Kidacity- Learn. Take Action: Recent Episodes
Samarth Chitta
Welcome to Kidacity where kids learn and take action together. We all love travelling and exploring new places. In this podcast, I will take you to a new country/place in every episode. We will together discover the geography, history, culture and cuisine of that place. But, most importantly, I will also talk about a challenge that children in that country/city face. After all, we are global citizens and we should be aware of how children in other parts of the world are living.
I will also be speaking with some inspiring children and adults from time to time. All of the research, scripting and recording is done by me and I'm learning how to edit as well.
A little bit about me: I'm an 11 year old from Bengaluru, India and a student of Grade 5 in The International School Bengaluru. I love building structures with Jenga blocks, learning about planes, writing, my dog Yuki's nose and most of all, Japan. I research a lot about these topics and share what I learn with my family and friends.My parents encouraged me to write and I have published 2 books so far. The Talking Walking Tree and Konnichiwa Izumi: Adventures in 2040. Both of them are available on Amazon and at leading bookstores in India.
I will be grateful if you encourage me by listening to my podcast, reading my books and sharing your feedback with me.
You can write to me at samarth.chitta@gmail.com . or follow me on Instagram/Twitter @samarthchitta
Unlock the wonders of the Indus Valley Civilization—the world’s most advanced ancient culture—right here! Travel back 5,000 years and discover the jaw-dropping achievements of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro: grid-planned cities, complex drainage, thriving trade, and unsolved mysteries that still baffle historians today.
From mind-blowing inventions to the big question—why did this civilization disappear?—this episode has it all. Dive in for history, mystery, and epic ancient tech!
Timestamps for easy navigation:
00:00 – Introduction & Topic Reveal
00:27 – Where Was the Indus Valley?
01:08 – Cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro & More
01:55 – Advanced Urban Planning
02:36 – Drainage Systems & Technology
03:15 – Daily Life & Trade
04:05 – Archaeological Discoveries
04:44 – Mysterious Decline Theories
05:32 – Influence on Later Civilizations
06:16 – Fun Facts & Surprising Details
07:09 – Conclusion & Takeaways
Like, comment your favorite fact, and subscribe for new discoveries every week!
IndusValleyCivilization #Harappa #MohenjoDaro #AncientIndia #HistoryExplained #UnsolvedMysteries
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
In this episode of unscrolled weekly, we dive deep into the fascinating mysteries of the human mind and body—from experiencing déjà vu and the placebo effect to the enigma of dreams, contagious yawning, gut feelings, the Bermuda Triangle, and near-death experiences. Discover the latest scientific theories, intriguing stories, and why these everyday mysteries continue to baffle scientists. Perfect for curious minds who want to understand the unexplained! Don’t forget to subscribe and unscroll with us every week.
Detailed Timestamps
Time Segment
0:00 Introduction and Welcome to Curiosity
0:07 What is déjà vu? Host's personal déjà vu experience
0:45 Scientific theories on déjà vu
1:30 The placebo effect explained
2:45 How belief affects healing and mystery of placebo
3:20 The mystery of dreams and scientific theories
4:12 Debunking dream personality predictors
4:45 Mysterious places: The Bermuda Triangle
5:10 Possible explanations for Bermuda Triangle disappearances
5:30 Why do we yawn? Different theories and contagious yawning
6:00 Gut feelings and intuition
6:22 Near-death experiences and scientific attempts to explain
7:00 The wonder of unsolved mysteries in science and life
7:30 Closing remarks and tease for next episode
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
The ozone layer is healing—and that means good news for life on Earth! 🌍 In this episode of Unscroll Weekly, Samarth Chitta dives into one of this year’s most inspiring breakthroughs: the shrinking of the ozone hole above Antarctica. Why do scientists call the ozone layer Earth's sunscreen? How did humanity rally to fix one of our most urgent environmental problems? Discover fascinating science, history, and surprising fun facts about ozone, climate, and the hope we can find in cooperation.
🔔 Like, subscribe, and join Curiosity for new episodes every week!
👇 Explore key moments with easy navigation:
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Unscroll Weekly Returns
00:43 – Positive News: The Ozone Layer’s Recovery
01:15 – What is the Ozone Layer? Earth's "Sunscreen"
02:07 – How Ozone Protects Life
02:49 – The Discovery of the Ozone Hole & Dangers
03:27 – Why CFCs Nearly Destroyed the Ozone
04:04 – The Montreal Protocol: Global Collaboration
04:52 – Science Pays Off: The Ozone Layer Heals
05:39 – Hope for Climate Change and Cooperation
06:11 – Fun Facts: Why Antarctica Suffers Most, Good vs. Bad Ozone, Ozone and Sky Color
06:24 – Conclusion: Lessons for Humanity & Farewell
Science proves we can make a difference—watch till the end for hope and motivation!
OzoneLayer #ClimateHope #GoodNews #UnscrollWeekly #ScienceExplained
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
On September 7, 2025, a rare blood moon lit up the sky for more than 7 billion people across the globe! In this special episode of Unscrolled Weekly, Samarth Chitta unpacks the science, wonder, and cultural meaning behind the breathtaking total lunar eclipse, visible across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and more.
Discover why this celestial event is truly historic, what it means for observers in India and worldwide, and how ancient myths meet modern science.
🌕 TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS BELOW 👇
0:00 Intro – Unscrolled Weekly
0:50 Why This Blood Moon Is So Special
1:18 What Is a Blood Moon?
2:04 Where Will It Be Visible?
3:13 Types of Eclipses Explained
4:23 What Does This Mean for India?
6:24 Cultural & Astrological Significance
8:06 Ancient Myths and Modern Science
10:26 Why the Blood Moon Connects Us All
11:54 Final Thoughts & Outro
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, & share your eclipse stories in the comments!
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Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
How did a single sports card sell for nearly $13 million?🏀 Discover the secrets behind the record-breaking Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant dual autograph card and the world of ultra-rare collectibles.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Quick Intro: What Makes Sports Cards So Valuable?
00:51 - Breaking News: $13M Jordan-Bryant Card Sale
01:25 - What Sets This Card Apart? (Dual Patches, Autographs, True 1-of-1)
02:20 - Rarity vs. Condition: Auction Bidding & PSA Grading
03:31 - The Secret History of Sports Cards (Hall of Fame Examples)
04:45 - The "Chase Card" Revolution: Limited Editions & Game-Worn Memorabilia
05:25 - How the Market Exploded (Investors, Celebrities, and Auctions)
06:42 - Why Collectors Pay Millions (Nostalgia, Investment & Bragging Rights)
07:26 - Final Thoughts & Unscroll Weekly Outro
Learn why collectors, investors, and icons are obsessed with rare cards — and what this means for the future of the hobby.
Tune In to this episode to find out more!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Namaste and Welcome to a brand new episode! This week, we are returning with my new segment - Unscrolled Weekly!
Each week, I take a little break from all the chaos around me to explore the stories that really got me thinking — from big world events to small ideas that still have huge impact.
Whether it’s something I read, watched, or just couldn’t stop wondering about, I’ll be sharing it here. Every episode, I’ll pick one topic that really caught my attention — something from the news, science, history, or even everyday life — dive into it, do a bit of digging, and share my take.
This week, we will dive into the heart of New York City. Home to iconic landmarks like Broadway, Times Square, The Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and so much more! I will share the history, food, culture, iconic landmarks and my own personal experiences based on travelling there by myself!
Tune In to this episode to find out more!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Namaste and Welcome back to another episode of Kidacity! During my time in The US I attended a Summer Camp conducted by the Leadership Society Of Arizona ( LSA ) all about Leadership and Life Skills. In this episode I talk all about my experiences in the camp + what I learnt. This episode also has a special interview with Dr. Jake G. - one of the co-founders of the non-profit, where I explored his ideas, ideologies and passion behind LSA! Tune in!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Namaste and Welcome to a brand new episode! This week, we are introducing a brand new segment - unscrolled weekly!
Each week, I take a little break from all the chaos around me to explore the stories that really got me thinking — from big world events to small ideas that still have huge impact.
Whether it’s something I read, watched, or just couldn’t stop wondering about, I’ll be sharing it here. Every episode, I’ll pick one topic that really caught my attention — something from the news, science, history, or even everyday life — dive into it, do a bit of digging, and share my take.
This week we will delve into the field of AI to explore an interesting headline,
Tune In to this episode to find out more!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Welcome to Satori by Samarth, where ancient folk tales and mythology come alive.
In this episode, Samarth delves into the enchanting world of Inca mythology, narrating the captivating story of Hualachi and the magic sandals.
Journey through the mystical Andes as you discover the legend behind these magical sandals and the adventures of Hualachi, a figure steeped in myth and wonder.
Perfect for lovers of folklore and mythology seeking to explore stories beyond the familiar. Join us for a spellbinding tale that connects past and present through the power of storytelling.
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Ever wondered what it's like to go from being a professor to an entrepreneur? Join Samarth Chitta as he sits down with Dr. Rick Shangraw.
In this episode, Dr. Shangraw shares his inspiring journey, the challenges he faced, and the incredible opportunities that came his way. Discover the exciting world of academia and entrepreneurship, and learn about the unique experiences of a global traveler.
Whether you're a student, a young professional, or simply curious about different career paths, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to our channel for more insightful interviews and inspiring stories.
GrowingUpToBe #kidacity #podcastforkids podcasts #entrepreneurship #bengaluru #kids #Podcast #Entrepreneur #Professor #Travel #Culture #Inspiration
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Namaste and Welcome to Episode 108! In this episode, I talk all about my recent school trip to Singapore in which we learnt about how, one of Asia's most morden cities breaks barriers in innovation, solves it's many problems and how both the government and citizens collaborate together to create a better, more sustainable Singapore.
But, I also talk about how the melting pot of Asia blends its cultures and embraces the diversities of each and everyone person.
Until next week, Good Bye and Jai Hind from Kidacity!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Welcome to a brand new segment of Kidacity - Growing up to be. In this series I will be interviewing 21 different people each representing their own profession. From an architect to a lawyer, doctor to a teacher, I hope to be able to help you decide on what career you want to pursue when you grow up!
In todays episode , I interviewed Ms. Judith David, Principal Architect at Studio Makeshift |Chief Design Officer at The Konrad Store who talked all about the process of becoming an architect, what she does in a day and why she got into architecture in the first place. I learnt so much about her profession through speaking with Ms. Judith and now, I want to be an architect even more!
I hope you enjoyed listening! Until next week, goodbye and Jai Hindh from Kidacity!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
I've been taking a little longer to bring out new episodes due to my school schedule. But, I hope all of you enjoy them when they come along.
In this episode, we will continue our journey to the USA and learn more about the history, cuisine and culture.
Don't forget to tune in to know more about a country that gave us many new inventions and most of our pop icons.
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Namaste and welcome to episode 106.
Today we delve into the mysteries of a country we have all heard of or been to - The United States of America.
Discover some amazing facts about the history of USA and a list of some must visit places.
This is part 1 of a 2 part episode - so remember to tune back in next week!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Namaste and welcome to Episode 105!
I have been away for a while because of my assessments. I am now back with a bang, rather G20ang, that's right! - Welcome to the G20 series!
To start of we have a country known for its food, temples, TV shows, music genres and automobile & electronics manufacturers- 대한민국 - South Korea!
In this episode, we will learn all about Korea's cuisine, geography, culture and history as well as 1 petition we can sign to help make a change in South Korea ( link at the bottom)
You must also be wondering what the G20 is. To find answers to these questions - tune in now!
지금 좋아하는 팟캐스트 플랫폼에서 들어보세요!
Notes:
- Link to the change.org petition -
https://www.change.org/p/busan-south-korea-shut-down-the-illegal-dog-meat-farms-slaughterhouses-and-markets?signed=true
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
I took a short break due to my Summer vacation and losing access to my Gmail account. All my research and scripts were linked to that account and it took a while for me to retrieve them.
This week, I take you to a country which has some of the most amazing beaches and food. I'm sure you must've tasted the wonderful red and green curries from this country. Join me as I take you through the history, geography, culture and cuisine of Thailand.
I also had an opportunity to visit Sri Lanka in my vacation and experience many aspects of what I covered in Ep 102 including the petition about elephants being exploited for tourism.
To sign this week's petition, click here:
1. Petition to stop sale of coconut products picked by abused monkeys
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
If you are an adventure book lover, I highly recommend that you read the series of Shrilok Homeless. I picked up this book recently and couldn't put it down until I finished it. I loved the characters, stories and the various twists and turns. As an aspiring author, I really wanted to understand how the author created this character and her process of writing.
In this episode, we will be speaking with the author of this series Ms. Pika Nani (listen to the episode to find out the story behind the name!) who graciously agreed to be on my show. Our conversation was amazing and I learned a lot of tips about being an effective writer as well.
Don't miss out this Inspiring Interview!
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Come with me to explore another island nation- Srilanka. It is a beautiful country located off the coast of India and is well known for its beaches, seafood, tea and spices. With an amazing history that goes back thousands of years, Srilanka is very diverse.
But, Srilanka is also dealing with the problem of over-tourism. The ones most affected by it are the voiceless animals. If you are an animal lover, your heart will melt reading or listening to the petition by .
You can do your bit in controlling the ill treatment of animals for tourism. Just opt not to take a ride in commercial set up.
Notes:
1. About Srilanka
2. Buddhism in Srilanka
3. Change.org petition to stop exploitation of animals for tourism in Srilanka
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Welcome to a brand new season. In today's episode, we will travel to the Land of Vikings, Iceland and discover some fun facts about the country. For eg:- Did you know that Icelanders listen to the most amount of heavy metal music in the world? To know more about heavy metal music, listen to Episode 97
Like any other country in the world, Iceland too has some problems that require everyone's support. If you are an animal lover, you will be shocked to learn about what is happening with Icelandic Fin Whales. But, you can show your support to this cause by signing a petition.
References:
1. Encyclopaedia Britannica
2. Change.org
3. Wikipedia
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Yes! We are on our 100th episode. From May 22, 2020 to Apr 30, 2023, we have learned, shared and grown together. And in this episode, I will take you on a journey through these 3 years.
I'm also very proud of the fact that I kept the podcast going through these 3 years. There are a lot of lessons that I learned in the process. If you are a looking to start a podcast or be consistent with any passion or project of yours, you may find some of these lessons useful.
As we move into a brand new season and brand new format, I'm thankful to all of you for the support and feedback.
Notes:
1. Journey of an 11-year old podcaster- Samarth Chitta featured on The Habit Coach
2. How to take criticism- Samarth Chitta featured on The Habit Coach
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Welcome to the brand new identify of Kidacity where we will learn and take action together.
The travel segment 1 country 10 amazing things has been one of my most popular segments. We are global citizens, afterall! Starting with the this episode, each week will learn about about one country or place in the world , the good, the bad and the ugly. As an 11 year old, I'm sure that my fellow Kidacity listeners are ready to learn all aspects of anything.
This week, travel with me to Trinidad and Tobago and find out why it is so similar to India. Also, did you know the unvaccinated children have unequal education in this country? Listen in to find out and show support.
Write to me helllo@kidacity.club with a small note on why this change initiative means anything to you. You may be featured on my next podcast.
Happy learning and happy action!
Notes:
1. Trinidad and Tobago
2. Unequal education for unvaccinated children
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
In the final episode before we give our show a makeover, I have brought back our popular segments- My Dog Yuki and Prepare For The Future.
Does your pet respond to his/her name? Or give a signal when he/she wants to go outside to do their business? Some simple tricks and lot of treats can help you teach your dog how to follow simple commands.
If you have not heard of ChatGPT by now or want to know what exactly it is, then tune into our prepare for the future segment.
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
As promised, I'm bringing back 2 of my popular segments in this episode- Tried and Tested and BookWorm.
If you. have heard of bands such as Mettalica, Slayer or Guns N Roses, then you probably know about the genre of music that is called Heavy Metal. I did some research about this for my school project and found some amazing facts which you will also love knowing more about. That is our Tried and Tested segment for you.
Next, in the bookworm segment, I will review the book called We, The Children Of India by Leila Seth. Since my birthday happens to be on the day the Constitution was officially adopted by India, this is a topic that has always been of interest to me.
We are 3 episodes short of our century! Stay tuned as we unravel some big changes to the podcast.
Notes:
1. Heavy Metal Music
2. We, The Children Of India
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
As we begin our countdown to the 100th episode, I will be bringing back some popular segments from my earlier episodes. This week, we travel to Greece in our 1 country 10 amazing things segment. Our Indian shloka segment Subhashita has also been a popular one. In today's episode, we will learn about the importance of humility in knowledge.
Stay with me for the grand finale and the walk down the memory lane.
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Have you ever been on a camping trip alone? My school had organized a trip for us a few days back and I had a great time. I also learned a lot of valuable lessons which I will talk about in today's episode.
Over the next 5 episodes, I will bring back some of my old segments. Stay with me and let's learn, share and have fun together.
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
I have attended a few literary festivals with my parents but in January, soon after my birthday, I had the privilege of speaking at one. Yes! Listen in to know all about my experience.
Share your feedback with me @samarthchitta (Instagram/Twitter) or samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Notes:
1. Hyderabad Lit Fest
2. The Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Have you watched any military parade on television? The biggest parade of the year happens every year on Republic Day (which is also my birthday!). The army contingents march with so much coordination that it is wonderful to watch. But there is another ceremony that happens in the Northern part of India where India and Pakistan share a border.
About 30 kms from Amritsar in Punjab is the Atari- Wagah border. Atari is the last village on the Indian side and Wagah is the last village on the Pakistani side. Every evening, both sides conduct a flag lowering ceremony. Thousands of people gather on each side to see this.
I was lucky to be a part of this event during my recent trip to North India. Everyone was chanting Vande Mataram and it was once in a lifetime experience. If you get a chance to do this in person- you should not miss it.
Notes:
1. Atari-Wagah Border
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Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
In this episode, I will speak about a very important experience in my life so far. I was fortunate to meet with The Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC. I never imagined that I could be walking down the corridors of such high security government buildings. I'm sure that the experience will be worth listening to.
Given below is some additional information about General Pande Sir:
1. General Manoj Pande profile
2. History of South Block, New Delhi
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
As I start my countdown to the 100th episode, I'm very happy to bring to you a travelogue based on my recent visits to a few important cities in India. I'm sure all of you have heard of The Golden Temple in Amritsar. But do you know its real name? Or do you know the name of the cities on both sides of the India and Pakistan borders where a daily flag ceremony is conducted?
Tune into Ep 91 to find out.
To share your feedback, please write to me at hello@kidacity.club or DM me on Instagram/Twitter @samarthchitta
Notes:
1. Sri Harmandir Sahib
2. Atari Wagah Border
Instagram: @samarthchitta
Twitter: @samarthchitta
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
We are 90 episodes strong! Thank you to all of you for the support and encouragement. We are 10 episodes away from hitting a century. This week's episode has 3 interesting segments:
Firstly, have you tried building structures with Jenga blocks? It is one of my favourite activities. I am always looking for blocks of different shapes and sizes to make complex structures. This week, I will be reviewing the building blocks from The ToyRoom which my mom ordered for me recently.
Second, we all love joy rides and it turns out that our pet dogs like it too. Ever wondered why? And finally, I'm bringing back one of my original segments. Tune in to find out.
My new Instagram and Twitter ID is @samarthchitta. You can also share your feedback on hello@kidacity.club
Notes:
1. The ToyRoom
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Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
This is a diverse episode as we will talk about climate change and its impact on endangered species. Did you know that animals such as elephants are also getting impacted by our planet becoming warmer? Next, we have a shloka Finally, if you love pizza then you will love this easy recipe for a veggie pizza. I make this quite often and it is a good way to surprise your friends and family.
Join in!
Dear Citizens Of Kidacity Land!
Welcome to Episode 89! We will be talking about climate change and how it impacts animals. We also have a very special shloka from The Gita about effort and results. It helped me and I hope it will help you too!
Don't forget to stay till the end for great pizza recipe!
Regards,
King Samarth Potato IIIV of Kidacity Land
Notes:
1. Impact of climate change on insects
2. COP 27
Instagram: @hellokidacity
Twitter: @hellokidacity
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Happy Halloween everyone! If you follow the news, I'm sure that you have head of Mr. Rishi Sunak- the new Prime Minister of UK. As I read through the newspapers and websites, I discovered some amazing facts about him including his connection to where I live, Bengaluru.
If you like my podcast, please follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity or write to me at samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Notes:
1. About Rishi Sunak
2. BBC's Profile of Rishi Sunak
Instagram: @hellokidacity
Twitter: @hellokidacity
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Have you heard of Math day? We celebrated this in our school last week. The teachers had organised a lot of fun games, quizzes and activities and we had so much fun taking part in them. Math is very important in our day to day lives and in any career we choose. In my first segment, I will share some interesting facts about Math including the origin of the word hundred and that it actually means 120 and not 100!
New York City has declared a holiday for Diwali starting 2024. The Mayor Eric Adams said that this will help children and adults understand the importance of lighting the light within ourselves. Diwali has a mythological story behind it but in recent times, people are also celebrating it for the positivity that is a part of the festival. In my second segment, I will talk about 3 ways to light the light.
I would love to hear your feedback on the show. Please write to me at samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Instagram: @hellokidacity
Twitter: @hellokidacity
Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Do you have student leaders in your school? In my school, they are called Prefects. This week I submitted my essay as a part of the process to be one of the Prefects of Primary Years (Grade 1-5). Such opportunities are a great way for students to develop their leadership skills. I will discuss the process and my experience in detail. If you are are going through a similar process or are looking forward to doing it in a few years, you may find this segment helpful.
In my next segment, I will interview Mr. Chitta T. Suryanarayana Murthy, a Bhagavad Gita scholar and my grandfather. I have always had a bunch of questions about the Gita and I couldn't think of a better person to answer those. Do tune in as some of the answers really surprised me.
To share any feedback, write to samarth.chitta@gmail.com. Do follow me on Twitter/Instagram @hellokidacity for the latest about my episodes.
Notes:
1. About Bhagavad Gita
2. Bhagavad Gita for children- A Book
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Email: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Happy Dasara everyone! Join me as I talk to my grandmom in Telugu about the significance of the festival and why it is celebrated for 9 days. Did you know that there are different reasons why the same festival is celebrated differently in Eastern, Northern ad Southern states of India? I didn't until I learned it from my grand mother. Don't miss it!
I had bought a bunch of books from The Neev Literature Festival and finished reading one of them- What not to do if you turn invisible by Ross Welford. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it, so I'm quite sure you will like it too.
For any feedback, please write to samarth.chitta@gmail.com or DM on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
Reading takes you places- This was the theme of the annual Neev literature festival that was held offline after 2 years. The whole festival was meant for children and I loved attending book reading sessions, learning about new books and also buying a lot of them. The opportunity to meet with some of my favourite authors was also awesome. If you have heard about literature festivals but are not sure of what to expect, do check our my review. #nlf2022
Continuing the theme of reading, I watched an animated movie called Asterix and the magic potion. As the movie was organized by the French Club in my school, it tested my language skills. Don't forget to listen to my review and understand the plot and theme of the story and the main characters.
Notes:
1. https://www.neevliteraturefestival.org/
2. About Asterix
The longest serving monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Sep 8th, 2022. Did you know that she first used Instagram in 2019? There are more such interesting facts that I will discuss in this week's episode.
If you love pets especially dogs, you will love this week's book Dash. Authored by Kirby Larson, the book is a story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to a camp. I loved this book and could not put it down until I finished it.
If you liked my podcast, pls consider reviewing and rating it. For more news, follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity or email me at samarth.chitta@gmail.com
You must have come across some news article or photo or video of the recent rainfall and flooding situation in Bengaluru. Water entered the living rooms and basements of some living communities and people had to be evacuated in boats and tractors. There are multiple reasons behind this situation. Starting with lakes being converted to layouts, encroachment of storm water drains and climate change.
I'm thankful to Dr. Anjal Prakash, Research Director and Adjunct Associate Professor, Bharti Institute of Public Policy Indian School of Business and IPCC author who shared his insights on many questions that I had regarding this situation.
The interaction was facilitated by The Koll Science Foundation whose mission is to advance the synergetic progress of science and society.
Don't miss the special episode.
Notes:
1. The Koll Science Foundation
2. Bharti Institute of Public Policy
3. IPCC
4. How lakes turned layouts caused flooding in Bengaluru
5. Encroachment of storm water drains in Bengaluru
What is the mother of all professions? It is the profession which is celebrated on Sep 5th in India- Teachers Day. If any of us is able to read, write or speak well, it is all thanks to our teachers who taught us the very first alphabets or spoken sentences. I admire all my teachers and wanted to do my bit to make them feel special.
Thanks to Ms. Amba, Ms. Cathy and Wataru-San for their time. I was amazed to learn about the reasons why they chose to be teachers. Don't miss out the interviews in the episode.
If you like what you hear, drop me a note on samarth.chitta@gmail.com or on Instagram @hellokidacity.
Does the city you live in have an airport? Is it in the middle of the city or on the outskirts? Does your city have more than 1 airport and where are they located? Mexico City's international airport has a peculiar trouble though. What is it and what is the city doing it overcome it? Listen to this episode to find out.
You can write to me hello@kidacity.club and follow me on Instagram @Hellokidacity. Do leave me a review if you enjoyed my episode.
Notes:
1. Reasons for congestion at Mexico City's Airport
This year (2022) marks the 75th year since India became a free country. The government announced a variety of events to get everyone to feel patriotic about the country.
India has achieved a lot in these 75 years and in this episode I list down just 10 of these achievements. Many of my family members and friends also share their thoughts on what they believe is the biggest development that India has seen so far. I learned a lot by listening to these sound bites and hope you will enjoy them too.
Don't forget to check out my Instagram page for some awesome photos and news about my episodes and my book-Konnichiwa Izumi: Adventures in 2040.
Welcome to Season 7! I'm back with a new season and new topics. Every week, I will pick 1 topic, research about it and present them in my episode. The topic could be Geography, Aviation, Architecture, books, movies or feelings- anything that you might be interested in.
This week, we start off with some Geography and travel all the way to South East Asia to discover a sinking capital. What is the reason why Jakarta is sinking and what is the government doing about it. Listen to Episode 78 to find out.
To know more about my podcast or to share your feedback, you can write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram @hellokidacity.
I will be crossing 100 episodes this season, so this is going be a big one!
If you are a fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then you will love this week's review of another fantastic book by Roald Dahl- The Witches.
Do you know the country with the most number of metropolitan cities? Its China. Tune into the 1 Country, 10 Amazing Things segment to find out more about this country.
If you like my podcast, let me know by dropping me an email at hello@kidacity.club or through my Instagram- @hellokidacity.
My 2nd book- Konnichiwa Izumi: Adventures in 2040 is now out on Amazon. Have you ordered your copy yet?
How often have you wanted to ask a question even before someone had finished talking? It could your parents or teacher. I am guilty of doing this. But, over the last few weeks, I realised that if I wait for a few seconds or minutes, a few of my questions may be answered. In our 5 deep breaths segment, we will discuss questions that can wait.
All of us know about Mr. Ratan Tata, the ex Chairman of the Tata Group that makes salt to steel and everything in between. In our bookworm segment, I will review the book I Came Upon A Lighthouse by Shantanu Naidu.
You can write to me at hello@kidacity.club and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
It is my 75th episode and I'm super proud to have reached this milestone with all of your support. When I started this podcast 2 years back, I did not imagine doing it every week. I have learned a lot of new things which I'm implementing in my school life and personal life.
In this special episode, I will share my learnings, experiences and challenges in this journey. There is also a special giveaway- 1 free copy of my book Konnichiwa Izumi to anyone who participates in a small contest.
With the theme of communication, I also bring to you a shloka about how the tone of our voice can affect communication.
Go ahead and click the play button!
Have you seen the one horned Rhino? It was a unique animal that is found in only a few places in the world. One such place is the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. I visited the place and have some interesting titbits to share in our Tried and Tested segment.
What does Salsa dance, Neymar and Pele remind you of? Brazil! In our 10 country, 10 amazing things segment, we go on a tour of this fascinating country.
Finally, in our My Dog Yuki segment, we will talk about how to develop better social skills in our pets.
Do you like my episodes? I share some visuals from each episode on my Instagram. Follow me @hellokidacity.
I was in the Northeast of India for my spring break. It was an amazing experience filled with adventure, road trips, nature and visits to a lot of unexplored places in the country.
In the Tried and Tested segment, I will share my experience of visiting a remote village in the state of Nagaland in India. It is India's first green village and has its history and culture preserved even to this date.
Next, in the Bookworm segment, I will be reviewing the book The Koala Kalamity by Jonathan Meres. It is a fun story about 2 koalas.
Finally, in the Prepare for the future segment, we will talk about how to be more structured in life.
You can contact me at hello@kidacity.club or on Instagram @hellokidacity
We had a wonderful celebration of Ugadi, the Hindu new year yesterday. I made our traditional dish called the Ugadi pachadi which consists of 6 flavours signifying the various flavours of life. There are 3 interesting segments in today's episode:
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Tried and Tested: where I will tell you more about the Vinayaka/Ganesh temple located in Kanipakam of Andhra Pradesh.
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Bookworm: I will review the book Klara and the Sun by Sir Kazuo Ishiguro. It is the story of an AF (Artifical Friend) who tries to save her human friend. With many plot twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seats.
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Subhashita- A wonderful shloka about how parents should treat children at different stages of their life.
You can write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram @hellokidacity
A lot of my friends talk about how they are finding it challenging to be amongst other people again. Talking with people or participating in class is a little difficult for some of them. In our 5 deep breaths segment, we will discuss a few tips to start working on these social skills and also some responsibilities that kids that don't have social anxiety should take up.
I'm always ready for a beach vacation. There are very few countries in the world that have pink sand beaches and The Bahamas is one of them. In our 1 country 10 amazing things segment, we travel to the island nation of The Bahamas.
Summer is the season for most furry dogs to shed their fur. Yuki is no different and once we started spotting fur balls in the house, we did some research about the causes and tips to manage this fur shedding. Tune into our My Dog Yuki segment to listen to these tips.
If you have not checked out my new book Konnichiwa Izumi: Adventures in 2040, I request you to visit Amazon or my website and order a copy for yourself. I would love to hear your feedback.
Write to me at hello@kidacity.club and follow me on Instagram @hellokidacity.
Welcome to a milestone episode!
This week, I have 3 interesting segments:
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Bookworm: If you are a fan of fantasy, culture and adventure, then listen to my review of the Percy Jackson series to discover a new book recommendation.
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Tried and Tested: I am a huge fan of Lego like many of you. The architecture series is one of their most complex and fun projects. I worked on 3 of them as I got the sets as a gift for my birthday. Listen to my review to find out what Lego can do better.
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Subhashita: If you know of a date tree, think whether it provides shade to the birds and how far the fruits are. Kabir ka doha about being helpul addresses this.
You can write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
I hope you all had a chance to check out my new book. As a child, I love reading books that have beautiful illustrations. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid is one of my favorite books for that reason. For my book Konnichiwa Izumi: Adventures in 2040, I worked with Ms. Tania John for the illustrations. She was extremely patient and brought my main characters Izumi and Akira to life.
In this episode, I will speak with her to understand the process of illustrating a book and how a manuscript gets converted into beautiful images.
You can buy my book on Amazon or my website.
Yes, you read it right! My 2nd book Konnichiwa Izumi: Adventures in 2040 is out now. I'm super excited to see my stories and characters in print. It is available on Amazon and Flipkart and will also be available in all leading bookstores across the country soon.
The process of writing has many steps. From the time one thinks of the theme, characters, and plot to the actual writing, editing, illustrating, finding a publisher and getting the final design of the book ready. Many people have asked me about this process and I will be discussing 2 important aspects in this episode and the next.
In this episode, I spoke with Ms. Kalpana Misra, the editor of my book and asked her some questions about the role of an editor and how the entire process works. She is also an English teacher and shared some wonderful tips with me in pursuing hobbies and how to think about writing in general.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review on the podcast App you are listening to this episode on.
You can contact me at:
Email: hello@kidacity.club
Instagram/Twitter: @hellokidacity
You can contact Ms.Kalpana at
https://twitter.com/Kalpanapster
https://www.kalpanawrites.com
I entered my double digits on Jan 26th and due to the ongoing pandemic, I had a small celebration at home. Although a little late, we have 3 exciting segments in this week's episode:
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Tried and Tested- We all love superheroes and Spiderman is one of my favorites. I will be reviewing the new Spiderman movie (No Way Home).
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Prepare For The Future- Celebrating birthdays during the pandemic can be challenging. But with enough physical and mental preparation, we can have fun while being safe. I will discuss some tips to do this well.
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BookWorm- If you are an aspiring writer (I am one), you will find this week's book review very useful. A little known book written by Mr. Ruskin Bond has practical advise about how to be a writer.
Stay safe everyone!
You can contact me:
Email: hello@kidacity.club
Instagram/Twitter: @hellokidacity
Website- www.kidacity.club
Hope you are all staying safe.
We have 3 interesting segments in this week's episode:
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1 country 1 amazing things- We will travel to the country with 3 capitals- South Africa! My grandfather once told me that if you can travel to any 2 countries in the world, you should travel to South Africa twice. I discovered the significance of this country in Gandhiji's life as well.
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My Dog Yuki- As a child, what are some of the easy and simple things we can do to manage our dog?
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Subhashita- I bring to you a Subhashita that summarizes the essence of many great philosophical books.
You can write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram/Twitter on @hellokidacity
Welcome to another milestone episode!
We have 3 exciting segments this week:
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Tried and tested- She sells sea shells on the sea shore. Sounds familiar? The world of tongue twisters is fascinating and we discover a few interesting ones. My friends Sachin and Kriyesh join me in attempting a few tongue twisters.
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BookWorm- I was introduced to Tintin by my mom who is a huge fan of the series. I now know why? Join me as a I review Book no 11, The Secret of the Unicorn.
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5 Deep Breaths- Finishing up my schoolwork was always so easy during physical school. But with online classes, I tend to get distracted and sometimes end up not completing my work on time. But, I discovered 1 strategy that helps me keep track of all my work and to plan better.
Write to me at hello@kidacity.club and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
This episode has 3 segments:
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1 country 10 amazing things- We travel to the land of chocolate, waffles, fries and diamonds- Belgium. Can you think of a popular cartoon character who is from this country?
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Subhashita- Time management is an important skill for everyone and in this week's Subashita, we discover a Hindi doha (or a sonnet) written by Sant KabirDas.
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My dog Yuki- Do dogs need a shower? If yes, how often? I will share my experience with keeping Yuki clean and try to answer some common questions around this topic.
As always, you can write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
Happy 2022 everyone!
Hope you had a good holiday season with your friends and family. We have 3 exciting segments this week:
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Tried and Tested- I completed watching the show A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix. This is based on a series of books by the same name authored by Lemony Snicket (pen name of Daniel Handler). Listen to my review of the series.
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Prepare for the Future: As we all head back to school in the New Year, what are some of the additional precautions we must take to stay safe? The safer we are, the more easy it will be for our parents to send us to school. I will discuss simple and practical tips to prepare for this future.
3. 5 Deep Breaths- A new year comes with new resolutions. But, many studies show that 80%-90% of the people do not keep up with their resolutions. How do we make our goals achievable? I will present 5 easy strategies to do this. I also interviewed 3 special guests to know more about their resolutions for 2022.
You can email me at hello@kidacity.club and follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity for the latest news about my episodes and many more.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
We have 3 interesting segments in this episode:
1. 1 county 10 amazing things- How much do you know about the land of pizza and pasta? The birthplace of Margarita Pizza is the Brandi Pizzeria in Napoli. I was lucky to visit this place in 2018. Check out the video
2. Subhashita- We all know that knowledge cannot be stolen, taxed or diminished by sharing. But where all is a learned person valued? I will present a beautiful Sanskrit shloka that tells us about this.
- My Dog Yuki-Can a dog catch a cold? What are the symptoms and how do you take care of them?
Write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
We have 3 segments in this episode:
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Tried and Tested: I recently went to The Mountain Shadows resort in Wayanad, Kerala to celebrate my mom's birthday (https://www.mountainshadows.in/). Located in the Banasura Hills, the eco-friendly resort has stunning views. I also did a special interview with Mr. Manoj, the General Manager of the property who told me more some unique practices being followed at the resort.
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The BookWorm: Ms. JK Rowling is a well known author of the Harry Potter series of books. But a little unknown fact about her recent book, The Ickabog is that the chapters were published online for free during the lockdown in 2020 for children to read. They could also contribute illustrations for each of the chapters. (https://stories.jkrowling.com/en-us/theickabog/)
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5 Deep Breaths- Waiting is not easy. Especially if it is waiting for someone. But being impatient in these situations is not good for us or the person we are dealing with. In this episode, we will discuss some simple tips to develop some patience while dealing with people.
Some photos from The Mountain Shadows are available on the Instagram/Twitter profile @hellokidacity. To write to me, please send an email to hello@kidacity.club.
All my episodes are also available on my website www.kidacity.club
We have 3 exciting segments in this week's episode:
1. Tried and Tested: Jenga is a popular game that is played often at home or during travel. People of all ages love to play it. But, can you think of another use that Jenga blocks can be put to? Something that requires tons of creativity and imagination?
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Subhashita: Every Indian language has a wisdom and knowledge in the form of sayings. This week we discover a Sanskrit shloka about knowledge. Its simple and so meaningful.
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My Dog Yuki- I always thought that if a dog was wagging its tail, it means that they are happy. When I did some research, I found out that it means much more than that. I also speak to my friends Ishaan and Castor about their dogs.
Notes:
1. Know more about your dog's posture
2. Building with Jenga
Welcome back to a brand new Season of Kidacity. We were on an extended break working on something very exciting- my 2nd book! It should be out before Christmas and I will talk more about it in the upcoming episodes.
We have 3 segments in this episode:
- The Bookworm- A review of the book The Demon Dentist by David Williams.
- 1 country, 10 amazing things about South Korea. I am joined by my friend Yonseo who will share some of the things that she loves about her country.
- 5 deep breaths- How to deal with bullying.
Follow us on Twitter/Instagram at @hellokidacity. Write to us at hello@kidacity.club
If you want directions from one place to another, what do you do? Open the Maps app on your phone? But how did people navigate before GPS was invented?
Tune into the season finale episode to find out. I will be back after 2 short weeks with a brand new season and some brand new segments.
For feedback, write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram @hellokidacity.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word mail? Is it email? Email is a relatively newer mode of communication and is around 50 years old. So, how did people send messages to each other before the advent of email?
To share your feedback, write to me at hello@kidacity.club.
All of us have smartphones in our homes- they are nothing less than a mini computer. Many people carry it around all the time. But did you know that there was a time when phones were always connected through a wire? And besides making and receiving phone calls, they could not do anything else.
Connect with me at:
Instagram: hellokidacity
Email: hello@kidacity.club
I’m sure all of us have a television set at home. Some of us may have more than one TV set at home. We use it to watch our favourite shows, movies or to play games. Some of the TV sets are connected to cable networks from where we can watch content from hundreds of channels. Some are connected to streaming services such as Amazon Prime video or Netflix. But, there was a time when there were no TV sets. Yes! No television! I wonder what people used to do then for entertainment? Listen to my brand new episode to find out more.
If you like my show, leave me a rating and review on the podcast app you are listening to me on. Connect with me @hellokidacity on Twitter/Instagram or write to me at hello@kidacity.club.
Indians are crazy about cricket. If you asked anybody what their favorite sport is, the most likely answer would be cricket. Cricket players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have a huge fan following and tournaments such as Indian Premier League or the Cricket World Cup have millions of people watching them. A lot of people believe that Cricket is India’s national sport. But, in reality, it is not. Yes, cricket is not India’s national sport.
Find out what sport is India's national sport and why and when it was more popular than cricket.
For feedback and suggestions, write to me at hello@kidacity.club. Follow me on Twitter/Instagram at @hellokidacity.
Happy 75th Independence Day! It is hard to imagine that 75 years ago, India was ruled by another country. I have often heard about freedom fighters but apart from Gandhiji, most children of my age are not aware of others.
In this episode, I will tell you about 5 such men and women and what they did for the country. I was shocked to hear how brave each of them was.
If you like my show, leave a review on the podcast platform you are listening to me on. You can contact me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity or write to me at hello@kidacity.club
Jai Hind!
Can you imagine a world without pizzas? Pizzas were mostly made and consumed only in Italy until the 1940s. But how did it travel beyond Italy and become everyone's favourite dish?
If you like this episode, please leave a review on the podcast app you are listening to me on. You can also follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity or write to me at hello@kidacity.club
Notes:
- My trip to the birthplace of Margarita pizza
- Weird pizza toppings from around the world
Did you know there was a time where there were no video games! Yes, no video games at all!
I asked my parents this question and they told me about their routine on a weekday and weekend. I want to try living that too.
What do you think of this episode? Write to me at hello@kidacity.club or leave a comment/like on my social channels (Instagram/Twitter) @hellokidacity.
Notes:
1. Video game designs from 1990 to 2000
2. Top video games of the 1990s
3. Video game consoles over the years
It's our 50th episode! Hurray! Many thanks to everyone listening to my episodes every week.
When you want to go shopping or to a restaurant to eat or watch a movie, where do you usually go? A mall? It is very common for families to visit the mall at least once if not more times in a month. Before COVID and lockdowns put us at home, I used to visit the mall a few times a month. But do you know there was a time when there were no malls in India. Yes! No malls at all! So where did people go for shopping and entertainment?
If you like my show, please rate and leave a review on the platform you are listening to me on. You can contact me at hello@kidacity.club or on Instagram/Twitter on @hellokidacity
If we have to get from one place to the other, the most reasonable way to do it is by flying. We can choose from different airlines of our choice, book tickets online, check-in online before our flight or at the self-serve counter in the airport and show our boarding pass on the phone.
But, do you know that air travel was not always like this? Back in the day when I was not born there was only one airline in India and many parts of the world! Yes, just one!
Write to me at hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
Show Notes:
1. History of Indian Aviation
2. Flight Ticket In The 1960s
It’s Kidacity’s first birthday. Hurray!
I started last year in May during lockdown, I did 47 episodes, interviewed people, researched, read stories, learned about brave children and so much more.
In this episode, I will share a few highlights of the last one year and also talk about my experience of working on this project. I also have some very interesting messages from a few of my listeners and well wishers.
Write to me at Hello@kidacity.club
Follow me on Instagram/ Twitter @hellokidacity
There are 5.5 million vending machines spread out from the North to South of Japan in every village, town and city. That is almost 1 vending machine for every 23 people which is the most number anywhere in the world. It is a part of every Japanese person's daily life. And the reason why Japanese like vending machines is not just because of their convenience. There is a traditional reason behind this.
For feedback/comments, write to hello@kidacity.club or follow us on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
Notes:
1. The beauty of Japanese vending machines
While governments across the world are encouraging their citizens to get vaccinated, a lot of people are fearful due to common myths associated with vaccination. We will discuss a few of these in our Mythbusters segment this week.
Like humans, pets also need exercise. But how much exercise does your dog need. Find out more in our pet lover’s segment My Dog Yuki.
If you have any feedback about the show, please write to hello@kidacity.club or follow me on Instagram & Twitter @hellokidacity.
Notes:
- World Health Organization's resources On vaccinations
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India) resources on COVID-19 vaccination
- Vaccine testing and approval process
- How much exercise does your dog need?
- 10 fun ways to exercise your dog
Have you ever broken a cup by mistake? What did you do when this happened? Throw the cup away or try to glue it together? In Japan, they do something very unique. This art form is called Kintsugi and the concept also teaches us to accept any imperfections and flaws. You might have also heard about the famous book Ikigai. In this week's segment of All About Japan, we will discover a little more about Kintsugi and Ikigai.
I am also bringing to you the stories of 3 brave children of India including one that saved her friend from a crocodile attack.
For feedback and suggestions, write to hello@kidacity.club. Follow me on Twitter/Instagram on @hellokidacity.
Notes:
- Kintsugi
- How to find your Ikigai?
Lightning is one of the most common phenomenon associated with storms. It is commonly believed that lightning does not strike the same place twice. But, is this true?
Once you have a pet, keeping them clean is very important. Listen to some tips from my personal experience in the My Dog Yuki segment.
Notes:
1. How is lightning made?
2. Can lightning strike the same place twice?
There is a saying in Japanese "Juppun mae Koudou” which means act ten minutes earlier. This saying pretty much sums up the culture of time discipline in Japan.
Meet Aryamaan, Shivangi and Prathyaksha who won the Rashtriya Baal Puraskar for their talent in the field of social enterprise, sports and arts.
Notes:
1. Why are Japanese so obsessed with punctuality?
2. Is few minutes early considered late in Japan?
In today’s episode we will bust a myth about the brightest planet in the solar system, The one that provides light to all the other planets.
If you have a dog and want to know how to communicate with them, I got some tips for you in the My Dog Yuki segment. Let’s get started !
Notes:
1. What color is the Sun?
2. How to communicate with your dog?
I'm back after a short break with a brand new season.
Do you know of a boy who can play 9 musical instruments? Or another one that invented a board game? In my new segment called Incredible Children of India, I will bring to you the achievements of such children and more.
This time is a very special one for people in Japan as the beautiful Sakura trees (cherry trees) are in their full bloom. Japanese culture celebrates this experience through a unique festival called Hanami. In my new segment All About Japan- we shine light on Hanami this week.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Every year, the Government of India announces the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to recognise talented children in the areas of arts and culture, sports, academic, bravery and more. Listen to the stories of Kameshwar, HimaPriya and Soumyadip who won this award in 2021 and 2020 respectively for their bravery.
This is Episode 40. Hurray! I’m very happy to have reached this milestone. Every episode takes a lot of research, writing, rehearsing and recording but I love doing it. I get to learn so many new things and bring them to you. This week, in our Myth buster segment, I will tell you if bats are really blind. In our short story segment called Konichiwa Izumi, Izumi gets invited to a tea ceremony. And the timeless good news continues. Let’s get started!
A single plastic bottle that goes into our oceans takes almost 450 years to decompose. We have a huge plastic crisis around us and it is time for all of us to do our bit. This is the theme of my Tikkun Olam at school and I want to dedicate this episode to bringing some awareness about this issue. I will also be discussing the concept of Ayurveda in my Discover Yoga segment. And finally, in our short story segment called Konichiwa Izumi, Tokyo gets buried under a material. What could that be?
This week was special for space as NASA’s Perseverance Rover made a landing on Mars. Perseverance is a car sized rover designed to explore the Jerezo crater on Mars and eventually identify if human life can sustain on Mars. Good luck NASA! I will share some interesting insights discovered by Perseverance in my good news segment. What, how and when to feed your puppy- discover some helpful tips in this week’s segment of My dog Yuki. And finally, in our short story segment called Konichiwa Izumi, a magical ring makes an appearance. Let’s get started!
To share your feedback, write to me at hello@kidacity.club or on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
Notes:
1. NASA's Perseverance Website
Scientists have been working on alternate sources of water and one interesting way is to produce water from the atmosphere. So literally, from thin air. I will share the story of one such apartment in my Good news segment. Do camels really store water in their humps? That’s our Mythbuster segment this week. And Finally, in our short story segment called Konichiwa Izumi, you will find out why Akira went back to their old apartment.
To share your feedback, write to me at hello@kidacity.club or on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
Notes:
1. Atmospheric Water Generators
2. Nestle launches Vegan Kit Kat
This was a sad week in India as a glacier burst in the state of Uttarakhand and many people were killed. Experts say that this is the result of climate change and the construction of illegal structures in the area. Some workers are still stuck in a tunnel with no light, oxygen and flood water. We all hear about climate change but this incident reminds us of how real it is.
In this week's Discover Yoga segment, I will discuss the importance of having a right guru.
Finally, in the short series Konchiwa Izumi, Akira goes missing. Will Izumi be able to find Akira? Listen in to know more.
To share your feedback, write to me at hello@kidacity.club or on Instagram/Twitter @hellokidacity.
Notes:
1. Greta Thurnberg on climate change
2. Disaster in the Himalayas
Every year, the Government of India announces the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to recognise talented children in the areas of arts and culture, sports, academic, bravery and more. Listen to the stories of Kunwar Divyansh Singh and Jyoti Kumari who won this award in 2021 for their bravery.
Notes:
- Kunwar Divyansh Singh
- Jyoti Kumari
We all know what email is. And if I were to ask you who sends emails, your answer will be- humans. But this week, scientists engineered spinach plants to send emails.
What is puppy biting and how can you train your pup through it? I will discuss some tips that worked with Yuki.
In the short stories segment, Konichiwa Izumi!, Izumi builds a special invisible dome. But what will the invisible dome do?
To share feedback on this episode and more, you can contact me at:
hello@kidacity.club
Instagram/Twitter-@hellokidacity
Notes:
1.Nike's handsfree shoes 2. World's tallest ride 3. Spinach that sends emails
What are the most common fruits that you can think of? Apple, mango, banana? But, wait. Did you know that bananas are actually not fruits!
Continuing with the series of original short stories, this week Izumi travels to London and back to Tokyo solving clues that are mysteriously left behind. What will Izumi discover? Listen in to know more.
To share your feedback, write to me at hello@kidacity.club
Notes:
It's my birthday! I was born on a very special day- January 26th which is celebrated as the Republic Day in India. Tune in to know what special events take place on this day.
In the short stories about Izumi, Izumi and Akira step out of the machine and go closer to the mole and were startled when 20 more of them came out! Do Izumi and Akira manage to escape or do the moles overpower them? Listen in..
Notes:
1. What is new and what will be missing in Republic Day 2021 parade?
2. How India turned tables at Gabba?
3. The inauguration of President Joe Biden
I love dogs and I’ve been asking my parents for a long time to get me one. Well! Guess what? I finally got a dog 2 weeks back. We have named him Yuki which means snow & lucky in Japanese. I’m learning a lot of things about pets and I will be sharing some of it in my new segment called My dog Yuki. Today, we celebrated Sankranti- the indian festival of harvest. I will talk about an interesting Sankranti tradition towards the end of the show. Let’s get started!
Notes:
1. Gangireddu- A Unique Sankranti Tradition
2. Intelligent Roads
Welcome to a brand new season of Kidacity and Happy 2021!
We are back after a short break with some exciting new segments. A lot of you asked for some stories to be included in each episode. In my new segment called Konichiwa Izumi! I will take you into the world of Izumi- a robot maker from Japan with a short story every week. These stories are written by me, so let me know what you think of them.
My friends and I are discussing a lot of fun facts these days. While most of them are true, some of them turn out to be a myth. In my second new segment called Mythbusters, I will bust some common myths from all walks of life.
Some popular segments such as Good News and Discover Yoga continue in this season as well.
Listen in!
Notes:
1. Floating spaceport in Japan
2. Super interesting things you didn't know about a plane
3. Policeman buys food instead of arresting them for shoplifting
Merry Christmas everyone! The 6 day stretch between Christmas and New Year is very exciting for everyone. But this 6 day stretch this year is not like all the others.
In this season finale episode, discover some great news from around the world, a wrap up of all the yoga concepts discussed this season and a very special interview with Mr. Ira Barres about France!
Kidacity and I were featured in 2 leading Indian newspapers this week. Getting interviewed was a little weird at first but when I saw my photo in the newspaper, I was thrilled. A big thank you to all of you for encouraging me.
Happy New Year and see you in 2021!
References:
1. History of Eiffel Tower
2. Is Croissant French?
3. Jupiter and Saturn Celestial Display
Nidra means sleep in Sanskrit and Yoga Nidra refers to a state in which we are neither fully asleep nor fully awake. It is deeply relaxing and is also believed to help manage mental health better. Yoga Nidra is being used by many companies and schools around the world to manage stress better. Some people also find meditation slightly difficult as they have to mostly do it themselves and in a seated position. But yoga nidra is mostly done in a lying down position, so a lot of people find it more comfortable and easy to do.
This week we are talking about the country that is home to the pyramids, the sphinx and River Nile. Any guesses?
Resources:
1. Benefits of yoga nidra
2. Tesco eliminates plastic for 20 million Christmas products
3. 10 facs about Egypt
If you use a laptop for studies or work, how many tabs or windows do you have open at any point in time? Or if you use a mobile phone, how many times do you keep checking it during a meeting or discussion or when you are working on something? We all have a lot of distractions and our ability to concentrate on one thing at a time is going down.
Suryanamaskars are a very important part of the asana practice in yoga. Many asana classes begin with a couple of rounds of suryananamaskars. But what exactly are these? If you love maple syrup, then you will love my interview with 2 special guests.
Let's get started!
Has someone ever asked you to take deep breaths to calm yourself down? And have you noticed how you breathe when you are excited or scared? Regular practice of pranayama helps in keeping our breath normal at all times. In school, right from our nursery classes, we had a class on mindfulness. Whenever all the children were very excited or noisy, our teacher would ask us to sit on the floor, close our eyes and start taking deep breaths. After 5 minutes or so, most of the children would calm down.
Are you ready for your virtual vacation? Get your backpack, sunglasses, water bottle and say Hello! to 1 country, 10 amazing things. The next country is the largest and one of the coldest countries and very popular for its colourful cathedral domes and chess players. Any guesses?
Resources:
1. What is Pranayama?
2. St. Basil's Cathedral
3. What is a meteorite?
4. Time 100 best innovations of 2020
5. Best places to travel in 2021
What started as a project during the lockdown is now on its 25th episode. I learn a lot of things in each episode and look forward to bringing many more episodes of Kidacity to you.
All of you must have seen yoga asanas or poses in some form or the other. Maybe you or someone in your family practices these, you might have learnt a few asanas at school, or watched other people perform these on television or newspapers. But what is the reason why yoga asanas are practised?
Discover why a country is called Truly Asia in a very special interview!
Indians across the world will be celebrating a very special festival this week- Deepawali or Diwali- the festival of lights. I love everything about this festival- the rangoli that we put outside our homes, decorating the house with marigold flowers and lights, eating lots and lots of traditional sweets- yum! Diwali also marks the beginning of winter in the country. To everyone celebrating, Happy Diwali!
Yogena chittasya padena vachaam malam sharirasyacha vaidyakenaam. Yopaa karottam pravaram muninaam. Patanjalim pranjali ranatosmi.
The above verse means the one who removed impurities of the mind through yoga, of speech through grammar and of body through medicine, oh sage Patanjali, I bow to you.
Learn more about the father of modern yoga and listen to a special interview with someone all the way from Espana!
USA is in the news this week because of its presidential elections. They happen every 4 years, but this year the elections are special because the current President Mr. Donald Trump is doing some unusual things during his campaign and during the counting of votes. Most of you might know all the important facts about the USA, but let me tell you about a few bizarre ones.
Swadhyaya is a Sanskrit word that is made up of 2 words Swa meaning self and adhyaya meaning learning or practice. According to Yoga, we must constantly keep learning. This can be done through reading scriptures, or engaging in regular activities that help us learn about ourselves. How do we practice Swadhyaya?
Tapas is a Sanskrit word which means to generate heat. In Yoga, it refers to the heat that gets generated while doing any activity that involves determined effort to bring about a change. But it is not easy to practice Tapas.
This is the only country in the world that officially measures national happiness. The index is known as Gross National Happiness. The current king is believed to have met every citizen in the country
Santosha is most commonly understood as happiness. However, yoga defines santosha as only contentment or being satisfied. But how do we practice Santosha?
Israel or officially the State of Israel is a country in the Middle East. Its main language is Hebrew and the currency is called Shekel. Sports such as Football and basketball are popular in the country. This week, I am joined by a special guest Mr. Liav, an Israeli living in Bangalore. He will share some interesting first hand insights about the country, people, traditions and more. I learned a lot about Israel in my interactions with Mr. Liav. Should we get started?
Every week, I tell you about different countries, but this week, I am joined by a special guest who will share some interesting and unknown information about a country that celebrates New Year in silence.
Shaucha means cleanliness. What are the different things that need to be kept clean? Our room? our body? Our clothes and shoes? How about our thoughts? Yoga says that if we are clean in our body and mind, we will be healthy. But how do we practice shaucha?
Notes:
1. Nobel Prize Winners 2020
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Rafael Nadal beats cold weather to win at the French Open
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Komodo National Park
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Nyepi- the silent New Year
Those of you who play Minecraft must know what Lapis Lazuli is! Keep listening to know more about Lapis Lazuli!
Aparigraha means not hoarding or collecting things. We are all guilty of buying things we don’t need or keeping things we don’t use. According to yoga, even taking things without working for it is considered hoarding. But, how do we practice Aparigraha?
One small Pokemon, when trained well and when it goes through enough battles evolves into the next stage Pokemon. My favourite Pokemon is the Chikorita which is a grass type of Pokemon. And is only there in the west.
So, when I went to a supermarket recently, I wondered if Zucchini is an evolved form of a cucumber? Is email an evolved form of a mail that comes in the postbox? What do you think?
I met and interviewed the General Manager of Sheraton Full Moon Resort Maldives who is a global citizen with many years of experience in the hospitality.
Think of one situation where you told a lie. How did you feel? Slightly jittery, scared? Did you have to think about the 10 other things to cover your lie? On the other hand, how do you feel when you tell the truth? Maybe a little nervous initially, but eventually, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Kenyans love sports and are good at it. Soccer is the most popular sport in Kenya, and 75% of all gold medal winners in long distance running come from Kenya.
Discover both these amazing topics with me in Kidacity!
Welcome to a brand new Season of Kidacity and I am back with some exciting new segments.
We all know about Yoga. Many of us may be practising it everyday. But do you know that yoga is not restricted to the poses or asanas we perform? It is about how we think, act and feel. I learned about this when I heard my parents' yoga teachers discuss it during their classes. In my new segment called Discover Yoga- I will talk about one concept every week and also share some tips on how we can apply it in our daily lives.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, most of our vacation plans have been cancelled. That doesn’t mean we can’t visit a new country! In my other new segment called 1 country, 10 things- I will share 10 unique aspects about 1 country every week. You may discover your next vacation destination from this list. Are you ready?
What was your favourite subject in school? Was it Math? If it was, try answering these 2 simple questions: First, What is the number that is spelt with the same number of letters as the number itself? And second, which is the number that is not represented in Roman numerals?
India’s contribution to mathematics is immense. Some of the world’s most famous mathematicians were from India. This week, we will learn more about one such mathematician- a human computer, a series of books that can help us learn math in a fun way and a cool math trick to try on your friends or parents.
Resources:
1. Shakuntala Devi-Biography
2. Buster Books on Amazon India
3. Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash- Fastest Human Calculator
4. Gandhi's Glasses
Do you know that Cricket is the world’s second most popular sport and the most popular sport in the Indian subcontinent? Introduced by the British in India, the first ever game of Cricket was played in 1721 that is almost 299 years back My dad tells me that when they were kids, they used to sleep, breathe and play cricket, sometimes even in the dark when the power went off.
Many cricket lovers were sad this week because one of India’s most successful and most loved captains, Mr. Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement. Fondly called Captain Cool, Dhoni is regarded as one of the best sports leaders in the world. When I started reading the news articles about him, I realised what a great leader he was. This week, I will share some interesting lessons from his journey and a movie about the sport and magic of cricket.
Resources:
1. MS Dhoni Profile
2. Lagaan- Once Upon A Time In India
3. Dhoni's Retirement
4. Basic Rules Of Cricket
August 15th is a very special day for Indians all around the world. It is the day India got independence in 1947.I love a lot of things about India, especially its culture, festivals, food, music and the lovely places to visit. This week, I will share some interesting facts about India. You will also listen to a few children and adults share their likes and expectations from the country. There is also a surprise for you at the end of the show!
Resources:
1. Facts about India
2. Vikram Sarabhai
3. Rabindranath Tagore
4. Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore
5. Senator Kamala Harris
The world celebrates Friendship day on the 2nd Sunday of August every year. This year, a lot of us celebrated this day virtually. Friends are very important people in everyone’s lives. They spend time with you, play with you, help you out, teach you something new or just support you silently. But you know something interesting? You can have friends of all ages. In Fact my best friend is my grandmother who is 62 years old. And my mom and aunt who grew up in the Army, had to make new friends every 2 years. To all of you that are listening to my show and encouraging me, Thank You and Happy Friendship Day!
All of us are spending more time on the internet than before. How do we stay safe?
In this episode, I will share some important tips to stay safe on the internet, review a book about a cartoon character that is celebrating its 50th anniversary and tell you about an art and craft program hosted by the Museum of the City of New York.
Resources:
1. Project Kid
2. Kiddle- Visual search engine for children
3. Kidtopia- Search engine for children
4. Doreamon facts for children
A shloka is a verse, proverb, hymn or poem and is the basis for epic Indian poetry. Written in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, shlokas contain immense knowledge and learning within just a few lines. Not all shlokas are religious and chanting them everyday has proven to have scientific benefits on the body and the mind.
Join me as I take you through my learnings about shlokas, a news about a yellow turtle and wish happy birthday to Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter).
I also spoke with Ms. Priya Mani who is the ideator and author of the Little Shloka Book What I learnt is fascinating!
Resources:
1. Little shloka book and workshop details
2. Shlokas and their benefits
3. Sanskrit facts for kids
A 6- year old boy from the USA jumped in front of a ferocious dog to save his sister while an amusement park in Japan does not want its riders to scream on the roller coaster. Join me and explore these children and more. If you are a Tom Gates fan, I have something for you and if you love nature, I have something interesting for you to do at home. Just click on the Start/Play button!
Resources:
1. Fuji Q Highland Amusement Park, Japan
2. The World of Tom Gates
3. TED Talks To Watch With Kids
Who doesn't love chocolate? Except, dentists maybe! In this episode, join me as we learn some interesting things about everyone's favourite dessert.
Have you ever been visited a chocolate factory or been on a chocolate making tour? A boy called Charlie Bucket was lucky to win a tour to a popular chocolate factory whose owner was Mr. Willy Wonka. If you have read this book or watched the movie, tell me what was your favourite part about it. I have discussed my favourite part in this week's episode.
Somaliland, Kosovo, the Republic of Artsakh are few of the countries that officially don't exist. Some of them are even left off maps. A Brazilian author has travelled to 16 such countries and documented his experiences in a book called 'Unrecognized Nations: Travels To Countries That Do Not Exist'.
The first issue of the Wall Street Journal was published this week and we say Happy Birthday to American actor Tom Hanks!
Let's get started.
Resources:
- History of Chocolate
- M&N Chocolate Museum, Ooty
- Travels To Countries That Don't Exist
- Online Chocolate Making Courses For Beginners
- Carbon Craft Design
A small accident led to a fracture and I started wondering how broken bones get fixed. This week, discover some interesting resources to learn more about the wonders of the human body. Do you know about a book that was published for 244 years? And that salt can be used for constructing buildings!
Is Tinkle your favourite comic book too? In this episode, I speak to Ms. Reena I. Puri, the Executive Editor of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle to learn more about the process of building ever lasting stories and characters. Did you know that whenever Uncle Pai (the Founder of Amar Chitra Katha) got angry, he would recite a Sanskrit Shloka? There are many stories and characters like Suppandi and Shambu that bring a smile or laugh.
The Puffin Book Of Funny Stories has 16 such stories written by world famous authors such as Ruskin Bond, Satyajit Ray etc.
Durian is considered the world's smelliest fruit, but what happens when unknowingly some German postal workers open a package full of Durian fruit?
Tune into Episode 6 to learn about all of this and more!
Resources:
1. Amar Chitra Katha's Website
2. Amar Chita Katha Store on Amazon
3. Puffin Book of Funny Stories on Amazon
4. Why Does The Durian Fruit Smell So Terrible
5. Annular Solar Eclipse On June 21, 2020
What is the longest or toughest word you know? Can you spell it? Spellings are everywhere and this week I will introduce you to a book by Beth Anderson that tells a true story about how 2 gentlemen tried to simplify American English and a show about the Scripps National Spelling Bee Competition. As usual, we kick off with some good news from around the world. Listen in!
We celebrate the environment this week. Do you remember the time when all of us were indoors due to lockdown? Hear about what happened to the earth at this time.
If you thought grass was not useful, think again! I discovered the magic of every plant through Ruskin Bond's book and hope you will too. Finally, learn about the tree lady of India who planted almost 8000 trees.
This was my last week in school before my vacations and we learned about conflict resolution. It was very timely! In this week's episode, I will talk about a few lessons in conflict resolution from a movie on Michelle Obama, a book by Trinka Hayes and the ongoing conflict in the USA- all from a child's perspective.
Please share your feedback and encourage me! I can be reached at hello@kidacity.club.
Travelling alone, calm during an earthquake, JK Rowling's new book and lessons from an Army General- I will share all this and more in the second episode of Kidacity! Share your feedback with me on hello@kidacity.club.
In the first episode, listen to how companies and cities are tackling the COVID-19 issues, a review of the book The Tree Boy, recommendation of an informative TV show and about the annual Chelsea flower show.