DD melody | Cartoon for Unity | Underwater palace | Majestic Gaur | Aadhaar for animals
Five unique things about India to discover this week
The Sounds of Doordarshan
One classic memory for a lot of people is the signature Doordarshan tune that was aired before programs began for the day. Composed by Ustad Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan & Pandit Ravi Shankar in 1976, it still gives the goosebumps taking us back to the early days of Indian television. For those youngsters devoid of that memory, here’s a peek. Does it sound familiar? It is based on Saare Jahaan Se Accha!
Classic Animated Short for Unity
Keeping up with DD classics, Ek, Anek aur Ekta was an old animated short made in 1974. Considered to be one of the best animated Indian films made especially considering the time when it was, the film brings home a strong message on unity in diversity. More about the film here.
Underwater palace - the Jal Mahal
Built in the typical Rajput style, the Jal Mahal is an architectural marvel. Located in the middle of the Man Sagar lake in Jaipur, this is a palace whose four storeys go underwater when the lake is full while one storey remains above the surface. Given its unique location, a lot goes into conserving this unique building, including considering the biodiversity of the lake as well as the stability of the structure. Although one cannot go inside the Jal Mahal, it certainly is a sight to behold. Here’s more on this lovely edifice.
Gaur - the Majestic Indian Bison
Among the amazing creatures that roam Indian jungles is the Indian Bison or the Asian Gaur, the largest species of wild cattle in the world. (The domesticated form of the gaur is called gayal or mithun.) Extinct in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this beast is thriving in protected areas in India and a few other countries. What makes the Indian Bison so unique and imposing is its horns. In India, you might see one in Wayanad, Bandipur, Tadoba, Nagarhole, Madhumalai, and Bhadra among other sanctuaries. Catch a quick glimpse at this majestic Indian creature here.
Aadhaar card for cattle!
The ‘Information Network for Animal Productivity Health’, better known as ‘Pashu (Animal ) Aadhaar’ is a fascinating project. Developed by the National Dairy Development Board of India, this project issues Unique Identification Cards to cows and buffaloes! While the uses of the project are manifold, the first phase focuses on finding healthy animals that are likely to produce safe milk. Over 22 million cattle have received these ID cards. More on Pashu Adhaar and its developments here.