Namaste 🙏

Namaste! As we approach Diwali, it was decided that this week’s newsletter will cover three fascinating Indian trivia: the invention of zero, the festival of lights known as Diwali, and Mumbai’s Dabawalla Food Delivery System!

Let’s start off with a powerful quote on patience by Mahatma Gandhi.

Interesting Indian Trivia

The Invention of Zero

When discussing the invention of zero some ancient civilizations come to mind, however India is at the forefront with its earliest and direct application of zero in numbers and mathematical calculations.

This is thanks to the contributions of 2 great Indian astronomer / mathematicians Aryabhata and Brahmagupta and their invention and application of zero into mathematics.

Aryabhata, an ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, composed "Aryabhatiya," in the 5th century, where he introduced a symbol to represent zero, which was a revolutionary concept in the history of mathematics.

Brahmagupta, an astronomer and mathematician in the 6th century, made a seminal contribution to the development of the number zero. In his work, he introduced rules for arithmetic operations involving zero and recognized its significance as a numeral in its own right.

Aryabhata's use of zero as a placeholder and Brahmagupta’s rules for zero in mathematical operations laid the foundation for the eventual incorporation of zero into the number system, a concept that is now fundamental in mathematics and critical to fields such as algebra and calculus.

Their combined contributions were truly a pivotal step in the evolution of mathematics!

What is Diwali all About?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and joyous festivals in India. Celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

During Diwali, homes and public places are adorned with lamps and colourful decorations. Families come together to exchange gifts, share sweets, and light traditional oil lamps called diyas. Fireworks light up the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere. It's a time for prayer, reflection, and the cleansing of one's soul.

Diwali not only marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year but also promotes unity, joy, and the renewal of life's positive aspects.

The Dabbawala Food Delivery System

A dabbawala, is a dedicated and efficient lunchbox delivery service operating in Mumbai, India. Their primary task is to collect home-cooked meals from the residences of office workers and deliver them to their workplaces at lunchtime.

These dabbawalas use a well-organized system involving bicycles and trains, with each lunchbox carefully labeled and sorted for accuracy. Known for their near-perfect delivery record, they serve a vital role in Mumbai's daily routine, ensuring that fresh, homemade meals reach their recipients reliably and on time.

The dabbawallas' commitment to precision and timeliness has made them an iconic and celebrated part of Mumbai's culture.

Test Your Knowledge!

#1 Name all Popular Ingredients Used in Indian cuisine!

#2 Word Search: Find all Major Indian Cities!

Bonus Video

Test your Indian general knowledge!