SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California, was completed in 2020 with a construction budget of approximately $5.5 billion, making it the costliest sports stadium ever constructed. The stadium has a seating capacity of 70,000 and boasts a translucent roof and a massive double-sided video board. The stadium was constructed on the site of the former Hollywood Park racetrack and will host major sporting events such as the Super Bowl. It will also host the Olympic Games in 2028.

The world’s most costly buildings illustrate how architectural design can integrate religious belief, commerce, entertainment, and national identity into massive physical structures. Ranging from the religious majesty of Masjid al-Haram to the futuristic entertainment space of Marina Bay Sands and the technological wonder of SoFi Stadium, each building embodies distinct human values with an unprecedented level of financial expenditure. They collectively illustrate that the value of iconic buildings goes beyond mere financial expenditure to encompass their cultural significance, innovation, and global significance.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

For years, moving abroad has been sold as a one-way upgrade, better pay, cleaner cities, efficient systems, and a lifestyle that signals success. For many Indians, returning home after “making it” overseas is framed as a compromise, or worse, a quiet failure. But that narrative is beginning to crack. Across online forums and private conversations, a growing number of Indians who once built lives in the US and Europe are questioning whether the trade-offs are still worth it. Rising living costs, subtle social exclusion, long healthcare waiting times, and emotional distance from family are pushing some to reconsider a decision that was once considered irreversible. One such account recently sparked discussion on Reddit. Shared by an Indian professional, with the handle name nandhini92, who spent four years abroad, two in the US and two across major European cities, the post offers a candid look at what life looks like after moving back, not to a metro, but to a tier-3 town in South India.

The user didn’t return out of compulsion or career burnout. She works remotely, earns well, and lives comfortably. Her story contrasts with the popular idea that life abroad is inherently superior. She describes her experience saying, “I lived for about two years in Texas, followed by another two years in Europe, specifically in Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich. A year ago, I moved back to India, and I can confidently say it has been the best decision of my life.”Now living in a tier-3 town in South India, working remotely, and earning a strong income, allowed her to evaluate life back home without the usual pressures of unemployment or adjustment.

In terms of racism, not even the subtle kind, “I feel genuinely good knowing my kids will go to school where no one will call them Jeets, brown curry, poop blocker, or whatever the latest insult might be,” she adds. She admits that she never faced direct racism abroad, but notes that subtle forms were hard to ignore, particularly in the US. “Like waiters hesitating to attend to us. Not using ‘please’ when interacting with us, while they did with others,” she adds.Read more: Anand Mahindra wonders why the world is not visiting this unique travel destination, calls it heaven Medical access is also one of the crucial things that has been discussed. “There’s zero wait time for medical appointments,” she added while recalling waiting nearly a month abroad after a cracked, root-canaled tooth, eventually returning to India for treatment.“In India, you can get a same-day appointment with a brain surgeon or super-specialty doctor, and it’s surprisingly affordable.” In terms of infrastructures, it’s actually better than people assume, and we agree with him. Although potholes and inconsistencies, many parts are livable and constantly improving, she adds.As for finances, she added, “I’ve invested in several commercial properties and earn about INR 1 lakh per month in rent, while my monthly expenses are under INR 20,000.”

Living in a family home, hiring domestic help, and avoiding frequent eating out have made her lifestyle both affordable and comfortable. Many of us face this emotional trauma too, as we stay most of our life away from our parents to earn a living. “Seeing my mom every day matters more than I realised,” that thought, she says, stayed with her throughout her time abroad. “Now, I see her every day, and that kind of comfort is irreplaceable,” she says now.Read more: Indian runner sets Guinness record for fastest Manali–Leh run across high Himalayan passes, finishes under 100 hours “India can feel chaotic and overcrowded, like a carnival every day. But I actually thrive on that constant buzz.” In contrast, she describes the US as feeling ‘eerily quiet,’ especially after dark.The trade-offs still exist, she says, like public transport isn’t as clean as in the US or Europe, corruption exists, and other small things. Still, her conclusion is clear that she made the best decision of her life by coming back to India.

Are you someone who needs to visit Japan quite often? Or if you are someone who wants a multiple-entry Japanese visa, this article will guide you in the best possible way. Indian passport holders, who travel to Japan frequently for tourism, business, or cultural exchange, can apply for this multiple-entry temporary visitor visa, which will allow them to visit the destination repeatedly for short stays over a longer validity period. Issued by the Japanese diplomatic missions, this visa is designed for travellers with strong travel history or financial capacity and does not permit paid work or revenue-generating activities. For more details, check this. Below is a detailed breakdown of who is eligible, what documents are required, and how the application process works.

Multiple-entry temporary Visitor Visa (tourism, business, visiting relatives)

For these purposes, you can get a visa validity of up to 5 years, and extend your maximum stay per visit for around 90 days.Permitted purposes: Tourism, business affairs (non-remunerative), Visiting relatives or acquaintancesThings that are not permitted: Paid employment, and revenue-generating business activities

Eligibility criteria for Indian nationals

Applicants must hold an ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP) or e-passport compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and fall under one of the following categories:

Documents required (Tourism / general multiple-entry visa)

For applicants with two or more Japan visits

For applicants with one Japan visit and financial capacity

For applicants with Japan and G7 travel history

For applicants applying based on financial capacity

For spouse or children

Note: Additional documents may be requested during examination. The Japanese mission reserves the right to issue a single-entry visa instead of a multiple-entry visa after review.Read more: Anand Mahindra wonders why the world is not visiting this unique travel destination, calls it heaven

Where to apply

Visa applications are accepted only at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General that has jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence.

Multiple-entry visa for business purposes and cultural or intellectual figures

This category is meant for professionals travelling for business or recognised cultural, academic, or intellectual activities.

Visa validity and stay

Eligibility: Business purpose applicants

Applicants (and their spouse or children) must fall under one of these categories:

Eligibility: Cultural or intellectual figures

Applicants (and their spouse or children) may qualify if they are:

Read more: Indian runner sets Guinness record for fastest Manali–Leh run across high Himalayan passes, finishes under 100 hours

Documents required (business / cultural categories)

Important: Even under these categories, Japanese authorities may issue a single-entry visa after examination.

Key points to remember

“I genuinely don’t understand why the f**k property prices are so insanely high here when the city barely offers anything”, these are the words of a young professional struggling to buy a home. A recent Reddit discussion in the r/indianrealestate community (Naive-Awareness-6832) underscores the problems of buying homes in Gurugram (Gurgaon, Haryana) with raw honesty and hard hitting questions. It is not a rant, but a deeply human expression of irritation, confusion, and despair. These feelings are shared by thousands of middle-and upper-middle-class professionals who are doing everything “right,” and saving every penny to fulfill their dreams of ‘Home Sweet Home’. It’s a fact that Gurgaon, now officially Gurugram, has been marketed as India’s symbol of modern aspiration for years. From glass towers and high-rise societies and cyber hubs to prominent MNCs, the city has become a living embodiment of the “where ambition meets opportunity”. However, under this rosy image lies a growing sense of disillusionment (delulu), especially among first-time homebuyers. The deeper they get the more they discover the real condition of Gurgaon’s real estate.Impressive salary yet no home!In his Reddit post, the man shares,

“Both of us together earn around 1 Cr per year. We’ve set our budget at 1.5 Cr, and we’re willing to stretch maybe to 1.7 Cr. And guess what? There is literally nothing worth even that money in Gurgaon.”So yes, on paper, he is a perfect homebuyer. He says that on paper, my situation looks comfortable. We have enough savings and we are also careful with money. Our budget is ₹1.5 crore, and at most, we are willing to stretch to ₹1.7 crore. But still there’s no home for them in Gurugram. He also compares his condition with his friends and gets disappointed because all of them have their own house. “Most of my friends in Pune and Noida have already bought homes, all under 1 Cr. One friend bought a 2 Cr apartment because she had ancestral property money. Meanwhile, here I am feeling completely left behind.”I never imagined that buying a home would make me feel this defeating. Yet here I am, months into house hunting, emotionally tired, confused, and questioning whether this city still makes sense.Only disappointments

He further describes his ordeal and says that for months now, we have been visiting projects, meeting brokers, and walking through apartments that are supposed to justify their sky-high price tags. But what we are offered feels like an insult to our savings. “We’ve been searching for months and all brokers show us the same nonsense—either too old, too far, terrible construction quality, or no maintenance issues.”Who wants to pay for an too old, poorly maintained, and terribly mediocre house for the price tag. While new constructions offer luxury but deliver questionable quality. The condition is too disappointing. Somewhere it’s thin walls or poor ventilation and sometimes the quality of the material used is questionable. The city that charges high but gives nothing

In his post, he further questions the city’s value and compares Gurugram with cities such as Bengaluru and Pune. He writes about his issues with the city and what troubles him the most is not just the price, but the absence of value. “I genuinely don’t understand why the f**k property prices are so insanely high here when the city barely offers anything. IT industry? Way better in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune. Infrastructure? Please. Roads? Don’t even get me started. Rainy season? Might as well buy a boat. Air ? polluted”He further mentions that he has lived in Bangalore and Pune before moving to Gurgaon. In those cities, the builders whose names inspire confidence—developers who care about quality, planning, and long-term livability. You know what you are paying for.In Gurgaon, “you can’t trust a single builder’s name”.Infrastructure here feels fragile. Roads flood every monsoon. Air quality is also bad. Winters bring toxic smog, and even the rest of the year feels heavy and polluted. And yet, Gurugram is among the most expensive real estate markets in India.Brokers, builders, and a broken market“This is a good deal for Gurgaon,” every time the broker says the same. Nobody talks about maintenance issues or construction quality. For a first-time homebuyer, this is emotionally draining. There’s no stability, or safety, or a sense of belonging.He further narrates his frustration with the narrative around cost of living. “Bangalore is more expensive.” When he moved from Bangalore to Gurgaon for work, he was told that salary adjustments were limited because Bangalore is more expensive.Misleading assumptionGurugram has a high cost of living. From rent and maintenance to schooling and healthcare, almost everything is costly. While the city has not much to offer at that price tag and that’s why it feels deeply unfair. Leave the cityIs leaving the city the only option left? This is the thought with which he ends the discussion. He shares his honest feelings of ‘Leaving’ this city and relocating for better. Reddit reacts:

Reddit user, Terrible-Pattern8933 asks him not to take it personally and think rationally:You need to understand how markets work and not take it personally. The same 1 CR flat you can easily buy in Pune, is totally unaffordable for someone who earns 10LPA in Pune. You see how that works?Commenting on the post, Reddit user Scary_Animal3938 said, Gurgaon, you are competing with big shots. Bengaluru Pune is more about IT only.

Meet *Kanupriya, a 32-year-old marketing professional who is stepping up the corporate ladder. While her professional life is flourishing, she is growing her personal life from scratch– one connection at a time. Kanupriya married her colleague from a previous company after dating for a few months, but within the first two years of their marriage, things started going downhill. The duo got divorced and Kanupriya is now rebuilding her relationships and personal life.On the other hand, meet *Rahul, a 35-year-old engineer, opted for an arranged marriage just like most young men of his age. But as fate would have it, his marriage fizzled as soon as the initial sparks faded in his relationship. In roughly three years, he and his ex-wife opted out of the marriage on the grounds of incompatibility– something that neither side of the families ever saw coming.

Well, if you find this relatable or know of someone whose marriage frizzled even before it hit the 7-year-itch mark– then you aren’t alone. While modern relationships are complex, it seems that modern marriages, too, have become short-lived. So much so that couples seem to be parting ways as soon as that initial butterflies-in-your-stomach rush fades away and the quiet doubts creep in about “is he/she the right person?”If your relationship feels restless around year three – not seven – you’re not flawed or unlucky. You’re smack in the middle of modern love’s accelerated timeline. The classic 7-year itch, once a mid-marriage myth, now seems to arrive early, leaving couples emotionally drained even before they’ve started building a life together. In our app-driven, burnout-fueled 2026 world, what used to simmer for seven years, boils over in three. It’s heartbreaking, relatable, and the good part – fixable. Read on to know how modern relationships have now changed and how to make your marriage long-lasting:

What is the 7-year itch?

Picture a sweaty Tony Curtis eyeing Marilyn Monroe’s skirt in the 1955 Hollywood movie ‘The Seven Year Itch’. That scene birthed the term: Around year seven, boredom breeds in relationships as passion cools and couples start taking each other for granted. Back then, psychologists tied it to biology – dopamine highs of early love dip into steady companionship, just long enough to raise kids. And divorce stats peaked at 4-7 years of a marriage.But now: The itch strikes at year three. Relationships and marriages today are no longer slow build-up – instead, considering the swipe-right world we live in, they feel like sprints that quickly lead to friction. Here’s why:

Why it happens

Blame the blitz. Relationships ignite at warp speed – no drawn-out dating phases. Emotional intimacy hits week one; boundaries blur by month three. While this might seem thrilling at first, but the fast pace is not sustainable in the long run. That early closeness exhausts the honeymoon phase of the relationship even before year three.Living-in together before marriage, adds fuel to it. How? A 2018 study by Rosenfeld & Roesler found that premarital cohabitation lowers divorce risk only in year 1 but raises it thereafter (up to 15-20% higher odds long-term), due to adjustment shocks. Then, comes technoference, where phones (read technology) steal presence. A 2025 Journal of Digital Social Behavior studyfound “technoference” (phone distractions) as the top counselling complaint, accelerating disconnection in couples by year 3.Add burnout and stress due to work, endless dating-app options, financial burdens, and shifting gender roles, sparking “who’ll do the household chores” negotiations– and relationships/ marriages are easily crumbling today. And so, modern love seems like a pressure cooker on fast-forward.

Symptoms to look out for

It sneaks up soft, then stabs. The very first sign is disconnection: Side-by-side silences feel lonely. Routine suffocates – intimacy on Saturdays feel mundane, talks about household chores feels like a duty. Irritability spikes over trivia; resentment simmers (“Why am I always initiating?”). And in your heart, you feel trapped in the marriage; being solo sounds exciting again.

How to fix it

Breathe – this isn’t doom-scrolling your way out. First, pause the pace: Name the itch aloud. “Hey, we’re hitting that wall- it’s time to reconnect”. Vulnerability disarms it. Rediscover solo joy – gym, hobbies, friends – to refill your cup, not drain your partner’s.Add the spark back to your marriage by interrupting routines, and planning spontaneous dates. Have no-phone dinners, “joy jars” with wild ideas, and rebuild intimacy.For deeper issues in your marriage, couples counselling can help flip the scripts. Seek therapy proactively and not just as a last resort. Prioritise your growth together by having shared goals.How are you bringing the joy back into your marriage? Tell us in the comment section below.*Names have been changed to protect people’s identities

Remember the feeling of butterflies in your stomach in the early stages of your relationship? Or the spark you felt when you first held hands or shared a kiss? But now, after years of being together, does being with your partner feel normal– like you are staying with a housemate? As a couple, most of your ‘we-time’ has turned into scheduling some alone time amid kids’ classes, decoding each other’s passive-aggressive sighs, or negotiating whose turn it is to do the household chores. Love now feels like a second shift after a hectic day at work– complete with performance reviews that often sound like “We need to talk…” and hardly any vacation days. If this is how your relationship has transformed, then worry not, as you are not alone. In our hustle-obsessed world, most people end up treating their relationships like dead-end jobs – clocking in together time, calling home, and wondering if the relationship will last long. But why? And how do we get out of this relationship rut before resentment wins over your bond?

Why relationships feel like dead-end jobs

Picture your partnership as that entry-level office job you took “just for now.” Early days were electric with late nights laughing over takeout, dreaming big, having goals together. Fast-forward to the present day, after years of being together: Chores pile up, conflicts repeat on loop, and intimacy is something you hardly have. Also, when reality hits, romance dwindles over time: Dual incomes, ageing parents, endless notifications. Most couples simply get bogged down with life’s challenges– they aren’t fighting, but simply existing. No wonder then that “gray divorces” have spiked among people over-50s, as many empty-nesters realise they’ve been roommates, not lovers for so long.

Warning signs to watch out for

Here we list some warning signs to watch out for in your relationship that signal your connection needs more time and attention:1. The monotony: Conversations stuck on logistics (“Who’s getting the groceries?” Or “Who will pay the bills?”), starved of dreams or desire.2. Scorekeeping: Every favour is tallied like overtime hours, breeding scorecards (“I cooked last time!”).3. Resentment: That sigh when they forget your coffee order? It’s not petty; it’s exhaustion signalling unmet needs.4. Physical touch and intimacy have reached an all-time low, or they feel like mandatory team-building tasks.The worst is when you look forward to alone time instead of planning a date night!Relationship experts call it “relationship burnout.” Just like job fatigue, relationship burnout happens from work/ chores overload without any recharge time.Another reason for many relationships falling apart these days is that most people try to extract joy instead of sharing it with their partner, famous spiritual guru Sadhguru once said in a video. That’s turning partners into fixers and reducing happiness in our relationships. But when people start giving more in their relationship and to their partner, then it helps build long-lasting relationships.

How to bring the spark back in your relationships

If your relationship feels like a chore, then worry not, as the good news is: Unlike a toxic boss, you can rewrite the script in a marriage. Start raw – schedule a “no-agenda” walk, talk about your fears and problems without fixing them. Being vulnerable to your partner helps reconnect and bring the spark back into your life.Also, fill your cup first before pouring it. Rediscover joy solo first: Hit the gym, journal your thoughts and feelings. People who are happy share their abundance, not voids, with their partners.And, protect and prioritise your “us time”.Remember, relationships aren’t jobs – they’re gardens needing daily tending. When love feels laborious, it’s a cue that you need to nurture your relationship. Reclaim romance in your relationship as rebellion against grind culture. That initial magic? It’s reclaimable – with one intentional step at a time.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to be India’s one of the most-sought after real estate markets in 2026. Despite all odds, demand for residential properties across MMR has remained steady. The reason behind would be infrastructure upgrades, new employment corridors, and a growing interest for planned urban living. From homebuyers to investors, all are looking beyond traditional city limits to locate within an affordable range and also seeking better connectivity.

MMR’s advantage lies in its diversity and stretches across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Panvel, among others. Based on reports, the MMR has an attractive real estate outlook for 2026 which is supported by demand, infrastructure expansion and housing options.

On this note, let’s have a look at top 5 real estate hotspots in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in 2026:

(Information and reference insights sourced from Adani Realty Blog – Real Estate Outlook)
(Canva)

If Bridgerton Season 4 has completely taken over your online life, you’re not alone. Netflix’s split release has frustrated binge-watchers, but it has also given fans plenty of time to overanalyze every detail and spin new theories. Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha), in particular, has become the center of speculation, largely because so little is known about her past.

What we know about Sophie’s official status

Officially, Sophie is introduced as the Earl of Penwood’s ‘ward.’ According to Yerin Ha, the prevailing belief is that Sophie is the earl’s illegitimate daughter, born to a maid. By calling her his ‘ward,’ the earl was able to raise her within his household without publicly acknowledging her as his child, an arrangement that protected his reputation but left Sophie without a title, surname, or legal claim.

Before his death, however, Sophie’s life was far from modest. She was dressed and treated like a young lady of status, something that becomes immediately apparent when Araminta and her daughters enter the household. Sophie’s refinement isn’t learned overnight; it reflects a childhood spent in comfort and privilege.

That security disappears the moment the earl dies. With no one left to protect her position, Sophie is quickly reduced to a maid, her former life erased almost entirely.

However, a new theory suggests there may be more to Sophie’s identity and official standing than the show has revealed so far. Many fans believe the series is intentionally holding back key details, saving a larger revelation for the second half of the season.

What does the new theory suggest about Sophie’s birth?

A popular new fan theory suggests that Sophie’s status may be more legitimate than the show initially implies, especially since it is mentioned that Lord Penwood has a sister. Some viewers believe Sophie could be the sister’s daughter, making her Penwood’s niece rather than his illegitimate child. In Regency society, a scandal involving a noblewoman would have been far more damaging than one involving a maid, which could explain why Sophie was raised as a “ward” instead. This would mean the dress she wore to the Masquerade ball belonged to her mother and should have been passed down to her.

This theory also helps explain why she was brought up with education, refinement, and a sense of elegance that never fully disappears. Whether she is wearing a simple maid’s uniform or attending the masquerade ball where she gets her brief Cinderella moment, Sophie carries herself with the same grace.

That same divide is what ultimately blocks Benedict from proposing to her as his wife. Though his entire being is consumed by Sophie, he is unable to reconcile the woman he loves with the servant society tells him she is. Her maid status pushes him toward the painful suggestion that she become his mistress instead, while he continues to search obsessively for the mysterious Lady in Silver, never realising she has been standing before him all along. If the theory proves true and Sophie is revealed to be of noble birth, it could fundamentally reframe Benedict’s struggle and explain why the show may be saving the truth of her identity for the second half of the season.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 release date

The second half of the season is set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, February 26, 2026. That’s when Episodes 5–8 (the remaining episodes of Season 4) will drop all at once worldwide on the streaming platform.

So if you’ve finished Part 1 and are eagerly waiting for the rest of Benedict and Sophie’s story, mark your calendar for Feb 26, 2026.

Anand Mahindra regularly shares his travel musings on X (formerly Twitter) that often draws spotlight to destinations that leave a lasting impression on him and, in turn, inspire others to explore them. His latest features the ever-so-beautiful Key Monastery in Spiti Valley. Captivated by its setting, he wrote: “Living proof that Heaven can descend on Earth. It’s a mystery why the whole world isn’t flocking here. But perhaps its silence is its greatest gift.” It’s hard to disagree. Spiti indeed has a quiet way of drawing travellers in, and inspires them to explore the dramatic and diverse landscapes India has to offer. Perched at an altitude of about 13,500 ft, Key Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Its tiered structure, rising sharply against the mountains, bears a resemblance to Thiksey Monastery near Leh.

The monastery is closely associated with the revered reincarnations of Lochen Rinchen Zangpo, also known as the ‘Great Translator,’ who lived between 958 and 1055 AD. It is deeply rooted in the ancient Kadampa lineage and is regarded as the seat of the Lochen Tulkus lineage. Through this lineage, Key Monastery is connected to the renowned 11th-century Buddhist scholar and saint, Atisha Dipankara. In 2000, a new and much larger assembly hall was consecrated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The hall features old wall hangings that depict tales from the Buddha’s previous lives. There is a prayer room, opposite the main assembly hall, that houses a large prayer wheel and impressive statues of Padmasambhava and Amitayus. Read more: 5 unique wildlife species found in the Indian Himalayas

Its history

Key Gompa is among the most historically significant monasteries in Spiti and holds an important place in Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in the early 15th century by Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect. Over the centuries, the monastery endured repeated invasions and natural disasters. In the 17th century, Mongol forces attacked the monastery during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, after which it formally became part of the Gelugpa school. It suffered further destruction during the Ladakh–Kullu conflict in 1820 and was heavily damaged by the Dogra army in 1841, followed by attacks from Sikh forces later that year. A devastating fire in the 1840s and a major earthquake in 1975 caused additional damage. Restoration work was later carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Public Works Department.

Despite its turbulent past, Key Monastery is renowned for its rare wall hangings and historical artefacts brought from Central Tibet by successive Lochen incarnations. The top floor houses an apartment reserved for the Dalai Lama and a chamber containing the remains of the 18th Lochen Tulku. A chapel dedicated to the monastery’s protector deities is located on a lower level, while another assembly hall beneath it is used for smaller rituals. This monastery also retains the remains of the 17th Lochen Tulku, precious scriptures, old wall paintings, and a statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha. The protector chapel is reached through a narrow staircase and corridor, which is normally used in the winter months. Apart from its historical and religious importance, Key Gompa is also famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance. Read more: Canada Visitor Visa for Indian passport holders: Current timelines and how to apply

Best time to visit

To visit Key Monastery, the ideal time will be between May and October, when the weather is pleasant, roads also remain open, and the Spiti Valley is at its most vibrant, when the temperatures typically range from 10C to 25C. Winters are severe here, with temperatures that can drop below –20C, while the roads are frequently blocked by heavy snowfall. Although the monastery remains open, access can be challenging. Travellers interested in cultural experiences may plan their visit in July, when the Ki Cham Festival is held. The festival features traditional masked dances performed by monks, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Every child (even we in our times) has wondered about school at some point. Who started it. Why do classrooms exist. Was there homework long ago. The story of school is older than notebooks and bells. It is a journey that began with stories, not blackboards.

Before schools had buildings

Long before schools had walls, learning happened anywhere. Children learned from elders at home, in farms, and in workshops. Skills passed through stories, songs, and daily work. A potter taught clay by touch. A farmer taught seasons by watching the sky. Learning was slow, personal, and tied to life.

Ancient schools without desks

As cities grew, learning needed space and order. In ancient India, gurukuls existed. Children lived with a teacher and learned under trees. In Mesopotamia, children went to edubbas, or tablet houses, to learn writing. In Egypt, scribes trained students for record keeping. These were early schools, but they felt more like homes of learning.

When thinking became the lesson

Schools underwent another transformation in ancient Greece. Teachers like Plato opened places to ask questions. His Academy focused on thinking, not just facts. Students discussed ideas, nature, and numbers. Curiosity replaced memorisation as the primary factor in learning. Even now, teaching is still shaped by this change.

So who invented modern school

No single person invented school. But modern public schooling has a clear name. Horace Mann, in the 1800s, helped build the public school system in the United States. He believed all children deserved education, not just the rich. Timetables, subjects, and classrooms became common almost everywhere because of this idea.

How school keeps changing

School did not stop evolving. Books became lighter. Classrooms became smarter. Today, screens share space with chalk. Learning now happens online, at home, and in schools together. The heart of school remains the same. It exists to help children think, ask, and grow.Disclaimer: This article is written for learning and curiosity. It uses well-known historical records and simplified explanations for children. Details may vary across cultures and time periods, and the topic continues to be studied by historians.