Shamil Ahamed
Bio
I'm Shamil Ahamed, maritime grad, traveler, entrepreneur & media writer. My global perspective & sustainable biz background shape my thought-provoking stories.Follow for stories on marginalized voices, fair trade & sustainable living.
Stories (5)
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The Blue Butterfly , Kaitlyn's story and the unknown benefits of the blue butterfly pea flower
A little girl named Kaitlyn used to reside in a small community hidden deep within a verdant tropical forest.She was well-known around the hamlet for her love of the outdoors and her insatiable curiosity.
By Shamil Ahamed3 years ago in Earth
Discovering the Myth & Secrets of the Ceylon Blue Sapphires
Discovering the Myths and Secrets of a Timeless Gemstone: The Enchanting Legacy of Ceylon Blue Sapphires Ceylon blue sapphires, also known as Sri Lankan blue sapphires, have a fascinating history that is steeped in myth and legend. These gemstones are renowned for their exceptional quality, deep blue color and unique characteristics that set them apart from other sapphires found around the world. The earliest historical records of Ceylon blue sapphires date back to the 3rd century BC, when the gemstones were highly sought after by the rulers of the ancient kingdoms of India. According to ancient texts, the sapphires were believed to possess magical powers and were worn as talismans for protection and good luck. They were also a symbol of wealth and prestige, and were often given as gifts to seal diplomatic alliances. During the medieval period, the island of Ceylon was controlled by the kings of Kotte who established a powerful trading network that exported gems, spices and other valuable goods to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The kings of Kotte also had a strong tradition of adorning themselves with the finest sapphires and other precious stones, many of which were mined in Sri Lanka. The gemstones became a symbol of their wealth, power and prestige. In the early 16th century, the island came under the control of the Portuguese, who established trading posts in key locations around the island and began exporting gems to Europe. The Dutch, who later took control of the island, also exported large quantities of Ceylon blue sapphires to Europe. The sapphires from Sri Lanka were highly prized by the European nobility, who used them to adorn their crowns, rings, and other jewelry. It was during the British colonial era that the mining of Ceylon blue sapphires reached new heights. The British brought in new mining techniques and equipment, and established large-scale commercial mining operations. They also introduced new cutting and polishing techniques that allowed for the creation of even more beautiful and valuable gems. Interestingly, during World War II, the British used the sapphire mines to hide gold and other valuables from the advancing Japanese army. The mines were flooded, and the valuables were hidden in the shafts, which kept them safe from looting. After the war, the mines were drained, and the treasures were recovered, this act of resourcefulness helped the local economy to recover in a very short time. One of the most famous Ceylon blue sapphires is the Star of Adam, a massive blue sapphire weighing 1404 carats, that was discovered in the gem fields of Ratnapura in Sri Lanka in 1926. The sapphire was named after the “Adam’s peak”, a mountain in Sri Lanka that is considered a sacred site by many religions. The sapphire was said to be an offering to the gods and was said to have been found by a farmer in a stream that runs from the peak. Ceylon blue sapphires have also been linked to the British royal family, with several pieces of jewelry in the royal collection featuring these gemstones. The most notable is the sapphire engagement ring that Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana, which later became the engagement ring of Kate Middleton when she became engaged to Prince William. In recent years, the mining of Ceylon blue sapphires has undergone a resurgence, with new deposits of the gemstone being discovered and new mining technologies being developed. The gemstones continue to be highly valued by buyers around the world, and the industry remains an important contributor to the Sri Lankan economy. In summary, the history of Ceylon blue sapphires is one that is both rich and fascinating.
By Shamil Ahamed3 years ago in Journal
The Organic Ceylon: Sustainability, Fair Trade and Authenticity
The Organic Ceylon is a business that was founded with the goal of promoting sustainable and fair trade practices in the cultivation and distribution of Ceylon tea and other natural products. The company's story began when the founder, a maritime transportation management graduate, traveler, and young entrepreneur, was inspired by the beauty and flavor of Ceylon tea during a trip to Sri Lanka. However, during this trip, he also witnessed the negative impact of conventional tea farming methods on the environment and the exploitation of workers. This motivated him to start The Organic Ceylon and make a change in the way tea and other natural products are grown and traded.
By Shamil Ahamed3 years ago in Education
