I Did Not Know, Lotus Blossoms Looked So Beautiful!

I did not know Lotus Blossoms looked so beautiful until I saw them at the Sultanpur National Park, and then I saw them again in the photographs I had taken of them! There is more to nature than just birds and animals, though,  perhaps they all matter to the viewer. On the first day that the National Park opened after a hiatus of four months, the first thing that struck my eyes was a pond with a 'flock' of pink lotus blossoms, tall and proud, waiting to be acknowledged.

Lotus blossoms are a complete ecosystem. They support a large number of insects, thereby playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. Lotus stems and seeds are also consumed by people. Lotus seeds are widely consumed as a nutritious ingredient and for their curative properties in various  Asian cuisines. The photograph pasted below is of a seed pod with seeds nestled inside.

The Sultanpur National Park is a prime example of a conflict between wildlife and cattle fighting for space. Unfortunately, bovine animals and dogs are creating havoc in the National Park. The Sultanpur National Park is full of cattle, some of which might be aggressive, as one of the bulls tried to attack my brother. I hope the authorities ensure that the visitors are protected from attacks from some of the rogue bulls that wander in the park. A National Park should ensure that the safety of wildlife is not affected by the presence of domestic cattle!

The National Park is an amazing repository of some of the wild animals rarely seen. The Asian Golden Jackals can be spotted, though they are often so elusive in nature.

The human-wildlife conflict is a serious issue in all of the National Parks in India.  The fact of the matter is that spaces for wildlife are at a premium as developmental activities take precedence over considerations of real estate opportunities. I am sharing a couple of photographs showing how the Asian Antelopes have become accustomed to the presence of workers in the park. I tried to photograph an example of the human-wildlife conflict in the National Park.

The Three Day Convention at the Church of the Epiphany Focused on Spiritual Revival

The three-day Annual Convention that took place at the Church of the Epiphany from the 26th to the 28th of September 2025 focused on Spiritual Revival. The Speaker on the occasion was Rev. Dr. Shivraj K. Mahendra. The Convention was organised by the Pastorate Committee and Convention Team, who led the praise and worship part.

It was a joy to see packed pews and benches, and the organisers had to place additional chairs to accommodate the faithful.

Rev. Dr. Shivraj talked at length about the message of the Cross. He spoke of the significance of the Cross as a symbol and metaphor for renewal and inspiration. He stated that a love for the world, then the love of the Father, is not with them. He went on to develop the idea that the history of the Church is a history of movements. Rev. Shivraj spoke repeatedly about how permanent happiness is linked or wedded to holiness.

In his analysis of the symbol of the Cross, Rev. Shivaraj spoke at length about unravelling the meaning of the Cross. According to him, the Cross is made up of the following:

C: stands for Curse. In relative terms, the C talks about how the Cross helps us rise above the curse of negativity, poverty, and the baggage that society imposes on us. Those who don't hearken to the Cross are cursed; however, because of Christ, we are redeemed.

R: stands for rejection. However, those who are led by the Spirit of the Lord will be able to overcome rejection. Cross helps drive acceptance in a world that is driven by rejection.

O: stands for obstacles. The Cross transforms rejections into Opportunity. The power of the Cross lies in its ability to turn obstacles into opportunities.

S: stands for shame. The Cross can transform shame into esteem. You will receive power to drive shame into confidence.

S: stands for suffering. The Cross can transform suffering into salvation.

For such is the power of this humble symbol that it can transform lives and drive revival in a society that is so hungry for revival, inspiration, and affirmations, in a society that is burdened by negativity, stress, competition, and so bereft of hope! Rev. Shivraj talked about how society is creating people who are wrongdoers, rather than those who have been redeemed.