Thank you!

This is a cross-post from LinkedIn.

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On April 30, I stepped into a new phase of life after my superannuation from The Hindu.

Interestingly, The Hindu was also the first newspaper I worked with — as an intern in Thiruvananthapuram, during July and August of 1987, while pursuing my post-graduation in Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) at the University of Kerala.

After completing my BSc in Chemistry, it was a tough call: should I go for a master’s in Chemistry, which would have been the obvious next step, or take a completely different route with MCJ?

After a lot of contemplation, I chose the latter.

That was back in 1985. What tipped the scale was my deep interest in current affairs (General Knowledge was a favourite subject in school) and my growing love for news.

Three years later, I got my first job — and since then, it has been an exciting journey of learning and discovery.

Journalism gave me the opportunity to understand so many aspects of the world around me — its social fabric, historical complexities, traditional routines, cultural nuances, political compulsions, business dynamics, personal stories, and technological transformations.

I couldn’t have asked for more.

In this new phase, I know I’ll miss the newsroom. But the compensation is a slower, more relaxed pace of life — one where I hope to do many of the things I had to put off all these years.

Though I may no longer be part of a media organisation, my passion for current affairs remains as strong as ever. I’m sure the many exciting developments around the world — especially in technology, which continues to fascinate me — will keep me engaged.

Journalism, after all, is not just about events. It's also about language — the vehicle that carries the message. So I know I’ll continue to be obsessed with adjectives and adverbs, clauses and conjunctions, punctuations and prepositions!

I’m deeply grateful to the six news organisations I worked for in six cities, and to everyone I’ve had the privilege of meeting and/or working with. I’ve learned so much from them all.

Looking forward to staying connected.

Thank you once again!

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A to Z - Day 26 - Zoological parks

These are fascinating places where animals from all over the world live in specially designed enclosures. The concept of zoos dates back to the early 19th century, with the London Zoo opening in 1828 as one of the first modern examples.

What makes zoological parks truly special today is their shift from mere animal exhibitions to centres of conservation and education. Many zoos participate in breeding programmes to help endangered species survive and even reintroduce them into the wild. 

They also provide interactive learning experiences, helping visitors understand the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Plus, zoos often conduct research that improves animal welfare and conservation strategies worldwide.

Now, if you’re in Bengaluru or planning a visit, one of the most remarkable zoological parks you should check out is the Bannerghatta Biological Park.

It is a massive wildlife spot covering 731.88 hectares, packed with exciting attractions like a zoo, safari, butterfly park, and a rescue centre for animals. It's one of the biggest zoos in India.

Established in 2002, the biological park sits within the larger Bannerghatta National Park, which was founded in 1970 and declared a national park in 1974.

THE ZOO

Back in 1971, what started as a small "Picnic Corner" gradually became a full-fledged zoo, giving the people around Bengaluru a great spot to enjoy nature and wildlife.

Today, it’s home to a mix of Indian and exotic animals — 1,941 of them, across 94 species! You can see mammals, reptiles, and birds living in carefully designed enclosures. Some of the most exciting ones include Thamin deer, Hog deer, King Cobra, Crocodiles, Himalayan black bears, Panthers, and a variety of birds. 

Visitors also have access to a museum and an auditorium to learn more about these fascinating creatures. 

Right now, the zoo spans 12 hectares, but it’s growing — another 28 hectares are being added, along with eight brand-new enclosures. More space, more animals, more to explore!

The safari allows you to see animals like tigers, lions, bears, elephants, and even leopards in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats. 

Aside from the safari, the butterfly park is a colourful delight, showcasing a variety of butterflies and insects, which adds an educational and aesthetic touch to the visit. 

The park also offers nature camps for those keen on studying flora and fauna more closely, making it a fantastic spot for families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts alike!

A to Z - Day 25 - Yellow soil

We are talking about regular soil that has developed a bit of tan. The yellow tinge comes from iron oxide.

Yellow soil typically forms in more humid or wetter conditions where iron oxides become hydrated. 

This is different from the red soil that forms in relatively drier, well-drained conditions, where iron oxides remain in the oxidised form.

It's there across India, particularly in the southern and eastern bits of the Deccan Plateau, which, of course, includes parts of Karnataka.

Yellow soil often has higher silica content, which is less beneficial for plant growth, making it generally less fertile than red soil.

Its characteristics -- good drainage but low in nitrogen and organic matter -- make it suitable for crops that do not require very rich soil but benefit from good aeration and moderate moisture retention.

It has many uses. Since it possesses a good drainage system, it helps prevent waterlogging and the growth of harmful bacteria. 

They could also be used in the construction industry for manufacturing bricks and tiles due to their stability and durability. 

These soils have a low erosion potential, making them ideal for long-term crop production and sustainable agriculture.

So, though it might not be so beneficial for plant growth, it still has many uses.

(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. The theme is environment.)

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