Deep dive into the terms and concepts mentioned in Chapter 3

BHU stands for the Banaras Hindu University, a collegiate, central, and research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was founded in 1916 as the first university in India by people’s efforts. On the land provided by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga, and Prabhu Narayan Singh and Aditya Narayan Singh of Narayan dynasty, Madan Mohan Malaviya collected donations from people across India to construct the campus that spread over over 1,300 acres. With over 30,000 students, and 18,000 residing on campus, BHU is the largest residential university in Asia. BHU maintains six institutes: The Indian Institute of Technology Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), The Institute of Science, The Institute of Agricultural Sciences, The Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS-BHU), The Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development (IESD), and The Institute of Management Studies. (https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Home/1_2_16_Main-Site).

Indrajaal refers to a type of magic or illusion, often associated with Indian mythology and folklore.  Interpreted as “Indra’s web,” symbolizing the intricate and often illusory nature of reality. As the ruler of heaven, Indra is associated with rain, thunderstorms, and kingship. The concept of Indrajaal showcases his powers in celestial battles and his ability to create illusions to confuse or defeat adversaries. Indrajaal also represents the deceptive nature of the world, where appearances can be misleading. It highlights the pragmatic wisdom of navigating through life’s complexities.

Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet. These devices can include everyday objects like home appliances, vehicles, wearables, and industrial machinery. The primary goal of IoT is to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and create smarter environments by automating processes and enabling remote monitoring and control. Key components of IoT include: smart devices, connectivity, data processing, and user interface. (https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/iot/).

Jatayu is a character from Hindu mythology. He is depicted as a demigod in the form of a vulture. When Ravana abducts Sita and takes her to Lanka, Jatayu witnesses this act and tries to intervene. Despite his age and physical limitations, he fights valiantly against Ravana in an attempt to save Sita. Although Jatayu fights courageously, Ravana overpowers him. Injured, Jatayu falls to the ground. Before dying, he informs Rama of Sita’s abduction, providing critical information that aids Rama in his quest to rescue her. Thus  Jatayu represents noble qualities such as sacrifice, loyalty, and righteousness. His story emphasizes the importance of standing up against evil and protecting the vulnerable.

Gaganyaan Mission is human spaceflight program of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to send Indian astronauts into space.  The mission aims to send a crew of 2 to 3 astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for about 5 to 7 days. Key components of the Gaganyaan Mission include developemnt of Crew Module and Launch Vehicle. Crew Module is designed to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere safely and includes life support systems and safety features to ensure the crew’s well-being during the flight. The GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III) is upgraded to carry human passengers safely to space. Aspiring astronauts are undergoing rigorous training, including physical fitness, technical knowledge, and survival training, preparing them for the challenges of space travel. It is expected to be launched in 2026. (https://www.isro.gov.in/Gaganyaan.html)

Garuda is a prominent figure in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, often depicted as a large celestial bird or as the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Vishnu. Garuda symbolizes speed, power, and the ability to overcome great challenges. Garuda is considered the king of birds and is known for his immense strength and bravery. He is born of the sage Kashyapa and the bird-woman Vinata. When Vinata had an egg that held Garuda, she was impatient and opened it prematurely, leading to the birth of Arun, who was born half-formed and became the charioteer of the sun. Arun is typically depicted as having a human form but is characterized by his ashen complexion, symbolizing his connection to the sun and the horizon. He represents the dawn and is often associated with the early morning light. Garuda born after full maturation of egg, plays a crucial role in various Hindu tales, particularly in his quest to rescue his mother, who was imprisoned by his brother, the naga (serpent) god, Vasuki. In Hindu scriptures, the Garuda Purana is a significant text that discusses various aspects of life and spiritual teachings, reported to be narrated by Garuda to Lord Vishnu. (https://www.veducation.world/library/shastras/puranas/garuda-purana).

NASA is acronym for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Established in 1958, it is an independent agency of the US federal government responsible for the United States’ civil space program, aeronautics research and space research. Apollo 8 was the first crewed spacecraft to leave low Earth orbit and the first human spaceflight to reach the Moon. The crew orbited the Moon ten times in December 1968, and then traveled safely back to Earth. A total of twelve astronauts have landed on the Moon in six NASA missions starting 20 July 1969and ending on 14 December 1972. In 2023, NASA established the Moon to Mars Program office. The office is designed to oversee the various projects, mission architectures and associated timelines relevant to lunar and Mars exploration and science. (https://www.nasa.gov).

Sampati is a character from Hindu mythology. Sampati and Jatayu are the sons of Arun, the brother of Garuda. They represent loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice. The two brothers, when they were young, flying together. They flew too high and came close to the Sun. To protect Jatayu, Sampati spread his wings and shielded him, resulting in Sampati’s wings getting burned. While Jatayu attempts to rescue Sita from Ravana, Sampati has a different, yet equally important, narrative in the epic. After Jatayu’s attempt to rescue Sita, which ended in defeat, Sampati provides valuable information to Rama about Sita’s whereabouts in Lanka. (https://dharmawiki.org/index.php/Sampati_(सम्पातिः)

TED Talk  is a recorded public-speaking presentation that was originally given at the main TED (technology, entertainment and design) annual event or one of its many satellite events around the world. TED Conferences bring together a group of industry leaders and impactful people for unique, multi-day experiences dedicated to TED’s global mission of sharing meaningful new ideas. TEDx events are locally organized by passionate volunteers who obtain a license from TED to create an event tailored to their community. (https://www.ted.com)

Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is location where the first Jyotirlinga, an ancient axis mundi symbol representing the supremely formless reality at the core of creation, out of which the form of Shiva appeared. The original Vishwanath temple was destroyed by by Muhammad of Ghor in 1194. It was rebuilt by Hindu kings in Mughal Emperors Akhbar and Jahangir’s reign but in 1669, Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place. In 1780, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, built the present temple adjacent to the mosque. In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 1 tonne of gold for plating the temple’s dome. In 1841, Raghuji Bhonsle III of Nagpur donated silver to the temple. In December 2021 a corridor connecting Mandir with Ganga was inaugurated removing some encroachments, while some still remain.  (https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org)