recipes may also include additional ingredients like rose water, orange blossom water, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the pastry.

History of Baklava the Sweet Dessert

Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

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The history of baklava is somewhat disputed, as it is believed to have originated in the Middle East or Mediterranean region, but its exact origins are not clear. Some sources suggest that the dessert was first created in the Assyrian Empire around the 8th century BC, while others attribute its creation to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.

Regardless of its origins, baklava quickly became a popular dessert throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, and it has been enjoyed by people in these regions for centuries. The dessert is often associated with special occasions and celebrations and is traditionally served during religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Easter.

As trade routes opened up between the Middle East and Europe, baklava also spread to other parts of the world, and today it is enjoyed in many countries across the globe. Its popularity can be attributed to its delicious taste and unique texture, which combines crispy layers of phyllo dough with a sweet, nutty filling.

Sankranti ellu from Amazon

Sankranti Ellu Bella

In Karnataka its a custom to eat Ellu Bella which means Sesame Seeds and Jaggery ( a type of sugar) during sankranti festival. We also prepare it and share with all friends and family. It takes time to prepare at home. But here amazon was at rescue this time. Its easily available in stores in Karnataka during the season but as I am in Hyderabad I was missing the ellu bella. But Amazon was at rescue. Delighted to find Ellu Bella on amazon. You can also order it and taste it. Its all good for the winter weather. So grab it before Summer starts.

Sankranti Rangoli

Kuser Mansion Christmas tours at Kuser Mansion

 

Kuser farms have been hosting christmas tours since many years. This picture is from our visit in 2019. Here is some latest events happening at Kuser mansion.

Kuser Farm Mansion will be open for tours starting Saturday, March 18, 2023, through Saturday, October 21, 202, from 11 am to 3 pm. The last walkthrough tour will start at 2:15 pm. We will be open every Saturday and Sunday with the exception of April 9th for Easter. Please call 609-890-3630 for information.

Get to know more by visiting their website and join the latest tour at Kuser Mansion

Mysore Dasara as seen from our Camera

Mysore Simhasana made with flowers in Flower show during Dasara
Mysore Simhasana made with flowers in Flower show during Dasara

Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace as seen from Chamundi Hills

Phala Pushpa Pradarshana
Phala Pushpa Pradarshana – Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables show

Karanji Kere
Karanji Kere – The fountain Lake, very near to Mysore zoo.

White Peacock in Karanji Kere
White Peacock in Karanji Kere

Mysore Zoo
Rhinoceros in Mysore zoo

Dasara Procession Mysore Palace (4)

Holi

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