The Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 has recently been awarded to Priya A S for her captivating novel Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal. The novel, written in the Malayalam language, takes readers on a journey through the 2018 Kerala floods, demonstrating the resilience and unity of children from diverse backgrounds amidst the calamity.
Understanding the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar
As a prestigious literary award recognising outstanding children’s literature in India, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar is presented by the illustrious Sahitya Akademi. Recipients are selected for their superior contributions to the field of children’s literature. The award comes along with a cash prize and a plaque to encourage authors to continue fostering literature that is tailored for children.
Chola-Era Idols Recovered in Remarkable Operation
Recently, the Idol Wing CID of the Tamil Nadu Police made remarkable strides in recovering 16 antique idols that had been stolen or misplaced from Chola-era temples. Thanks to help from U.S. authorities, these idols were found in various museums and art galleries across the United States. Predominantly consisting of exquisite Chola-era bronzes, these idols are now set to return to their home temples in Tamil Nadu.
A Glimpse into the Magnificence of the Chola Dynasty
The Cholas, known for their long-standing rule over southern India from the 9th to the 13th century, have left an indelible mark on the region’s history and culture. Their rulers expanded their territories significantly, leaving their legacy through splendid art and architecture. Temples such as Brihadeshwara and Rajarajeshwara displayed the grandeur of Dravidian temple architecture.
World Drug Day: United Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The United Nations General Assembly in 1987 established the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, marked on the 26th of June each year. The campaign for 2023 revolves around the theme “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”. The purpose is to generate awareness about the importance of treating people who take drugs with dignity, offering voluntary services, exploring alternatives to punishment, and leading with compassion.
GEMCOVAC-OM: India’s Answer to the Omicron Variant
India’s first indigenously developed mRNA vaccine targeting the Omicron variant of Covid-19, GEMCOVAC-OM, priced at ₹2,292 per dose, offers a ray of hope. Developed by Gennova, the vaccine can be stored within a 2-8 degree Celsius range, making it suitable for storage in regular refrigerators. GEMCOVAC-OM activates the immune system to produce antibodies that ward off an infection. The key advantage of this vaccine is that it can be administered through the needle-free PharmaJet system, giving it directly into the skin. Despite their fragility, mRNA vaccines are known for their swift adaptability to emerging variants and have a wide scope of use across multiple diseases.
