Courageous Mihir!
Mihir was 16 and studying in Std. X. He was kind, considerate and sensitive boy. He was good in Sports but not good in Studies so his parents and teachers always used to Scold him. One day he went for a picnic with his classmates and teachers. It was a picnic in the lap of nature.
The moment the children reached the spot, everyone started enjoying, playing, singing, running here and there, teasing each other and many more activities. They were very close to the waterfall and river. So the teachers told them to be careful and not to go to the riverside. So the Children started enjoying at the waterfall and nearby small stream.
Deepu and Akshay were very mischievous boys of their class. When they saw their teachers were busy chatting, they decided to swim in the river. So both of them went to the river bank and jumped in the water. Mihir was watching them from a long distance. As soon as they jumped in the river, they started drowning. They started Shouting For help and hugged each other.
The moment Mihir saw them. he ran towards them. He jumped in the river and caught hold of the collar of Akshay. He tried his level best to pull them towards the bank and was successful. By then everyone joined in the rescue including teachers.
The teachers came Forward and one of the teachers helped the boys to flush out water from their stomach. One of them helped them to regain their breath. The Whole class gathered around Mihir and everyone thanked Mihir for his timely help. The teachers also praised his timely action. By then the news spread everywhere and reached the school and the parents. When in the evening they reached the school, Mihir was the talk of the town. Everyone praised Mihir's courage and presence of mind.
Helping the Injured, Unattended Person on the Road
It was Saturday evening. I was returning home from school. While returning from school I found an old person seriously injured and lying unattended on the road. I ran to him. I shouted loudly for help and called the nearby people. I examined him and found that his injuries were severe. He was groaning with pain. I thought that it was a hit and run case. We called the police and the ambulance. Till they arrived, I, With the help of others, moved the injured person to the footpath nearby. I checked his pockets along with a gentleman in the crowd, if he carried a mobile Phone or a wallet. They were there with his other belongings. I kept careful watch so that no one from the crowd should make away with his belongings. Soon the police came. I told them everything that I knew. The police thanked me for the co-operation. The injured person was sent to hospital. I returned home wishing speedy recovery of the poor old man.
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The King who Wanted to Touch the Moon [Story]
88 Poems For Kids --- The Jungle is Our Home ---- Surprise Birthday Party
Short Model Topics [ Some important ] (about 200 250 Words.)
The Courageous ----- Bravery Award [ Story]
Lost in the Crowd
During the Deepavali holidays I went with my parents to see the Grand National Circus in our town. It was an exciting Show. It was quite late When the show was over and there was a large crowd outside the circus tent.
As we moved towards the gate we saw a lady crying loudly. Her five-year-old daughter was missing. My mother went up to her and tried to comfort her. Many people joined in the search. However, the child could not be traced anywhere. My parents spoke to the lady and persuaded her to go to the nearest police station. we also went along with her. And what a pleasant surprise! The child was there, crying but safe.
The Woman was simply delighted to get her lost child back.
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Safety And First Aid
On roads Walk along the footpaths. Cross the road only at the Zebra [pedestrian] crossing and that too, on getting the green signal.
Synthetic clothes made of nylon, Terence and ethylene readily catch fire. So don't put on such clothes while working near fire.
In case your clothes catch fire, start rolling on the ground. By doing so, the fire will be put out. In Case your friend's clothes catch fire, wrap him tightly in a blanket. Thus, air will be prevented from reaching the fire and the latter will die out.
For putting out wood fire pour water on the burning wood. But for putting out fire started by kerosene or electricity never pour water. Instead of pouring water on such a fire, throw sand or earth on it.
In order to help detect gas leak from the cooking gas cylinder, a foul smelling gas is mixed with the cooking gas. If there is some such typical foul smell in your house, inform your parents or elders who will check the cylinder and take necessary precautionary steps.
Don't touch any uncovered electric wire. Don't insert fingers, nails or wires in the plug holes. Don't switch on or switch off the current with wet hands. If some one gets stuck to a live wire, do not touch him. Separate him from the wire with a dry wooden stick.
If You have minor burns, Keep the affected part in cold Water for some time and after it dries up apply some soothing ointment on it. In case of sprains, apply some ointment containing iodine on the affected part but do not rub it.
In case of minor wounds, wash the wound with some clean water mixed with a few drops of some disinfectant, e.g. dettol. Dry the wound and cover it with a bandage. In order to reduce the pain due to the stings of bees, wasps or scorpions apply some ice. lime water, salt water or ammonia on the affected part.
In case of minor wounds, wash the wound with some clean water mixed with a few drops of some disinfectant, e.g. dettol. Dry the wound and cover it with a bandage. In order to reduce the pain due to the stings of bees, wasps or scorpions apply some ice. lime water, salt water or ammonia on the affected part.
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' There is no Short Cut to Success.'
It is often said that success requires hard work and great diligence as well as commitment. This makes success a long-term achievement. Everybody thinks that there are some easier ways to live life, no need to work hard for livelihood but the truth is that easier ways are always the toughest ways. Most of us forget that for reaching success, the road is not strewn with roses. Success is an achievement by constant diligence and most of us lack the essential quality, diligence. The magic of hard work and perseverance cannot be underestimated.
Most of the time it happens, we start our efforts but soon lose heart half-way and give up our efforts and thus fail to reach the pinnacle of success. If we have the confidence in our efforts, there is nothing that can deter us from achieving. Sitting in front of Television and Watching the shopping network channel, fascinating over the new-miracle making abs machine Which promises you the six-pack abs only in 5 minutes of daily exercises, you think that product is heaven sent, so you grab your phone; book the order and start dreaming about your perfect body. Two months later, that Wonder abs machine is at the back of your master closet gathering dust, As you can see, you will have to do the work When reaching a goal and the success that comes with it.
You have to understand that you might have to make sacrifices during your journey and you need to put in the hours required in order to get Where you want to reach. Those who sit pretty and just complain about the success of others are the ones who do not do much in life. Those Who make continuous efforts for a long time in the right direction rarely lose in the struggle of life. So one important password for all of us to follow is that; there is no short cut to success.
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The Value of Books
Books play a significant role in our life. It is said that, "When you open a book, you open a new world". They are packed with knowledge, insights into a happy life, life lessons, love, fear , prayer, and helpful advice. They are our best companions. Books are our friends indeed.
Books are a treasure-house of knowledge providing us information on all possible topics. They have the power to inspire us to rise to great heights; at the same time, they give us plenty of pleasure. They can transport us to cool places on a hot summer day or to a hot place in the dead of winter. They can make us laugh or cry. Books are also Wonderful teachers; they teach us much more than What we learn from the people around us. The best thing is that they allow the learner to learn at his/her own pace. Finally, books motivate us to search out our inner strengths and talents and use them as well as we can. May there be many, many more books Written!
A Book Speaks
When You drop me on the floor
I get stepped on - my sides are sore;
Torn-out pages make me groan;
I feel dizzy if I'm thrown;
Every mark and every stain
On my covers gives me pain;
Please don't bend me, if You do
I don't want to talk to You;
But we will both be friends together,
If You protect me from the weather
And Keep me clean so that I look
A tidy, neat and happy book.
My Books
I Love my books.
They are the homes
Of queens and fairies,
And knights and gnomes.
Each time I read, I make a call
On some quaint person large or small,
Who welcomes me with a hearty hand
And leads me through his wonderland.
Each book is like a city street
Along whose winding way I meet
New friends and old who laugh and sing
And take me off adventuring!
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My Hobby - reading
Hobby is favorite activity, hobbit or choice of a person which he/she does regularly in his/her free time for pleasure and enjoyment. I have some hobbies like painting, photography, trekking, listening to songs and reading. But reading is my favorite hobby. When I was ten, my father gave me the gift of 10 books on my 10 birthday. I read them and since then I have never looked back. I went on reading.
Reading is the best hobby because it brings variety and charm in my routine life. I go on reading newspapers, news, novels, general knowledge books or any knowledgeable book written by any good author, magazines and any other material that I find interesting in my free time. I derive many benefits from this hobby. When I feel bored or tired, books refresh me. They are my never-failing friends. Reading gives me a lot of information, knowledge and recreation.
On school days I read for an hour or so, but on Saturdays and holidays I read a lot. I enjoy reading in our school library. I have also joined the Marathi Grantho Sangrahalay. I read there and sometimes bring books for reading at home.
I like to read historical stories, biographies, novels , humorous books, magazines, newspapers and all sort of good literature. I read some serious types of books too. So on my every birthday I get 'A book' as a gift from my parents. This habit makes me learn about the World's Wonders, Space, and much more. Such books provide food for thought. These books are my Friends, guides and teachers. So I like reading very much.
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Health benefits of jaggery
Jaggery, is made by boiling Sugarcane juice. It is called gur in Hindi. Jaggery has an important place in Indian culture, mainly because it is considered pure.
Unlike sugar, chemicals and bone charcoal are not used in refining it. Hindus offer delicacies such as shakkarrapongal, obattu and payes made of jaggery as prasadan to Gods and Goddesses. It is considered life-giving and soul sustaining. In several parts of India, there is tradition of eating a piece of jaggery before setting out on any important work, or on hearing good news and sharing it with friends and Family.
According to Ayurveda, jaggery is packed with valuable minerals. Being a complex carbohydrate, it is digested and absorbed into the blood gradually. Eating a piece of jaggery after food, helps in digestion and prevents acidity. It is believed that jaggery purifies blood, Keeps blood pressure under control , prevents and cures pimples and makes skin and hair healthy. Besides providing relief from premenstrual cramps, Jaggery is useful in preventing pregnancy related anemic. It also provides relief from migraine-headaches, acts as an antioxidant, scavenges free radicals and cleans the respiratory tract of dust and pollutants.
Health benefits of Jaggery
Jaggery or " gur " in Hindi is prepared by boiling sugarcane juice, has got a lot of importance in Indian culture. No chemicals are used to refine it. Number of things like shakkarrapongal, oblatum, and payesh are made up of Jaggery as a prasad of God. It is used all over India for different reasons. Being life giving and soul sustaining thing it is used in Ayurveda. It contains minerals, carbohydrates.
It is absorbed in blood gradually so it is easy to digest. It cures many of our diseases. It acts as an antioxidant and cleans respiratory tract of dust and pollutants. so we should eat Jaggery regularly.
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Little story of Fairy Tales
If There Is A Will There Is A Way/
The Cunning Fox
Once, a fox found the corpse of an elephant lying across a forest footpath. The fox thought to himself, "My long time wish to taste elephant meat is going to be over today. "
He hungrily got ready to eat the elephant, but could not bite the tough skin of the elephant corpse.
The lion replied, "I am terribly sorry for you dear fox. I don't eat dead meat. Also, I don't eat leftover meat. And I don't eat kills of others animals," and left the place.
Now, the fox had to wait for some other bigger animals to come that way.
Soon, a tiger came that way. The need to taste elephant meat was very strong in the fox. He came with a plan. He ran to the tiger and humbly said, "Hey mighty tiger. I have seen an elephant sleeping nearby.
You alone can kill it now." The tiger wanted to show off that he was strong. He happily agreed and followed the fox. When they neared the elephant, the fox stealthily walked and whispered, "There lies the elephant. Go and kill it mighty tiger."
Not knowing that the elephant was already dead, the tiger attacked and ripped open the elephant. When the tiger was about to eat, the fox started shouting, "Lion, lion, lion....." The tiger sprawled away from that place.
The fox satisfied his long time wish.
The Brave Goat
In the outskirts of a village there was a hard of goats. The mother goat had given birth to five new kids. A wolf that used to hunt in that part of the village had set his eyes on the kids.
One fine morning, when the mother goat had gone out in search of food, the fox took its chance. He came to the kids and said in a very sweet voice, "Hello kids, I am your uncle. Come out with me. Let me show you some sweet herbs to eat." One kid replied, "How can you say you are our relative? You don't resemble us." The wolf smiled and said, " Look my child, I had left the herd long time ago. My appearance has changed as a result of my forest life. " However, the kids were suspicious. They were hesitant to come out of their houses. "Please go away. Mummy is not at home. Come back when mummy is at home. We cannot entertain strangers when our parents aren't nearby., " strongly said the kids. In the meantime, the mother goat returned and fought away the wolf. She was so happy that the kids had listened to her.
Who's the Greatest ?
Emperor Akbar or Akbar the Great is knows as one of the greatest rulers in the world - not just because he had a vast empire, a very strong army, untold wealth, but because he was a good human being. He cared for his subjects. He had great respect for scholars, writers, poets and artists belonging to different religions. He was a patron of art and culture. The nine gems or 'nay-ratnagar' in gist court were famous. Many people believe that of these nine gems, Birbal was the closest to the Emperor's heart. Akbar loved to pose interesting questions or problems in his court, and Birbal never failed to come up with an equally interesting answer.
We don't Know whether all the Akbar and Birbal stories that we hear today have any basis in history. They have been handed down over generations mainly by word of mouth. Here are two of them :
One day, the Emperor entered the court with a very serious expression on his face. As soon as he was seared, he said, "I have a question for all of you. What should be the punishment for someone who pulls my moustache ?"
The court was stunned! Pull the Emperor's moustache ! It was unheard of!
"Flog him ! Give him fifty lashes of the whip !" exclaimed one nobleman.
"That's not enough. Put him in jail without food and water. " said another.
"Whip him!" "Beat him up!" "Hang him!" "Cut off his offending hands. " The agitated courtiers began to cry out. Only Birbal was silent. He was even smiling a little.
"What do you say, Birbal? What is your opinion ?"
"In my opinion, O Giver of peace to the World, the offender should be given his favorite sweetmeats."
"Raja Birbal, are you out of your mind ? Give sweetmeats for such a grave offence?" The courtiers began to say. Birbal smile and offered an explanation: "Yes, who would be so bold as to pull the Emperor's moustache? Only his own grandson !"
When Akbar heard this, he burst out laughing because that is exactly what had happened in the morning!
On another occasion, Akbar was relaxing with some of his courtiers. A few of them thought this was a good opportunity to shower praise on the Emperor and get some favorite from him. They began to compete with each other in praising Akbar.
"You are the greatest of the kings !"
"You are the greatest of the kings or emperors that ever lived on the earth!"
"You are the greatest of all the people in heaven or earth !"
"You are as great as God Almighty !"
"You are greater than the God Almighty !"
Now, Akbar was no fool. He did not care for false praise. He stopped the courtiers and asked, "Do you all believe so?"
"Yes !" they answered in one voice.
"All right, then, prove it to me. Tell me at least one thing that I can do but God Almighty will not be able to do. Otherwise, you will all incur our royal displeasure ! You have till tomorrow morning to prove it !"
Akbar then left the place without another look at the courtiers. They were in a proper fix. They thought and thought but couldn't think of any such thing. In the end, they went to Birbal. When Birbal heard their story, he told them not to worry.
The next morning, the court was full. Everyone was curious to see what would happen next.
"Well," said the Emperor, "Have you found a good answer to my question ? Or are you ready to leave the court forever?"
Just then Birbal stepped forward and bowed low. "Please don't be angry with those who think you are the greatest. There's certainly at least one thing that you can do, but the God Almighty cannot !"
Akbar looked at Birbal thoughtfully, "And what is that one thing ?"
"When you want to punish someone, you can banish that person - you can throw him out of your kingdom. But God's kingdoms extends everywhere. The Almighty cannot banish anyone from his kingdom."
Akbar's face was lit up with a smile, "That was very clever, Birbal ! While showing how I have an advantage, you have also shown that God is greater. I believe you."
Akbar was so pleased with the answer that he forgave the courtiers for their stupidity.
Autobiography of a Great Indian Bustard
Which is the heaviest flying bird in India? Well, friends, it's me - The Great Indian Bustard. I feel proud to be known as the 'Great Indian' Bustard. I have more than 30 different names in various Indian languages. In Marathi, I am known as 'Madhok' or 'Hoom'. I can weigh up to 18 kilos and can stand up to four feet in height - reaching up to your shoulders or even higher ! I have got a long white neck; brown wings, tall yellow legs and a black cap on my head. My wife - Mrs Bustard is smaller and slimmer than I am and her neck is not white. But I have heard humans say that we both look impressive!
I live on grasslands and deserts along with my other friends including chinkara, blackbuck and larks. I eat everything including snakes, lizards, small fruits and berries and all sorts of insects. That's a very healthy habit! But grasshoppers and beetles are my favorite food items.
When it starts raining, we all gather at our favorite grasslands where there are no people to disturb us. I perform a wonderful dance by gulping air in the special feathery pouch attached below my neck. This pouch helps me to produce a resonating sound similar to the one produced by the cow - 'Hoooooom'. I dance in joy with puffed out feathers and cocked up tail and dropped down wings. It helps me to impress my soul mate.
You know that we birds lay eggs and our young ones hatch out of eggs. Mother GIB lays just one egg directly on the ground. We don't believe in building nests - but we have a special trick to protect our eggs from predators. The egg looks like a stone. Monitor lizards, Foxes, dogs, pigs, snakes and eagles are enemies of my egg and chick, but my wife protects the egg from all of them. By the time our young one hatches out of the egg, rains arrive. There's plenty of grass, swarming with insects - fresh food for my family. Young ones of other birds soon fly away from the nest, but a great Indian Bustard mother and chick stay together for nearly one year. The chick learns many good habits from the mother.
You may have heard about a great human friend of ours - Dr Salim Ali. He had even suggested that we should be given the status of the 'National Bird' of our country but the honors went to our beautiful relative - the peacock. I am happy to tell you that I am the State birds of Rajasthan. We have got ten sanctuaries for our protection but sadly, our number is still going down. We used to live in all parts of India. But slowly the growing population of man pushed us away from more than 90 percent of our home regions. We are afraid of hunters that kill us for fun. We also die due to electric power-lines that we can't see while flying. We are losing our homes. Today, only the last 200 of us are left in the world. We need your support and love in order to survive.
Can you help us?
The Peacock and the Crane
There was once a very conceited Peacock who had a gorgeous tail like no other bird. So, when he met a Crane one day, the Peacock scoffed at the Crane's colour less and dull feathers, and immediately spread his own colourfull tail for the Crane to see and admire.
"Look at my feathers, " he boasted, "how they shine in all the colour of the rainbow, while yours are so pale! I am dressed like a king!"
"That's true," the Crane answered, "But I can fly high above, among the clouds and the stars and I can see all the beauty of the earth in all its glory, while you live down here just like any other cock."
Fine feathers don't make fine birds.
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Attention
[Who says black is not beautiful ? The colour of your skin has nothing to do with your beauty. It's more important to be healthy, neat and tidy if you want people to like your looks.
You should eat well, exercise well, sleep well and drink enough water to get a healthy, glowing skin. Never feel bad about the colour of your skin or your natural looks.
Be careful when you try fairness creams. They may have side effects.]
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Story.....''';/.'';;''''//.;'/.;'/.;'''';;';..///.;;''';!!!!!
Look Before You Leap !
Long long ago, there lived two little frogs in a Pretty little pond. Colourfull Water lilies grew in the pond. Fishes darted about and tiny insects buzzed around. The pond was full of life. The two frogs were very close friends. They had plenty to eat in the pond. All the day long, they played about jumping from lily pad to lily pad and diving headlong in the pond. They were the happiest little frogs in the world.
The frogs loved the rainy season. But the rainy season does not last forever. The rains stopped and the weather became hot. Still, there was a lot of water and life in the pond. There was nothing to worry about. In winter, the frog friends found cozy little places at the edge of the pond. They spent most of their time sleeping and resting.
Soon it was summer. Now the days became very very hot. With the hot sun blazing in the Sky, the pond began to dry. Without water, the lilies dried up. There were very few insects to be found. The frog friends were worried.
" Do You think the whole pond will dry up ?"
" Looks like it," said the other.
"What shall we do then ? How shall we live ?"
" We must search a place where there is plenty of water and food for us."
" You are right. It is hard work, travelling in this hot sun. But there is no other way. Come, let us start. The sooner, the better."
" If we travel together, the search will be easier."
So the frogs left the drying pond and began to look for a watery place. They hopped and hopped and became very tired. Just then, one of them saw a well in the distance. They rushed to the well. The well was built in stone and had a high circular wall. The frogs hopped onto the wall and peeped inside. The well was quite deep, but there was a lot of water still left at the bottom of the well. The friends began to jump for joy.
"We are so fortunate ! Thank God that we Found this well !"
" Our problem is solved ! Our search has ended !
We have Found a new home ! Let's jump in together - One, two,......"
"Wait ! Friend, this well is so deep. And there's Water left only at the bottom."
"But we can surely dive in ! However deep the well may be, diving is our Specialty ! Why do you hesitate ?"
" It has Occurred to me that this well is also drying up. If it dries up Completely, we will have to leave this well, too."
"I agree. But why do you hesitate now ?"
"It's because I see a problem. We can easily dive into the well. But What if the well dries up ? Can we jump so high that we reach the top of this wall ? Shall we be able to leave the well like we left the pond ?"
"You are right, Friend !" said the other frog. " I had not thought of this. It's good that you could foresee this problem. Let's not leap inside. Let's continue with our search."
And so. the two little frogs hopped on to look for a safe shelter.
How well it is said, "Look before You leap !"
The Two Merchants of Seri
Once upon a time, in a place called Seri, there lived a merchant. He Went from town to town selling pots and pans and other things made of brass and tin. He travelled every day with another merchant who also sold brass and tin ware. But this other man was greedy. When he sold something, he sold it at a very high price. But when he bought something, he tried to give as little as possible.
When the two merchants went into a town, they divided the streets between them. Each one went up and down the streets he had chosen, calling, 'Tin ware for sale. Brass for sale.' People came out to their doorsteps, and bought, or traded, with them .Only after one merchant had finished his business on that street did the other one made his rounds there.
In those days, people did not always use money to buy things. Sometimes, they exchanged things of the same value.
In one house, there lived a poor old Woman and her granddaughter. The Family had once been rich, but now the only thing they had left of all their riches was a dish made of gold. However, the grandmother did not Know it was a golden dish. The dish stood on a shelf among the other pots and pans, and was not often used.
Now, the greedy merchant passed this house, calling ,"Buy my water-jars! Buy my pans! Buy my tinware!" The granddaughter said, "Oh, Grandmother, do buy something for me!"
"My dear," said the old woman, "we are too poor to buy anything. I have not anything to trade, even."
"Grandmother, see I have found this old dish among other pots and pans on the shelf. We don't ever use it Can we trade this? Perhaps the merchant will take it and give us Something nice for it."
The old woman called the merchant and showed him the dish, saying, "Will you take this, Sir and give the little girl here something for it ?"
The greedy man took the dish and scratched its side with a needle. He came to Know immediately that it was a golden dish. But he wanted to get it for nothing from the old woman. So he said, "What is this worth ? Not even a copper coin." He threw the dish on the ground, and went away. The crafty merchant was planning to come back after some time and buy the dish for a few copper coins as if doing a great favor to the old lady.
After a while, the honest merchant finished the rounds of his streets and entered the street where the old lady lived. He passed her house, calling, "Buy my water-jars! Buy my tin ware ! Buy my brass !"
The little girl heard him, and begged her grandmother to see what this merchant would give for the dish.
"My Child," said the grandmother," the merchant who was just here threw the dish on the ground and went away. I have nothing else to offer in trade."
"But, Grandmother," said the girl, "This one looks pleasant. Ask him. Perhaps he'll give us something for it."
"Call him, then, and show it to him, "said the old woman.
As soon as the merchant took the dish in his hands, he knew it was of gold. Immediately, he said "This is a golden dish. It is worth more than all my money and all my wares. I'll bring enough money tomorrow and then buy it from you."
The old woman was greatly surprised. She was impressed by the honesty and goodness of the merchant. "Take this dish, and give me the money tomorrow," She said.
The honest merchant kept all his wares and money with the old woman and took the dish. He left himself only enough money for the boat-ride that he had to take on his way back.
After some time, the greedy merchant went back to the house where he had seen the golden dish and said, "Bring that dish to me, and I will give you something for it."
"No," Said the grandmother. "You said the dish was worthless, but another honest merchant has paid a great price for it, So I gave it to him. You should not try to take advantage of the poor and needy people, "What could the greedy merchant say ! He paid the price for his dishonesty and greed.
A lighthouse is a tower, building or tall structure on the seashore. From the lighthouse, big beams or flashes of light are thrown out. These beams help ships at sea to navigate - to find their way across the sea. They can tell the ships that there is a port nearby, it is safe to go near the port or that there are dangerous rocks under the sea, etc. In days of old, modern means of communication like radio, mobile phones, internet were not available to People. Therefore, the warning signals of the lighthouse were very useful to ships.
In today's age of radio, TV , the internet, satellite services, many other facilities are available to ships ( and Aeroplan's ) When they travel across the sea ( or sky ).
Story,,,,,,.......Hi.'''''''.....Hello,,,,,'''''';;;;;
Pretty as a Picture
Right on the first day of school, our new class teacher Miss Nina told us that the last period on every Friday would be Story-time. We all decided immediately she must be the best teacher in the world. We hoped she Knew enough stories for all the Fridays of the Year. 📜📜📜📜
So, Friday came and we got more and more excited till at last the bell rang for the last period. We reminded her right away about her promise.
" Yes, of course," She said happily. But as she looked around the class, we could see her face changing. " Oh, dear, I was going to tell you such a lovely story. But, it looks as if that will have to wait,"
" No-o-o," said everyone. " That's not fair !"
" Look at the classroom," Miss Nina said." How can we enjoy a story with all this rubbish all over the floor ?"
So, everyone went scurrying around picking up paper , and pencil stubs and putting them in the waste-paper basket. What a confusion there was ! But Miss Nina was not satisfied.
" The desks and benches are all crooked," she said.
So, up popped everyone once again straightened out the rows quickly and put them all in perfect order.
" That's much better," she said ."But look at Yourselves. Ribbons undone, shirts hanging out, shoelaces open, belts askew."
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Anything for the story, we thought. And as quickly as possible, we tidied ourselves up. We kept asking the kids around us to tell us if we were looking tidy enough. No mirrors in the classroom, you Know ! But this silly Shirin's plait was all undone. Sonia had to do it all over again for her and tie the bow too. 💻
Most of the parents like to fulfill the wishes of their children. They feel sorry when they cannot indulge their kids or when they have to scold them. And when even a scolding has no effect, the parents become very very unhappy. Such was the case with Anshuman and his parents.
The Wizard of Oz is a well-known fantasy of children's literature. It tells the story of Dorothy who is whisked with her dog Toto, by the cyclone to the wonderful land of Oz. There she meets the Tin Woodman who needs a heart, the Scarecrow who needs brains and the cowardly lion who needs bravery. They all want to see the Wizard of Oz, the only person who can help them. Here's an account of a part of their journey to the Emerald City of Oz where the Wizard lives. Read the Wizard of Oz to find out what happens next.
The 'marathon' is a sporting event. It is a running race of about 42 kilometers. The word 'marathon' also means 'a task or event that lasts a long time and requires a lot of effort and patience'.
Hundreds of years ago, in the eastern province of Bengal, Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah ruled the land. His capital was Sonargaon. Sultan Ghiyasuddin was a good ruler. He ruled wisely and well. He respected men of learning. He had a deep regard for law. One day, while the Sultan was practicing with his bow and arrows, he accidently wounded the only son of a poor widow. The wounded boy did not survive. Weeping and wailing, the poor widow went to the Qazi and told him what had happened.
The Triantiwontigongolope
Once there was a donkey who had worked long and hard for his master. Now he had grown weak and could not do much work. So, his master began to treat him unkindly. He even began to starve the donkey. He wanted to save the money he spent on the donkey's food. In the end, the poor donkey left the house. He believed he still had a good strong singing voice. So he decided to go to Bremen town and earn his living as a town musician.
There are fishes, turtles and many strange and beautiful animals in the sea. The largest of all animals is the blue whale. It lives in the sea.
There are many different types of plants in the sea. In some places, there are so many that it is like an under-water forest.
The Laughing King
" One last thing," Miss Nina said. "You'll be in a hurry when the story is over. So how about putting away all Your things into Your bags right now ? All the books, all notebooks. Don't forget the compass box. Have you out away your pencil ? Your rubber ? Your ruler ? The pack of colour pencils? Good. Now Your tiffin and water bottle. There's a place for everything, so put everything in its right place."
Well, we were all done except Rahul and Anwar. They couldn't find their diaries. And Sheela Who couldn't find the cap of her pen ! And Bina Who had lost the cup from her water-bottle. And................... . And everyone was making such a noise trying to help, I thought we would never finish and Miss Nina would be too angry to tell us a story.
But at last it was all done and Miss Nina finally smiled broadly. "Now, that's my favorite class ! All spick and span and as clean as a whistle. But is there time for a story ? Oh, yes, there is ! Just a short little one."
Short or long, Miss Nina told us a really funny story about a king and his clown. Only, it ended too soon. And we were still laughing When the bell rang. So, we just thanked Miss Nina and left.
By the way, Miss Nina's idea about packing the bag early was really good. My mother said she'd never found my bag so neat before. And I hadn't left anything behind in school either.
Now, on Monday when the week began, our class monitor said he had a good idea and he wanted us to listen. He said that we must practice straightening up the classroom and ourselves quickly. Just within five minutes ! That way, we would have time for long stories on Fridays.
So, we drew up a 5-minute drill.
Here it is :
First minute : Start from the last kid in every line, collect and pass on all paper and rubbish to the kid in front. They go and put it in the waste-paper basket.
Second minute : Come out of your place and straighten Your desk. Look at the lines on the floor to help you keep it just right. Kids on the ends tell you if your desk is out of line.
Third minute : Tie shoelaces and ribbons. Tuck in blouses and shirts. Straighten dresses and belts. Face your partners to make sure that everything is all right.
Fourth minute : Pack Your bags. Check all books, notebooks, compass boxes, colour pencils, tiffins, water bottles. Have I written my homework ? Have I forgotten anything ?
Fifth minute : Sit down quietly and try to guess the story Miss Nina's going to tell!
Meena, the other monitor, suggested that we do this without saying a single word. Great idea ! That saves us all the confusion. Miss Nina was so--o-o pleased with the 5-minute drill. She said she would also help. She said she would keep looking at her watch and tell us after every minute to hurry up.
We Practiced, starting on Monday itself. It was crazy at first. There were Kids giggling and making funny faces and we all felt awkward. But, We had to do it for the sake of that STORY.
And do you Know what Miss Nina said at the end of the 5-minute drill ? She said our class looked as pretty as a picture !
We got a full 25-minute story this Friday !
Doctor Doolittle Learns Animal Language .......
"Now listen, Doctor," said Polynesia, "and I'll tell you something. Did You Know that animals can talk?"
" I Knew that Parrots can talk," said the Doctor.
" Oh, we Parrots can talk in two languages - People's language and bird-language," said Polynesia Proudly. " If I say, ' Polly wants a biscuit' , You understand me. But hear this : ' Ka-ka oi-ee, fee-fee.,' " ❁❁❁❁
" Good gracious !" cried the Doctor. " What does that mean ?"
"That means,' Is the Porridge hot yet ?' - in bird language."
" My ! You don't say so !" said the Doctor." You never talked that way to me before."
" What would have been the good ?" said Polynesia, dusting some biscuit-crumbs off her left wing. " You wouldn't have understood me if I had."
" Tell me some more," said the Doctor, all excited; and he rushed over to the dresser-drawer and came back with a notebook and a pencil." Now don't go too fast - and I'll write it down. This is interesting - very interesting - Something quite new. Give me the Birds' ABC first - slowly now."
So, that was the way the Doctor came to Know that animals had a language of their own and could talk to one another. And all that afternoon, while it was raining, Polynesia sat on the Kitchen table giving him bird words to put down in the notebook.
At tea-time, When the dog, Jip, came IN, The Parrot said to the Doctor, " See, he's talking to you."
" Looks to me as though he were scratching his ear," said the Doctor.
" But animals don't always speak with their mouths," said the parrot in a high voice, raising her eyebrows. " They talk with their ears, with their feet, with their tails - with everything. Sometimes they don't want to make a noise. Do you see now the way he's twitching up one side of his nose ?"
" What does that mean ?" asked the Doctor.
" That means, ' Can't you see that it has stopped raining ?'" Polynesia answered. " He is asking you a question. Dogs nearly always use their noses for asking questions."
After a while, with the Parrot's help, the Doctor got to learn the language of the animals so well got to learn the language of the animals so well that he could talk to them himself and understand everything they said. Then he gave up being a people's doctor altogether.
Let's Wait.....!
( When things go against their wishes, little children sometimes feel very sad and lonely. They don't realize how much the People around them love them. It's only when they wait and think Properly that they understand it. Let's hear what this girl has to say. )
This is the worst day of my life. I am feeling very sad. You may not believe it, but I am the saddest person on this earth.
The reason is that nobody loves me. I have a family - Mummy, Daddy, Granny and a Younger sister. I have been sitting here behind this sofa for the whole day - OK- For the last eight hours - alright, alright - at least an hour, at least TEN whole minutes and no one has noticed !
They are all interested only in my sister. Even when she cries for no reason, they all rush to her, pick her up and give her whatever she Wants.
I Should really go away and live in some interesting places. I think I'll become a hermit and wander in the mountains and forests. I'll eat the fruit on trees and make friends with birds and animals.
Or, I could ride away on a camel and live in a desert. At night, I will sleep in a tent. Or better still, I'll travel to the north pole and live in an igloo made of ice. I'll make friends with the polar bear.
What's that ? Something soft against my back ! Oh, it's ........ baby ! What are you doing here, You silly ! Go away, don't smile at me. Why do you follow me ? Tch ! Tch ! Is there nobody else in the house to look after You ?
Don't come here. You may bump into something and I'll get all the scolding. Why do you have to do everything that I do ? Copycat !
Oh, never mind. Really ! The people in this house ! They should look after her better. I'm a grown up girl now. I can manage on my own. But what about this little baby ? Come, baby, let's crawl out from here.
When I go away, I'll take You with me. Or You'll keep crying for me all the time and they won't even guess What the matter is with You. I really can't go away when You are so Small. Let's Wait till You are a little Older !
Story, So Many,
Tenali Raman Draws a Picture
Tenali Raman is standing in front of a drawing board.
Good afternoon, Sir, the King wants you. Shh! Don't disturb me. I am busy. (Messenger goes away.) (Walks in) Raman, I was waiting for you. What are you doing? Your Majesty, I was drawing a picture. I see. We would like to see the picture. Here, Your Majesty. This is my picture. Is this a picture? What have you drawn, Raman? Please explain. I was drawing a cow, a cow eating loads of grass. Loads of grass ? I can't see any grass here! Ah! That's because the cow ate it up. And where's the cow ? After eating up all the grass, the cow walked away, Your Majesty. Ha, ha, ha, ! Raman, You always make me laugh!
A Honey Bee Speaks
A Monologue
Hmmmm... Hmmmm... What ! Me, a lazy bee ? You think I simply have fun all day among the flowers ? Oh, no, ! When I am flitting from flower to flower, I am actually very hard at work. And that's why I am called, not a lazy bee but a busy bee.
Come, I'll show you my house and tell you what a lot of work we bees do all our life. Hmmmmm... 🍀
My house is called a honeycomb. It's a big house with thousands of rooms or cells. Each room has six equal sides. We take a lot of care to build it. We even produce the material for building the comb. It's called beeswax. 🌱
Do You Know, When I was very young, I used to stay at home. But even then I had to do a lot of work. Hmmm.... I had to look after the larvae - the babies that would grow into bees. I had to feed them and protect them. If anyone came near our comb to disturb it, I was ready with my weapon - a sting ! I'm not only a worker, I' m also a soldier. Beware, don't trouble me !
Hmmmm... Well, to go back to the comb, I had to keep the comb cool by fanning it with my wings.♣️
Then I had to keep the house in order - put away all the honey and food that other bees brought from the flowers. But luckily, I had hundreds of other bees working with me. We all worked together without ever fighting ! That's one reason why we can build such perfect and beautiful houses. 🍥 🍃 👉
Yes, I helped with the house building, too. We keep making our house bigger and bigger to make room for the babies and for the food and honey we gather.
When I became older, I began to fly out of the comb to gather nectar. I take the nectar and pollen from the flowers and carry them back to the comb. Nectar is the sweet juice in flowers and pollen is the yellow powdery stuff you see on flowers. I visit hundreds of flowers and make several trips every day without wasting even a single moment !
The nectar from the flowers is too thin. We bees turn it into the sweet thick honey that you like. It's Only because you called me a lazy bee that I stopped and explained it all to you. Otherwise, I have not a moment to lose.
Bye - Hmmm...... Hmmm..... .
' Go ! ' and ' Come ' ! ( Story )
' Go ! ' and ' Come ' !
Once there was a little boy who lived in a pretty little cottage. There was a lovely garden around the cottage. Different kinds of plants grew in the garden, and so there was a lot of work to do there. The plants had to be watered every day. They had to be given manure from time to time. They had to be cut and pruned at the right time. The garden needed weeding and cleaning. Everybody in the little boy's family helped to take care of the garden.
The boy had a very strict uncle who came to stay with them for a few days. The uncle believed in hard work and discipline. One day, he saw that the boy was playing around in the house.
"Little boy," said the uncle, " You would be far better at work. Your garden needs weeding sadly; go now and weed it, like a good child !"
But the little boy did not feel like weeding that day.
" I can't do it," he said.
" Oh, yes, you can," said the uncle.
" Well, I don't want to, not just now," said the little boy.
" But you must ! " Said his uncle. " Don't be naughty, but go at once and do your work ! This is an order ! Get up and go !"
The uncle was himself a hard-working man. He went away to carry on with his own work in another room, but the little boy sat still. He felt that his uncle was being unfair. His chin began to wobble, he had a lump in his throat and his eyes welled up.
Just then, his mother walked in.
" What's the matter, little boy ?" She asked, "Why do you look so unhappy ?"
" Uncle told me to weed the garden, " Said the little boy.
"Oh!" said his mother, "What fun that will be! I love to weed, and it is such a fine day! Can I come and help you to weed?"
"Why, yes !" said the boy.
" Come, let's do it now," said his mother.
The boy got up readily and went outside with his mother. The two of them weeded the garden beautifully and had a very good time together, working and chatting and laughing.
The Story of Sindbad the Sailor
The story of Sindbad and his seven fantastic voyages appears in the huge collection of stories - 'The Book of one Thousand and One Nights' or 'The Arabian Nights'. The story tells us that Sindbad was a famous sailor who lived in Baghdad. He was honest, generous and brave. He had many adventures on each of his voyages. He never lost heart and hope in dangerous situations. He overcame great dangers and returned home safely from each of his voyages. Here's the story of his first voyage. The First Voyage
Sindbad set sail with a company of merchants on a big ship. From time to time, they stopped at various ports. There they sold their merchandise and bought new things to trade.
One day, when their ship was sailing smoothly across the sea, they spotted a small island at a distance. They had not seen land for many days and felt both surprised and happy to see the island. They sailed close to the island. The Captain of the ship allowed them to go there for a picnic. Everyone was excited. On the island, they strolled around, sang and danced. Some people began to wash clothes. Some lit fires to cook meals.
Soon, a breeze sprang up. The fires began to blaze. Suddenly, the land began to shake and move. With a shock, the picnic party realized that the island was not an island at all. They were on the back of a huge sea-monster, and it had started moving. People began to scream. They left their pots and pans, their clothes - both washed and unwashed, and rushed back to the ship. The Captain ordered his men to set sail immediately in order to move away from the monster.
The sea-monster plunged deep into the sea. Many of the people managed to climb aboard the ship, but many sank into the sea with the so called island. Sindbad alone did not drown in the sea. But he could not reach the ship. He saw it sailing far, far away. He was now at the mercy of the waves, being tossed here and there. He clung to Piece of wood and somehow managed to keep afloat. He spent the night alone at sea.
When the next day dawned, Sindbad was happy to see that he had floated near an island - a real, big island. He could see hills and woods and trees at a distance. Though he was extremely tired, he Swam to the shore with all the strength that he could muster. Exhausted and hungry, he lay on the sand for some time. Then again, he made an effort and began to walk inland towards the shady fruit trees that he could see at a distance.
Luckily, this was the time when the King of that island sent his horses to the seashore with the grooms. The grooms saw Sindbad and gave him food and drink. Then they took him to the King. The King was impressed by the way Sindbad told him about what had happened. He asked Sindbad to stay with him, and work as an officer of the King at the port.
Sindbad stayed there for a few days, learning a lot from the King and the people on the island and in turn telling them about the other cities and ports that he had visited. At the port, Sindbad often made Enquiries about any ships coming from or going to Baghdad but no such ship ever came to that port.
Then one day, a ship arrived at the island with a lot of merchandise. Sindbad was at the quay When the cargo from that ship was being unloaded. He was Surprised to see that his own name was marked on some of the boxes. Then he went to see the Captain of the ship. At first, the Captain could not believe that it was the same Sindbad that they had seen drowning in the sea. But when Sindbad spoke to him face to face, he recognized him. He was overjoyed to see Sindbad alive. He gave him back all his merchandise.
From the goods that he thus got back, Sindbad presented the most valuable items to the King of the island saying, " Please accept this, Your Majesty. You have been very Kind and very generous to me." The King was pleased. He, too, gave Sindbad many valuable gifts when Sindbad left the island with the merchant ship.
Velasco Agar Faces Grim Flood Situation. Facing a Flood Situation It began with a thundershower. The next thing we knew it was raining non-stop. None of us were prepared for this deluge. The farmers tried to save their crops. The hutment dwellers tried to stop the flowing water from entering their homes. The shopkeepers waded around trying to keep up with the growing demand for provisions. But the rains Kept on unabated. After a night and a day of incessant rain, it dawned on us that this was an unusual crisis situation. Many had packed necessities and left the village. But the river Kept getting swollen and advancing into our territory.
There was nothing to do but to flee. Everyone helped everybody. Women picked up children they didn't know. Men threw belongings into carts. The entire village drifted towards the hills. And there we stayed for more than a day after the rains stopped and the flood lines had receded. We soon heard that help was on the way. City folks with provisions. Government officials with sops. Newsmen with cameras. Our village had become famous. Slowly we trudged back to our homes and surveyed the soggy remains. Our village will never forget the floods we had to face that year.
The story of Sindbad and his seven fantastic voyages appears in the huge collection of stories - 'The Book of one Thousand and One Nights' or 'The Arabian Nights'. The story tells us that Sindbad was a famous sailor who lived in Baghdad. He was honest, generous and brave. He had many adventures on each of his voyages. He never lost heart and hope in dangerous situations. He overcame great dangers and returned home safely from each of his voyages. Here's the story of his first voyage.
The First Voyage
Sindbad set sail with a company of merchants on a big ship. From time to time, they stopped at various ports. There they sold their merchandise and bought new things to trade.
One day, when their ship was sailing smoothly across the sea, they spotted a small island at a distance. They had not seen land for many days and felt both surprised and happy to see the island. They sailed close to the island. The Captain of the ship allowed them to go there for a picnic. Everyone was excited. On the island, they strolled around, sang and danced. Some people began to wash clothes. Some lit fires to cook meals.
Soon, a breeze sprang up. The fires began to blaze. Suddenly, the land began to shake and move. With a shock, the picnic party realized that the island was not an island at all. They were on the back of a huge sea-monster, and it had started moving. People began to scream. They left their pots and pans, their clothes - both washed and unwashed, and rushed back to the ship. The Captain ordered his men to set sail immediately in order to move away from the monster.
The sea-monster plunged deep into the sea. Many of the people managed to climb aboard the ship, but many sank into the sea with the so called island. Sindbad alone did not drown in the sea. But he could not reach the ship. He saw it sailing far, far away. He was now at the mercy of the waves, being tossed here and there. He clung to Piece of wood and somehow managed to keep afloat. He spent the night alone at sea.
When the next day dawned, Sindbad was happy to see that he had floated near an island - a real, big island. He could see hills and woods and trees at a distance. Though he was extremely tired, he Swam to the shore with all the strength that he could muster. Exhausted and hungry, he lay on the sand for some time. Then again, he made an effort and began to walk inland towards the shady fruit trees that he could see at a distance.
Luckily, this was the time when the King of that island sent his horses to the seashore with the grooms. The grooms saw Sindbad and gave him food and drink. Then they took him to the King. The King was impressed by the way Sindbad told him about what had happened. He asked Sindbad to stay with him, and work as an officer of the King at the port.
Sindbad stayed there for a few days, learning a lot from the King and the people on the island and in turn telling them about the other cities and ports that he had visited. At the port, Sindbad often made Enquiries about any ships coming from or going to Baghdad but no such ship ever came to that port.
Then one day, a ship arrived at the island with a lot of merchandise. Sindbad was at the quay When the cargo from that ship was being unloaded. He was Surprised to see that his own name was marked on some of the boxes. Then he went to see the Captain of the ship. At first, the Captain could not believe that it was the same Sindbad that they had seen drowning in the sea. But when Sindbad spoke to him face to face, he recognized him. He was overjoyed to see Sindbad alive. He gave him back all his merchandise.
From the goods that he thus got back, Sindbad presented the most valuable items to the King of the island saying, " Please accept this, Your Majesty. You have been very Kind and very generous to me." The King was pleased. He, too, gave Sindbad many valuable gifts when Sindbad left the island with the merchant ship.
Velasco Agar Faces Grim Flood Situation.
Facing a Flood Situation
It began with a thundershower. The next thing we knew it was raining non-stop. None of us were prepared for this deluge. The farmers tried to save their crops. The hutment dwellers tried to stop the flowing water from entering their homes. The shopkeepers waded around trying to keep up with the growing demand for provisions. But the rains Kept on unabated. After a night and a day of incessant rain, it dawned on us that this was an unusual crisis situation. Many had packed necessities and left the village. But the river Kept getting swollen and advancing into our territory.
There was nothing to do but to flee. Everyone helped everybody. Women picked up children they didn't know. Men threw belongings into carts. The entire village drifted towards the hills. And there we stayed for more than a day after the rains stopped and the flood lines had receded. We soon heard that help was on the way. City folks with provisions. Government officials with sops. Newsmen with cameras. Our village had become famous. Slowly we trudged back to our homes and surveyed the soggy remains. Our village will never forget the floods we had to face that year.
The Adventures of Gulliver
Gulliver's Travels is an interesting book written by a well- Known English writer, Jonathan Swift, in which he describes the voyages of Gulliver to various lands like Lilliput and Brobdingnag .Though the character of Gulliver and these strange-sounding lands are imaginary, Gulliver's experiences and adventures are written so well that they seem real and true to life.
Gulliver, the story tells us, worked as a surgeon on ships. As such , he made several voyages. In May 1699 , he sailed on the ship 'The Antelope.' On the return journey, in November, a violent storm sank his ship and Gulliver swam to save his life. Late in the evening, he found himself marooned on a strange land. Weak and exhausted, he slept for about nine hours. It was daylight when he awoke.
Let us read what happened next in his own words.
Gulliver Meets the Lilliputians
' I tried to get up from the ground, but I Could not move ! I was lying on my back. Then I Found that my arms and feet were held down to the ground with strings. My hair, which was long, was held down in the same way. Thousands of strings had been passed across my body , So that I Could not move any part of me, but could only lie there on my back looking up at the sky.
In a little time, I Felt something alive moving on my foot. Then it came over my body and up to my face. Turning my eyes down as much as I Could, I saw a man. He was not half a foot high. By his dress, he seemed to be a soldier. Then there came forty more, following the first.
I Was so much surprised that I gave a great cry. Then they all ran back in great fear ; and (as I Was told later) some of them were hurt in jumping down from my side on to the ground.'
Gulliver Attempts to pull Free
'After pulling very hard I got one arm up from the ground. I also raised my head; this gave me great pain for many of the hairs were pulled out. I put out my hand to catch some of the little men; but they ran away before I could close my hand on them. Then I heard a noise, and felt a pricking in my hand like that of a thousand needles. I found that they were shooting arrows at me. I was afraid for my eyes. I put my hand over my face. After this, I thought that the wisest thing to do was to lie quiet till night. I thought that then, my hand being free, I could quickly set free the rest of my body.
Soon a platform was raised and an important-looking man gave a long speech. From his gestures, I guessed that he was trying to tell me that they would not harm me, if I did as they told. I too, replied with gestures that I would remain quiet. I also told them that I was hungry.'
Gulliver Eats a Giant Meal
'At once, a hundred men climbed up on to my body and marched up to my mouth, carrying food. The bread was as small as bullets. So I ate two or three loaves at a time and cries of surprise rose from the Lilliputians that I should eat so quickly and so much. The Lilliputians were no longer afraid of me. They danced upon my body and ran to and from. I Could have caught at least forty of them with my hands and thrown them down. But I remembered my promise to remain quiet. Indeed, I was surprised at their bravery for I must have seemed the greatest giant in the world.
Later, I was taken to the city where the King lived. A great cart was made by joining many carts. Nine hundred men worked for three hours to put me on to the cart which was drawn by fifteen hundred of the King's finest horses. The city was just half a mile away but the journey took almost a full day.'
Gulliver's New Home
'The King came out to meet me; he came near and looked at me, but it was not thought safe for him to climb up on me.
At the place where the cart stopped there was an old church. It was the largest building in the whole country. For certain reasons, it had not been used as a church for many years. It had now been made ready for me to use as my house. The great door on the north was four feet high and two feet wide. So, I Could go into it by going down on my hand. One of my feet was set in a great ring on the end of many strong strings so that I Could not get away, but could only walk some distance outside my door. The country outside looked like a garden.
After some days, the King and his people were convinced that I would not harm them. So, after I agreed to keep certain 'orders' of the king, I was allowed to move around.
Gulliver Visits the City and the Queen
'As soon as I was set free I asked if I might see the city. The King was pleased to let me do this. Orders were given to all the people to remain in their houses. I then stepped over the wall, and went very carefully, along the two largest streets. All the windows were full of faces looking out at me, and large numbers of people were standing on the tops of the houses. The King's house was just at the place where two great streets met. There was a beautiful garden on all sides of it. Lying down in the garden I put my eye to the windows. The rooms inside were very beautiful. In one room, I saw the queen and some of the young princes. They were greatly Pleased by my visit.'
Weeds in the Garden
Anshuman's parents had noticed that he was developing some bad habits. Naturally , they began to warn him time and again, but all in vain. Anshuman just wouldn't listen. He refused to believe that he was letting those bad habits get a hold over him. Gentle words, strict warnings, a scolding now and then - his parents tried everything short of beating him up. And that they would never do. However unhappy they themselves were, they wanted to be loving and gentle as they tried to correct their son's ways.
Soon, an opportunity presented itself. Anshuman had gone to stay on his grandfather's farm with his parents. Early one morning, his father took him for a walk around the farm. He was describing the specialties of various plants and vines and bushes and trees to Anshuman. Suddenly, he stopped and pointed at a small seedling growing near a plant.
"Anshuman, that's a weed. Can you pull it out?"
Anshuman had no difficulty in pulling all of the small seedling out. "Good !" said his father and they continued with their walk. After a while, they came upon the same weed but there, it had grown slightly bigger. Anshuman's father told him to pull out this plant, too. He told him to uproot the weed carefully, making sure that no trace of the root was left in the soil.
"Otherwise the weed can grow again," he warned.
Anshuman uprooted the plant carefully, twisting it and pulling it hard so that the whole of it came out.
Then his father drew his attention to the same weed growing at some distance. There, it had grown into a big plant with tiny flowers and dark fruit.
"That could be quite dangerous. We mustn't leave it growing there. Take it out," said Anshuman's father.
Anshuman held the plant in his hands and gave it a tug. The weed didn't move at all. He pulled harder and harder but to no avail.
"I can't get this out !" exclaimed Anshuman. "It has gone too deep into the soil."
So then his father brought some implements, they dug around the weed and with great effort, pulled it out.
When they were returning home after the hard work, Anshuman's father mentioned, "Habits are like weeds. The longer you allow them to grow , the harder it is to uproot them. It is wise to get rid of them when it is easy to do so."
Anshuman realized the truth in his father's words. Throughout his life, he never forgot that early morning walk on the farm with his father.
The Journey to the Great Oz
This was to be an eventful day for the travelers. They had hardly been walking an hour when they saw before them a great ditch that crossed the road and divided the forest as far as they could see on either side. It was a very wide ditch and when they crept up to the edge and looked into it they could see it was also very deep, and there were many big, jagged rocks at the bottom. The sides were so steep that none of them could climb down, and for a moment it seemed that their journey must end.
"What shall we do?" asked Dorothy despairingly.
"I haven't the faintest idea, " said the Tin Woodman, and the Lion shook his shaggy mane and looked thoughtful.
But the Scarecrow said, "We cannot fly, that is certain. Neither can we climb down into this great ditch. Therefore, if we cannot jump over it, we must stop where we are."
"I think I could jump over it," said the Cowardly Lion, after measuring the distance carefully in his mind.
"Then we are all right," answered the Scarecrow, "for you can carry us all over on your back, one at time."
"Well, I'll try it," said the Lion. "Who will go first?"
"I will," declared the Scarecrow, "for, if you found that you could not jump over the gulf, Dorothy would be killed, or the Tin Woodman badly dented on the rocks below. But if I am on your back it will not matter so much, for the fall would not hurt me at all."
"I am terribly afraid of falling, myself, "said the Cowardly Lion, "but I suppose there is nothing to do but try it. So get on my back and we will make the attempt."
The Scarecrow sat upon the Lion's back, and the big beast walked to the edge of the gulf and crouched down.
"Why don't you run and jump?" asked the Scarecrow.
"Because that isn't the way we Lions do these things, "he replied. Then giving a great spring, he shot through the air and landed safely on the other side. They were all greatly pleased to see how easily he did it, and after the Scarecrow had got down from his back the Lion sprang across the ditch again.
Dorothy thought she would go next; so she took Toto in her arms and climbed on the Lion's back, holding tightly to his mane with one hand. The next moment it seemed as if she were flying through the air; and then, before she had time to think about it, she was safe on the other side. The Lion went back a third time and got the Tin Woodman, and then they all sat down for a few moments to give the beast a chance to rest, for his great leaps had made his breath short, and he panted like a big dog that has been running too long.
They found the forest very thick on this side, and it looked dark and gloomy. After the Lion had rested they started along the road of yellow brick, silently wondering, each in his own mind, if ever they would come to the end of the woods and reach the bright sunshine again. To add to their discomfort, they soon heard strange noises in the depths of the forest, and the Lion whispered to them that it was in this part of the country that the Kalidaahs lived.
"What are the Kalidaahs?" asked the girl.
"They are monstrous beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers," replied the Lion, "and with claws so long and sharp that they could tear me in two as easily as I could kill Toto. I'm terribly afraid of the Kalidaahs."
"I'm not surprised that you are," returned Dorothy. "They must be dreadful beasts."
The Lion was about to reply when suddenly they came to another gulf across the road. But this one was so broad and deep that the Lion knew at once he could not leap across it.
So they sat down to consider what they should do, and after serious thought the Scarecrow said:
"Here is a great tree, standing close to the ditch. If the Tin Woodman can chop it down, so that it will fall to the other side, we can walk across it easily."
"That is a first-rate idea," said the Lion. "One would almost suspect you had brains in your head, instead of straw."
The Woodman set to work at once, and so sharp was his axe that the tree was soon chopped nearly through. Then the Lion put his strong front legs against the tree and pushed with all his might, and slowly the big tree tipped and fell with a crash across the ditch, with its top branches on the other side.
They had just started to cross this queer bridge when a sharp growl made them all look up, and to their horror they saw running toward them two great beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers.
"They are the Kalidaahs!" said the Cowardly Lion, beginning to tremble.
"Quick !" cried the Scarecrow." Let us cross over."
So Dorothy went first, holding Toto in her arms, the Tin Woodman followed, and the Scarecrow came next. The Lion, although he was certainly afraid, turned to face the Kalidaahs, and then he gave so loud and terrible a roar that Dorothy screamed and the Scarecrow fell over backward, while even the fierce beasts stopped short and looked at him in surprise.
But, seeing they were bigger than the Lion, and remembering that there were two of them and only one of him, the Kalidaahs again rushed forward, and the Lion crossed over the tree and turned to see what they would do next. Without stopping an instant the fierce beasts also began to cross the tree. And the Lion said to Dorothy:
"We are lost, for they will surely tear us to pieces with their sharp claws. But stand close behind me, and I will fight them as long as I am alive."
"Wait a minute!" called the Scarecrow. He had been thinking what was best to be done, and now he asked the Woodman to chop away the end of the tree that rested on their side of the ditch. The Tin Woodman began to use his axe at once, and, just as the two Kalidaas were nearly across, the tree fell with a crash into the gulf, carrying the ugly, snarling brutes with it, and both were dashed to pieces on the sharp rocks at the bottom.
"Well," said the Cowardly Lion, drawing a long breath of relief, "I see we are going to live a little while longer, and I am glad of it, for it must be a very uncomfortable thing not to be alive. Those creatures frightened me so badly that my heart is beating yet."
"Ah, "said the Tin Woodman sadly, "I wish I had a heart to beat."
This adventure made the travelers more anxious than ever to get out of the forest, and they walked so fast that Dorothy became tired, and had to ride on the Lion's back. To their great joy the trees became thinner the farther they advanced, and in the afternoon they suddenly came upon a broad river, flowing swiftly just before them. On the other side of the water they could see the road of yellow brick running through a beautiful country, with green meadows dotted with bright flowers and all the road bordered with trees hanging full of delicious fruits. They were greatly pleased to see this delightful country before them.
Water in the Well
What a farmer needs most for his fields is a good source of water. Kasim had his eye on a well that was just outside the boundary of his field. But Ahmad, the man who owned the well, was a crafty old man. He wouldn't allow anyone to draw water from his well. He told Kasim, "Why do you come to me again and again to beg for access to my well? I feel sorry to turn down your request every time. I have a suggestion for you. Collect some money and buy the whole well from me."
Kasim thought over the suggestion and liked it. He knew Ahmad would ask for a lot of money but he saw in his mind's eye, channels of water running from the well through his field and made a decision. He took all his savings to Ahmad and bought the well.
The next day, he went to the well happily and dug out channel, But when he began to draw water, there was a surprise in store for him. Suddenly Ahmad came forward and announced, "What are you doing, Kasim? How dare you touch the water in my presence?"
"What do you mean - haven't you sold this well to me?"
"Ah, I sold the well all right, but not the water in the well, The water still belongs to me. You can't use it If you needed the water along with the well, you should have said so. I have a suggestion for you. Pay for the water separately and use it. You can buy fresh water every day. I don't mind !"
Kasim was shocked to hear Ahmad's argument. It was so unfair, so unjust ! He rushed to the Qazi and told him the whole story. The Qazi was a wise man. He told Kasim to bring Ahmad to his court so that he could hear both sides of the case.
Ahmad was summoned to the court. The Qazi heard his argument patiently.
"Hmm, I see that you are right. What you have sold is the well, the water is all yours. Isn't that so ?"
Kasim's heart sank, when he heard the Qazi's words. Ahmad in his heart of hearts was overjoyed. He had never thought the Qazi would side with him.
"My Lord, I am so grateful you understand the fine points of this case. The water does indeed belong to me."
"In that case, Ahmad, Why are you keeping it in Kasim's well? You have no right to keep your belongings in his property. You must remove them immediately. Or else, you can pay a daily rent to Kasim. Then he will allow you to use his well."
Ahmad was so confused that he did not know what to say. All the people present in the court began to laugh.
But Kasim was a generous man. He never troubled Ahmad for the 'rent' that was due from him.
The Legend of Marathon
The first marathon race was organized at the time of the first Olympic Games which were held in Greece. The marathon was started in the memory of a legendary Greek hero, Pheidippides, who had carried an important message from the battle of Marathon to Athens. Given below is the story of his famous run from Marathon to Athens. We do not know whether the story is historically accurate, but it has inspired many generations of sportsmen.
About two thousand and five hundred years ago, Persia was a mighty kingdom. Their large army had landed in the bay near the town of Marathon. Their target was Athens, a city state in Greece. Athens had a small army compared to the Persian one. But the Athenian soldiers were very brave. They had faced the Persians before, but they needed help from other Greek kingdoms now. They decided to send a special messenger to the neighboring Kingdom of Sparta. His name was Pheidippides.
Pheidippides was a young man who served as a 'day-long runner'. He ran to Sparta like the wind. He covered the distance of nearly a hundred kilometers in a day. But alas! The people of Sparta were busy with some ceremonies. They did not want to join the battle immediately. Pheidippides took this message back to Athens with a heavy heart, but on light feet. Again, he ran a hundred kilometers within a day.
When the Generals of Athens heard the cold Spartan response, they did not lose heart. They were ready to fight on their own. The Persian army was watching Athens like a cat watches a mousehole. So, they decided to launch a surprise attack on the Persians. The Athenian Generals sent their flanks round the Persian forces like speeding arrows and began to draw them in. The Persians were not ready for battle.
Even so, they were skilled archers. They showered arrows on the soldiers of Athens. But the arrows simply fell off their helmets and strong armor. Also, the Athenians knew their seashore well. The Persians were new to the terrain. Many of them were killed. Many more were injured. Some of them were lost in the marshy areas. The brave Athenians drove back every single remaining Persian soldier back to their ships anchored in the bay. The battle was over within a few hours.
The battle was over but the Persians did not accept defeat. They saw that the entire army of Athens had rushed to the seashore, leaving the city of Athens far behind. Only the aged people, woman and children were left in the city. The Persians now devised a new plan. The sea-route to the city of Athens was much shorter than the land route. The Persians decided to take the sea-route and pounce upon Athens from the seaside. The Athenian army would take very long to travel back to Athens on foot, with their heavy armor and weapons. Seeing the Persians, the defenseless people in the city of Athens would think that Athens had lost the battle. Then it would be easy for the Persians to take over the city.
The Athenian Generals too, were good strategists. When they saw the Persian fleet leave in a hurry, they understood the Persian plan. They resolved to go back to Athens as fast as possible to defend it. But, it was very necessary to let the people of Athens know that they had won. Then they would not open the city gates to the Persians. They would wait for the victorious Athenian army to return. The city would be safe. Who would take this message to them? The message must be delivered before the Persians reached there. Who would travel faster than the Persian ships and that too, on a longer route? Who else but Pheidippides !
Pheidippides had already completed a run of more than two hundred Kilometers just the day before. But he was a brave young man. He would do anything for his State. Also, this time he was to carry a happy message.
It was not easy for Pheidippides to reach Athens sooner than the Persians did. That is why, this time, he left the usual safe route and chose another one that passed through cliffs and mountains but was much shorter.
Pheidippides scaled the first steep cliff and picked up speed. He had to run more than forty Kilometers. It was very hot. He began to perspire. There were some shady olive trees on one side of the road. But Pheidippides couldn't wait, couldn't rest. He just ran on and on. His heart began to beat faster, he became weak with hunger and thirst, but he didn't stop.
At last, Pheidippides came within sight of the city-gates of Athens! He was Successful in his mission. He had reached before the Persians.
The people of Athens threw open the gates to Pheidippides.
"What happened, Pheidippides? Do you bring good news or.............?"
"Yes ! Yes ! Joy to you ! We won ! We won !" As soon as Pheidippides had delivered this message, he collapsed - never to rise again. He had laid down his life in the service of Athens.
The story of Pheidippides has inspired the people of Greece for many centuries. His historic run from Marathon to Athens became a legend.
When the Olympic Games were started in Greece, this legendary event was commemorated in it in the form of the sporting event, the marathon. Today, marathons are arranged in many countries. When you see one, or when you are old enough to take part in one, remember the first marathon runner.
Helen Keller
This is the story of a child who became completely deaf and blind before she had learnt to talk. Because of her own courage and also that of her wonderful teacher she learned to talk and write. She was able to go to school and to college and to live a full and happy life.
Helen was born in 1880 in a small town in the southern U.S.A. At 18 months, when she was beginning to talk, she suddenly became terribly ill and very nearly died. When she recovered she was completely deaf and blind.
It is very difficult for a deaf child to learn to talk. Most babies learn by hearing other people talking. But the deaf child cannot hear anyone so how can she know what talking sounds like? Many deaf people learn to lip-read, and they become very clever at understanding what other people are saying by watching them. But Helen could not see what other people were doing. She remembered a few words she had Known before she was ill, for instance, she went on calling water 'waa-waa'. But she had to make signs for most things. She would shake her head for 'No', and nod for 'Yes'. A pull meant 'Come', and a push, 'Go'. But of course she could say very little like this, and she depended entirely on other people. Yet Helen had an active mind and a clever brain, and wanted to do and say everything and other child would. She used to get into terrible tempers when she could not explain what she meant, or understand what others wanted.
Then when Helen was nearly seven, Anne Sullivan came to teach her and look after her. This clever and devoted teacher changed Helen's life.
Anne Sullivan herself had been nearly blind and had been at a school for blind people. There, Anne Sullivan had learnt the fingerspelling method. She felt sure that this was the only way to talk to Helen and teach her to say what she wanted. Because Helen could not see her making the signs, she would spell the words onto her pupil's hand. Helen had become very sensitive to the feel of things, much more sensitive than most people are. She could soon tell the difference between the feel of one letter and another.
Miss Sullivan gave Helen a doll, and when she gave it she spelled the letters D-O-L-L onto Helen's hand. She did this with the names of other things, such as C-A-K-E, and M-U-G. Helen obediently spelled them back; but she did not understand what it all meant, and she soon grew bored and unhappy. She would not try any more, and poor Anne Sullivan did not know what to do next.
Then one day Miss Sullivan took Helen outside to the water pump. As the water spilled into Helen's mug and overflowed on her hand, Miss Sullivan spelled W-A-T-E-R on her other hand. Suddenly Helen's face lit up. She understood that W-A-T-E-R was the name of this cold wet stuff, and it came to her in a flash that everything has a name.
Touching her little sister, she spelled B-A-B-Y , which was one of the words Miss Sullivan had shown her. All that day and for days after, Helen darted from one thing to the next demanding that Miss Sullivan should spell their names for her. She became so excited she could hardly Control herself. At last words began to have a meaning for her. She then learned the names of actions as well as things; SIT, STAND, RUN, WALK; and then descriptions of things and actions HARD, SOFT, QUICKLY, SLOWLY. From then on she was able to learn as any child does. Only, Helen spelled words with her fingers instead of saying them aloud. Although she made noises, she still could not talk.
Now that she had started to learn, Helen, with her quick brain and good memory, learned very fast indeed. She learned to spell words incredibly fast, and soon she and her beloved teacher could have long conversations. Wherever they went, Miss Sullivan described things to her and told her what people were saying. Helen soon learned to write on a special frame with ridges to keep the lines straight, and later she learned to type. She began to read Braille books.
The next thing was to learn to talk aloud. For this she had a special teacher who taught her how to move her lips and tongue. Helen quickly learned to talk also and to 'listen' to people speaking by putting her sensitive fingers on their lips and throats. This meant that she could talk with people who did not know the fingerspelling method, so long as they spoke distinctly. All this was hard work, needing endless patience by both pupil and, teacher, and long practice.
In time she could talk, read and write, and even learnt to speak French and German. Now Helen was determined to go to university and take a degree. When she was twenty, she sat for the entrance examination of Radcliffe College, one of the best colleges in America. The papers were set in Braille, and she typed her answers. Of course, she could not read what she had written. She had to take a chance that she had made no mistakes. She had no difficulty in passing the examination and entering Radcliffe.
Miss Sullivan was with Helen all through her time at the university. In the end, this girl, who at seven had lived in a dark world, unable to hear, or speak, won high university honor's.
Throughout her life, she helped other blind people to find courage. She travelled all over the world inspiring everyone by her example.
Helen Keller lived to a ripe old age of eighty-eight. She passed away in 1968.
Sultan Ghiyasuddin in the Qazi's Court
The Qazi was an honest and upright man. He sent an officer to summon the Sultan to his court. When the officer reached the palace, the guards stopped him and enquired about his business. When they learnt that he had come to serve a summons on the Sultan, they were shocked. They refused to let him go inside the palace. The officer was now in a fix. The guards did not allow him to enter the palace, but he knew that he could not return without serving the summons. The Qazi would not take him back. He had to find a way of reaching the Sultan somehow. What could he do ? He thought and thought.
At last, he began to sound the Azan, the call for the prayer, loudly, just outside the palace. It was not yet time for the prayer. When the Sultan heard the loud untimely call, he was greatly surprised. He ordered that the man giving the call should be brought before him immediately. His soldiers rushed out of the palace gates, caught the officer and took him to the Sultan within moments. When the officer knelt before the Sultan, he was trembling with fear. But he mustered all his courage and explained why he had given the call for Azan. Then, with shaking hands, he gave the summons to the Sultan, Sultan Ghiyasuddin took it without making any comment. He read the summons and told the officer to go back to the Qazi. He announced that he would appear in the Qazi's court the next day.
The next morning, the Sultan got ready to appear before the Qazi. He hid a sharp sword in his robe and set out. The courtroom was packed with people. Everyone was eager to see what would happen. They Qazi entered and took his place on the high seat of honor. In a little while, Sultan Ghiyasuddin entered the courtroom. Everyone stood up to show respect to the Sultan, but the Qazi did not get up. The Sultan stood in the docks and the trial began. The widow presented her complaint. The Qazi took note of all the evidence and in a grave voice, addressed the Sultan. "You are guilty of causing the death of the only son of this poor widow. According to the law. you must pay a fine for this offence. I order you to do that without delay."
The Sultan accepted the judgement and apologies to the widow. He arranged to pay the fine immediately. The widow felt satisfied that the offence was brought home to the offender .When the case was over, the Qazi got up from his high seat of honor. Respectfully, he bowed to the Sultan and requested him to take his seat. The Sultan then drew the hidden sword from his robes and told the Qazi, "I am happy that you did not waver in your duty. You did not hesitate to punish me. Otherwise, I would have beheaded you with this sword."
The Qazi then put his hand under the cushion where the Sultan was seated and brought out whip. He Said, "Your Majesty, I am happy because you obeyed the law. Otherwise. I would have whipped you in this court." The Sultan then hot up and embraced the Qazi. "Thank God, we both did our duty !" he said.
Everyone present in the courtroom praised the two great men.
Story [ The Triantiwontigongolope ]Three Sacks of Rice
There's very funny insect that you do not often spy,
And it isn't quite a spider, and it isn't quite a fly;
It is something like a beetle, and a little like a bee,
But nothing like a woolly grub that climbs upon a tree.
Its name is quite a hard one, but you'll learn it soon, I hope.
So try:
Tri-
Tri-anti-Wonti-
Triantiwontigongolope.
It lives on weeds and wattle-gum, and has a funny face;
Its appetite is hearty, and its manners a disgrace.
When first you come upon it, it will give you quite a scare,
But when you look for it again, you find it isn't there.
And unless you call it softly it will stay away and mope.
So try:
Tri-
Tri-anti-Wonti-
Triantiwontigongolope.
It trembles if you tickle it or tread upon its toes;
It is not an early riser, but it has a snobbish nose.
If you sneer at it, or scold it, it will scuttle off in shame,
But it purrs and purrs quite proudly if you call it by its name,
And offer it some sandwiches of sealing-wax and soap.
So try:
Tri-
Tri-anti-Wonti-
Triantiwontigongolope.
But of course you haven't seen it; and I truthfully confess
That I haven't seen it either, and I don't know its address.
For there isn't such an insect, though there really might have been.
If the trees and grass were purple, and the sky was bottle green.
It's just a little joke of mine, which you'll forgive, I hope.
Oh, try!
Tri-
Tri-anti-Wonti-
Triantiwontigongolope.
Triantiwontigongolope.
Three Sacks of Rice
You may have read many stories about three brothers. Usually, two of them - the elder ones are strong, clever but unkind. They laugh at the youngest one because he is too simple and soft-hearted.
Our story also has three brothers who lived in a small town but they were all three of them honest, kind and hard-working. The elder one ran a shop, the middle one was a priest and the youngest one had just finished his education. He had started taking up odd jobs to earn some money and to learn a trade. All three of them were fond of their mother. She had worked hard to bring up the three of them after the sudden death of their father.
One day, their father's friend visited the mother. He said,
"Sister, you know that I have a very prosperous business.
But now I am getting old, and my only daughter is of a marriageable age, I am looking for a son-in-law who would be a good husband to my daughter and who would also handle my business well. I like all your sons. If you permit, I'll marry my daughter to one of them but before that I have a plan."
He discussed the plan with her and she agreed quite readily.
The next day, the friend went to each of the three brothers one by one. He gave them each a sack of rice and said, "My dear boy, I am going away for a few months for some necessary work. Please look after this sack of rice till I come back."
The friend went away. Many months passed but he did not return. months passed but he did not return. It was nearly a year before he came back. He visited the eldest brother first. The eldest brother welcomed him and gave him a small purse full of money. "Uncle, you had left a sack of rice with me. After a few months, I was worried that it may get spoil. Therefore I sold the rice to my customers. Here's the money I got. Please accept it."
"Thank you, my boy, you are such an honest person !"
Then the friend went to see the middle brother, who was a priest. The priest greeted him with joy and affection. He said, "Uncle remember you had left a sack of rice with me, an year ago ? I had kept it for many months, but then I was worried that it may get spoilt. I distributed the rice among the poor in your name. They all blessed you for satisfying their hunger. However, I did that without your permission and I am willing to pay you back for the rice."
"No, my boy, you acted wisely and kindly. The blessings that I got from the poor people are enough for me. Please don't even think about the money any more."
When the friend went to visit the youngest son, he, too, welcomed him with love and respect. But he said that he had a confession to make. " The sack of rice was lying with me for a long time. But then I had an idea. I often go to a neighboring farm to help with the work. I borrowed an unused plot of land from the farmer. I exchanged the sack of rice for paddy and sowed the paddy in the plot. Fortunately, the crop grew well and yielded twenty-five sacks of rice. I have kept back five of the sacks and sold twenty of them. Here's the money. If you allow, I would like to keep a part of it as my share considering the labor and money I spent to get it all done."
A wide smile spread on the friend's face. He had found his future son-in-law.
Some people are good speakers. Some are shy. Some speak easily with their friends and relatives, but become nervous in front of a big audience. What about you?
Be a Good Speaker
It is important to be able to speak well. And if you make up your mind, it is not very difficult to do so.
Remember these few things when you speak :
- Speak clearly. Don't mumble.
- Look at the person/persons when you talk to them.
- You should not be too loud or too soft, too fast or too slow.
- Be polite, and be pleasant.
- Give a thought to the other person's feeling and interests.
When you take part in a discussion:
- Don't keep talking all the time. Let others speak.
- Show interest in what others say and listen carefully.
- When you agree with others or like their ideas, do tell them that.
- Do share your own thoughts and ideas with others.
- If you do not understand something, ask for an explanation politely.
- Use polite words and expressions when you a want to interrupt someone, when you disagree with someone, or when you seek explanations and give them.
When you want to give a speech :
- Plan your speech in advance.
- Note the points and arrange them properly.
- Rehearse the speech in your mind, and go ahead.
Daydreams
Once there lived a Couple Who spent a lot of time in idle talk. One day, the husband said, "I have always wanted to Keep cows. If, by chance, I get some extra money from somewhere, I am going to buy a few cows."
"But that means a lot of work. You have to feed the cows, walk them, bathe them, milk them - cows need a lot of looking after. One cow would be enough. There's no need to buy more cows, " Said the wife.
"But think of all the milk we'll get if we buy more," said the husband.
"That's true." The wife agreed. "There will be so much milk that we can even have plenty of dahi and butter and ghee. Wouldn't it be lovely ! How lucky that I have all these earthen post Kept aside. I'll use one of the pots for milk, One for dahi, one for butter. The ghee, I'll put in another jar. And I'll use this remaining pot to send milk to my sister."
"Send milk to Your sister! Who said you could send milk to your sister !"
"There will be plenty of milk, if we have so many cows. Why shouldn't I send it to my sister ?"
"Because we are going to sell it in the market - that's why. I will decide what to do with all that milk. And not a drop of it goes to your sister, remember !"
"I'll see how you can stop me from sending a pot full of milk to my dear sister. I do all the hard work running after the cows so naturally I will decide what happens to the milk. Just try stopping me !" the wife exclaimed.
"Is that so !" Shouted the husband. "Watch this, then !" He began to lift and smash the earthen pots one by one. His wife began to scream.
Gopal Bhand, who was passing by, heard all the commotion and rushed inside. When he heard what had happened, he picked up a stout stick that stood in a corner and began to swish it through the air and pound it on the floor. The husband and wife were both astounded to see his antics.
"What are you doing?" they enquired.
"Move aside," said Gopal Bhand. "I have to drive away your greedy cows. You have let them wander and now they have ruined my field of beans and cucumbers!" Oh, my lovely field of beans and cucumbers!"
"But you don't have a field of beans and cucumbers!" said the husband. As soon as he said that, Gopal Bhand stopped wielding the stick and looked at him with raised eyebrows. The husband and wife understood what he was trying to tell them. Can you tell what he wanted to say ?
Be a Good Listener
It is important to be a 'good listener' when you are learning a language, or when you are dealing with other people. Are you a 'good listener'?
One. When you are listening to someone, do you look at the person or do you turn your head away or toy with something else ?
Good listeners look at the speaker.
Two. Do you pay attention to what the speaker is saying?
Good listeners pay close attention to the speaker.
Three. Do you make any special efforts to understand the speaker ?
Here are some of the things that will help you understand the speaker better :
- If you hear some new or unfamiliar words try to guess their meaning from the context.
- You can try to guess what the speaker will say next.
- Try to Keep listening even when you feel that you do not understand the speaker, or even when you disagree with the speaker. Wait for the speaker to finish what he is saying. Then you can get your doubts clarified by asking polite questions.
- Do not feel shy or afraid to ask questions if you do not understand what is being said, Put your questions to the speaker politely.
- Sometimes, it helps to note down important words or points even as you listen.
- Lastly, it also helps to Keep thinking about what you heard. You may grasp the meaning of a difficult word or phrase later on.
Story'(At the Bottom of the Ocean)
The Bremen Town Musicians
On the way, he met an old dog. He, too, had been kicked out of the house by a cruel master. The dog was afraid. "How will I earn my bread ?" he said.
"Why, You have a voice as good as mine," said the donkey. "Let us both go to Bremen and sing for the townspeople. We shall be well paid there." So the two companions went on together.
Suddenly, they heard a cat mewing sadly with tears in his voice. "Why are You crying ?" they asked.
"How can I be happy Knowing that my mistress is going to drown me ? I am old and would only like to sit by the fire and sleep. I cannot catch mice as I did before. So my mistress does not need me anymore. Where am I to go ?"
"Come with us to Bremen. You have a sweet voice and You Know night music. You too can be a town musician," Said the donkey.
Now the three traveled together for some time till they came upon a farmyard. There they heard a cock's loud wailing. When they made enquiries, the cock told them, "My mistress is preparing a feast for her quests. She has told the cook to kill me for the feast. I am so Frightened !" So the donkey invited the cock, too, to join the band of musicians.
Bremen was still a long way away. On the way, they had to cross a forest. As it began to get dark, the cock flew to the top of a tree to look around for shelter. He saw an old house among the trees. The four friends decided to rest there for the night.
It was quite dark by the time they reached the house. Through the window, they saw some robbers feasting at a large table inside. The animals had a clever idea. Why not give their first performance here ? The robbers would be so pleased that they would happily share their food with the four musicians. They might even pay them for their performance !
So the donkey placed his forelegs on the window ledge. The dog jumped on the donkey's back and the cat on the dog's. The cock perched on the cat's head. Then all at once and all together they began to sing their wonderful song.
Strangely, the music only frightened the robbers. They only heard a terrible noise and saw the huge shadow cast by the animals together. They sprang from the table and taking to their heels, disappeared into the forest. The four friends were puzzled. But they gladly sat down at the table and had a hearty dinner. Then they put out the light and went to sleep - the donkey on the straw in the Yard, the cat near the stove, the dog on the doormat and the cock on the beam of the roof.
Now, the robbers had not gone very far. Their leader saw the house become dark and quiet. So he sent a man to see if it was safe to go back to the house. The robbers had Kept all their stolen riches in that house and wanted them back.
The man went into the house on tiptoe. He saw the cat's eyes and thought they were burning coals. He tried to pick up one to light his candle. But it frightened the cat. The angry cat flew at him and Scratched his Face. This Frightened the robber. He turned to run out of the house.
As he ran, the dog on the doormat bit his leg hard. He stumbled and fell on the donkey. The donkey, woken up suddenly, gave the robber a smart Kick with his hind legs. And all this while the cock had been Screaming, 'Cock-a-doodle-dooo........' in his ears and flapping his wings around his head. The robber nearly died of Fright.
Somehow he got back to his gang. In a trembling voice, he told them that the house was full of monsters and deadly creatures who bit and Scratched and Kicked and attacked You in the dark.
So the robbers never went back to the house. The four Friends found enough money in the house to live on there, in happiness and comfort. That is why, the musicians never went to Bremen.
The Noble Stag
As we all Know, King Brahmadatt of Benaras was extremely Fond of hunting. Luckily for him, on the outskirts of the city was a huge forest filled with deer. Among them, there was a mighty stag.
One fine day, the King had gone hunting with his courtiers. He told his courtiers, "If You allow even a single deer to escape, I will punish You severely." So, the courtiers formed a tight circle from which no deer could escape. Then they began to beat their sticks on the ground to frighten the deer hiding in the bushes and to make them run. The only way out of their circle was through a small clearing, where the King stood ready with his bow and arrows. The courtiers were beating their sticks on the ground and shouting when suddenly, a stag leapt out of a thicket.
The stag saw that the King was standing in the way. So he looked the King straight in the eye and made a dash towards him. The King was taken aback and shot an arrow towards the stag hurriedly. Of course it missed the mark. But the stag rolled over.
Now there is one thing that You must Know about the stag. It has excellent instincts and is extremely good at dodging arrows, whether shot at from the back, front or even the top. If an arrow is aimed at its belly, it pretends to roll over and then jumps up and runs once the danger has passed.
So when this stag rolled over, the King thought that his arrow had found its mark. He lowered his bow and began to walk towards the stag. But the stag suddenly jumped up and shot past the men. When the courtiers released that the King had been mistaken, they started to laugh.
Now the King thought himself to be an excellent marksman and could not bear the taunts of his men. He grabbed his sword and set off into the forest in order to catch the stag. He chased the stag for quite a while and covered a long distance.
The stag came upon a hole in the ground that was covered by a rotting tree and filled with slime. From a distance it could smell the dirty water and so was careful not to run over it. But the King could not sense the pit and fell right into it.
After a while, the stag released that he was not being followed any longer. He understood that the King had perhaps fallen into the pit.
So the stag went back to the pit and saw the King struggling for his life. The stag felt very sorry for the King. He decided to save the King's life even though the King was following him with the intention to kill him.
The stag told the King not to worry and to be brave for a while longer. He then caught a huge rock with his hind legs and lowered himself into the pit. The King caught hold of his neck and the stag climbed out onto the level ground and carried the King to safety.
The King thanked the noble stag again and again and asked him to return with him to Benaras, where he could have anything and everything he wanted. But the stag did not want anything in return for his help. He just requested the King to rule wisely and well and be kind to animals. Then the noble stag disappeared into the forest. King Brahmadatta then vowed not to hunt or hurt any animal.
The stag saw that the King was standing in the way. So he looked the King straight in the eye and made a dash towards him. The King was taken aback and shot an arrow towards the stag hurriedly. Of course it missed the mark. But the stag rolled over.
Now there is one thing that You must Know about the stag. It has excellent instincts and is extremely good at dodging arrows, whether shot at from the back, front or even the top. If an arrow is aimed at its belly, it pretends to roll over and then jumps up and runs once the danger has passed.
So when this stag rolled over, the King thought that his arrow had found its mark. He lowered his bow and began to walk towards the stag. But the stag suddenly jumped up and shot past the men. When the courtiers released that the King had been mistaken, they started to laugh.
Now the King thought himself to be an excellent marksman and could not bear the taunts of his men. He grabbed his sword and set off into the forest in order to catch the stag. He chased the stag for quite a while and covered a long distance.
The stag came upon a hole in the ground that was covered by a rotting tree and filled with slime. From a distance it could smell the dirty water and so was careful not to run over it. But the King could not sense the pit and fell right into it.
After a while, the stag released that he was not being followed any longer. He understood that the King had perhaps fallen into the pit.
So the stag went back to the pit and saw the King struggling for his life. The stag felt very sorry for the King. He decided to save the King's life even though the King was following him with the intention to kill him.
The stag told the King not to worry and to be brave for a while longer. He then caught a huge rock with his hind legs and lowered himself into the pit. The King caught hold of his neck and the stag climbed out onto the level ground and carried the King to safety.
The King thanked the noble stag again and again and asked him to return with him to Benaras, where he could have anything and everything he wanted. But the stag did not want anything in return for his help. He just requested the King to rule wisely and well and be kind to animals. Then the noble stag disappeared into the forest. King Brahmadatta then vowed not to hunt or hurt any animal.
At the Bottom of the Ocean
What is there under the sea ?
The sea is very deep. There are many plants and animals in the sea. Some of them are very small. We cannot see them with our eyes.
There are many different types of plants in the sea. In some places, there are so many that it is like an under-water forest.
A very big sea is called an ocean. If we go deep down in the ocean, there is no sunlight. It is dark and quiet.
The bottom of the ocean is Known as 'Ocean floor' The ocean floor is not flat. Just as we see mountains and valleys and plains on land, there are mountains and plains and also deep trenches in the ocean floor.
When the top of such a mountain rises out of ocean water, it forms an island.
The Laughing King
Scene I
King Leonard is taking a walk in his garden.
Leonard : What a bright, sunny morning ! How colourfull my garden looks ! Ah ! How sweet the flowers smell ! Now who is that hurrying here ? Isn't it Griselda, the witch ?
Griselda is seen walking in, hurriedly.
Of course it is ! Why this haste and hurry ? Oh, oh! There she slips and falls into.... ha ha ha .... the puddle. Ha ha ha ! How muddy her face is! How wet her clothes are !
Ha ha ha ! (Laughs louder.)
Griselda scrambles out of the puddle and comes limping towards the king.
Griselda : (angrily shouting) Shame on you, King Leonard! You laugh at my fall!
Leonard : Ha ha....
Griselda : If you like laughing so much, may you laugh all the time! Zung, mung, shunga.....
Leonard : Ha, ha....
Witch Griselda sits under a tree, frowning at the laughing King and wiping off the mud from her body.
Scene II
Scene II
The Palace
The King enters, still laughing. The Queen who has been looking for the King, comes to him with a plateful of cakes.
Queen : (Handing him the plate) Won't you taste these special cakes I baked for you ? By the way, why are you laughing ? What's funny, dear ? Won't you tell me ?
Leonard : Ha, ha.....
Queen : (Getting annoyed) Stop laughing, dear ... You will drop the plate. You won't stop ?
The plate falls from the King's hand.
Oh, no ! You have broken one of my best plates. And dropped my special cakes ! Boo hoo hoo.....
Leonard : Ha, ha, ha.....
Princess Cynthia comes and sees her father laugh and her mother cry.
Cynthia : Father, we can hear your laugh all over the palace. But why are you laughing? And that too when mother's crying over her broken plate!
Leonard : (Unable to control himself) Ha, ha.... ho, ho.....
Cynthia : (Consoling her mother) Never mind, Mamma, I'll pick up the broken pieces and try to mend the plate. (Starts collecting the pieces.) Ooh ! I've cut my finger !
Leonard : (Laughing louder) Ha, ha ..... ho, ho, ho.......
Cynthia : (Staring at her father angrily) Father ! How can you laugh even when I've cut my finger ? Boo hoo, hoo.....
Leonard : Ho, ho, ho.... I should stop laughing..... he he.... But I cannot... ha ha ha... Let me go and consult my council of wise men. Ho ho..... ha ha ! They'll Know what to do.
Leonard : (Laughing louder) Ha, ha ..... ho, ho, ho.......
Cynthia : (Staring at her father angrily) Father ! How can you laugh even when I've cut my finger ? Boo hoo, hoo.....
Leonard : Ho, ho, ho.... I should stop laughing..... he he.... But I cannot... ha ha ha... Let me go and consult my council of wise men. Ho ho..... ha ha ! They'll Know what to do.
Scene III
The wise men are holding a meeting with the ruler of the neighboring kingdom, King Ferdinand. The King enters the chamber, followed by the attendants.
Wise men : Your Majesty, King Ferdinand has come with a complaint that thieves from our Kingdom have stolen fruits from his orchard.
Leonard : (Helplessly holding his sides and roaring with laughter) Ha, ha ! Ho ho.....
Ferdinand : (in anger) How dare you laugh at my complaint ! I will not put up with this sort of insult. I Will soon be back with my army.
Leonard : Ha, ha.. Don't go my friend. Ho, ho... (Turning to his wise men) Stop him, wise men. Ha, ha.... Stop King Ferdinand.
Wise men : But Your Majesty ! What makes you laugh at this serious hour ?
Leonard : Ha, ha.... sorry, I can't help laughing, ha, ha, ha... due to Witch Griselda's magic. Ha. ha.......
Wise men : The witch's magic ? Well, let's all go to Witch Griselda and request her to help the King.
Scene IV
Scene IV
The Palace Garden
The King enters with his wise men.
They see the witch still sitting there with a frown on her face.
Wise men :Oh Witch Griselda ! Our dear King is sick of laughing. Please free him from the spell.
Griselda : No, no, no. Why did he laugh at me when I Fell into the puddle ?
Wise men : Do Forgive him, please.
Leonard : (Trying to control his laughter) I'm sorry, Witch Griselda ! Ha, Ha... I hurt your feelings when I laughed at you when you fell into the puddle. But because of your spell, I hurt my wife's feelings and then my daughter's and my friend's by laughing at their misfortunes. Ha, ha.... I promise you, I'll never laugh at others. Ha, ha....
Griselda : Since you are sorry about your behavior, I'll give you one chance . But if you ever laugh at anyone's troubles, King Leonard.....
Leonard : Never, never again. Ho, ho.....
Griselda : Shunga, mung, zung....... Back to your normal self, King Leonard !
Leonard : At last I have stopped laughing ! What a relief! Thank you very much, Witch Griselda ! Thank you. Now I will write a letter of apology to King Ferdinand. I'll get a set of new plates for my Queen. Bring my daughter Cynthia. I'll stick a plaster on her poor finger. But first, let me present a new dress to dear old Witch Griseslda !
All : Three cheers for the King !
Suddenly, a huge animal burst into the hall. It was a horrible looking dragon. It was as tall as a tree, as broad as a house, with teeth like spikes and claws like knives. His skin was hard and scaly and his eyes, red. Red, hot flames shot forth from his mouth, and black smoke from his nostrils. Now, this dragon was also a very mean creature. He loved to be a spoilsport and a killjoy. He walked straight to the head of the table and pushed himself between the king and the queen. Everyone stopped talking. Everyone was scared. Well, not everyone. The brave warrior Ivan was not afraid of dragons. "What a rude, impolite creature you are !" he said angrily.
Just then the servants brought in the food and set the platters on the table. But before they had a chance to serve the food to the king and the queen and the quests, the dragon began to gobble up everything. The king and the queen did not know what to do. Nobody could stop the dragon. But Ivan spoke up again, "Nobody has ever taught you any manners, I can see." he said, "I hope you choke on the food you are gobbling up so greedily !"
Now this was more than the dragon could stand. He puffed out fire and sprang to his feet. "I dare you to come out and fight with me, Ivan !" he roared, "Are you ready ?"
"Of course," said Ivan.
"What have you done, Ivan !" said the king. "Let's put up with the dragon for some more time. You cannot fight a dragon. It will burn and kill you in no time."
But Ivan was not afraid. He knew that dragons were dreadful but not intelligent. He was sure he could find a way of killing the dragon.
Everyone walked out to the palace courtyard. The dragon and the brave warrior faced each other. The dragon smiled a very mean and wicked smile. "Now, how shall I kill you, you silly fool?" he asked Ivan. "Shall I burn you to death? Shall I smother you with fumes ? Or better still, shall I tear you up with my knife claws? Or shall I eat you up with my spike teeth ?"
In the meanwhile, however, the clever Ivan had thought of a way of tricking the wicked creature. He folded his arms on his chest and said in a clear voice, "Now, look here, dragon, when you dared me to fight you, I agreed readily. I thought it would be a fight between just the two of us." Then he pointed behind the dragon. "Why have you brought a whole army to help you fight ?"
The dragon was as stupid as Ivan thought him to be. He turned his head to see what Ivan was pointing at. Quick as a flash of lightning, Ivan drew his sword and cut off the dragon's head.
"There !" he said, "We won't have to put up with this dreadful guest ever again !"
Hi, they call me the Land of the Rising Sun - the Land of the Dawn Lit Sun! I am Arunachal Pradesh. My people are simple and hospitable, They belong to many tribes speaking their own languages.
Friends! I am Assam, also known as Ahom. You will find my land between the beautiful valleys of the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. They call me the gateway to the seven sisters.
Hello Friends, I am the abode of clouds, Meghalaya. My capital city Shillong is called ' Scotland of the East' because of its highlands, fog and scenery. My people speak English, Khasi, Pnar and Garo. I am overwhelmingly beautiful, and everything here is impossibly green and alive. The rolling mists in the valleys, the undulating hills, numerous lakes, waterfalls, caves, sacred forests and exotic flora and fauna are fascinating.
Hey! I am the fourth sister, Manipur, the Jewelled Land. (I am proud to be the jewel of my mother India). I am also known by my nick names Kangleipak or Sanaleibak.
Hello! I am Mizoram. Mizoram implies 'land of the hill people' referred to as the Kukis. I invite you to see my land of lush hills, sheer cliffs, serene lakes and waterfalls. Rolling hills stretch across hundreds of miles, and the plains and valleys are covered with lush forests and thick bamboo groves, green paddy fields, vine yards, teeming with diverse wild life. My regret is that not many of you come to visit me! Well, travelling in Mizoram is a little difficult, but it has its own rewards. The natural beauty here is exquisite and must be seen to be believed!
Hello, I am Tripura, the third smallest State in the county, bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south, and west,
"Yes, I Know; but my sister Holena and my stepmother said that I must bring them some violets from the forest. If I don't bring them, they'll kill me. Tell me, fathers please tell me where I can find them."
Great January stood up and went to one of the younger months - it was March - and, giving him the club, he said, "Brother, take the high seat."
March took the high seat upon the stone and waved the club over the fire. The fire blazed up, the snow began to melt, the trees began to bud, and the ground was at once covered with grass. It was springtime.
Leonard : Never, never again. Ho, ho.....
Griselda : Shunga, mung, zung....... Back to your normal self, King Leonard !
Leonard : At last I have stopped laughing ! What a relief! Thank you very much, Witch Griselda ! Thank you. Now I will write a letter of apology to King Ferdinand. I'll get a set of new plates for my Queen. Bring my daughter Cynthia. I'll stick a plaster on her poor finger. But first, let me present a new dress to dear old Witch Griseslda !
All : Three cheers for the King !
The Dreadful Guest
Once upon a time, the King of Russia decided to hold a grand feast. He invited princes, rich merchants, brave warriors and all the important people in his kingdom.
On the night of the feast, the King and his guests sat together at a long table, in the banquet hall. They talked and laughed and everyone was happy.
On the night of the feast, the King and his guests sat together at a long table, in the banquet hall. They talked and laughed and everyone was happy.
Suddenly, a huge animal burst into the hall. It was a horrible looking dragon. It was as tall as a tree, as broad as a house, with teeth like spikes and claws like knives. His skin was hard and scaly and his eyes, red. Red, hot flames shot forth from his mouth, and black smoke from his nostrils. Now, this dragon was also a very mean creature. He loved to be a spoilsport and a killjoy. He walked straight to the head of the table and pushed himself between the king and the queen. Everyone stopped talking. Everyone was scared. Well, not everyone. The brave warrior Ivan was not afraid of dragons. "What a rude, impolite creature you are !" he said angrily.
Just then the servants brought in the food and set the platters on the table. But before they had a chance to serve the food to the king and the queen and the quests, the dragon began to gobble up everything. The king and the queen did not know what to do. Nobody could stop the dragon. But Ivan spoke up again, "Nobody has ever taught you any manners, I can see." he said, "I hope you choke on the food you are gobbling up so greedily !"
Now this was more than the dragon could stand. He puffed out fire and sprang to his feet. "I dare you to come out and fight with me, Ivan !" he roared, "Are you ready ?"
"Of course," said Ivan.
"What have you done, Ivan !" said the king. "Let's put up with the dragon for some more time. You cannot fight a dragon. It will burn and kill you in no time."
But Ivan was not afraid. He knew that dragons were dreadful but not intelligent. He was sure he could find a way of killing the dragon.
Everyone walked out to the palace courtyard. The dragon and the brave warrior faced each other. The dragon smiled a very mean and wicked smile. "Now, how shall I kill you, you silly fool?" he asked Ivan. "Shall I burn you to death? Shall I smother you with fumes ? Or better still, shall I tear you up with my knife claws? Or shall I eat you up with my spike teeth ?"
In the meanwhile, however, the clever Ivan had thought of a way of tricking the wicked creature. He folded his arms on his chest and said in a clear voice, "Now, look here, dragon, when you dared me to fight you, I agreed readily. I thought it would be a fight between just the two of us." Then he pointed behind the dragon. "Why have you brought a whole army to help you fight ?"
The dragon was as stupid as Ivan thought him to be. He turned his head to see what Ivan was pointing at. Quick as a flash of lightning, Ivan drew his sword and cut off the dragon's head.
"There !" he said, "We won't have to put up with this dreadful guest ever again !"
Seven Sisters
Hello, everyone!
Have you guessed who we are? We are the Seven Sisters of Northeast India, still unexplored, isolated territories to most of you and to the rest of the world. Our sister Sikkim lies to the north, but we seven sisters are contiguous to each other. We are famous for our natural beauty, Push forests and wild animals as well as our colourfull costumes, traditional jewellery, exotic flowers and our own unique dance and music. Nature lovers have designated our whole area as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
Now we will introduce ourselves one by one.
Arunachal Pradesh:
Their diet is largely made up of rice with fish, meat and many green vegetables; and a popular dish is momos - steamed buns with meat or vegetable stuffing.
I am a nature lovers' heaven. My land is spotted with monasteries, lush green forests, lakes, waterfalls and deep river valleys. In my limestone caves (Known as tapenuru) and forest reserves, you will find a great variety of wild life.
You must make it a point to visit the 400 year old Buddhist monastery at Tawang and enjoy cultural festivals at Ziro. Don't miss the Namdapha tiger project. You are also welcome to the many wild life sanctuaries and national parks where you may see rare animals, birds and plants. I am also home to India's first orchid sanctuary.
Assam :
My people are very hospitable. If you come here you can enjoy the cuisine which has its own distinctive aromas an flavors. I am known for my artistic heritage, exotic dance forms and elegant temples.
The rivers ensure that my territory is lush and fertile, with wetlands, orchards, tea estates, and scenic forests and parks. Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park are World Heritage Sites. My picturesque landscape of golden-green rice fields and landscaped tea estates is awesome to behold! And you know, Assam tea is world famous!
The Brahmaputra is Assam's lifeline. The land is also rich in petroleum, natural gas, coal, limestone and other minor minerals.
My hand woven silks are exquisite, with natural colors and designs. They say our women weave fairy tales on their looms! Assam's silk fabrics 'Eri', 'Muga' and 'Pat' are the most sought after silks in the world of fashion.
I am known as the land of fairs and festivals. The major festival of Assam is Bihu.
Cane and bamboo are the inseparable parts of my life. As souvenirs you can take the Jappi ( traditional Sunshade ) and masks. Don't forget to visit the Ahom palaces.
Meghalaya :
Here, Jhum or shifting cultivation is practiced even today. I have lovely mountains, with stretches of valley and highland plateaus. The rock formations here contain rich deposits of valuable minerals like coal, limestone, uranium and sillimanite. I have many rivers.
Please come to see Cherrapunji / Mausinram - the wettest places on earth. You can enjoy the forests and 'sacred groves' here.
I boast of several National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Friends, you would be amazed to see the Krem Liat Prah which is the longest cave, and Synrang Pamiang which is the deepest cave. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Bangladesh from here. Do come to this pine fresh mountain state during the Wangala festival in autumn.
Manipur :
My capital is Imphal where you can see the cyclists' velodrome. Many of my people belong to the Meetei ethnic group and speak Meetei/Manipuri language. I have the credit of introducing polo to the Europeans.
My people's staple diet consists of rice, fish, large varieties of leafy vegetables ( both aquatic and terrestrial ). But our cuisine is so different from the rest of India, due to the use of various aromatic herbs and roots that are peculiar to my state.
Blessed with an amazing variety of flora and fauna, I am home to a host of rare endemic plant and animal life here. A treat for the eyes is the Keibul Lamjao National Park, an abode of the rare and endangered species of brow antlered deer. This ecosystem contains 17 rare species of mammals. It is the only floating national park of the world. You should come to see the Loktak Lake and Floating Islands.
Our Manipuri dance is one of the most acclaimed classical dances of India. The folk dances of tribal people captivate the beholders with their exotic costumes and simple but graceful rhythm. You should not fail to witness the Manipuri Martial Arts - 'Thang Ta' and ' Sarit Sarak'.
Mizoram :
My capital is Aizawl, and from its scenic location, you can get a captivating view of lush emerald Tlawng river valley in the west and the Tuirial river valley in the east. The museum in the heart of the city, Zarkawt, portrays the culture of Mizoram with a splendid collection of costumes, artefacts and historical relics.
The Palak lake is the biggest in Mizoram and covers 30 hectares (74 acres). Do you know that it is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood? Champhai, with its fertile vineyards, is knows as 'the fruit bowl' of Mizoram. I am also host to numerous species of birds, wildlife and flora. You can visit the two national parks and six wildlife sanctuaries here.
Mizo is the official language and the most widely used language.
Nagaland :
Hello! I am Nagaland, one of the smallest States of India, called the Switzerland of the East. Here, we have a land of folklore passed down through generations, with music as an integral part of our life. The exquisitely picturesque landscapes, the vibrantly colourfull sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora make my land unimaginably beautiful.
The State capital is Kohima. The State is mostly mountainous. Mount Saramati is the highest peak with a height of about 3,840 meters and its range forms a natural barrier between Nagaland and Burma.
There are over 16 tribes and sub-tribes that inhabit my exotic hill State, each with its own unique colourfull and intricately designed costumes, jewellery and beads that adorn them. Today, many of my young people have ventured into fashion designing, creating fabrics that blend our traditional motifs with modern appeal. So much so, I have become a paradise for those who are into fashion designing. People refer to me as an affluent fashion station of the East.
My land is an ideal place for trekking, rock climbing, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration possibilities in its lush and verdant Sub-tropical rain forests. Here we have an abundance of medicinal herbs too.
I am knows as the 'Falcon capital of the world.' The great Indian hornbill is one of the most famous birds found here.
Nagas, by nature, are lovers of fun and frolic and here, life is one long festival. Dance and songs are a part and parcel of all our festivities. Most of our dances are performed with a robust rhythm. If You love a colourfull life and appreciate ethnic customs and traditions with their unique songs, dances and festivals, you must come to our Naga Heritage Village, which showcases our cultural heritage. Do come and participate in our Great Hornbill Festival!
Tripura :
Tripura meaning 'three cities' 'Tripura' also means 'near water'. Some scholars also believe that the land was ruled in ancient times by a King named Tripur, from whom my name emerged.
My land has three distinct geographical zones: 1.The hill ranges which run from North to South; 2. The undulating plateau land and . 3. The low-lying alluvial plains. Many rivers nourish my land and sustain the activities of my people. Chief among them are the Gumti, the Muhuri and the Feni. Rice, cotton, jute, tea, tobacco and oilseeds are grown here.
The Kokborok speaking Tripuri people are the major group among the many tribes and subtribes. Bengali and Manipuri people have co-existed in peaceful harmony with the people of Tripura for generations.
I am rather difficult for you to access because only one major road or National Highway connects my land with the rest of the country. Agartala is my capital city. People come to visit me for ecotourism and archaeological tourism. My lush tea gardens and wild life sanctuaries and my specially set up eco-parks are a great attraction; as are the famous rock carvings at Deotamura. The Neermahal is a gorgeous red-and-white water palace, empty but shimmering on its own island in the lake of Rudrasagar.
People of all communities and tribes participate in state festivals like Garia, Durga Puja, Buddha Purnima, Kharchi, Pous Sankranti, Bijihu or Christmas.
Come and visit me; you will be fascinated by my rich cultural heritage, beautiful palaces, wild life sanctuaries, historical temples, palaces and museums. My folk dances will enthrall you, and my people will welcome you with warmth and courtesy!
The Twelve Months
ONCE Upon a time, in a faraway Country, there lived a mother who had two daughters. One was her own child, the other was her stepdaughter. She was very fond of her own daughter, but she hated her stepdaughter. The only reason was that Marouckla, the stepdaughter, was prettier than her own daughter, Holena.
The gentle-hearted Marouckla did not Know how beautiful she was, and so she could never make out why her mother was always so cross with her.
Marouckla had to do all the housework, tidying up the cottage, cooking, washing, spinning, weaving and sewing. She liked work and she did it all without a word of complaint while Holena spent the time adorning herself and lazing about. Even then, Holena and her mother Scolded and rated and abused Marouckla every day. They envied her so much that one day, they decided to throw her out in the freezing cold to get rid of her.
"Go, Marouckla, and get me some violets from the forest; I want to wear them and to smell them," Said Holena.
"But, my dear sister, it is impossible to find violets in the snow," Said poor Marouckla.
"How dare you argue when I tell you to do something ? Off you go at once, and if you don't bring me violets from the forest I'll kill you !" Said Holena threateningly.
The stepmother Caught hold of Marouckla, turned her out of the door, and slammed it to after her.
Marouckla went into the forest weepimg bitterly. The snow lay deep, and there wasn't a human footprint to be seen. Marouckla wandered about for a long time, tortured by hunger and trembling with cold.
At last, she saw a light in the distance. She went towards the glow, which came from the top of a mountain. A big fire was burning there and round the fire were twelve stones with twelve men sitting on them. Three of them had snow-white beards, three were not so old, and three were still younger. The three youngest were the handsomest of them all. They were not speaking, but all sitting silent. These twelve men were the twelve months. Great January sat highest of all; his hair and beard were as white as snow, and in his hand he held a club.
Marouckla was frightened. She stood still for a time in terror, but, growing bolder, she went up to them and said, "Please, Kind sirs, let me warm my hands at your fire."
Great January nodded, and asked her, "Why have you come here, my dear little girl ? What are you looking for ?"
"I am looking for violets," answered Marouckla.
"This is no time to be looking for violets, for everything is covered with snow," answered Great January.
Great January stood up and went to one of the younger months - it was March - and, giving him the club, he said, "Brother, take the high seat."
March took the high seat upon the stone and waved the club over the fire. The fire blazed up, the snow began to melt, the trees began to bud, and the ground was at once covered with grass. It was springtime.
The violets began to bloom among their little leaves, and before Marouckla had time to think, so many of them had sprung up that they looked like a blue cloth spread out on the ground.
"Now, pick them quickly, Marouckla !" Commanded March.
Marouckla picked them joyfully till she had a big bunch. Then she thanked the months with all her heart and scampered merrily home.
Holena and the stepmother wondered when they saw Marouckla bringing the violets. They opened the door to her, and the scent of violets filled all the cottage.
"Where did you get them ?" asked Holena sulkily.
"They are growing under the bushes in a forest on the high mountains."
Holena snatched all the flowers and did not give even a single one to her sister.
The next day, she called to her sister and said, "Go, Marouckla, and get me some strawberries from the forest."
"Alas! dear sister, where could I find any strawberries in this hard winter ?" said Marouckla.
"How dare you argue! Go at once and get me the strawberries, or I'll kill you !"
The stepmother caught hold of Marouckla and pushed her out of the door and shut it after her.
Marouckla went to the forest weeping bitterly. The snow was lying deep, and there wasn't a human footprint to be seen anywhere. She wandered about for a long time, tortured by hunger and trembling with cold. At last, she saw the light she had seen the other day. Overjoyed, she went towards it. She came to the great fire with the twelve months sitting round it.
Great January arose. He went over to the month sitting opposite to him - it was June - and handed the club to him, saying, "Brother, take the high seat."
June took the high seat upon the stone and swung the club over the fire. The fire shot up, and its heat melted the snow in a moment. The ground was all green, the trees were covered with leaves, the birds began to sing, and the forest was filled with all Kinds of flowers. It was summer. The ground under the bushes was covered with white starlets, the starry blossoms were turning into strawberries every minute. They ripened at once, and before Marouckla had time to think, there were so many of them that it looked as though a red carpet had been spread on the ground.
Today in the modern age the importance of Sports and games is much more than it was in the past. The impact of machine growing comforts of life, Sports and games provide us the opportunities of physical exercise along with enjoyment. It is obvious that healthy individuals make a healthy nation and nobody can deny that, "Health is Wealth".
"Please, kind sirs, let me warm my hands at the fire."
Great January nodded, and asked her, "Why have you come again, and what are you looking for here?"
"I am looking for strawberries. My sister Holena and my stepmother bade me bring some strawberries, and if I don't they will kill me. Tell me, fathers, tell me, please, where I can find them."
Great January arose. He went over to the month sitting opposite to him - it was June - and handed the club to him, saying, "Brother, take the high seat."
"Pick them at once, Marouckla !" Commanded June.
Marouckla picked them joyfully till she had filled her apron full. Then she thanked the months with all her heart and scampered merrily home.
Holena and the stepmother wondered when they saw Marouckla bringing the strawberries. Her apron was full of them.
"Where did you pick them ?" asked Holena sulkily.
"There are plenty of them growing in the forest on the high mountains."
Holena took all the strawberries, and ate them all up with her mother. They didn't leave even a single one for Marouckla.
On the third day, Holena ordered, "Marouckla, go into the forest and get me some red apples."
The stepmother caught hold of Marouckla and without giving her a chance to speak, pushed her out of the door and shut it after her.
Marouckla went to the forest again, weeping bitterly, But she didn't wander about this time. She ran straight to the top of the mountain where the big fire was burning and the twelve months were sitting round the fire.
"Please, Kind sirs, help me,"
Great January nodded, and asked her, "What are you looking for today ?"
"I am looking for red apples. If I don't bring them, my sister and my mother will Kill me. Tell me, father, tell me, please, where I Could find them."
Great January rose up. He went over to one of the older months - it was September. He handed the club to him and said, "Brother, take the high seat."
Month September took the high seat upon the stone and swung the club over the fire. The fire began to burn with a red flame, the snow began to melt. But there was a cold wind that sent the faded leaves down to the ground. It was autumn. Marouckla saw just one apple-tree with red apples hanging high among its branches.
"Shake the tree at once, Marouckla !" Commanded September.
Right gladly Marouckla shook the tree, and first one apple fell down and then another.
"Now, Marouckla, that's enough. Run home quickly!" Shouted the months.
Marouckla obeyed at once. She picked up the apples, thanked the months with all her heart, and ran merrily home.
Holena and the stepmother wondered when they saw Marouckla bringing the two apples.
"Where did you get them ?" asked Holena.
"I Found them in the forest on the high mountain."
"And why didn't you bring more ? Or did you eat them on the way home ?" Said Holena harshly.
"Alas ! sister dear, I haven't even tasted them. I shook the tree twice; two apples fell down, and they wouldn't let me shake the tree again. They shouted to me to go straight home," Protested Marouckla.
"May you be struck to death by lightning !" Said the wicked Holena and began to eat the apple. It tasted so delicious that she told her mother she had never tasted anything so nice in all her life. The stepmother liked it too. When they had finished, they wanted some more.
"Mother, give me my fur coat. Let's go to the forest ourselves and get the apples. That ragged little wretch would eat them all up again on her way home. We'll find the place all right, and I'll shake them all down, however they shout at me."
"Mother, give me my fur coat. Let's go to the forest ourselves and get the apples. That ragged little wretch would eat them all up again on her way home. We'll find the place all right, and I'll shake them all down, however they shout at me."
Her mother agreed readily. They wrapped themselves in fur coats and shawls and off they went to the forest.
The snow lay deep, and they wandered about for a long time, but at last they saw the top of the mountain where the big fire was burning and the twelve months were sitting. They stepped up to the fire and stretched out their hands to warm them, without asking permission or speaking one polite word.
"Why have you come here, and what are you looking for ?" asked Great January crossly.
"Why do you want to Know, you old fool?" replied Holena angrily. "It's no business of yours," said her mother.
Great January frowned and swung the club over his head. The sky grew dark in a moment, the fire burned low, the snow began to fall thick and an icy wind began to blow through the forest. Holena and her mother couldn't see one step in front of them.
The tried to find their way out but the snow fell in huge masses, and soon, they were lost in it.
At home, Marouckla waited and waited and yet Holena and her mother did not come back. When she went to search for them she found neither her mother and sister nor the twelve months in the forest. At last, she returned home sadly.
So, good Marouckla inherited the cottage and the land around it. She married a kind husband and they both lived happily ever after.
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An apple a day Keeps the Doctor Away
An apple is valued because it has the most nutritional value among all fruits. A medium-sized apple gives 80 calories and makes a good snack. It contains absolutely no fat. It also helps reduce the risk of some cancers. Because of its low sodium content, it reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. The apple has a substance that can reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in our body . It is rich in Vitamin A, Which strengthens our vision. Apples also contain Vitamin C that boost the immune system in the body. They can even reduce the incidence of asthma. It is good to eat an apple after a meal. It is a natural toothbrush. Thus, this proverb reminds us of the role of diet in warding off diseases - and how it saves us the trouble of visiting the doctor.
Glossary : nutritional - promoting growth or affording nourishment as food. Cholesterol-a chemical substance found in fat, blood, and other cells in our body. boost - to improve or increase something. immune- protected against a particular disease, infection, ect. owing to the body's natural resistance.
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The Jawan
The Jawan is the Indian Soldier. He is employed in the army, the navy or the air force. He has to undergo long and hard training. He is Strong, Smart, brave and intelligent. He has a keen sense of discipline and duty. He fights to keep the honors and freedom of our country. He is prepared to die for his motherland,. He performs deeds of great heroism, patriotism and courage.
A jawan has to be alert in mind and body. He is at the forefront in the fight against terrorism. Service and self-sacrifice are his watchwords. Indeed, he is ready to sacrifice himself for the good of his countryman. Even in peacetime, the jawan serves the country. Whenever there are natural calamities like floods and storms or earthquakes, he is there giving a helping hand. Very often in the line of duty, he is wounded and sometimes crippled or blinded in action, but he suffers his fate patiently and courageously.
We must do all we can for him. we must be grateful to him. We must show our gratitude by contributing generously towards his welfare. we must learn from him the noble qualities of discipline and selflessness .
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Sant Gadge Maharaj's
Gadge Maharaj
Sant Gadge Maharaj's real name was Debuji Zhingraji Janorkar. He belonged Shendgaon (Shengaon) in Daryapur taluka of Amravati district. Sant Gadgebaba raised social awareness through Keertans. During his Keertans, he would ask people questions and answer them himself. 'Why are our people poor? Because they do not have education.' He appealed to the people to get educated. He is Known as one of the great saints of the 20th century. His village will forever be remembered for his work in the service of people.
Gadgebaba was a modern saint. He lived many years ago but he is still remembered for the great work he did in thousands of places.
What did he look like? Silver hair, brown eyes, fair skin. Big, tall and stout body. He wrapped a lungi around the waist and wore a torn but clean shirt. A cloth shoe adorned one foot while the other foot was many times bare. He always carried a bowl and a stick. Because of this bowl or a 'gadge', people started calling him Gadge Baba or Gadge Maharaj. His real name was Debuji Zhingraji Janorkar.
He never stayed long in one place. He slept only on a rough blanket and used only his own arm as a pillow. He roamed from village to village spreading his message of cleanliness, and the importance of education. He was bothered by hunger or thirst. What he liked was bhajan, Keertan and teaching people. Thousands of people flocked to listen to his Keertan.
His Keertans used to be very lively. He would not simply give lectures. He would often put questions to the audience to Keep up their interest. Then he would show them how absurd they were in their words and actions. For example, he would ask :
- How many gods are there?
- One.
- You worship Khandoba, Mhasoba, Viroba and Vetal and so on. You worship many more, don't You?
- Yes!
- Your actions show that you believe that there are a number of gods. And yet you said a little while ago that you worship one God. Were You asleep then ?
The audience would be taken by surprise. Then they would listen more attentively to the Baba. Baba would say,
- You offer things to God in return for His favor, don't you ?
- Yes, we do.
- And don't you say, God my child is ill. Please make him well. I'll offer you a goat.
- Yes, we do.
- And don't you say that if God lets go the two-legged child, you will offer him in return a four-legged animal?
- We do.
- Why ? Can God who created this world be so cruel ? Can He be so greedy ? Can He be bribed ?
- No !
Then the audience would realize how wrong their thinking was. They would Promise to be more thoughtful.
After the Keertan, people flocked to touch Gadge Baba's feet. But he wouldn't allow anyone to do that. He didn't like people touching his feet. As soon as the Keertan was over, he sped away, leaving the crowds far behind. "Develop good qualities. That's all. There's no point in touching my feet," he said.
Baba followed one rule to the end of his life. Wherever he went, be it a village, town or small settlement, he asked for sturdy brooms, spades and pans. Then he would sweep and clean the whole area. Soon, other people joined him, but he did not wait for that to happen. He started sweeping and cleaning the place himself. And if any bystander tried to bow to Baba while he was busy in this work, that person would get a smack of the broom on the back.
"You don't do any of this work yourself. And when somebody else tries to do it, you put yourself in the way ! Move aside ! See how nice and welcoming this village looks when it is clean!"
If you visit a holy place in Maharashtra like Pandharpur or Nashik or Dehu or Alandi, you will see the work Gadge Baba did in these places. He himself worked hard, asked for help and built free boarding places, ghats on the rivers and water spouts. For the poor, helpless, disabled and the needy, he started places that offered food free of cost. He built schools, colleges and hostels for children. He saw God in the poor and miserable people. Serving these people was his way of serving God !
- Why ? Can God who created this world be so cruel ? Can He be so greedy ? Can He be bribed ?
- No !
Then the audience would realize how wrong their thinking was. They would Promise to be more thoughtful.
After the Keertan, people flocked to touch Gadge Baba's feet. But he wouldn't allow anyone to do that. He didn't like people touching his feet. As soon as the Keertan was over, he sped away, leaving the crowds far behind. "Develop good qualities. That's all. There's no point in touching my feet," he said.
Baba followed one rule to the end of his life. Wherever he went, be it a village, town or small settlement, he asked for sturdy brooms, spades and pans. Then he would sweep and clean the whole area. Soon, other people joined him, but he did not wait for that to happen. He started sweeping and cleaning the place himself. And if any bystander tried to bow to Baba while he was busy in this work, that person would get a smack of the broom on the back.
"You don't do any of this work yourself. And when somebody else tries to do it, you put yourself in the way ! Move aside ! See how nice and welcoming this village looks when it is clean!"
If you visit a holy place in Maharashtra like Pandharpur or Nashik or Dehu or Alandi, you will see the work Gadge Baba did in these places. He himself worked hard, asked for help and built free boarding places, ghats on the rivers and water spouts. For the poor, helpless, disabled and the needy, he started places that offered food free of cost. He built schools, colleges and hostels for children. He saw God in the poor and miserable people. Serving these people was his way of serving God !
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Sport is a preserver of health.
Today in the modern age the importance of Sports and games is much more than it was in the past. The impact of machine growing comforts of life, Sports and games provide us the opportunities of physical exercise along with enjoyment. It is obvious that healthy individuals make a healthy nation and nobody can deny that, "Health is Wealth".
Every School and college has its sports day When annual competition in the games and sports are held. There are cricket clubs, hockey associations, swimming clubs, boating clubs, football clubs and athletic forces of the country sports and games hold an unrivalled place. Also, the general population displays a keen interest in sports and games.
The Sports are popular among all classes of people; the reason is that sports influence a man physically and mentally as well as morally. In all kind of sports, the muscles of the body are engaged and so the body is developed. Different organs of the body are given exercise and as a result, eyes become sharper, hearing is made keener and so on. It is quite obvious how sports influence the body but sports do much more. As Hippocrates said," Sport is a preserver of Health."
Games play a very important role in 21st Century compared to the olden days. Games are the key components of physical and mental health. The importance of the day starts from schools and colleges through sports days and annual sports competition. besides Sportspersons , even commoners have a deep interest in sports and games. Sports develop an individual physically, mentally as well as morally. Each and every organ of our body gets an exercise if an individual plays any type of game. For Example, When we concentrate on a game, our eyes become keener and it influences our body. Thus Sports are preserver of our health in real sense.
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The importance of birds and animals in our lives
This morning on my way to school I saw a young boy throwing stones at a dog. When I asked him Why, he said that it was a useless animal. It is this kind of a tendency that has led to the extinction of so many animals, birds and fishes on our planet.
Many of us have very wrong ideas about the importance of animals and birds in our lives. There is no doubt that they play a very crucial role. They are nature's scavengers and get rid of the pests that may harm us. They keep the food chain in proportion. They help in pollination and the growth of new plants. There are birds that eat harmful insects. There are birds that suck nectar from flowers and help in pollination. Imagine if there were no owls. Then we would have an abundance of rats and mice in our cities and towns, and no pied piper would be able to get rid of them.
Every animal or bird that exists on the earth is a link in the balance of our ecosystem. Take away one animal or bird and that link would be broken. This would spell disaster for the earth. Hence it is very necessary to preserve every kind of species of animal or bird on this planet. It is up to us, human beings, to take care of our furry and feathered friends. Only in this way we can ensure the safe future of our planet Earth.
I do hope that I Have been able to impress upon you in some way, the need for us to be more considerate towards the other forms of life that coexist around us.
Activities of Birds
Singing: One of the natural activities of birds is to sing on the branches of trees. The first thing in the morning you hear is the singing of the birds. Some birds like to Whistle. Then the others respond. Many birds sing good notes. Birds like to sing, especially in the rainy season. Some birds like the peacock and the koyel sing before the rainy season, heralding the rain.
Building nests: Birds choose safe places to build the it nests. They collect twigs, cotton and leaves as building material. Some birds are very good at the art of weaving. Different birds have nests of different sizes and shapes. Some birds build nests on the branches. Some birds have nests that hang from the branches. After the nests are built, the birds give finishing touches to them. They take great care to build their nests.
Hatching eggs: The female bird lays eggs in the nest. The male bird takes care of the eggs. The female bird broods over the eggs for few days. Then the eggs hatch and the young birds come out.
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Little story of Fairy Tales
The Three🐖🐖🐖 Little Pigs
Once there was a mummy pig who lived with her three little pigs. One day, she sent them off to seek their fortune. Mummy pig🐖 packed some food for the three little pigs. "Remember", she said, "Whatever you do, do it the best way you can. And keep away from the big, bad wolf!"
The three little pigs🐖 had lots of fun along the way. Each took his turn to slide down the hill side in a trolley they found and made merry - going 'oink - oink' in delight.
Suddenly, it started raining heavily, "We need to build houses for ourselves", said the three little pigs. So, they went in different directions looking for material to build their houses.
The first little pig🐖 built a house of straw. The third pig warned him, "Brother, your house looks good, but I don't think straw - houses can stand a storm, so you better build your house with bricks." But the other two pigs 🐖🐖 just laughed at him.
The second pig built his houses with sticks. The youngest pig warned him too that a stick - house won't be able to face strong winds. Remember, mommy said: " Whatever you do, do it the best way you can. " But the second pig paid no heed to his brother's advice.
The third pig🐖🐖🐖 was working hard to build a house out of bricks. His brothers made fun of him and said, "You are wasting your time and energy by not building your houses. with straws or sticks like we did." The youngest pig did not mind his brother's jokes and continued working.
Then one day, there came the bad wolf from the hills. He was knows in the region for eating fat little pigs. As he had heard that the three little pigs who had newly arrived were plump, he planned to eat them. Seeing the bad wolf, the three pigs ran to their homes to hide.
The wolf, arrived at the straw house and in a loud voice he ordered the pig, to come out. The bad wolf, said, "Let me in, Let me in, little pig or I 'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!" "Not by the hair of mu chinny chin chin", answered the little pig from inside.
In the next moment, the bad wolf blew hard and brought the whole house down. The little pig was homeless and without guard. He decided to run to his brother's house to save his life. The wolf chased the little pig, laughing.
The two brothers huddled together in fear in the stick - house. They hoped they were safe. The wolf came and said, 'Let me, in, Let me in, little pigs or I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house away!"
"Not by the hair of our chinny chin chins," answered the little pigs from inside. Again, the wolf easily brought down the whole house with just one strong blow of air.
The two brothers ran hard for their dear life as the wolf followed them. They reached the youngest brother's house and shouted," Brother, brother, let us in quickly." Their brother quickly opened the door and pulled them inside the brick - house.
The wolf came and proudly huffed and puffed but to his surprise, he was not able to blow the house of bricks down. The wolf. Soon understood that the brick - house was strong enough and he could not enter it through the door. But the wolf was a wicked old animals and thought to himself, " I have an idea.
He climbed up on the roof and planned to enter the brick - house through the chimney over the kitchen. When the youngest pig saw the wolf climbing on the roof, he lit a roaring fire in the fireplace and placed a large kettle of water over it.
The wolf came down struggling through the chimney and splashed right into the kettle of hot water and screamed, "Oh my back hurts!" The three pigs took the opportunity to beat up the bad wolf with broom and sticks.
The wolf quickly climbed up the chimney and ran back to the hills. The bad wolf was never seen again in the region. The three little pigs celebrated their victory over the wolf and the two elder brothers finally learnt their lesson - "Whatever you do, do it the best way you can because that's the way to get along in the world."
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Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Once upon a time there lived a small beautiful girl👩 whose name was Goldilocks. She lived with her mother in a small house beside the forest. Goldilocks loved flowers a lot. One day she asked her mother to let her go out for a walk so that she may get some flowers.🎕🎕🎕
Her mother did not want her to go out as the forest was nearby and she was concerned about her safety. But still she allowed her to go out warning her not to go deep inside the forest as she might not find her way back home. Goldilocks picked her flower basket and went out. She picked many colourfull flower🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 from different plants. She was so happy and excited picking beautiful flowers, she didn't realize that she had entered deep inside the forest. When she got tired and thirsty, she looked around and saw a small house nearby. She went there and knocked the door, but nobody came from inside. 🚪
She entered the house as the door was not locked and found it very beautiful. She saw a large table with three armchairs of different sized - big, medium and a small one. On the table, there were three bowls of rice and honey. She first sat on the big armchair, but it was very hard. She then moved on the medium one, but it was very soft. Lastly, she tried the small one which could not bear her weight and broke down. Ꝇ
She fell down on the floor. Being very hungry. she picked a spoonful of rice and honey from the biggest and then from the medium sized bowl. She didn't like them much finally, She tried the pudding from the smallest bowl and found it delicious. She ate all the pudding from the smallest bowl. After having meals, she went upstairs and saw three beds of different sizes - big, medium and a small one. She lay down in the big bed, but it was very hard. Then, she tried the medium one, but it was too. soft. Finally, she lay down in the small one which was very cozy and she went asleep. 🛏
The house actually belonged to a bear family. When they returned home. they could smell the presence of a human in the house. They all started searching for the stranger in the house. 'Someone has broken my chair and eaten all my puddings!' Shouted the baby bear in his tender voice. When they could not find anyone there, they went upstairs. They found Goldilocks sleeping comfortable in the little bed. 🛏
The baby bear started shouting seeing her sleeping in his bed. Goldilocks got up immediately hearing the noise. When she saw the bear family standing right in front of her, she got frightened. She quickly jumped out off the bed 🛏 and ran outside through the small window. She kept running towards her home with all her might. The bear family chased her for a long distance, but could not catch her.
When Goldilocks reached home, she told the entire story to her mother. She also promised her mother that she would always obey her instructions in the future.
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Tom Thumb
Once there lived a woodman with his wife. They had no child and so felt very lonely and sad. One day while praying before the Almighty, the wife declared, "Even if my child is as small as a thumb, I WOULD LOVE HIM AS MUCH AS THE PARENTS OF A NORMAL CHILD.' Hence, the Almighty fulfilled her wish just in the way she had desired. Soon she gave birth to a baby boy who did not grow and remained as tiny as. a thumb as he was at the time of the birth.
The woodman and his wife called him as Tom and because of his tiny size people started calling him Tom Thumb. Tom's father usually goes to the forest to cut woods on his horse - cart. One day he also went with him and requested his father to let him drive the cart. As his father allowed, He sat in the horse's ear to give it direction.
Two passersby, who were surprised to see the cart moving on its own, decided to follow the cart. After taking a small ride, Tom came back where his father was cutting the woods and said loudly to his father to put him down from the cart. As such, he swiftly took Tom out from the horse's ear and put him down on straw. The two passersby, who were following the cart, thought of purchasing Tom so as to make good money in the city by showing such a tiny boy to the people.
They offered Tom's father a good amount of money to purchase Tom, but he refused to sell his son. Tom requested his father to let him go with the strangers promising to come back soon. The woodman agreed and Tom left with the strangers. At night, the two men stopped to take rest at a suitable place. Tom sheltered inside a shell. He heard them planning to rob a priest.
In Order to save the priest, he requested them to take him along. At midnight, the who men took Tom to the priest's house. Tom entered one room and asked the two men loudly whether they wanted to steal all the things. Hearing the noise, the maid got up and started shouting that someone has entered the house. The priest came but could not find any outsider inside the house and scolded the maid for disturbing him. The two men rushed away and Tom who was tired slept, on a heap of hay. Next morning, the maid took that heap of hay to feed the cow who swallowed Tom Thumb along with the hay. When the maid came to milk the cow, Tom started shouting from inside the cow's stomach. She recognized the voice and called the priest out.
The priest initially scolded her, but when she insisted he came out. He also heard the voice and felt that the cow is under some black magic influence. He got the cow killed and threw it away. The cow was eaten up by a large wolf. Now Tom was inside wolf's belly. Tom guided the wolf to his own house promising him to get plenty of tasty food. He took him to the kitchen where he ate too much. As such, he was unable to move. Now, Tom started shouting inside his belly.
Tom's parents woke up and came to the kitchen from where the noise was coming. They saw a huge fat wolf inside the kitchen. Father carried an axe and mother took a scythe. Hearing his parents voice in the kitchen, Tom cried, " I am inside the wolf's stomach!!!!"
The father killed the wolf with his mighty blow of axe. Then, they cut the stomach of the wolf and pulled out Tom carefully. Tears of happiness came to everyone's eyes.
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![The King who Wanted to Touch the Moon [Story] - [ 2021 ]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZFW1tvMDfrCjWSPgPMNrbwKu9wRy-R1NjBb_p12HQ4RoG2XggRhpX_62taUDDeGSawS8xDNgojzwo_dtPjXdAefDaUOW29iOlcTITyNCyFmAaFsJ3WMkXR58yzCTncuBZfFomaZWAzY/s72-c/52.png "The King who Wanted to Touch the Moon [Story] - [ 2021 ]")
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