INTACHTHE HERITAGE CLUB NEWSLETTER

VOL. 10 No. 2INDIAN NATIONAL TRUST FOR ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Flower Fusion 1Flowering Myths 2Fascinating Flowers 3Flowers - Our Heritage 4Our Floral Bouquet! 5Endangered Flowers 6State Flowers 7Flower Power 8Activities 4 U 9, 10Heritage News, Subscription Form 11

Prize Winners, What’s Next? 12

CONTENTS

There is perhaps no sight more beautiful than that of blooming fl owers. Valleys, mountains, plains, gardens —fl owers grow just about anywhere. Wherever they are, colours and fragrance abound, bees and butterfl ies fl utter and joy and beauty takes over. There is no occasion that does not require them. What better way to greet anyone than with a bunch of fl owers. Adorning God and humans alike, place them anywhere—anytime they spread only happiness.

Let us discover more about these wonderful creations of nature.

Flowers do not just epitomise natural beauty, they add a certain calm and ethereal quality to all occasions. No worship is complete without an off ering of fl owers and no wedding takes place without some fl owers around. Flowers are also used in making perfumes or ittar and natural colours or dyes.

Flowers are also associated with Gods and Goddesses. In fact, in Hindu mythology each God is associated with a particular fl ower. A fl ower of a specifi c colour is off ered

to a deity. Goddess Kali is always off ered a red fl ower and only a white fl ower is made as an off ering to Lord Shiva. In ways more than one, fl owers are an integral part of our lives.

Our country has a unique climatic system and topography resulting in a profusion of fl ower species ranging from temperate

varieties to tropical and even equatorial fl owers. The deserts

also have some unique fl owers which are ‘born to blush unseen’!

Hi Green Friends,

Radiant colours, magical fragrance and as fresh as dew, that is fl owers

for you.

Valley of flowers Valley of Flowers located in the state of Uttarakhand in western

Himalayas is home to several species of fl owers. The valley is known for

its wide range of fl owers, apart from a huge variety of fauna. In 1982, the Valley of Flowers was declared to be a national park and it is a UNESCO

world heritage site too.

OUR NATIONAL FLOWER

Our national fl ower, the lotus is an amazing fl ower. It is a symbol of wisdom, divinity, purity and

enlightenment. One is advised to live like a lotus in this world – without

any attachment with the world as a lotus lives in the dirt and water.Anushka Prabhu, Std. 7, Mushtifund

Middle School, Panaji, Goa

In Hindu mythology flowers hold a great importance

They are used on various occasionsA part of many celebrations

Nothing is possible without themThey are as precious as a gem

Although a flower lives only for a day it makes everyone happy & gay

- Mriga, Std. 8, DAV Public School, Sec 14, Gurgaon

APRIL - JUNE 2013

Illustration by: Samriddhi Sarkar, Navy Children School, New Delhi

FLOWER FUSION

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Ancient Indian culture and literature is full of references of various fl owers. Most of these fl owers have names that are not

in common use now. There are several stories and folklore attached to fl owers. Each one interesting and as colourful as the

fl owers themselves!

PASSIONATE PARIJATAThere are some interesting stories associated with the

fl owers of the Parijata tree also called the Harshringar. According to mythology, Parijata is a heavenly

tree that was brought to the earth by Lord Krishna. However, his two wives, Satyabhama and Rukmini,

fought over it as Krishna had planted the tree in Satyabhama's courtyard in such a way that when the tree fl owered, the fl owers fell in Rukmini's courtyard. It is also said that the heavenly throne of

Lord Vishnu is also placed under a fl owering Parijata tree, and Hanuman lived under its shade.

According to one of the myths, there used to be princess Parijathka. Once her sight caught the gleaming sun and she fell in love with him, but her love was never reciprocated. Parijathka was distressed and committed suicide, her leftover ash sprouted into the Parijata plant, also it is said that it blooms in the night and withers in the dawn since she can’t bear to show her face to the Sun.

Gaurav Pati, Std. 6 Amity International School, Sec –VII, Pushp Vihar,

Delhi

THE CURSE OF THE KETAKI FLOWERAccording to a Puranic legend, once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were arguing over who is more powerful. To resolve the argument, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a pillar of light and asked whoever would fi nd the edge of the pillar would be declared the more powerful. In search of the end of the pillar, Lord Vishnu fl oated towards the base but was unable to fi nd it. Lord Brahma fl oated upwards but on the way came across a Ketaki fl ower who told him that she was returning from the top edge of the pillar. Also unable to fi nd the edge of the pillar, Lord Brahma took the fl ower to trick Lord Shiva into thinking that he had found the pillar’s upper end. Since the Ketaki had taken part in Lord Brahma’s lie, Lord Shiva cursed the Ketaki that it would never be used to worship him and even today, it is forbidden to worship Lord Shiva with Ketaki fl owers.

fl owers othe myth

trtHS

fought ovtree in Saa way thfl owers also said

DIVINE OFFERINGIn Hinduism each deity has a specifi c fl ower with a specifi c colour associated with him or her e.g while Shiva is off ered white fl owers, Kali is always adorned with bright red fl owers. Kadamb, Champak and Champa are ideal to attract the grace of Parvati. Red fl owers are off ered to Goddess Durga like the hibiscus. In a church too, fresh fl owers are placed adding to the calm and serene atmosphere. In a durgah an off ering of a chaddar of fl owers is made.

FLOWER SYMBOLS IN CHRISTIANITYThe Passion fl ower represents Christ’s crucifi cation and each part of the fl ower represents one aspect of the crucifi cation.The association of the lily fl ower with the Virgin Mary dates to early Christianity. According to an apparent legend, her tomb was fi lled with lilies after her assumption into heaven. Tanmay Sharma, Std. 8, Suncity World School, Gurgaon

DID YOU KNOWThe word ‘puja‛ is derived from the word ‘pushpam‛

and ‘japa‛. Prabhat Khirwar, Std. 10, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, New Delhi

FLOWERING MYTHS

THE MARIGOLD STORYThe story of the origin of Marigold or ‘Gaenda’ as it is called in Hindi can be traced back to the legend of Gondmuli, the God of Gonds. Gondmuli, however, was killed in a fi erce battle with another god. As his wife wept, she dropped her hairpin and the fi rst marigold came into existence.

Ananya Rajagopalan, Std. 9, Navy Children School, New

Delhi

My Flower StoryAsk your elders, read, research and discover the myth of your favourite fl ower.

Illustration by: Aniket R Singh,

Std. 7, Sherwood Convent School,

Gurgaon

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UNIQUE FLOWERS

Himalayan Musk RoseThis single-fl owered wild rose grows on low bushes and vines in the northern hills of India between 4,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation. The fl ower of this plant is really fragrant and has 5 petals.

VatsanabhaThe bluish purple fl owers of the Vatsanabha herb are helmet–like, and have a short, sharp beak. It grows in the high alpine areas of the Himalayas between 10,000 and 16,000 feet.

Brahma KamalThe Brahma Kamal or the Queen of the Night is a rare fl ower that grows in the Himalayas. The fl ower blooms only once in a couple of years. The myth attached to the blooming of this fl ower is that whosoever sees this fl ower blooming will have his or her wish granted.

Flame of the ForestCommonly known as the Dhak or Palash, the bright fl ame-like fl owers inspired Tagore in his compositions and he likened them to fi re! In spring the bright fl owers blooming on this tree are a lovely sight.

ORNATE ORCHIDS The state of Sikkim is famous for its beautiful orchids. Nearly 876 species belonging to 151 genera of this fl ower can be found. The geographical as well as the climatic conditions of Sikkim are very conducive to the growth of this beautiful fl ower. Nobile, Vanda, Boat, the Lady’s Slipper, are some unique orchids.

THE UNKNOWN WILDFLOWERWildfl owers in cities grow in hidden corners, besides the road, in unkept small gardens etc. They spring it seems from the undergrowth. One such early bloomer is the Hawkbit, with its little yellow fl owers. Another is the Bindweed with its tendrils clinging to even barbed wire fences. During the rains the startling blue fl owers of the Commelina or the Asiatic Day fl ower seem to add colour. But they bloom only for a day!

TERRIFIC TULIPS The valley of Kashmir is known for its beauty. What enhances this beauty are the huge variety of fl owers that can be seen across the valley. Roses, tulips, pansies, you name any fl ower and you’ll fi nd it there. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden situated at the foothills of Zabarwan hills in Cheshmashahi, Srinagar has the largest tulip garden of Asia.

ADDING HUE TO HAIRBeautifying one’s hair using fl owers is a tradition followed by women across India and more so in the southern states where the hair is adorned with the fragrant fl owers. Given below are the names of some of these fl owers in Hindi and Sanskrit. Write the local name of the fl ower.

Hindi Sanskrit Local Name

Jasmine Mogra MallikaGolden Champa

Son Champa Champaka

Damask Rose Gulab ShatapatraIndian Jasmine Juhi YuthikaFrangipani Champa Hempushpa

DID YOU KNOWThe world‛s tallest fl ower is the Titian Arum as it rises

to 3mts. Like the large Raffl esia it grows in the

rainforests of Sumatra. It is also known as the "corpse

fl ower". Find out why?S. Kokilavani, Std. 7, Sri

Seshaas International Public School, Salem

FASCINATING FLOWERSFlowers bloom in all seasons, particularly during spring. They come in amazing shapes, sizes and hues.

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VOL. 10 No. 2

Flowers have found their way from tables to not only our medicines, perfumes and dyes

but also our food. Let’s explore the versatility of these beautiful creations of nature.

FLOWERS AND ARCHITECTUREFlowers, trees, plants and animals have all been an intrinsic part of Indian architecture. They have adorned  temples,  monasteries, palaces, tombs and other general structures too. Stupas and temples have used fl owers as symbols that carry a lot of meaning in them. One of these signifi cant symbols used is that of the Padma - or the lotus symbol which epitomised the prime symbol of creation. Then there is also the Purnakalasa—or the—overfl owing fl ower pot a symbol of creativity and prosperity. In Islamic architecture usage of the fl ower Lotus was quite dominant including the fi nials of domes, minarets and gates like the Ala’i- Darwaja in Qutub Minar complex, Delhi. The fl oral patterns were engraved in white marble, with rows of fl owering plants exquisitely carved in low relief, e.g. the Taj Mahal.The art of fl owers in architecture has been practiced since centuries. This form of art is known as ‘pietra dura’ or ‘parchin kari’ as called in South Asia. The surviving example of this art is the Taj Mahal in Agra. Sharanpreet Singh, Std. 7, Delhi Public School, Sec 45, Gurgaon

WHAT IS A HISTORIC GARDEN?A historic garden is a garden that is of interest to the public from the historical point of view. These gardens were built by monarchs to serve as a place for joy and contemplation. Of the many types, Mughal gardens and the Rajput gardens are particularly impressive like the Nishat garden of Kashmir. 

PRESIDENT'S PARADISEThe Mughal Garden is a beautiful part of the residence of the President of India.Built by Sir Edwin Lutyens,these gardens are a combination of Mughal and British architecture.It is home to as many as 250 species of roses amongst many other fl owers which delight the viewer.

FLORAL FOODThe Giliri fl owers in the Keonjhar district of Odisha are used for many delicacies by the tribals of that area. The fl ower is sometimes simply fried and sometimes with batter. It is also used in the curries. In Jharkhand some fl owers are sold as an alternative source of vegetables. In Bengali and Kashmiri cuisine too, the pumpkin fl ower is used for making ‘pakoras.’ Commonly known as kesar in Hindi, kong in Kashmiri and zafran in Urdu, saff ron is one of the most exquisite spice used in Indian cuisine that is derived from a fl ower. Saff ron is the dry stamen of the crocus fl ower.

FLOWERS & FESTIVALSFlowers have important place in festivals also. We must not forget the festival Onam, where fl owers look pretty well in rangolis. Basant Panchami, the festival of spring season, is entirely about yellow things, especially yellow and orange fl owers.Kartikay Parashar, Std. 8, Gwalior Glory High School, Gwalior

Phool Walon Ki Sair  is a yearly celebration by the fl orists of Delhi. Literally it means a ‘procession of the fl orists’ and is a three-day festival, generally held in the month of September, in the Mehrauli region of Delhi.

AWESOME ATTARAttar is the Arabic word for ittar or a natural perfume. Derived from fl owers and natural sources these oils are extracted using hydro or steam distillation. Ittar is highly concentrated and therefore only small quantities of it are sold. Jasmine is a popular fl ower used to make hair oil. It is also said that Hibiscus hair oil darkens hair and makes it lustrous.

FLORAL DESIGNRangolis and torans can also be made from fl owers, and are an integral part of any festivity in India. Make a rangoli pattern or a toran design below.

FLOWERS-OUR HERITAGE

Illustration by: T. Sahana, Std. 7, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai

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Illustrations: Top: Smita Singh, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur Background: Stuti Agarwal, Std. 9, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur

It is an old belief when someone wants to give respect or bless anybody a fl ower bouquet is given to him as a gift. Harsh Lariya, Std. 9, Delhi Public School,

Mandla Road, Jabalpur

Brahma Kamal also known as the King of Himalayan fl owers, blooms only at night and dies by the morning. Botanists have identifi ed 31 varieties of Brahma Kamal in the Himalayan range.

Zainab Zubair, Std. 7,White hall Public School,

Kakrawa, Rampur

The Indian Laburnum or the Amaltas is a handsome ornamental tree with yellow

fl owers in long drooping terminal clusters. In India, the fl owers have ritual importance in the Vishnu festival of Kerala.

Ajeet Gupta, Delhi Public School, Mandla

Road, Jabalpur

Kurinji is a bell shaped blue color fl ower, mainly grown in hilly areas like

Kodaikanal, Ooty. The rarest feature of this fl ower is that it blossoms once in 12 years.

Pulkit Jain, Std. 9, Gwalior Glory High School, Gwalior

Each fl ower has a symbolic meaning, rose symbolises love, orchids - thoughtfulness, lilies - beauty, white carnation - good luck, anthurium - hospitality and gladioli - strength and integrity.Ananya, Std. 6, Delhi Public School, Sec 45,

Gurgaon

In many societies certain fl owers have a symbolic meaning. White blossoms represent both purity and death. Red symbolises passion, energy and blood. Yellow symbolise gold or the sun. Sweta.R.Bhosle, Std. 7, G.S Amonkar Vidya Mandir,

Mapusa, Goa

Specifi c fl owers such as china roses and water lilies have symbolic signifi cance in mythology. The glowing complexion of the orange-skinned Hanuman is also compared to water roses. The dark complexion of Krishna is compared to that of Neelkamal or water lily.Atimanyu, Std. 8, Navy Children School, New Delhi

Kachnar has three varieties –red, white and mauve depending upon the colour of its fl ower. The white fl owers of Kachnar are used for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.Anjali Rani, Std. 4, Little One’s Public School, New Delhi

From birth to naming ceremonies, fl owers have a big role in everybody’s life. Even in mythology, fl owers play a big role. In the epic Mahabharata, Bhima goes looking for the Soughandhika fl owers for Draupadi. Shreya M Hegde, Std. 9, GHS Hadinbal, Honavar, Karnataka

According to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, all souls originate from the lotus.C. Aashritha, Std. 9, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's PS, Jubilee

Hills, Hyderabad

The Parijata or the Shiuli fl owers are believed to have emerged from ‘sagar manthan’ and was planted in Indra’s garden Nandan Van to enhance the beauty of his garden. Ana Saran, Std. 10, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's PS,

Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

In Egyptian mythology, the lotus is associated and is believed to have given birth to the sun. Elakshi Garg, Std. 8, Delhi Public School, Ambala

Bakul is a very small, yellowish fl ower used for garlands and other ornaments. Krishna would play his fl ute in Vrindavan on the banks of Yamuna under the Bakul tree.Shahryar Khan, Std. 8, DAV Public School, Bhubaneswar

Legend says, the Indian Laburnum or ‘Kanikonna,’ the offi cial fl ower of Kerala represents a golden chain gifted by Lord Krishna to a young boy for his supreme devotion to God.M.S. Mahesh Krishnan,Std. 6, Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Lord Vishnu is worshipped with Tulsi Manjari. It is also a medicinal plant kept in the yards of all Hindus. Dhatura, Milkreed pearls and Amranth are used to worship Lord Shiva.Rachita Mishra, Std. 8, D.A.V. Public School, Rajabagicha, Cuttack

FLOWER SYMBOLISM

. Illustration by: Rahul Kumar, Std. 6, VVDAV Public School, Delhi

Illustration by: Harjeet, Std 8, Army Public

School, Ambala Cantt.

OUR FLORAL BOUQUET

You might thinkA bunch of fl owers

Are not special in any wayBut to me fl owers are beauty

The fl owers are my helpThey might just sit there

But they speak a million words. R.Priya Dharshini,

Std. 8, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam

Matriculation Higher Sec School, Chennai

We thank our young readers for their amazing entries.

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VOL. 10 No. 2

Woodrow’s Crinum LilyA critically endangered plant, the Woodrow’s Crinum Lily was thought to be extinct but it was recently rediscovered after 100 years in 2004. Caterpillars pose a great threat to the survival of this plant since they feed on the reproductive parts of the Lily.

Yakla Snow LotusThe Yakla Snow Lotus is a rare stemless fl ower that is named after the Yakla Pass in Sikkim. It has a wooly purple fl owerhead which helps in the thermoregulation of the plant: it prevents damage from frostbite at night and ultraviolet rays during the day.

Advaita Kapoor, Std. 7, Delhi Public School, Sec 45, Gurgaon

Siroi LilyThe Siroi Lily was recently discovered in 1946 and is the state fl ower of Manipur. There is a legend that says that the lily will not thrive anywhere else except on the Siroi Hill of Manipur.

Magenta Ghost FlowerA parasite native to South India, the Magenta Ghost Flower plant does not have any leaves and lacks chlorophyll. Therefore, it feeds on the nutrients it derives from other plants.

Leafy StrobilanthesThe Leafy Stobilanthes are rare, pale violet and blue fl owers found in North East India. The fl ower, leaves and stems are covered in thin, white hairs.

The Lost Orchid The Lost Orchid, which gets its name from the loss of information about its original habitat, is an extremely endangered fl ow-er. It belongs to a group of orchids known as the ‘Lady’s Slipper’.

ENDANGERED FLOWERSSome fl owers in India are endangered. This means if we don’t act now and preserve them,

we might not see them bloom ever again.

DID YOU KNOWThe name Nilgiri is derived from the gregarious fl owering of the Neela -

kurinji fl ower. It has a sweet fragrance and blooms once in 12 years.

B.Senthamizh, Std. 8, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Puducherry

Woodrow’s

Crinum Lily

Yakla Snow Lotus

Siroi Lily

Magenta Ghost

Flower

Leafy

Strobilanthes

DISTRIBUTION OF SOME ENDANGERED FLOWERS

Illustration by: Sahun, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania

Education Centre, Kanpur

Illustration by: Srajat, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania

Education Centre, Kanpur

Illustration by: Anu P., Std. 9, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr.

Sec. School, Chennai

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Siroi Lily is the state fl ower of Manipur. It is found only in the upper Siroi hill ranges in Ukhrul district. The fl ower is light pinkish in colour. It’s beauty lies in its bell-shaped petals in bowing position like a modest girl. This fl ower cannot be planted anywhere else except the Siroi hill.

G. Gomati Manognya, Std. 9, Bharatiya Vidya

Bhavan's PS, Jubliee Hills, Hyderabad

Rhododendron is the state fl ower of Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The fl owers are violet-purple in colour, often with small greenish-yellow spots. They are sweet-smelling and a symbol of peace due to which they are part of diff erent mythologies all around the globe.

Riya Bazaz, Std. 9, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's PS,

Jubliee Hills, Hyderabad

Brahma Kamal is the state fl ower of Uttara-khand. It is considered to be auspicious if you see it blooming. This fl ower is a member of the sunfl ower family. Some schools of thought believe that Lord Brahma was born from the navel of Lord Vishnu, while others say that he was born from the huge white lotus that we call the Brahma Kamal.

Shubhi Dixit, Std. 9, Pine Hall School, Rajpur Road, Dehra Dun

Kandhal is the state fl ower of Tamil Nadu. In rural areas of Tamil Nadu it is known as the Karthigai Poo. It is light greenish yellow at the bottom and turns red as it goes towards the edges. We have observed that the fl ower does not wither and remains fresh for one week on the plant. However, the fl ower’s stem and leaves can cause irritation and skin allergy.

Rohida is the state fl ower of Rajasthan. Found in the Thar desert region of India and Pakistan. The common name of this tree is honey tree and these fl owers are relished by the camels, goats and sheep.

Dimple Bansibar, Std.8, All Saints Sr. Sec. School, Ajmer, Rajasthan

Shefali is the night-fl owering Jasmine and is West Bengal’s state fl ower. It looks like a small tree. Known as the ‘tree of sorrow’ since the fl owers lose their brightness during daytime. According to Hindu mythology, it is related to Kalpvriksha.Also known as the Parijat, it is believed to have appeared during the churning of the ‘milky ocean’.Roddsi Sarkar, Std. 8, Salt Lake School, Salt Lake, Kolkata

Marigold is the state fl ower of Gujarat. This fl ower symbolises friendship and hence are known as friendship fl owers.Shah Shubham Hiteshbhai, Std. 7, Bhavans Shri

AK Doshi Vidyalaya, Jamnagar

Kanikonna is Kerala’s state fl ower. The Malayalam term for the Golden Shower tree. The tree blooms mostly during April –May when the people of Kerala celebrate ‘Vishu’. These yellow fl owers are used to set up the ‘vishukani’ an arrangement of auspicious articles which is intended to welcome new year. Kerala shares its state fl ower with Thailand.Ananya Mohan, Std. 8, Army Public School, Ambala

Cantt.

Water Lily is the state fl ower of Andhra Pradesh. There are about 70 varieties of water lilies around the world. The hardy water lilies bloom only during the day but the tropical ones can bloom day and night. This fl ower symbolises the grief caused due to separation.S. Yamini Sriya, Std. 7, Subha Niketan School,

Kakinada

Orchids are state fl owers of many North Eastern states as the climatic conditions are suitable for the growth of orchids. However, a diff erent type of orchid represents each state: Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh are represented by the Lady’s Slipper, Sikkim by the Nobile Orchid, Mizoram by the Red Vanda and Assam by the Foxtail Orchids.

What is the state fl ower of:1. Bihar _________________________________2. Jharkhand _____________________________3. Maharashtra ____________________________4. Tripura ________________________________Which states do not as yet have state fl owers?1. ______________________________________2. ______________________________________3. ______________________________________4. ______________________________________

Mark the state fl owers on the map.

STATE FLOWERS

Did you knowBesides being the national fl ower, the Lotus is also the

state fl ower of Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir,Orissa and Haryana.

Illustration by: Shubhi, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre,

Kanpur

Illustration by: Shubhi, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre,

Kanpur

Background Illustration by: Harsh Mishra, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur

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VOL. 10 No. 2

Lotus is burned in a powdered form as ceremonial incense in Buddhist temple.

Abhigya Chaudhry, Std. 10, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Ambala Cantt,

Kanakambaram or the fi recracker fl ower is not used so much for pooja as for decoration during temple festivals. This fl ower is available in orange and yellow colours. Kanakam means gold. It is widely used for making garlands along with jasmine.

Patel Hemangi Shaileshbhai, Std. 9, Bhavans Shri

AK Doshi Vidyalaya, Jamnagar

Ladies from South India in particular usually wear beautiful fl owers called gajra in their hair. This is used to create a perfect look for the bride. The gajras comprises of small fl owers like jasmine and is bound by a thread.

Yash J Upadhyay, Std. 9, Bhavans Shri AK Doshi

Vidyalaya, Jamnagar

Estimates indicate that in India more than 6,000 species of fl owers are used for various health care requirements by over 4,638 human communities. Our country has an extraordinary diversity of medicinal fl owers.

A. Aparajitha, Std. 9, Akshara School, Kakinada

Even though many colours of roses are available, the original roses are the best ones medicinally. Rose water is good for both the skin as well as the eyes. Gulkund made from rose cures ulcers of the stomach. The powder of dried rose petals acts as an excellent laxative.

B.Pawan Kumar,Std. 7, CMS Seven Wells, Chennai

Calendula is most eff ective when mixed with other substances to create a cream. It is used to heal burns, cuts and wounds. Chrysanthemum-Drinking tea using this fl ower brings marked relief in fever, headache and common cold.

Aaisha Ehsan, Std. 6, The Pinnacle School, Panchsheel, New Delhi

Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its ‘itr’ fl owers. Truck loads of this fl ower is brought from here. Rose water, Kewra water are prepared from these fl owers only.

Nisha Rawat, Std. 9, Sherwood Convent School, Gurgaon

Avicenna, a disciple of Aristotle, used colour and fl owers to treat disease, as early as 1000 AD. He started prescribing red fl owers to cure blood disorders and yellow fl owers to cure liver disorders. The use of fl owers in Ayurveda is even older. This 5000- year- old traditional medicinal system uses fl owers and their extracts to treat many diseases.

Ayan Dayal , Std. 9, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New Delhi

The fragrance of Rose was used in ancient times in the treatment of psychological problems as it was regarded as an anti-depressant. It helps to calm the mind and induce relaxation. It also tones the vascular system and has a soothing eff ect. Due to this, it has been widely used in the treatment of skin around the eyes.

Palak Vasudeva, Std. 6, VVDAV Public School, New

Delhi

Marigold fl owers when planted around a residential house can protect from mosquitoes. Gulkand made from rose reduce the heat in our stomach and intestines. Fine powder made from dried Champa fl owers can relieve itching. Sunfl ower is rich in vitamin A and D and popularly used to make

edible oil.

Aayush Sabharwal, Std. 6, Suncity World School,

Gurgaon

Flowers have potent healing properties. Many varieties of fl owers are used to extract essential oils. Rose removes toxins from the body and promotes blood circulation.

Lavender is an extremely versatile ingredient. It is said to have a tonic and sedative action in cases of nervous tension, palpitations and even hysteria.

Orange fl ower is benefi cial for dry skin and broke capillaries.

Shrinivas Pattar, Std. 7, KLE School, Dharwad

Flowers are the universally popular motif for embroidery, whether for small decorative embellishments for personal use on clothes and household linen or for large embroidered fl ower pictures.

Aditi Pareek, Aanshi Sanghani, Mukta Shah, Std. 5, Rachana School,

Shahibaug, Ahmedabad

FLOWER POWERFLOWER POWER

Illustration by: Rhea Tyagi, Navy Children School, Delhi

Background Illustration by: Shreya Seth, Std. 9, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur

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ACTIVITIES 4 U

FUN WITH FLOWERS Flowers, whether fresh or dry, add beauty to any space or thing that they become a part of. Let‛s try and use some dry fl owers and make some lovely writing paper and cards.

Here is how that can be done:

Step 1: Collect some fallen fl owers and a few delicate leaves, preferably thin leaves. These would be easier to press and dry.

Step 2: Press each bloom separately in a thick book folded between tissue paper so that the book does not get stained. Drying them will take about a week.

Step3: Once dry, remove the fl owers carefully and paste them on paper, using a thin layer of glue, and lo! your card, envelopes, writing paper will look exciting. Use them or gift them to a friend!

FLOWER FEEL FINDCollect diff erent fl owers from the school garden. Blindfold a student and let them feel one fl ower for 10 seconds (less or more according to the age group). Then ask them to go, touch and point out the same fl ower in the school garden.

FLOWERING NOTESGo around a garden in your vicinity and look at all the fl owers. Find out more about which fl ower blooms in which season. You could make a little scrapbook using this information.

Every fl ower is a soul blossoming in nature.

Pranjali Pandya, Std. 10, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's PS, Jubilee

Hills, Hyderabad

Illustration by: D. Kavi Bharathi, Std. 9, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec.

School, Chennai

Illustration by: Divya Singh, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur

Illustration by: Tanvi Mittal, Std. 10, Convent of Jesus & Mary, Ambala Cantt.

Illustration by: Gurmender Seth, Std. 7, Convent of Jesus & Mary, Ambala Cantt.

Illustration by: R. Nithya, Std. 10, SRMMSS, Ambattur,

Chennai

Illustration by: S Parameshwari Std. 10, SRMMSS, Ambattur,

Chennai

Illustration by: Jind, Std. 7, Delhi Public School, Gurgaon

Illustration by: Divya Saini, Std. 10, Convent of Jesus & Mary, Ambala Cantt.

Embroider Embroider Sand paint

Press fl owers

Press fl owers

Fold cloth

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VOL. 10 No. 2

ACTIVITIES 4 UGUESS THE FLOWER, TEST YOUR POWER !Each fl ower petal has a simple clue. Read it and guess the name of the fl ower.

A fragrant white fl ower, readily foundAs adornment for hair, it is abound.

Also called the Queen of the Night,Blooms few hours before the morning light.

Out of the mud it blooms Its beauty lingers and looms.

Pink, yellow, white and redwith the thorns, beauty is bred.

Applied as oil or worn behind the ear This scarlet beauty stands out whether far or near.

One of India’s loveliest summer fl owering treesBright yellow it is home to birds, butterfl ies and bees.

Associated with the cowherd GodIts honey-coloured fl owers loved by the Lord.

Also called The Joy Perfume Tree fl owerThese golden blossoms are a fragrant power.

MAKE NATURAL COLOURSTo make natural, non-toxic colours, what better than fl owers .Use them for Holi or for a rangoli! Or smear it on your friends, without a care, just to have FUN! Here are some fl owers that can be used for colour. Try it out and enjoy.

Red-One can soak red Hibiscus fl owers overnight in water or dry the fl owers and powder them to make red Gulal.

Yellow-The petals of the Babool, Amaltas and Marigold can be dried and then crushed to obtain a fi ne yellow powder. You can either mix the powder with besan or use it independently as a natural colour.

Blue-The Jacaranda, blue Hibiscus and Neeli Gulmohar blossoms can be dried and ground to obtain a blue powder.

Pink-You can soak the pink variety of Kachnar overnight or simply boil the fl owers to get a pink coloured liquid.

Orange-For an orange colour, soak the Flame of the Forest blossoms overnight to get an orange coloured liquid. To make it in powder form, you can dry the fl owers and crush them.

Jind, Delhi Public School, Sector 45, Gurgaon

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F-Friends

L-Loving

O-Optimistic

W-Wonderful

E-Effective

R-Radiant

Palak Aggarwal, Std. 6, Mukund Lal Public School, Yamunanagar

Write a story to bring out the web of life with the following

lotus bee frog snake eagle ManThe sun rose in the sky. As the lotus opened its petals to greet the sun, the busy bee hummed with delight and decided to stop by and take a sip of ___________________

WEB OF LIFE STORYGo

____

_ C

h___

J____

____

e

Br____ ____al

L ________

R ________

_____bis_________

Am________s

Ka ________ba

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Name this place of worship ?

Which religion is it associated with ?

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BEST HERITAGE CLUB

1. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

FIRST RUNNER UP

1. Govt. Higher Secondary School, Peruvallur, Malappuram2. Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Matric. Higher Secondary School,

Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai3. Hansraj Model School, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi4. Delhi Public School, Sector 45,GurgaonSECOND RUNNER UP

1. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Periyakalapet, Puducherry2. Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar, Chennai3. Akshara School, Kakinada4. Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New Delhi5. G.D. Salwan Public School, New Delhi

SPECIAL MENTION

1. Modern High School For Girls, Kolkata2. My School Satya Surabhi, Kodaikanal3. GKD Matriculation Hr.Sec. School, Coimbatore4. Delhi Public School, Mandla Road, Jabalpur5. Ryan International School, Sector 40, Gurgaon6. VVDAV, Vikaspuri, New Delhi7. Taheri English High School, Jamnagar8. Delhi Public School, Visakhapatnam9. The Pinnacle School, New Delhi10. Gwalior Glory High School, GwaliorNEW ACHIEVERS

1. Global Indian International School, Surat2. Apeejay School, Park Street, Kolkata3. Suncity World School, Gurgaon

Famous gardens to visit in India:

• Mughal Gardens, Delhi• Botanical Gardens, Kolkata• Cubbon Park, Bangalore• Hanging Gardens, Mumbai• Nishat Bagh, Srinagar• Orchid Sanctuary, Gangtok• Vrindavan Gardens, near MysorePressed Flower Card Activity by HECS at Navyug

School, Peshwa Road, DelhiMaking of ikebana fl ower bouquets by Heritage

Club, S.D. Model School, Jagadhri, Haryana

WINNERS OF HERITAGE CLUB AWARD 2012

HERITAGE NEWS

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VOL. 10 No. 2

Hindi Translation

INTACH Gwalior Chapter

Acknowledgement

Komal Chamling

References

1. Trees of Delhi : Pradip Krishen

2. Flowering Trees : Rupinder Khullar

3. An Introduction to the Healing Plants of India : Naveen Patnaik

4. Flowers & Their Messages : The Mother, Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry

WHAT'S NEXT?PRIZE WINNERS

Do you have any ideas, comments or suggestions to make Young INTACH more interesting? We welcome any thoughts on what themes you would like us to select for the upcoming issues of Young INTACH.

Please write to:

Purnima Datt

Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS)Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)71, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003Tel: (011) 24641304, 24645482, Fax: (011) 24611290Email: intachhecs@gmail.com, Website: www.youngintach.org

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July-September 2013Metal Mastery

Metal crafts are known to us for almost 5000 years. From bronze sculptures to tribal metal fi gurines to the everyday objects India has it all. Write to us in about 100 words on any one of the following:• Any one metal craft of your state, its process

of manufacture, its history, myths and legends.

• My favourite family metal heirloom.• My favourite everyday traditional metal object and its use.

You may accompany your metal craft or object with your sketch, painting, illustration or personally clicked photograph.

Last date for entries: May 15, 2013

October-December 2013Miracle Medicines

Indians believe that the knowledge of medicinal plants is older than history itself. It is one of our most valuable intangible heritage of India. In about 100 words you could write on any one of the following:

• the system of medicine practiced in your region and its history.• famous personalities associated with them.• any local plant of your region and its medicinal properties.• any interesting nature cure and how it is made in your home or

your school.

You could also send us your sketch,photograph or painting of your medicinal plant.

Last date of entries: August 15, 2013

INTACH was established in 1984 and has dedicated all its eff orts to the conservation and preservation of India’s vast natural and cultural heritage. The primary objectives of INTACH, as stated in its Memorandum of

Association is to create and stimulate awareness among the public for the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage of India and respect and knowledge of past experience and skills.To know more about INTACH, visit: www.intach.orgRecognizing the importance of heritage education, INTACH set up the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) in 1998. Since then HECS has initiated several diff erent types of training programmes for diff erent target groups: the public, professional groups, city and local authorities, our INTACH chapters, school and college teachers and students. The aim of these programmes is to make citizens aware of their role in the conservation and preservation of our natural, cultural and living heritage. To know more about HECS projects and publications, visit: www.youngintach.org We are grateful to the Ministry of Culture for sponsoring Young

INTACH, a quarterly heritage newsletter for and by children that has

about 75,000 readers and the number keeps on going higher with

each issue.

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Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Samriddhi Sarkar, Ananya Rajagopalan, Std. 9, Atimanyu, Std. 8, Rhea Tyagi, Navy Children School, New DelhiMriga, Std. 8, DAV Public School, Sec 14, GurgaonPrabhat Khirwar,Std. 10, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, New DelhiAniket R Singh, Std. 7, Sherwood Convent School, GurgaonGaurav Pati, Std. 6 Amity International School, Sec –VII, Pushp Vihar, Delhi S. Kokilavani, Std. 7, Sri Seshaas International Public School, SalemSharanpreet Singh, Std. 7, Ananya, Std. 6, Jind, Std. 7, Advaita Kapoor, Std. 7, Delhi Public School, Sec 45, GurgaonKartikay Parashar, Std. 8, Pulkit Jain, Std. 9, Gwalior Glory High School, GwaliorT. Sahana, Std. 7, D. Kavi Bharathi, Std. 9, R. Priya Dharshini, Std. 8, Anu P., Std. 9,Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec. School, ChennaiHarjeet, Std 8, Ananya Mohan, Std. 8, Army Public School, Ambala Cantt.Harsh Lariya, Std. 9, Ajeet Gupta, Delhi Public School, Mandla Road, JabalpurZainab Zubair, Std. 7, White hall Public School, Kakrawa, RampurSweta R. Bhosle, Std. 7, G.S Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Mapusa, GoaAnjali Rani, 4th, Little One’s Public School, New DelhiShreya M Hegde, Std. 9, GHS Hadinbal, Honavar, KarnatakaC. Aashritha, Std. 9, Ana Saran, Std. 10, G. Gomati Manognya, Std. 9, Riya Bazaz, Std. 9, Pranjali Pandya, Std. 10, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s PS, Jubilee Hills, HyderabadElakshi Garg,Std. 8, Delhi Public School, Ambala. Shahryar Khan, Std. 8, DAV Public School, BhubaneswarM.S. Mahesh Krishnan,Std. 6, Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri, New DelhiRachita Mishra,Std. 8, D.A.V. Public School, Rajabagicha, CuttackB.Senthamizh, Std. 8, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, PuducherryShubhi Dixit, Std. 9, Pine Hall School, Rajpur Road, Dehra Dun Dimple Bansibar, Std.8, All Saints Sr. Sec. School, Ajmer, Rajasthan Roddsi Sarkar, Std. 8, Salt Lake School, Salt Lake, KolkataHarsh Mishra, Std. 7, Shreya Seth, Std. 9, Sahun, Std. 7, Srajat, Std. 7, Shubhi, Std. 7, Smita Singh, Std. 7, Stuti Agarwal, Std. 9, Divya Singh, Std. 7, Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, KanpurShah Shubham Hiteshbhai, Std. 7, Patel Hemangi Shaileshbhai, Std. 9, Yash J Upadhyay, Std. 9, Bhavans Shri AK Doshi Vidyalaya, JamnagarS. Yamini Sriya, Std. 7, Subha Niketan School, KakinadaAbhigya Chaudhry, Std. 10, Gurmender Seth, Std. 7, Tanvi Mittal, Std. 10, Divya Saini, Std. 10, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Ambala Cantt, A. Aparajitha, Std. 9, Akshara School, KakinadaB. Pawan Kumar, Std. 7, CMS Seven Wells, ChennaiAaisha Ehsan, Std. 6, The Pinnacle School, Panchsheel, New Delhi Nisha Rawat, Std. 9, Sherwood Convent School, GurgaonAyan Dayal , Std. 9 , Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New DelhiPalak Vasudeva, Std. 6, Rahul Kumar, Std. 6, VVDAV Public School, New DelhiAayush Sabharwal, Std. 6, Tanmay Sharma, Std. 8, Suncity World School, GurgaonShrinivas Pattar, Std. 7, KLE School, DharwadAditi Pareek, Aanshi Sanghani, Mukta Shah, Std. 5, Rachana School, Shahibaug, AhmedabadR. Nithya, Std. 10, S Parameshwari, Std. 10, SRMMSS, Ambattur, ChennaiPalak Aggarwal, Std. 6, Mukund Lal Public School, YamunanagarAnushka Prabhu, Std. 7, Mushtifund Middle School, Panaji, Goa

Guess the Flower Answers: 1. Jasmine 2. Brahma Kamal 3. Lotus 4. Rose 5. Hibiscus 6. Indian Laburnum 7. Kadamba 8. Golden Champa

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