When Nature Makes a Bridge

In the recent winter holidays, I visited Shillong in Meghalaya The most fascinating thing I saw on my trip was a living root bridge! The local Khasi people call these unique bridges jing kieng jri and they are created using tree roots

Meghalaya is one of the rainiest places on Earth and the many waterfalls in the area create hundreds of streams during monsoons. The locals started building these bridges because man-made bridges would often rot and fall apart due to the heavy rains These bridges are handmade by twining together the aerial roots of the trees. As the tree ages, the roots grow stronger and fuse together so people can cross the bridge at the same time Moreover, just like no two trees can ever be identical, every living root bridge is one of a kind!

Where did the Khasis get this ingenious idea from? They believe their ancestors came down from heaven to Earth on a Living Root Ladder The jing kieng jri helps connect people and is also home to several species like birds, insects, squirrels, and other mammals So it is an ecosystem in itself and I hope too many tourists don’t destroy this living legacy But at the same time, I also wish everybody could visit Meghalaya and appreciate this marvel

Prisha Agarwal, G2

Everyone belongs

The place you live is the best Happiness is all around you

Enemy is noone

Care for everyone in the community

Heart filled with happiness

Always look for people in need

Never let anyone be alone

Give a helping hand

Encourage people who are sad

Venpa Senthamil, G2B

Celebrating Our Multitudes

Welcome 2023

Smile on every face, Food on every plate, Books in every mind, A mission to grind

Unplastify the land, ReClean the seas, Unmasked Air

Bring a Cheer

Raise a toast to what we achieved

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to G20 presidency, Neeraj’s Gold to Messi’s Dream, The world Celebrated in a string Language day galore, Sarabjeet Divas roar, ReFit and ReEducate, Get set to shine in 2023

Vihaan Agarwal, G4A