Dear Students,

Do you know there is a lake which changes colours? Interested to know? I will tell you but before that the events from the 8th of July, and then, we’ll visit a truly magical place – a lake that wears three different colours!

🗿 8th July, 292 – A Glimpse into the Mayan World

Some of you may have watched the movie “2012 – The End of the World.” It was inspired by the Mayan Long Count calendar, which ended on 21st December 2012. Many thought the world would end – but guess what? It didn’t! The Mayans never predicted the end of the world.

Here is an event from the Mayan civilization. The earliest known date in Mayan inscriptions is from 8th July, 292 CE – over 1700 years ago. This date may represent the coronation of a Mayan king named Siyaj Chan K’awiil I, found on Stela 29 in Tikal. Far from the end, it was a new beginning for a ruler!

🚢 8th July, 1497 – Vasco da Gama Sets Sail

On 8th July, 1497, the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama began his first sea voyage to India. He became the first European to reach India by sea, changing the course of world trade and exploration.

Imagine sailing into the unknown without GPS, without modern maps — just stars, sea, and courage! That’s what true adventure looks like.

💉 8th July, 1800 – The First Step Towards Defeating Smallpox

All of us have heard about Covid-19, but long before that, there was another dangerous disease: smallpox. It existed for over 3000 years and caused great suffering.

On 8th July, 1800, American doctor Benjamin Waterhouse gave the first cowpox vaccination to his own son to protect him from smallpox. This brave step led to the development of vaccines and eventually, in 1980, smallpox was declared eradicated from the world!

🌋 The Mystery of Lake Kelimutu – Nature’s Three-Coloured Wonder

Now, let’s travel far away from history and into the magical world of nature! In the heart of Flores Island, Indonesia, lies the Kelimutu Volcano. At its summit are three crater lakes, each glowing in a different colour – and the colours keep changing!

These lakes shift from blue, green, and red to even black, white, and chocolate brown. Scientists say this happens because of volcanic gases and minerals, but locals believe there’s more to it.

According to local legends, each lake is a resting place for departed souls:

• Tiwu Ata Mbupu – for the elderly,
• Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai – for young people, and
• Tiwu Ata Polo – for those who did wrong in life.

It’s not just a natural wonder — it’s also a mystical tale of life, death, and colours.

🌟 What Do We Learn from These Stories?

• History is full of explorers, kings, doctors, and important lessons.
• Medicine and science have saved millions of lives — thanks to brave thinkers.
• Nature is magical and mysterious — like Lake Kelimutu’s colour-changing lakes!
• And YOU are the explorers of tomorrow, discovering stories, solving mysteries, and creating your own path.

So keep your eyes open, your heart curious, and your imagination wide — the world is full of adventures just waiting for you!