Public Speaking is a Skill

Public speaking is not just about standing on a stage and speaking in front of a crowd. It is a powerful tool to express our thoughts, share our ideas, and connect with people. Whether you're in school, college, or at a workplace in the future, the ability to speak confidently in public will help you stand out and succeed.

But let me be honest — public speaking is not easy for everyone. In fact, many people feel nervous or scared when they have to speak in front of others. This fear is normal. Even the greatest speakers in history faced it. The good news is that public speaking is a skill — and skills can be learned and improved.

Here are a few things our students can do to become better public speakers:

1. Practice regularly – Speak in front of a mirror or with friends.

2. Know your topic well – The more you understand what you are saying, the more confident you’ll feel.

3. Make eye contact – It builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.

4. Speak clearly and slowly – Rushing can make you hard to understand and shows nervousness.

5. Believe in yourself – Confidence is the key. Everyone makes mistakes — don’t let that stop you.

Public speaking also improves our communication skills, boosts self-confidence, and teaches us how to handle pressure.

So, dear student friends, let us take every opportunity we get — whether it's a morning assembly, a classroom presentation, or a speech competition — to practice public speaking. Let us turn our fear into strength and become the voices of the future.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

A Meaningful Beginning to Every Day

Each day holds the promise of greatness—if only we know how to begin it right. When the mind and soul align, our potential knows no bounds, and our efforts take on a purpose far deeper than routine. One of the most powerful yet gentle ways to harmonize our inner being is through morning prayer—a spiritual practice that connects us to a higher consciousness, preparing us for the challenges and blessings of the day ahead.

While this sacred tradition is commonly observed in schools, it is often forgotten in the corridors of higher education. However, Namrup College stands as a heartening exception. Here, every morning from 9:00 to 9:15 AM, a serene and unifying ritual takes place—students, teaching, and non-teaching staff assemble together in prayer. It is more than just a daily routine; it is a celebration of India’s timeless culture, its spiritual heritage, and the values that shape character and community.

This collective practice of prayer fosters a sense of belonging, discipline, and moral grounding among everyone involved. It sets the tone for a day filled with purpose, peace, and productivity. In an age where the rush of modern life often overshadows reflection and inner stillness, Namrup College shines as a beacon, showing that tradition and progress can walk hand in hand.

Such an environment not only nurtures the intellect but also the spirit—laying the foundation for truly holistic education. It is indeed commendable and inspiring, a model worthy of emulation by institutions across the nation.

Let us remember: When we begin with gratitude and grace, the rest of the day naturally aligns with goodness.

Evolution

 Definition of Evolution

• Evolution is the process by which living things change and adapt over a long period of time.
• These changes happen slowly, over many generations, and help plants and animals survive better in their environment.

Example:

• Giraffes with slightly longer necks could reach leaves on tall trees more easily. Over many generations, giraffes with longer necks survived better and had more babies, so most giraffes today have long necks.
• Another example is the peppered moth: Before factories, most moths were light-colored to blend in with trees. When pollution darkened the trees, darker moths survived better and became more common.

Origin of Life

·         Observing Stars and Universe:

o    Viewing stars is like looking into the past due to the time light takes to reach Earth.

o    Universe is vast and ancient (~20 billion years old); Earth is a tiny part of it.

·         Big Bang Theory:

o    Universe began with a massive explosion (Big Bang).

o    Expansion led to cooling; hydrogen and helium formed, later condensing into galaxies.

·         Formation of Earth:

o    Earth formed about 4.5 billion years ago in the solar system.

o    Early Earth lacked an atmosphere; surface covered by water vapor, methane, CO₂, and ammonia.

o    UV rays split water; lighter hydrogen escaped, oxygen formed water and CO₂.

o    Ozone layer developed; cooling led to rain and ocean formation.

·         Origin of Life:

o    Life appeared about 500 million years after Earth formed (~4 billion years ago).

o    Panspermia Hypothesis: Some believe life came from outer space via spores.

o    Spontaneous Generation Theory: Life from decaying matter (disproved by Louis Pasteur).

o    Pasteur’s experiments showed life only comes from pre-existing life.

·         Chemical Evolution Theory:

o    Oparin (Russia) and Haldane (England): Life arose from non-living organic molecules (e.g., RNA, proteins).

o    Early Earth conditions: High temperature, volcanic activity, reducing atmosphere (CH₄, NH₃).

·         Miller-Urey Experiment (1953):

o    S.L. Miller simulated early Earth conditions in the lab.

o    Electric discharge in a mixture of CH₄, H₂, NH₃, and water vapor at 800°C produced amino acids.

o    Other experiments produced sugars, nitrogen bases, pigments, and fats.

o    Meteorites also contain similar organic compounds.

·         First Life Forms:

o    First non-cellular life forms (giant molecules: RNA, proteins) may have appeared ~3 billion years ago.

o    First cellular life forms (single cells) appeared ~2 billion years ago, all aquatic.

·         Current Understanding:

o    Most scientists accept abiogenesis: life arose gradually from non-living molecules via chemical evolution.

o    The transition from simple molecules to complex biodiversity is a key topic for further study.

Theory of Special Creation 

• All species were created as they are today.
• Diversity of life has always remained the same and will not change.
• Earth is about 4000 years old.

Challenges to Special Creation

• 19th-century scientists questioned these ideas.
• Charles Darwin’s observations during H.M.S. Beagle voyage:
• Living forms share similarities with each other and with extinct species.
• Many life forms have gone extinct; new forms have appeared over time.

Other Contributors

• Alfred Wallace reached similar conclusions as Darwin.

Key Conclusions

• New types of organisms have appeared over time.
• All life forms share similarities and common ancestors.
• Ancestors lived during different geological periods (epochs, eras).
• Earth is billions of years old, not just thousands.

Tools and Implements in Horticultural works

The tools and equipment used in agricultural works can be divided in to two types

A. Plough Implements and

B. Other implements/equipment

The brief explanation of each implements are described below-

Plough Implements

Implements (Tools) used for preparation of Land Modern machines and tools have made growing flowers easier and more profitable. Farmers use these machines because of problems like bad weather, not enough skilled workers, and lack of time. Using machines helps finish work faster, saves money on workers, and can be used anytime. New and advanced tools make it easier to grow different crops. 

The following tools/equipments are used for ploughing of land in agricultural activities- 

1. Mouldboard Plough: 

The mouldboard plough is made from carbon steel or steel alloy. Its base is shaped like a right-angled triangle. The size of the furrow it creates depends on the size of the plough, and it can open a furrow about 20 cm wide. This plough turns over soil slices on only one

Mouldboard Plough

2. Disc plough

Disc ploughs consist of large, rotating steel discs that cut, turn, and break up soil, making them ideal for tough soil conditions. They are heavier than other plough types and leave the soil rough, but are essential for effective primary tillage in a variety of soils.

Points to be noted-

• A disc plough is an agricultural implement made up of moving, circular steel discs of varying sizes, typically ranging from 50 to 90 cm in diameter.

• The discs are mounted on bearings and specified by their diameter and thickness (for example, 26 x 3/16 inches, where 26 inches is the diameter and 3/16 inch is the thickness).

• When in operation, the rotating discs cut, turn, and break the furrow slices, effectively lifting, pulverizing, and partially inverting the soil to one side.

• Disc ploughs are particularly effective in sticky, hard, and dry soils, where other ploughs like the mouldboard plough may not work well.

• The implement is much heavier than mouldboard ploughs and tends to leave the soil surface rough and cloddy after ploughing.

• Disc ploughs can ride over stones or stumps instead of trying to uproot them, making them suitable for fields with obstacles.

• They are commonly used for primary tillage, preparing the soil for planting by breaking up and turning over the upper soil layer, and are especially useful after harvesting when the ground is hard.

• Depth of cut is usually about one-third of the disc diameter, and width of cut is about 0.4 times the disc diameter.

• The concave shape of the discs and their arrangement allow for effective soil mixing and incorporation of crop residues or organic matter into the soil.

Disc plough

Disc ploughing

3. Sub-soil single arm plough (Patashi plough):

Sub-soil single arm plough (Patashi plough)

Sub-soil single arm plough (Patashi plough)

The sub-soil single arm plough, also known as the Patashi plough, is specially designed for heavy soils. It consists of a single adjustable arm with shears at its base, which helps to break the hard pan layer found below the soil surface. By breaking this compacted layer, the plough improves drainage in waterlogged or stagnant soils. It can be inserted up to a depth of 50 cm into the soil and is ideal for creating narrow trenches that are 5 to 7 cm wide. This makes the Patashi plough an effective tool for enhancing soil aeration and water movement in heavy soils.

Points to be noted-

• The sub-soil single arm plough, also called the Patashi plough, is used mainly for heavy soils.

• It has a single adjustable arm with shears at the base.

• This plough is designed to break the hard pan (a compacted soil layer) below the soil surface.

• It helps improve drainage in soils where water tends to stagnate.

• The plough can go as deep as 50 cm into the soil.

• It is most suitable for making narrow trenches, about 5–7 cm wide.

4. Harrows

Harrows

Harrows are important agricultural implements used for preparing a finer soil surface during field preparation. Their main functions include breaking up soil clods, cutting weeds, and pulverising the soil to create a smooth and even seedbed. Harrows are available in different types based on their design and function, such as disc harrows, spike harrows, spring harrows, and blade harrows. Each type is suited for specific soil conditions and tasks, making harrows versatile tools in modern farming for effective seedbed preparation and weed control.

5. Plank

Plank

The plank is connected in the tractor

A plank is a heavy wooden log commonly used in agriculture for compacting and levelling the soil during seed bed and field preparation. It helps create a smooth and even surface, which is essential for successful sowing of seeds. After seeds are sown, planks are also used to cover them properly with soil, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Additionally, planks are employed to level the soil surface after ploughing, promoting uniformity and better crop growth conditions.

Points to be noted-

• A plank is a heavy wooden log used in agriculture.

• Its main purpose is compacting and levelling the soil during seed bed and field preparation.

• Planks are used after sowing seeds to cover them properly with soil.

• They are also used to level the soil surface after ploughing.

• Using a plank helps ensure an even seed bed and better seed germination.

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6. Cultivator

Cultivator

Cultivator is fitted in the tractor

A cultivator is an agricultural tool used to stir and loosen the soil, which helps in breaking up soil clods and destroying weeds. It is mainly used for intermediary ploughing and harrowing between crops to keep the soil in good condition. By using a cultivator, farmers can maintain a good tilth, ensure adequate aeration for plant roots, and reduce water run-off and evaporation losses from the soil. Cultivators come in different types, such as shovel, disc, and blade types, and there are also tine and spike cultivators specifically designed to prepare the soil for planting.

Points to be noted-

• A cultivator is a tool used to stir and loosen the soil.

• It breaks up soil clods and destroys weeds.

• Cultivators are used for intermediary ploughing and harrowing between crops.

• They help maintain good tilth (soil condition), provide adequate aeration, and reduce water run-off and evaporation losses.

• There are different types of cultivators: shovel, disc, and blade types.

• Tine and spike cultivators are also used to prepare the soil for planting.

B. OTHER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Different tools and equipment, like spades, secateurs, trowels, and spray pumps, are needed for horticultural work. These are divided into hand tools and power equipment. Hand tools are cheaper, useful in small spaces, and can be used for many tasks. Using the right tools helps make farm work easier, faster, and more efficient.

Bill Hook

Bill Hook

A bill hook is a gardening tool with a curved, hook-shaped steel blade and a wooden or plastic handle. It can have one or two sharp edges. The bill hook is mainly used for cutting thick branches and for removing old or dead branches from trees.

Budding-cum-grafting knife

Budding-cum-grafting knife

A budding-cum-grafting knife is a special tool with two foldable blades in one handle—one blade for budding and one for grafting. Both blades are made of strong steel. The working blade is about 6.5–7.5

cm long and 1.5 cm wide. 

Slashing and pruning knives

 

Slashing and pruning knives

Slashing and pruning knives are used to cut and remove unwanted small branches or twigs from plants and trees. The knife has a strong, curved steel blade and a handle made of good wood or plastic. The curved blade helps cut branches easily by pulling the knife.

Secateurs

Secateurs

Secateurs are small cutting tools used for trimming branches, removing shoots and buds, cutting scion sticks, taking leaves off sticks, and trimming small trees. They are also helpful for cutting thin branches about the size of a pencil and making plant cuttings for growing new plants.