Difference between the ascetic’s paduka {foot ware} and the toe ring.

Science behind religious practices

Married women wear a metal ring on their second toe. This helps to activate certain nerves (due to the electromagnetic properties of metal) whereby the reproductive system is benefited and also helps to generate passion. 

In some communities the husband himself puts the toe ring on his bride which I believe signifies a spiritual connection between the couple.

Wearing toe rings is an ancient practice in India and Archaeologists have also discovered two ancient Egyptian skeletons, dating back more than 3,300 years, which were each buried with a toe ring made of copper alloy.  

On the other hand an ascetic wears a paduka a wooden footwear with a knob between the big and second toe.

The only way to walk wearing a paduka is to squeeze the big and second toe firmly around the wooden knob; by doing this the nerves are pressed (compressed) which helps the ascetic to lead a celibate life.

This has exactly the opposite effect of wearing a metal toe ring.

India’s first rocket transported on a bicycle

In 1963 Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its first rocket from Thumba Equatorial Launching Station.

The station had a single launch pad in the midst of coconut plantations. A local Catholic Church the St Mary Magadelene's Church served as the main office for the scientists. The bishop's house was converted into a workshop. A Cattle shed became the laboratory in which young Indian scientists like Abdul Kalam Azad worked and the rocket was transported to lift-off pad ON A BICYCLE.

The second rocket, which was launched sometime later, was a little bigger and heavier and it was transported in a bullock cart for the lift off.

Over the next 12 years, India built and launched more than 350 sounding rockets

Currently “The Mars Orbiter Mission” is on its way to Mars.

In the early 70's, due to lack of proper facilities, rocket cones were carried on bicycles.
APPLE Satellite being transported in a bullock cart (1981) - Image: ISRO

The glorious journey began at the magnanimous

St.Mary Magdalene Church (left),

it was the first lab and office of ISRO 

Currently maintained as a majestic Space Museum - Image: ISROHQ