Pointer - The South Point Magazine- Winter Issue 2021-22

SOUTH POINT MAGAZINE | WINTER ISSUE | 2021-22

Brave Hearts

The Journey From Jangalmahal

‘‘Fall’s Here!’’

Avantika Mandal Class V F (A) | Acrylic Colours

Credits Editors Dr. (Smt.) Madhu Kohli Smt. Swati Ghosh

South Point Magazine WINTER 2021-2022

Advisors Shri Krishna Damani Shri Siddhartha Mitra Smt. Rupa Sanyal Bhattacharjee Smt. Dalbir Kaur Chadda Smt. Reena Sharda Shri Jaidev Ghosh Sectional Editors English Smt. Mithu Haldar Smt. Soumi Sengupta Smt. S. Rajalakshmi Smt. Hasnu Mukherjee Smt. Arpita Dasgupta

Bengali Smt. Sulagna Bose Smt. Madhumita Ghosh Smt. Mausumi Pal Smt. Mandar Sengupta

Hindi Smt. Simmi Talwar Smt. Sudha Mishra

Photographs & Art Smt. Nilanjana Sarkar Smt. Sutapa Chatterjee Smt. Bageshree Dutta Smt. Krishna Sardar Smt. Sima Ghosh Bhattacharya Shri Chandraval Mukherjee Smt. Sujata Khastgir Shri Sandip Dawn Shri Souvik Dey Shri Prasenjit Kumar Saha Editing Support & Design Thinkpot Advertising Private Limited 20/1 Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue 4th Floor, Kolkata 700 019 Published by South Point Education Society 16 Mandeville Gardens, Kolkata 700 019

Disclaimer: Various visuals have been taken from the Internet to complement the contents of the School Magazine

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“Be the light in the dark, be the calm in the storm and be at peace while at war.” − Mike Dolan

Editor’s Note Dear Students,

We all are facing great challenges in our lives at present, but maintaining one’s calm and coping without fear and stress are the essence of a beautiful life. If you find yourself in a bad situation or if some of your decisions have landed you in trouble, accept them and find a solution instead of cribbing or having anger outbursts. Stress is a natural feeling of not being able to cope with specific demands and events. And, it can become a chronic situation if one does not take steps to tackle it with emotional regulations and self-control. When you accept your challenges it has a positive impact on your mind. This makes you stronger to face tougher situations in future and keeps you happy.

The question that arises is how you can be happy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to understand that almost everyone is facing the emotional burden of this crisis, hence being overwhelmed and anxious is absolutely normal now.

The critical question is what are you going to do about it? The not-so-secret ingredient is resilience, as it actually enables people to grow despite adversity. But how does one become resilient? The most important guidelines are strictly following COVID-19 safety protocols and staying at home, till you are allowed to step out securely. You have to boost your daily happiness through the four Ms of mental health: movement, mindfulness, mastery and meaningful social relationships.

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. In times of struggle, right words can inspire, motivate and even transform a negative situation. Optimistic messages and positive vibes go a long way in encouraging fellow-humans. And in that way it will uplift your mood from gloom to gladness by changing your perspective. Staying positive does not mean that you have to be happy all the time. It means that even on the hard days, you believe that better ones are coming – for yourself and for others. It helps you get along more easily with the daily affairs of life by avoiding worries and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it would make you happier, brighter, successful and a silver lining amid dark clouds.

While searching for happiness and meaning in your lives now, you may reach out to your friends, near and dear ones and your community on the social media about staying positive. Start your own ‘Happiness Club’ with your friends and share daily experiences of happiness to elevate everyone’s mood. Life goes by too quickly; so laugh, love and try new things.

Forgive, forget and do not have grudges. Choose to be happy.

We are going to publish the digital version of Pointer once again, though a little late. It contains regular articles, artworks and photographs from students, with their feelings and concerns well depicted. ‘Cover Story’ outlines the journey of students from Jangalmahal to South Point on the way to fulfilling their dreams. A virtually held ‘Adda Zone’ between SPHS teachers and students discusses the topic, ‘’Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics’’. In ‘Science Beyond the Classroom’, Professor Dr. Amitava Gupta of Jadavpur University tracks the interesting evolution of the measurement of temperature, by referring to the ceramic doll used at Chinese tea-making ceremonies and to Galileo's Thermoscope, among other milestones. His article has always been an interesting and informative read for all. ‘Pride of Pointers’ covers the journey of Shri Krishnendu Chaudhury, an ex-Pointer and an expert on computer vision and deep learning with many patents; it will definitely motivate present students. In ‘Parent Speak’ Shri Anol Chatterjee, noted Hindustani Classical vocalist, lyricist and composer, explains how music can help children transcend suffering and struggle in these trying times. ‘Kaleidoscope’ takes us along the journey of alumnus Sujaan Mukherjee.

Madhu Kohli Director South Point School POINTER

Enjoy reading and be always very happy and positive. Wish you all a Happy New Year.

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Principal Speak The Amphan that hit our city on May 20, 2020, left behind a trail of devastation. This devastation was experienced by just not humans but also Nature. Thousands of trees were uprooted, those who managed to stand their ground had lost most of their branches that were home to many birds and small animals like squirrels.

I was witness to the devastation left behind in the park in front of my house first hand. Proud trees which had spread out their green branches, stood almost bald and shorn the next morning. Some had tilted precariously while one of their mates had given up the struggle and lay completely uprooted, blocking the road in front of our house. Birds’ nests and twigs were strewn across the park. Crows and other birds, including the parrots, had tried to brave the storm by gliding in the wind and most of them had injured wings and some must have had crash-landed as they had a definite limp. I felt extremely dejected and unhappy, not only because my terrace pots were in a bad shape but mostly because the green cover that soothed my eyes in the heart of the city, had been ripped off. I could see a tall building which was at least a couple of kilometres away. I could not bear to look at the trees which seemed to have been so mercilessly chopped off.

To add to the unhappiness there were the news reports of the human devastation that the cyclone had left behind. Our metropolitan city and the state seemed to have been brought to their knees by this wrath of Nature. Basic amenities like power and water supply were affected severely. But the city began to crawl back towards normalcy. Government departments and private organisations worked shoulder to shoulder to bring relief. And at least the urban population found relief in a fortnight while our brethren in the villages had to struggle for a little longer.

What happened to the trees in the park? The debris was cleared by humans, the fallen tree which was an old denizen of the park was cut into large pieces and carted away. The birds were not to be seen as readily as before. I would like to believe that they were recuperating from battling the storm of their lives. What surprised me the most was the fact that a thin film of green began to cover the ugly stumps and branches within a week or two. And very soon the trees tentatively spread out sprigs and leaves. The trees had demonstrated great resilience and helped themselves to thrive.

Today the green cover is back, no broken branch sticks out to narrate the story of a horrific night. The birds have come back long ago to the security of the old trees which have renewed themselves.

Our true teacher is Nature, is it not? It teaches us to accept the losses and rebuild and renew ourselves. The trees did not receive relief but drew on their inner strength to continue living for they know that life is precious.

And living is just not about one’s own existence but to help others as well.

Every winter we see Nature retreat and spring back in action in a few months, that is normal. A setback in summer caught it unprepared, just like an unexpected loss in our lives or an accident, but its resilience made it blossom proudly. Find that resilience in you, my dear children, and let nothing ever stop you living meaningfully.

Our true teacher is Nature, is it not? It teaches us to accept the losses and rebuild and renew ourselves.

Rupa Sanyal Bhattacharjee Principal South Point High School

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Contents

BRAVE HEARTS The Journey From Jangalmahal Bulletin Students’ Contributions (Contents) EXPRESSION (English) Verse-tality Etched In Words

ABHIVYAKTI (Bengali) Srijan Shabde Alankaran

ABHIVYAKTI (Hindi) Srijan Shabdo Se Alankrit

Adda Zone Quizzical Pride of Pointers: Krishnendu Chaudhury Know Your Teacher Science Beyond the Classroom Craft Mastermind Kaleidoscope Counsellor’s Corner Parent Speak Miles to Go Taste Buds Aperture Point To Read and What to Read STROKES OF COLOUR Class I Class III Class V Class IX Class X Class XI Class XII

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5-12 13-40 41-43 44 45-55 58-86 87 88-94 97-115 116 117-123 126-131 136-138 139 140-141 142-143 144-146 147 148-151 152 153 154 155 156 157-166 167-168 56-57 57, 95 96, 124-125 125, 132-133 133-134 134-135 135

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BRAVE HEARTS The Journey From Jangalmahal

A swift breeze tossed itself free from the largest grove of sal trees; it blew towards the Dulung river and across the Kanaisahar hills. Now it was time for the cattle to curve hoofprints on the vermilion soil and plod back home. As dust rose from the dirt tracks, cobwebs in the palm trees caught a thousand gleams of the setting sun.

Jangalmahal let one journey end. Only to usher bigger journeys that summer.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam passed away in July 2015. That same year, in June, eleven students travelled from Jangalmahal to Kolkata and joined South Point – the School that he had honoured as the Chief Guest at the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony on 4 July 2011. The great statesman, scientist and one who identified himself foremost as a teacher, Dr. Kalam would have rejoiced at and blessed their arrival.

THE GROWING As all odysseys have a preamble, it’s compelling to learn how the journey of Shefali Hansda, Swarnalata Hemram, Ruma Hansda, Laxmimoni Mudi, Sisir Kumar Mandi, Lakshman Mandi, Sagen Kisku, Rimil Murmu, Rohit Kumar Mandi and Mahadeb Bagal took off from the heart of Bengal's tribal belt, the famed -- and often troubled -- Jangalmahal. Listen to Smt. Dalbir Kaur Chadda, Principal, South Point School, unravel the story: “In 2015, we, at SPS, were requested by the Honourable West Bengal Chief Minister, Smt. Mamata Banerjee, to take in eight children from Jangalmahal.

They were to be admitted mid-session in Class V, after

summer holidays, in June.” Among the names mentioned above, Rimil, Rohit and Mahadeb joined South Point High School in Class VI. Another student, who too started classes in SPS, did not continue.

Till 15 June 2015, none of these students had ever travelled to Kolkata. Nor had they heard of South Point.

Most of them were classmates in Belpahari S. C. High School, Nayagram Thana Balika Vidyapeeth and Ergoda Nityananda Vidyayatan, when their lives underwent an unthought-of change.

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Cover Story GIVE US YOUR HANDS South Point welcomed the boys and girls with a loving, supportive heart. The newcomers were apprehensive and tentative, everything was rather alien to them.

Here was a large School with umpteen number of pupils, an English-medium environment, and here were they, on their own, away from home, parents, siblings and the familiar milieu. Will they ever settle down in the new city and the new School? Smt. Chadda continues, “Our first thought was to make them comfortable and at ease. Will they be able to intermingle with the other children? Having studied in Bengali-medium schools, can they cope with the English medium of instruction? We wondered. It was an immense challenge for us teachers.” Dr. (Smt.) Madhu Kohli, Director, SPS, picks up the thread of thought, “I distinctly remember the day the children were brought to my office. They were naïve and shy and were looking quite lost in a new environment, but the will to conquer the world was quite evident in their eyes.”

where their seniors often guided them. Though their loneliness and trepidation were apparent, the children were extremely well behaved, attentive and eager to learn. To help them overcome the trouble in comprehending English, we regularly reverted to the mother tongue in classes. And gradually they could follow instructions in English. We were so happy when Sisir, Laxmimoni, Ruma and Lakshman showed good progress in the Final Term Exams.” And here is Smt. Tanushree Bhattacharya, their Class Teacher in Class V, adding her memories of the first miles, “Translating the lessons into Bengali really helped. They gradually tried reading sentences aloud in class. Once Lakshman, the youngest, wrote a sentence with ‘miss’: ‘I miss my parents!’ He had tears while reading it out. I gave him a hug and so did all his classmates. They did not know cursive writing, had difficulty in pronouncing certain letters and expressing themselves. But they worked hard and never gave up. Some of them showed real progress. Teaching them was a novel experience and I had to reinvent ways to reach out to them. Most disciplined and neat and clean in appearance, the children often spoke about the hardship they faced back home. I will call it a wonderful year, bright with their smiles. So happy were their parents too; they attended PTMs.”

What steps did South Point School take in those early days? As Dr. (Smt.) Kohli and Smt. Chadda delve into memories, we learn that the children were admitted in Class V A (Afternoon) -- the Special Section – so that individual attention could be given to them. These Special Sections had fewer children and a slightly truncated syllabus. They also attended remedial English classes. The aim was to help them improve their language skill and cope with classroom teaching, which was in English – and to gradually instil confidence in them. All kinds of assistance were provided to them – such as full freeship, books, exercise books, uniforms, satchels, stationery and everything else necessary for their years at South Point.

With efforts put in, in equal measure, by the Jangalmahal children and their mentors, the gradual progress seen was heart-warming. “By the end of the session some of them were even reading out the news headlines in English at the Assembly! Their Final Term Progress Reports delighted us. The overall experience of teaching these children from our rural lands was actually an eye-opener for us – we learnt so much from them, especially the way they overcame hurdles with exemplary determination. Seeing them off to SPHS was a moment of emotional and tearful parting for us,” says the SPS Principal. Dr. (Smt.) Kohli sums up the SPS year succinctly, “They are winners, and winners are dreamers who never give up. Watching them graduate to High School and excel in all spheres has been a most rewarding experience. We are sure they will accomplish their goals and make us even prouder of them one day.”

There’s no way the Jangalmahal children could have overcome their fears and uncertainties had their teachers not stood by them every day. Not just supportive and mindful, teachers filled the gaps with love and affection. Smt. Nivedita Gupta, Class V Superintending Teacher, reminisces, “Laxmimoni had lost her father and Sisir his mother before they joined SPS. A few family members accompanied them on the first day. They lived in a government hostel at Salt Lake,

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mentions the admirable efforts put in by the newcomers and their teachers, especially the patience showed by those teaching difficult topics. English, Mathematics and Science special classes went a long way in clearing their doubts. Courteous and well-mannered, the Jangalmahal students adapted gradually to the new environment and within a few months, they mustered courage to approach teachers for guidance. They started to enjoy School – their happiness was apparent.

Cover Story WHEN WINGS FIT WELL While the SPS pupils moved on to South Point High School, Mahadeb, Rohit and Rimil had already started calling SPHS their home. Admitted in Class VI, their initial days were no less diffident. Yet, their mentors affirm in unison how remarkably sincere, diligent and eager to learn the students were. They made sure that their disadvantaged background or a rudimentary understanding of English did not stand in the way.

SPHS, just like Junior School, took apposite steps to first help them settle down and then steer them towards success. Smt. Rupa Sanyal Bhattacharjee, SPHS Principal, points out, “We decided that our doors will remain open for our special pupils. They were reassured that they could walk in anytime to talk. And that they did. Most evenings I had bright faces peeping in to do just that. Our job was to make them feel wanted and accepted.”

Another teacher who met Mahadeb, Rohit and Rimil in Class VI, Smt. Dipanwita Bose, shares her appreciation, “I have seen them grow and spread their wings. We, the English teachers, took up the challenge to make them well-versed in English, the language they stumbled in.

We tried our best and so did they. I taught them again in Class VIII and noticed a marked improvement in their language skills – they interacted well with friends and teachers in English. In the special classes in Classes IX and X, they shared their thoughts, dreams and troubles with me. I also interacted with a few of the parents and realized what odds these students braved to carve a niche in their own ways.” She also recalls how during Daan Utsav, the Jangalmahal pupils, despite their financial issues, “were the first to come to me with their contributions. Such were their empathy and benevolence.” Shri Arun Kumar Maity, their Mathematics and Class Teacher in Class VII, praises them not only for their diligence, but also for the impression they created “as good human beings”. He adds, “They were eager to explore the new environment in SPHS. As their English and communication skills improved, they approached me confidently to clarify Maths problems and also answered smartly in class. Here was a friendly, well-behaved, polite, respectful group of students who, we soon realised, are happy in SPHS.”

Still, ‘bright faces peeping in’ had a prelude to it – when so many teachers dedicated hours to assure and inspire the Jangalmahal students. “I was the Class Teacher of Mahadeb, Rohit and Rimil in Class VI. They were sitting in front of Principal Ma’am’s Office on the first day, immediately after summer holidays. I took them to my classroom and introduced them to other students,” reminisces Smt. Pritha Bose Singh, adding, “They were so shy and timid and reluctant to speak up. They sat in the row immediately next to the teachers' desk.

Towards the beginning, they naturally hesitated to communicate with others in English.” Smt. Bose Singh

SHINES AND SHADOWS One optimistic year dissolved into more; one confident stride met many more to make an unafraid headway.

The journey that Jangalmahal boys and girls scripted over time has received inspiration and encouragement from every teacher they have come in touch with.

Teachers, too, have keenly monitored and appraised their progress; their efforts have not gone in vain. “I taught a few of these students in Classes VIII and IX. They were very particular about doing their classwork and homework. Sisir and Lakhsman were quite good in uptake of Mathematics. It was a pleasure teaching them. Even if language posed a barrier they tried hard to clarify their queries personally,” shares Smt.

Arundhati Ray, Mathematics teacher. Being their Class Teacher in Classes IX and X, Shri Saurav De observed some of the students closely, “I noticed how Ruma and Sagen got over their shyness over time. They conversed with classmates and Sagen took a leading part in football matches during the tiffin break. I have often met their fathers, who were so respectful towards teachers.” According to Smt. Sunanda Chatterjee, who knows Rohit, Rimil and Mahadeb since Class IX, the boys are diligent and gentle. It is apparent that they genuinely love and respect teachers. Their achievements in the sports field “have very often won David Hare House the top spot”. She fondly recalls 7

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especially delights me. I remember he was the quietest of the three boys and though he could pick up difficult topics easily, he was the most hesitant to speak up,” punctuates Smt. Bose Singh. And the happiest point is that both the boys got smashing good marks in English – the subject they once hesitated in. Mahadeb’s 91% and Rohit’s 83% made them as well as their School, the Principal and all the teachers very happy. Equally brilliant were their scores in Bengali – their strong subject. Mahadeb got 97% and Rohit 90%. Their results must have motivated the other Jangalmahal pupils and when Sisir, Lakshman, Laxmimoni, Sagen, Rimil and Ruma appeared for AISSE in 2021, School had a bigger cause for celebration. Their scores of 80.8%, 76.8%, 74.2%, 73.2%, 72.4% and 71.2%, respectively, made all the struggles worth their while.

Cover Story Mahadeb writing, “Sir, you are my inspiration” in the congratulatory note that School sent to Shri Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, alumnus and Nobel Laureate.

Soon enough, however, the unimagined happened.

COVID-19 struck, swelled into a pandemic – plus a lockdown -- and all life retreated into the perceived safety of homes. South Point, too, had to resort to the digital platform to carry on with the teaching-learning process. This sudden switch greatly distressed the Jangalmahal students. They returned to their villages where the online academic work faced serious obstacles. Smt. Sumedha Das, Class Teacher of Shefali Hansda and Swarnalata Hemram in Class X, rues having barely taught them offline. She says, “We communicated only over phone. The initial days of lockdown were really tough for them, with no access to smartphones or the internet there; they could neither attend classes nor submit assignments. Eventually they depended on borrowed smartphones. Poor internet connectivity hampered assignment submission, accessing Skolaro or transition to MS Teams. Both the girls tried to achieve their best while staying in the village and engaging in household chores.” Not just Swarnalata and Shefali, all the other Jangalmahal students – away from the supportive ecosystem so long been provided by School – struggled. Teachers offered regular guidance over phone and tried to ensure that the students could make up for the missed academic work despite limited resources.

SPHS has remained their School. After graduating to Class XI all the five boys and Ruma are currently studying in the Commerce Stream. Mahadeb and Rohit, now in Class XII and writing their AISSCE Term One, are also pursuing Commerce.

How has been the experience of teaching them in Plus-Two? Smt. Sarita Ghosh, Class Teacher of the Class XI students, describes them as sincere, hardworking, honest and obedient. “They try their level best to attend the virtual classes regularly. I have never received any complaints against them,” she affirms.

Smt. Sarbani Sanyal who taught Mahadeb and Rohit in Classes XI and XII, lauds the effort the boys put in to overcome infrastructural troubles during the early days of digital classes. “I gave them my personal phone number where they could reach me. Soon they adapted to the online system. Always eager to learn, they attempted to sort out any difficulty with the help of teachers and friends. They worked even harder in Class Xll which was evident in their results. Sincere and honest individuals, they are very prompt in following all instructions,” she says.

The years they coped with distress were no other than their Board exam years. In 2020, Mahadeb and Rohit appeared for the AISSE and made South Point immensely proud with their results. Mahadeb scored 83.6% and Rohit 74%. “Mahadeb’s achievement

ABOVE US, ONLY THE SKY While the Jangalmahal boys and girls worked hard on academics, excellence in sporting activities seemed to have come naturally to them. Most of them proved their mettle as competent athletes; Rimil and Mahadeb outdid the rest with prize-winning strides at the Biennial Athletic Meet and in Inter-House Competitions. Shri Sujit Kumar Paul, Sports teacher, mentions their eagerness to take part in every game happening in School. They might not have known the rules nor won top spots in all, yet their enthusiasm to participate was admirable. Rimil, an all-rounder, has once been the Athlete of the Year, and he has never let

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an opportunity go by – whether in football, swimming, wall-climbing, rowing, handball or cricket. Mahadeb, too, has won top spots at the Athletic Meet. “Ever since Class VI, they have never hesitated to come forward and show interest in joining every sporting opportunity. The School Sports faculty – including Tanusmita Aunty and Isita Aunty -- has always encouraged them, and even updated them on inter-school or other competitions so that they could compete in them. We will always appreciate the sportsmanspirit they displayed on and off the field,” Shri Paul says.

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and took part in all School activities,” she confirms. SPS teachers add to the preamble, “Within a week things really started changing; conversations began with their classmates. We were so happy seeing them share tiffin and play hand cricket during the break.” Games and food are reliable ice-breakers!

Cover Story WE TRAVEL TOGETHER Right from Day One, South Point ensured that the Jangalmahal children never fell short of friends. Smt. Chadda asserts, “The other children of their section were briefed to help them out. Though shy, quiet and introverted in the beginning, the newcomers gradually started opening up and made friends. We made sure they got equal opportunity to participate in Inter-School Competitions and the Biennial Athletic Meet.” Dr. (Smt.) Kohli, too, refers to the bonding among these children and their classmates. “Sharing, caring and love amongst them made the new children gain confidence. They came out of their shell, blended well

The unique friendship, support and cooperation from Pointers play a prominent role in the riveting narrative of these students. “Even before they came to SPHS, their classmates were briefed by teachers, and I must say the pupils in their section were most accepting and accommodative,” Smt. Sanyal Bhattacharjee points out.

Other High School teachers agree with her. They praise their peers who helped the new pupils throughout – liked by all for their timid and adjusting qualities -- with class notes, studies, projects or assignments as well as with an emotional support.

LIKE MOONS AND SUNS, THEY RISE “It has been an enriching experience for me personally. They take pride in South Point as well as in their roots, which makes us sure that we have set them on the right track,” shares the SPHS Principal, as she looks on with a sense of fulfilment at the Jangalmahal pupils. No longer shy nor edgy, no longer retreating into sheepishness, their hopes are springing high to achieve many dreams and aspirations.

The red soil, the grey hills and the green hamlets are waiting – to hear the story of a grand journey that had once begun at Jangalmahal…

SURPRISE! Chief Minister, Smt. Mamata Banerjee, we knew that to groom and ready them would not be an impossible but certainly a difficult task. What we salute is their belief in themselves and in their dreams. Our gift to them is a recognition of their hard work and an enabler for their future academic pursuits.” Their Board results have testified to their grit twice in a row.

Eager fingers unwrapped the packages, the joy and excitement of switching on the tablets in the presence of their teachers who were visiting them all the way from Kolkata, were indeed infectious. Rohit and Mahadeb declared happily, “We have been laying the foundation of our goals in the city of joy” – a foundation strengthened every day with care, guidance and empathy by the South Point family.

ON 14 August 2021, the group of ten Jangalmahal students gathered at the Circuit House of Jhargram town. They had been instructed to report there by their teachers. Little were they aware of the surprise that awaited them. A team from South Point High School, including its Principal, was already there. They gifted the pupils a Lenovo Tab each, encouraging them and recognising their immense struggle to learn in the digital era from their homes in the remote villages. The tablet computers in their hands would make the difficult task of attending online classes and submitting their work much easier for them and ensure that they won’t have to borrow phones from others in future.

Smt. R. S. Bhattacharjee, Principal, SPHS, said: “When these children were entrusted to us in 2015 by our

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Cover Story WINNERS ALL Shefali Hansda, Class X Joining South Point School in Class V is an unforgettable milestone for Shefali. SPS overwhelmed her with its bigness and newness. “But my Class Teacher, Tanushree Aunty, and the Superintending Teacher, Nivedita Aunty, welcomed me like a mother. I remember Rana Sir explaining Mathematics lessons in Bengali whenever I faltered in an English-medium environment,” she recalls, adding that equally helpful were her classmates.

Shefali enjoyed her song and dance stints during Inter-House Competitions. The SPHS experience since Class VI has been nurtured by the earnest effort and affection of her teachers – Aditi Aunty, Tania Aunty, Dwitia Aunty and so many others. They too often repeated lessons in Bengali for her while the English and Mathematics special classes made her confident. She happily remembers the prize she won at the Athletic Meet and her participation in Rowing events. Though virtual classes have affected her studies, yet her teachers, especially her Class Teacher, Sumedha Aunty, have gone out of their way to guide her over phone. “South Point has taught me much beyond the syllabus – it has given me courage, confidence and hope and I will never forget my teachers. I will treasure how Tanushree Aunty and Nivedita Aunty told me during Saraswati Puja that they miss me as much as I miss them,” Shefali shares.

Swarnalata Hemram, Class X “I had never heard of South Point; and then one day I was there in SPS! I missed my parents, my sisters and was so nervous. My Class Teacher, Tanushree Aunty, always paid special attention to me and gradually I started approaching her and other teachers for help. They made my journey so much easier, by simplifying and translating lessons into Bengali,” says Swarnalata. Classmates too offered the much-needed support. She remembers the calming effect of Assemblies and the prize she won for singing in an Inter-House Competition. “In Class VI my Class Teacher, Usri Aunty, motivated me so much! I have never hesitated to ask teachers for help,” she adds, recalling how the SPHS faculty mentored her through special classes in English and Mathematics. “Attending virtual classes was tough from home, there was no phone, neither connectivity, nor were there books, yet my teachers kept in touch to assure and instruct me. I thank them every day,” she says. Courage, confidence, love from everyone are what she has gleaned from South Point, adds Swarnalata, who wishes to study Sociology in the future.

Ruma Hansda, Class XI One day in Class V Ruma cried, terribly homesick. “Tanushree Aunty, my Class Teacher, cried too. She comforted me as my mother. I will always remember that gesture. All teachers went out of their way to soothe my nerves and I knew I could seek their help, no one will scold me,” Ruma says. Gradually she made friends in class. “Usri Aunty welcomed me with motherly affection in Class VI and allayed my apprehensions. My favourite subject is Geography and there was Arunima Aunty re-explaining lessons for me. The special classes in English cleared my initial hesitation to a great extent,” she asserts. She mentions the big help provided by Saurav Sir and other teachers during Classes IX and X. Her achievements in sports have largely increased her fortitude. Ruma’s preparation for Board exams suffered during online classes which she often missed because of internet malfunction, yet teachers connected to her over phone. Keen on studying Accountancy later, this Commerce Stream student concludes, “When I grow up I will do my best for the teaching community – I owe so much to my selfless and inspiring South Point mentors.”

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Cover Story Laxmimoni Mudi, Class XI Hers too is a story of transcending fears since Class V. Laxmimoni recalls, “Here was I limping my way in an English-medium environment – taking running notes was such a struggle – and there were my teachers helping me cross the hurdles of spellings, pronunciation and comprehension. I can never forget the affection showered by Tanushree Aunty and Nivedita Aunty. One day in a vocabulary class I managed to confidently speak in English; Tanushree Aunty was overjoyed!” Classmates, too, helped with projects and notes. Usri Aunty, her Class Teacher in Class VI, steered her through academics, kept touch with her family and helped her with official work. Laxmimoni remembers how Arunima Aunty, Pallabi Aunty, Dipanwita Aunty and others often repeated chapters for her. The special classes, and the special attention from teachers during digital classes were of great help to score good marks in AISSE. She wishes to study Economics later. “I had once done poorly in a subject. Our Principal Ma’am, Rupa Aunty, called me to her office, inquired why I fared badly and then encouraged me. She also came up to hug me – just like my mother,” Laxmimoni shares a precious memory.

Lakshman Mandi, Class XI “I used to sit in the first bench in Class V, right in front of Tanushree Aunty. I will never forget her kindness. Not only did she lead me through academic hurdles, she also noticed the days I did not bring tiffin to School. She requested other children to share food with me and soon enough I was literally being fed by my classmates!” Lakshman moved on to Class VI with many such happy memories of SPS. The SPHS faculty went way beyond classroom teaching to guide him.

“I always think of the unimaginable opportunity South Point offered me. Not just of education, but how it built my confidence and determination to do well! Teachers made sure I improved all skills – speaking, understanding and writing,” he points out. Project work with classmates taught him team spirit and sharing. He especially remembers Gaurav Sir’s Mathematics classes.

Recalling connectivity troubles during online classes, he says how Dipanwita Aunty called regularly to assure and help him. “My teachers treated me like their own child. I shall never forget them,” Lakshman states.

Rimil Murmu, Class XI A few months into Class VI, Rimil started gaining confidence from all the guidance he received in classes. “My Class Teacher, Pritha Aunty, very often kept aside extra time to explain concepts of Science which I found difficult to comprehend. Equally helpful was Arunima Aunty; she used to translate Geography lessons into Bengali for me. The special classes in English and Mathematics cleared a lot of my doubts and fears. Talking to friends improved my speaking skill,” Rimil recalls. A competent athlete, Rimil picked up many prizes at Athletic Meets and Inter-House Competitions and thanks Sujit Sir and Isita Aunty for their encouragement.

“Sunanda Aunty, Gaurav Sir and Saheb Sir always motivated me and advised me on assignments and lessons when my online preparation suffered before Board exams. And now Sarita Aunty explains Accountancy so well,” Rimil says. He shares more happy memories: of excursions, of getting chocolates from the Principal, and of Sunanda Aunty sharing tiffin with him. “South Point has changed my mindset. I thank my teachers for everything,” sums up the Pointer who wishes to study Entrepreneurship in future.

Sagen Kisku, Class XI “I would have felt lonelier and more anxious in Class V had Tanushree Aunty and my helpful classmates were not there. They eased my journey in a new, English-medium environment,” says Sagen. In Class VI, there was Aditi Aunty to simplify Mathematics lessons for him.

“Geography was my favourite subject and I was lucky Arunima Aunty taught it. I must thank Saurav Sir too. We were provided textbooks by School and a big help was the School Library,” he points out. An able sportsperson, Sagen talks about his wins in various Inter-House Competitions and at the Athletic Meets. “There’re so many stories about South Point to share with my friends in the village: about my selfless and compassionate teachers, my classmates and how School has prepared me for the future – with lessons in courage, conviction, knowledge and sharing. Teachers kept regular touch with me when I was back home before Boards,” Sagen signs off, adding that he wishes to study Accountancy after school.

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Cover Story Sisir Kumar Mandi, Class XI “I dared not play in the courtyard in my early days of Class V, I was so nervous! But I loved attending the Assemblies. Prayers and meditations calmed me down – I was a restless child then. Classroom lessons were difficult to follow, but Tanushree Aunty translated them into Bengali and explained everything so patiently,” thus began Sisir’s journey at South Point. He is so grateful to Usri Aunty, his Class VI Class Teacher, who too was equally gentle and understanding. He mentions Aditi Aunty, Dipanwita Aunty, Saheb Sir, Gaurav Sir and their relentless efforts for him. Sisir’s favourite subject was Bengali and he once won a prize in it.

“My South Point learning has gone way beyond the syllabus, it has inculcated deeper values such as courage and determination in me,’’ adds Sisir and mentions that the special classes in English and Mathematics have strengthened his foundation. He dedicates his AISSE score of 80.8% to his teachers, who ensured his preparation did not suffer despite technical glitches during online classes. “I would like to study Accountancy in college,” says Sisir.

Mahadeb Bagal, Class XII Curiosity despite shyness dominated Mahadeb’s mind in Class VI. Following lessons was not easy – the English-medium environment was a deterrent – “but I was so fortunate to have Pritha Aunty as my Class Teacher. She explained everything repeatedly and so many times I approached her even in the staffroom,” Mahadeb says. Apart from the special classes in English and Mathematics, Mahadeb emphasizes the enlightening Computer classes. It soon became his favourite subject and he picked up a prize in it too. He also mentions the contribution of Sunanda Aunty, the Classes IX-X Class Teacher. “I have learnt making friends, team spirit and the desire to excel from my sports teachers too. They often told me that sports can offer many career opportunities,” Mahadeb recalls. He made his School proud with 83.6% in AISSE; “it would have been impossible without my teachers. They kept encouraging and guiding me in every possible way during the lockdown. I received continuous support from them even before AISSCE,” says Mahadeb, who wishes to take up Law in college. “Once my English marks were poor in Class IX. The teacher sat with me, encouraged me and when I did well in the next exam, she was possibly happier than I was! That’s South Point for me,” he adds.

Rohit Kumar Mandi, Class XII “The class monitor saved me on my first day in Class VI when the teacher asked something in English and I did not know what to say. I have always had most cooperating classmates – taking me through group projects and other activities. Gradually I realized the effort teachers were putting in – they paid attention to every difficulty I faced, whether in regular classes or in special classes. Only family members can give so much of affection,” reminisces Rohit. He particularly refers to the earnest help Computer teachers provided. Rohit’s acumen in sports drew his mentors’ attention and “they appreciated when I won prizes. Isita Aunty frequently offered information on sporting events so that I could participate in them.”

Teachers such as Dipanwita Aunty, Gaurav Sir, Moumita Aunty and others always gave him extra time despite their busy schedules – “they helped me by coming to my level”. When studies suffered in the digital era, Sarbani Aunty regularly updated him on phone. “I can never forget Sunanda Aunty of Classes IX-X; she was no less kind than my own mother. So many times she bought tiffin for me,” recalls Rohit, adding, “South Point has touched my life beyond all expectations.”

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ON A SWEET NOTE SOUTH Point turned a year older on the first day of April 2021 – the School’s Foundation Day -- but perhaps we have all matured and evolved by many years in the last twelve-plus months. The ability to transform an adverse situation into an opportunity is a quality, quite unique to the human race. It is in times of crisis that we discover our real strength. And this strength manifests itself into invincibility when we work together with intent in our minds and hearts. On this auspicious occasion, the usual celebrations were kept aside, yet the heart of South Point was in the right place. The pandemic could not make a dent there. Though there was no getting together in person on the 68th Foundation Day, each staff-member was couriered home a box of sweets along with a card, bearing a note from Shri Krishna Damani, Trustee, South Point Education Society. He appreciated everyone for adapting themselves to the difficult times in the last twelve months and extended his heartfelt thanks to one and all.

FILL US EVER WITH FRESH LIFE THE 160th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore -- integral to our lives with his creations -- was commemorated through a cultural programme, comprising songs, recitation and dance, by several Classes IV and V pupils. The programme was streamed on the South Point Facebook page on 9 May 2021. They called it Swapan-paarer Daak Shunechhi and it delightfully portrayed the little Pointers’ quest for the key to the world of hopes and dreams. Treading the path that Tagore unveiled in this song, their performances took wing on fantasy and broke forth out of despair.

Tributes to the bard poured in from all SPS students – Nursery I to Class V -- in their virtual classrooms on 7 May. The blooming buds of Nursery classes paid homage through their drawings, songs, dance and recitations. A medley of dances, music and recitation was presented by the Transition children. The Class I students went on a journey of discovering Tagore’s life and works – while watching a presentation prepared by their teachers. The pupils performed too, the highlights of which were a dance to the tune of Ha re re re by Manyata Dutta, Class I C (M), and Aarushi Saha, Class I D (M), and a cute rendition of O Re Grihabashi by Rhythm Sasmal, Class I G (A), and Arjahee Sengupta, Class I E (A).

Shaurya Gupta, Class I F (M), recited a Hindi Translation of Ravivaar. The Class II students wove a garland of dances, melodious songs and recitations while an informative and captivating PPT was shown to Class III pupils. They also made beautiful sketches of the poet, put forth dance and song recitals, narrated his works and also played some of his songs on the tabla, synthesizer, sitar, flutes and mouth organs. Apart from presenting songs, poems and dance recitals, Class IV students enacted a few scenes from Kabuliwala, Daakghar and the dance drama, Chandalika. A brief write-up on Tagore was read out and a PPT highlighting his life and career was shown in class. Class V students dressed in traditional attire and adorned virtual backgrounds with motivating lines from Tagore or his portrait. The artistically inclined ones drew and displayed his portraits. Tagore's songs, verses, soulful music on the guitar and the violin, as well as vibrant dance recitals made their Rabindra Jayanti a memorable affair. Teachers too joined in -- thus mellifluously paying a tribute to the Great Bard.

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SPHS students celebrated the birth anniversary of the great polymath on ‘Pochishe Boishakh’ or 9 May, paying homage to his all-pervading presence in the everyday life of Bengalis. But not just in Bengal and India, Rabindranath’s great creations are extolled across the globe as a gift to humanity. An internationalist who sought to dissolve all boundaries that separate human beings, Tagore visited more than 30 countries during his lifetime.

Pointers paid tributes to this aspect of Tagore – through the virtual programme they compiled, called ‘Bishwapothik Rabindranath’ – presenting Rabindrasangeet and recitation and pledging not to limit ourselves and shackle our minds. They recalled how the bard sought to create a world not restricted by any political or geographical boundaries. The strains of Tomar Khola Hawa and Graamchhara Oi Ranga Matir Path mingled with Amaar Mukti Aloy Aloy, sung melodiously by Pointers. And together, they connected us to the poet’s all-pervading presence.

The light of Tagore’s music and words once more illumined our world and kindled the lamp of hope, prayers and love in our heart.

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CELEBRATING INDIA THE 75th year of India’s Independence – though observed from home by most students across the country – radiated its true spirit of patriotism and enthusiasm in all hearts. South Point joined the rest of the country in upholding national pride and honour and in paying tributes to the valour of freedom fighters.

At 9.30 a.m. on 15 August 2021, the National Flag was hoisted in South Point School by Dr. (Smt.) Madhu Kohli, Director, SPS, and the National Anthem sung as a mark of respect to the motherland. Several staff members were present. A cultural presentation by Class V students, ‘Our Country Our Pride’, was uploaded on the School Facebook page thereafter. It was based on immortal slogans that had awakened our country, united its people and even inspired them to sacrifice their lives at the altar of freedom. Songs, dances and narration, befitting the occasion, were woven together seamlessly in this unique presentation, rich in the spirit of nationalism.

On 13 August SPS students celebrated the occasion in their virtual classrooms.

The little ones of Nursery I and II sang a special song they had learnt from their teachers and heard how India won freedom and why we celebrate Independence Day on 15th August every year. They also paid homage to freedom fighters through enacting, singing and dancing to patriotic songs, and drawing and colouring our National Flag. The Transition children were dressed in the Tricolour to show their love and respect for their motherland and celebrated the august occasion through a kaleidoscope of patriotic songs, dances and recitations. Class I students -- donning national outfits and waving the Tricolour – heard about the valour and determination of freedom fighters.

The song, Aao Bachcho Tumhe Dikhaye, taught them the values of sharing, caring, friendship and unity. They also sang patriotic numbers, danced and played instrumental music. The virtual celebrations by Class II pupils -- who sported Tricolour dresses and wristbands – comprised dance performances, elocutions and instrumental music to the tunes of patriotic songs. Several children made presentations on making the National Flag with flowers or short PPTs on dressing up as freedom fighters. Their teachers explained the significance of the day with the help of a PPT and a quiz. Equally enthusiastic were Class III pupils in putting up dance recitals, songs, recitations and instrumental music – all steeped in the patriotic spirit. They watched an interesting video on how this day is celebrated in our country and about the sacrifice of millions to achieve independence. The hues of the Tricolour glowed in their ethnic dresses, in the tiny flags they made and in the balloons, streamers and pinwheels they decorated their rooms with. A special assembly and an interesting activity marked Class IV celebrations. Each child prepared an

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item using all the colours of the National Flag -- either a chart, a wall-hanging, a painted pot or even a food item or beverage – and they displayed an amazing creativity! The special assembly comprised the moving video of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru delivering his celebrated ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech; a teacher explaining the significance of the occasion and students’ performances; and a solemn rendition of our National Song, Vande Mataram.

Every screen of the virtual Class V session was adorned with the Tricolour -- be it the backdrops, dresses, bindis or the study table. Students zealously and spontaneously put together patriotic songs and dances, recitations and speeches in English, Bengali and Hindi, and instrumental music on the guitar, the violin and the synthesizer.

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Bulletin An equally inspired celebration of the Independence Day happened at South Point High School, maintaining all COVID norms. The Principal, Smt. Rupa Sanyal Bhattacharjee, hoisted the National Flag at the School premises in the presence of several members of staff.

SPHS pupils observed the day as a most special one – of rejoicing as well as of remembrance -- in the country’s annual calendar. They reminded everyone that while we celebrate our freedom from years of servitude from the British rule 74 years ago, we should never forget the contributions and sacrifices of thousands of valiant and committed men and women who strove hard to leave for us the precious gift of freedom. Through a heartfelt and beautiful online presentation, SPHS pupils paid homage to the Women Freedom Fighters who left their mark in the annals of our Independence movement. The programme began with the strains of shehnai – both solemn and celebratory – and soon after Pointers presented a heartfelt rendition of Saare Jahan Se Achchha. The song was interspersed with visuals of momentous occasions and leaders of the freedom struggle. It hailed the architects responsible for winning Independence – both those who led and the countless courageous and selfless men and women who followed. Pointers then drew viewers’ attention to the contributions of Women Freedom Fighters who fought for the cause of Independence and very often laid their lives. Tributes were paid to Rani Lakshmibai, the valiant Queen of Jhansi; to Pritilata Waddedar, the revolutionary who fought alongside Masterda Surya Sen; Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Ahluwaliah, an active participant in India's Independence movement, a social reformer and a champion of women’s causes; Kasturba Gandhi and Kamala Nehru, who did not bask in the glory of their stalwart husbands but did many a stellar work for the nation; Captain Lakshmi Sahgal of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment in Netaji’s INA; Hansa Jivraj Mehta, a reformist, Independence activist, educator and author; Durgabai Deshmukh, a dedicated freedom fighter, social worker and an adept lawyer; as well as countless others who worked silently. More tributes were paid to the spirit of freedom through the beautifully sung and choreographed Rabindrasangeet, O Amaar Desher Maati, by students. Pointers also commemorated this august occasion through their colourful and creative artworks and reminded us to be caring citizens and to follow in the footsteps of many an Indian who overcame obstacles and selflessly served their country.

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Bulletin FOR EARTH’S SAKE! WE all know that nature and environment play a most significant role in this planet. It is vital to remember we have only one Earth – our home – and we must protect it and its precious environment for all that they provide us to sustain life – air, water, soil, plants, wildlife. In short, a rich and invaluable biodiversity.

South Point observed both World Environment Day and Nature Conservation Day – aiming to create the most-needed awareness among students about preserving all the natural resources and forms of life on Earth. On 4 June 2021, a day prior to World Environment Day, pupils and teachers of SPS, from Nursery I to Class V, involved themselves in various activities related to saving our environment. In their online classes, children shared with their classmates and teachers plants they had sown, pictures they had drawn and craftwork made out of waste material. While Transition and Class I students made posters to spread awareness about how to save the planet and pledged to do their bit to make the Earth a better place, Class II students celebrated the occasion through a virtual programme.

They too made posters and penned slogans on the theme ‘Save the Environment’, and made eco-friendly articles out of waste.

Photographs of saplings they had planted were shown. Their teachers encouraged them, through a PPT, to protect the environment and to engage in eco-friendly activities. Equally zealous were Classes III and IV pupils in observing the occasion through various creative activities. Class IV students tried to spread awareness on environmental issues such as global warming, pollution and human overpopulation through charts and posters. Furthermore, following the principle of the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – they made innovative desk organizers and said a big ‘NO’ to plastic. Students of Class V made PPTs which they showed in class. Teachers discussed the importance of this day and motivated children to contribute, in their own way, to the well-being of Mother Earth.

Earth Day on 22 April and Animal Protection Day on 4 October are two other occasions championing the cause of saving the Earth and its ecosystem. Classes II and IV pupils virtually remembered to observe both and showed their support for environmental and wildlife protection. In keeping with the theme, ‘Restore Our Earth’, they prepared colourful posters depicting the anguish of Mother Earth in the face of rising pollution. Teachers talked about the importance of animals in maintaining the ecological balance and highlighted the predicament faced by endangered species; the steps we can take to ensure their survival were explained too. Sporting attractive handmade masks and with posters to raise awareness, the little Pointers ardently championed these issues.

Through paintings – rich in emerald green, earthy brown and ocean blue -- SPHS students observed Nature Conservation Day on 28 July. They pledged to acknowledge that a healthy environment is the foundation of a healthy society and their artworks sent across messages to save every natural resource from extinction.

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Bulletin THANK YOU, TEACHERS! POINTERS always celebrate Teachers’ Day on 5 September as a special day, as a mark of tribute to their mentors. In 2021, too, they expressed their love, respect and gratitude for teachers who have earnestly redefined their role in the post-pandemic era of digital education and made sure that learning embraced all changes and did not stop for a day.

Virtual cards with heartfelt wishes from the students were uploaded on ‘Yammer’ while e-cards were mailed to members of the South Point Teaching, Office and Management Staff.

The tiny tots of Nursery classes learnt about the significance of the day from their teachers and gift-wrapped their feelings with cards, recitations and songs. Wishes, cards and posters poured forth from Transition students too. Class I children celebrated the day with greeting cards, pictures, write-ups and heart-touching messages – some equating teachers with ‘Superheroes’ which greatly delighted them.

Happier surprises arrived from Class II pupils in the shape of exclusive presentations – dances on rooftops, acting on balconies and speeches in rooms for their beloved mentors. There were loving gifts, poems, letters and cards prepared by the children as well. Class III students paid homage to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the great teacher and the second President of India, whose birth anniversary is celebrated as Teachers’ Day. Colourful cards and posters – thanking teachers – were made by them. Equally lovely and heartfelt was the creative display from Classes IV and V students, comprising greeting cards, posters and sweet messages.

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SPHS pupils celebrated the day by honouring the hard work and unceasing efforts of their teachers. They put up a digital programme, called “Extraordinary Teachers from the Celluloid World”. The love these characters gathered is equivalent to the love and respect the pupils wish to convey to their own mentors. Pointers took viewers through the invaluable contributions of many a teacher depicted in films and gleaned hope, joy and dream from them. They chose to highlight three stellar characters – Maria von Trapp from The Sound of Music, Ram Shankar Nikumbh from Taare Zameen Par; and Gurumashai from Hirak Rajar Deshe. These teachers – in disparate situations and crossing dissimilar hurdles – brought light and lightness in the lives of their students. While Maria overcame initial hostilities from the Von Trapp children and their father, Nikumbh Sir reached out to tormented Ishaan Awasthi with much kindness, understanding and compassion and Gurumashai stood up against a regressive regime to bring back the power of education to his students. Pointers’ music, songs, dances and narration wove through these unforgettable stories and explained how the lasting impact of teachers in the reel as well as in real life merged during the pandemic.

Tributes were paid to teachers through beautiful cards as well.

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THE solemn day of ‘Baishe Shraban’ -- Rabindranath Tagore’s 80th death anniversary -- was observed by the pupils of South Point High School on 7 August 2021 through a mosaic of musical performances. It featured a Bandish based on Raaga Gour Malhar – thus creating the appropriate mood. A melodious rendition of Aaji Shraban Ghano Gahan Mohey, a Rabindrasangeet based on the same raaga and depicting the poet's favourite rainy season, followed. Most of Tagore's songs were influenced by Hindustani Classical Music though he blended them with his own genre. Despite being similar in the overall structure to the raagas, his songs had the poet’s imprint on them. Rabindranath would often modify a raaga to suit his lyrical requirements and thus his compositions are always singular and unique.

Several little ones of SPS also paid homage to the bard on ‘Baishe Shraban’. Their paintings and earnest recitations touched our hearts – and would certainly have delighted the poet. His words in Gitanjali rang true once again, “When I sing to make you dance I truly know why there is music in leaves, and why waves send their chorus of voices to the heart of the listening earth − when I sing to make you dance.”

FOREVER FRIENDS THERE is something about friends that is rare and unique.

They occupy a special place in one’s heart and even now, when the pandemic has put physical get-togethers on hold, meeting friends virtually every morning is like a drop of sunshine. Recognizing this special bond, pupils of Classes VI to X celebrated World Friendship Day on 1 August 2021. Their paintings, bright, cheerful and coming straight from the heart, aptly conveyed the very essence of the occasion.

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THE SPECIAL THREAD RAKSHA Bandhan symbolizes a bond of protection, loyalty and care. This festival usually celebrates the love between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie the rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to safeguard them from evil influences and pray for their long life and happiness. In August 1905, the British Government passed the order of the Partition of Bengal which coincided with the day of Raksha Bandhan.

Rabindranath Tagore led a protest against the decision and urged the people of Bengal to tie rakhi on each other’s wrist to express harmony and brotherhood. His song – Banglar Maati Banglar Jol – was like a clarion call of solidarity and Hindus and Muslims came out in large numbers to tie the precious thread, as a symbol of unity.

Tagore transformed Rakhi Bandhan to a secular motif of unity amidst diversity and thus resisted the Partition of Bengal. SPHS students presented a collage, comprising rakhi paintings, photographs and the Rabindrasangeet that Tagore had composed for this day to mark this historic occasion, on 22 August 2021.

The day was celebrated by the little ones of SPS as well.

They made bright and cheerful cards and rakhis to honour the auspicious day. Class IV children pledged to strengthen the bond of love between siblings and among friends by making beautiful rakhis in their art class.

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Bulletin ODE TO AUTUMN THOUGH monsoon seemed to be refusing to go away, one day a splendid sun and white, fleecy clouds appeared in the rich blue sky. Our hearts – still coping with the spectre of the pandemic – skipped a few beats and we knew the festive season was here.

While the grass below our feet felt misty with dewdrops, kites started popping out here and there in the sky above. The occasion was Vishwakarma Puja on 17 September 2021 and SPS children made sure they joined the celebration around through their virtual classes. The tiny tots of Nursery classes learnt who Lord Vishwakarma is, why we worship him and fly kites on this day. Their enthusiasm was expressed in the happy and colourful drawings of kites they made. Equally delightful were the kites made by Classes I and III children. Prayers to the Elephant God were sent up on Ganesh Chaturthi by pupils of Class III.

The biggest festival of autumn in India is Durga Puja and Pointers celebrated it with all kinds of performances and, of course, lots of artworks before School closed for the Puja holidays. Nursery children heard about the story of Ma Durga and her powers, her children and their vahanas from their teachers. They happily learnt the Puja song. Their virtual classes looked most festive with drawings, recitations, songs and dances while a few children dressed up as tiny deities.

Transition children wished everyone a very happy Durga Puja through a bouquet of performances – the song, Aha Ki Anando, sounded most apt for the season. Among delightful Class I activities, one child recited a poem penned by her grandmother, exhorting the Mother Goddess to defeat ‘Coronasur’ and ensure that children could return to school! Class II pupils learnt from their teachers that this festival is about celebrating the victory of good over evil and also danced to and sang Matri-Vandana. Art teachers gave them ideas on drawing posters related to the festival and making Durga images with recycled things. Even before they were asked to, Class III students came up with colourful pictures of the deity, her children and their vahanas and cutouts made of thermocol and cardboard. Cute Mahishasurs stole everyone’s heart! They also learnt that festivals like Durga Puja spread messages of love and unity in diversity. Virtual festivities for Class V students started since Mahalaya with the display of colourful pictures, paintings and charts on the Goddess.

Several children sang and danced to popular Agomoni Geet.

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The pupils of SPHS took us along while they celebrated the advent of autumn -- marked by the bright blue sky, green fields and golden harvest. Through a brief cultural presentation, which touched on all the fond and familiar emblems of the season, they ushered Durga Puja, the season’s greatest festival. Swaying kaash stalks and soft shiuli blossoms lent the mood as beats of dhaak filled the air. While happy children skipped along village roads and artists and artisans added finishing touches on idols, Pointers presented recitation and an Agomoni song to welcome our favourire ‘Sharatkaal’. A few students also made lovely Durga idols at home and shared their joy in virtual classes.

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Bulletin PUJA UTKARSH SAMMAN IN 2021, owing to the pandemic, the entire process of the M.P. Birla Puja Utkarsh Samman adopted a completely contactless method to confer the ‘Puja with a Heart’ award. The community service activities by the different Puja committees were collected online by five Student-Judges each from Classes IX and XI of South Point High School. They met virtually on 7 October 2021 to go through the humane activities by the committees and decide on their task. Till the previous year a main prize and a certificate were awarded; 2021 being a special year with additional scope for rendering services to the community, it was decided that cash prizes would be awarded to three winning clubs or Puja organisers so that they could carry forward the good work. Gariahat Hindustan Club Durgotsab Committee secured the highest points from the Student-Judges and will receive a certificate and a cash prize of `15,000. Beleghata 33 No. Pallybasi Brinda and Bhowanipur 75 Pally secured the next two positions and each of them will be given a certificate and a cash prize of ` 5,000. The certificates and cash awards will be handed over to the Puja committees at the School’s Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony on 4 July 2022.

MISS YOU… South Point High School lost Afeef Kafi of Class X D (A) on 15 July 2021. Afeef, born on 11 September 2006 to Ayesha and Sohel Kafi, was a quiet boy who excelled in studies. He loved to read and hardly ever expressed any desire for toys, clothes or outings. Gentle and helpful, Afeef was well liked by his classmates as well as teachers.

He received the Priyamvada Birla Bravehearts Award 2019-2020, at the online Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony 2020. In 2018, a pain in his leg was medically investigated. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. While undergoing treatment at the Tata Memorial Centre, Kolkata, Afeef bravely bore the unavoidable pain and discomfort. At the end of that academic session he appeared for the Annual Examination and did very well. For the next two years he remained cancer free and was checked every three months for signs of the return of the disease. In the first half of July 2021 he was detected with mild jaundice.

While waiting for admission at a hospital, his health deteriorated and the doctors failed to revive him. May he rest in eternal peace and may God give courage to his parents and dear ones to bear the great loss.

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Bulletin RATHAYATRA SYMBOLIZING unity, peace, hope and faith, Rathayatra is a happy occasion that is celebrated by the young and the adults alike. Associated with Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha, the Chariot Festival found little devotees among students of SPS on 12 July 2021. The enthusiastic Nursery children shared the joys of the day with their teachers and peers through drawings and crafts made with their little fingers. Equally delightful were the pictures of small, colourful chariots and sombre deities made by Transition and Class I students. Rathayatra also inspired Classes II and III pupils to make pretty chariots and draw pictures of the Gods. They showed them in their virtual classes. It was a good way to appreciate the culture of India.

SPHS celebrated Rathayatra in a unique and beautiful manner – through a bouquet of Odishi dances, presented by pupils. Odishi is recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Geographically, the towns of Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Cuttack are associated with it. Some claim that Puri is the spiritual home of Odishi and the dancers worshipped Lord Jagannath. The performances by Pointers – rich in rhythms, expressions, mudras and costumes -- were graceful as they amalgamated all the distinctive features of Odishi. Several Pointers also showed their small and decorated chariots during their digital classes and wished their teachers and friends a Shubho Rathayatra.

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Bulletin HOMAGE TO THE MAHATMA ON 2 October, the day that marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we pay tributes to the Father of the Nation. Students of South Point joined the country in celebrating his life and abiding ideals on the 152nd year of his birth. Teachers of the Nursery Department spoke to the little ones about Bapu and his teaching, values and contribution towards the society, the country and the freedom movement. The tiny tots paid tributes by dressing up like Gandhiji, presenting beautiful drawings and talking about him. Transition children also learnt about Bapu’s ideologies and how he spearheaded India’s struggle for Independence alongside other leaders. Colourful drawings, short speeches and dressing up like the Mahatma were features of their tributes. Anecdotes from Gandhiji’s life were shown to Class I children. Dressed up as ‘Little Gandhis’, they recited inspiring speeches. A few of them worked on makeshift spindles to bring in a touch of reality.

A soulful rendition of Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram touched all hearts. The Gandhian principles of truth and non-violence and the need to uphold them were explained to Class II pupils by teachers. Dressing up like Bapu, singing his favourite hymns, drawing his pictures and speaking about his life and enduring influence were how the children celebrated the solemn occasion. Class III students displayed much creativity in their drawings, craftwork and messages, trying to touch every aspect of the Mahatma’s life and legacy. Equally creative and appropriate was the way Class IV pupils paid homage to Bapu. They made charts, posters, PPTs and sang the well-known bhajans. Several students displayed a collage on Gandhiji as their virtual backgrounds during class hours. Class V online classes came alive with young nightingales rendering bhajans, playing musical instruments and drawing images of Bapu using various media. A few presentations were also compiled by some techie young scholars.

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THE GIFT OF GIVING LIKE every year, the pupils of Classes I to V happily involved themselves in Daan Utsav 2021, a week-long festival of giving, which is always celebrated from Gandhi Jayanti till the 8th of October. It is India’s biggest festival of giving during which people come together and perform acts of kindness by giving their time, material or money in interesting ways to causes of their choice. Pointers are always motivated to give benevolently to the disadvantaged. This year they realised the greater need and were even more generous as the world was ravaged by the pandemic. Hence, the Good Samaritans made an attempt to share and bring smiles on as many faces as possible.

Little Pointers of Class I gave a ‘Goodie Box’, containing a packet of biscuits, a bar of chocolate, a colouring book and crayons, to children who are not as fortunate as they were. A ‘Box of Joy’ -- containing useful items such as a set of old clothes in good condition, two new masks, a bar of soap, a packet of biscuits, dry food, books, pencils, sanitizers and an old toy – was gifted by Class II students to the less privileged. The students of Classes III, IV and V also participated with wholehearted enthusiasm in Daan Utsav. They decided to share a little of what they had during the festive times. Each of them gave 1kg rice, 500 gm or 1kg dal, a small cake, biscuits and masks to disadvantaged children in the neighbourhood or those who work for them. These items were neatly packed in a bag or a box. A few pupils from Class III added a bar of soap, a chocolate, packets of chips and sanitizers to add to the happiness quotient. SPS pupils realised that the requirements of the underprivileged coping with the dreadful COVID-19 were different and hence judiciously chose the gifts. They shared their experiences with teachers in virtual classes about how good it made them feel and showed photographs too.

Junior Pointers, thus, spread smiles across miles and learnt once again that the best way to multiply one’s happiness was to share it with others.

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Bulletin CONGRATULATIONS! Despite the pandemic and the lockdown hampering schooldays at South Point, the AISSE 2021 and the AISSCE 2021 results brought a lot happiness back to the campus. The examinees made their alma mater proud with superlative results. A total of 757 pupils appeared for the AISSE 2021 while 575 pupils appeared in the AISSCE 2021 across the three Streams. The top eleven AISSE candidates scored 99.6% -- an amazing performance! A big round of applause to them and to Archisman Bandyopadhyay, the AISSCE Topper who has scored 99.8.

SOUTH POINT HIGH SCHOOL All India Secondary School Exam: 2021

SOUTH POINT HIGH SCHOOL All India Senior School Cer�ficate Examina�on: 2021 2.43

22.99

29.33

7.30

19.30

42.78

4.76

28.17

35.40

7.53

95% and above

Between 90-94%

Between 75-79%

Between 60-74%

Between 80-89%

95% and above

Between 90-94%

Between 75-79%

Between 60-74%

Between 80-89%

Appeared

No. 757

Result Percentage 100%

Appeared

575

100%

95% and above

222

29.33

95% and above

111

19.30

Between 90-94%

174

22.99

Between 90-94%

162

28.17

Between 80-89%

268

35.40

Between 80-89%

246

42.78

Between 75-79%

57

7.53

Between 75-79%

42

7.30

Between 60-74%

36

4.76

Between 60-74%

14

2.43

Par�culars

Highest Score:

Par�culars

%

No.

Highest Score:

Result Percentage

%

1

ARNAJA CHATTERJEE

99.6

1

ARCHISMAN BANDYOPADHYAY

99.8

2

ASMITA GUHA

99.6

2

SOUMYA DAS

99.0

3

ISHITA DUTTA

99.6

3

DHRUBA DEY

98.2

4

SWARNAVA DUTTA

99.6

4

SOUMYADEEP CHOUDHURY

98.2

SOHAM PAL

99.6

5

TARAK DAS

98.2

ANUSHKA BHATTACHARYA

99.6

6

DYUTI MANIK

98.0

5 6 7

ASHMIT BANERJEE

99.6

7

TRIDIB MONDAL

97.2

8

DEBANKAN DAS

99.6

8

RUDRANI JANA

97.0

9

SARNGPANI DAS

99.6

9

SOUBHAGYA GHOSH

97.0

10

SRIJA MUKHOPADHYAY

99.6

10

AGNIVA MUKHOPADHYAY

96.8

SHARANYA BHAUMIK

99.6

11

ALAAP KUMAR MUKHOPADHYAY

96.8

12

ANURON CHAKRABORTY

96.8

13

ARCHISHMAN MUKHERJEE

96.8

11

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Bulletin AWARDS & ACCOLADES THE Telegraph School Awards for Excellence, organised by The Telegraph, was held online in two parts. The first part was held on 26 October 2021 from 6:30 p.m. and the second part on 30th from 10:00 a.m., using a specially curated digital platform. South Point High School brought home a number of awards on both days.

Awards received on 26th: A.

SCHOOL CATEGORY

(i)

Honour Certificate for Excellence in Academics (CBSE).

(ii)

Honour Certificate for Excellence in Extra-curricular Activities.

B.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

(i)

Archisman Bandyopadhyay of Class XII B (Outgoing) - Merit Certificate - The Award for Academic Excellence by a Student.

(ii)

Soumya Das of Class XII J (Outgoing) - Merit Certificate - The Award for Academic Excellence by a Student.

(iii)

Tarak Das of Class XII A (Outgoing) - Merit Certificate - The Award for Academic Excellence by a Student.

(iv)

Agnidhra Mazumder of Class XI C (M) - Honour Certificate for Art - The Award for Outstanding Talent.

(v)

Koustav Chatterjee of Class XII B (Outgoing) - Chess - Honour Certificate - The Award for Outstanding Talent in Sports.

(vi)

Sumoulika Sarkar of Class XI J (A) (Music) - Honour Certificate - The Award for Outstanding Talent in Music (Indian Classical-vocal)

C.

SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL HONOUR Sohel Kafi and Ayesha Kafi, Parents of Afeef Kafi of Class X D (A) - The “Thank You Baba-Ma” Award. Afeef Kafi passed away on 15 July 2021 after suffering from bone cancer since 2018. He bravely carried on with his academic work till the very best, supported by his parents.

D.

On 30th, South Point High School received the following awards for Individual Categories:

(i)

Sumoulika Sarkar of Class XI J (A) – Anirban Sinha Award for Outstanding Talent in Music (Indian Classical-vocal)

(ii)

Koustav Chatterjee of Class XII B (Outgoing) – Outstanding Talent in Sports (Chess)

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Bulletin WINNING SPREE THREE SPHS pupils were invited by the Bangladesh Chess Federation, Dhaka, to play four G.M. tournaments there between 19 September and 27 October 2021. They were Aronyak Ghosh and Koustav Chatterjee, Class XII B (M); and Sourath Biswas of Class X F (M). More than 100 participants from 17 countries were there for the four I.M. and G.M. tournaments. Pointers made their alma mater proud with their performance. Aronyak won Gold both in the Y. R. Long First and Second G.M. Tournaments and Bronze in the Sk. Hasina International G.M. Tournament. Koustav brought home Gold in First I.M. Tournament and Silver in the Y. R. Long Second G.M. Tournament. We are happy to note that both the First and Second spots went to Pointers in the Y.R. Long Second G.M. Tournament. Sourath, a most promising player, started his journey from India with 2240 FIDE ratings. After competing in various tournaments, his ratings have gone up to 2340 (as on 20 October 2021).

ARONYAK had also competed in the Rapid World Cup Cadets and Youth (U-19) Meet which concluded on 20 August 2021 and was adjudged Third. Thus, he qualified among 16 players for the FIDE Online Super Cup finals.

SWIKRITI Das Biswas of Class IX H (A) won the Silver Medal in ‘The Budding Genius – National-Level Online Quiz Contest for School Students’, held on 14, 21 and 28 August 2021. The quiz was conducted by The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

RAJIT Sinha, Class IX C (M), and Ushansu Paul of the West Bengal Badminton Association participated in the West Bengal Sub-Junior and Junior Doubles State Ranking Badminton Tournament, held between 27 and 30 September 2021, at the P.L. Roy Indoor Stadium. They won the Runners-Up prize in the Under-17 Boys' Doubles Category.

AHAN Mukherjee and Suswan Maitra of Class X participated in the online South-East Asian Mathematical Olympiad (SEAMO) for India Region for Grade level Class IX, held on 26 September 2021. Ahan has ranked Third over India region and was awarded the Gold medal for being in the top 8%. Suswan received the Bronze medal for being in the top 40% of the total number of Olympiad participants. Ahan has been selected to participate in the next level, SEAMO X 22-Champions Division, scheduled to be held on 15 January 2022.

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Bulletin INTER-SCHOOL EVENTS ON 23 July 2021 students of Classes I to V participated in Indradhanush, an Inter-School festival, hosted by Lakshmipat Singhania Academy. In ‘P-Leisure Paradise’ -- an event in which the children needed to showcase their talents based on their hobbies, such as gardening, cooking, reading and digital painting -- South Point School was declared the Runner-Up. In the event called ‘Captivating Celeb-ration’ children enacted the life of a celebrity who had made a career of his hobby. Two young Pointers, one from Class III and the other from Class V, portrayed Satyajit Ray's life as a tribute to the great film-maker on his centenary.

Participation and merit certificates and gift vouchers were sent to SPS by the host school.

SEVERAL SPHS students participated in the inter-school Yoga Competition, virtually and jointly organised by the Institute of Engineering and Management (IEM) and the University of Engineering and Management (UEM) on 30 and 31 July 2021. Debarghya Sarkar of Class VIII H (A) won the Silver medal in the Boys’ group for Classes VIII and IX.

PUPILS of Classes IX to XII participated in SHABD ’21, an online school fest organized by Mahadevi Birla World Academy, on 3, 6 and 7 August 2021. SPHS students picked up a number of medals. In Vivaad (The Pursuit of Dispute), the SPHS team came Second while Harmanpreet Singh of Class XII F (M) won the Best Speaker Award. The School team secured the Second place in Kalam Ki Vaani as well. In Sameeksha, Pratyay Ganguly, Class XI F (M), won the Most Promising Quizzard award while the SPHS team picked up the Second prize.

Pointers also won the Overall Awards (First Runner-Up).

LAKSHMIPAT Singhania Academy organised a virtual IT meet, exeBIT 2021. Ananya Dhar of Class IV B (M) and Sreeja Sen of Class V E (A) won ‘The Critics Choice Award’ in the event logoART, while Debayan Mandal of Class V B (A) picked up ‘The Budding Innovator Award’ in the event sciFIND. The events were spread over 4 and 6 August 2021 while the results were declared on 14th.

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AYUSH Mandal, Class IV C (M), Ennakshi Mondal, Class V A (M), and Mayesha Mondal of Class V D (M) represented SPS in Quaestio, an Inter-School virtual quiz, hosted by Birla High School on 7 August 2021. The team won the First Runner-Up position in the contest.

The host school sent to SPS the prizes and the trophy for the School. The individual prizes were handed over to the winners.

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DELHI Public School, Ruby Park, organized an online Inter-School Chess Tournament on 29 August 2021. A group of seven Pointers participated in it. In the Senior Group, Sourath Biswas of Class X F (M) won the Gold medal, while the Silver medal went to Aronyak Ghosh, Class XII B (M).

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SPHS students participated in Odyssey 21, a virtual Inter-School fest organised by Birla High School on 10 and 11 September 2021. They secured the Third position in HUMOUR-US.

RUBY Park Public School organised its first Hindi Inter-School fest, Kaushal 2021, on 4 September. Veer Bajpai of Class II F (M) and Disha Jena of Class III G (M) participated in this virtual event. Each participant had to perform a role play of a famous personality in a two-minute time frame. Time management, confidence and pronunciation were the major criteria for judging their performances. Results were announced on 14 September, on the occasion of Hindi Divas. Disha was declared the winner in this competition.

BALLYGUNGE Shiksha Sadan, The BSS School, organised a huge online Inter-School Fest called INTERFACE-2021 on 24 and 25 September. SPHS was among the 16 schools participating in the grand two-day event. There were a total of 17 events consisting of the online ones and Pointers enthusiastically took part in 12 of them.

They won in eight events. The Model United Nations saw a number of Pointers emerging victorious with four of them, Ayush Dutta, Adrita Roy, Jishnu Ray and Debankan Das, bagging the Special Mention award. It was a very proud moment for all of us when South Point High School stood First in the debate on ‘In Pursuit of Dispute’; the School team comprised Meghamitra Chowdhury and Souhardyo Dasgupta. SPHS also won the Second place in Picturesque (the Photography event), the team members being Soumyapriyo Chatterjee and Gourab Naskar. Sreeja Mukhopadhyay brought home the Second prize in Shawlpo Kotha (Bengali Film Review). The School team, consisting of Gourab, Soumyapriyo, Abhisree Bhattacharya, Shinjon Maitra and Anushka Chakraborty, picked up the Second spot in Chase To The Cut (Short Film-making). The Second prize also went to Pointers, Abhisree and Soumyapriyo, in Reps’ Event (No-fire Cooking event along with stand-up comedy for school representatives). The event called ‘Meeting at Crossroads’ was an English imaginary dialogue writing competition, in which Aindree Chatterjee from SPHS was placed Third. Quite a proud march to success by Pointers that was!

POINTERS -- Harmanpreet Singh, Class XII F (M), and Agnibeena Ghosh of Class XII A (M) -- participated in the Draupadi Devi Khaitan Memorial Inter-School Debate 2021. It was organised by BDM International, virtually, on 24 September 2021. The topic of the debate was ‘Face to Face Learning is better than Online Learning’; each participant was given three minutes to present his or her arguments. The SPHS team won the Runner-Up spot among 19 school teams from different cities.

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Bulletin THE SPHS team participated in the M. P. Birla Blitz 2021, a fest organized online by M.P. Birla Foundation Higher Secondary School on 28 and 29 September 2021. Pointers put up a very good performance in several events. They picked up First prizes in Express (Creative Writing) English (Senior) and Bengali (Senior); Second spots in Toss Up (Fireless Cooking) and Frames (Film-making); and came Third in One Min to Fame, Camerana (Photography) and Debate (Wrangle). MPhasis results are: Round 1: Strategic Management Human Resource, Public Relations, Legal Management Environment, & Governance Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Management

: : : :

First First First Third

Round 2: Human Resource, Public Relations, Legal Management Finance Management

: :

First First

Round 3: Environment, & Governance Entrepreneurship Management Strategic Management

: :

First Second

INTER-HOUSE COMPETITIONS INTER-House Competitions for Classes VI to XII were held virtually between 28 March and 4 April 2021. The subjects were Yoga, Gymnastics, Fitness Programme, Aerobics, Chess, Painting, and Waste Craft (Craft Activity).

Event SPHS Chess Results: Individuals (Girls, Classes VI-VIII) Aarshiya Biswas, Class VIII H (A) Semanti Aich, Class VII F (M) Bidyasree Das, Class VI F (M)

Date 28 March-4 April 2021 First Second Third

Results: Individuals (Girls, Classes IX-XII) Asmita Ghosh, Class XI G (M) Sreejani Mukherjee, Class XI F (M)

First Second

Results: Individuals (Boys, Classes VI-VIII) Aayush Bhattacharjee, Class VIII G (M) Indrava Banik, Class VII H (A) Maharshi Sarkar, Class VII B (A)

First Second Third

Results: Individuals (Boys, Classes IX-XII) Sourath Biswas, Class IX F (M) Suvayan Acharya, Class IX E (M) Anurag Ganguly, Class IX E (A)

First Second Third

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Event SPHS Yoga Results: Individuals (Girls, Classes VI-VIII) Prerana Maiti, Class VI E (M) Ahana Das, Class VI C (A) Results: Individuals (Boys, Classes VI-VIII) Srijan Maitra, Class VIII C (A) Abir Dutta, Class VII C (M) Purbayan Kundu, Class VII D (A)

Date 28 March-4 April 2021 First Second First Second Third

SPHS Fitness Programme Results: Individuals (Boys) Soumyapriyo Chatterjee, Class X F (M) Srijan Maitra, Class VIII C (A) Shouvik Ghosh, Class X C (M)

28 March-4 April 2021 First Second Third

Results: Individuals (Girls) Samriddhi Sarkar, Class IX A (A) Abhisree Bhattacharya, Class X A (M) Sreejani Mukherjee, Class XI F (M)

First Second Third

SPHS Gymnastics (Boys & Girls) Ranjabati Saha, Class IX D (M) Srijan Maitra, Class VIII C (A)

28 March-4 April 2021 First Second

SPHS Aerobics (Girls) Sampurna Das, Class VII B (A) Abhisree Bhattacharya, Class X A (M) Sruti Chatterjee, Class XI A (M)

28 March-4 April 2021 First Second Third

SPHS Painting Ayani Sarkar, Class VI E (A) Ishan Roy, Class VI A (A) Souhardya Nandi, Class VI E (A) Sanglap Khan, Class VII B (A) Adrish Roy, Class VII B (M) Anushka Das, Class VII D (M) Chandraneel Poddar, Class VII C (M) Arnesh Karmakar, Class VII E (M) Pratyayee Saha, Class VIII G (A) Aishik Ghosh, Class VIII C (M) Mrinmayi Basu, Class VIII F (A) Samarpita Pal, Class VIII E (A) Suchismita Mondal, Class IX G (M) Nahalekha Singha, Class IX C (A) Swapneel Bose, Class IX B (A) Atreyi Pal, Class XI A (M) Sampurna Ghosh, Class XI A (M) Sourjyadipto Paul, Class XI J (A)

28 March-4 April 2021 First Second Third First Second Second Third Third First Second Third Third First Second Third First Second Third

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Event SPHS Waste-Craft Anubhab Bose, Class VI H (A) Isan Roy, Class VI A (A) Shalini Das, Class VI H (M) Shalini Bhattacharya, Class VII F (A) Kaushiki Dutta, Class VII J (A) Ahona Ghosal, Class VII B (M) Shriyadita Mandal, Class VII D (M) Samriddhee Dutta, Class VIII B (A) Alina Alam, Class VIII A (M) Dyuti Ghosh, Class VIII F (M) Arkadeep Roy, Class VIII G (A) Ronit Ghosh, Class X G (M) Ritam Bhar Choudhury, Class X B (A)

Date 28 March-4 April 2021 First Second Third First Second Second Third First Second Third Third First Second

SPHS Fitness Programme Results: Individuals (Boys, Classes VI-VII) Abhraj Chatterjee, Class VI A (A) Sauhardya Das, Class VI H (A) Ariv Mukherjee, Class VII H (A)

24 & 25 July 2021 First Second Third

Results: Individuals (Boys, Classes VIII-IX) Arkodwuti Kar, Class IX E (A) Parijat Dwary, Class IX H (M) Aritra Sil, Class IX F (M)

First Second Third

Results: Individuals (Boys, Classes X-XII) Soumyapriyo Chatterjee, Class XI D (M) Apratim Guha Deb, Class XII E (M) Debasmit Mukherjee, Class XII C (M)

First Second Third

Results: Individuals (Girls, Classes VI-XII) Arunima Laskar, Class XII A (M) Debapriya Goswami, Class XI G (M) Sreejani Mukherjee, Class XII F (M)

First Second Third

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THE Bio-Bubble treatment was done in the Nursery I (A) classroom, on selected items of furniture, adjoining toilets, corridors, front boundary walls, and gates on 8 May 2021 to provide safe and sanitised space for the low-cost RTPCR sample collection tests starting on 10 May 2021, at South Point School. The event is a joint initiative of South Point Ex-Students Association and CII Young Indians Kolkata in collaboration with Thyrocare.

Bulletin NEWS ROUND-UP A NEW and enhanced version of Mindspark, ‘Mindspark 3.0’, was made available for students of Classes II to V from 19 April 2021. A link for a video tutorial on it was shared with the parents of these students.

AN online prayer meeting in remembrance of our departed colleagues was held on 29 May 2021.

PUPILS of Class XII participated in an online Quiz session, organised by 91.9 FM, on 23 May 2021.

ON 21 June 2021, Class IV students observed World Music Day. A video was shown to them which proved yet again that music transcends the boundaries of language. In each section, several students brought the class alive with their tuneful renditions.

ON 21 June 2021, SPS students celebrated World Yoga Day with much enthusiasm. Though it was a virtual celebration this year, the excitement was no less. All participants of Class II were explained – during their Games period -- the innumerable benefits of practising yoga, an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. They demonstrated various asanas and learnt their importance simultaneously.

Games Teachers encouraged students to practise yoga regularly to remain fit and improve their ability to concentrate.

Several fitness experts among Classes IV and V students also demonstrated a number of tricky asanas with an amazing ease.

THE 79th anniversary of the Quit India Movement was observed by Class IV students in August 2021 in their digital classes. They prepared attractive charts depicting the protest movement that Mahatma Gandhi had launched in 1942 to demand an end to the British rule in India.

ONLINE PTMs (Nursery I to Class V) were held between 19 June and 3 July 2021, prior to which call slips were issued to all parents through the School learning management system. They were asked to attend the meetings according to a schedule. Concrete guidelines were provided to parents and their queries answered, especially related to online classes and assessments. All English, Vernacular and Arithmetic teachers addressed the parents and discussed each child’s progress during the meetings. They also answered specific queries.

Parents took this opportunity to praise the teachers’ efforts and the School’s systematic approach to the virtual mode of teaching-learning. They also shared their thoughts and ideas in this regard. An online PTM across all Classes, VI to XII, was held in SPHS on 8 October 2021.

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SPHS pupils and teachers actively participated in the Young Warrior Movement organised by the CBSE in July and August 2021 over five sessions conducted online.

The sessions -- expected to make students aware of important issues such as right protocols, information to ensure COVID-Appropriate Behaviour, to dispel vaccine hesitancy as well as on mental health -- were called Vaccination Buddy, Stress Buster, Fake News, Recovery Tale and Super Young Warriors. The idea was to inspire positive changes and actions in communities by students through expressive activities of poetry, theatre and other art forms. Pointers submitted their art forms for Sessions 1, 2 and 5. SPHS teachers who participated in the teacher training workshop were Smt. Bageshree Dutta and Smt. Debolina Dawn under the guidance of Smt. Sutapa Chatterjee.

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ON 17 July 2021 SPS organised a virtual meeting with Special Educators for parents of pupils attending their classes from Classes IV and II. On 24th, similar virtual sessions were arranged for Classes V and III parents.

DE-STRESSING ourselves in these overwhelmingly stressful times is all-important. And what can be a better stress-buster, a better healer of weary souls than music? South Point attempted to add some colour and melody to the lives of all SPS and SPHS staff-members with ‘Funtakshari’, a fun-filled, online Antakshari, which was arranged and orchestrated by Shri Rajat Baid on 7 July 2021 through Zoom. The eight participating teams – called Alaap, Geet, Ghazal, Sur, Sargam, Swar, Taal and Tarang – sang their hearts out and made the event a success. They were amply encouraged and cheered by the audience. The first three spots went to Alaap, Swar and Taal. Joyous, clear, and fresh – music, thus, lent a soothing touch to many hearts.

SPS pupils of Nursery, Transition, Classes I, II and III celebrated Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, on 30 August 2021 through various activities in their virtual classes. Nursery children dressed as little Gopal and Radhika and delighted all by their cute performances while other students enthusiastically displayed their artistic skills with beautiful drawings of Lord Krishna.

SHEEZAN Shakil of Class XII C (M) was selected for the Indian Rowing Junior Category contingent of the West Bengal Rowing Association to attend a trial camp in Bhopal between 18 and 20 October 2021. The camp was meant for an International Rowing Championship under BIMSTEC (Countries sharing water of the Bay of Bengal).

SPHS pupils participated in a national-level annual online art festival, Kalantar 2021, organized by Kalantar Art Trust under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, a non-profit organisation working for the upliftment of art and artists, on 31 October 2021. Pupils from Classes VI to XII participated in Painting, English Story Writing, English Poetry Writing, Hindi Story Writing and Hindi Poetry Writing competitions.

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AN interactive webinar on ‘COVID -- Dealing with Anxiety, Fear and Grief’, was held for all SPS and SPHS staff-members on 24 May 2021. It was conducted online

by Dr. Rima Mukherji, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist.

Bulletin WEBINARS & WORKSHOPS

IN order to enable students to cope with the current stressful circumstances and keeping in mind their physical, mental as well as emotional health, group counselling sessions, ‘Together We Can’, were organised for students of Classes IV and V. Sessions for Class V continued, section-wise, from 3 to 10 June 2021 and were conducted by the SPS Counsellor, Smt. Anju Chirimar. Guidelines were offered and a number of vital issues pertaining to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health were discussed. Children attended the sessions according to a schedule. Class IV students attended their sessions from 11 to 17 June 2021.

AN online training session on the topic, 'Integration of Arts in Biology for Classes XI and XII', was conducted by the SPHS teacher, Dr. Neelam Banerjee, on 12 May 2021.

It was organised by the CBSE, Centre of Excellence, Guwahati.

PUPILS of Classes IV and V got the opportunity to register for an interesting online event, organised by Storyteller Bookstore on 4 June 2021. Ruskin Bond, one of the most popular children’s authors, spoke about his new book, All-Time Favourites, shared his experiences and thoughts and answered questions put forth by children. It was a most lively session, enriched by the wisdom and positivity of the author and the curiosity of the young audience.

A WEBINAR on ‘Strength Training for the Mind in the Pandemic’ was organised for the pupils of Classes XI and XII on 9 June 2021. It was presented by the South Point Ex-Students’ Association in association with ABP Education and Mental Health Foundation, Kolkata, and was chaired by Dr. Jai R. Ram, Consultant Psychiatrist at Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals and Pointer of the 1983 Higher Secondary Batch.

SPS organized virtual workshops, titled ‘Staying Positive: A Guide for Parents’, to help parents cope with the added responsibility of being both mentors and teacher-substitutes for their wards at home, and to enable them infuse positivity in the children. The one-hour-long webinars were held on 12 July 2021 for Nursery I and Nursery II parents; on 14th for Transition and Class I parents; and on 16th for those of Classes II and III. On 19th, such a session was held for the parents of Classes IV and V pupils. The Principal, Vice Principal, Additional Vice Principal, Coordinators and teachers attended each session. The SPS Principal, Smt. D. K. Chadda, addressed the parents at the beginning of the webinars which were conducted by the School Counsellor, Smt. Anju Chirimar. Useful tips on how to stay positive in these trying times were shared. Questions through chat boxes were accepted from parents and answered by Smt. Chirimar at the end of each session.

A TOTAL of 18 SPHS teachers attended a webinar on Financial Planning: ‘Empowerment through Financial Literacy’, organised by Sushila Birla Girls’ School on 14 August 2021.

TIMES NIE, in association with IMS Learning, conducted a workshop on the Zoom platform for Classes XI and XII pupils on 28 July 2021. The topic was ‘How to Choose a Career Path / New-Age Career Options after 12th’.

TEN SPHS teachers of the English, Hindi and Bengali Departments attended a webinar, conducted by CBSE, on 23 August 2021. It discussed the ‘Use of Graphic Novels for Effective Learning’ and focused on graphic novels as an interesting tool for the teaching-learning process.

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SMT. Mohar Mala Chatterjee and Smt. Debolina Dawn of SPHS participated in a webinar on ‘Adolescent Health and Life Skills’, organised by Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata, in collaboration with Expression India on 24 September 2021.

Bulletin SMT. Arpita Mishra and Smt. Archana Mishra, SPHS teachers, participated in an online interactive session for Hindi teachers, organised by Sushila Birla Girls’ School on 18 September 2021.

SMT. Soumi Sengupta and Smt Nilanjana Chatterjee Chakraborty, SPHS teachers, attended a webinar, ‘Back to Offline’, organised by Sushila Birla Girls’ School on 8 October 2021 to commemorate World Mental Health Day.

VIRTUAL VIBES An Intra-Class Creative Dance Competition was organised for Classes III, IV and V in July-August 2021.

The judges for the competition were Smt. Mandar Sengupta, Smt. Neelanjana Dasgupta and Smt. Piyali Basu Chatterjee. The results, declared on 13 August, are: Class III Name Anusha Mazumdar, Class III B (M) Shriyadita Das, Class III G (A) Aishiki Dalal, Class III A (A)

Rank 1st 2nd 3rd

Class IV Name Ananya Dhar, Class IV B (M) Ishanvi Das, Class IV C (A) Sushweta Adhikari, Class IV D (M)

Rank 1st 2nd 3rd

Class V Name Sparshika Haldar, Class V C (M) Rudrani Mondal, Class V A (M) Swapnaja Giri, Class V B (M)

Rank 1st 2nd 3rd

An Intra-Class Non-flame Cooking Competition was organised for Class III, judged by Smt. Bipasha Sengupta, Smt. Rumpa Dutta and Smt. Sarmishtha Hazra. The results, declared on 14 August 2021, are: Name Garbit Banerjee, Class III A (M) Doyel Burman Roy, Class III G (A) Swamantak Chakraborty, Class III B (A)

A Quiz for Classes IV and V was held on 14 August 2021, based on facts related to India’s freedom struggle and on our nation’s heritage and achievements. There were seven teams, each comprising one contestant from Class IV and another from Class V. The Quiz Master was Smt. Debjani Basak. The event was streamed live on the Facebook page of the School. The results are: Name Ayush Mandal, Class IV C (M) Priyanshu Das, Class V D (A) Saptorshi Sen, Class IV G (A) Bijoyaditya Pal, Class V C (A) Abhranil Dash, Class IV G (M) Prakhar Singh, Class V F (M)

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Rank 1st 2nd 3rd

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Rank 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd

PAGE

TITLE

EXPRESSION VERSE-TALITY 45 Hope Bunny Dear Sappy A big knowledge pool!

46 Cats’ dreams If Rainbow The monkey and the bees 47 Thor Friends forever Dear parrot Seasons 48 Christmas A balloon’s story My Motherland 49 The Rubik’s Cube The forest fairy All about seasons 50 Imagination Monsoon melodies Intrepid brown 51 Of stars and fireflies Early spring Sacrifices 52 Sank with my pride Peace profound 53 Stranger in South Africa 54 A knight's homecoming The unforgettable building 55 The girl who lives forever Angels in disguise Ode to the wildflower ETCHED IN WORDS 58 The two good friends The rabbit and the frog 59 Cats and dogs The parrot Butterflies Lola and I 60 Doves on our verandah My green wish My London playschool 61 God's gift on my birthday Not easy to say goodbye 62 Romeo’s friend God’s Own Country Pirates’ story A trip to Tajpur 63 My village Jane's drawing Princess Roza's kind deeds 64 Why owls love night The funny case of bananas The magic umbrella 65 Different is good The storm princess My first trek 66 Lazy Raghav The night at the Baskerville House 67 Our voyage to Diu 68 The picture book 69 A treasure hunt To dreamland and back

NAME

CLASS

Shrinik Baidya Rudra Narayan Kar Dhruv Aditya Shantra Akshat Mishra Ritwik Jana Pramugdha Datta Abhilasha Ray Bihan Majumdar Sarasij Maity Priyanshi Kar Hrishikesh Sanyal Agnibho Banerjee Chandrima Bir Sounak Hazra Ennakshi Mondal Adwitiya Roy Aishi Dasgupta Nirmalya Dhara Adhiraj Dutta Shrimoyee Chaudhuri Adrita Majumder Shreejoyee Mukherjee Abhinaba Palit Aishik Giri Bodhisatto Ghosh Srimoyee Mukherjee Abhisree Bhattacharya Shinjon Maitra Aditya Sarkar Sreejani Mukherjee Prapti Chakraborty Adrika Chaudhuri

Class I C (M) Class I E (M) Class I B (A) Class I F (M) Class III D (M) Class III A (A) Class III F (A) Class III D (M) Class III C (M) Class III D (M) Class III B (M) Class III C (M) Class V E (M) Class V A (M) Class V A (M) Class V C (M) Class V D (M) Class V F (M) Class V B (M) Class V G (A) Class IX E (M) Class IX E (M) Class X G (A) Class X E (M) Class X G (A) Class XI J (A) Class XI A (M) Class XI G (M) Class XI G (M) Class XII F (M) Class XII K (A) Class XII F (M)

Adwitiya Pal Choudhury Aharshi Chatterjee Saaraswat Mondal Urvi Chakraborty Meghayoni Roy Prajita Roy Aphrodite Roy Chowdhury Dipanjana Bhanja Chowdhury Sayandeep Dutta Somrik Dutta Debina Ghosh Aranyak Banerjee Ritanya Chowdhury Rajrup Hajra Soumili Dhar Md. Qasim Aitijjho Sengupta Ritvik Talagunda Nagesh Abhishuman Chatterjee Srinidhi Sarkar Souptik Chattopadhyay Deboishika Saha Samadrita Banerjee Arya Bagchi Abhijoy Khan Sourish Pal Adrija Saha Sayak Roy Priyanshi Sikdar Samruddha Banerjee

Class I B (A) Class I C (M) Class I D (A) Class I B (M) Class I A (A) Class I C (M) Class I A (M) Class I G (A) Class I E (M) Class I G (M) Class I E (A) Class I F (M) Class I G (A) Class I D (A) Class I A (A) Class III F (M) Class III F (M) Class III G (M) Class III A (M) Class III D (M) Class III B (A) Class III D (M) Class III G (A) Class III A (M) Class V F (A) Class V E (M) Class V C (M) Class V D (M) Class V D (M) Class V D (M)

41

Students' Contributions (Contents)

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PAGE

TITLE

ETCHED IN WORDS 70 Piano all the time!

The haunted night at Savannah 71 Obscurum 72 Joy to the soul!

73 Trapped both ways 74 Roobie 75 Finding a friend 76 My best-ever holiday The power of compassion 77 But we are still young...

The autocorrect mischief!

78 Quod memoria 80 A boxful of memories Dusk 81 Hole-hearted 82 Friendships from the world of YA books World War II: The cradle of modern warfare 83 Night sky 83 The Devil's Triangle 85 Mixed Bag Crossword 86 A letter for home

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98

99 100 101 102 103

104 105

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NAME

CLASS

Aaheli Bandopadhyay Animikh Chowdhury Ankur Ray Chaudhuri Rajanya Mukherjee Ritujeet Sarkar Sampurna Nath Sanjida Kamal Swikriti Das Biswas Srija Chakraborty Adrija Roy Vishal Chowdhury Aarushi Das Adrija Chatterjee Avinanda Kayal Aishik Bhattacharya Debolina Saha

Class IX G (A) Class IX H (A) Class IX E (M) Class IX H (M) Class IX E (M) Class IX H (A) Class IX C (M) Class IX H (A) Class IX D (M) Class X B (A) Class X D (M) Class XI F (M) Class XI H (A) Class XI G (M) Class XI E (M) Class XI G (M)

Debsoumyayan Saha

Class XI J (A)

Rupshali Guha Ray Sharanya Mukherjee Titirsha Biswas Anusha Tripathi

Class XI B (M) Class XI A (M) Class XII J (A) Class XII F (M)

Arinjoy Datta Shibasis Bhaumik Aditya Basu Upashana Chatterjee Rajbir Mukherjee Soumava Chakrabarti Deboishika Saha Aranyak Mukherjee Ankush Majumder Chirantan Ojha Jayasi Basu Ray Sayak Roy Souraj Bandyopadhyay Ayushi Kumar Aishik Giri Ayush Dutta Soham Datta Sanchali Jana Agnibeena Ghosh Waishi Banerjee

Class I A (M) Class I D (M) Class I D (A) Class I C (A) Class III A (M) Class III C (A) Class III D (M) Class III D (M) Class V E (M) Class V E (M) Class V D (M) Class V D (M) Class IX F (A) Class IX D (M) Class X E (M) Class XI A (M) Class XII L (A) Class XII F (M) Class XII A (M) Class XI A (M)

Aarna Dey Projjwal Banerjee Moyukh Banerjee Mayukh Acharjee Minakshi Chaudhuri Som Vishnu Modak Abhishuman Chatterjee Kritanu Bandyopadhyay Deepakshi Mondal Adrija Saha Aishani Sarkar Hindol Sarkar Nairrit Basak Suprasanna Mukherjee Aishik Ghosh Shankardip Kar Aviroop Dan

Class I D (A) Class I D (A) Class I D (M) Class I G (M) Class I E (A) Class I G (A) Class III A (M) Class III B (A) Class III E (A) Class V C (M) Class V E (M) Class V D (A) Class V A (M) Class V E (M) Class IX E (M) Class IX D (A) Class IX E (M)

PAGE

TITLE

NAME

CLASS

Asmita Dutta Prerona Ray Sreedisha Sarkar Shreyasee Roy Debsoumyayan Saha Anyatama Ghosh Manisha Haldar Srinjani Lodh Atrayee Pal Punarbasu Ghosh

Class IX D (M) Class IX A (A) Class X D (M) Class X D (M) Class XI J (A) Class XII A (M) Class XII A (M) Class XII A (M) Class XII A (M) Class XII A (M)

Aanya Mehra Agastya Gupta Akshat Mishra Maham Fahim Girik Mitra Akshita Anurag Kumar Divyartha Mishra Aaditree Verma Debdutta Ghosh Samanyu Saha M. Devjyoti Saborna Dash Nandini Misra Akshat Singh Ryaan Lalwani Priyanjana Chowdhury Harshh Gupta Antarikkha Das

Class I G (M) Class I F (A) Class I F (M) Class I F (A) Class I F (M) Class III G (M) Class III F (M) Class V F (A) Class V F (M) Class V F (M) Class V F (A) Class V F (A) Class V F (A) Class IX A (A) Class IX A (A) Class IX A (A) Class IX A (M) Class XI F (M) Class XI L (A)

Aishik Bhattacharya Aitijjho Sengupta Parnay Agarwal Ranauk Datta Pranavi Kumari Shifa Jamal Ansari Om Narayan Pradhan Koyena Sanyal Sreejani Mukherjee Harmanpreet Singh Divya Datta

Class I F (A) Class III F (M) Class III F (M) Class V F (M) Class V F (A) Class V F (M) Class IX A (A) Class IX A (A) Class XII F (M) Class XII F (M) Class XII F (M)

x!¦þîÄ!_« Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’

106 ѬìƒÅšøã[t¡ 107 109 110 111 112 113 114

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117 h‘mam ~MnZ

118

119

120

121 122 123

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127 128 129 130 131

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43

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That perfect tranquillity of life, which is nowhere to be found but in retreat, a faithful friend and a good library.

– Aphra Behn

EXPRESSION

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44

Verse-tality Hope The days are long They are so very boring.

I miss my school Oh, I feel like dying!

No rush in the morn No waiting for the pool cab's horn.

No friends, no games to play No fight, no joy, from Monday to Friday.

Now I only see them on the phone One can come no closer any more.

Hope these days will end soon And we meet again in the classroom.

Dear Sappy My pet dog is called Sappy He loves to play, fetch and make me happy.

He rolls on his back, And climbs on to racks.

He brings me what I need, He is very helpful indeed.

My daddy says he is very clever, I think he is the best pet ever.

Shrinik Baidya Class I C (M)

Dhruv Aditya Shantra Class I B (A)

Bunny I have a pet He is as cute as you may get!

His name is Bunny He is as sweet as honey.

His eyes are like small red balls And his ears are very tall.

Can you guess who it is?

It is my pet, a sweet rabbit!

A big knowledge pool!

I love my School!

I love my School!

Do you know it's a big knowledge pool?

Oh, how I miss my School!

Wash hands, wear a mask Be at a distance − not so cool!

Follow these rules, else I'd be a fool!

This pandemic has shut our School But certainly not our knowledge pool.

In online classes every day I meet my friends and learn and play.

We follow each and every rule As we love our dear School − Which, you know, is a big knowledge pool!

Rudra Narayan Kar Class I E (M)

Akshat Mishra Class I F (M) 45

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Rainbow

Verse-tality

I can see the rainbow over clouds and the sun When the rainbow comes out, children have fun.

I wish to paint this pretty scene Of birds and fishes with rainbow fins.

The world is so beautiful, let’s keep it green!

I want to see the rainbow again and again And wish for both the sun and the rain.

Abhilasha Ray Class III F (A)

Cats’ dreams My name is Roxy, My friend is Foxy.

We are two stray cats And dream of sitting on soft mats.

When it rains heavily Our plight increases severely — We are cold and wet in the rain Being lonely and unloved adds to our pain.

We dream of being rescued and taken home as pets.

Will you be kind?

We do not like to be wet!

The monkey and the bees

Ritwik Jana Class III D (M)

A monkey climbs up a tree And enjoys the cool breeze When there comes a swarm of bees Out of fear he has to freeze.

A bee goes inside his nose Achoo! The monkey gives a sneeze!

As the bee comes out The happy monkey gives her some cheese.

All the bees fly away And the monkey is now mighty pleased.

Bihan Majumdar Class III D (M)

If If the world would be funny And winters sunny And the farms be filled with geese − If all towers were full of flowers How beautiful this world would be!

If chocolates came free And ice-creams grew on trees How wonderful our life would be!

Pramugdha Datta Class III A (A) POINTER

46

Verse-tality Thor Dear parrot

The god of thunder, Thor, He can defeat the powerful Bor. The most powerful warrior is Thor, Who can defeat a whole army in an hour All by himself.

And he also defeated The scary dark elves.

He is the strongest superhero, With his magical hammer, mjonlir, by his side, He can banish all evil.

He can banish the bad Bor. He is my favourite hero, Thor!

O parrot, dear parrot, You are a beauty queen!

Your emerald-green feathers And the rosy red beak Are what I always seek.

The world now needs more and more green So I wish I were like you.

Take away my dull brown colour I don't want to be a sparrow — With your bright and glowing green Make me a beauty queen!

Then together we shall fly Spreading our love in the vast, blue sky!

Sarasij Maity Class III C (M)

Hrishikesh Sanyal Class III B (M)

Friends forever Oh! My beautiful dear, Whatever I talk you are always there to hear.

Whether it is good or bad You are never mad.

When we are with each other, Nothing in the world can bother.

We sing, we dance, we play, Do you remember the toy we made with clay?

Making the dolls’ house, And running behind the mouse?

Holding hands and walking down the hill, Merrily singing ‘Jack and Jill’!

Sometimes we fight, While flying a kite.

But can we stay away ever?

That's why we are friends forever.

Seasons January is cold and windy The days of February are less chilly.

March, the third month, comes soon And in April, spring blooms.

With May, summer is here June only gets hotter and hotter!

July brings in the misty rains More showers the month of August sends.

September is the start of autumn With October festivities come!

November ends with a whisper It's time for the seasons to begin anew after cold December!

Priyanshi Kar Class III D (M)

Agnibho Banerjee Class III C (M) 47

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Verse-tality Christmas Christmas is not only the occasion to get presents It is to spend quality time with your family and friends.

The jolly spirit of Christmas Wards off all the gloom that has been with us.

Focus on giving, instead of getting, After all, that is what brings about a perfect Christmas setting.

Spread the message of love and care Share all that you can share.

Come along and sing the Christmas carols with everybody Or just spend your time merrily with anybody — This is all that I want to say Enjoy yourself on the Christmas Day! Chandrima Bir Class V E (M)

My Motherland India is my Motherland She is so great and grand!

She's given us the golden sun and blue skies And acres of fertile land.

So many cultures and visions So many livelihoods and traditions So many different forms of agriculture — India is pretty as a picture!

Such unity in diversity is possible only in our land Oh! India is my Motherland!

A balloon’s story The little child at the fair Was asking his parents For the brown balloon That looked like a bear.

And now that he had it He happily walked away But oh, no!

The wind thought, “That balloon will make me happy!”

Now off the brown balloon went To the clear blue sky And you could hear the child Cry, cry and cry!

As it went slowly sailing to the top It wasn’t looking where it was going And alas!

It went POP! And that’s the story Of the brown balloon That looked like a bear From the top.

Snow-capped mountains, drizzling rain The sweat of farmers that gives us grain Such a place is truly heaven — And I am proud of this blessed land As India is my Motherland!

Ennakshi Mondal Class V A (M)

Sounak Hazra Class V A (M) POINTER

48

The forest fairy

Verse-tality

Once there lived a fairy in a forest, Who worked very hard and didn't have time to rest.

She was as busy as bees, while shelling peas.

She collected honey from beehives, and cut fruits with knives.

She grew crops, and collected dewdrops.

She cleaned her house, and fed her pet mouse.

She made lanterns using glow-worms, and during a festival, played drums.

She used to sing, with animals in a ring.

But at night, she had the right to sleep tight.

Aishi Dasgupta Class V D (M)

The Rubik’s Cube When I was brought to this house All shiny and bright I really was a treat for everyone's eyes.

All the nine reds and oranges, Blues, greens and whites Were beautifully arranged One on each side.

But that was all Before the little boy Took me into his hands And thought I was a toy.

He spun and spun and spun my sides Thinking he could put them back alright!

But as he failed to do so He made me look like a miserable crow!

One fine day he picked me up Frustrated with me!

He pushed me down the gutter pipe And that was the end of me!

And now I lie dirty and forgotten Forever feeling sore I hope you'll remember me, the Rubik's Cube, And the wonderful colours I once bore.

All about seasons In the summer season When I can go to the sea, I always eat some seafood With rice and ghee.

In the rainy season When I must stay at home, I always play with my mother And don't go out to roam.

In the season of misty autumn The Durga Puja comes, And I like to hear the sound Of the beating drums.

In the winter season When all of us feel chilly, I sleep under a quilt And hold my father tightly.

Adwitiya Roy Class V C (M)

In the happy season of spring When new leaves grow, By looking at the plants A lot of things I know.

Nirmalya Dhara Class V F (M) 49

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Verse-tality Imagination Are you bored or sad As you can't go on a vacation?

Don't be distressed Just use your imagination!

Monsoon melodies Monsoon is coming, get ready for the rain, Piter patter raindrops, all over to reign.

Throw your sweaty napkins; take out the umbrella now, Pink, blue, orange, green — would look on you wow!

Imagination paints a door in your mind It opens a world of fantasy, You can have treasures from caves to find, Maybe you will splash around in the blue sea, Or, perhaps you will whisper to a pretty honeybee, In your imagination!

Balls of crystals are falling from high, Dark thunderclouds are filling up the sky.

Look at that lass — skipping in the drizzle, Without any fear splashing on the puddle.

She knows no fear, But can only cheer.

Let's hail the monsoon to quench our thirst, Don't hesitate to wet your shirt.

Come out and feel the drops like prety pearls, Sing the monsoon song that enthralls.

You will fly very high You will cross the sky You will climb mountains And reach out to the sky, In your imagination!

You will breathe under water And swim like a fish, You will get anything That you may wish, In your imagination!

Shrimoyee Chaudhuri Class V G (A)

A unicorn you may see, Or glide on a colourful rainbow Or maybe a sweet rose you will grow, In your imagination!

Intrepid brown

Wear a mask, wash your hands And help your nation, But never let go of your imagination.

Sit at home and travel across the globe, And you won't even need to use soap, When you come back — In your imagination!

Each and every face wash is an experiment on my face, Because I am a complexion which is dark.

I protest, But society has muted my voice.

I have heard people only like girls who are Fair and Lovely.

But I am the colour of strong fragrant black tea.

Adhiraj Dutta Class V B (M)

The colour of our skin dictates our beauty.

Every time we see a light-skinned girl on the cover of a magazine.

Sometimes I feel that I should use creams, powders, and foundation because anything is better than being dark, And only fair skin is worthy of art.

Forget Snow White!

Say hello to intrepid brown.

Dairy Milk has a bigger fan following than Milky Bar. Coffee, caramel, mocha wear the crown, It's high time we realised love comes too in all shades of brown.

Adrita Majumder Class IX E (M)

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50

Verse-tality Sacrifices Of stars and fireflies I see the stars falling from the sky I see them all fall as time goes by...

Twinkling stars, each one a unique creation I just cannot let them die!

So I collect them all in a jar And open the lid, To see them all fly away like fireflies.

Shreejoyee Mukherjee Class IX E (M)

Early spring Beautiful, purple flowers on a field up a hill Beside a slowly moving watermill Clumps of wet frost on the ground Life is all around.

Soft grass springs up Flowers begin to bloom Chirping birds in the woods Oh, the weather is good!

The melting of snow has begun Frosty snow quickly runs The bright sky is now clear A sweet, fresh fragrance fills the air.

There's one person in the world whose debt we can never repay.

At once comes to mind those days, When we couldn't stand on our own feet, And she held our hand and showed us the proper way.

Next comes to mind the time when our letters weren't neat, She made us learn for what we live now, And taught us life could be sweet.

Once when we fell down, And the wounds were too deep, She was the one, Who helped us take a forward leap.

When all seemed to have left us in a lone island, She was always there.

She taught us every time to overcome fear.

No matter what we do, We can never forget the sacrifices she made, Or what she forgave – Our minor errors to the ones quite grave.

Aishik Giri Class X E (M)

Everything is coming to life, Honeybees are buzzing inside their hive.

Parrots, larks, finches, sparrows Flying above the road that is narrow.

The sun is smiling down on the path, The birds are landing on the puddles for a bath.

The Earth gives and takes Vast fields covered with flowers — To make them look fresh, there are light showers.

Nature has her own duty, Because nature is eternal beauty.

Abhinaba Palit Class X G (A)

51

POINTER

Verse-tality

Peace profound When the blooming buds sing their happy song, When the little birds chirp through the day, When the leaves sway in the gentle breeze, They call to the world to make a pause.

When it happens, Time will come to a halt; And then, you'll know, I'm at peace with the world.

My soul will unfetter itself, Unlace all the strings, That keep it fastened to the worldly ways.

I will happily sway, chirp and sing along Nature's way!

When you wish to feel me, Feel the drizzle of the rain, Feel the velvet green grass under your bare feet.

When you yearn for my touch, Touch nature with your eyes, ears and lips!

I will remain in the ocean water, In the breeze, in the storm!

I will reside forever.

I will relive every moment, within you all, Living in abiding peace!

Srimoyee Mukherjee Class XI J (A)

Sank with my pride It's been a lonely year It's hard to bear I've been fading fast In the atmosphere.

I've been calling you out, by your name From the depths of this icy terrain.

We had drifted away, Yet you heard and came But I was long gone Leaving bloodstains.

There was nowhere to go Nowhere to hide I had none of my friends By my side.

I thrashed and wailed, Fought against the tide But it was a losing game And I sank with my pride.

Bodhisatto Ghosh Class X G (A)

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52

Verse-tality Stranger in South Africa Crimson was the sky when I roamed about, As a stranger in South African souvenir shops.

A fatigued yet enthusiastic traveller, then, I was, When suddenly the sky burst into raindrops.

Unknown was every face to me And a stranger was I to them.

Desperate and agitated I ran from place to place — Looking for shelter; expecting a mayhem.

"Oi!" hushed a voice and a tug at my elbow, An old lady signalled me towards a shade.

It was her own small shop, with cottage core aesthetic, And it looked like a place where a lot of stories were made.

We barely fit there, the two of us — However I accepted it with a smile, For I had sensed a feeling That whispered that the rain would last for a while.

It sure did, now accompanied by a storm.

The wind blew everything away with a rage.

And while I looked impatient and heavily disgruntled, She only had a calm, serene expression of a sage.

Witnessing my twitching eyebrows, she turned and said, "Oh, it will be fine! You — still young, there are more storms to come..."

I listened as she went on to say, It is nothing; it is not your time to succumb."

Not knowing how to reply, I looked at her and smiled, She nodded her head as if I was an old friend with whom she had reconciled.

It has been thirteen years since This incident in a crowded African market.

I never knew her name, I never took a photo, But her visage remains unblemished like the one drawn from an artist's palette.

Slowly, the storm calmed down And the drizzle had a few seconds to die.

My hotel was just minutes away; Hence, I decided to leave after saying goodbye.

I smiled again and thanked her But before I could say goodbye and leave She handed me a small souvenir — a keychain — and said, "It is a small gift to remember by, it is for you and only you, I believe."

It was a stormy night, but I still Have her keychain with a lasting effect Of those few sentences that she spoke, On a stormy night, that I still recollect.

Abhisree Bhattacharya Class XI A (M)

Yet again, I did not know what to say.

However, I thanked her several times and hurried to the hotel.

My boots were wet, my socks were drenched, All wet and muddy it felt like sheer hell!

53

POINTER

Verse-tality A knight's homecoming [Dedicated to the thousands of COVID warriors, some of whom have returned home, some of whom have not.]

On a night as black as apocalypse, With thunder streaking across the dark, Baring the white-hot veins of the sky, The knight rode back home.

His horse was weary from its travels; He was weary from his battles; But he was close; his heart beat fast As the steed galloped in the dark.

He passed many a gravestone, He saw many a funeral pyre Burning with silent, unseen tears.

It had been so long, So long since he had walked the roads Of the kingdom he loved so much; Since he had seen the sun set, On the kingdom he loved so much.

And then he saw, before his eyes, With the evening lamps still burning, The kingdom spread out across the valley, Welcoming back a forgotten warrior, A lost son, a long-gone brother — He smiled to himself.

The rain hid his warm tears As he thought to himself, again and again, Oh, how good to come back home, How good to come back home!

Shinjon Maitra Class XI G (M)

The unforgettable building Sighs for the days gone by, it never really goes, On the contrary, it stays in the heart that only knows; Uninterrupted, about the flavours of the moments lived, That cured the childhood hearts like a soothing balm.

Hearing about them all, I still try to go back, Passing by the corridors, with my backpack.

On the benches we sat on, still remain the marks, Inducing an idea about their story arcs.

Not only are those just the memoirs of times They are emotions that ring like wind chimes.

Hopes that we took to the classes rose higher In the midst of friends, in a dream-filled gyre.

Good times came and went by, hearts grew fond and broke too, Hundreds of thoughts left me, and hundreds were left in a queue.

Some things are not to be described, yet felt much.

The days ahead will not escape the past’s strong touch.

This heart of mine still yearns for the fond school days, Only we treasure it as life’s loveliest phase.

Aditya Sarkar Class XI G (M)

POINTER

54

Angels in disguise

Verse-tality

She stood quiescent in that corner, In that dark room The stifling, tedious life, Just like falling into a deep endless funnel, Oh! With everything falling apart She questioned the significance of existence, "Is it an offence to desire happiness?"

Her smile is a lie, Concealing her agony.

Will someone hear her call?

Yes. And then seven hands reached out to her She found her angels, her safe haven.

"Everything will be fine," they said.

Always by her side, Whenever things got tough, Like a ghost hug, Her eternal hope and comfort, Her Special Seven.

The girl who lives forever

Prapti Chakraborty Class XII K (A)

This girl was born... Ah! I don't remember which year.

To everyone around, she was a lass so dear.

And that ghastly fatal day no one was in fear, For they never knew that the end was so near.

Her face was so pretty and calm, None ever cared about the lifeline in her palm.

Ode to the wildflower

In broad daylight, they glowed under the sun, She and her family were out to have some fun.

Destiny not ever won over by anyone, Planned a skid down the precipice and all were gone.

A little wildflower just had me thrilled, Dirty white, yet nothing so distilled.

Friend to the songbird and mother to the bee, Fragrant of distant lands and sea.

One, who, the night before had smiled a goodbye, Was gone in a trice. Find her? A far cry.

All attempts to bring her back went futile Did she deserve this? So innocent, though not puerile?

A speck by the dirt trail in the hills.

Quietly unnoticed.

Yet the first token of love from a smitten hill boy, Yet the mark of resilient beauty — Yet in the heart of a lonely poetess Reminding of dreams and hopes Yet to be.

Crying, pleading, nothing helped.

Not a day now goes without her absence felt.

But she, much like a sister to me, would forever be In my heart even after my soul is free.

Just, O just a speck, In this earth of rose, Tulips and jasmine —

Ignoring all the strife and disorder, Work for the larger, think of the broader.

Like the sun that shines And the wind that soothes, She enlightens and inspires me To serve man whatever the circumstances be.

Yet fondly remembered by lovebirds true — So beautiful, so serene!

Adrika Chaudhuri Class XII F (M)

Sreejani Mukherjee Class XII F (M) 55

POINTER

Strokes of Colour

Pastel Colours

Pastel Colours

‘Kites’ Sriditya Kundu Class I E (A)

‘Happy flying!’ Sarthak Sarkar Class I A (M)

Pastel Colours

Pen & Pastel Colours ‘Hope’ Diptarka Gupta Nayek Class I F (A)

‘Under greenwood’ Debosnata Dutta Class I A (M)

Pen & Pastel Colours

Pen & Pastel Colours

‘Waiting’ Rishaan Mondal Class I E (A)

‘The royal ride’ Rupkatha Das Class I D (A) POINTER

56

Strokes of Colour

Pastel Colours

Pen & Pastel Colours

‘Run!’ Shrutakirti Chhaule Class I G (A) Pastel Colours

‘Nestlings’ Adrish Pramanick Class III B (A)

Pastel Colours

‘Raindrops’ Divyashree Paul Class III A (M)

‘Home truths!’ Aranyak Mukherjee Class III D (M) Pastel Colours ‘Field days’ Prachurjyo Majumder Class III D (A) 57

POINTER

Etched In Words

The two good friends A girl called Radha lived in a village with her father. He was a farmer. She went to the forest with their herd of sheep every day to graze them. One day a bear saw her and came towards her. Radha was frightened but the bear was very friendly and kind. He brought lots of honey for her. So Radha was not scared of him anymore. She went with the bear to a nearby pond, swam and played there and also caught fish together.

The rabbit and the frog A little rabbit lived in a forest. He had no family. One day, while he was walking in the woods, he saw someone sitting under a mushroom. "Who are you, Sir?" asked the little rabbit. "I am Mr. Frog, the king of the jungle. Go, catch a bag of flies for me. I am hungry," the frog said. "Sure, I will go and catch flies for you, my lord," the rabbit, frightened, replied. He took a bag and ran fast to catch flies for Mr. Frog.

One day, a wicked wolf was searching for food while the bear was sleeping under a tree. The wolf saw Radha and attacked her. As soon as the bear woke up, he started fighting with the wolf and drove it away. The next day the wolf planned with his pack to attack the bear. The pack went to the bear's den slowly and stealthily. But the bear woke up and a fight started.

Though he was injured, the bear fought till the end and the wolves ran away. Poor Radha was watching the fight helplessly from a distance. She was so sad. When the wolves left, she took care of the bear and nursed him back to health. A few days later, the bear felt better and the two good friends lived happily ever after.

He met the Fly King deep inside the forest. "Please help me," cried the scared rabbit. "You don't worry, little rabbit," the Fly King said. "I need many flies for Mr. Frog, the king of the jungle," explained the rabbit. "Now I understand," saying so, the Fly King called all the bad flies with sharp stings. When the flies gathered, he told them, "Go with this little rabbit and bite the bad frog, a liar!”

Adwitiya Pal Choudhury Class I B (A)

When the rabbit went back to the frog he asked him angrily, "Why are you so late?" "Sorry, my lord," the rabbit answered, "See, I have got so many flies for you."

"Good! I will eat them all. After all, I am the king of the jungle," said the greedy frog. "You! King of the jungle?

You are a liar! Bite, bite, bite the liar," shouted the flies and jumped on the frog. "Help me, help me!" cried the frog and ran away as fast as he could. "Ha ha," laughed the rabbit and thanked the flies. "You are most welcome," the flies said and happily flew away.

Aharshi Chatterjee Class I C (M)

POINTER

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Butterflies

Etched In Words

One night I dreamt that I was a butterfly. I was flying on my colourful wings and playing in a garden full of bright and pretty flowers. The very next day I studied about butterflies and came to know a few interesting facts about them:

Cats and dogs Lolo the cat lived in a building. One day she gave birth to two cute kittens. One was white in colour and the other was brown. They loved to eat rice, fish and milk.

One morning a dog came to live there with three puppies. On seeing them the cat started quarrelling with the dog. Their fight continued for several days. The cat's and the dog's families were not happy with the quarrel. One day the cat fell sick. During her illness the dog took care of her and the kittens. After seven days the cat recovered. Upon seeing the kind nature of the dog, the cat became friendly with her. From then onwards, the kittens and the puppies started playing together and they all lived together as one big, happy family.

* A butterfly is the most beautiful insect; * It has four wings and six legs; * Its wings protect a butterfly from predators; * Butterlies feed on the nectar of flowers; * They use their feet to taste; * There are nearly 20,000 species of butterflies; * Birdwing is the largest butterfly; * Butterflies are very hardworking by nature.

We must protect butterflies, and to do so, we have to plant more trees and grow many colourful flowers in our gardens.

Saaraswat Mondal Class I D (A)

Meghayoni Roy Class I A (A)

The parrot There is a guava tree near our house. Many birds come to eat guavas from that tree. One day I saw a green parrot sitting on a branch and eating a guava. I was very happy and called my parents and my grandma. We clicked pictures of the bird as it came so close to my window. Now I am waiting for the parrot to return and eat guavas again.

Lola and I One night I had a dream. In my dream I was playing with friends in my school premises. Suddenly all of them disappeared and I started crying for them. Then the idol of Goddess Saraswati in our school started talking to me. She said, "Don't cry, Prajita. I will give you a new friend tomorrow." Next day I saw a blanket in the cupboard. Something pink was wrapped in it. I took it out and saw that a pink teddy bear was hidden there.

She is Lola. She is my best friend. Devi Saraswati gave her to me because I haven't been able to meet my friends for the past one year.

Urvi Chakraborty Class I B (M)

Prajita Roy Class I C (M) 59

POINTER

My London playschool

Etched In Words

I lived in London with my parents for a year. There was a playschool called East Dulwich Nursery in our locality.

I got admitted there. Every morning my mother dropped me to school. We used to travel by bus No. 42.

Though my school was only two stops away from home, I climbed to the upper deck of the bus. We got off at Sainsbury's stop. We entered the school through a glass door. My mother had to enter a password every time to open the door.

The school was quite warm inside. Students had to take off their jackets and hang them on hangers. Each student had a separate hanger. Our names were pasted over the hangers. I used to enter the classroom after saying goodbye to my mother. My teachers were Miss Symone and Miss Daniela. They loved me a lot and I loved them too. I had many friends in school. They were called Harry, Fox, Stephen, Sophia and Kiara. We had lots of fun in the class. We played with water animal toys in a big tub inside the classroom. There were building blocks, colourful shapes and many toys for us.

I enjoyed building houses with the blocks. Miss Symone helped us identify different shapes and colours. She also gave us colour pencils to draw on paper. One day we dipped our palms in colours and then pressed them on the paper to get the imprint of our palms. It was such fun! Miss Daniela helped us learn using the photocopy machine. She also let us click photographs with her camera.

Doves on our verandah When I woke up one morning I heard a loud cooing. I jumped from my bed out of curiosity and went to the verandah. I saw two doves sitting in their newly made nest. A few days later, mamma dove laid two eggs. The chicks came out after several days. They were cooing all day and their mamma was feeding them. I noticed that the baby doves were growing quite fast. One day their mother was teaching them how to fly. The bigger chick learned quickly but the smaller one was scared to flap her wings. One afternoon the nest was empty. The little birdie had fallen down! My father picked her up and put her on my palm. She was like a soft velvet ball.

Then, to my surprise, she tried to flap her wings and soon flew away from my palm. That was such a happy moment!

Aphrodite Roy Chowdhury Class I A (M)

The school backyard had a small playing area. My friends and I played with duck toys, cycle and ball there.

We could play there only in summer because in winter the area was mostly covered with snow and we had to stay indoors. Our teachers gave us snacks, which we ate during the recess. I learned to eat with a spoon from a bowl.

My green wish Hello everyone! I am Dipanjana, a student of South Point School. I love my School and my teachers very much and I miss them a lot these days. Now, let me tell you about my wish. I am a nature lover and when I grow up I want to use natural things for the good of people. I want to be a herbal scientist and make medicines from plants. 1 will build a home near the Himalayas and will work there. I am a Pointer and I wish to make my School proud of me.

In the afternoon either my father or my mother took me home. We usually walked back from school. There was a park on our way back. On some days, my mother took me there. I liked to play on the swing, the slide and the see-saw. The park had many big squirrels. Their tails were big and they ran about in the green lawn with me.

I miss my playschool very much. I still think of my friends and teachers there. I would like to visit my playschool in London again.

Dipanjana Bhanja Chowdhury Class I G (A)

Sayandeep Dutta Class I E (M)

POINTER

60

Not easy to say goodbye

Etched In Words

I don’t know when he came to my life. He was always there. He was lovingly called Duke, though I called him Hanu. The first thing I noticed about him was his black fur and a big damp nose. He was my friend, my pet dog.

I was not allowed to touch him at the beginning but I always wanted to have a close look at him. Hanu was a gentle, calm and quiet animal. He had never hurt me or anyone else though he never liked strangers. He used to bark loudly when someone would knock at the door.

And there was one thing that made him mad — bees!

He hated the buzzing sound bees made. It was fun to watch him barking at the bees and running around the house.

Hanu and I enjoyed playing fetch at the roof together.

He loved to run free and enjoyed his bathing time. He had this super power to finish his bowl in one go. How could he do that? Everything was going so beautifully for us. But one day when we were getting down from the roof, Hanu slipped off the stairs and hurt his toenail.

He was bleeding. We gave him first-aid. But the very next day Hanu tore his bandage into pieces and badly hurt his wound. The floor was covered in blood. We were so worried. The doctor had to operate on him and this time we bought a protective cover so that he could not hurt himself. But Hanu managed to do it again and this time it was worse. Another surgery was not possible. We were praying for him to get well. But the wound had already got infected and the medicine was not working. Day by day he was getting more sick.

Duke, who loved eating so much, now refused food.

Doctors could not help any more. And one night it happened. Hanu left us forever. Saying goodbye was never this difficult. He was taken to the pet cemetery. I cried the most. Later, in one of my online classes, my friends were taking pictures with their pets; I was crying quietly. Mum says that Hanu lives in the brightest star in the sky that does not change its position. I want him to know that I miss him every day.

He is not forgotten.

God's gift on my birthday I got a special birthday gift when I turned six. Since the previous year, we have been confined in our house because of the pandemic and were not allowed to go outside. Believe me, friends, initially I was enjoying this break since I didn't have to go to school and the table tennis club. I was missing my school and club though.

But day by day I started feeling so bored. In this situation, I was looking for a friend with whom I could play and spend time.

On my sixth birthday my mom assured me a surprise gift. A day after I turned six, she came home with a tiny little girl and introduced me to my little sister who was born on my sixth birthday and with whom I could play anytime. I was very happy with the new member of our family. Now I have a lot of work to do. I need to stay with her when my parents are not there, I play with her, I need to manage her moods if she falls down and cries a lot. Now she can walk, she can speak a little bit but no one can understand her babble. Sometimes she calls me Dada, which I enjoy a lot. On 28th April we celebrated our birthday together. I could not invite my friends home this year either. But I was very happy when I got my sister as a present. She made me smile and we cut our birthday cake together.

Debina Ghosh Class I E (A)

Thank you so much, God, for giving me such a lovely surprise during this horrible pandemic situation.

Somrik Dutta Class I G (M)

61

POINTER

Pirates’ story

Etched In Words

Once upon a time two pirates lived in a village. The villagers were poor and were not happy with the pirates.

One day the good pirate and the bad pirate sailed their boats in search of unknown islands where they thought they could find a treasure chest. After a few days the good pirate found a big island in the midst of the deep blue sea. He set his foot on the island, full of curiosity. After taking rest for a day, he started to search for the treasure chest. He started digging here and there with all his energy and at the end of the evening he found a treasure chest under a big green tree. With great excitement, he opened it and was most surprised.

The box was full of gold coins, silver coins and diamonds as well as a lot of chocolates, candies, biscuits, all made of solid gold. He was happy and returned to his village with the box. He was kind and good and distributed the treasure among the poor villagers so that they all could live happily.

Now, the bad pirate, a selfish guy, wished to be the king and wanted to rule over the poor villagers. After sailing deep into the sea, he too found an island, a few days later. But, it was not so big. He went into the island and began his search for the treasure chest. A whole day and night went past. Finally in the morning of the second day, he found a big box. He felt very happy as he thought there must be lots and lots of gold and diamonds inside it. He slowly opened the box and suddenly he became completely silent. He saw a big shark inside the box instead of treasure! Before he could run away from that place, the shark gobbled him up and swam into the waters.

Romeo’s friend Once upon a time a dog lived in a shelter. His name was Romeo. He had no family, yet he was a happy dog. He loved all the dogs in the shelter. One day his friend, Ratu, injured his leg. Ratu was in pain. Romeo came and licked his friend’s injured leg. He then went to the vet and started pulling his shirt. The vet understood that Romeo wanted to take him somewhere. So he came with Romeo and saw the injured dog. He put medicine on the wound which cured Ratu. Both Romeo and Ratu were now very happy. They started jumping around the vet.

Aranyak Banerjee Class I F (M)

God’s Own Country January 2021. We went to Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’.

We took a cab from the Kochi airport to reach Thekkady. Next morning I enjoyed an elephant ride with my little brother. In the afternoon, we took a boat ride on the Periyar Lake which is surrounded by a dense forest. We spotted different birds, deer and wild Indian Gaurs at the lake-side jungle. In the evening we enjoyed the special dance of Kerala, called ‘Kalaripayattu’. From Thekkady, we went to Asthamudi and the Kollam Beach. Our next stop was Alleppy where we stayed in a houseboat floating in the backwaters. I played a lot with my brother and my grandparents in the houseboat. There were many green coconut trees, colourful houses and shops just beside the water. We took our meals in the boat. It was a very good experience to spend a whole day on water.

Next day we went to Kovalam, Kanyakumari and the Vivekananda Rock. We got back home with sweet memories of our trip.

Rajrup Hajra Class I D (A)

A trip to Tajpur We went to Mandarmani in the month of January. I could see the Bay of Bengal there. I bathed in the sea too. I enjoyed the whole day very much. The next morning we reached Tajpur and watched a beautiful sunrise. We saw the estuary where the river and the sea meet. I found many kinds of shells on the seashore.

Many little red crabs were playing hide and seek with me. I took some pictures of me and my parents. We had a tasty meal of potato fries, dal, crab and chicken at Tajpur. We all enjoyed the Tajpur trip.

Ritanya Chowdhury Class I G (A)

Soumili Dhar Class I A (A)

POINTER

62

Etched In Words My village I like my village more than my home in the city. My village is very beautiful. It is calm, quiet and full of greenery. We can breathe in a lot of fresh air there. Villagers share their happiness and sorrow with each other. I like to visit my village in the holidays. The climate is always cool and pleasant there. In the village, the people feel a connection with the soil. Most of them are farmers, potters or carpenters. Bulls and tractors are used for farming in the fields. I have many friends in my village. The village has a big mango orchard; my friends and I spend a lot of time there. We play cricket and other games and also collect mangoes from the trees. My grandparents, uncle, aunt and my cousins live in the village and they love me very much. I also love them a lot. I wish to spend more time with them in the pretty and peaceful village.

Md. Qasim Class III F (M)

Jane's drawing Jane is a helpful girl. She helps her mother wash clothes and clean the kitchen.

Every evening she polishes her school shoes. Jane loves her mother very much.

One day, Jane’s class teacher asked all the students to draw a beautiful painting for the school magazine. After she went back home from school, Jane drew a big and beautiful whale and submitted the drawing the next day to her teacher. A few days later, the teacher told Jane that her drawing had been selected for the magazine.

Jane was so happy! She went back home and shared the good news with her mother. Jane's mother was delighted and her eyes were filled with tears of joy!

Aitijjho Sengupta Class III F (M)

Princess Roza's kind deeds Once upon a time there lived a princess called Roza. She had long, golden and beautiful hair and was never let out of the palace without tying her hair. One day she tied her hair tightly and went out to explore the city.

Everything was fine and good till she reached the cobbler's house. There, the cobbler was sobbing loudly. The princess asked the cobbler, "What happened? Why are you crying?” “I have no leather to make shoes," he replied and started to sob again. Roza said, "Is it so? No problem!" She cut off half of her golden hair and said, "This will help you make golden shoes.”

The cobbler thanked Roza and she continued on her trip. After some time she reached the seashore. There a fisherman was crying loudly, “I have no net to catch fish! How can I make a living?" The princess felt sorry and cut off the rest of her hair, made a net out of it and gave it to the fisherman, saying, "Go on, catch fish.” The fisherman thanked the princess a lot and went on to catch fish.

A handsome prince who was passing by saw the princess’ kindness and good deeds and fell in love with her. He married Princess Roza and they lived happily together thereafter.

Moral of the story : We should always be kind and helpful.

Ritvik Talagunda Nagesh Class III G (M) 63

POINTER

Etched In Words Why owls love night ‘‘Good morning,’’ said Flippy the baby owl. “Wake up, Mummy! Wake up, Daddy!” Mr. and Mrs. Owl were still asleep. ‘‘Oh! Go to sleep,” said Mr. Owl, sleepily. “No, it’s morning, nobody sleeps in the morning. I want to go out and explore,” said Flippy. “Now, now, we are owls.

We can’t go out in the morning,” explained Mrs. Owl. “Owls are night birds. If you really want to go out, why don’t you go out alone?’’ she added. “I am afraid, what if an eagle catches me?” asked Flippy. “Well, don’t go far then’’, said Mr. Owl. “Okay, Daddy,” replied Flippy.

The funny case of bananas Bananas are healthy fruits but they remind me of a funny incident. One day, my mother suddenly realized that due to her busy office hours, she was not able to take good care of my hair. She had read somewhere that bananas are very good for hair, so she made a paste out of a banana and applied it on my hair. After taking a bath, I looked into the mirror, hoping to see my hair look and feel smoother. But I was shocked to see the banana paste sticking all over my hair. Mother later checked with her friends that the banana paste needs to be applied along with curd. She spent the entire afternoon trying to remove the sticky paste from my hair! Later, we had a good laugh over the incident.

Flippy flew out of the nest. After sometime, he came to a little village bordering the forest. Suddenly someone said, “Hello! What’s your name? Mine is Fluffy.” Flippy turned and saw that another owlet was flying with him.

“My name is Flippy and I am a barn owl,” he said. “Well, I am a spotted owlet. I live in the forest and have come to explore the world,” said Fluffy. ‘‘I also live in the forest,’’ said Flippy, “In which part do you live, Fluffy?” “Do you know the place which has an old banyan tree? I live there. I am….”

Srinidhi Sarkar Class III D (M)

Fluffy couldn’t finish the sentence as a big bird swooped down, trying to catch them. “What’s that?” exclaimed Fluffy. “It’s an eagle! Fly quickly or it will catch us,” replied Flippy. The two owlets flew past the village and reached the forest but the eagle was still following them. So they flew on and on. Suddenly the eagle changed course and began to follow a hare. The two owlets heaved a sigh of relief and said, “Well! No more roaming about in the morning!”

The magic umbrella

Flippy and Fluffy shared their story with other owls and soon everybody in the owl kingdom knew about the owlets’ adventure. The story was passed down generations of owls and that’s why owls even today love night.

Once on a rainy day, I wanted to go and play in the muddy playground. I put on my blue raincoat and went out. As I walked along, I saw an umbrella lying on the ground. I picked it up. It automatically opened and said to me, “What can I do for you, my Master?” I wondered and said, “Can I get a pair of gumboots?” Suddenly I saw a pair of gumboots on my feet! I was surprised and excited. I ran to the playground. But soon I realised that I had forgotten to bring my football. Just when I was sadly walking back home, a football appeared magically in my hands! I was thrilled. I played happily for half an hour in the playground. On my way home a poisonous snake attacked me. I was so scared! But my umbrella came to my rescue. Now I know that I am the proud owner of a magic umbrella. We are best friends now. I call it my magic-umby!

Abhishuman Chatterjee Class III A (M)

Souptik Chattopadhyay Class III B (A) POINTER

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Etched In Words Different is good Once upon a time a bear lived in the jungle. He was grey in colour while the other bears who lived in the jungle were brown. They made fun of the grey bear. They always troubled and disturbed him. As he had no friends, he was always lonely and sad.

One day, the grey bear saw a baby brown bear who was trying to get honey from a honeycomb but couldn’t because he got separated from his family and was hungry. The grey bear felt sorry for the cub and helped him to collect honey. The grey bear had always been avoided by brown bears, still he forgot everything and helped the cub.

After sometime the brown bears came. They saw the grey bear helping their cub and were very happy. They realized their mistake and requested the grey bear to join them. From then on, all the bears lived happily together.

Deboishika Saha Class III D (M)

The storm princess Priti, her brother, Arjun, and I were playing in the playground. Priti is a good skipper, Arjun is a good batsman, and I am a good bowler. It was a hot summer day. After playing for some time, we felt very hot and tired. We sat down on a bench to drink some juice. We all wished that it would rain. Just as we started thinking about the rain, we heard the rumbling of thunder. We got scared and hid under the play-tent.

Suddenly a strange voice thundered, “You all wanted the rain to come; now it has come. In exchange you have to give me all your electrical gadgets.’’ Suddenly, a princess appeared before us. Oh! She was a princess about whom I had read in a book! She had special powers. Then the princess chanted magic words and the storm king disappeared. We were so surprised. The princess reminded us of the safety rules to follow during a storm. She told us never to play in the storm and to stay away from electrical things. Before disappearing, the beautiful princess told us to enjoy the rhythm of the rain instead of staring at our mobile screens all the time. We thanked her and she disappeared into thin air.

Samadrita Banerjee Class III G (A)

My first trek Last April we reached the Munshiyari village, Pithoragarh district, in Uttarakhand. We started trekking from the Balanti bend to reach the Khaliya Top. There were many big and small rocks on our trekking route. We carried food and bottles of water with us. We saw many big trees, such as pines, oaks and spruces and I also carried a mango seed from home and planted it there. We saw the hole of a snake. We saw birds like monal and ghurar and animals such as kakar (barking deer), yellow-throated marten and the mountain goat, baral. I felt tired after the halfway mark and we took rest at the Alpine Resort where we had Maggi and the hot milk of the mountain goat. I spotted a squirrel-like creature there and chased it. We also took photos of the beautiful rhododendron flowers which were white, pink, carmine red and blue in colour. We filled our bottles with water and collected some food from the village. Then we climbed again through the Khaliya buggyal. We climbed the ridge near the Khailya Top which was covered with snow, at an altitude of 3,500 m. in the Kumaon Himalayas. From there we got a picturesque view of the five peaks — Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Hardeol, Nandakot and Rajrambha. We took some rest. Then, after trekking for another 1 km. from the Khaliya Top, we reached the Zero Point, 4,000 m. above sea level, which offered us a 360-degree view of the surroundings. We took photos of the Nanda Devi range. What a breathtaking view it was! People were doing ice skating there. We also tried it but I accidentally fell on the snow. We had such fun! I will never ever forget my first trekking experience.

Arya Bagchi Class III A (M)

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Etched In Words Lazy Raghav Once upon a time, a rich widow lived with her only son in a big house on top of a hill. The son, called Raghav, was very lazy. As he used to eat all day and watch TV, he was becoming fat, and soon he fell seriously ill. His mother called home a famous physician. He told her that the main cause of Raghav's illness was obesity. He advised the boy to walk every day. But Raghav refused to listen to him. So, the doctor thought of a plan. He noticed that there was an apple tree about a kilometre away. He told the boy, "The apples of that tree are magical. If you can eat them all you will be cured. But there is one problem. You have to run to the tree, eat an apple and then run back home. If anyone brings apples for you from that tree, the magic will not work."

Raghav thought the doctor's words were true. He started doing what the doctor had advised. For two weeks, he ran to the tree, ate apples and then ran back home. Soon he got used to the routine and even started enjoying it. After a month, Raghav was completely cured of obesity as well as of other illnesses.

Still, he would regularly walk to the apple tree and then walk back home.

Raghav, now fit and healthy, lived happily with his mother.

Moral: Handle every situation with wisdom.

Abhijoy Khan Class V F (A)

The night at the Baskerville House It was about 1 o'clock at night. The sky was covered with dark clouds and it was raining cats and dogs. Jack was returning from a party in his car. Suddenly his car broke down and he lost his way. He got out of the car to search for a shelter to spend the night. After looking for a while, he came across a big mansion. It was known as the Baskerville House. He entered the house hesitantly. He pushed the big iron gate open and stepped into the huge garden, which once used to be full of bright, colourful flowers but was now covered with weeds which had grown over time.

There was an entrance at the corner of the house. As Jack entered the house, a huge colony of bats rushed towards him and would almost have pushed him out had he not lain down on the broken wooden floor. As he got up, a cold shiver ran down his spine. He felt something very uncanny about the mansion. Jack started searching for a place comfortable enough to spend the night in and eventually noticed that although there were numerous rooms in the house, most of them were locked and covered with thick cobwebs. After some time, he came across a big portrait of an old man. Jack sat under the portrait and decided to spend the night there. He spotted a half-burnt candle and lit it. He was very tired and soon fell asleep. About half an hour later, his eyes suddenly opened on hearing a sound which was coming from one of the locked rooms. It sounded like someone playing a piano. Jack thought, "If I am alone in this whole house, then who is playing the piano?" He silently crept towards the room and saw the same man whose portrait was hanging from the wall! Jack was terrified and shouted at the top of his voice. The man slowly came towards him and said, "I am the owner of this house and I come to stay here every night. How dare you enter my house without my permission?" Filled with rage, he kicked Jack out of the house. The blow knocked Jack unconscious.

When Jack opened his eyes, it was morning and the sun was shining brightly. He stood up and started looking for the mansion. But it was gone, it was nowhere!

Sourish Pal Class V E (M)

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Etched In Words Our voyage to Diu On 22nd July 2019, my family and I went for a trip to Diu. Early in the morning, we took a flight from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Mumbai. We landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, after 2 hours and 45 minutes. From there we travelled in a bus to reach our liner, Jalesh. Seeing such an enormous cruise liner, I was awestruck. Later I came to know that Jalesh has 14 decks and 2,000 passengers can travel on it at a time. There are 837 cabins in it.

As we boarded the ship we were warmly welcomed with garlands and a ‘tilak‘ on our foreheads. There was a photo shoot too. Since it was an immense ship and anybody could get lost, especially the children, so, for their safety, all the kids were given a band with a GPS chip embedded in it which could track us wherever we were. We went to our cabin to freshen up. I was surprised to see bunks in the cabin. I quickly climbed up the ladder and reached the upper bunk. It was very soft and cosy. I took a nap for some time. For lunch we went to the uppermost deck. There was a buffet spread with delicious food for all the passengers.

After lunch, we strolled on the upper deck. I was amazed to find a swimming pool and lots of water games. There was a slide, a large bucket of water from which was splashed on the person who stood below it! All the kids were enjoying the games to the fullest. As we played, the sun was going to set. The sky had turned orange with clouds sailing here and there. The waves in the sea were shining as if they had glitters on them. How beautiful the scene was! It was like a beautiful painting.

At night, all the passengers were asked to meet in the hall on the third deck. When we entered the hall I was astonished to see a big theatre stage and a gallery with seating arrangements for the visitors. A short programme was held, after which we were informed that we would reach Diu at dawn the next day. We had to be ready by 8 a.m. for sight-seeing at Diu. Wearing life-jackets, we all travelled in lifeboats from Jalesh to the Nagoa beach. The small boats were rocking on the waves. I enjoyed the experience a lot. The Diu fortress was an incredible monument. There were cannons which had once been used by the Portuguese to fight their enemies. Our guide informed us that the fascinating lighthouse at Diu was used to warn sailors at night that land was approaching. Next to the lighthouse stood a small chapel called our Lady of the Sea. There is a legend that an underwater tunnel connected this monument to land. Probably, smugglers used it long ago. As this place is so close to the sea, it was easy for invaders to attack Diu. That’s why it has so many forts and battlements. This piece of information from the guide really excited me.

In the evening I went to the kids’ zone where I had a lot of fun. I coloured pictures, played board games and also watched a movie about the Internet. At night, we had a party. Due to a lot of travels throughout the day my legs started aching and I couldn’t enjoy the party much. I went to sleep in our cabin.

Next day, after having breakfast it was time to say goodbye to Jalesh. I did so with tears in my eyes and felt that the ship was bidding me goodbye as well. It was an amazing trip and a memorable experience!

Adrija Saha Class V C (M)

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Etched In Words The picture book Once upon a time, there lived a girl named Mayalata. She was very fond of solving mysteries. Her friends were Raj, Bunty, Rakesh and Teyana. One day Mayalata went to buy some candies and juice. She was walking through a narrow path when suddenly she saw a small building. “I have never seen this building before, it looks like a library. Let me go in.” Thinking so, Mayalata went in and called out, “Is anyone there?” No one answered. She walked in and noticed a book that was the largest among all. It was an old, dusty book, titled ‘The Picture Book’. She took it and wished to buy the book.

Suddenly a creepy voice spoke from somewhere, “Do you want to read the book?” Mayalata turned her head and saw an old lady speaking to her. “Yes, I want to read it. Do I have to pay anything for it?” Mayalata asked. The lady said, “It is for free.” Mayalata thanked the lady and went back home with the book.

At home, she opened the book and saw beautiful pictures in it. Then she noticed that two pages of the book were stuck together. She carefully separated them and saw that there was a map on one side and a mysterious picture of an ancient treasure and some ancient medallions on the other side! “Now, that’s interesting,” she said to herself. “Let me call my friends.” She called Raj, Bunty, Rakesh and Teyana to meet her at the nearby park. Mayalata showed them the book. Raj said, “It looks like a treasure map!” Teyana exclaimed, “This is amazing! Let us find it.” “Of course,” said Bunty. “We should take our camping accessories and some food with us,” said Rakesh. They soon packed their bags, took a headlight and set off on their trip.

At first they reached a jungle as was directed in the map. Then they needed to go past some spiny plants. They checked the map again but what they saw frightened them. Because, according to the map, they would now have to cross the crocodile lake! Rakesh said, “There is no way we can cross the lake.” But Mayalata suggested that if they threw some chicken pieces into the lake then the crocodile might get distracted and then they could cross it. So when they approached the crocodile lake they threw the pieces of meat to one side and when the crocodile was distracted they hopped onto a boulder and crossed the lake quickly.

Next the friends spotted a cave in front of them. Bunty said that it was the cave shown in the map, but it was blocked by a rock! “Let’s try to open it,” said Raj. So they pushed the rock hard and finally got in. They turned on their headlights, and saw the treasure. It was locked so Teyana picked up a rock and opened the box with its help. They saw that it was filled with ancient gold coins! “But this is the property of the government,” observed Teyana. “That is right,” said Mayalata.

Then the five friends went back the same way that they had come. On reaching the city they handed the gold over to the government and were rewarded and praised for their action. It was, indeed, a happy and exciting treasure hunt for Mayalata and her friends.

Sayak Roy Class V D (M)

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Etched In Words To dreamland and back Once while reading a travelogue, I came across the name, ‘Deoria Tal’, and asked my father to plan a trip to this place. During summer in 2018, we went to the Garhwal Himalayas. We reached Hardwar via Delhi and made a night halt at Chandrapuri. The pleasant sight of the Mandakini flowing by gave us immense pleasure. Next morning, we set out for Deoria Tal, a beautiful lake situated on the top of a hill, at an altitude of 8,000 ft. After having breakfast at a lonely teastall at Sari village which is the base village at about 5,000 ft, we set out on our trek up the hill towards Deoria Tal. Deoria Tal is called ‘the Lake of the Gods’ and it is believed that gods bathe here. The zigzag path, leading to the lake covering at least a distance of 3 km, was adorned with shrubs and trees. With the help of our guides, we finally reached the top of the hill at around 11:00 a.m. On the velvety meadow on the banks of the lake, we rested to overcome our exhaustion. The view from the site was awesome. We, in no time, started clicking pictures with our movie camera. We all forgot our fatigue after experiencing such a nice view of the snow-capped mountains. The snow peaks of Chaukhamba, leading towards Gangotri, were standing upright in all their might and the clear blue sky was beautified with cottony clouds. I was mesmerized at the sight of Chaukhamba’s reflection in the crystal-clear water of the lake. One can get real peace of mind from the silence of the place. It was so serene that anyone could have overcome life’s troubles and hurdles by just being there. We were overwhelmed by the beauty of this heavenly place.

A treasure hunt It was the last day of school in Class IV. I had to cross a forest while coming back home. That day, I was walking back home with three of my friends.

Suddenly, we felt as if we were getting lost. We held on to each other’s hands so that we stayed together.

After a while, I saw a bottle at a distance. I ran towards it and saw that there was a piece of paper inside it.

When I opened the cap, I noticed a folded map. There was a red cross marked on the map, showing the buried treasure. A compass was lying beside the bottle. By mistake, one of my friends pressed the button on the compass and it suddenly spoke, which made us nearly jump out of our skin. As I asked the compass how it could talk like a human being, it replied that it was meant for treasure hunts. We then followed the compass in the direction it pointed.

Finally, we saw a red cross mark between two Arjuna trees. We thanked the compass and it suddenly disappeared. We dug the spot between the two trees for a long time, and then at last, we saw a shiny golden box. Our joy knew no bounds!

We then set out on our way back to the base camp through that same winding path. The experience of this fantastic trek will remain in the storehouse of my memory forever.

Samruddha Banerjee Class V D (M)

We opened the box and found gold coins inside it.

When we ripped off the golden wrappers of the coins, we found chocolate coins inside them! We ate the chocolates while coming back home. It was the best treasure hunt I could ever imagine.

Priyanshi Sikdar Class V D (M)

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Etched In Words The haunted night at Savannah Visiting the attic that night was never in the plan but now it seems Halloween had something else in store for us. On 22 November 2013, I was staying at my friend Augustus's house at Savannah, Georgia. It was my last night with him. His parents were away on some work so we were alone in the house. We hit the sack by 10 p.m. Suddenly, at about midnight we were woken up by the call of Halloween, Augustus's cat, from upstairs. We ran upstairs and saw that Halloween was calling from the attic. A chill ran down my spine because that was the only place Augustus's parents told us not to step in. Augustus brought a ladder and he climbed up after me. The attic was very damp and freezing cold. Plaster was peeling off the walls and it was pitch dark. Rats scurried across the floor.

I had goosebumps when Augustus turned on the flashlight. There was an Ouija board lying in one corner, with a burnt candle beside it. That was the first time I felt the presence of something supernatural inside the attic. Augustus grabbed Halloween and suddenly the window of the attic opened. Augustus said, "We better get out of here." I agreed and went down the ladder. Augustus went down the stairs with Halloween and told me to close the door and follow him. When I was about to head downstairs, I heard a whimper coming from the storeroom just beside the landing. I opened the door and asked, "Is anyone there?" A gruff whisper from the other side said, "Don't bother, no one's here."

Piano all the time!

Pandemic, in general, is quite unpredictable. Looking at their positive and negative aspects, we determine to choose a lot of things which seem flattering at that moment and later on continue to be. My secluded life in the pandemic blends hues of different shades where I am consumed by intense happiness when I focus on something particular that helps me sail through the tough times. When the pandemic started, I had a simple idea about music. I had a toy piano (yes, I have to literally call it a toy; it had only 34 keys) and I played as a highly ignorant girl. I had no idea what keys were, yet I spent hours on end watching videos on YouTube about the piano and its history. Watching tutorials, I realized afterwards, my efforts were in vain.

I finally urged my parents to buy me a synthesizer.

They agreed, and finally, after a few months, they bought it for me. I brought it home and a few months passed away in training with the help of my piano teacher. Exploring music, building dexterity, understanding music theory can even take decades.

Now I play some songs, with every minor and major as they echo the beat of my heart, with a handful of dancing crotchets and minims lingering in front. My journey with the piano is filled with ecstasy and treble bass emotions.

Animikh Chowdhury Class IX H (A)

Well, nowadays, listening to music is another aspect of my musical journey. I listen mostly to Western classical pieces and, sometimes, songs too. It's piano all the time! It is just like spending endless hours with a best friend.

Aaheli Bandopadhyay Class IX G (A) POINTER

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Etched In Words Obscurum The night was pitch dark. A veil of shadow seemed to engulf the whole world in a suffocating and eerie silence. Nothing moved, nothing breathed and yet little James felt something in his room.

James Williams was an eight-year-old boy, suffering from schizophrenia, though he hadn't experienced anything severe yet. The night was cold and James pulled his blanket a little closer to his small body. The blanket did not budge though James pulled at it with formidable force. As the moonlight fell on his face he touched it. For the first time in all day, he touched the scar which he had developed while standing up to the neighbourhood bully, Thomas. Little streams of silvery tears poured from his beady eyes. He felt an unknown pressure on his chest. He felt unruly, breathless, awaiting something. His heart felt heavy as the concealed pressure released itself in the form of tears. Streaming down his face, the tears now formed a full river, gliding down the dunes of his cheeks. As they reached his mouth, a salty, grotesque feeling emerged on his dry, brown lips. Suddenly something moved across the room. James raised his head a little, searching for the possible source of the movement. Nothing. No one.

James went back to his reflection on life. But something had changed in him. A deep feeling of dread spread inside him.

Cold sweat ran down his temples. Suddenly the darkness spoke, "You are just as I remember you, Jimmy. All scared and shaken up." James recognized the voice in an instant. It was Jamie Reynald's, his best friend and most trusted companion. James raised his head and looked across the room. As expected, Jamie stood against the wall, tall and dark, but with a warm smile. James jumped up from his bed and ran to his friend's arm. Hugging him tightly, James said, "Oh Jamie! How I missed you!" And as his words escaped his mouth, his whole body went limp. Jamie had died two years ago, while they were playing on the road. A car had skidded across the road and dragged Jamie along with it. On the day of the accident, while playing on the road, James had seen the car, but he felt Jamie had seen it too and there was no reason to warn him.

James freed himself now from Jamie's grasp, his eyes fixed on Jamie's head. Jamie spoke through his blood-red wounds, with scorn on his face, "You knew, James! You saw the car, didn't you? And you didn't tell me! I am now in a coffin because of you! While you are spending a good life, I am dead, James! And it was just because of you!" That night the whole town had heard James cry. James was having his first hallucination and there was no way to stop it.

Ankur Ray Chaudhuri Class IX E (M)

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Etched In Words Joy to the soul!

Vacations have forever been occasions for deriving pleasure. Seas have always allured me the most. Sifting through my memories, I am reminded of a peaceful, quiet time in my life and my mind drifts back to a happy place of serenity. Sitting near the waves, enjoying the warmth of the sun while feeling the touch of the soft, warm sand against my skin, as I am reminded that I have no assignments to complete or no classes to rush to, have got their own charm which can never be replaced.

Last year, when the number of COVID-19 victims went down, my family went for a short trip to Puri, the much-renowned seaside town in Odisha. We reached Puri early in the morning and having booked a car already, we were dropped straight at the Hotel New Sea Hawk where my father had made arrangements for our accommodation. After reaching my room, I immediately pulled the curtains back, and oh! What a sight I beheld! The gigantic waves of my dream hitting the shores so vivaciously left me rather dumbfounded and made me forget the fatigue of the previous night. Having recovered myself on my mother's urging, I barely managed to stuff myself with some food, and instantly set off for the place where the waters met the sky. Words cannot describe what I saw next. The dark blue waves reached out to the far-off horizon and mingled with the sky. They came rolling to the shore and then they rolled back again, leaving no pebbles behind. It was all so massive, so elegant, so amazingly beautiful, and resplendent in black and white, and welcoming and appealing from all directions! We looked like mere ants in front of the sea. I remember the crowds of tourists chatting away, little children spading the edges of their sand castles and vendors calling out to sell coconuts.

My sister and I also indulged ourselves in bathing in the sea, a step into which made me feel like all my sins of life had been washed away. After the two of us were through with playing with the waves, we returned to our hotel for lunch, after which we were supposed to leave so that we could witness the most magnificent wonder one always associates with the seas -- yes, the sunset! And so we did. We reached the beach and feasted our eyes on the sun setting miles away, in its usual sleepy and unhurried fashion. As I carefully eyed the amalgamation of colours the sky had draped itself in, the sun peaked through the horizon, bidding a final goodbye to its captivated observers. It reminded me of the famous words of a renowned poet. Every sunset brings along with it the promise of a new dawn. Soon we realised that darkness was approaching and the beach authorities instructed us to leave in a while.

The next morning, we also had the golden opportunity of witnessing a sunrise from the beach, which was as magnificent as the sunset of the previous evening. And in this manner, three days spent in Puri felt like a few hours. On our return to Kolkata, the heat wave and the narrow, winding lanes gave us a bleak reminder that it was the end of our well-spent vacation. Yet even today, "from oft, when on my coach I lie, in vacant or in pensive mood", the memories of the beautiful sunset, along with the giant waves tumbling over the shores, "flash upon the inward eye, which is a bliss of solitude!"

Rajanya Mukherjee Class IX H (M)

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Etched In Words Trapped both ways It was a Sunday evening. Ryan had thrown a huge party at his house to celebrate his promotion. The guests were happily chatting with friends or helping themselves to food. Well, everyone except Sofia. Something was off about her. Ryan asked her, "Hey, what's wrong?" "Nothing," said Sofia. Will remarked with a chuckle, "She's probably upset about losing that promotion!" Sofia had had enough. She left the party angrily. That was the end of it, or so Ryan thought.

The next day, Ryan made his way to his office to his new department. He entered the elevator with another person standing at the corner. The elevator came to a sudden halt. Ryan heard a beep from his phone. He unlocked it and saw a text on his phone, saying, "Are you trapped?" Surprised, he replied, "Who is this?" "That's irrelevant. I can help you get out." "Yes, please help me!" "There's a revolver in your bag. Kill the man standing next to you." "WHAT!" "Do it. And if you dare to call the police, let's just say you won't get your promotion.” "Who are you?" "I'll say you murdered Will if you don't follow my instructions." "SOFIA?!" "Finally, you realised." "Please! I'm innocent." "I know. I killed him." "WHAT!" "If you don't kill him within ten seconds, I'll offer the other man a similar deal and he may decide otherwise." "No!" "Five seconds."

"Wait!" "Time's up."

The man standing next to Ryan asked, "Did Sofia text you?" Ryan turned to face Rick, a new employee in their company.

“Rick? Is Will really dead?" "Unfortunately, yes. What do we do?" "I don't know." And then, suddenly, he said, "I have a plan..."

"I did it," messaged Ryan. Sofia replied, "Yes, I saw it. I'm opening the door." Ryan came out to face Sofia, accompanied by policemen. "You said you wouldn't call the police!" exclaimed Ryan. ”You're so gullible," laughed Sofia, “You should have seen it coming." "Actually, I did," said Ryan, and Rick appeared from the elevator. Sofia stood speechless. "You see," Rick told her, "We knew you would double-cross us and call the police. So, he just took a photo of me on the floor and sent it to you. Well, Officer," he addressed one of the policemen, "We have a murder to report." "Yes, we heard that from Sofia here." "We also know the culprit," said Ryan, and showed him the texts.

The police officer went through the texts and commented, "Interesting. Let's make sure we take the right person to jail this time."

The police took Sofia away for interrogation and Ryan and Rick went their own ways.

Ritujeet Sarkar Class IX E (M)

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downstairs and asked the receptionist, "Umm... Ruby?"

I fumbled. I didn't know what to ask. "Are you a friend?"

"I don't know," I said, "I don't have friends." "I know Ruby," she said, "Everyone in the hospital knows about her. She was admitted here a few weeks ago, but the poor girl passed away last week at 10:10 in the morning. She was only sixteen, too young to leave this soon." I stared at her, my mind filled with questions. She continued, "She was a bit mad, you know. She always said she wanted to be free."

Etched In Words Roobie "I will wait outside," I said, "You are going to be okay, Grandpa." My Mother was crying. I couldn't even look at her. Papa tried to comfort her. Grandpa had suffered a major heart attack this morning. Papa comforted her, "It's going be okay. The doctor will discharge him soon."

I went back to the room where Grandpa was admitted.

The visiting hours were not over yet. "Let's go home now," Papa said. While going back I saw the book again on the same bench. I picked it up and turned to the first page. There was something written. I'm glad I met you.

Keep this book. — Roobie

As I left the room I saw a girl of my age sitting on a hospital bench. I went and sat beside her. I let my head fall on my hands and closed my eyes. "Rough day?" I heard a voice. I looked up and saw it was the same girl.

She had a beaming smile and inquisitive black eyes.

"Rough day?" she repeated. She was reading a book. "I would say so," I said, trying to find the right words, "Grandpa is sick. Maa and Papa are upset." She looked down for a moment and said, "I was sick too. But I am better now. I am free." She smiled again. "I am Ruby, by the way." "I am Aria," I introduced myself. I noticed her wrist watch. It was stuck at 10:10. "Your watch is not working," I said, "It has stopped." "I know," she said calmly, "It has stopped working for a week now. But I don't care. I am free now. I don't need to follow time anymore."

I took the book. "Is it yours?" I heard my Mother asking.

"No... Uh..." I stumbled a few times and finally said, "A friend gave it to me." "You don't have friends, Aria," Maa said, "You keep saying that every day." "I made a friend, Maa," I tried to convince her. "There's no one here.

You're mad, Aria. Who gave you the book?" Maa asked again.

"Have I gone mad?" I asked myself. Then I smiled and slowly murmured, "I'm afraid so. I am entirely bonkers.

But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are." ***

"What’s that book you're reading?" I asked. "Are you going to ask all the questions?" she quipped. "It's Alice in Wonderland, by the way." "Aren't you a little old to read Alice in Won-", I started but she stopped me and continued. "I know," she said, "You are thinking exactly what my friends and everybody used to think about me. You are thinking why I am even reading this book at this age. You are thinking I'm mad." "But all the best people are," I said smiling. She smiled back.

"My Papa used to say all the best people are mad. He'd say, 'Starfish, you meet loads of people in this world.

But, the best ones... they'll challenge you, make you see the world through a whole new looking glass.’” — Alice Jones.

Sampurna Nath Class IX H (A)

"Your Grandpa must be a good person, and very kind," she said suddenly. "He is," I said, "That's why I don't want him to leave us, not this soon. Do you want to visit him? I guess the visiting hours are not over yet, my parents are still inside." "I wish I could, but I'm not allowed to. But he's going to visit me someday. I can wait," she replied. I looked down impatiently, searching for something to say. I finally said, "You have a nice name." "Thanks," she said, "But I don't like it." "Why?" "You ask a lot of questions. I always wanted 'Ruby' to be different." "That's odd," I said. She continued, "R-O-O-B-I-E. I would have loved that." I looked at her again, impatiently, and asked, "So Roobie, why are you here? Is someone from your family sick?" There was no answer. I looked beside me. There was no Roobie. Her book was still there.

Confused, I went to the reception which was POINTER

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Etched In Words Finding a friend Milli got up and realized it was time to get ready for classes. Most of the other girls in the dorm quickly got out of their beds.

While entering the classroom, her teacher said in an angry tone, "Latecomers have to sit at the back." Milli started walking towards the last bench, and then heard, "Wait, have you seen how carelessly you have tied your hair?" He looked at her with eyes filled with rage and shouted, "SUCH STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THIS SCHOOL!" This made Milli's eyes turn watery. Trying to hide her tears, she took her seat.

Having arrived at ‘The Royal Boarding School' the previous evening, she was missing her home.

The matron, Miss Sheela, entered the room and said, "C'mon, girls!! It's time to wake up. You all have got ten minutes to get ready before breakfast."

She looked outside the window and spotted the sports ground, especially the tennis court. She kept on reminiscing about playing tennis with her old friends throughout the class.

Staring at her sleepy and gloomy eyes in the mirror and feeling lonely, Milli slowly got into her new school uniform. It was a bright white shirt, a maroon skirt and a blazer that matched the skirt's colour, but everything failed to lift her mood. She tied her hair hastily. She was in low spirits and forced herself to climb those deadly steep stairs to the classroom.

The bell rang and they had Gardening class next.

Academics, sports, arts, gardening and cooking were all equally treated in their school. During evenings, each student had to pack a dozen meal boxes which went to the nearby orphanage.

At the end of the day, after packing the meal boxes, Milli went to the terrace.

"Hey!" Milli turned back and saw a dusky girl with curly hair. "I am Neena. I am in your class." She wanted to shake hands with Milli but realised they were full of snacks and drinks.

"I am Milli." "Okay!" Neena began looking for a seat, "Umm... you take these..." She said handing over a large packet of chips and a bottle of Coke to Milli. And then Neena sat down. Milli sat beside her. She had started admiring Neena whose attitude was not like that of the others. She seemed rather smart and carefree. Neena looked at Milli and said, "It's all right, Milli. I have been in your place last year, when I was new here, you see. I understand you. This school has taught me to be happy and disciplined. It eventually prepares us to face the toughest challenges of life. Oh! And having true friends is the best way to survive here or anywhere. That's why you see most of us have so many friends here. I can be yours, right?" Milli felt happy and said, "Of course!"

Neena wrapped her arm around Milli's shoulder and they both spent the rest of the break talking and having fun.

Sanjida Kamal Class IX C (M)

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Etched In Words My best-ever holiday

The power of compassion

We went on a trip to the desert city of Dubai during the Christmas holidays of 2018. The vastness, pomp and grandeur of the Dubai Airport amazed me. As we were driven towards the city, I fell in love with Dubai at first sight and tried to compare it to Singapore. There are many places for sightseeing. Two experiences impressed me the most — seeing Burj Khalifa for the first time, and the other — the Desert Safari.

There are many people in this world who are afraid of animals. They fail to notice their loyal and loving nature and often treat them as intruders in their world. But actually the story is quite the opposite. In many cases animals are neglected and harmed by humans. I was also someone who was afraid of cats. The only things that changed me were love and compassion. They made me overcome my fear and develop a strong bond with my pet kitten, Kitty.

Burj Khalifa is the tallest tower in the world; it is nearly three times taller than the Eiffel Tower. It is 829.8 metres high and has more than 160 floors. The engineering is very unique. It consists of big shopping malls, hotels and residential units. Visitors are allowed up to the 124th floor. A huge lift carries the visitors and takes only 17 seconds to reach the 124th floor. Standing on that floor of the tallest building in the world is an indescribable feeling. The fountain just by the tower is amazing. It is a pleasure to behold. During the night, the fountain dances to music and changes colours.

When I was returning from the grocery store with a packet of sugar last month, I heard a whining sound somewhere. After searching for a while, I came across a solitary kitten lying behind a lamp-post at the corner of a road. Being afraid of cats, my first reaction was to back away a few steps. But then I noticed that her knee was bleeding and there were tears in her eyes. Her plight filled me with pity. I was so touched that without thinking twice I lifted the kitten in my arms and carried her to my house. Mother naturally protested at first, as she too didn't have a particular love for cats. But on seeing the kitten's pitiful condition, she agreed to let her stay only till she got well but would have to leave after recovery. I rang up a veterinarian who came, thoroughly examined the kitten and prescribed a few medicines.

The kitten had to be properly nursed and taken care of. I took up the responsibility.

Equally wonderful was the Desert Safari. There were both camel and jeep safaris. We chose to go around in a jeep as I was too scared to ride a camel. As we proceeded through the desert, our jeep was climbing up and down the sand dunes continuously. We were nervous and scared. What if the vehicle went topsy-turvy! I closed my eyes and wanted to cut short the adventurous and thrilling safari. But the experienced and expert driver cheered us and we came back safely.

Then he took us to a point from where we could see the sun setting. Watching the bright orange sun setting over the western horizon enthralled us.

Gradually she started recovering and I became very fond of her. I named her Kitty. I loved her sparkling green eyes and the fuss she made whenever I gave her a ball of wool to play with. My fear of cats disappeared as now I could see the beauty in them and realised that they were not as dangerous as I had imagined previously. I nursed Kitty. After two weeks my efforts finally paid off. Oh how happy I was that day! Kitty had recovered completely and was running around the house and the pleasure it brought me was enormous. It can never be expressed in words. But it was also the time for her to leave the house.

My heart was broken. Kitty too seemed to like me very much. She followed me everywhere around the house.

That night when I was crying in my room, mother suddenly came to me and told me that Kitty wouldn't have to leave and could stay with me forever. She too seemed to have developed a fondness for the little brown kitten.

The Dubai trip has been the best trip in my life till date.

Swikriti Das Biswas Class IX H (A)

Over time, the bond between us has grown to be much more than that between a pet and its mistress. We have become each other's best friends over time.

Srija Chakraborty Class IX D (M) POINTER

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Etched In Words But we are still young...

It was the 25th of March 2020; it was as if the hovering shadows had anticipated the fate of the world in the days to come. On the same day, the whole nation came to a standstill. Corona virus had struck; schools, offices, shops, trains, vehicular movement, everything had halted except a few essential services.

What also came to a halt was our childhood. School resumed but in the online mode. Everything seemed dull, gloomy and melancholy with thousands dying every day, with no one of our age whom we could confide in, with no one to comfort us. The "good morning" chorus, the friendly banter with friends, the little squabbles, the classroom tests and teachers' scolding — every aspect of student life, good or bad, kept distracting us as reveries in the mind's eye. Every one of us, even those who were rather addicted to mobiles and computers, are now exhausted, frustrated with life becoming literally virtual. We cannot help but feel like a part of ourselves has been stolen from us and is now out of our reach. The virus has robbed us of a year (and counting still) of our precious childhood. The age of innocence has surrendered a year to the calamity. One thing that the pandemic has done to us is that we perhaps have matured too soon in our quest for adapting to a new way of life, the "new normal". It is not a feeling of sorrow or grief but one of disbelief — all we feel is empty, almost as if a Dementor has sucked out all happiness and joy out of us.

The autocorrect mischief!

The autocorrect feature has been a boon for us, especially for those who are weak in spellings. There are many instances in everyday life when we are helped by this application. However, that has not been my experience. I have a feeling that many others will agree.

The problem is that the autocorrect feature doesn't understand regional languages, which is a real trouble.

Let me share with you an experience of mine. I am quite fast at typing. During a Geography class a few days ago, our teacher asked us what the three cropping seasons were. I typed out my answer and did not realise what had happened. Later, the teacher told me, "Vishal, your answer is correct but the spelling of kharif is incorrect." I checked my answer and saw it was sharif instead of kharif! I thought that perhaps it was my mistake but when I carefully typed out the correct answer again, the spelling changed again to sharif because of the autocorrect feature.

We can only hope that one day life will again be normal, the happy cacophony will return to our school, we will greet teachers in chorus. We will again smell the fresh coat of paint on the walls of our school. But perhaps, what will never return is the much-awaited exciting years of early teenage.

Adrija Roy Class X B (A)

There is something more. Consider what happened next. My grandmother messaged me asking me to study well. She wrote in the English script but the words were Bangla. The words had changed to ‘Drink Phenyl’. I called her up, bewildered. But soon I realized that the autocorrect feature had played a prank again. The moral of my story is that we should not rely on this mischievous feature.

Vishal Chowdhury Class X D (M) 77

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Etched In Words Quod memoria My Dearest Daphne, Do you remember the stories I used to tell you at bedtime when you were five? You always asked for more details and you were never satisfied with the way a story ended, not even with a 'happily ever after'. It made no sense to you. Once you even told me that 'happily ever after' was an author's way of saying he doesn't know what happens next.

There was one story you wanted to hear again and again. I have forgotten why I told you the story in the first place. It was just a narration of the first time I appeared for an audition and was selected. While I told you about my apprehension before the auditions and my excitement at being selected, you asked for all the little details – which song I had sung, who my judges were, if my nervousness caused me to falter onstage. I ended my story with the news of my selection. As usual, you asked what happened after that. Did you perceive that I hesitated? Did you understand that, for once, I knew the answer to your question but I was reluctant to share it? Eventually, I told you that there was nothing more to say. You were not convinced. A few days later, you asked for the same story again. I tried to tempt you away from that particular story. I could tell you many others, I promised, that were far more interesting. All in vain. You insisted on being told the same story again. And once again, I paused when you asked me what happened next, before insisting that there was nothing more to say. You've heard that story from me many a time after that. But you've never asked me what happened afterwards since. If you guessed that there was something I was unwilling to share, then your intuition was right.

There was another girl who had appeared for the auditions; she was sitting right next to me while we were waiting to be called up. I was too anxious to notice much about her. The only thing I did notice was her pale face; indeed she looked so white that it appeared she was going to be sick. I had wondered once, idly, if I looked much the same way. She was called in before I was and consequently, I was rather surprised when I saw her outside the studio after my performance. She seemed to be waiting for someone. I gave her a brief smile and she nodded in return. I did not linger, it was a chilly afternoon and I wanted to get home quickly. I headed for the bus stand, a little ahead of the studio but I never got there.

I had barely walked a few steps when I heard a strangled cry. I turned around, bewildered, to see two men shoving the girl into a blue car. She had dropped her bag and other belongings on the pavement and was crying loudly. I watched, horrified, as one of them hit her. The car drove away. I remained where I was, dumb with fear, my gaze fixed on her dainty, white bag on the sidewalk. I could have shouted for help, I should have run for the police that very moment. But I did nothing. I boarded a bus and went home.

I arrived home, a bundle of nerves, and locked myself in my room. Your grandparents assumed that I'd gotten worked up about my auditions. They left me alone. I gathered my wits and promised myself that I would go to the police, the next day. I would tell them all I knew.

The news was all over the papers the next day. Somehow, that hardened my resolve. I would help them find the girl (the paper said her name was Alicia). But the kidnappers were one step ahead of me. My mother received a threat call that morning. They had seen me the previous day. They warned my mother; I was to keep my mouth shut or I would be the next one to be picked off the streets. Your grandparents were hysterical in their terror. And fear is contagious. By the time the police got around to questioning me, I was scared enough to lie convincingly and say that I knew nothing of the matter.

They never found her.

I have never been able to forgive myself. I battled my own thoughts, day in and day out, tried as hard as I could to convince myself that I could not have helped anyway. But lying to myself was not as easy as lying to the police. Much as I wish to believe that I had no choice, that my parents beseeched me to keep quiet, I know it is far from the truth. My parents were not there when the police interrogated me. I could have told them everything but I chose not to. Because my own safety was more important to me than an innocent life on the line.

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Etched In Words I've never worked up the nerve to tell anyone how cowardly I'd been. You were the only one person who got close to the truth.

I know that, you, my vivacious, brave child, you will never forgive me for this. But I was never half as brave as you are.

Love, Mother Daphne stood, stunned in her mother's room, the letter clutched in her hand. This was unbelievable! Her mother, the most outspoken and opinionated person she had ever encountered, had not protested. She had stood by, watched a girl being kidnapped and had done nothing!

It was her mother who had taught her to stand up for herself, to protest against wrongs. Was this where her passion to be just had stemmed from?

"Daphne," her father bustled into the room. "How much more time do you need to read a single letter? Hurry up and let's get these lawyers and sympathisers out of the house."

He swallowed hard, his face red. "I can't stand for much more of this. Ever since the funeral, guests everywhere, people milling about..."

"Dad," she interrupted. "It's okay, I'm done. I'll be along in a minute." "You had better,” he grumbled, striding out.

Daphne looked around the room, taking in all her mother's accolades, the cups and medals, even the antique gramophone that an avid fan had gifted her after a concert. She remembered her mother's lute-like voice and her precious teachings and she studied the letter again.

How much had she suffered because of this one mistake? How much had she berated herself?

She folded the letter carefully and put it back into the envelope. She tucked it gently into her bag. She would carry it everywhere as a reminder of what her mother stood for. Despite her mistake, she had strived to make up for it hundredfold. To her, that was all that mattered.

Aarushi Das Class XI F (M)

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Dusk

Etched In Words

The term, 'dusk', otherwise referred to as sundown or eventide in colloquial terms, is the time of the day when the light meets the oncoming darkness of the night. Some might prefer defining 'dusk' as the later part of twilight, a time of the day devoid of any light. It is no lie, when people say that the world comes to life at night. The streets, devoid of any white-collared gentlemen and working ladies, become the greatest harbour of the boisterous party-goers.

Dusk signifies the end of the day, the time when the last rays of the Sun paint the Earth with a million different hues of orange and red. It is the time when all life-forms return home, a safe haven to provide us closure and comfort. When the Sun sets and darkness pervades all human senses, we enter the realm of night. We find ourselves in the darkest times of our lives, holding the hands of the most trusted. During the glimmering period of dusk, we go back to our loved ones, who we know will always be with us, for better or worse. We discover our homes, which are neither buildings made of brick and mortar nor addresses we stay at, but rather, emotional bonds that we share with the ones we love. Dusk is the most beautiful time of the day — the end of the Sun and the beginning of the Moon, the best of both worlds, day and night.

A boxful of memories The pandemic has been harsh with us. It has taken away things and people who cannot be replaced. But, we do what humans do best — move on. But, amid all that chaos we find comfort in remembering things, little bits of lots. Memories — subtle and warm — that leave us with a heavy heart. I've been told I pen down memories beautifully, here's my little bits of lots...

My Dadaiya was the fiercest in our family. He would never listen to anybody except for my little sister and me. He'd call us 'Ma' for reasons that he never disclosed.

He was the root of my weird eating habits, but I'd phrase that as — "he taught me how to eat". My sister would say she was his favourite, but we all secretly knew it was me (it has to be). Our shared love for books and tamarind was perhaps the main reason. He of course found escape in my sister. He would secretly ask her to bring him sweets from the refrigerator, as he'd get a good amount of scolding if Didun or I found out, as it didn't help his diabetes. But he did not bother to listen to us.

Dusk is the time, when we find love and peace in ourselves as well as others; we feel beautiful, alone, yet surrounded by the ones we love. Dusk is when we find who we are — vulnerable and innocent beings, who do not pretend to uphold a strong facade, trying to be perfect, but rather embrace their imperfections to come out as who they are.

Avinanda Kayal Class XI G (M)

After all this time, I've only been left with a few pictures, letters, diaries and a box full of memories. Once in a while I'd look at his picture that hangs above my study table, and I'd miss him. I'd miss him calling me frequently for his glasses, his radio and the newspaper.

I'd miss how once in a while, amongst every other thing going on, he'd call me to ask how I was doing.

Memories are too overwhelming at times. The call, 'Ma...', still rings in my ears amongst so many other things. Hereby, I close the box of memories with a heavy heart. I'd open it another afternoon, when I'd listen to the Sunday Suspense on the radio, as we used to.

Adrija Chatterjee Class XI H (A)

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Etched In Words Hole-hearted Bouman and her team. The Black Hole community does not condone and strictly disapproves of these publicity stunts! We prefer not to reveal ourselves until someone like you has the courtesy to visit us physically once in a while. Since that incident, I prefer to stay 53.5 million light years away from Messier 87*. 4

(In the tune of a nursery rhyme) I belong to Sagittarius A, Come, find me at the heart of the Milky Way. I'm many Hagrids bigger than an average Black Hole figure, But Stephen Hawking makes me shrink away...

I belong —

But enough of my stories. What's going on in your tiny little planet? I mean, apart from internal government policies and procedures, I seem to have heard most of the ongoing business there. I have George to thank for that. Those Extendable Ears do work pretty well, considering the fact that one of his own doesn't.

Oh! Didn't quite spot you there, little one. Welcome to my humble abode. Hope you didn't have trouble locating me. These photons simply refuse to run errands for me these days. 1 Would you like a glass of milk? There's ample in our galaxy. You know, this is the first time I have been visited by —

Blimey, is that the time!? You ought to get going, my friend. It's nearly been ten minutes since we've been talking. I would have loved to talk with you longer, but — but, it's just that about 7,000 years have passed on Earth. 5 By the time you reach home Amazon will only exist as a shopping brand and you might find Pringles tubes floating around as space junk. But I'm sure you will still find Neil deGrasse Tyson arguing against Pluto's planetary status. Also, Arsenal is probably still not back up within the top ten teams in the English Premier League.

Whoa! Whoa! Back off! Does it seem to you that my Event Horizon is just six feet? 2 And put your sunglasses on. This little flurry of stars flocks around me all the time, looking for a way in. It's pretty annoying actually.

You won't find this intensity of lighting even during Christmas in New York.

So, what brings you here? Exploration, you say? Ah, I see. A trek through the stars. But I must say, you do seem to have massive holes in your travel plan, eh? Ha ha!!

Anyway, I've wasted a lot of your time. Remember to look both sides before crossing the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. Also, once you reach near the Earth, just touch down on the Moon for once and project Alan Shepard's golf ball towards me. That way, I'll know in due time that you've reached home safely. I hope you remember your home address. Wish you a safe journey back and auf wiedersehen! 6

But jokes apart, how exactly did you manage to locate me? I was shouting out my coordinates in space just a couple of minutes ago, but I thought vacuum had itself muted by default extension, but that also means yesterday, during our Zoom session, our teacher could — (the Black Hole turned even paler). Oh, I'm in trouble. Looks like I'm going to have to revisit the chapters I learnt in Physics thirteen billion years ago.

By the way, talking of Physics, are you aware of the amusing incident that happened in our Physics class about six years ago? You see, our Physics teacher had been teaching us about the Page Curve. It's sort of a Physiology lesson for us. So, there were these two holes, who had been chatting away the entire class. By the end of the class, our teacher could no longer stand it. He was infuriated and banged their heads together in anger. This news spread throughout the universe like COVID-19 through the Kumbh Mela. You little Earthlings must have detected it too. 3

1 Reference to the escape velocity for a Black Hole being greater than the speed of light, so that even light cannot escape once past the Event Horizon.

2 The Event Horizon is the point of no return for a body going into a Black Hole.

A comparison has been struck with the huge Event Horizon of a Black Hole and 6 feet, which is the distance to be kept between two human beings in order to maintain Social Distancing, as the listener seemed to be approaching exceedingly closer to the Black Hole.

3 Paragraph: Reference to discovery of Gravitational Waves by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), produced by colliding Black Holes.

4 Paragraph: Reference to the first captured image of a Black Hole, Messier 87*.

5 Reference to the relativistic effect of time dilation due to the high gravitational pull of the Sagittarius A* Black Hole (the speaker of this narrative).

6 German word for 'Goodbye until we meet again'.

But the story of popularity and fame doesn't quite end for us here. You must have heard of Messier 87*. Never particularly liked him. But he went way too far by agreeing for a snapshot of his to be taken by Katie

Aishik Bhattacharya Class XI E (M)

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Etched In Words Friendships from the world of YA books The COVID-19 pandemic has made almost every one of us feel the importance of friends in our lives, more than ever.

Now, speaking of friendship, we can say that we see many wonderful instances of friendship in our real life as well as in literature. But have you ever wondered, why romance so often takes the centrestage in YA (Young Adult), when friends are so important to all of us? While children's fiction is full of friendship stories and adventures, YA is simply ... not. But if we want to take a proper look at it, there are certain books that have portrayed friendship at its best.

In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, the main characters explore the path of friendship and learn how important it can be for one another.

A Thousand Splendid Suns places a greater focus on the importance of loyalty and sincerity in friendship for it to remain indestructible, through Laila and Mariam.

In Five Feet Apart too, Rachael Lippincott sets an amazing example of friendship through Stella and Poe where they have the chronic disease called cystic fibrosis and so are unable to perform the simple gestures of friendship like hugging each other, consoling each other and giving a gentle squeeze of reassurance. But still they manage to experience every bit of beautiful friendship.

Elizabeth and Christina in Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty is yet another YA novel which is one of the landmark teenage books where the story is more about friendship instead of romance.

Fiction also creates a bond of friendship between the reader and the characters. They connect to each other in a different sort of way. And as much as we love these instances of friendship in literature, it would indeed be great if we could find such bonds of friendship in real life as well because then life would be worthier to live.

Well, what's your opinion on that?

Debolina Saha Class XI G (M)

World War II: The cradle of modern warfare Strategies are artworks and paintings which are coloured by the sweat and blood of the brave men and women who sacrifice their lives in the service of their nation. The Second World War was the bloodiest conflict in the history of mankind. The extent of destruction and area occupied is beyond compare even by today's standards. It witnessed the birth of ingenious strategies such as the 'Blitzkrieg' which proved its effectiveness in every major conflict of the war in the European theatre, from the Invasion of Poland to the Ardennes Counteroffensive. Static warfare, which had plagued the First World War, was replaced by the lightning-fast mobile warfare raging across the globe. World War II also saw the largest amphibious assaults in history, on the beaches of Normandy in the European theatre and Iwo-Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific theatre. Now, tanks no longer supported infantry units, but formed the basis of field armies which had components of motorized infantry, mechanized infantry, combat engineers and artillery units attached.

In naval warfare, the range of the main guns of battleships was replaced by the payload capacity of carrier-borne fighters as the deciding factor. Aircraft carriers replaced battleships as the flagships. The first combat use of aircraft carriers was seen in the attack on Pearl Harbour — one of the most devastating attacks in the entire conflict. Aerial warfare also changed with air forces, not only acting as reconnaissance elements of the ground and naval formations as in the First World War but also operating independently as well as supporting ground and naval operations. These tactics of the 20th century have stood the test of time and their modernized variations still shape the modern battlefields across the world.

Debsoumyayan Saha Class XI J (A)

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Etched In Words Night sky That little girl is a big girl now.

She has grown up.

Yes, according to the society she has grown up, physically, yet not mentally.

Naira still craves for chocolates like every other toddler.

Naira still whines to watch cartoon all day long.

Naira still clings on to her little teddy bear while sleeping.

Every night, she looks up at the sky and thinks why don't her friends like her, why can't everyone accept the way she is?

Right at that moment, her mother puts her arms around her and says, “ I love you kiddo. You’re the best!” Oh, but that was just a dream! She looked up at the night sky and said out loud, "I wish you were here, Mom!" Rupshali Guha Ray Class XI B (M)

The Devil's Triangle Day 1: 7th August 1975 Dear Diary, I'm Sarah. Sarah Lancaster. Yes, I'm that girl whose family of scientists has taken up the mission to set course across the Bermuda Triangle region, also known as the Devil's Traingle, and to check upon the mysteries reported in that region while looking for a scientific cause. My father, John Lancaster, apparently thinks that there is a scientific reason as to why ships and aeroplanes disappear in that region. I think he might go to the bottom of this research but only if we ourselves don't get lost. My father and my mother, Jonah Lancaster, who happens to be my father's assistant, thought it might be a good idea if I joined them in this once-in-a-lifetime expedition. So along with my parents and their ten-member team, the ship's crew and I set off on the voyage from the coast of South America to the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean where our mystery lies.

Day 2: 8th August 1975 Dear Diary, So far so good. The ship's Captain says we'll reach the main area of tension within five days. The weather's good, there's no possibility of any storm in the water for the next six days, that's what the forecast says. The scientific team is getting prepared for its research work. A bright sunny morning, yet I sense danger — I just hope they get done with their research soon.

Day 5: 11th August 1975 Dear Diary, Things have started to get weird here. None of us has been able to sleep for the last 24 hours. They say that we are getting near the Bermuda Triangle hot zone and I'm always sensing an impending doom. The weather is slowly getting bad even though it wasn't supposed to. Mom is sick and so are most of the other crew members.

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Etched In Words Day 8: 14th August 1975 Dear Diary, The ship's crew members are missing. So are the Captain and the sailors. They are nowhere to be seen. Our ship is in the middle of a storm. Now it's just me, my parents and a terrified group of 10 scientists on board. Dad says we are very close to the Devil's Triangle. We don't know for how long we can resist the storm. My mom's health is deteriorating; she can't even open her eyes. My head feels heavy and I feel so sleepy as if someone has drugged me heavily. I don't know if science can explain all this.

Day 15: 21st August 1975 Dear Diary, The search for the crew is still on. There's no trace of them anywhere in the ship, we cannot even find their luggage. It's as if they never existed. The storm stopped last night but I think we are lost; our ship has been covered by clouds for the last several hours. My father and his team-mates are trying their best to understand what's happening and come up with scientific solutions. But, I could read the disappointment in their faces, they are failing. Not even science can justify the disappearance of the crew. All the scientists were awake at night yet they didn't see the crew escape. All the compasses are broken; no one can read the directions. To say we are confused would be an understatement.

Day 17: 23rd August 1975 Dear Diary, My father tried to jump off the ship today. Luckily, one of his team-mates noticed him and dragged him inside. He claimed that some voices were calling him. He didn't sleep for the last few days — he was clearly hallucinating. I don't even know how we will get out of this place. Today we were supposed to set in the course for the journey back home.

But now, maybe we're lost, maybe we are also like those ships who got lost in the Bermuda Triangle. It's not science.

Science doesn't justify the incidents that have been taking place. Everyone has lost hope. They all look outside as if they are waiting for death to come and grab them.

Day 20: 26th August 1975 Dear Diary, All I remember is that another storm hit us last night and we lost control. I'm scared. I gained consciousness sometime back. I'm on a raft sailing through the deep blue ocean. I can see only dark clouds above. I screamed. There's no sign of mom, dad or the ship. I found myself on the raft with you, my diary, and some canned food which would barely last till the next day. There's no sign of any kind of life. I don't know, I don't understand the mystery of this place. I wait patiently.

I wait patiently for death.

Sharanya Mukherjee Class XI A (M)

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Etched In Words Down 1. The longest river of Europe.

2. Queen of the Arabian Sea. 3. The famous painting style of Bihar is known as — 5. A bank employee is known as a — 7. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is in which state of India?

9. The currency of Sweden.

13. The official name of the head of a coin.

14. A British dessert made of sponge cake, cream and custard.

17. The process of slamming the ball into the basket above the rim (in basketball).

18. The poet of Inferno.

21. Hariprasad Chaurasia plays which musical instrument?

22. A type of silk found in Assam.

24. Calibri and Comic Sans are examples of what?

Mixed Bag Crossword Across 4. The only flying mammal.

6. Paper currency notes were made first by which Chinese dynasty?

8. Hector Hugh Munro used which penname?

10. Largest freshwater island in the world.

11. Famous Indian lyricist who won an Oscar.

12. Most difficult vault in the Olympics in gymnastics.

15. Fourth largest of the Great Lakes of North America.

16. The train (express) which runs between Paris and Istanbul.

19. Bombay duck is a type of what?

20. A sauce as well as a Latin American dance.

23. A species of wild ox found in South Asia and was not known till 1937.

24. A person who is a vegetarian but occasionally consumes fish and meat.

Titirsha Biswas Class XII J (A)

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never return you will always be home. No matter how much I complained over the years and grudgingly went to you at 6.00 in the morning, you still felt like home. You felt like home on the good days and on the bad days. You felt like home when the sun was scorching a little too unbearably and when it was raining and flooding. Even after friends and teachers left and changed, you were still there — home.

Etched In Words A letter for home Dear South Point, What do you do when someone asks to describe your life in 250 words? Do you describe your best moment at first or your worst? How do you even choose these moments? Whatever you do, never waste time pondering what to do, like me. I'm finally in the last year of High School. It seems only yesterday I was making my first friend in Nursery over chips and fruits. And now it's finally time to step out of home.

What you were to me was what Hogwarts was to Harry, what the Dauntless was to Tris and what Central Park was to Joey and the others. There have been hundreds of books and movies and shows created to portray home. So how could I possibly ever describe you in just 250 words?

Yours always, Anusha

Home. That's what you were. If there was a question to describe you in just one word that would be the answer. There were times when my home felt just like a house but you were always home. And even if I

Anusha Tripathi Class XII F (M)

1

Mixed Bag Crossword Answers

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POINTER

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çöìîû ˜î#˜– çöìîû xy›yîû „þy¤‰þy– çöìîû ¢î%‹– çöìîû xî%Gþ– xy•›îûyöì”îû ‡y ö›öìîû “%þ£z î¤y‰þyÐ éôé îûî#w˜yí àþy„%þîû

x!¦þîÄ!_«

87

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¢,‹˜ "à¹ìÅàºà "à¹ìÅàºà ëšìÚ l¡à>à, A¡t¡ Jå[Å ÒÚ šà[J ÒìÚ "àA¡àìÅìt¡ l¡üìØl¡ ë™ìt¡ W¡àÚ¡ú ó¡¹ó¡¹ A¡ì¹ *ìØl¡, ëƒ*Úàìºìt¡ ™àÚ [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ *; ëšìt¡ ‹ì¹ ‹ì¹ JàÚ¡ú

&A¡Jà>à ë³Q &A¡Jà>à ë³Q Òºåƒ ³ìt¡à &A¡Jà>à ë³Q Îàƒà¡ú &A¡Jà>à ë³Q iå¡šå¹ ³ìt¡à ëA¡³> ë™> Òòàƒà! &A¡Jà>à ë³Q Q[Øl¡¹ ³ìt¡à ÎA¡àº ë=ìA¡ l¡üìØl¡à, &A¡Jà>à ë³ìQ¹ ‹¤‹ì¤ W塺 * ë³Q, tå¡[³ ¤åìØl¡à! * ë³Q, ¤[º, ëA¡à=àÚ ™àì¤? ë¹àƒ l¡üìk¡ìá áàìƒ, &¤à¹ t¡ì¤ ¤õ[Ê¡ ÒìÚ >àì³à Jà[>A¡ ¤à샡ú

Aditya Basu Class I D (A)

Arinjoy Datta Class I A (M)

¹à¤o ¹à\à

A¡ì¹à>à &A¡ [ẠA¡ì¹à>à ëÎ [ƒº 뤃>à¡ú ëW¡àJ ¹à[R¡ìÚ ¤ìº ëÎ, ÒüÑHåþìº ë™ìt¡ 냤 >à¡ú ë¹à\ ë¹à\ ¤[º t¡àì¹ ™à* W¡ìº \å[ši¡àì¹ A¡J>* "๠& ®å¡¤ì> [ó¡ì¹ tå¡[³ &ìÎà >à¡ú ™à* ™à*, A¡ì¹à>à "๠¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ =àA¡ìt¡ šà[¹ >à¡ú Shibasis Bhaumik Class I D (M)

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¹à¤o ¹à\๠ƒÅ[i¡ ³à=à &J> ™[ƒ =àA¡t¡, ®¡à¤ìt¡ šàì¹à iå¡-×Òüºà¹ W¡àºàìt¡ A¡i¡à ëÒºì³i¡ ºàKt¡? ¹à¤o ¹à\๠ƒÅ[i¡ ³à=à &J> ™[ƒ =àA¡t¡, ®¡à¤ìt¡ šàì¹à ëW¡àìJ¹ \>¸ A¡i¡à W¡Å³à ºàKt¡? ¹à¤o ¹à\๠ƒÅ[i¡ ³à=à &J> ™[ƒ =àA¡t¡, ®¡à¤ìt¡ šàì¹à W塺 A¡ài¡ìt¡ A¡i¡à >à[št¡ ºàKt¡? ¹à¤o ¹à\๠ƒÅ[i¡ ³à=à &J> ™[ƒ =àA¡t¡, ®¡à¤ìt¡ šàì¹à ëÅà¤à¹ Î³Ú A¡i¡à ¤à[ºÅ ºàKt¡?

Upashana Chatterjee Class I C (A)

88

¢,‹˜ ë³Q ¤õ[Ê¡ šøà=¢>à #Å«¹, ët¡à³à¹ A¡àìá &A¡i¡àÒü šøà=¢>à, ƒè¹ A¡ì¹ ƒà* Qì¹ =àA¡à¹ ™”|oà¡ú ®å¡ºìt¡ ¤ìÎ[á [¤ƒ¸àºìÚ¹ A¡[¹ìl¡à¹, ">ºàÒü> AáàìÎ Ò[Zá ë™ ë¤à¹!

A¡ì¤ ™à¤ [¤ƒ¸àºìÚ AáàÎ A¡¹ìt¡?

A¡ì¤ šà¹¤ ³àìk¡ [KìÚ ëJºìt¡? ®å¡ºìt¡ ¤ìÎ[á ¤Þêå¡ì⫹ [³º>, &A¡ìQìÚ[³ìt¡ ®¡ì¹ìá ë™ \ã¤>¡ú \ã¤àoå³åv¡û¡ A¡’ì¹ [¤Å«ìA¡ A¡¹ Ç¡‡ý¡, >ìW¡; "à[³ Ò¤ ë™ ®¡ãÈo Û塧¡¡ú Rajbir Mukherjee Class III A (M)

"àA¡àÅ \åìØl¡ ë³Q \åìi¡ìá ë³ìQ¹ ¹R¡ A¡àìºà, KKì> ët¡à ëƒJìt¡ šàÒüì> &A¡iå¡* ë™ "àìºà¡¡ú ëA¡à=àÚ ëKº Îå[™¸³à³à ëA¡à=àÚ ëKº ë¹àƒ, ¤õ[Ê¡ &º c¡³ôc¡[³ìÚ ¤à[Øl¡¹ [ƒìA¡ ëáàiô¡¡ú óå¡ìº¹ ¤àKà> [®¡ì\ ëKº [®¡ì\ ëKº Kàá, \캹 [®¡t¡¹ ëJºìá ë™ Î¤ ¹R¡ì¤¹ìR¡¹ ³àá¡ú ëáàìi¡à ëJàA¡à Qå[³ìÚ =àìA¡ ¤àƒºà [ƒì> Qì¹, c¡ìØl¡¹ Òà*ÚàÚ ¤i¡Kàái¡à &[ƒA¡ *[ƒA¡ >ìØl¡¡ú

ëKàÎàš A塳㹠>à [K¹[K[i¡, ëW¡>à &ìA¡ ƒàÚ Îàš, ¤¸àR¡, ëáàìi¡à šà[J, Aò¡àA¡Øl¡à ëÎ JàÚ¡ú Îòàt¡àì¹¹ ®¡[Uìt¡ ëQàì¹ "àÅšàÅ, ³à[i¡ìt¡ Kt¢¡ A¡ì¹, ëÎJàì>Òü ¤àΡú ³åJ ë=ìA¡ 뤹 A¡ì¹ [\®¡ ¤à¹¤à¹, ƒåÒü ®¡àìK ®¡àK A¡¹à [\®¡Jà[> t¡à¹¡ú ¤Øl¡ ¤Øl¡ ¤òàA¡à ¤òàA¡à >J t¡à¹ šàìÚ Òºåƒ "๠A¡àìºà ¹ìR¡ ëáàš Îà¹à KàìÚ¡ú ³àìc¡ ³àìc¡ ëƒJà ëƒÚ šåAå¡ì¹¹ Qàìi¡, A¡Jì>à ¤à ³àc¡ \ìº Îòàt¡à¹ ëÎ A¡àìi¡¡ú Î\àK ƒõ[Ê¡ =àìA¡ [ÅA¡àì¹¹ šì¹, >ìJìt¡ \J³ A¡ì¹, ëº\ [ƒìÚ ³à칡ú A¡ì¹ >à A¡àì¹à¹ Û¡[t¡, Åà”z ëÎ šøàoã ‘ëKàÎàš’ >àì³ìt¡ t¡àìA¡ ÎA¡ìºÒü \à[>¡ú

¤à[Øl¡¹ ƒåÚ๠뮡ìR¡ ™àÚ >Ê¡ ÒÚ ëÛ¡t¡, Qì¹ ëó¡ì¹ Τ ëºàìA¡¹à Qå[W¡ìÚ ë®¡ƒà쮡ƒ¡ú Deboishika Saha Class III D (M)

Soumava Chakrabarti Class III C (A)

89

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Aå¡[Øl¡ Îàºi¡à 뮡ìÑz ëKº A¡ì¹à>à¹Òü óò¡àìƒ, [¤ó¡º Òº Ѭš¥ šè¹o ³> P¡³ì¹ Aò¡à샡ú [ƒìA¡ [ƒìA¡ ³õt塸 [³[ẠA¡àÄà, ÒàÒàA¡à¹, Î}yû¡³ìo Q¹¤[@ƒ [¤Èàìƒ ³> ®¡à¹¡ú >tå¡> [ƒì> "àÅ๠"àìºà ít¡[¹ Òº [i¡A¡à, óå¡i¡ìá Òà[ΠΤ๠³åìJ ƒåìJ¹ ™¤[>A¡à¡ú

"šá@ƒ &Òü γÚ[i¡ ¤Øl¡ "šá@ƒ ë>Òü ëA¡àì>à γìÚ¹ á@ƒ¡ú "à[³ ë™ìt¡ W¡àÒü ¤àÒüì¹, =àA¡ìt¡ W¡àÒü >à ¤‡ý¡ Q칡ú ë™ìt¡ W¡àÒü ëJàºà "àA¡àìŹ [>ìW¡ ë™Jàì> ¹àJຠ¤àºA¡ ¤òà[Å ¤à\àÚ Kàìá¹ [>ìW¡¡ú ÒüìZá A¡ì¹ ëJºìt¡ ¤Þêå¡ìƒ¹ Îàì=, =àA¡ìt¡ W¡àÒü>à &Òü [>Úì³¹ Îàì=¡ú ³ì> ÒÚ šà[J ÒìÚ l¡üìØl¡ ™àÒü "àA¡àìÅ Îà¹à[ƒ> Qå[¹[ó¡[¹ ë³ìQ "๠¤àt¡àìÎúú Aranyak Mukherjee Class III D (M)

Chirantan Ojha Class V E (M)

>tå¡> Îà\

áØl¡à, áØl¡à, áØl¡à! áØl¡à ³àì> Ç¡‹åÒü Å즹 ëJºà, áØl¡à ³àì> Ç¡‹åÒü áì@ƒ¹ 볺à; A¡[¤ ™J> K¿ ¤ìº> t¡J>Òü ÒÚ áØl¡à¡ú áØl¡à áØl¡à áØl¡à!

³à ëKà, tå¡[³ &A¡[i¡ ¤à¹ &ìÎà \à>ºà¹ ‹àì¹, ®è¡ìt¡ "à³àÚ {W¡ {W¡ Ñ¬ì¹ l¡àA¡ìá ë™ Òàt¡ ë>ìØl¡¡! ³à ¤ºº, ‘‘šàKº tå¡Òü? [ƒì>¹ 뤺à l¡àA¡ì¤ A¡ã ®è¡t¡ ët¡àìA¡, ®¡àìºà A¡ì¹ ƒ¸àJ ët¡à ëW¡ìÚ [W¡[>Î [A¡ >à &òìA¡?’’ *³à! & ë™ ¤à[Øl¡¹ ³à[º ¤}Å㤃> ƒàƒà! ƒàƒà, ët¡à³à¹ ³åJ[i¡ ëA¡> A¡àšØl¡ [ƒìÚ ¤òà‹à? ‘‘A¡ã A¡¹¤ ¤º, Jå[A¡, ë¹àìK¹ ë=ìA¡ ¤òàW¡ìt¡¡ ³åJ ë¤òì‹[á A¡àšØl¡ [ƒìÚ ¤à‹¸ ë™ ®è¡t¡ Îà\ìt¡¡!’’

Ankush Majumder Class V E (M)

Jayasi Basu Ray Class V D (M)

áØl¡à

POINTER

90

¢,‹˜ =àA¡¤ >à "๠Qì¹ áå[i áå[i¡ "ì>A¡ Òº =àA¡¤ >à "๠Qì¹, &¤à¹ "à[³ ™à¤ ÑHåþìº ¤¸àK[i¡ Aò¡àì‹ A¡ì¹¡ú ÑHåþº ¤àìÎìt¡ ×ìÀàØl¡ A¡ì¹ ëJº¤ >à>à¹A¡³ Aáàìι ³àìc¡* Wå¡[š Wå¡[š A¡¹¤ ¤A¡³ ¤A¡³¡ú A¡¹¤ "à[³ ëºJàšØl¡à ¤ìÎ ÑHåþ캹 AáàìÎ, ¤Þê塹à Τ "àìK¹ ³ìt¡àÒü =àA¡ì¤ "à³à¹ šàìÅ¡ú Îà¹à[ƒ>Òü A¡¹¤ "à³¹à ³\àÚ ºåìi¡àšå[i¡, [i¡[ó¡> i¡àÒüì³ A¡[¹ìl¡àì¹ A¡¹¤ áåìi¡àáå[i¡¡ú Î[t¡¸ ¤º[á, ³à ëKà, "๠A¡¹¤ >à ƒåÊ¡å[³, &¤à¹ "à³àÚ ÒüÑHåþìºìt¡ šàk¡à* ³à ëKà tå¡[³¡ú

A¡ì¹à>à ¤>à³ šø®å¡ Òk¡à;Òü A¡ì¹à>à Òà[\¹ ëƒìÅ-[¤ìƒìÅ šØl¡æÚà샹 ¤Þê¡ ÑHåþº "à[@i¡ìƒ¹* š= ®å¡º¡ú ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ ë=ìA¡Òü šØl¡àÇ¡ì>à ">ºàÒüì> ¤àÒüì¹ ëKìº ƒè¹â« ³àšà, ³àÑHþ š¹à, Òàt¡ ë‹àÚà \ìº "๠Îà¤àì>¡ú ¤àƒ šìØl¡[> šø®å¡¹ ¹= ¹=™àyà A¡àìº ëšì¹àìº> ³à[ι ¤à[Øl¡¹ š= "ìÅÈ Aõ¡šà¹ ó¡ìº¡ú &®¡àì¤Òü ëKìº> t¡òà¹à [>\ [>\ ‹à쳡ú ‘‘šø®å¡! šø®å¡! ¤¹ W¡àÒü, ë™> ¤òàW¡à¹ Å[v¡û¡ šàÒü, ÎàÒÎ * ®¡[v¡û¡ W¡àÒü Åv¡û¡ A¡ì¹ Òຠ‹ì¹à ÎA¡ºìA¡ ƒãQ¢àÚå A¡ì¹à¡ú’’

Sayak Roy Class V D (M)

Souraj Bandyopadhyay Class IX F (A)

91

POINTER

¢,‹˜

¹\>ã, tå¡[³ ëA¡? ¹\>ã, ët¡à³à¹ ¹ê¡š ëƒìJ ³> "à³à¹ =àìA¡ >à Qì¹, A¡ã &³> "àìá ët¡à³àìt¡ *ìk¡ ë>ìW¡ ³> l¡üYàìÎ! ëºàìA¡ ¤ìº tå¡[³ >à[A¡ A¡àìºà ¹Òθ³Ú * ®¡ãÈo [A¡”ñ tå¡[³ Òìº "Þê¡A¡àì¹¹ ¹à\à, ët¡à³à¹ "àK³ì> ëA¡³> Åà”z ÒìÚ ™àÚ & ‹¹à¡ú

ëW¡ìÚ ëƒìJà, ët¡à³à[¹ \>¸ ¹\>ãKÞê¡à ‹¹à‹àì³ óå¡ìi¡ *ìk¡, ët¡à³à[¹ \>¸ ³à>åÈ "à¤à¹ Î虢[A¡¹ìo Ñ•à> A¡ì¹ *ìk¡¡ú tå¡[³ >à &ìº ë™ "àÎì¤ >à "àìºà, ë®¡ì¤ ëƒìJà ΤàÒü \ã¤ì>¹ ëÅìÈ ëW¡àJ ¤åò\ìº ët¡à ΤÒü A¡àìºà¡ú t¡àÒü ‹>¸¤àƒ \à>àÒü ët¡à³àìA¡, ëÒ ¹\>ã, Ç¡‡ý¡ A¡ì¹à, šèo¢ A¡ì¹à "à³àìA¡¡úú Ayushi Kumar Class IX D (M)

l¡üìØl¡ ™à¤ ë™[ƒ> šà[J ÒìÚ l¡üìØl¡ ™à¤ ë™[ƒ>, ëÎÒü >㺠KKì>¹ ëƒìÅ &Òü JòàW¡à¹ \ຠ®¡àR¡¤ ëÎ[ƒ>, ³å[v¡û¡¹ Òà[Î ëÒìΡú A¡t¡Òü ë™ ®¡àÒü A¡¹ºà³ >ài¡A¡, \ã¤ì>¹ &Òü ¹UÅàºàÚ, "S¡P¡ìºà [³[ºìÚ [ƒìÚ W¡º¤ ë™[ƒìA¡ š=[i¡ Òà¹àÚ¡ú

POINTER

"à[ºUì> ¤òà‹ìt¡ ë³àì¹ "àÎì¤ ë™ ëKà \ã¤> ëÅìÈ, ëÎ Òàt¡ ‹ì¹ l¡üìØl¡ ™à¤ ëÎÒü ëÎ &A¡ t¡à¹à¹ ëƒìÅ¡ú Aishik Giri Class X E (M)

92

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™åì‡ý¡¹ ƒà³ ë³i¡àÚ ë™ ‹åìºà, ë‹òàÚ๠"à¤áàÚàìt¡, [¤‹ŒÑz, Òt¡®¡´¬ ëáàj¡ &A¡i¡à ³åJ Τ Òà¹àì>๠šø³ào ¹ìÚìá t¡à¹ Åè>¸ ƒõ[Ê¡ìt¡¡ú l¡ü^ºt¡à Òà¹àì>à ëW¡àJ ë¤àìc¡>à ¹à\>ã[t¡, [¤Å«Å[v¡û¡¹ tå¡³åº Î³ì¹ ë\ì>ìá Ç¡‹å Òà¹àìt¡¡ú ¤à¤à¹ Źã¹i¡à c¡ºìÎ ëKº, ³àìA¡ *¹à ëi¡ì> [>ìÚ ëKº, Allies-Axis-냹 ³à¹o ëJºà ëÎ ë¤àìc¡[> ¤åìc¡ìá ë™ *Òü "à*Úà\ ³àì> *¹à "àÎìá¡ú *Òü "à*Úà\ ³àì> ëÎ &A¡à¡ú

"àÎåA¡ ë¹à„å¹ \¤Œ¹ &A¡ ®¡àÒü¹àÎ Û¡³t¡à "Îã³ šàìÂi¡ [ƒº ƒå[>Úà ®¡ìÚ ÒàØl¡ [Ò³!

¤à¤à¹ ëW¡àìJ¹ [W¡A¡[W¡ìA¡ A¡àÄàìt¡, ³àìÚ¹ "Åøç¡[Îv¡û¡ Aò¡àì‹, ëÎ [ÅìJ[Ạ"àÅà Jåò\ìt¡, A¡àK\-Îòài¡à \à>ºà*Úàºà "Þê¡A¡à¹ Qì¹* ëÎ [ÅìJ[Ạ"àìºà ëƒJìt¡¡ú

‹>ã ëƒÅ, ƒ[¹‰ ëƒÅ K¹ã¤-¤Øl¡ìºàA¡ ®¡àÒü¹àìι Î೸ >ã[t¡ Τ๠Qì¹ ëÅàA¡!

[A¡”ñ ëÎ "àÅà "à\ A¡Òü? t¡à¹ ëW¡>à ³åJP¡ìºàÒü ¤à "à\ A¡Òü? Òk¡à; l¡à>[ƒA¡ ë=ìA¡ "àìÎ ¤åìºi¡i¡à... &ìóò¡àØl¡ *ìó¡òàØl¡ "àºìt¡à [ÅÇ¡ìƒÒ ³Òà A塹ç¡ìÛ¡ìy "àì¹A¡ "\à>à ÅÒメú

>Ú-áÚ "à\ "=¢>ã[t¡ ƒà[¹‰¸, ë¤A¡à¹â« ®¡àÒü¹àÎ &ìÎ l¡üìÂi¡ [ƒº "=¢>ã[t¡¹ t¡w! >tå¡> Ŧ, [l¡Îi¡¸à>[Î}, ³åìJ šì¹à ³àÑHþ [>–Å«àÎ >à* Îऋàì> ƒè¹â«i¡à ³àС!

Ayush Dutta Class XI A (M)

&A¡à[A¡â«, [>Ñz¹U \ã¤>, ³> Jà¹àš ÅÒ¹ \åìØl¡ [l¡ìšøÅ> Òt¡àÅà, š[¹t¡àš¡ú

93

¤[@ƒ "à\ W¡à¹ ëƒ*Úàìº º¸àši¡š Òàìt¡ šØl¡àìÅà>à ">ºàÒüì> ëi¡A¡ì>àº[\¹ Îàì=! &®¡àì¤Òü ëáìºì¤ºà¹ ë¹à„å¹P¡ìºà ®¡¸à[>Å ®¡àÒü¹àÎ &ìÎ ë¤àc¡àº ÎåìJ¹ [ƒ> [ó¡[>Å! "àÎåA¡ "à¤à¹ ë¹à„å¹ ëó¡ìº-"àÎà [ƒ> ³à>åÈ ÒàÎåA¡, \ã¤> ÒàÎåA¡ šõ[=¤ã ëÒàA¡ ¹[R¡>!

Soham Datta Class XII L (A)

POINTER

¢,‹˜

ÒüìZá ¹àÑz๠‹àì¹ ¤ìÎ "àìá ë³ìÚ[i¡ ë¹àìƒ-ëšàØl¡à óå¡i¡šàì=, Òàìt¡ šÃà[СA¡ óå¡ìº¹ ët¡àØl¡à Òòàiå¡ìt¡ A¡àº[Åìi¡¡úú "à³à¹ [šìk¡ ÑHåþº¤¸àK šìA¡ìi¡ l¡i¡ìš>, Òàìt¡ ‹¹à ¤ÒüJà[> *¹ A¡àìá ë=ìA¡* ƒè칡úú

ët¡à³àÚ šøoà³ Åt¡¤à¹ A¡[¤P¡¹ç¡ ¹¤ã@ƒø>à=, šøàìo¹ k¡àA塹 tå¡[³, [A¡áå [A¡ &³> "àìá ™à šà¹ìt¡ >à, Ç¡[>?

Kà>, A¡[¤t¡à, l¡üš>¸àÎ, "òàA¡à Îì¤ìt¡Òü tå¡[³ šà¹ƒÅ¢ã, ³à>åÈ [ÒìÎì¤ tå¡[³ [áìº ë™ ³Ò[È¢¡ú A¡º³ [Ạët¡à³à¹ Å[v¡û¡, ët¡à³àìA¡ ÎA¡ìºÒü A¡ì¹ ®¡[v¡û¡, ëáài¡ ë=ìA¡ ¤Øl¡, ΤàÒü ³”|³åMý¡, ™J> šìØl¡ ët¡à³à¹ ëºJà Kƒ¸ "๠šƒ¸¡ú ¤Ò> A¡ì¹ W¡º¤ ët¡à³à¹ ëƒ*Úà Kà>, tå¡[³ [áìº, tå¡[³ "àìáà, \åìØl¡ ³>šøào¡ú \K; \åìØl¡ [W¡¹A¡àº =àA¡ì¤ ët¡à³à¹ >à³, >´÷ [Åì¹ ët¡à³àÚ \à>àÒü Åt¡ìA¡à[i¡ šøoೡú

"à³à¹ ë=ìA¡ ëáài¡ ë¤à‹ÒÚ šì>ì¹à-ëÈàìºà Òì¤, šì¹¹ ¤á¹ A¡ìº\ ™à¤ * ëA¡à=àÚ ™àì¤? *¹ [A¡ ëA¡àì>à [k¡A¡à>à "àìá? [ƒì>¹ ëÅìÈ ëA¡à=àÚ ™àÚ? *¹ ³ì> [A¡ \àKì¤ A¡J>* [Åۡ๠"[®¡šøàÚ?

Agnibeena Ghosh Class XII A (M)

Sanchali Jana Class XII F (M)

* ³>, tå¡[³ ëA¡³> ³>? * ³>, tå¡[³ ëA¡³> ³>? šøt¡¸àÅà šè¹o ÒìºÒü ÎåJã, "๠¤¸=¢ ÒìºÒü ƒå–Jã? * ³>, tå¡[³ ëA¡³> ³>?

A¡Jì>à "à¤à¹ áº>à, A¡Jì>à ët¡à³à¹ ëW¡t¡>àÚ Ç¡‹ì¹ >à* [>ì\ìA¡, "àP¡> ëaìº ƒà* ¤åìA¡¡ú * ³>, tå¡[³ ëA¡³> ³>? ³à=à >t¡ A¡ì¹à >à¡ú [ƒ> ¤ƒºàÚ, Î³Ú šàÂi¡àÚ¡ú POINTER

ët¡à³à¹ Ŧ ®¡àÈà šàA¡, ët¡à³à¹ >ƒã áåìi¡ W¡ºåA¡ "\à>à, "ìW¡>à šì=, ët¡à³à¹ ¤òà[Å ë¤ì\ l¡ükå¡A¡ >tå¡> Îåì¹¹ ÎÞê¡àì>, ët¡à³à¹ "àP¡> c¡ºìÎ l¡ükå¡A¡ >tå¡> Îè왢àƒìÚ¹ šì= ƒõŸšìi¡ ‹¹à á[¤P¡ìºà Ѷõ[t¡ ÒìÚ =àA¡, ®å¡ºP¡ìºà Τ [ó¡ìA¡ ÒìÚ ™àA¡¡ú * ³>, tå¡[³ ëA¡³> ³>? &[KìÚ W¡ìºà >ã¹ì¤ A¡[ó¡¹ A¡àìš tå¡ó¡à> ët¡àìºà ëKï¹ì¤¡ú ³> - ƒ¹\à Jåìº ƒà* [¤ìÅ«¹ ƒ¹¤à칡úú Waishi Banerjee Class XI A (M) 94

Strokes of Colour

Pastel Colours

Pastel Colours ‘Hillscape’ Shreetama Datta Class III B (A)

‘Sea turtle’ Aryyadeepta Biswas Class III E (A)

Mixed Media ‘A warning’ Vasundhara Das Class III C (A)

Pastel Colours ‘Rooftop chores’ Toshan Mukherjee Class III G (M)

Mixed Media ‘Butterflies’ Satadal Chakraborty Class III D (M) 95

POINTER

Strokes of Colour

Pastel Colours

Pastel Colours ‘Grazing time’ Anubrata Pan Class V E (M)

Pastel Colours

‘Green drive’ Annwesha Mukherjee Class V A (M)

‘Country roads’ Kaushani Putatunda Class V B (M)

Pastel Colours

‘Mango day’ Shomili Ghosh Class V D (M) POINTER

96

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&A¡i¡à "à³Kàìá [t¡>ìi¡ šà[J =àA¡t¡¡ú &A¡¤à¹ ëƒà캹 [ƒ> A¡t¡P¡ìºà ëºàA¡ šà[JP¡ìºà¹ KàìÚ ¹R¡ áåòØl¡º¡ú šà[J¹à ®¡Ú ëšìÚ l¡üìØl¡ ëKº¡ú t¡à¹ ƒåÒü[ƒ> šì¹ šà[J¹à Kàìá ¤ìÎ[ạú "๠*Òü ëºàA¡P¡ìºà t¡J> "à³Kàìá¹ t¡ºàÚ ƒòà[Øl¡ìÚ[ạú šà[J¹à ëºàA¡P¡ìºà¹ ³à=àÚ A¡t¡P¡ìºà "à³ ëó¡ìº [ƒº¡ú ëºàA¡P¡ìºà¹ \à³à "àì³¹ ƒàK ëºìK Jà¹àš ÒìÚ ëKº¡ú *¹à ¤åc¡ìt¡ šà¹º šà[J샹 KàìÚ ¹R¡ áåòØl¡ìt¡ ë>Òü¡ú

"à[³ &A¡[ƒ> ÎA¡àºì¤ºà "à³à¹ ¤à¤à¹ ÎìU ë¤Øl¡àìt¡ [KìÚ[áºà³¡ú "à[³ ™J> ³àìk¡ ëJº[áºà³ t¡J> "à³à¹ ÎìU &A¡i¡à ëáàìi¡à [¤Øl¡àº* ëJº[ạú * *Jàì>Òü =àA¡t¡¡ú [A¡áåÛ¡o šì¹ "à³¹à ¤à[Øl¡ W¡ìº &ºà³¡ú ÒüÑHåþº ë=ìA¡ ³à¹ ÎìU ëó¡¹à¹ šì= ëƒ[J &A¡i¡à Kà[Øl¡¹ "àQàìt¡ ë¤Øl¡àºáà>à[i¡¹ šàìÚ ëºìKìá¡ú * Òòài¡ìt¡ šà¹ìá >à¡ú "à³à¹ *ìA¡ ëƒìJ Jå¤ ³> Jà¹àš Òº &¤} "à[³ *ìA¡ ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ [>ìÚ ™à*Ú๠\>¸ ³à¹ A¡àìá ¤àÚ>à ‹¹ºà³¡ú ³àìA¡ "ì>A¡ A¡ì¹ ¹à[\ A¡¹àºà³¡ú ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ [>ìÚ "àÎ๠š¹ *¹ šàìÚ¹ A¡ài¡à \àÚKài¡àÚ *Èå‹ [ƒìÚ [ƒºà³¡ú [t¡>-W¡à¹[ƒì>¹ ³ì‹¸ ë¤Øl¡àºáà>à[i¡ ®¡àìºà ÒìÚ ëKº¡ú "à[³ *¹ >à³ [ƒºà³ šåiå¡ìÎà>à¡ú ÒüÑHåþº ë=ìA¡ ëó¡¹à¹ š¹ *ìA¡ [>ìÚ A¡J> ëJº¤ ë®¡ì¤ šàKº ÒìÚ ë™t¡à³¡ú [¤ìA¡ìº ëJºà¹ š¹ "à[³ šØl¡ìt¡ ¤Îìº * "à³à¹ šàìÅ ¤ìÎ =àA¡t¡¡ú šØl¡àÚ "à³à¹ ³> ¤ìÎ >à¡ú ³à t¡àÒü ëƒìJ ¤à¤àìA¡ ¤ºº *ìA¡ "à¤à¹ ³àìk¡ ë¹ìJ "àÎìt¡¡ú [A¡”ñ "à[³ ¹à[\ Һೠ>à¡ú "à³à¹ ³à ëÎ[ƒ> ¹àìt¡ "à³àìA¡ Jå¤ ¤A¡à¤[A¡ A¡¹º¡ú "à³à¹ Jå¤ ³> Jà¹àš Òº¡ú "à[³ ëÎ[ƒ> Qåì³àìt¡ šà¹ºà³ >à¡ú ëÅÈ ¹àìt¡ *Òü ëáàìi¡à šåiå¡ìÎà>๠A¡=à ®¡à¤ìt¡ ®¡à¤ìt¡ Qå[³ìÚ šØl¡ºà³¡ú ÎA¡àºì¤ºà ³à¹ l¡àìA¡ Qå³ ë®¡ìR¡ Ç¡[> *ìA¡ ëA¡à=à* Jåòì\ šà*Úà ™àìZá >à¡ú &Òü Ç¡ì> [¤áà>à ë=ìA¡ t¡àØl¡àt¡à[Øl¡ >à³ìt¡ ™à*Úà¹ Î³Ú ³à¹ Òàìt¡¹ ƒå싹 ëKºàÎ šìØl¡ [KìÚ "à³à¹ šà ëA¡ìi¡ ëKº¡ú "à³à¹ šàìÚ¹ ƒàKi¡à "à\* ¹ìÚ ëKìá¡ú šåiå¡ìÎà>àìA¡ šì¹ "à[³ "ì>A¡ Jåòì\[á¡ú ³à, ¤à¤à* "ì>A¡ Jåòì\ìá [A¡”ñ "๠t¡àìA¡ šàÚ[>¡ú ' ë™ "à³à¹ šàìÚ¹ ƒàKi¡à, *i¡à ë™> "à³à¹ ³ì> &A¡i¡à ¤Øl¡ ƒàK ÒìÚ ¹Òüº¡ú "à[³ *ìA¡ "à\* ®å¡ºìt¡ šà[¹ >à¡ú ³ì> ÒÚ ë™> šåiå¡ìÎà>à¡ "à³à¹ A¡àìá "à\* ¹ìÚìá &¤} Î¤Î³Ú =àA¡ì¤¡ú * W¡ìº ëKº [A¡”ñ * ƒàK ë¹ìJ ëKº ¤à[Øl¡¹ ÎA¡ìº¹ ³ì>¡ú

Projjwal Banerjee Class I D (A)

Moyukh Banerjee Class I D (M)

"ìW¡>à [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ "à³à샹 Qì¹ "ì>A¡ [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ =àìA¡¡ú ÎA¡àìº Qå³ ë=ìA¡ l¡üìk¡ ë=ìA¡ ¹àt¡ "¤[‹ [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ìƒ¹ >à>à¹A¡³ ëJºà ëƒ[J ëƒ*Úà캡ú ëÎ[ƒ> \à>àºà¹ ‹àì¹ ¤ìÎ ¤àKàì> i¡K¹ Kàái¡à¹ [ƒìA¡ t¡à[A¡ìÚ "à[á, ëƒ[J &A¡i¡à [¤Åຠ[i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ Kàìá¹ Kà ë¤ìÚ l¡ük¡ìá¡ú áàÒü-áàÒü ¹ìR¡¹, Kàìá¹ áà캹 ³ìt¡à ¹R¡¡ú "à[³ t¡à[A¡ìÚ "à[á, &A¡iå¡ šì¹ "๠ëƒJìt¡ 뚺ೠ>à¡ú ³àìA¡ ¤ººà³¡ú ³à &ìÎ "à³à¹ A¡àìá ¤Îº [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ ëƒJì¤ ¤ìº¡ú Òk¡à; ³à ¤ºº, & ë™ šàt¡à¹ [®¡t¡¹ Qå¹ìá, KàìÚ¹ ¹R¡ Τå\! "à[³ ët¡à "¤àA¡¡ú [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡i¡à \àƒå \àì> >à[A¡? ³à ¤ºº, *i¡à [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ >Ú, [K¹[K[i¡ú *¹à KàìÚ¹ ¹R¡ ¤ƒºàìt¡ šà칡ú &Òü >tå¡> \àƒå*Úàºà [i¡A¡[i¡[A¡ ëƒìJ "à³à¹ Jå¤ ³\à Òº¡ú Aarna Dey Class I D (A)

šà[J샹 ¤å[‡ý¡

97

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Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’ K¹ì³¹ áå[i¡ìt¡ &¤àì¹ K¹ì³¹ áå[i¡ìt¡ "à[³ ¤à¤à-³àìÚ¹ ÎìU ¤òàAå¡Øl¡à [KìÚ[áºà³¡ú *Jàì> "à³à¹ ƒàƒàÒü, k¡à³ô[³ =àìA¡>¡ú "à³¹à Kà[Øl¡ìt¡ W¡ìØl¡ [KìÚ[áºà³¡ú šì= ¤Øl¡ì\àØl¡à >àì³ &A¡[i¡ \àÚKà "àìá¡ú šàÒàØl¡ * ¤ì>¹ [®¡t¡¹ [ƒìÚ š=¡ú W¡à[¹[ƒìA¡ ë³[Åì>¹ "à*Úà\¡ú šà=¹ Pò¡ìØl¡à A¡¹à ÒÚ¡ú Ç¡>ºà³ ¹àìt¡ *Jàì> Òà[t¡ ë¤ì¹àÚ¡ú &¹š¹ Jà[>A¡i¡à óò¡àA¡à \àÚKà "๠t¡à¹ š¹Òü ¤òàAå¡Øl¡à¡ú ¤à[Øl¡ ëšòïìáàì>๠š¹ ƒåšåì¹ [³[³ * [šÎåþ¹ ÎìU ƒàƒà &º¡ú ¹àìt¡ A¡àºãšåì\à [ạú [¤A¡àìº ëáàìi¡à &A¡i¡à ë³ºà ¤Îº¡ú ƒàƒàÒü [\[º[š [A¡ì> "à>º¡ú ƒàƒà [ƒº ëJº>à Kà[Øl¡¡ú 뮡àì¹ Jå¤ c¡Øl¡ l¡ük¡º¡ú ¤àKàì>¹ Kàá ë=ìA¡ "ì>A¡ "à³ c¡ì¹ šìØl¡ ëKº¡ú &¤àì¹ "à[³ šåA塹 ë=ìA¡ ³àá ‹¹à ëƒìJ[á¡ú šåAå¡ì¹¹ šàìÅ Åàº, šºàìŹ ¤>, t¡à¹Òü ‹àì¹ óò¡àA¡à \àÚKàÚ Òài¡ ¤ìΡú &¤àì¹ k¡à³ô[³ [³[Òƒà>à ¤à[>ìÚ[ạú [t¡> [ƒ> Jå¤ ³\à Òº¡ú t¡à¹šì¹ "à³¹à ¤à[Øl¡ [ó¡ì¹ &ºà³¡ú Mayukh Acharjee Class I G (M)

A¡º³ &A¡i¡à ë³ìÚ [ạú t¡à¹ >à³ i¡K[¹¡ú t¡à¹ ³à[Î ƒå-[ƒì>¹ \>¸ ë¤Øl¡àìt¡ [KìÚìá¡ú ™J> ³à[Î &º t¡à¹ \>¸ &A¡i¡à A¡º³ [>ìÚ &º¡ú i¡K[¹¹ A¡º³i¡à Jå¤ ®¡àº ºàKº¡ú &A¡[ƒ> * A¡º³i¡à [ƒìÚ [ºJì¤ ®¡à¤º¡ú ëƒìJ A¡º³i¡à ë>Òü¡ú i¡K[¹¹ A¡ã A¡àÄà! ³à ¤ºº, Aò¡àƒá ëA¡>? * ¤ºº, "à³à¹ A¡º³i¡à Òà[¹ìÚ ëKìá¡ú &A¡[ƒ> i¡K[¹¹à ë¤Øl¡àìt¡ ëKº¡ú [ó¡ì¹ &ìÎ i¡K[¹ ëƒJº t¡à¹ A¡º³i¡à ³à[i¡ìt¡ šìØl¡ "àìá¡! * A¡º³i¡à Aå¡[Øl¡ìÚ [>º "๠Jå¤ Jå[Å Òº¡ú Minakshi Chaudhuri Class I E (A)

¹à\å "๠ëÅÚຠ¹à\å K¹ì³¹ áå[i¡ìt¡ ³à³à¹ ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ ëKº¡ú ¤à[Øl¡[i¡¹ W¡à¹šàÅ Q> ¤ì> ®¡¹à¡ &¤} ë¹à\ ëÅÚຠë¤ì¹àÚ¡ú &A¡[ƒ> [¤ìA¡ìº ¹à\å Îà³ì>¹ "೤àKàì> ëJº[ạú &³> Î³Ú ëA¡à=à ë=ìA¡ &A¡i¡à ëÅÚຠ&ìÎ šØl¡º¡ú ¹à\å Jå¤ W¡àºàA¡ [ạú * ¤ºº, ‘‘ëÅÚຠ®¡àÚà, tå¡[³ "à³àìA¡ ëJ* >à¡ú "à[³ ët¡à³àìA¡ &A¡i¡à \àƒå¹ Ò๠냤, ™à [ƒìÚ tå¡[³ ™à W¡àÒüì¤ t¡àÒü šà줡ú’’ ëÅÚຠt¡à¹ A¡=àÚ ¹à[\ ÒìÚ ëKº¡ú ¹à\å ¤ºº "à³ Kàìá¹ ëA¡ài¡ì¹ Ò๠"àìá¡ú ¹à\å W¡ìº ëKìº t¡ì¤Òü ë™> ëÅÚຠÒà¹i¡à šì¹¡ú ¹à\å ë™Òü áåi¡ ºàKຠ"³[> ëÅÚຠÒà¹i¡à [>ìt¡ ëKº¡ú & [A¡, Ò๠ëA¡àJàÚ? & ët¡à ë\à>à[A¡¡! &A¡ \àÚKàÚ \ìØl¡à ÒìÚ ³àºà¹ ³ìt¡à ÒìÚ "àìá¡ú ëÎ[ƒ> ¹à\å ëÅÚàºìA¡ Jå¤ ë¤àA¡à ¤à[>ìÚ[ạú Som Vishnu Modak Class I G (A)

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&A¡[i¡ Kàá, &A¡[i¡ [¤Ñ¶Ú!

1853 Îàìº A¡¸à[ºìó¡à[>¢ÚàÚ &A¡[i¡ KàáìA¡ [A¡áå ³à>åÈ Jå¤ [>ƒ¢Ú®¡àì¤ ëA¡ìi¡ ëó¡ìºú ëƒJà ™àÚ t¡à¹ Pò¡[Øl¡[i¡ &A¡[i¡ >àW¡³ìe¡¹ ëW¡ìÚ ¤ìØl¡à &¤} t¡à¹ ¤ÚÎ 1,244 ¤á¹¡ú 1881 Îàìº A¡¸à[ºìó¡à[>¢Ú๠"๠&A¡ \àÚKàÚ &A¡[i¡ Kàìá¹ [®¡t¡¹ [ƒìÚ Kà[Øl¡ ™à*Ú๠³ìt¡à ÎåØl¡U ít¡[¹ A¡¹à ÒÚ¡ú "Š±æt¡ ºàKìº* ƒå[i¡ Qi¡>àÒü Î[t¡¸ &¤} Kàá[i¡¹ >à³ ‘\àìÚ@i¡ [ÎA¡*Úà’ ¤à ‘[ÎìÚ¹à ë¹l¡l¡ül¡’¡ú \àìÚ@i¡ [ÎA¡*Úà šõ[=¤ã¹ ΤìW¡ìÚ l¡üòWå¡ * ¤ìØl¡à KàáP¡[º¹ ³ì‹¸ &A¡[i¡¡ú &[i¡ ‘ë¹l¡l¡ül¡’ >à³A¡ KàáP¡[º¹ &A¡[i¡ šø\à[t¡¡ú &¹ l¡üZW¡t¡à 250 óå¡ìi¡¹* ë¤[Å Òìt¡ šà칡ú W¡*Øl¡àÚ &[i¡ 30 óå¡i¡ "¤[‹ Òìt¡ šà칡ú ‘ÒàÒüìš[¹Ú>’, ë™[i¡ šõ[=¤ã¹ l¡üZW¡t¡³ Kàá, ëÎ* [ÎA¡*Ú๠³ìt¡à ë¹l¡l¡üìl¡¹Òü "àì¹A¡ šø\à[t¡, ‘ëA¡àʡຠë¹l¡l¡ül¡’¡ú 2,000 ºÛ¡ ¤á¹ "àìK* \àìÚ@i¡ [ÎA¡*Úà šõ[=¤ãìt¡ [ạú šøàW¡ã>A¡àìº A¡¸à[ºìó¡à[>¢Úà "e¡ìº¹ "à[ƒ¤àÎã¹à &Òü Kàìá¹ Pò¡[Øl¡¹ ³ì‹¸ =àA¡t¡¡ú [ÎìÚ¹à ë>®¡àl¡à š¤¢t¡³àºà¹ š[ÆW¡³ ‹àìš &Òü Kàá \@µàÚ¡ú Î³å‰ ë=ìA¡ ™à 5,000 ¤à 7,000 óå¡i¡ l¡üòWå¡¡ú &t¡ l¡üòWå¡ìt¡ Ç¡A¡ì>à ¤àt¡àìι ÎàÒà외 t¡à샹 ¤ã\ á[Øl¡ìÚ šìØl¡¡ú ¤¹ì󡹡 "हo šø[t¡[ƒ> t¡à샹 ë™ šøW塹 \캹 šøìÚà\> t¡à ë³i¡àÚ¡ú &Òü KàáP¡[º 3,000 ¤áì¹¹* ë¤[Å ¤òàW¡ìt¡ šà칡ú &t¡[ƒ> ¤òàW¡à¹ ó¡ìº * Jå¤ ‰ç¡t¡ ¤õ[‡ý¡¹ ó¡ìº &¹à &t¡ [¤Åຠ"àAõ¡[t¡ šàÚ¡ú "à³¹à \à[> "àP¡> Kàìá¹ šìÛ¡ Û¡[t¡A¡¹¡ú [A¡”ñ [ÎA¡*Ú๠ëÛ¡ìy t¡à l¡üìÂi¡à¡ú "àP¡> &Òü Kàìá¹ ‘ëA¡à>ô’ ë=ìA¡ ¤ã\ ¤à¹ A¡¹ìt¡ ÎàÒà™¸ A¡ì¹, ³à[i¡¹ P¡o ¤õ[‡ý¡ A¡ì¹ &¤} ">¸ Kàìá¹ Î}J¸à A¡[³ìÚ [ÎA¡*Úà KàáìA¡ ¤àØl¡ìt¡ ÎàÒà™¸ A¡ì¹¡ú ">¸[ƒìA¡, [ÎA¡*Úà Kàìá¹ áຠë³ài¡à Ò*ÚàÚ &¤} t¡àìt¡ šøW塹 ‘i¡¸à[>>’ =àA¡àÚ, ëšàA¡à³àA¡Øl¡ * "àP¡> &샹 ëA¡àì>à Û¡[t¡ A¡¹ìt¡ šàì¹ >à¡ú [¤`¡à>ã¹à ¤ìºìá> ë¹l¡l¡ül¡ &¤} t¡à¹Òü šø\à[t¡ &Òü [ÎA¡*Úà Kàá šøW塹 š[¹³ào A¡à¤¢> š[¹ì¤Å ë=ìA¡ [>ìÚ [>ì\샹 ³ì‹¸ Îe¡Ú A¡ì¹ &¤} ë™ìÒtå¡ &¹à [¤Åຠ* ¤× ¤á¹ ¤òàìW¡ t¡àÒü š[¹ì¤ÅìA¡ [¤šåº š[¹³ào A¡à¤¢> ë=ìA¡ ³å[v¡û¡ ëƒÚ¡ú t¡àÒü &Òü [¤Ñ¶ÚA¡¹ KàáìA¡ ¤òà[W¡ìÚ ¹àJà "à³à샹 A¡t¢¡¤¸¡ú Abhishuman Chatterjee Class III A (M)

99

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Òo¢[¤º ëƒJ๠"[®¡`¡t¡à Aå¡ [c¡Aô¡ [c¡Aô¡ A¡ì¹ ëi¡ö>i¡à [>l¡ü \ºšàÒüP¡[Øl¡ ëСÅì> &ìÎ =೺¡ú ³àW¢¡ ³àÎ, &Jàì> &J> ë¤Å k¡à“¡à¡ú šƒ³\ã¹ šàk¡àì>à Kà[Øl¡ A¡ì¹ "à³¹à ¹*>à [ƒºà³ ºài¡šàe¡à칡ú šàÒàìØl¡¹ KàìÚ ¹àÑzài¡à ³ì> Òº Îàìš¹ ³t¡ &òìA¡ì¤òìA¡ l¡üšì¹ l¡üìk¡ [KìÚìá¡ú ³Òà>@ƒà \Uìº ëQ¹à ëáàj¡ šàÒà[Øl¡ Nøà³ ºài¡šàe¡à¹¡ú šì¹¹ [ƒ> ÎA¡àìº A¡¸àì³¹à P¡[áìÚ [>ìÚ ¤à¤à, ³à * KàÒüìl¡¹ ÎìU ¹*>à [ƒºà³ \Uìº šà[J ëƒJìt¡¡ú ¤à¤à¹ Òàìt¡ ƒèì¹ šà[J¹ á[¤ ët¡àºà¹ A¡¸àì³¹à "๠"à³à¹ A¡àìá [>A¡ì>¹ ëáàj¡ A¡¸àì³¹à¡ú šàÒàìØl¡¹ KàìÚ Î¹ç¡ š= ë¤ìÚ \U캹 &A¡ \àÚKàÚ &ìÎ "à³¹à =೺ೡú KàÒül¡ Îå¹\ ¤ºº, &Jà> ë=ìA¡Òü ƒèì¹ ëƒJìt¡ šà¤ ¹ç¡óå¡ÚàÎ QàØl¡™åv¡û¡ ‹ì>Å šà[J¡ú Òü}¹à[\ìt¡ ¤ìº Rufous-necked hornbillú Òk¡à; ×Øl¡³åØl¡ A¡ì¹ "à³à샹 šàÅ [ƒìÚ l¡à>à c¡àšìi¡ A¡ã ë™> \U캹 [®¡t¡¹ W¡ìº ëKº¡ú "à[³ Jå¤ ®¡Ú 뚺ೡú Îå¹\ƒàƒà ¤ºº, *i¡à ³Ú蹡ú "à[³ ³Úè¹ ëƒìJ "à>ì@ƒ Òàt¡t¡à[º [ƒìÚ l¡ük¡ºà³¡ú ¤à¤à ¤ºìº> šøAõ¡[t¡¹ ³àc¡Jàì> ÒÒüW¡Òü A¡¹à [>ìÈ‹¡ú Î¹ç¡ šà=ì¹¹ l¡üš¹ A¡¸àì³¹à ë¹ìJ "à³¹à [>–Åì¦ šà[J¹ "ìšÛ¡àÚ ¤ìÎ ¹Òüºà³¡ú W¡à[¹[ƒìA¡ >à>à> šà[J¹ l¡àA¡¡ú &³>®¡àì¤ [t¡>-W¡à¹ Qsi¡à ëA¡ìi¡ ëKº¡ú Òk¡à; ¤Øl¡ l¡à>à ë³ìº ëÅòà ëÅòà Ŧ A¡ì¹ ƒèì¹ &A¡i¡à [¤ÅຠKàìá l¡üìØl¡ &ìÎ ¤Îº šå¹ç¡È ¹ç¡óå¡ÚàÎ-ë>A¡lô¡ Òo¢[¤º¡ú &A¡iå¡ šì¹Òü l¡üìØl¡ &º Ñ|ã šà[Ji¡à¡ú ÒüÅà¹àÚ ¤à¤à ¤ºìº> á[¤ t塺ìt¡¡ú "à[³ "à³à¹ ëáàj¡ A¡¸àì³¹àÚ ƒèì¹ šà[Jƒåìi¡à¹ á[¤ ët¡àºà¹ ëW¡Ê¡à A¡¹ìt¡ ºàKºà³¡ú ë\ì>[áºà³ Òo¢[¤º ë\àØl¡àÚ ¤Î¤àÎ A¡ì¹¡ú ëƒJºà³, šå¹ç¡È šà[J[i¡¹ QàìØl¡ ¤àƒà[³ ¹ìR¡¹ ëºà³, ëW¡àìJ¹ W¡à¹šàÅi¡à >ãº, * ÒàºA¡à Òºåƒ ¹ìR¡¹ ¤Øl¡ ëkò¡ài¡¡ú Ñ|ã šà[Ji¡à¹ δšèo¢ Ź㹠A¡àìºà ¹ìR¡¹¡ú &Òü [¤šÄ šø\à[t¡¹ šà[J ÎA¡º šÛ¡ãìšø³ã¹ A¡àìáÒü Jå¤ [šøÚ * "àA¡È¢oãÚ¡ú [A¡áåÛ¡o š¹ šà[JP¡ìºà "à¤à¹ Jà¤à¹ ë\àKàìØl¡¹ l¡üì„ìŸ Ŧ A¡ì¹ l¡üìØl¡ ëKº¡ú "à³¹à* A¡¸àì³¹à P¡[i¡ìÚ ëÒà³ìСìt¡ [ó¡ìº &ºà³¡ú Òo¢[¤º šà[J ëƒJ๠"[®¡`¡t¡à "à³à¹ A¡àìá Îà¹à\ã¤> &A¡ Îå@ƒ¹ Ѷõ[t¡ ÒìÚ ë=ìA¡ ™à줡ú Kritanu Bandyopadhyay Class III B (A)

POINTER

100

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Deepakshi Mondal Class III E (A)

Adrija Saha Class V C (M) 101

POINTER

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POINTER

102

Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’

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&A¡[ƒ> ³à ¤¸Ñz [áìº> "à[ƒ¤àÎã >àW¡ ëƒJìt¡¡ú "à[³ Wå¡[šWå¡[š "à³à¹ &A¡i¡à ëÎàìÚi¡à¹ "๠³àìÚ¹ &A¡i¡à K¹³ W¡àƒ¹ Q¹ ë=ìA¡ 뤹 A¡ì¹ *ìA¡¡ [ƒºà³¡ú ³ì> ÒìÚ[Ạšì¹ ³àìÚ¹ A¡àìá Jå¤ ¤Aå¡[> ëJìt¡ Ò줡ú ¤Þê塹 \>¸ "à³à¹ &t¡ A¡Ê¡ ÒìÚ[Ạt¡àÒü [ƒìÚ ë󡺺ೡú *¹ ³à W¡àƒ¹i¡à KàìÚ [ƒìÚ "à³à¹ ³àìÚ¹ A¡àìá &ìÎ ¤ºº, ‘‘ët¡à³à¹ ëáìº [ƒìÚìá¡ú’’ A¡=ài¡à Ç¡ì> ³à "à³àìA¡ ¤åìA¡ \[Øl¡ìÚ ‹ì¹ ëAò¡ìƒ ëó¡ìº[áìº>¡ú t¡J> ¤Þêå¡ìA¡ [A¡áå ëƒ*Ú๠"à>@ƒ ë™> "à¹* ë¤ìØl¡ ëKº¡ú ¤åc¡ºà³ ³à>åìȹ šøìÚà\ì> ÎàÒà™¸ A¡¹ìº ³à ¹àK A¡ì¹> >à¡ú Nairrit Basak Class V A (M)

&A¡ Q[i¡ \º &A Nøàì³ &A¡ K¹ã¤ W¡à[È t¡à¹ ¤l¡ü * ë³ìÚìA¡ [>ìÚ =àA¡t¡¡ú ë³ìÚ[i¡¹ >à³ [ẠKUà¡ú &A¡[ƒ> KUà ëJºìt¡ ëJºìt¡ ³àìk¡¹ ³àìc¡ &A¡i¡à ëáài¡ Kt¢¡ JåòìØl¡ t¡àìt¡ \º ën¡ìº ƒã[Q-ƒã[Q ëJº[ạú Òk¡à; ëÎJà> ë=ìA¡ &A¡[i¡ Îå@ƒ¹ã ë³ìÚ l¡üìk¡ &ìÎ t¡àìA¡ &A¡ Q[i¡ \º [ƒìÚ ¤ºº, ‘‘&i¡à ™â¥ A¡ì¹ ë¹ìJ ƒà*, šì¹ A¡àì\ ºàK줡ú’’ &¹š¹ &A¡ Î³Ú Nøàì³ tå¡³åº J¹à ëƒJà [ƒº¡ú &A¡ ëóò¡ài¡à \캹 \ì>¸ ÒàÒàA¡à¹ l¡ük¡º¡ú t¡J> KUà ëÎÒü Q[i¡i¡à [>ìÚ [KìÚ t¡à¹ ëJºà¹ ƒã[Q¹ ³ì‹¸ \º n¡àºìt¡Òü ëW¡àìJ¹ [>ì³ìÈ ëÎJàì> &A¡[i¡ \ºàÅÚ ít¡[¹ Òº¡! t¡à¹š¹ ëÎÒü \º [ƒìÚ W¡àÈ-"à¤àƒ A¡ì¹ Nøàì³¹ ëºàìA¡¹à šøàìo ¤òàW¡º¡ú KU๠³åìJ Τ A¡=à Ç¡ì> "๠ëA¡l¡ü ëA¡àì>à[ƒ> \º "šW¡Ú A¡¹º >à¡ú

Hindol Sarkar Class V D (A)

Suprasanna Mukherjee Class V E (M) 103

POINTER

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ƒåšåì¹ ®¡àt¡ Jà*Ú๠šì¹ Wå¡[¹ A¡ì¹ ëº¤å¹ "àW¡à¹ Jà[Záºà³ "๠³ì> ³ì> ®¡à¤[áºà³ "๠ët¡à ÎÒ¸ ÒÚ >à &Òü ¤[@ƒ \ã¤>! &[ƒìA¡ ëáài¡ ®¡àÒü ¹à\à [¤¹v¡û¡ A¡¹ìá Τγڡú Ò¸à[¹ ši¡àì¹¹ á[¤¹ [ƒìA¡ t¡à[A¡ìÚ ®¡à¤[á [A¡ A¡¹à ™àÚ? Òk¡à; Ç¡[> ëA¡ ë™> l¡àA¡º, ‘‘&Òü ¹àt塺’’- ëA¡ ë¹? * ³à, & ë™ ëƒ[J KìoÅ ³Òà¹à\! ³åìJ [³[i¡[³[i¡ Òà[Î! ‘‘[A¡ ë¹, [A¡ A¡¹[áÎ "à\A¡àº?’’ ³åJ ®¡à¹ A¡ì¹ ¤ººà³, ‘‘ëQàØl¡à¹ [l¡³¡!’’ KìoÅ[\ ³‹å¹ ÒàÎìº>¡ú t¡à¹š¹ ¤ºìº>, ‘‘¤åìc¡[á, ët¡à¹ ¹àK ÒìÚìáú "à³àìA¡ &A¡i¡à Kà> ëÅà>à ët¡à ëƒ[J¡ú’’ A¡ã "๠A¡¹à ™àì¤? ³ì> ®¡[v¡û¡ &ì> Kà> Ç¡¹ç¡ A¡¹ºà³, Kà> Ç¡ì> ³Òà Jå[Å [t¡[>¡ú Îå@ƒ¹ &A¡i¡à ¤àG Jåìº "à³àìA¡ ƒåìi¡à ºàmå¡ [ƒìº>¡ú *ì¹ ¤à¤à, ºàmå¡ ë™ "à³à¹ ®¡ãÈo [šøÚ¡! t¡J> KìoÅ[\ ¤ºìº>, ‘‘ƒòàØl¡à, A¡ã A¡¹[áÎ? ët¡à¹ ëáài¡ ®¡àÒüìA¡ >à [ƒìÚÒü Jà[ZáÎ?’’ [³[Ò KºàÚ ëA¡ ë™> ¤ºº, ‘‘A¡ã Ѭà=¢š¹, "à³àìA¡* ët¡à [ƒ[º>à, Jà[º &A¡ºà Jà*Ú๠³t¡º¤?’’ & ë™ ëƒ[J ë>}[i¡ Òüòƒå¹! Wå¡š A¡ì¹ ¹Òüºå³¡ú KìoÅ[\ ¤ºìº>, ‘‘&t¡ ë™ A¡ìÊ¡¹ ³ì‹¸ "à[áÎ, t¡à* šøAõ¡t¡ [ÅÛ¡à Òº>à ët¡à샹? ®¡àK A¡ì¹ ëJìt¡ ëÅJ, W¡ºìt¡ ëÅJ, t¡ì¤Òü ët¡à "à>@ƒ¡! ëƒJ[áÎ>à &A¡à =àA¡à¹ A¡Ê¡?’’ t¡àÒü ët¡à¡! &Òü ë™ ë¹à\ Ç¡>[á ‘"àÒüìÎàìºÅ>’, ‘ëA¡àÚàì¹@i¡àÒü>’ - ŦP¡[º ëA¡³> &A¡à[A¡ìâ« ®¡¹à! >à, >à, &Òü \ã¤> "à³¹à W¡àÒü>à¡ú šøÅ¥ A¡¹ºà³, ‘‘"à³à샹 A¡ã A¡¹à l¡ü[W¡t¡?’’ l¡üƒà¹ Òà[Îìt¡ KìoÅ[\ ¤ºìº>, ‘‘ΤàÒüìA¡ [>ìÚ ¤òàW¡[¤, [¤šìƒ šàìÅ ƒòàØl¡à[¤, š[¹ì¤Å ƒèÈo³åv¡û¡ A¡¹[¤¡ú šø[t¡[ƒ> &A¡i¡à A¡ì¹ ®¡àº A¡à\ A¡¹[¤, t¡ì¤Òü [ó¡ì¹ šà[¤ ™à tå¡Òü W¡àÒü[áΡú’’

[¤Ì塳[@ƒì¹¹ [¤®¡ã[ÈA¡à [K[¹[l¡ìt¡, \U캹 šàìÅ, "à³à샹 [¤ÅàºàA¡à¹, ÎàìÒ¤A¡à캹 íštõ¡A¡ ¤à[Øl¡¡ú Îà³ì>¹ ¤àKàì> &A¡[i¡ [¤Ìå¡ ³[@ƒ¹¡ú t¡ì¤ &[i¡ ë™ A¡ìt¡à šåì¹àì>à t¡à¹ [k¡A¡ ë>Òü¡ú Ååì>[á "à³à샹 &A¡ "=¢Åàºã šè¤¢šå¹ç¡È Ѭš¥àìƒÅ ëšìÚ &Òü ³[@ƒ¹ Jåòì\ 뤹 A¡ì¹> * &Jàì> ë=ìA¡ ÅøãÒ[¹¹ ëΤà A¡¹à¹ Î}A¡¿ ë>>¡ú &J> *¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ [¤ìÅÈ ëA¡l¡ü =àìA¡ >à¡ú "à³à¹ ƒàƒå =àìA¡> * t¡ò๠ëƒJàìÅà>à A¡¹à¹ \>¸ [Ạ¤ã¹ ¤àÒàƒå¹¡ú ¤àÒàƒå¹ 25 ¤áì¹¹ ë>šàºã ™å¤A¡¡ú Òà[ÎJå[Å * [¤Å«Ñz¡ú ëΤ๠ƒåK¢àšåì\à¹ Î³Ú *¤à[Øl¡¹ ëšáì>¹ \Uìº Qå¹ìt¡ Qå¹ìt¡ &A¡[i¡ šà=ì¹¹ l¡üšì¹ &A¡ [W¡Òû¡ ëƒìJ W¡³ìA¡ l¡ük¡ºà³¡ú [k¡A¡ &Òü¹A¡³ &A¡ [W¡Òû¡ [¤Ìå¡ ³[@ƒì¹¹ ë¤[ƒ¹ l¡üš¹ "àìá >à? ëÎ ¹àìt¡ ¤àÒàƒåì¹¹ ÎàÒà외 šà=¹[i¡ìA¡ [>ìÚ &ºà³ [¤Ìå¡ ³[@ƒì¹¡ú ƒå[i¡ [W¡Òû¡ l¡üš¹ l¡üš¹ ë¹ìJ W¡àš [ƒìÚ ëQà¹àìt¡Òü Jiô¡ A¡ì¹ &A¡[i¡ šà=ì¹¹ W¡àA¡[t¡ ë¤[¹ìÚ šØl¡º¡ú t¡à¹ l¡üš¹ [A¡ ë™> ëºJà "àìáú Î}ÑHõþt¡ \à>t¡à³ ¤ìº šØl¡ìt¡ šà¹ºà³¡ú &A¡i¡à [\[>ÎìA¡ l¡à>[ƒìA¡ W¡à¹¤à¹ * ¤òà[ƒìA¡ ëQà¹àìº šà¤ ºåìi¡¹à샹 Òàt¡ ë=ìA¡ ºå[A¡ìÚ ¹àJà šøàW¡ã> ®¡à¹t¡ãÚ 'Å«™¢ γå쉹 &A¡ ëóò¡ài¡à \º¡! ¤àÒàƒå¹ [\`¡àÎå ƒõ[Ê¡ìt¡ t¡àA¡àº "à³à¹ [ƒìA¡¡ú "à[³ *ìA¡ ¤¸àšà¹i¡à ¤å[c¡ìÚ [ƒìt¡ * ¤ºº ‘‘[A¡”ñ ƒàƒà®¡àÒü, &¹ \>¸ [¤Ìå¡[\¹ Åàš ºàKì¤ >à ët¡à?’’ "à[³ ëÒìÎ ¤ººà³, ‘‘* Τ ¤àì\ A¡=àú’’ Òk¡à; [®¡ì\ ë³ìc¡ìt¡ šà [šáìº ™à*ÚàÚ ëƒ*Úàìº ¤à>àì>à &A¡[i¡ W¡ìyû¡¹ [W¡y ‹ì¹ cå¡ìº šØl¡ìt¡ ëÎi¡à Qåì¹ ëKº¡ú ¤àÒàƒå¹ ‘‘A¡ã Òº?’’ ¤ìº ³Åຠ[>ìÚ áåìi¡ &º¡ú "à[³ K´±ã¹ ³åìJ W¡yû¡[i¡ìA¡ [>샢ųìt¡à ëQà¹àìt¡Òü "à³à샹 šàìÚ¹ [>ìW¡¹ šà=¹ Îì¹ ëKº¡ú "à³¹à &ìÎ šØl¡ºà³ &A¡ P¡œ¡ A¡ìÛ¡¡ú ëÎJàì> Ιì⥠¹àJà &A¡[i¡ ¤àG Jåºìt¡Òü Îà¹à Q¹ "àìºà[A¡t¡ ÒìÚ l¡ük¡º¡ú & ë™ ëÎà>à! Òk¡à; &A¡[i¡ ëA¡l¡üìi¡ ÎàšìA¡ t¡ã¤øì¤ìK "à³à샹 [ƒìA¡ &[KìÚ¡ "àÎìt¡ ëƒìJ ¤àÒàƒå¹ &A¡ ‹àB¡à [ƒº "à³àìA¡¡ú "àQàìt¡ "îW¡t¡>¸ ÒìÚ ™à*Ú๠"àìK ëƒJºà³ ëA¡l¡üìi¡¹ ëáà¤ìº ³õt塸¹ ëA¡àìº n¡ìº šØl¡º ¤àÒàƒå¹¡ú t¡à¹šì¹¹ Òü[t¡ÒàÎ Î}[Û¡œ¡¡ú š¹[ƒ> ¤à¤à "à³àìA¡ l¡ü‡ý¡à¹ A¡ì¹> * P¡œ¡‹> ιA¡àì¹¹ Òàìt¡ tå¡ìº ëƒ>¡ú ƒÅ[i¡ Ѭo¢³å‰à "à³¹à šàÒü¡ú t¡à¹ ³ì‹¸ šòàW¡[i¡ ¤àÒàƒåì¹¹ ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ *¹ š[¹¤àì¹ šà[k¡ìÚ ëƒ*Úà ÒÚ¡ú

³àìÚ¹ l¡àìA¡ Qå³ ë®¡ìR¡ l¡üìk¡ ¤Îºå³, ¤åc¡ºà³, Ѭš¥ ëƒJ[áºå³¡ú k¡àA塹Q¹ ë=ìA¡ ³à ¤ºìº>, ‘‘šøÎàƒ [>ìÚ ™à¡ú’’ "à[³ ¤ººà³, ‘‘[A¡ìι šøÎàƒ?’’ ³à ¤ºìº>,‘‘"à\ ë™ KìoÅ W¡tå¡=¢ã!’’ ³>i¡à ƒåìº l¡ük¡º, A¡ã ëƒJºå³ "à[³? Ç¡‹å Ѭš¥? >à "à³à¹ "¤ìW¡t¡> ³ì>¹ ÒüZá๠šøA¡àÅ? ™àÒü ëÒàA¡ >à ëA¡>, šøÎàƒi¡à [A¡”ñ "à[³ ëÎ[ƒ> ¹à\àìA¡ JàÒüìÚ t¡ì¤Òü ëJìÚ[á¡ú "à\A¡àº šø[t¡[ƒ> "à[³ "à³à¹ ³àìA¡ A¡àì\ ÎàÒà™¸ A¡[¹¡ú ëA¡ >à \àì> ³àìA¡ ÎàÒà™¸ A¡¹à¹ ³t¡> ®¡àìºà A¡à\ šõ[=¤ãìt¡ "๠&A¡i¡à* ÒÚ>à¡ú Shankardip Kar Class IX D (A)

Aishik Ghosh Class IX E (M) POINTER

104

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105

POINTER

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Asmita Dutta Class IX D (M)

Prerona Ray Class IX A (A) POINTER

106

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"à³à\> "[®¡™à> 23 \åºàÒü, 1981, A¡¸à[ºìó¡à[>¢Úà ¹àÚà Òàìt¡¹ šåt塺i¡à [>ìÚ "ì>A¡Û¡o ¤ìÎ "àìá¡ú "àA¡àìŹ [ƒìA¡ t¡à[A¡ìÚ &A¡³ì> A¡ã ë™> ë®¡ì¤ W¡ìºìá¡ú ƒè¹ ë=ìA¡ ƒòà[Øl¡ìÚ íź\à *ìA¡ ºÛ¡¸ A¡¹[ạú ë³ìÚi¡à [>ÆW¡ÚÒü &J>* ¤à¤à¹ A¡=à ë®¡ì¤ ™àìZá¡ú "à\ W¡à¹[ƒ> ÒìÚ ëKº ¹gì>¹ A¡àá ë=ìA¡ ëA¡àì>à J¤¹ "àìÎ[>¡ú "¤Å¸ ™à*Úà¹ Î³Ú ¹g> šÒü šÒü A¡ì¹ ¤å[c¡ìÚ ¤ìº [KìÚ[Ạƒå[ÆW¡”zà >à A¡¹ìt¡¡ú &Òü¹A¡³ ƒå–ÎàÒÎã "[®¡™àì> – ëJàƒ "à³à\ì>¹ \Uìº – ëKìº ë™àKàì™àK A¡¹à¹ ëA¡àì>à l¡üšàÚ =àìA¡ >à¡ú A¡ìÚA¡³àÎ "àìK &A¡i¡à Î}¤àƒ [>ìÚ Îà¹à [¤ìÅ« ë¤Å ÒÒüW¡Òü šìØl¡ [KìÚ[ạú ÒüÚàì>à³à[³ l¡üš\à[t¡¹ ƒå\> "à[ƒ¤àÎã >ƒãìt¡ \º t塺ìt¡ [KìÚ[Ạ&¤} >ƒã¹ ‹àì¹ &A¡\> "à[ƒ¤àÎã \º\¸à”z KàìÚ¤ ÒìÚ [KìÚ[ạú "š¹\ì>¹ ƒà¤ã, ëÎ t¡à¹ ÎUãìA¡ >ƒã¹ [ƒìA¡ ëA¡³> ë™> Îì´¶à[Òìt¡¹ ³ìt¡à &[KìÚ ë™ìt¡ ëƒìJ¡ú ëšá> ë=ìA¡ "ì>A¡ ël¡ìA¡* ëÎ ëA¡àì>à ÎàØl¡à šàÚ[>¡ú ëÎ Òt¡®¡´¬ ÒìÚ ëƒJìt¡ ºàKº t¡à¹ ¤Þê塹 Źã¹i¡à ëA¡³> ë™> ‹ãì¹ ‹ãì¹ Òà*ÚàÚ [³[ºìÚ ëKº! ëºàA¡[i¡ ëÎ[ƒ> ëA¡àì>àyû¡ì³ šà[ºìÚ &ìÎ[ạú &Òü Qi¡>à[i¡¹ J¤¹ á[Øl¡ìÚ šØl¡ìt¡ ë¤[Å Î³Ú ºàìK[>¡ú ¹g> A¡¸à[ºìó¡à[>¢ÚàÚ W¡àA¡[¹ A¡¹à¹ šàÅàšà[Å "à³à\> A¡>\à¹ì®¡Å> [i¡ì³¹ &A¡\> Î[yû¡Ú ΃θ* ¤ìi¡¡ú &Òü J¤¹i¡à A¡àì> "àÎà ³àyÒü ëÎ ³>[Ñ‚¹ A¡ì¹ ëó¡ìº[Ạ"à³à\ì>¹ &Òü ¹Òθ l¡üƒôQài¡ì> ™à줡ú t¡à¹ [Ñ‚¹ ‹à¹oà "à[ƒ¤àÎã샹 &Òü Qi¡>à "ìºï[A¡A¡ ¤ìº ³ì> Òìº*, &¹ ëšáì> [>ÆW¡ÚÒü ëA¡àì>à ™å[v¡û¡ÎUt¡ A¡à¹o ¹ìÚìá¡ú ëáàìi¡à줺à ë=ìA¡ ëÎ ë¤Å ÎàÒÎã * ëA¡ïtè¡Òºã¡ú ÎUã t¡à¹ ƒåÒü ÎÒA¡³¢ã, ëÒ>[¹ * ">å\¡ú &Òü "[®¡™à> ë™ ¤Øl¡Òü ƒåK¢³ * [¤šð>A¡ ëÎi¡à íź\à \àì>¡ú [A¡”ñ ¹gì>¹ l¡ü;ÎàÒ ëƒìJ * [¤ìÅÈ ¤à‹à [ƒìt¡ šàì¹[>¡ú [W¡”z๠\ຠ{áìØl¡ íź\à ¹àÚ๠šàìÅ [KìÚ ¤Îº¡ú &A¡iå¡ ëÒìÎ ë³ìÚìA¡ [\`¡àÎà A¡¹º, ‘‘A¡ãì¹, &t¡ ³> [ƒìÚ A¡ã ®¡à¤[áÎ? ¤à¤àÒüìÚ¹ A¡=à ¤å[c¡? tå¡Òü ë¤[Å [W¡”zà A¡[¹Î >à, ëƒJ[¤ "๠[A¡áå[ƒ> ¤àìƒ ¤à¤àÒü [k¡A¡ "à³à샹 ÎìU ë™àKàì™àK A¡¹ì¤¡ú’’ ¹àÚà [A¡áåÛ¡o Wå¡š A¡ì¹ ë=ìA¡ ¤ºº, ‘‘³à´¶à³, "à\ìA¡ ÑHåþìº [³Îô Aáà¹à ¤º[áìº> ë™ "à³à\ì>¹ ó¡ì¹ìС >à[A¡ "ì>A¡ ëšàA¡à, Îàš * \”ñ =àìA¡ &¤} *P¡ìºà >à[A¡ [¤Èàv¡û¡ ÒÚ¡ú &áàØl¡à* *Jàì>¹ KàáP¡ìºà >à[A¡ ³à}ÎàÅãú l¡ü[> ¤ºìº> ë™ &Òü Τ Kàášàºà [A¡}¤à ëšàA¡à³àA¡ìØl¡¹ Î}ÑšìÅ¢ &ìº ³à>åìȹ ³õt塸 š™¢”z Òìt¡ šà칡ú’’ íź\à Wå¡š A¡ì¹ ¹Òüº¡ú [³=¸à Îà”~>à * ¹àÚàìA¡ [ƒìt¡ šà¹ì¤ >à¡ú ¹àÚàìA¡ &A¡ Òàìt¡ \[Øl¡ìÚ íź\à ¤ìÎ "ìšÛ¡à A¡¹ìt¡ ºàKº *샹 "àKà³ã [ƒì>¹ š[¹o[t¡¹ \>¸¡ú 25 \åºàÒü, 1981, "à³à\> ë¹>ó¡ì¹Ð¡ ëÒ>[¹, ¹g> "๠">å\ ™J> "à[ƒ¤àÎã샹 &ºàA¡à ë=ìA¡ ë¤ì¹àº, t¡J> šøàÚ ƒåšå¹ ƒåìi¡à ë¤ì\ ëKìá¡ú ëºàA¡³åìJ &¤} Î}¤àƒšy ë=ìA¡ šåì¹à Qi¡>ài¡à Ç¡ì> =àA¡ìº* ë™ ëºàA¡[i¡ šøt¡¸Û¡ƒÅ¢ã, t¡à¹ ³åJ ë=ìA¡ šåì¹à ¤¸àšà¹i¡à Ç¡>ìt¡ *¹à ë¤[Å "àNøÒã [ạú ¹g> * ">åì\¹ "à³à\ì>¹ \Uìº &¹ "àìK ">¸à>¸ "[®¡™àì> "àÎà Òìº*, ëÒ>[¹ &Òü šø=³¤à¹ šà ¹àJº "à³à\ì>¡ú ëºàA¡³åìJ &¤} [¤[®¡Ä ¤ÒüìÚ &Òü \U캹 Jåò[i¡>à[i¡ [¤ÈìÚ šìØl¡ =àA¡ìº*, &¹ 뮡t¡ì¹ ë™ &³> ëKàºA¡‹òà‹à, t¡à * "à@ƒà\ A¡¹ìt¡ šàì¹[>¡ú W¡à[¹[ƒìA¡¹ KàáKàáà[º¹ ³ì‹¸ Î¹ç¡ š= [ƒìÚ ³àÒü캹 š¹ ³àÒüº ëÒòìi¡ ™à*Úà ë™ ®¡ÚS¡¹ ¹A¡ì³¹ A¡Ê¡A¡¹ t¡à * Òü[t¡³ì‹¸ ëi¡¹ ëšìÚ ëKìá¡ú ">å\ "๠¹gì>¹ ë™> ëA¡à>* ëÒºìƒàº ë>Òü¡ú ëJàÅì³\àì\ Òòài¡ìt¡ Òòài¡ìt¡ ÒàÎìá, K¿ A¡¹ìá, "à¤à¹ iå¡A¡i¡àA¡ á[¤* t塺ìá¡ú "à[ƒ¤àÎã샹 ³åìJ *¹à Ç¡ì>[Ạ\Uºi¡à, [¤ìÅÈt¡ *Òü >ƒã¹ ‹àì¹¹ KàášàºàP¡ìºà, >à[A¡ ³à>åÈìJìA¡à¡ú &³>A¡ã *Òü >ƒã¹* ëA¡àì>à Î[k¡A¡ ÎÞê¡à> ëA¡l¡ü [ƒìt¡ šà¹º >à¡ú ™J>-t¡J> ëÎi¡à ƒõŸ³à> ÒìÚ *ìk¡ "à¤à¹ A¡J>* Îà¹à \Uº t¡Ät¡Ä A¡ì¹ Jåò\ìº*, 107

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K®¡ã¹ [W¡”zàÚ [>³N¥ ¹g> ¤åc¡ìt¡* šà¹º >à, "ƒèì¹ ƒòà[Øl¡ìÚ =àA¡à ëÒ>[¹ * ">å\ [¤Ñ£¡à[¹t¡ ëW¡àìJ ëƒJº, ¹gì>¹ Źã¹i¡à ëA¡³> ë™> ‹ãì¹ ‹ãì¹ Òà*ÚàÚ [³[ºìÚ¡ ëKº¡ú Sreedisha Sarkar Class X D (M)

POINTER

108

Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’ Τåì\-ëQ¹à ³àÚà¤ã lå¡Úà΢ šàÒàØl¡, γå쉹 ëÎï@ƒ™¢ l¡üšº[§¡ A¡¹ìº* \Uº ëƒJ๠Îåì™àK ëή¡àì¤ A¡Jì>à ÒÚ[>¡ú t¡àÒü ¤à¤à ™J> šåì\๠áå[i¡ìt¡ \Uìº ë¤Øl¡àìt¡ ™à*Ú๠A¡=à ¤ºìº>, t¡J>Òü ³ì>¹ ³ì‹¸ ëA¡³> ë™> &A¡i¡à [ÅÒ¹o ">审¤ A¡¹ºà³¡ú >¤³ã¹ [ƒ> [ÅÚàºƒÒ ë=ìA¡ A¡àe¡>A¡>¸à ëi¡öì> l¡ük¡ºà³, Ç¡>ºà³ &Òü ëi¡ö>[i¡ ³àº¤à\àì¹¹ š¹ ë=ìA¡ \U캹 ¤åA¡ [W¡ì¹ W¡ìº¡ú Î[t¡¸Òü, ³àº¤à\àì¹¹ š¹ ë=ìA¡Òü ëi¡öì>¹ K[t¡ ë¤Å A¡³ ÒìÚ ëKº¡ú Q> Q> ×ÒüÎôºô ¤à\ìá¡ú Òà[t¡, ¤àÒüÎ> * ">¸à>¸ ¤>¸ šÇ¡¡ šà¹àšàì¹¹ ¹àÑzà Ò*ÚàÚ &Òü Îऋà>t¡à¡ú ó¡àºàA¡ài¡àÚ ë>ì³ šøàÒü쮡i¡ Kà[Øl¡ìt¡ ºài¡àP¡[Øl¡¹ A¡ìi¡ì\ ëšòïìáàºà³ú [A¡áåÛ¡o [¤Åøà³ [>ìÚ ¹*>à [ƒºà³ ëA¡àW¡[¤Ò๠¹à\¤à[Øl¡¹ l¡üì„쟡ú ëÎJàì> ëA¡àW¡[¤Ò๠δšìA¢¡ "ì>A¡ ëšï¹à[oA¡ t¡=¸ \à>ºà³ú ¹à\¤à[Øl¡¹ ëºàìA¡ìƒ¹ ¤¸¤Òê¡t¡ >à>à [\[ÎΚy ëƒJºà³¡ú ëƒJºà³ KàÚyã 냤ã, Îå>ã[t¡ 냤㹠á[¤¡ú ¤à¤à ¤ºìº> Îå>ã[t¡ 냤㠤à}ºà >¤\àK¹ìo¹ š[=Aõ¡; ëA¡Å¤ ëÎì>¹ A¡>¸à¡ú ¤ÒüìÚ¹ Òü[t¡ÒàÎ ë™> ëW¡àìJ¹ Îà³ì> 뮡ìÎ l¡ük¡º¡ú [¤ìA¡ìº [W¡ºàšàt¡à¹ \Uº ‹ì¹ [ó¡¹ìt¡ ºàKºà³¡ú ">审¤ A¡¹ºà³ \U캹 [>\Ѭ¡ Ŧ * KÞê¡¡ú l¡öàÒü®¡àì¹¹ ÒüÅà¹àÚ "à³¹à ΤàÒü [ó¡Î[ó¡Î A¡ì¹ A¡=à ¤º[á¡ú "à³à샹 Kà[Øl¡¹ Îà³ì> ƒå[i¡ Kà[Øl¡ Òk¡à; ë¤øA¡ A¡Èº, "à³à샹 l¡öàÒü®¡à¹ \à>ຠÎà³ì> &A¡i¡à ƒòàt¡àº Òà[t¡ š= "ài¡ìA¡ ƒòà[Øl¡ìÚ ¹ìÚìá¡! Ç¡ì> KàìÚ¹ ëºà³ JàØl¡à ÒìÚ ëKº¡ú Kà[Øl¡¹ Τ "àìºà [>[®¡ìÚ "ìšÛ¡àÚ ¹Òüºà³ t¡à¹ \Uìº ™à*Ú๡ú Òk¡à; ëƒJºà³ Òà[t¡[i¡ "à³à샹 Kà[Øl¡¹ Îà³ì> [ƒìÚ Qåì¹ \Uìº nå¡ìA¡ ëKº, &A¡c¡ºA¡ ëƒìJ¡ ¤åc¡ºà³ [W¡[Øl¡ÚàJà>àÚ ™à샹 &t¡[ƒ> ëƒìJ[á t¡à샹 ÎìU ëW¡Òà¹àÚ "ì>A¡ šà=¢A¡¸, ³à>ìt¡Òü Òì¤ ‘¤ì>¸¹à ¤ì> Îå@ƒ¹’¡ú ëÎ &A¡ ƒ³¤Þê¡-A¡¹à ë¹à³ÒÈ¢A¡ "[®¡`¡t¡à! ¹àìt¡ A¡ìi¡ì\¹ ¤à¹à@ƒàÚ ¤ìÎ ëƒJºà³ Îà³ì>¹ \Uº ë\à>à[A¡¹ "àìºàÚ Î´šèo¢ "àìºà[A¡t¡¡ú š¹[ƒ> ÎA¡àìº ëKºà³ ³ÒàA¡àº ³[@ƒì¹¡ú Òà[t¡ ™àìt¡ ëºàA¡àºìÚ nå¡ìA¡ ³à>åìȹ Û¡[t¡ >à A¡ì¹ t¡àÒü &Jàì> ³à>åÈ [Å줹 šåì\๠ÎìU ÎìU Òà[t¡¹* šåì\à A¡ì¹¡ú \Uº Îàó¡à[¹ìt¡ ™à*Ú๠šì= 뚺ೠW¡à[¹[ƒìA¡ ¤åì>à óå¡ìº¹ KÞê¡, Ç¡>ºà³ >à>à "\à>à šà[J¹ l¡àA¡¡ú \UºìA¡ ë™> ³> šøào [ƒìÚ ">审¤ A¡¹ºà³¡ú *ÚàW¡i¡à*Úàì¹ l¡üìk¡ ëƒJà [³ºº K“¡à¹, ¤àÒüÎ>, Ò[¹ìo¹¡ú ëó¡¹à¹ šì= W¡à-¤àKà> "๠ëi¡àìi¡àšàØl¡à ëƒìJ A¡ìi¡ì\ [󡹺ೡú ƒåšåì¹ \[³ìÚ ëJºà³ A¡[W¡ šòàk¡à¹ ëc¡àº "๠[t¡Ñz๠ë¤àì¹à[º ³àìá¹ c¡àº¡ú &A¡A¡=àÚ "Îà‹à¹o¡! šøAõ¡[t¡¹ &ìt¡à ¹} "àìK A¡Jì>à ">审¤ A¡[¹[>¡ú \U캹 ¹ê¡š, ¹Î, KÞê¡ KàìÚ ë³ìJ ³àº¤à\๠ë=ìA¡ ëi¡öì> l¡ük¡ºà³ ¤à[Øl¡¹ l¡üì„쟡ú Shreyasee Roy Class X D (M)

109

POINTER

Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’ & ¤ìØl¡à "Š±æt¡ γÚ! ÒüÑHåþ캹 \ã¤> ë=ìA¡ [ái¡ìA¡ ëKº šàB¡à ƒå-ƒåìi¡à ¤á¹, ëÎï\ì>¸ A¡ì¹à>à "[t¡³à¹ã¡ú "àìÑz "àìÑz ™J> AáàÎ [ÎG, ëÎ쮡>, &Òüi¡, >àÒü>, ëi¡> šà¹ Ò[Zá, ¤Øl¡ Ò[Zá &A¡iå¡ &A¡iå¡ A¡ì¹, t¡J> [A \à>t¡à³ A¡ã "ìšÛ¡à A¡¹ìá "à³à샹 š¹¤t¢¡ã \ã¤ì>! ¤à¤à-³à, š[¹¤à¹-š[¹\> ¤ºìt¡> AáàÎ ëi¡> ëšì¹àìºÒü ƒå³ A¡ì¹ ¤Øl¡ ÒìÚ ™à¤¡ú [>ìW¡¹ Aáàìι šØl¡æÚà¹à [ƒ[ƒ ¤ìº l¡àA¡ì¤, ³à>¸ A¡¹ì¤¡ú ‹åÎô¡! ëA¡à=àÚ A¡ã? šì=¹ Aò¡ài¡à ÒìÚ ¹Òüº ëA¡à[®¡l¡-19¡ú A¡ì¹à>๠ë\ì¹ ºA¡l¡àl¡ü> W¡àºå Òº [k¡A¡ "à³à샹 AáàÎ ëi¡> š¹ãۡ๠šì¹Òü¡ú ëÎÒü ë™ 2020-¹ ³àW¢¡ ³àìι ëÅìÈ ºA¡l¡àl¡ü> W¡àºå Òº "๠¤Þê¡ Òº ÑHåþº, "à\* ëÎÒü ¹àÑzà ¤Þê¡¡ú ëÎÒü®¡àì¤ ëƒJàÎàÛ¡à; ë>Òü ëA¡à>* ÎÒšàk¡ã¹ ÎìUú šø=³ šø=³ ÒüìZá =àA¡ìº* šì¹ "[t¡³à¹ã [>ìÚ &t¡ [¤š[v¡ "๠³õt塸¹ J¤¹ ³>ìA¡ ®¡à¹àyû¡à”z A¡ì¹ t塺t¡ ë™ ¤Þêå¡ìƒ¹ ÎìU* A¡=à ¤ºìt¡ ³> W¡àÒüt¡ >à¡ú t¡àºìKຠšàA¡àº ³ì>, >à>à šøÅ¥ ³à=àÚ Q幚àA¡ Jà[ZẠ- ë¹\àÂi¡ A¡ì¤ ë¤ì¹àì¤, AáàÎ A¡ì¤ Ç¡¹ç¡ Òì¤ Òüt¡¸à[ƒ¡ú

[ó¡ì¹ ëƒJà ÎA¡àº >i¡à¹ ">ºàÒü> AáàÎ ëÅÈ A¡ì¹ ¤à¤à¹ ë³à¤àÒü캹 K¸àºà[¹ìt¡ [KìÚ 2020 Îà캹 \à>åÚà[¹ ³àìÎ ">å[Ë¡t¡ 'Biennial Art & Craft Exhibition-&¹ á[¤P¡[º ëƒJ[áºà³¡ú t¡J> "[t³à¹ã [Ạ>à - A¡¸àì³¹à ¤[@ƒ A¡¹à [A¡áå "à>ì@ƒ¹ ëáòàÚà šà*Úà ³åÒèt¢¡P¡[º ëƒJìt¡ ëƒJìt¡ &A¡i¡à á[¤ "à³à¹ ƒõ[Ê¡ "àA¡È¢o A¡¹º¡ú &A¡i¡à Jà[º AáàÎQ¹ ™à¹ ¤àÒüì¹¹ ëƒ*Úàìº &A¡i¡à ëáài¡ A¡àìk¡¹ ë¤àìl¢¡ ëºJà 'N1-B'ú ³ì> šìØl¡ ëKº ëÎÒü [¤ìÅÈ [ƒ>i¡à¹ A¡=à - ëÎÒü ¤á¹ Exhibition-& K[ot¡ [¤®¡àìK¹ &A¡[i¡ ³ìl¡ìº¹ Demonstrator [áºà³¡ú "à³à¹ [l¡l¡ü[i¡ ëÅÈ Ò¤à¹ š¹ "à³à¹ A¡¸àì³¹ài¡à [>ìÚ ëÎÒü ëW¡>à-"ìW¡>à A¡[¹ìl¡à¹P¡[º [ƒìÚ Qå¹ìt¡ Qå¹ìt¡ [>ì\ "\àì”z ëšòïìá ™àÒü ëÎÒü AáàÎQì¹ - 'N1-B' "=¢à; 'Nursery 1-B', ë™Jà> ë=ìA¡ Îàl¡ü= šìÚ@i¡ ÑHåþ캹 Îàì= "à³à¹ š= W¡ºà Ç¡¹ç¡¡ú >àìA¡ 뮡ìÎ &º &A¡ "¤o¢>ãÚ KÞê¡, "à\* \à[> >à ëA¡à=àÚ ëÎÒü KìÞ꡹ l¡ü;Ρú [A¡”ñ ëÎÒü 뮡ìÎ "àÎà KÞê¡i¡à¹ ÎìU ÎìU ëW¡àìJ¹ Îà³ì> ë‹òàÚàÅàÚ ®¡¹à &A¡[i¡ á[¤ \@µ [>º, &³> [A¡áå A¡=à ³ì> šìØl¡ ëKº ™à ÒÚìt¡à "à³à¹ "¤ìW¡t¡> ³ì>¹ K®¡ãì¹ t¡[ºìÚ [KìÚ[ạú

γÑz šøìÅ¥¹ "¤Îà> Q[i¡ìÚ Ç¡¹ç¡ Òº A¡ºà [¤®¡àìK¹ \>àA¡ìÚA¡ ÎÒšàk¡ã [>ìÚ ">ºàÒü> AáàΡú šòàW¡ ³àìι ³à=àÚ ë¹\àÂi¡ ë¤ì¹àìº* ÑHåþº J庺 >à¡ú Ç¡¹ç¡ Òº "à³à¹ >tå¡> \ã¤>¡ú &Òü®¡àì¤ AáàÎ A¡¹ìt¡ A¡¹ìt¡ &A¡[ƒ> &Kàì¹à ëš[¹ìÚ, ¤àì¹à AáàìÎ l¡üìk¡ šØl¡ºà³¡ú ¤àì¹à AáàÎ* &A¡Òü®¡àì¤ šøàÚ ëÅÈ Òìt¡ W¡ºº¡ú "๠ë¤à‹ÒÚ A¡Jì>à ÑHåþìº AáàìÎ ¤ìΠѬ஡à[¤A¡®¡àì¤ šk¡>šàk¡> 䱤 Òì¤ >à¡ú ³ì> ëJƒ ë=ìA¡ ëKº ÑHåþº \ã¤ì>¹ &Òü ƒå¤áì¹¹ ¤× "[®¡`¡t¡à ë=ìA¡ ¤[e¡t¡ ÒìÚ =àA¡à¹¡ú "ì>ìA¡¹ ÎìU "๠ëƒJàÒü Òº >à, K¿, Òà[Î-k¡àj¡à, ¤A¡à Jà*Úà "àì¹à A¡t¡ A¡ã ¤à[A¡ ë=ìA¡ ëKº¡ú ÑHåþº \ã¤ì>¹ Òü[t¡ &Òü®¡àì¤ Qi¡ì¤ t¡à A¡Jì>à ®¡à[¤[>¡ú "[t¡³à¹ã¹ &A¡ ‹àB¡àÚ Î¤ ëÅÈ ÒìÚ ëKº¡! Îà³ì> "[>[ÆW¡t¡ ëA¡à>ô \ã¤> "ìšÛ¡à A¡¹ìá \à>à ë>Òü¡ú t¡¤å* "àÅà ¹à[J "àKà³ãìt¡ ¤àì¹à AáàÎ ëš[¹ìÚ š¹¤t¢¡ã [ÅÛ¡àìÛ¡ìy ÎŹãì¹ AáàìÎ l¡üš[Ñ‚t¡ ë=ìA¡ šØl¡àìÅà>à Ç¡¹ç¡ A¡¹ìt¡ šà¹¤¡ú šõ[=¤ã ÎåÑ‚ Òì¤, "à¤à¹* ³‹å¹ ÒìÚ l¡ük¡ì¤ \ã¤>¡ú

Òk¡à;Òü ëÎÒü AáàÎQ¹[i¡ ®¡ì¹ l¡ük¡º, A¡àì> 뮡ìÎ &º A¡[W¡Aò¡àW¡à Kºà¹ [³[ºt¡ A¡º¹¤¡ú "à[@i¡¹ "Children, stop talking", šøA¡àr¡ Qsi¡à¹ n¡}n¡} "à*Úà\¡ú [>ì\¹ "\àì”zÒü P¡>P¡[>ìÚ l¡ük¡ºà³ ëÎÒü Kà>i¡à, ™à "à³à샹 šø=³ Òü}ì¹[\ Ò¹ó¡ [W¡[>ìÚ[ạú ³ì> šìØl¡ ëKº ëÎÒü ÎÒ\ íÅÅ줹 A¡=à ™J> \ã¤> &t¡ \[i¡º [Ạ>à, ³ì> ëA¡àì>à ‡@‡ [Ạ>à¡ú ™J> \ã¤> ëA¡¤º³ày competitive exam "๠Calculus-& Îã³à¤‡ý¡ [Ạ>à¡ú ¤à¤à¹ l¡àìA¡ ëJÚຠҺ ë™ ÎA¡àº &Kàì¹ài¡àÚ "๠&A¡i¡à AáàÎ Ç¡¹ç¡ Ò줡ú ëW¡àìJ¹ ëA¡àìo Òk¡à; W¡ìº "àÎà \º ³åìá šì¹¹ [>–ÎU ">ºàÒü> Aáàìι \>¸ šøÑñ[t¡ [>ìt¡ ºàKºà³¡ú Debsoumyayan Saha Class XI J (A)

POINTER

Anyatama Ghosh Class XII A (M)

110

Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’ ëA¡ ¤à\àÚ ¤òà[Å? Îå[³t¡à A¡ºA¡àt¡à¹ &A¡ >à³A¡¹à [¤ƒ¸àºìÚ šìØl¡¡ú ëΠ볋à¤ã * ÎàÒÎã¡ú t¡à¹ ¤à¤à-³à l¡ü®¡ìÚÒü l¡üZW¡[Å[Û¡t¡¡ú δß[t¡ Îå[³t¡à¹ [¤ƒ¸àºìÚ¹ Èàsµà[ÎA¡ š¹ãÛ¡à ëÅÈ ÒìÚìá¡ú NøãͶA¡àºã> áå[i¡ Ç¡¹ç¡ Ò*Ú๠³åìJ¡ú Îå[³t¡à ¤àÚ>à ‹¹º, &¤à¹ áå[i¡ìt¡ ëÎ ëƒìŹ ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ ë¤Øl¡àìt¡ ™à줡ú ëƒìŹ ¤à[Øl¡ ³àì> Îå[³t¡à¹ ¤à¤à¹ íštõ¡A¡ ¤à[Øl¡¡ú Îå[³t¡à¹ ¤à¤à¹ íštõ¡A¡ ¤à[Øl¡ Îåƒè¹ &A¡ šÀãNøàì³, ë™Jàì> &J>* [¤ƒå¸; ëšòïìáàÚ[>¡ú ÅÒì¹¹ ¤¸Ñzt¡à "๠ëA¡àºàÒº-¤[\¢t¡ Îå@ƒ¹ &A¡ Nøೡú "à\@µ ÅÒì¹ ºà[ºt¡-šà[ºt¡ Îå[³t¡à¹ A¡ìÚA¡[ƒì>¹ \>¸ ëÎJàì> ®¡àìºà ºàKà¹Òü A¡=à¡ú Îå[³t¡à¹ ¤à¤à Îå[³t¡à¹ A¡=à ¹àJìº>¡ú [>[ƒ¢Ê¡ [ƒì> šøìÚà\>ãÚ [\[>Κy [>ìÚ ¤à¤à-³à t¡àìA¡ ÎìU [>ìÚ ëƒìŹ ¤à[Øl¡¹ l¡üì„ìŸ ¹*>à [ƒìº>¡ú Nøàì³¹ ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ ëšòïìá Îå[³t¡à¹ Jå¤ ®¡àº ºàKº¡ú A¡ã Îå@ƒ¹ \àÚKài¡à, W¡à[¹[ƒìA¡ Τåì\¹ šøàWå¡™¢¸! ó塺, ó¡º, šà[J, [ƒ[Q¹ i¡ºi¡ìº \º, Nøàì³¹ ë³ìk¡àš=, A¡ã ë>Òü ëÎJàì>¡! šø=³ ¹àìt¡ Îå[³t¡à &A¡iå¡ t¡àØl¡àt¡à[Øl¡ Ç¡ìt¡ ëKº, A¡à¹o š=°³ìo ëÎ ë¤Å Aáà”z [ạú Îà¹à ¹àt¡ K®¡ã¹ Qåì³ ëA¡ìi¡ ëKº t¡à¹¡ú [A¡”ñ [‡t¡ãÚ[ƒ> K®¡ã¹ ¹àìt¡ "àW¡³A¡à Îå[³t¡à¹ Qå³ ë®¡ìR¡ ëKº¡ú ëÎ Ç¡>ìt¡ 뚺, ëA¡ ë™> &A¡³ì> ¤òà[Å ¤à[\ìÚ W¡ìºìá - A¡ã Îå@ƒ¹ ëÎÒü Îå¹, ³> ®¡ì¹ *ìk¡¡ú ëÎ ®¡à¤º, &t¡ ¹àìt¡ ëA¡ &®¡àì¤ ¤òà[Å ¤à[\ìÚ W¡ìºìá¡! ¤òà[Ź Ŧ Ç¡>ìt¡ Ç¡>ìt¡Òü t¡à¹ ¤à[A¡ ¹àt¡ ëA¡ìi¡ ëKº, Qå³ "๠&º >à¡ú š¹[ƒ> ÎA¡àìº ëÎ ¤à¤à-³àìA¡ Qi¡>ài¡à Jåìº ¤ºº¡ú tò¡à¹à [A¡”ñ A¡=ài¡à ëÅà>à³àyÒü l¡ü[Øl¡ìÚ [ƒìº>¡ú \à>àìº> ë™ &i¡à t¡à¹ ³ì>¹ ®å¡º, tò¡à¹à ¹àìt¡ [A¡áå ëÅàì>>[>¡ú [A¡”ñ A¡ã "àÆW¡™¢, šì¹¹ [ƒ> K®¡ã¹ ¹àìt¡ Îå[³t¡à "à¤à¹* ëÎÒü ¤òà[Ź "à*Úà\ Ç¡>ìt¡ 뚺¡ú ëÎÒü &A¡Òü®¡àì¤ ëA¡l¡ü ë™> ƒèì¹ ëA¡à=à* &A¡³ì> ¤òà[Å ¤à[\ìÚ W¡ìºìá - ëÎÒü &A¡Òü Î幡ú Îå[³t¡à &¤à¹ "๠ëƒ[¹ A¡¹º >à, ÎìU ÎìU ëÎ ¤à¤à-³àìA¡ Qå³ ë=ìA¡ ël¡ìA¡ t塺º¡ú tò¡à¹à* Ç¡>ìt¡ ëšìº>, Î[t¡¸Òü ƒèì¹ ëA¡à=à* ëA¡l¡ü ë™> &A¡³ì> ¤òà[Å ¤à[\ìÚ W¡ìºìá¡ú A¡ã "šè¤¢ ëÎÒü ¤òà[Ź Î幡! š¹[ƒ> ÎA¡àìº Îå[³t¡à t¡à¹ ¤à¤à¹ ÎìU šÃ¸à> A¡¹º ë™, "à\ ¹àìt¡ ™[ƒ "à¤à¹ ëÎÒü ¤òà[Ź "à*Úà\ Ç¡>ìt¡ šà*Úà ™àÚ, t¡ì¤ t¡à¹à ÎìU ÎìU ë¤[¹ìÚ šØl¡ì¤ Ŧ ºÛ¡¸ A¡ì¹ &¤} ¹Òθ쮡ƒ A¡ì¹Òü áàØl¡ì¤¡ú ™=à¹ã[t¡ ëÎÒü ¹àìt¡* "àìK¹ ¹àìt¡¹ ³t¡ ¤òà[Ź "à*Úà\ Ç¡>ìt¡ šà*Úà ëKº¡ú šè¤¢-š[¹A¡¿>à³t¡ Îå[³t¡à¹ ¤à¤à Îå[³t¡àìA¡ ÎìU [>ìÚ i¡W¢¡ Òàìt¡ ë¤[¹ìÚ šØl¡ìº> ¹Òθ쮡샹 l¡üì„ìŸ, ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ ¹Òüìº> Îå[³t¡à¹ ³à¡ú Kà-á³áì³ š[¹ì¤ìÅ Kàá-Kàáà[º¹ ³ì‹¸ [ƒìÚ "àì‹à-"Þê¡A¡à¹ šì= tò¡à¹à &[KìÚ W¡ºìº> ¤òà[Ź Ŧ ºÛ¡¸ A¡ì¹¡ú ë¤Å Jà[>A¡Û¡o &Òü®¡àì¤ Òòài¡à¹ š¹ tò¡à¹à &ìÎ šØl¡ìº> &A¡i¡à óò¡àA¡à \àÚKàÚ - ëƒJìº> Îà³ì> &A¡i¡à ®¡àR¡à ³[@ƒ¹¡ú "àì¹A¡iå¡ &[KìÚ ë™ìt¡Òü "њʡ®¡àì¤ ºÛ¡¸ A¡¹ìº>, ëÎÒü ³[@ƒì¹¹ Îà³ì> ¤ìÎ ëA¡l¡ü &A¡\> &A¡³ì> ¤òà[Å ¤à[\ìÚ W¡ìºìá - A¡ã [³[Ê¡ Îå¹! [A¡”ñ Îå[³t¡à¹à &A¡iå¡ ®¡àº A¡ì¹ ëƒJ๠\>¸ ë™Òü t¡à¹ [ƒìA¡ "àì¹A¡iå¡ &[KìÚìá, "³[> ëÎÒü ³>åȸ³è[t¢¡ "ƒõŸ ÒìÚ ëKº¡! Jà[>A¡Û¡o ëÎJàì> "ìšÛ¡à A¡¹à¹ š¹ "๠[A¡áå ëƒJìt¡ >à ëšìÚ, Îå[³t¡à¹ ¤à¤à Îå[³t¡àìA¡ [>ìÚ ¤à[Øl¡ [ó¡ì¹ &ìº>¡ú š¹[ƒ> Îå[³t¡à¹ ¤à¤à Qi¡>ài¡à "àìÅšàìŹ A¡ìÚA¡\>ìA¡ ¤ºìº>¡ú Ç¡ì> šø[t¡ì¤Åã¹à \à>àìº> ë™ Îå[³t¡à¹à ¹àìt¡ ë™Jàì> l¡üš[Ñ‚t¡ ÒìÚ[áº, ëÎÒü \àÚKài¡à "àÎìº &A¡i¡à š[¹t¡¸v¡û¡ ƵÅà>¡ú tò¡à¹à* ³àìc¡ ³àìc¡ &’¹A¡³ Ç¡>ìt¡ šà> [A¡”ñ "à\ š™¢”z ëA¡ &Òü ¤òà[Å ¤à\àÚ t¡à ¤åìc¡ l¡ük¡ìt¡ šàì¹> [>¡ú t¡ì¤ tò¡à¹à &* \à>àìº> ë™ *®¡àì¤ t¡à샹 "๠>à ™à*ÚàÒü ®¡àº¡ú ™àÒü ëÒàA¡, &¹ &A¡[ƒ> šì¹Òü Îå[³t¡à t¡à¹ ¤à¤à-³à¹ ÎìU [ó¡ì¹ "àìÎ t¡à샹 ÅÒì¹¹ ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡, A¡à¹o t¡à¹ ¤à¤à¹ "[ó¡ìι áå[i¡ ëÅÈ ÒìÚ [KìÚ[ạú Îå[³t¡à [ó¡ì¹ ™àÚ t¡à¹ [>ì\¹ šØl¡àìÅà>๠\Kìt¡¡ú Τ [A¡áåÒü "à¤à¹ "àìK¹ ³t¡ W¡ºìt¡ =àìA¡¡ú "à\* ëA¡à>* &A¡ "ºÎ ³åÒèìt¢¡ Îå[³t¡à¹ A¡àì> ë™> 뮡ìÎ "àìÎ ¤òà[Ź ëÎÒü [³[Ê¡ Îå¹, ™à K®¡ã¹ ¹àìt¡ ëA¡l¡ü &A¡\> &A¡³ì> ¤à[\ìÚ W¡ìºìá¡ú ³ì> šøÅ¥ \àìK¡ t¡à¹, ëA¡ ¤à\àÚ ¤òà[Å?

Manisha Haldar Class XII A (M)

111

POINTER

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Atrayee Pal Class XII A (M) 113

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Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’ [št¡à-šåy &Òü í¤¹à[i¡Îຠt¡Ààìi¡ Τ ë=ìA¡ ®¡‰ * >´÷ ³à>åÈ ™[ƒ ëA¡l¡ü Ò> t¡àÒìº [t¡[> "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å, ³àì> "[³t¡à®¡ ëÎ> "¤Î¹šøàœ¡ [Î.[¤."àÒü. "[ó¡Î๡ú ëÅà>à ™àÚ, ¤ƒ[º ÒìÚ [t¡[> ë™Î¤ \àÚKàÚ ëKìá> ëÎΤ \àÚKàÚ >à[A¡ tò¡à¹ ƒàšìi¡ ëA¡l¡ü ë¤"àÒü[> A¡à\ A¡¹à ët¡à ƒè¹, A¡¹à¹ A¡=à* ®¡àì¤[>¡ú &Òü "e¡ìº ¤Î¤àÎA¡à¹ã ÎA¡ìº¹ ÎìUÒü *>๠Jå¤ ®¡àìºà δšA¢¡¡ú tò¡à¹ ëáìº "[³t¡ "๠ë³ìÚ 'Åà[>¡ ÎÒ ¤à[Øl¡ìt¡ ë³ài¡ [t¡>\>¡ú "[³t¡* *¹ ¤à¤à¹ ³ìt¡à &A¡\> ƒàšåìi¡ [Î.[¤."àÒü. "[ó¡Î๠"๠'Åà>ã &Òü "e¡ìº¹ &A¡i¡à A¡>쮡@i¡¡ ÑHåþ캹 Òü}¹à[\ Îà[Òìt¡¸¹ [Å[Û¡A¡à¡ú ">¸ [ƒì>¹ t塺>àÚ "à\ "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å &A¡iå¡ t¡àØl¡àt¡à[Øl¡ Qå³ ë=ìA¡ l¡ük¡ìº>¡ú &³[>ìt¡Òü l¡ü[> ái¡à¹ ³ì‹¸ Ñ•à> ëÎì¹ ºì> Òü[\ ëW¡Úàì¹ ¤ìÎ K쿹 ¤Òü šìØl¡>¡ú [A¡”ñ "à\ [t¡[> K쿹 ¤ÒüìÚ¹ \àÚKàÚ tò¡à¹ ¤àKàì>¹ óå¡ìºìƒ¹ ÎìU Î³Ú A¡ài¡àìº> - Î๠[ƒìº>, \º [ƒìº>, "๠&A¡i¡à>à "ì>A¡Û¡o ó塺P¡ìºà¹ [ƒìA¡ t¡à[A¡ìÚ ¹Òüìº>¡ú W¡àìW¢¡¹ Q[Øl¡ìt¡ n¡}n¡} A¡ì¹ "ài¡i¡à ¤à\º¡ú "[³t¡, 'Åà>ã "๠"[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å &A¡ÎìU \ºì™àK Îà¹ìt¡ ¤Îìº>¡ú ëJìt¡ ëJìt¡ 'Åà>ã "[³t¡ìA¡ ¤ºº, ‘‘ƒàƒà, tå¡Òü "à\ t¡àØl¡àt¡à[Øl¡ [ó¡¹[¤ ët¡à? t¡àÒìº...’’ 'Åà>ã¹ A¡=à ëÅÈ Ò*Ú๠"àìKÒü "[³t¡ "¤àA¡ ÒìÚ [\ì`¡Î A¡¹º, ‘‘ìA¡>, t¡àØl¡àt¡à[Øl¡ ëA¡>? 뙳> "à[Î ët¡³>Òü "àΤ, ¤¹} "à\ "¿ 냹ã Òìº* Òìt¡ šà칡ú’’ 'Åà>ã ³>–Ûå¡p ÒìÚ \¤à¤ ëƒÚ, ‘‘*! *!’’ "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å* &Òü Ç¡ì> ³à=à [>Wå¡ A¡¹ìº>¡ú "[³t¡ "à¤à¹ [\ì`¡Î A¡¹º, ‘‘ëA¡>, [A¡áå ëÑšÅຠ"àìá, "à\?’’ "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å K´±ã¹ KºàÚ ¤ºìº>, ‘‘>à, >à, [A¡áåÒü >à¡ú tå¡[³ ëÎ[ƒ> ¤º[áìº >à ë™ tå¡[³ &¹ ³ì‹¸ ëA¡àì>à &A¡[ƒ> t¡àØl¡àt¡à[Øl¡ [ó¡¹ì¤ ëÎi¡àÒü * ¤ºìá¡ú’’ "[³t¡ l¡üv¡ì¹ ¤ºº, ‘‘*!’’ ë¤ì¹àì>à¹ Î³Ú "[³t¡ 'Åà>ãìA¡ [\ì`¡Î A¡¹º, ‘‘A¡ãì¹, ët¡àìA¡ >à[³ìÚ ëƒì¤à ÑHåþìº?’’ l¡üv¡ì¹ 'Åà>ã ¤ºº, ‘‘>à. "à\ "à[³ áå[i¡ [>ìÚ[á¡ú’’ ‘‘t¡àÒìº [k¡A¡ "àìá¡ú l¡¸à[l¡, "àÎ[á’’- &Òü ¤ìº "[³t¡ ë¤[¹ìÚ ëKº¡ú ƒåšåì¹ Jà*Ú๠ëi¡[¤ìº ¤ìÎ 'Åà>ã "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤åìA¡ ¤ºº, ‘‘ƒàƒà "à\A¡àº &t¡ ">¸¹A¡³ ÒìÚ ëKìá ë™ A¡ã ¤º¤¡ú’’ l¡üv¡ì¹ "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å ¤ºìº>, ‘‘áàìØl¡à >à¡ú * ¤¸Ñz ³à>åÈ, &ÒüΤ Û塉 [\[>Î [A¡ *¹ ³ì> =àA¡à¹ A¡=à¡?’’ ¹àìK¹ ÎìU 'Åà>ã l¡üv¡¹ [ƒº, ‘‘ëƒìJà l¡¸à[l¡, ³à>[á ƒàƒà¹ ³ìt¡à ÒÚìt¡à ¤ìØl¡à W¡àA¡¹ã "à[³ A¡[¹>à [A¡”ñ ë™i¡à A¡[¹ ëÎi¡à* ëA¡àì>à ëáàìi¡à A¡à\ >Ú¡ú &Òü A¡à\i¡à >à =àA¡ìº ëA¡l¡ü [A¡áåÒü Òìt¡ šà¹t¡ >à¡ú "à[³ "à\ìA¡¹ [ƒ>i¡à¹ A¡=à ³ì> ¹àJìt¡ ëW¡ìÚ[á t¡àÒü "à³à¹ ³ì> "àìá "๠ƒàƒà W¡àÚ[> t¡àÒü *¹ ³ì> ë>Òü¡ú As simple as thatú’’ l¡üv¡ì¹ "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å¡ ¤ºìº>, ‘‘"àì¹!! "à[³ t¡à ¤ìº[á >à[A¡¡? "à[³ \à[> "[³t¡ "à³à¹ ëA¡àì>à ¤¸àšàì¹ =àA¡ìt¡ W¡àÚ>à¡ú Ѭš¥à¹ ³õt塸¹ \>¸ "à\* "à[³Òü *¹ A¡àìá ƒàÚã¡ú "à[³ &i¡à* \à[> * "à³à¹ ÎìU ëA¡àì>à[ƒ>* "๠Ѭ஡à[¤A¡ Òìt¡ šà¹ì¤ >à¡ú "๠t¡àÒü * "à³à¹ \@µ[ƒì>¹ A¡=à ³ì> ¹àJì¤, &Òü šøt¡¸àÅà* "à[³ A¡[¹>à¡ú’’ &Òü ¤ìº "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å¡ "ì‹¢A¡ ëJìÚÒü ëi¡[¤º ë=ìA¡ l¡üìk¡ ëKìº>¡ú ÎìÞê¡ì¤ºà "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å¡, 'Åà>ã "๠"àìÅšàìŹ A¡ìÚA¡\> [³ìº "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å¹ 75t¡³ \@µ[ƒ> šàº> A¡¹ìº>¡ú ¹à[y줺à ΤàÒü ëJìÚ ™à*Ú๠š¹ ™=à¹ã[t¡ 'Åà>ã "[³ìt¡¹ \>¸ Jà¤à¹ tå¡ìº ë¹ìJ Ç¡ìÚ šØl¡º¡ú ¹àt¡ t¡J> 1i¡à, "[³ìt¡¹ Kºà¹ "à*Úà\ ëšìÚ 'Åà>ã ƒ¹\à J庺¡ú "[³t¡ìA¡ ëJìt¡ [ƒº¡ú "[³t¡ "¤àA¡ ÒìÚ 'Åà>ã¹ [ƒìA¡ t¡à[A¡ìÚ ¤ºº, ‘‘&t¡

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Ÿöì· xœ‚„þîû’

Jà¤à¹!!’’ 'Åà>ã l¡üv¡ì¹ ¤ºº, ‘‘ƒàƒà, [>ì\ìA¡ &A¡iå¡ šàÂi¡à¡ú’’ "[³t¡ [A¡áå ¤åc¡ìt¡ >à ëšì¹ [\ì`¡Î A¡¹º, ‘‘³àì>?’’ 'Åà>ã ¤ºº, ‘‘"à\ l¡¸à[l¡¹ \@µ[ƒ> [ạú’’ "[³t¡ [\®¡ ëA¡ìi¡ ¤ºº, ‘‘ÒüÎô¡, &A¡ƒ³ ³à=à ë=ìA¡ ë¤[¹ìÚ ëKìá!’’ 'Åà>ã ¤ºº, ‘‘ƒàƒà, &t¡ Òü>ìÎ[X[i¡®¡ ëÒàÎ >à¡ú Òü>ìÎ[X[i¡[®¡[i¡¹-¹ &A¡i¡à Îã³à "àìá¡ú ³à>åÈi¡à ÎA¡àº ë=ìA¡ ¤ìÎ "àìá ët¡à¹ A¡àá ë=ìA¡ &A¡i¡à ºàÒü> ëÅà>๠\>¸ - Happy Birthday, Daddy ú "๠tå¡Òü!! [á–!’’ "ì>A¡Û¡o Wå¡š A¡ì¹ ¤ìÎ ë=ìA¡ "[³t¡ ÒàÎìt¡ ÒàÎìt¡ ¤ºº, ‘‘\à[>Î ë¤à>, tå¡Òü ³ì> ÒÚ "à³à샹 ëáàìi¡à줺๠Τ A¡=à ®å¡ìº ëK[áΡú ëÎ[ƒ> [Ạ"à³à¹ 11t¡³ \@µ[ƒ>, ΤàÒü ¤ìÎ "à[á, ¤ìÎ "à[á, Òk¡à; ëó¡à> &º, ³à´¶à &ìÎ ¤ºº ë™ l¡¸à[l¡ >à[A¡ &A¡i¡à [³[i¡}ìÚ "ài¡ìA¡ šìØl¡ìá, "àÎìt¡ šà¹ì¤ >à¡ú ët¡à¹ t¡J> AáàÎ [ÎG, ÑHåþìº Parents' Day šà[ºt¡ ÒìZá¡ú Τ๠³à-¤à¤à &A¡ÎìU &ìÎìá Ç¡‹å ët¡à¹ ¤à¤à áàØl¡à¡ú ³à´¶à¹ ¤åA¡ ¤¸=à A¡¹ìá, Îìt¡ì¹à¤à¹ ëó¡à> A¡¹à Òº [A¡”ñ &A¡¤àì¹¹ \>¸ ¤à¤à ëó¡à> ‹¹º >à¡ú "à³à¹ t¡J> ³ày 17 ¤á¹ "๠ët¡à¹ 15¡ú A¡ã A¡¹¤ ë®¡ì¤ šà[Zá >à¡ú ™àìÒàA¡ A¡ì¹ ëA¡àì>à ¤¸¤Ñ‚à A¡¹ºà³, [A¡”ñ ÒÎ[ši¡àìº ë™ìt¡ ë™ìt¡Òü Τ ëÅÈ ÒìÚ ëKº¡ú "๠t¡à¹ ë=ìA¡Òü ët¡à [ÅìJ[á Duty first and then emotions¡ú tå¡Òü ÒÚìt¡à Qi¡>àP¡ìºà ®å¡ìº ë™ìt¡ šà[¹Î, [A¡”ñ "à[³ ëA¡à>[ƒ>Òü ®å¡º¤ >à "๠ëA¡à>[ƒ>* ' ëºàA¡i¡àìA¡ Û¡³à A¡¹ìt¡ šà¹¤ >à¡ú Òò¸à, ëáìº [ÒìÎì¤ [>ì\¹ ƒà[Úâ« "à[³ šàº> A¡[¹ "๠A¡¹¤*¡ú &¹ ë=ìA¡ "à‹ Òü[e¡* ë¤[Å [A¡áå &GìšC¡ A¡[¹Î >à¡ú’’ 'Åà>ã l¡üv¡ì¹ ¤ºº, ‘‘¤à¤à Jå¤ expect A¡ì¹[áº, t¡àÒü ¤ººà³¡ú’’ "[³t¡ ¤ºº, ‘‘ëÎ "à³¹à* A¡¹t¡à³¡ú ëÎ ™J> "à³à샹 šøt¡¸àÅà, "à³à샹 "àì¤K >à ¤åc¡ìt¡ šàì¹ t¡àÒìº t¡à¹* A¡à¹ç¡¹ ë=ìA¡ [A¡áå šøt¡¸àÅà A¡¹à l¡ü[W¡t¡¡ >Ú¡ú’’ šì¹¹ [ƒ> Qå³ ë=ìA¡ l¡üìk¡ ë¤l¡ÎàÒül¡ ëi¡[¤º ë=ìA¡ W¡Å³à [>ìt¡ [KìÚ "[³t¡à®¡¤à¤å ëƒìJ> &A¡i¡à ¤àG ¹àJà¡ú A¡ã "àìá >à "àìá ë®¡ì¤ 'Åà>ãìA¡ l¡àìA¡>¡ú 'Åà>ã š¸àìA¡i¡i¡à Jåìº ëƒìJ &A¡i¡à ó¡¸à[³[º ëó¡àìi¡à, ëóø¡ì³ ¤òà‹àì>à¡ú ÎìU &A¡i¡à [W¡[k¡* [Ạ™àìt¡ ëºJà - ‘‘[šøÚ l¡¸à[l¡, &Òü l¡üšÒà¹i¡à ët¡à³à¹ \>¸¡ú ">¸ [A¡áå [ƒìt¡ šà¹t¡à³, [A¡”ñ "à³à¹ ³ì> Òº ë™ "à³à샹 ÎìU A¡ài¡àì>à Î³Ú ët¡à ët¡à³à¹ \ã¤ì> ë¤[Å "àìÎ[> ët¡à &Òüi¡à ëƒìJ ÒÚìt¡à ët¡à³à¹ ³ì> Òì¤ ë™ tå¡[³ ' γìÚ [ó¡ì¹ ëKá¡ú tå¡[³ A¡ã A¡ì¹ "à³à샹 \@µ[ƒ> ®å¡ìº ë™ìt¡ "à[³ \à[> >à, [A¡”ñ Òà\๠ëW¡Ê¡à A¡ì¹* &Òü [ƒ>i¡à¹ A¡=à ®å¡ºìt¡ šà[¹[>¡ú So, Ç¡®¡ \@µ[ƒ>¡ú ®¡àìºà ë=ìA¡à¡ú Òü[t¡ "[³t¡¡ú’’ Punarbasu Ghosh Class XII A (M)

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AmµOmXr

C‹S>Vr {M{‹S>¶m, MbVr hdmE±, ah-ahH$a ¶h Ehgmg OJmE±, ³¶m| h‘ ~ÝX h¢ Ka ‘|, Am{Ia ³¶m JbVr H$s h¡ h‘Zo?

h‘mam ~MnZ

H$moamoZm Ho$ H$ha Ho$ H$maU, ~§X hþAm ñHy$b OmZm h‘mam& H$hm± J¶m ~MnZ h‘mam?

ZÝhm-ZÝhm, ߶mam-߶mam& ‘m± gañdVr Ho$ Xe©Z go, ewê$ hmoVm Wm {XZ h‘mam, H$hm± J¶m ~MnZ h‘mam?

ZÝhm-ZÝhm, ߶mam-߶mam&

OmVo h‘ Wo ñHy$b, n‹T>Vo-{bIVo, h±gVo Wo ^anya& {ejH$ Ho$ g§J d³V {~VmVo, ZB© amoMH$ ~mV| Ka ^a ‘| ~VmVo, ‘Q>H$-‘Q>H$ H$a ZmM {XImVo& A~ ¶h g~ ~g bJVr h¡ H$hmZr, OmZo H$~ IË‘ hmoJr ¶h ‘hm‘mar, h¡ àmW©Zm! hmo OmE Eogm H$moB© M‘ËH$ma! h‘ ~ƒo ^r hmo OmE± Bg H¡$X go AmµOmX!

ñHy$b ~g go H$jm VH$, XmoñVm| go ~mV| Nw>Q²>Q>r VH$, Z ^aVm Wm ‘Z h‘mam& H$hm± J¶m ~MnZ h‘mam?

ZÝhm-ZÝhm, ߶mam-߶mam&

Akshat Mishra Class I F (M)

A~ b¡nQ>m°n h¡ ~Zm ñHy$b, na H$aVt Q>rMa ‘mJ©Xe©Z h‘mam& H$hm± J¶m ~MnZ h‘mam?

ZÝhm-ZÝhm, ߶mam-߶mam& Aanya Mehra Class I G (M)

‘N>br amZr

‘N>br amZr, ‘N>br amZr, hmo Vw‘ ~‹S>r g¶mZr& hmW bJmZo Zm XoVr, nmZr ‘| {N>n OmVr&

~ÝXa ‘m‘m

~ÝXa ‘m‘m, ~ÝXa ‘m‘m, Mbo O§Jb ImZo Ho$bo& amñVo ‘| {‘bo hmWr MmMm, XoI CÝh|, ‘m‘m ganQ> ^mJo&

‘N>br amZr, ‘N>br amZr, Vw‘ hmo Ob H$s XrdmZr& ~ƒm| H$s Vw‘ OmZr-‘mZr, do H$aVo Vw‘go e¡VmZr&

Agastya Gupta Class I F (A)

Maham Fahim Class I F (A) 117

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AZ‘mob Cnhma

no‹S>, nm¡Yo, ’y$b, ~hma, {X¶m àH¥${V Zo h‘| H$B© AZ‘mob Cnhma& ‘wµâV Am°³grOZ XoVo ¶o h‘§o ~ma-~ma, bo{H$Z h‘ H$mQ>Vo h¢ BÝh| ha ~ma& A~ h‘mar ~mar h¡, BZH$s ajm h‘ g~H$s {µOå‘oXmar h¡&

"¶mg'

nhbr ~ma "¶mg' Am±Yr H$mo XoIH$a ‘¢ J¶m Wa-Wa H$m±n, {~Obr H$m OmZm, no‹S>m| H$m Qy>Q>Zm, Km|gbmo§ H$m {JaZm, bham| H$m CR>Zm& V^r ‘m± Zo H$hm, S>aZm Zht h¡, Z H$aZm h¡ Amam‘& CR>mo, Iobmo Am¡a H$amo AnZm H$m‘&

Anurag Kumar Class III F (M)

nhMmZ

Girik Mitra Class I F (M)

nhMmZ EH$ g’$a h¡, {µOÝXJr H$s EH$ S>Ja h¡, OrdZ Ho$ ZE Am¶m‘m| ‘|, g’$bVm Am¡a Ag’$bVm Ho$ n¡Jm‘ ‘|, ha n{WH$ H$mo Bg nW na MbZm hr n‹S>Vm h¡&

’y$b

gmdZ Ho$ ‘hrZo ‘| {Ib-{IbmVo ’y$b, ‘ñVr ‘| Imo OmVo ’y$b, hao, Jwbm~r, Zrbo ’y$b, a§J-{~a§Jo {Ibo ’y$b, g~Ho$ ‘Z H$mo ^mVo ’y$b& Xodm| na M‹T>Vo h¢, g~Ho$ JOao ‘| gOVo h¢, gyIVo, {IbVo ahVo h¢, {~Zm S>a-^¶ Ho$ ‘wñH$mVo ’y$b, no‹S>-nm¡Ym| H$s gw§XaVm ~‹T>mVo ’y$b& Iww{e¶m| ‘| gmW XoVo h¢, J‘ ‘| ^r gmW Zht N>mo‹S>Vo h¢, g~H$mo Iw{e¶m± XoH$a, IwX {‘Q²>Q>r ‘| {‘b OmVo ’y$b&

‘Z ‘| {bE C‘§J ZB©, AmemAm| Ho$ g§J, ha H$X‘ ‘| Iw{e¶m| Ho$ a§J, ¶hr h¡ g’$bVm H$s Va§J, OrdZ nW na MbZo H$s nhMmZ, Omo OrdZ H$mo ~ZmEJr AmgmZ& Divyartha Mishra Class V F (A)

Akshita Class III G (M)

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‘å‘r-nmnm

‘oar ‘å‘r h¢ ~‹S>r ߶mar, Ohm± go h¢ do ݶmar&

h‘mar qµOXJr

H$moamoZm Zm‘ Ho$ EH$ dm¶ag Zo, {díd ‘o§ H$moham‘ ‘Mm¶m h¡& CXmg ‘V hmo ‘oao XmoñVm|, Bgr Zo h‘| qµOXJr H$m ‘mob {gIm¶m h¡& AmO h‘ Ka ‘| ~ÝXr h¢, g~ XmoñVm| go {~N>‹S> H$a h¢, A^r Omo ZB© qµOXJr {‘br h¡, Cgo h±gH$a OrZm h¡>& amoJ Vmo AmVo-OmVo h¢, S>m°³Q>a gmdYmZr ~VbmVo h¢& h‘| g^r ‘mZH$a MbZm h¡, Bg H${R>ZmB© ‘| ^r AmJo ~‹T>Zm h¡& Ka ‘| h¢ Vmo ³¶m hþAm? n‹T>mB© Vmo Am°ZbmBZ Omar h¡, XmoñVm| ‘mo~mBb nmH$a {~J‹S> ‘V OmAmo, AnZo ^{dî¶ H$mo C‚db ~ZmAmo& dh {XZ µÁ¶mXm Xÿa Zht, {’$a {dX²¶mb¶ h‘ OmE±Jo, {’$a go hmoJm h‘mam {‘bZ, dhr nwwamZo Iob Iob|Jo, V~ VH$ hm¡gbm {Xb ‘| ~ZmE aImo, IwX ^r Iwe ahmo, g~H$mo Iwe aImo&

‘oao nmnm h¢ ~‹S>o AÀN>o, {Xb Ho$ do h¢ gƒo& ‘¢ hÿ± CZH$s ZÝhr nar, CVaVr hÿ± ‘¢ ha narjm ‘| Iar& ~‹S>r hmoH$a H$ê±$Jr Eogm H$m‘, am¡eZ H$ê±$Jr ‘å‘r-nmnm H$m Zm‘& H$aVo do ‘wP na h‘oem {dídmg, H$ê±$Jr Zht H$^r CZH$mo {Zame& Aaditree Verma Class V F (M)

{H$Vm~

H$^r ¶h hmoVr h¡ hbH$s, Vmo H$^r hmoVr h¡ ^mar& ‘Ja BZ‘| hmoVr h¢ {díd H$s ha OmZH$mar& A³ga Hw$N> Z¶m H$aZo H$m, BZgo ~ZVm »dm~ h¡& qµOXJr H$s g~go AÀN>r XmoñV, H$moB© Am¡a Zht {H$Vm~ h¡& ‘§{µOb na h‘| nhþ±MmVr h¡, dhr Vmo h‘H$mo amh {XImVr h¡, ha {Okmgw Ho$ ‘Z ‘| BgH$mo nmZo H$s Mmh h¡& qµOXJr ‘| g~go AÀN>r XmoñV, H$moB© Am¡a Zht {H$Vm~ h¡& Debdutta Ghosh Class V F (M)

‘oar ‘å‘r

M. Devjyoti Class V F (A)

‘å‘r ‘oar ߶mar-߶mar, gmao OJ go ݶmar-ݶmar& AÀN>r-AÀN>r ~mV| {gImVt, do ‘wPH$mo O~ JmoX ‘| {~R>mVt& H$^r-H$^r {hQ>ba ~Z OmVt, bo{H$Z ‘oar ha ~mV h¢ gwZVt& ‘å‘r ‘oar ~‹S>r ‘hmZ, bJVr ‘wPo ^JdmZ g‘mZ& Samanyu Saha Class V F (A) 119

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ho B©ída! Vy gwZ ‘oar nwH$ma ho B©ída! ¶h {H$g nmn H$s gµOm Xo ahm h¡ Vy h‘| Z XmoñVm| go, Z [aíVoXmam| go {‘bZm ~§X hmo JE g~ Mma Xrdmam| ‘|& XmoñVm| Ho$ Mohao XoIo Z OmZo hmo JE {H$VZo {XZ! gw~h-gw~h OmVo Wo ñHy$b boH$a ~ñVo Am¡a {Q>{µ’$Z!

nb

nb-nb H$s ¶o ~mV| h¢, nb-nb ‘| hr {ZH$b OmE±Jr& Vw‘ gmoMmoJo Vmo ³¶m hmoJm, Bg nb H$mo Zht g‘oQ> nmAmoJo& AJa MmhmoJo Vmo nmAmoJo, EH$ nb hr ‘| g~ H$a OmAmoJo& EH$ nb H$s Ah{‘¶V AJa g‘PmoJo, OrdZ ‘| gwI nmAmoJo&

Z {ejH$m| go {‘b nm aho Z nm gH$Vo CZgo h‘ à˶j kmZ Bg H$mo{dS> ‘hm‘mar Zo bo {bE Z OmZo {H$VZm| Ho$ àmU! {H$VZo n[admam| H$s Á¶mo{V ~wP JB© A~ CZgo Z g±^b ahm ¶h ^ma erK« Bg ‘hm‘mar H$m A§V H$a Xo Vy ho B©ída! Vy gwZ ‘oar nwH$ma&

Saborna Dash Class V F (A)

Akshat Singh Class IX A (A)

"EH$ H$mJµO'

¶h H$mJµO h¡ no‹S>m| H$m ‘Zwî¶ H$mo {X¶m hþAm daXmZ, {bIZo H$s H$bm H$m H$aVo h¢ kmZr OZ Aä¶mg Bgna, g‘yh ‘| ~±YH$a {H$Vm~ ‘| {bIm kmZ h¡ {Ogna& ‘w‹S>H$a Omo ~Z OmE hdmB© OhmO, EH$ ~ƒo H$m ‘Z ‘moh boVm h¡ H$mJµO& gaH$mar XñVmdoO Am¡a à‘mUnÌ ‘| H$admVm h¡ ‘Zwî¶ H$s nhMmZ& ZmoQ>m| Ho$ ê$n ‘| AmO ~Z J¶m OrdZ MbmZo H$m ‘mܶ‘ h¡, AnZo {dMmam| H$mo A§{H$V H$aZo H$m gmYZ h¡, H${d¶m| Zo {Og JmJa ‘| ^am gmJa h¡& BgH$s ‘hÎmm H$mo Vw‘ g‘Pmo, BVZr VmµH$V aIVm h¡ EH$ H$mJµO& Nandini Misra Class IX A (A)

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"eyݶ go eyݶËd VH$' O‹S> h¡, MoVZ h¡, ‘m¡Z h¡,

‘m¡Z ‘|, Mwßnr h¡, na gÝZmQ>m Zht, gÝZmQ>m| ‘| J{V h¡, J{V h¡, Vmo Üd{Z h¡, Üd{Z {Z…eãX h¡, na, {ZñVãY Zht, H$ht dramZm| ‘|, {H$gr gwMmé aâVma H$m, Am^mg Adí¶ h¡, ¶o Im‘mo{e¶m| H$m àdmh, Am{Ia ³¶m h¡???

Bg n«dmh ‘|, g‘¶ H$m, Jham à^md h¡,

V^r Vmo, XeH$ h¡, gXr h¡, ghòmpãX¶m| ‘| ~±Q>r, ¶h AZ§V Ad{Y h¡, ghòmpãX¶m| go ¶wJ, ¶wJ go ‘hm¶wJ, VËníMmV² H$ën h¡, H$ën, Omo H$ënZmVrV h¡, Omo dU©ZmVrV h¡,

Ny>Q>Vm h¡, Vmo Ny>Q> OmE, ¶h nydm©ZwH«$‘, Qy>Q>Vm h¡, Vmo Qy>Q> OmE, ¶h MH«$mZwH«$‘, nhþ±Mm hÿ± ‘¢, Ñ{îQ>hrZ gr‘mAm| na, Q>Q>mob-Q>Q>mob H$a, A~ Am¶w Zht, eyݶ g§¶w³V C‘«« Mm{hE,

‘¢, Mwn hÿ±, em§V hÿ±, ‘m¡Z hÿ±,

ge³V AdñWm ‘|, {ZJw©U, {ZamH$ma$, H|$Ð q~Xþ Mm{hE,

A{V[a³V BgHo$, ‘oar Am¡a H$moB©, {deof n[aH$ënZm Zht h¡,

MwZm¡VrnyU©, MoVmdZr ¶w³V, ñd¶§{gX²{Y àmßV, VQ>ñW eyݶËd Mm{hE,

kmV-AkmV à{H«$¶mAm| H$m, ‘oao nmg H$moB© Am¡{M˶nyU©, g‘rH$aU Zht h¡,

‘wPo, gVV eyݶËd Mm{hE& Ryaan Lalwani Class IX A (A)

¶h à^md, g‘W© h¡, gm‘϶©embr µOê$a h¡, hmo Z hmo, ¶o, AZm{X H$mb Ho$ AYrZ h¡,

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³¶m| eha ‘| ah OmZm MmhVo hmo?

A~ Bg àmUhrZ-Zrag eha ‘| ³¶m| R>hao hmo? ³¶m h¡ eha ‘| OrdZ OrZo bm¶H$?

Z ߶ma h¡, Z gƒmB©& ³¶m h¡ ¶hm± nhm‹S> H$s em§{V? ³¶m h¡ ¶hm± g‘wÐ H$s ewÕ bha|?

AJa Hw$N> h¡ eha ‘|, Vmo dh h¡ Ho$db ³bmpÝV& Vmo ³¶m| eha ‘| ah OmZm MmhVo hmo?

~‹S>r-~‹S>r B‘maV| Vmo h¢ D±$Mo, n³Ho$ ‘H$mZ h¢ ghr na ³¶m eha ‘| {‘boJr Vwåh|, dh N>moQ>r-gr Hw${Q>¶m? {Og Hw${Q>¶m H$mo H$s‘Vr, H¥${Ì‘ gOmdQ>r MrµOm| Zo Zht, ~pëH$ ñZoh Am¡a ào‘ Zo gOm¶m h¡& {Og Hw${Q>¶m Ho$ Am±JZ ‘| ~ƒo {‘Q²>Q>r Ho$ nwVbo hr Zht gw§Xa gnZo ^r gOmVo h¢&

àmV…H$mb ³¶m Vwåhmao eha ‘| gwZmB© XoVm h¡ H$mo¶b H$m ‘Ywa g§JrV? ¶m gwZ gH$Vo hmo Vw‘ ~wb~wb H$m JrV? Vw‘ Vmo ~g gwZVo hmo Jm‹S>r H$s AmdmµO, h¡ Z {Og‘§o em§{V, Z hr ào‘& ³¶m Vw‘ ehadm{g¶m| Zo H$^r Amg‘mZ Ho$ gw§Xa ‘wI H$mo XoIm h¡? ³¶m Vw‘Zo Cg Zrbo Aå~a H$mo XoIm h¡? ³¶m Vw‘Zo H$^r Cg Mm±X H$mo XoIm h¡? dh Mm±X Omo Amg‘mZ Ho$ gw§Xa ‘wI na EH$ q~{X¶m h¡& ³¶m Vw‘ CZ {Q>‘{Q>‘mVo {gVmam| H$mo XoI gH$Vo hmo? ³¶m K‘§S> H$s KQ>m Zo Bg gm¢X¶© H$mo h¡ T>H$ aIm? Vmo eha ‘| ahH$a ³¶m H$amoJo? bm¡Q> AmAmo àH¥${V H$s JmoX ‘|& {Og àH¥${V Zo hr OÝ‘ {X¶m h¡, Cgr àH¥${V ‘| OrdZ ³¶m| Zht {~VmVo hmo? ³¶m| Vw‘ eha ‘| ah OmZm MmhVo hmo?

Priyanjana Chowdhury

Bg eha ‘| Vwåh| N>moQ>o-N>moQ>o CndZ {‘b|Jo, Class IX A (M) na dZ, Omo ^y{‘ Ho$ KZo-{~Iao Ho$e h¢, CgH$s gw§XaVm Vw‘ eha ‘| H$hm± XoI nmAmoJo? ^y{‘ AnZo Aëh‹S> Ho$e H$mo {OZ H${b¶m| Am¡a nwînm| Ho$ Ûmam gOmVr h¡, ³¶m CZ nwînm| H$s gw§XaVm {‘boJr Vwåh| eha ‘|? ³¶m {‘boJr Vwåh| BZ ’y$bm| H$s gwJ§Y? AJa eha ‘| Vwåho| Hw$N> {‘boJm Vmo dh h¡ B©î¶m© Am¡a bmbM H$m ha a§J& hm±, h¡ Vwåhmao eha ‘| Vmbm~-Z{X¶m± ^r& na H$^r ³¶m Vw‘Zo AnZo ZoÌ Imobo? ³¶m H$^r XoIm {H$ {H$VZr àXÿ{fV h¢ do n{dÌ Z{X¶m±? na ¶hm± Vmo XoImo, eham| go ‘rbm| Xÿa, ¶hm± H$s Z{X¶m± ^y{‘ H$m Am±Mb h¢& ¶hr Z{X¶m± h‘| OrdZ XoVr h¢ Am¡a ‘¥Ë¶w níMmV² h‘| AnZo ‘| g‘m{hV H$a boVr h¢&

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hma

³¶m ‘mZ bmoJo Vw‘ BVZr OëXr hma? ¶m H$aZm MmhVo hmo AnZr ‘wpíH$bm| na hr dma? gmoM bmo, ‘m¡H$m ¶h {‘boJm Zht ~ma-~ma!

H$aVo Zht hmo ³¶m AnZo bú¶ go ߶ma? {’$a ³¶m| ^mJ aho hmo ha ~ma? ‘mZ bmo Vw‘ ¶h EH$ ~mV S>a Zht h¡ OrdZ H$m gma O~ H$mo{ee hr Zht H$s, Vmo H¡$go {‘boJm OrV H$m Cnhma? ³¶m Zht hmo OrVZo Ho$ {bE Vw‘ ~oH$ama?

Vmo ewê$ hmo OmAmo {’$a EH$ ~ma {H$g ~mV H$m h¡ B§VµOma? CVamo ‘¡XmZ ‘| Am¡a H$a Xmo MwZm¡{V¶m| na nbQ>dma AJa ‘ohZV Vwåhmar H$aVr h¡ gmar hX| nma Vmo g’$bVm nmZo go amoH$ Zht nmEJm nyam g§gma Vmo ³¶m Vw‘ A~ hmo V¡¶ma?

H$amoJo Zht ³¶m H$mo{ee ^a‘ma?

V^r Vmo ‘Zm nmAmoJo OrV H$m ˶mohma Am¡a hmoJr Vwåhmao S>a H$r hma&

h‘ ~Xb§o AnZr gmoM

h‘ ~Xb| AnZr gmoM {H$ qhXr go hmo OmE±Jo H$‘µOmoa gM Vmo ¶h h¡ {H$ Zht Xo aho h‘ AnZr ‘mV¥^mfm na µOmoa& Xrdmbr, hmobr ¶m hmo Aݶ H$moB© nd© qhXr ‘§§o ~YmB© XoZo na hmoZm Mm{hE h‘| Jd©& ~ƒm| go H$a| qhXr ‘§o ~mVMrV, ‘V aI| CÝh| AnZr ‘mV¥^mfm go d§{MV& AWH$ à¶mgm| Ho$ ~mX {‘br h¡ h‘| AmµOmXr, {’$a ^r Zm Ny>Q>r h‘mar ‘mZ{gH$ Jwbm‘r& AmAmo {‘bH$a b| h‘ ¶h enW qhXr ^mfm H$m ‘mZ ~‹T>mE±Jo {Og ^mfm Zo h‘| g§nÝZ {H$¶m, Cgo hr à¶moJ ‘| bmE±Jo& AmAmo {‘bH$a h‘ ¶h A{^¶mZ MbmE±Jo, qhXr ^mfm H$mo {díd ‘| gdm}ƒ ñWmZ àmßV H$amE±Jo&

Antarikkha Das Class XI L (A)

Harshh Gupta Class XI F (M)

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Strokes of Colour

Poster Colour

Water Colour ‘Leo’ Neil Biswas Class V F (A)

‘A sheer drop’ Srijani Koley Class V C (A)

Water Colour

Acrylic Colours ‘Splendour’ Aahan Bhaumik Class V C (M)

‘Wishes for fishes!’ Sarthak Bera Class V G (A)

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Strokes of Colour

Pencil Shading

‘Standing tall’ Swastik Laha Class V B (A)

Pastel Colours ‘Sky gazing’ Aanusha Afrin Class IX H (A)

Water Colour

Mixed Media ‘Divine’ Md. Nawaaf Ali Class IX D (M)

‘The port is near’ Nishantika Ghosh Class IX E (A)

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H$mZ

hm±, ‘¢ EH$ H$mZ hÿ±& {H$ÝVw g~ ‘wPo EH$ Iy±Q>r Ho$ ê$n ‘| BñVo‘mb H$aVo h¢& H$moB© ‘wP na Mí‘m Q>m±JVm h¡ Vmo H$moB© ho¶a-~¢S> Am¡a B©¶a-’$moZ& BVZo na ^r H$‘ Z Wm {H$ A~ ‘mñH$ ^r Q>m±JZo bJo& bmoJ ^yb JE {H$ ‘¢ H$mZ hÿ±, Iy±Q>r Zht, hm±, ‘¢ EH$ H$mZ hÿ±&

‘oam XmoñV H$m¡Am

EH$ {XZ ‘oar Am§Q>r Zo H$hm {H$ Ja‘r H$m ‘m¡g‘ h¡& Bg ‘m¡g‘ ‘| {M{‹S>¶m| H$mo ~hþV ߶mg bJVr h¡& h‘| CZHo$ {bE nmZr Am¡a ImZm aIZm Mm{hE Vm{H$ do Z ‘a|& AJbo {XZ ‘¢Zo ImZm Am¡a nmZr ~am‘Xo ‘| aIm, V^r EH$ H$m¡Am Am¶m& H$m¡E Zo nmZr {n¶m Am¡a ImZm Im¶m& dh H$m¡Am amoµO ‘oao ~am‘Xo ‘| AmZo bJm& Yrao-Yrao dh ‘ooam XmoñV ~Z J¶m& ‘¢Zo AnZo XmoñV H$m¡E H$mo Zm‘ {X¶m h¡, '{M{H$ H$mH$ ^mB©'& dh ‘wPo gdoao CR>mVm h¡& ‘¢ CgHo$ gmW amoµO IobVm hÿ±&

Parnay Agarwal Class III F (M)

Hw$E± H$m ahñ¶

‘oao XmXmOr H$m Jm±d CÎma àXoe ‘| h¡& Bg ~ma {nVmOr h‘ bmoJm| H$mo dhm± Ja‘r H$s Nw>Q²>{Q>¶m± {~VmZo Ho$ {bE bo JE& ‘wPo Jm±d H$m Ñí¶ ~hþV hr AÀN>m bJm& Mmam| Amoa hao-^ao IoV XoI ‘¢, XmXr Ho$ gmW BYa-CYa ^mJZo bJm& eha Ho$ N>moQ>o-N>moQ>o Kam| go {ZH$bH$a O~ h‘ Iwbo ‘¡XmZ ‘| nhþ±Mo Vmo ‘Z AmZ§X go ^a J¶m& ‘oar Iwer ‘| Cg g‘¶ {dam‘ bJ J¶m, O~ Jm±d dmbm| Zo Jm±d go Wmo‹S>r Xÿa ~Zo hþE Hw$E± H$s Amoa OmZo go ‘Zm {H$¶m& nhbo Vmo ‘¢Zo gmoMm {H$ ‘¢ N>moQ>m hÿ± Am¡a bmoJm| H$mo S>a h¡ {H$ ‘¢ H$ht Hw$E± ‘| {Ja Z OmD±$, Bg{bE do bmoJ ‘wPo ‘Zm H$a aho h¢& ~mX ‘| Jm±d Ho$ bmoJm| Zo ‘wPo Cg Hw$E± ‘| ahZo dmbo ^yVm| Ho$ ~mao ‘| ~Vm¶m& ‘¢ ~hþV S>a J¶m& Ka nhþ±MH$a ‘¢ XmXr Ho$ nrN>o {N>n J¶m Vmo XmXm-XmXr Zo nyN>m "Vwåh| ³¶m hþAm" ‘¢Zo S>aVo-S>aVo Jm±d dmbm| H$s ~mV| CÝh| ~Vm Xt& XmXmOr Zo H$hm {H$ ‘¢Zo Omo gwZm h¡ dh g~ gM hr h¡& Hw$E± go S>amdZr AmdmµO| AmVr h¢& XmXmOr H$s ~mV gwZH$a ‘¢ S>a J¶m, na§Vw {nVmOr CZH$s ~mV gwZH$a h±g n‹S>o Am¡a CÝhm|Zo XmXmOr go H$hm {H$ do S>amZo dmbr ~mV| ³¶m| H$a aho h¢? ^yV-dyV Zht hmoVo h¢& CÝhm|Zo H$hm {H$ h‘| BZ MrµOm| na {dídmg Zht H$aZm Mm{hE&

Aishik Bhattacharya Class I F (A)

{‘Ì H$r gbmh

EH$ Vmbm~ ‘| EH$ h§g Am¡a a§J-{~a§Jr ‘N>{b¶m± ahVr Wt& h§g Am¡a ‘N>{b¶m| H$s XmoñVr ~hþV Jhar Wr& dh Vmbm~ ~hþV ~‹S>m Wm Am¡a dhm± ‘Nw>Amao ¶m ‘Ja‘ÀN> H$m S>a ^r Zht Wm& EH$ {XZ h§g Zo XoIm {H$ Xmo ‘Nw>Amao Vmbm~ Ho$ Amg-nmg Ky‘ aho Wo& do ‘N>{b¶m| H$mo Omb ‘§o nH$‹S>H$a bo OmZo H$s ~mV H$a aho Wo& ¶h gwZH$a h§g ~hþV S>a J¶m Am¡a AnZo {‘Ìm| Ho$ nmg J¶m& h§g Zo ‘N>{b¶m| go H$hm {H$ Xmo ‘Nw>Amao H$b CÝh| nH$‹S>H$a bo OmE±Jo& ¶h gwZH$a ‘N>{b¶m| H$mo {dídmg Zht hþAm& ‘N>{b¶m| Zo H$hm "h‘Zo Vmo Zht gwZm Am¡a ¶hm± ‘Nw>Amam| H$m S>a ^r Zht h¡& h‘| Vwåhmar ~mV na {dídmg Zhr§ h¡&' h§g C‹S>H$a ~hþV Xÿa EH$ Xÿgao Vmbm~ ‘| ahZo Mbm J¶m& AJbo {XZ Xmo ‘Nw>Amao AmE Am¡a a§J-{~a§Jr ‘N>{b¶m| H$mo Omb ‘| nH$‹S>H$a bo JE& ‘N>{b¶m± nN>VmBª Am¡a ‘Z hr ‘Z gmoMZo bJt, "H$me h‘Zo h§g H$s ~mV gwZr hmoVr&'

Ranauk Datta Class V F (M)

Aitijjho Sengupta Class III F (M)

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bm°H$S>mCZ H$s EH$ gwZhar ¶mX

{nN>bo EH$ df© go h‘ g~ H$moamoZm ‘hm‘mar Ho$ MbVo AnZo Kam| ‘| ~§X h¢& Bgr Xm¡amZ ‘¢Zo EH$ ZB© MrµO grIr& {nN>bo df© ‘B© 2020 ‘| J‘u H$s Nw>{Å>¶m± Wt Am¡a a‘µOmZ H$m nmH$ ‘hrZm ^r Wm& Ka na ~hþV gmao ’$b Am¡a gpãO¶m± bmB© OmVr Wt, B’$Vma Ho$ {bE& ‘¢Zo CÝhr§ ’$b Am¡a gpãO¶m| Ho$ {N>bH$m| go nm¡Ym| Ho$ {bE ImX ~ZmZm grIm& gmW hr ‘¢Zo Hw$N> ~rOm| H$mo ~mo¶m Omo ~mX ‘| A§Hw$[aV hmoH$a ZÝho nm¡Yo ~Zo& ‘¢Zo Zt~y, Q>‘mQ>a, nnrVm Am¡a H$X²Xÿ Ho$ nm¡Yo ^r J‘bm| ‘o| CJmE& g~go µÁ¶mXm Iwer ‘wPo V~ hþB© O~ Q>‘mQ>a Ho$ nm¡Yo ‘| nrbo a§J Ho$ ’y$b AmE Am¡a ~mX ‘| VrZ bmb Q>‘mQ>a ^r CJo& CZ Q>‘mQ>am| go Aå‘r Zo gãOr Am¡a gbmX ~Zm¶m, Omo ImZo ‘| ~hþX ñdm{XîQ> Wo& ‘¢ eãXm| ‘| ~Vm Zht gH$Vr {H$ Bg nyar à{H«$¶m ‘| ‘wPo {H$VZm AmZ§X Am¶m& Bg nyar à{H«$¶m go ‘¢Zo EH$ ~mV grIr {H$ ¶{X ‘Zwî¶ n¶m©daU H$mo gwa{jV Am¡a g§a{jV aIZm MmhVm h¡ Vmo h‘| g~go nhbo àH¥${V Ho$ ZµOXrH$ OmZm hmoJm& Eogm V^r g§^d h¡ O~ h‘ no‹S>-nm¡Yo bJmE±, CZHo$ ~rM aho§ Am¡a CZgo ào‘ H$a|&

Km|gbm

‘oao H$‘ao H$s {I‹S>H$s Ho$ nmg EH$ Am‘ H$m no‹S> h¡& Bg no‹S> na Vah-Vah Ho$ n{j¶m| H$m ~goam h¡& Bg no‹S> H$s S>m{b¶m| H$mo ‘¢ ñne© ^r H$a gH$Vr hÿ±& ¶h no‹S> ‘wPo ~hþV gwHy$Z XoVm h¡& AmO O~ ‘¢ Ka ‘| {~bHw$b H¡$X-gr hmo JB© hÿ±, Bg no‹S> na ahZo dmbo EH$ H$m¡do Ho$ Omo‹S>o Zo ‘wPo H$mµ’$s ào[aV {H$¶m& Km|gbm ~ZmZo Ho$ {bE CÝho§ ‘¢Zo EH$ ghr OJh H$m MwZmd H$a nhbm {VZH$m aIVo hþE XoIm& ‘¢Zo XoIm {H$ àW‘ Hw$N> {VZH$m| H$mo ì¶dpñWV H$aZo ‘| CÝhm|Zo {H$VZm n[al‘ {H$¶m, {Oggo CZHo$ Km|gbo H$m AmYma ‘µO~yV ~Z gHo$& ¶h h‘ g^r Ho$ {bE EH$ àoaUm h¡ ³¶m|{H$ EH$ g’$b ^{dî¶ Ho$ {Z‘m©U Ho$ {bE AmYma H$m ‘µO~yV hmoZm ~hþV µOê$ar h¡& H$m¡do Ho$ Omo‹S>o Xÿa-Xÿa go {VZHo$ bmVo& ¶hm± CZH$s ~w{Õ‘Vm H$r XmX XoZr hmoJr ³¶m|{H$ ‘¢Zo nm¶m {H$ àma§^ ‘| do b§~o Am¡a ‘µO~yV {VZHo$, ¶hm± VH$ {H$ bmoho Ho$ nVbo Vmam| H$mo Km|gbo H$m AmYma ~ZmZo Ho$ {bE bmVo {’$a AnZr Mm|Mm| go Cgo ì¶dpñWV H$aVo& ¶h EH$ b§~r Ed§ H${R>Z à{H«$¶m h¡& do AZdaV Bg H$m‘ ‘| bJH$a EH$ gw§Xa Km|gbm ~ZmZo ‘| g’$b hþE& CZHo$ H${R>Z n[al‘ Ed§ Y¡¶© H$m n[aUm‘ Wm {H$ EH$ ‘µO~yV Ed§ gw§Xa Km|gbo H$m {Z‘m©U hþAm Am¡a Cg‘| MyµOm| H$m AmJ‘Z hþAm& {XZ ~rVVo JE, MyµOm| Ho$ n§I {ZH$b AmE Am¡a Yrao-Yrao do C‹S>Zo H$s pñW{V ‘| Am JE& XmoZm| H$m¡do ha d³V AnZo ~ƒm| H$r XoI^mb ‘| bJo ahVo Wo& ‘oam A{YH$m§e g‘¶ CZH$s ào[aV H$aZo dmbr J{V{d{Y¶m| ‘| H$Q> OmVm Wm& Hw$N> {XZm| go CZH$m {XImB© XoZm ~§X hmo J¶m& AmO dh Km|gbm gyZm n‹S>m h¡& hdm Ho$ VoµO Pm|H$m| go CZ‘| aIo {VZHo$ {~IaZo bJo h¢& bo{H$Z Km|gbo H$m AmYma AnZr OJh na ‘µO~yVr go Q>h{Z¶m| Ho$ ~rM pñWV h¡& em¶X AJbr ~ma {’$a H$m¡do H$m Omo‹S>m Bgo ì¶dpñWV H$ao Am¡a nwZ… ZE MyµOm| H$m AmJ‘Z hmo&

Shifa Jamal Ansari Class V F (M)

Pranavi Kumari Class V F (A)

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B§Q>aZoQ> H$s Xþ{Z¶m

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POINTER

128

Cå‘rX

‘¢ h‘oem gmoMVr Wr {H$ hm¶a goH|$S>ar ‘§o ³¶m hmoVm hmoJm, ñHy$b Ho$ Am{Iar Xmo df© H¡$go ~rVVo hm|Jo& na H$jm 10 H$s Am{Iar narjm H$m {XZ Eogm Am{Iar {XZ hmoJm O~ ‘¢ {~Zm ‘mñH$ Am¡a {H$gr S>a Ho$ AnZo XmoñVm| go {‘b nmD±$Jr, BgH$m ‘wPo Am^mg ^r Zht Wm& Cg {XZ Ho$ ~mX g~ ~Xb J¶m& bm°H$S>mCZ ewê$ hþAm, ~mha µÁ¶mXm bmoJ {XIZo H$‘ hmo JE, h‘| {~Zm dOh Ka go ~mha {ZH$bZo H$s AZw‘{V Zht Wr& g~ O¡go Imbr-Imbr hmo J¶m& {H$Vm~m| Am¡a H$hm{Z¶m| ‘| gwZr ~mV| gM hmoZo bJt, Ka ‘| ~¡R>o ñHy$b hmo gH$Vm Wm, BgH$m h‘| H$moB© A§XmµOm Zht Wm& ha {XZ BVZo g‘dfu N>mÌm| Ho$ gmW ^r‹S> ‘| OmZm, XmoñVm| Ho$ gmW MrµO| ~m±Q>Zm, ‘ñVr H$aZm, g~H$mo EH$ gmb go ^r D$na hmoZo H$mo Am¶m h¡ A~& ‘oao ñHy$b OrdZ Ho$ A§{V‘ dfm] H$mo ‘¢ IwbH$a AnZr gho{b¶m| Am¡a {e{jH$mAm| Ho$ gmW {~VmZm MmhVr Wr, na {H$ñ‘V H$m Iob Vmo XoImo& Am°ZbmBZ ‘| J¡OoQ²>g Ho$ gmW n‹T>Zo ‘| dmo ~mV hr H$hm± Omo H$jm ‘| BVZo bmoJm| Ho$ ~rM n‹T>Zo ‘| AmVr h¡& H$B© bmoJm| Zo AnZo n[adma Ho$ gXñ¶m| Am¡a XmoñVm| H$mo Imo¶m, Hw$N> Zo AnZr Zm¡H$ar Am¡a AnZo OrZo H$m gmYZ Imo¶m, Vmo Hw$N> Zo AmË‘-{dídmg Imo¶m& narjmE± ñW{JV hmoVr aht Am¡a ~ƒo naoemZ hmoVo aho& AnZo Ka ‘| AHo$bo ahVo hþE CXmgr Am¡a ~oM¡Zr ~‹T>Vr aho Am¡a {S>àoeZ H$m H$maU ~ZVr JB©& g~ O¡go {~Ia J¶m h¡& dht Xÿgar Amoa AJa h‘ XoI|, H$‘ dmhZ MbZo Ho$ H$maU àXÿfU ‘| H$‘r AmB© h¡ Am¡a n¶m©daU ‘| gwYma Am¶m h¡& n[adma Ho$ gmW µÁ¶mXm g‘¶ {~VmZo H$m ‘m¡H$m ^r CVZr AmgmZr go Zht {‘bm Wm nyd© bm°H$S>mCZ ‘|& Bg pñW{V Zo h‘| EH$ Z¶m AZw^d {X¶m, {’$a go h‘| Ame§H$mAm| go b‹S>Zm {gIm¶m& na A^r ^r d³V h¡, AJa h‘ {Z¶‘m| H$m nmbZ H$a|, Vmo Cå‘rX h¡ {H$ {’$a go nhbo H$s Vah Iwehmb OrdZ H$s ñWmnZm H$a gH$Vo h¢&

"‘¥JV¥îUm ‘| Or ahr hÿ± ‘¢'

AmOH$b ‘m± amoµO EH$ hr ~mV XmohamVr h¢& "Vw‘ {XZ na {XZ {~J‹S> ahr hmo&' BgH$m VmËn¶© ‘wPo H$^r g‘P Zht AmVm& gmam {XZ Ka ‘| ~§X hÿ±& Hw$N> h¡ ^r Vmo dh ¶h ’$moZ hr Z! BgHo$ {~Zm Vmo EH$-EH$ jU Hw$N> gyZm-gyZm gm àVrV hmoVm h¡& hm±, ZrMo OmH$a ^¡¶m Ho$ gmW gmB{H$b Mbm hr gH$Vr hÿ±& EH$-Xmo ‘rb Mb gH$Vr hÿ±& AnZo Am±JZ ‘| J|X, ~¡S>q‘Q>Z Iob hr gH$Vr hÿ±& na ‘wPo Vmo ¶o g~ µOam C~mD$ àVrV hmoVo h¢& Aao, ¶o g~ O~ {S>{OQ>br hr hmo OmVo h¢¢¡ Vmo ‹Im‘‹Imh AnZr D$Om© H$mo ZîQ> ³¶m| H$ê±$? Bg ^¶mZH$ n[apñW{V ‘| h‘mam EH$‘mÌ gmWr Vmo h¡ ¶h ’$moZ& Am¡a ‘m± H$m ‘mZZm h¡ {H$ ¶h EH$ AZwn¶moJr dñVw h¡, Omo h‘| CËgmhhrZ d D$Om©hrZ ~Zm ahr h¡& Agb ‘| ‘m± g‘PVr Zht h¢& dh AmYw{ZH$ ¶wJ ‘| hmoVo hþE ^r AnZo ~rVo hþE H$b go hr g§VwîQ> àVrV hmoVr h¢& ‘¢ CÝh| AmYw{ZH$ àm¡X²¶mo{JH$s Ho$ hµOma bm^ g‘Pm Xÿ±, na CÝh| Vmo Cg 'Am{XH$mb' go Hw$N> A{YH$ hr ào‘ h¡& ñHy$b go bm¡Q>H$a Vwa§V IobZo Ho$ {bE ^mJZm? AnZr WH$mZ H$mo Xÿa H$aZo H$m ¶h H¡$gm AOr~ VarH$m h¡& ‘wPo Vmo àVrV hmoVm h¡ Bggo WH$mZ KQ>Zo H$s ~Om¶ A{YH$ ~‹T> OmEJr& bwH$m-{N>nr, J|X ¶o g~ Vmo N>moQ>o ~ƒo ^r A~ Zht IobVo& Am¡a ‘m± H$hVr h¢ CÝh| ¶o g~ {H$emoamdñWm ‘| ^r IobZo ‘| A˶§V AmZ§X AmVm Wm& AX²^wV ~mV h¡! ‘¢Zo H$^r Iobm Zht na hm±, ‘¢§Zo JyJb ‘| BgHo$ ~mao ‘| Adí¶ n‹T>m h¡& ‘wPo Vmo {‘Ìm| Ho$ gmW CZ nwamZo Iobm| H$mo IobVo hþE AnZo g‘¶ H$mo ZîQ> H$aZo go H$ht A{YH$ {XbMñn ’o$g~wH$, ìhmQ²>gEn, B§ñQ>mJ«m‘, Q²>{dQ>a na g‘¶ {~VmZm R>rH$ bJVm h¡& Aao! BZ g~Ho$ H$maU hr Vmo h‘ AmO BVZo CÝZV h¢& ‘m± H$hVr h¢ ’$moZ ‘| byS>mo IobZm ~oH$ma h¡& ‘wPo Vmo kmV hr Zht Wm byS>mo ’$moZ Ho$ A{V[a³V ^r Iobm OmZm g§^d h¡! ‘¢ gmoMVr hÿ± CZ {XZm| bmoJmo§ Ho$ OrdZ ‘| H$moB© ‘Zmoa§OZ H$s dñVw ^r Zht Wr na {’$a ^r bmoJ AmZ§X {d^moa ahVo Wo& Am¡a A~ ‘Zmoa§OZ Ho$ gmYZ hmoVo hþE ^r bmoJ CXmg, X~o hþE ahVo h¢o& Eogm H¡$go g§^d h¡? ³¶m gM ‘| gmoeb ‘r{S>¶m Ho$ {~Zm OrdZ OrZm g§^d h¡? ³¶m gM ‘| CZ {XZm| hr A{YH$ àgÝZVm Wr? ³¶m gM ‘| ‘m± hr R>rH$ h¢?

Sreejani Mukherjee Class XII F (M)

Koyena Sanyal Class IX A (A) 129

POINTER

"Omo Vw‘ Am OmVo EH$ ~ma...'

g’o$X Hw$aVm nhZH$a Am¡a hmW ‘| bmR>r {bE, ha gw~h ~m~y am‘ àgmX ‘mohëbo Ho$ nmH©$ ‘| nhþ±M OmVo Wo& {’$a dhr ¶mam| H$s ‘h{µ’$b, h±gr-‘OmH$& {‘Ì‘ÊS>br ‘| H$B© {df¶m| na MMm© hmoVr Wr& H$^r-H$^ma Vmo 5 gmb Ho$ ~ƒm| H$s Vah N>moQ>r-N>moQ>r ~mVm| na O§J {N>‹S> OmVr-O¡go {H$gHo$ g~go µÁ¶mXm Xm±V ~Mo h¢ ¶m H$m¡Z g~go OdmZ {XIVm h¡& h±gr-‘OmH$ Ho$ ~mX g^r AnZo Kam| H$s Amoa Mbo OmVo& EH$ {XZ nmH©$ go Ka H$s Va’$ OmVo hþE hr AMmZH$ ~m~yOr Ho$ ñ‘¥{V-nQ>b na EH$ Ñí¶ C^a Am¶m … H$mbr KZr ‘y±N>m| dmbm EH$ JR>rbm ì¶{³V Am¡a CgHo$ H$§Yo na 4-5 df© H$m EH$ ZÝhm ~mbH$-ñHy$b H$s dXu ‘|& BÝht amñVm| go hr Vmo do AnZo ZÝho ehµOmXo H$mo ñHy$b N>mo‹S>Zo Om¶m H$aVo Wo& O¡go hr do Cgo AnZo H§$Ym| go CVmaVo, nyam ‘mohëbm CgHo$ H«§$XZ go H§${nV hmo OmVm& OëXr hr do Cgo H§$Ym| na Xþ~mam {~R>m boVo Wo& ha {XZ ê$R>o ehµOmXo H$mo ‘ZmZo Ho$ {bE H$moB© ZB© {‘R>mB© noe H$r OmVr Wr& H$^r no‹S>m Vmo H$^r ~’$s©& '³¶m A~ ¶h ~y‹T>o H§$Yo CgH$m ^ma gh nmE±Jo?' - ¶h gmoMH$a hr CÝh| h±gr Am JB©& A~ dh ehµOmXm H$moB© ~mbH$ Zht Wm-H¡${b’$mo{Z©¶m H$s ~‹S>r b¡~ ‘| H$m¶©aV dh S>m°. gy¶©àgmX {‘lm ~Z MwH$m Wm& ~Vm¶m Vmo CgZo Eogm hr Hw$N> Wm& ~mH$r {H$g hmb ‘| dh h¡, H¡$gm h¡-BgH$s H$moB© ˜~a Zht& ha ‘hrZo Xg hµOma én¶o dh CZHo$ ImVo ‘| ^oOZo go Vmo H$^r MyH$m Zht, bo{H$Z ~¢H$ VH$ OmH$a CZ n¡gm| H$mo {ZH$mbZo H$m¡Z OmE-A~ BVZr D$Om© ~m~yOr ‘| Zht Wr& I¡a d³V H$Q>Vm Om ahm Wm-~m~yOr H$s O‘m ¶mXm| H$s ny±Or Ho$ ~b na& ha {XZ do AnZr S>m¶ar ‘| Hw$N> {bIm H$aVo Wo-H$^r H$moB© H${dVm Vmo H$^r nwamZo {XZm| H$m H$moB© {H$ñgm& na AmO CZH$m Hw$N> {bIZo H$mo Or Zht {H$¶m& S>m¶ar Ho$ nrN>o dmbo nÝZo na ‘m{O©Z Ho$ H$moZo ‘| EH$ Zå~a {bIm Wm-~m~yOr Cg Zå~a H$mo {‘bmZo bJo& {H$gr A§J«oµO ‘{hbm Zo ’$moZ H$mo CR>m¶m Am¡a ’$aµ’$amVr A§J«oµOr ‘| Hw$N> H$hZo bJr& ~m~yOr Ho$ nëbo Vmo Hw$N> Zht n‹S>m na Qy>Q>r gr A§J«oµOr ‘| Cgo H$hm-"Q>ob {h‘...‘m¶ gZ gy¶m©...Q>ob {h‘ Qy> H$‘ ~¡H$..."& AnZr A§J«oµOr H$s gr‘m g‘má hmoVo XoI, ~m~yOr Zo PQ> go ’$moZ aI {X¶m- A~ BVZr ~mVm| H$m g‘¶ Zht Wm& CÝhm|Zo Xþ~mam S>m¶ar bo br Am¡a H$m±nVo hmWm| go Hw$N> {bIZo bJo& g~ Hw$N> Y±wYbm {XI ahm Wm, ~hþV gm’$ Zht {bIm Om ahm Wm na do {bI aho Wo& {bI H$a Iwbr S>m¶ar CÝhm|Zo ‘oµO na aI Xr Am¡a AnZo {~ñVa na OmH$a boQ> JE& EH$ KÊQ>o ~mX µ’$moZ H$s KÊQ>r {’$a ~Or na {H$gr Zo µ’$moZ Zht CR>m¶m& gmar amV µ’$moZ H$s dh KÊQ>r éH$-éH$H$a ~OVr ahr& ¶y± hr Xmo {XZ ~rV JE& Vrgao {XZ ~m~yOr H$m gwnwÌ Ka ‘| Xm{Ib hmo J¶m-Am¡a CgH$s ZµOa VwaÝV Iwbr S>m¶ar na n‹S>r"~oQ>m, AÀN>m hþAm Vw‘ Am JE& gm°ar, Bg ~ma no‹S>m ¶m ~’$s© em¶X Zm {Ibm nmD±$& H$me, Vw‘ Wmo‹S>m OëXr Am JE hmoVo& I¡a, H$moB© {eH$dm Zht, na Vwåh| ¶mX h¡ Vw‘Zo Zm¡dt ‘| EH$ H${dVm n‹T>r Wr ñHy$b ‘|, ‘hmXodr d‘m© H$s, ~g ‘¢ ^r dhr JwZJwZm ahm hÿ±… ""h±g CR>Vo nb ‘| AmЩ Z¶Z, Ywb OmVm hm|R>m| go {dfmX, N>m OmVm OrdZ ‘| ~g§V, bwQ> OmVm {Ma g§{MV {damJ& Am±I| XoVt gd©ñd dma, Omo Vw‘ Am OmVo EH$ ~ma&'' Vw‘ Vmo Zht AmE, na Vwåhmar ñ‘¥{V¶m| H$m ^ma ‘¢ ~m±YH$a gmW bo Mbm hÿ±& Ab{dXm&' gy¶©àgmX dht I‹S>m H$m I‹S>m ah J¶m& Harmanpreet Singh Class XII F (M)

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130

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Strokes of Colour

Pen & Ink

Water Colour

‘Celebration time’ Priyanjali Sengupta Class IX D (A)

‘Nature in gold and green’ Mrinmayi Basu Class IX C (A) Tempera

Pen & Ink

‘Her story’ Prerona Mukherjee Class IX F (M)

‘Pensive’ Riddhisha Banerjee Class IX A (A) POINTER

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Strokes of Colour

Water Colour

Charcoal

‘Mother and child’ Aishik Giri Class X E (M)

'Here, alone' Shemanti Saha Class IX E (M)

Pen & Pencil

‘Star and style’ Pratanu Chowdhury Class X B (M) Pencil Shading ‘Nation’s pride’ Ranjabati Saha Class X D (M) 133

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Strokes of Colour

Water Colour

Pen & Ink

‘Two stories’ Tanisha Chakrabarti Class X B (M)

‘Wonder wings’ Anushka Basu Class X D (M)

Oil Pastels ‘Showers and squalls’ Dwaipayan Patra Class XI G (M) Pen & Ink ‘Still life’ Debosmita Ghosh Class XI C (M) POINTER

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Strokes of Colour Pen & Ink

Acrylic Colours ‘Foliage’ Ashmit Paul Class XI J (A) ‘Night vigil’ Madhurima Halder Class XII C (M)

Mixed Media

Mixed Media ‘Timeless’ Purbita Mitra Class XII G (M)

‘Power!’ Reet Das Class XII G (M)

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Adda Zone

Adda Zone is a friendly conversation between teachers and students. The topic of today’s adda is ‘Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics’. The participants are Rifa Sheikh (RS), Class XII L (A); Shrayan Mukhopadhyay (SM), Class XII L (A); Meghna Ghosh (MG), Class XII A (M); Aparajoy Chandi Das (ACD), Class XI B (M); Smt. Tanusmita Banerjee (TB), Teacher (Physical Education Department), South Point High School; and Smt. Sudataa Ray (SR), Teacher (English Department), South Point High School.

SR:

Broadcasting Society stating that there has been a 12% increase in the viewership of the Olympics this year in India. So, this clearly shows that the charm is still there.

Good evening, everyone. It is an online Adda again but I am sure that just as we have adapted to everything online, this one will be a fun experience too. Now, I know you have been really busy with all your assignments and quizzes and tests, but I am also sure that you did not miss the 2021 Olympics! What a year this has been for India! But it makes me curious to know what you feel about the popularity of the Olympics today. As children growing up in the previous century, we had very few programmes to watch on the television and so we would wait for events like the Olympics. But you all are spoilt for choice. Do you think so many options have affected the popularity of the Olympics?

SR:

ACD: I think both reasons are true. People have the facility of being able to watch the event anytime and anywhere, thanks to the technological progress. Also, advertising is a factor.

TB:

ACD: Yes, Aunty, earlier there was mostly Doordarshan to watch and everyone in the family would actually sit together to watch the television. Often whole neighbourhoods would gather. Buying a television was also very expensive. But now we have more options – better internet, and also the economy has improved. But I can surely say that the Olympics have only become more popular now. In fact, the other day I heard a podcast of the Olympics

POINTER

That sounds great! What do you think could be the reason behind this? Is it because the programme is more readily available now or is it because of the better advertising of the event?

Well, why do you think that cricket, the most popular sport in India, is still not played in the Olympics?

MG: I think cricket is not just a sport but a local affair and it is extremely popular in India. But as far as the Olympics are concerned, it is not that popular yet. That is because the majority of the participating and hosting nations don’t play cricket. The Olympics Committee was planning to include cricket as an event but there are 136

Adda Zone constraints. Such a big team would require more funding and more resources. Also, the duration of the game of cricket is such that it would disrupt the game schedule of the Olympics. Moreover, the venue would be a problem. A ground used for a cricket match cannot be used for any other sport.

TB:

RS:

Yes, you are right. I think the duration is one of the most significant factors. Speaking of the various games played in the Olympics, what kind of games, do you think, should never take place, and why?

Aunty, I think Martial Arts should never be played in the Olympics. It is known to be a violent sport and with its bloody bouts, it only inculcates more violence among the young adults. Youngsters these days are already exposed to a lot of violence through video games etc. So, I don’t think a sporting event as big as the Olympics should promote violence and aggression.

SM:

I feel, Aunty, that it may just creep into one’s mind but it should be the viewer’s discretion as to what he enjoys – whether he enjoys the sheer quality of the sports played on such a platform or focuses on the name of the country to which an athlete belongs. There will be agencies trying to pollute sports, but the viewer has to decide.

Sports should take the centre stage.

SR:

It is really nice to hear such things from young people like you. Yes, as you were saying, the Olympics are not just about winning accolades and bringing honour to one’s own country, they are also about universal brotherhood, friendship and sportsmanship. Just recall the magical moment from the 2021 Olympics when high jumpers Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi from Italy opted to share a gold medal. What message do you think such a gesture sends across to a world that is torn by geographical and political boundaries?

RS:

Yes, the Olympics give one a sense of belonging to the larger global community. In fact, the design of the flag is quite symbolic. It represents the continents of the world, thereby unifying all the players. During the games, the players exhibit true sportsmanship and engage in fair play. Mutaz Barshim and Tamberi showed that the geographical divisions are superficial.

Friendship is above all. We should be able to appreciate the achievements of others.

Indeed, that is very true. The competition should always first be with one’s own self. Well, would you agree that the Paralympics are just as important as the Olympics?

TB:

So then, do you think that all sorts of body-contact games should never be played in the Olympics?

RS:

Yes, Aunty, according to me, contact sports should be avoided as they can promote violence.

TB:

True, I agree. Tell me, what according to you, can sporting events like the Olympics teach youngsters about love for one’s country?

TB:

SM:

Aunty, here I would like to point out what I feel -that an athlete’s or a sportsperson’s contribution to the country’s prestige is in no way less than that of a soldier guarding our borders. When you see an athlete going up to receive the accolades he or she has won and when you stand up for the National Anthem of your country, it is a surreal feeling altogether. But it also must be noted that love for one’s country should not become a narrow-minded nationalism. I mean, it was an ice-hockey game that united the two Koreas. So, I think these games also broaden our view of the world.

MG: I would definitely agree, Aunty, that the Paralympics are just as important as the Olympics. However, the Paralympics are not given enough importance. The awards and prizes and even the social recognition and media exposure are less than received from the Olympics. Also, Paralympians should be appreciated and respected all the time and not just during the events.

SR:

But do you think it is possible to keep the narrow nationalism away, especially with such strong patriotic feelings being involved?

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Adda Zone

TB:

RS:

SR:

True, the Paralympians teach us to become better human beings. They have a transformational effect on the society and its attitude towards the differently abled. What are your thoughts on this?

SR:

By showcasing the sheer strength of spirit, the Paralympians render the stereotypes of disability obsolete. Now the people with physical challenges are treated with respect as the society understands that being differently abled is not really a handicap. They also raise awareness about various mental and physical conditions, I think.

ACD: Aunty, as a part of the Swimming team, I think we have a very strong side and we would surely win a gold there.

SM:

But don’t you feel this needs more work at the grassroots level in order to change the larger social perspective?

SR:

People need to realise that the differently abled, too, have potential. At the school level, young kids should be sensitised and only then gradually there will be a more liberal generation.

TB:

Equally strong is the Chess squad. So, we have a chance there too.

SR:

Yes, we are sure to win quite a few medals if such an event is held…

SM:

Yes, Aunty. But as we talk about the medals, we must keep in mind the relentless effort and hard work that go into each one of them. Also, we should remain true to the motto of the Olympics, “Citius, Altius, Fortius”.

SR:

True, indeed. Thank you, everyone, for this wonderful Adda evening. It was a pleasure talking to all of you.

So, tell me, how have our home-grown Paralympic medal winners inspired you?

MG: Aunty, I am a swimmer and, during the lockdown, when everything was shut, it became really difficult for us to practise. But the Paralympians have taught me how these are only minor impediments if we are really sincere enough about our sport. They brought medals home despite all these setbacks.

TB:

True, they have inspired us all. Now if I ask you about three life lessons that the Olympics and the Paralympics teach us, what would they be?

MG: According to me, the level of mental toughness, courage and motivation are the three life lessons. Even if accidents happen, the courage to get up again and cope is vital.

POINTER

I think Handball is also one sport we would excel at.

MG: The Rowing team is excellent too! We cannot forget them.

MG: Absolutely, Aunty. I think reservation is required for this special set of people so that they receive proper and adequate attention.

RS:

Yes, in fact, we can apply these lessons everywhere. Now on a fun note, imagine the Olympics being held for schools in Kolkata. In which sport do you think your School would win a gold and why?

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Quizzical 1

Quizzical 2

1.

Who composed the ‘Morning Song of India’?

1.

2.

What are the north-eastern states of India collectively called?

What was the name of the football style of game used by Julius Caesar and his generals to improve the physical fitness of soldiers?

3.

The tagline of which food product has changed to ‘2 minutes for education’ to support education of the girl child?

2.

What was the name of the first Soccer Club formed anywhere outside of England?

3.

With which championship did the ‘official’ one day cricket begin?

4.

Which International treaty designed to protect the ozone layer from depletion came into force in 1989?

5.

Who coined the word ‘ecology’?

6.

In 1997, who received twelve Grammy nominations, equalling Michael Jackson’s record for the 1983 album, Thriller?

4.

With which sport would you associate the terms, ‘advantage’, ‘volley’ and ‘double fault’?

5.

According to Hindu mythology, which Indian city was founded by Lord Shiva 5,000 years ago?

6.

What is Papa Noël popularly known as?

7.

With which sport would you associate the race, Tour de France?

8.

What is common to Chetak, Bucephalus, Badal and Pegasus?

7.

9.

Which author writes crime fiction under the pseudonym, Robert Galbraith?

Sir Donald Bradman said, ‘’It appears that they score goals like cricket runs’’. Who were ‘they’?

8.

Which novelist played a village girl in the film based on the award-winning novel, Massey Sahib?

9.

The very famous Nobel Prize in Economics, also called Nobel Memorial Prize, was not instituted

by Alfred Nobel. Which organisation instituted it in 1969?

10. Marlinspike Hall is home to which cartoon character?

11. Which epic was originally known as ‘Jaya’?

12. If you are visiting ‘Scotland of the East,’ which Indian city are you in?

10. Who are the only two persons to receive the Nobel Prize in two categories?

13. Which cartoonist created the character of the Common Man?

11. Which was the only silent film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture?

14. Tradition proposes that these items are never washed. With time, whiter ones turn yellow, green, blue, dirty brown and then black. What item am I talking about?

12. Which line opens every Star Wars film?

13. If the Valley of the Kings is in Egypt, then in which country is the Valley of the Queens?

15. Which article of India’s national pride was based upon a design by Pingali Venkayya?

14. Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains in Madhya Pradesh?

16. What is an angler interested in?

17. How do we popularly refer to the punctuation mark, ‘period’?

15. How did Walt Disney help in the American war effort in the First World War?

18. In the Hindi version of the film, The Lion King, who was the voice actor for Mufasa?

16. Who inspired Mickey Mouse’s first animated film, Plane Crazy?

19. In which movie would you find the characters of Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Little Bo-Peep?

17. In which novel does Agatha Christie kill off Hercule Poirot?

20. Who is known as the Father of the Indian Space Programme?

18. From which indigenous Mexican language has the word, ‘chocolate’, been derived?

19. Which famous chocolate company shares its name with a planet?

20. Apart from London, which is the only other city in the world to have a Test ground named Lords?

Answers on Page 141

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Pride of Pointers

Drishti Technologies, Palo Alto, California, has been co-founded by Krishnendu Chaudhury, its CTO, in 2017.

He is also the Managing Director of its India subsidiary.

Drishti applies AI to manufacturing, has been recognized

by Forbes magazine as one of the top 50 AI companies in the USA and is funded by top Venture Capitalists of the world such as Andreessen Horowitz. One of the foremost experts on computer vision and deep learning in the world with many patents and publications in leading journals and conferences to his credit, Krishnendu Chaudhury is the author of Math and Architectures of Deep Learning, Manning Publications, New York – a book shaping up to be a bestseller. He has also served as Technical Advisor to Venture Capital firms like Benhamou Global Ventures (BGV Capitals) and has spent over twenty years at world's premier research organizations like Google (2004-2015), Adobe Systems (1996-2004) and Flipkart (2015-2017). In Google, he created and led key products such as Google Newspaper Search, Google News Archives, and Google WebP image compression and has invented key features in Google Photos, including automatic image rectification and automatic face toning. His tenure with Adobe Systems is noted for inventing key features in Adobe Photoshop and Postscript (including transparency printing, fast halftone-based image printing, etc). As the Head of Image Sciences in Flipkart, he led its Visual product search program.

Year of passing out of South Point High School (Madhyamik and HS, as applicable) 1981, Madhyamik. 1983, Higher Secondary.

Aggregate scored in MP and HS examinations (%) Madhyamik: 81.1%; HS: 80.1%.

Post-school academic profile PhD in Computer Science, University of Kentucky (received the Best Graduate Student Award).

Specialized in computer vision. His Bachelor’s degree is in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Jadavpur University.

The profession I aspired for when I was in Classes VI-VIII in School I wished to become a mathematician.

Krishnendu Chaudhury The CTO and co-founder of Drishti Technologies, Palo Alto, California, which applies AI to manufacturing; an expert on computer vision and deep learning with dozens of patents and publications in leading journals and conferences of the world; author of the most popular Math and Architectures of Deep Learning; has spent over two decades at premier research organizations like Google, Adobe Systems and Flipkart. His wife, also a former Pointer, is an eminent Table Tennis player.

POINTER

My inspiration behind my present career choice My father, Dr. Sujit Chaudhuri, former Head of the Department of Physiology, Calcutta Medical College, and the author of the bestselling Medical textbook, Concise Medical Physiology, who introduced me to the joys of learning and thinking.

My wife, Devyani, who taught me to strive for excellence.

My mother, who gave me emotional resilience by filling my life with love.

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Pride of Pointers

Answers for Quizzical 1 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Shri Shyamadas Mukherjee, one of the best teachers I have seen in my life who taught me the value of examples in mathematical and scientific learning.

Shri Anjan Baran Dasgupta who taught me to look for physical insights behind mathematical equations.

One word or term to describe me as a student Curious.

The subject I used to like the most in School Mathematics.

The subject I used to fear the most in School Drawing (it became easier in the later years when Salil Sir adopted the practice of sending me away from class before starting).

The one teacher from School who made the most lasting impression on me ADG (recently departed Shri Anjan Baran Dasgupta).

My most favourite memory of South Point The endless and deep conversations, on philosophy, literature, love (and of course, a few -ahem -- other topics) I used to have with my friend, Devadutta Joardar, who is now the Chief Engineer at CESC.

Rabindranath Tagore.

Seven Sisters.

Maggi noodles.

Lawn Tennis.

Varanasi.

Santa Claus.

Cycling.

They are names of legendary horses.

J.K. Rowling.

Captain Haddock.

The Mahabharata.

Shillong.

R.K. Laxman.

Karate belts.

The National Flag.

Fishing.

Full stop.

Shah Rukh Khan.

Toy Story.

Vikram Sarabhai.

Answers for Quizzical 2 1.

2.

3.

4.

My favourite hobbies/ pastime when I was a child Reading. I actually finished reading Bengali translations of many French, English and Russian classics alongside Bengali classics by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay by the age of 12 or 13.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Had I not been in my present career, I would have been…

A math teacher in a Kolkata or a Bengaluru school.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Role of parents in their child’s choice of career Lead by example. Children repeat in their own lives what they have seen their parents doing, not what they have been told to do by parents.

To the present South Pointers, I would like to say this Life is too precious to run after something which does not bring joy to one’s soul. Optimize your life for maximum fulfilment as opposed to maximum affluence.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

141

Harpastum.

Oneida Football Club, formed in Boston in 1862.

The Gillette Cup, in 1963, in the UK. Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Ernst Haeckel.

Santana for Supernatural.

The Indian Hockey team in the 30’s and the 40’s.

Arundhati Roy. Bank of Sweden.

Marie Curie (Physics and Chemistry); Linus Pauling (Chemistry and Peace).

Wings in 1929.

‘A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away....’

Egypt.

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka.

Walt Disney worked as an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross Ambulance Force.

Charles Lindbergh.

Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case.

From the Nahuatl word, ‘xocolatl’.

Mars.

Durban in South Africa.

POINTER

Know Your Teacher Sharmila Dutta Bose Superintending Teacher Classes XI-XII (Afternoon) Department of Chemistry South Point High School Names of your School and College South Point High School Presidency College (Kolkata) Jadavpur University Who was your favourite teacher and why?

My favourite teacher was the legendary Shri Ashutosh Mukherjee. Fondly known as Ashubabu, he was a teacher par excellence. Sir had the unique ability of tweaking his method of teaching so that it was compatible with the mindset of each student. A strict yet liberal teacher, he was a person to whom we could always reach out for advice, whether it was about academics or about life. He taught everyone that maths is an inseparable part of life and not a subject to be afraid of.

Your favourite pastime Reading different newspapers and tending to my plants.

The one food that makes you forget that 'sharing is caring’ Chocolates!

The best holiday that you have taken so far Serene and mesmerising Kashmir!

If not a teacher, what would you have become?

Teaching is and has always been my passion. I am a teacher by choice and cannot imagine being anything else.

Your funniest moment as a teacher I had entered the classroom (XII C) a little early with the first bell after the tiffin break and, to my surprise, found most of the students seated quietly while one of their classmates was teaching them Chemistry. The student was teaching in almost exactly the way I teach in class and was even using most of my catchphrases. She did not realize that I was standing at the door watching, while the rest of the students did not know how to alert her of my presence. It was a very entertaining situation and I must admit that the impression was spot on!

One thing you have learnt from your students My students keep me young. Teaching different kinds of students over so many years has broadened my mind and beliefs and has helped me stay grounded.

One tip to all your students Be a good human being first before anything else. Be true to yourself, be confident and kind, work hard and the rest will fall into place.

Your dream holiday destination Egypt.

Books that inspired you the most and you would definitely like to recommend Short stories by Rabindranath Tagore and Ruskin Bond.

POINTER

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Know Your Teacher S. Rajalakshmi Coordinator South Point School Names of your School and College Carmel Convent School, New Delhi Lady Shri Ram College for Women Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Smt. Menon -- one of my Maths teachers in school.

She did her best to help me overcome my phobia for the subject. She was so patient, understanding, encouraging, compassionate, loving yet firm – an ideal teacher.

Your favourite pastime Painting and listening to music.

The one food that makes you forget that 'sharing is caring’ Luchi and aloo dum -- irresistible!

The best holiday that you have taken so far Egypt — where a history textbook comes to life. In India it’s Kerala, so aptly named ‘God’s Own Country’.

Your dream holiday destination Austria – coupled with breathtaking scenic beauty, this destination has architectural wonders too. And, Ladakh in India -- a tourist hotspot for its stunning scenic locales and pristine environment.

Your funniest moment as a teacher It was my first experience of correcting the English Language answer-scripts in South Point School. The topic for the composition was ‘The School Sports Day’. As I was wading through one of the compositions, I came upon a mindboggling word, ‘Gwazzulike’! I was totally stumped. I could not in my wildest dreams fathom the meaning of this word.

Feeling utterly helpless, I sought the aid of my senior teachers. Immediately, much experienced as she was in correcting such alien words, Krishnadi confidently declared that it was ‘Go As You Like’! While the entire staffroom burst out into laughter, it dawned on me that this was one of the events of the Sports Day. With a sheepish grin, I resumed my corrections. But even now, when I think of it, it never fails to amuse me.

Books that inspired you the most and you would definitely like to recommend Books on Indian mythology. Above all, the epic, Mahabharata, fraught with not only the philosophy of life and karma but with extremely interesting, complex and well-depicted characters, some very inspiring. Also, works by Thomas Hardy, portraying the struggle between human will and destiny, which inspire me to take life as it unfolds itself and do the best I can to fight against all odds.

If not a teacher, what would you have become?

A pilot.

One tip to all your students Dear children, always be humble even when you are given a position of responsibility, for humility is the mark of a true leader. Have faith in God and in your own abilities, as faith sustains life. Always do good to others and this good will be returned to you as we must always treat others the way we would like to be treated ourselves.

One thing you have learnt from your students To hope, dream, to be positive and cheerful and not bear any grudges.

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A Naughty Boy At The Tea Table From using a ceramic figurine that is placed on the tea table at Chinese tea-making ceremonies, to assessing the perfect time for various brews, to heating fluids correctly without any ‘mishaps’ – and thus tracking the evolution of the measurement of temperature – science has merged with man’s everyday journey in so many ways. One can confidently say so, without reading the tea leaves!

Professor Dr. Amitava Gupta of Jadavpur University here introduces us to the Pee Pee boy, tickles us to study Galileo’s Thermoscope, and even salutes the special brews of the neighbourhood teaman – there is much to learn from this chai pe charcha! century, in the form of a ceramic toy which is known to produce an estimate of temperature with a surprising accuracy and is roughly based on the same principle as the Thermoscope, but presented in a unique fun-loving way in the form of a ‘tea pet’ which is still a part of traditional Tea Ceremony in different parts of China. It is likely that Galileo learnt about these innovations through the accounts of Marco Polo and Niccolo de Conti and developed the Thermoscope using his Western acumen of quantitative assessment transforming the tea pet into a scientific instrument.

A former Pointer, Professor Gupta passed Madhyamik Examination in 1984 and Higher Secondary Examination in 1986.

Before I start this article, if I ask you a simple question, that is, ‘What were the first few physical quantities man started measuring’, many of you would answer roughly in the following sequence: time and distance and later, when trade and barter became a part of life, weight and volume. Now, as civilization evolved, the quality of life improved and with that evolved newer necessities and the solutions always came from the use of scientific knowledge -- often empirical to start with and later using the precise knowledge of physical sciences and mathematics. One such necessity that evolved from many requirements was the measurement of temperature and Galileo’s Thermoscope is perhaps the earliest known Thermometer used for temperature measurement.

A ‘tea pet’ is actually a chubby little ceramic doll with a large belly and a commensurate head – you could possibly think of Dennis the Menace in a nappy which is not quite properly placed, allowing the little imp to put up an atrocious act at the tea table that might actually send a dainty lady to a fainting spree. I managed to fish out a picture from the net (royalty free) and you can get a rough idea from Fig.1.

Actually, in our childhood days, there used to be a cartoon character named Henry (aka ‘Gablu’ in Bengali) and he seems to be a perfect fit for the naughty boy I have in mind. Incidentally, a ‘not so

However, in neighbouring China, a crude thermometer evolved much before the Thermoscope, way back somewhere in the 14th

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sombre’ name for this thermometer English-speaking world is the Pee Pee boy.

in

However funny this might seem, the science behind this is sound and reveals a fantastic level of intuitive optimization when one analyzes the functioning. The Pee Pee boy needs to be prepared for his mischief, though. It begins with boiling some water and then immersing the ceramic figurine into the hot water when the hot air inside expands and one can see a string of bubbles coming out. The doll needs to be put into water in room temperature in another beaker or a vessel when the difference in pressure caused by the contraction of the air inside causes the Pee Pee boy to fill its belly with cooler water and it is now ready for its act. Now, when the dainty hostess has to impress her guests with a magical brew, she has to just pour some hot water for the brew over the ceramic doll and the boy jets out a stream of water -hotter the water, longer is the jet. Immersing him in water for a while recharges him for another measurement.

the

Fig.1 The Pee Pee boy

I have come across some recent studies involving numerical analyses on powerful modern computers which reveal that the accuracy of measurement of a Pee Pee boy is as close as plus or minus 2 degrees Celsius. Now, that is quite amazing if one thinks of artisans in the 14th century. But the perfection must have been gained with optimization skills passed on from one generation to another to arrive at ‘just right’ dimensions for the doll to be that accurate.

For most Indians, tea is a part of their daily routine and anytime is teatime -- with or without sugar, black or brown, masala or plain or even green or herbal for the health freak. Nothing is perhaps simpler than putting the leaves in a pot of hot water and brew the tea. But then, what makes a brew so tasty when brewed by many a non-descript ‘Ramu Chaiwalah’ in the tea-stall round the corner and not so special when the same tea is brewed by his cousin who replaces him during his yearly home-visit breaks? The answer was found out by the industrious Chinese from Fujian province who invented the tea ceremony way back in the 14th century and perhaps the Pee Pee boy too. They found out that different types of tea require different brewing temperature (if brewing time is assumed to be roughly same) – for example, green tea is best brewed with water below the boiling temperature while more oxidized tea like the black tea, requires boiling water for flavour. Today, one can think of a precise, temperature-controlled electric kettle, but those days the Pee Pee boy was a fairly accurate device to gauge the temperature of the brew -- one had to just pour some boiling water on his head and the boy would wet his nappy by throwing a jet. Longer the jet, higher the temperature, a jet just about the right length would mean the right temperature for the tea. Now before I forget, I have a serious food for thought peeping up in my mind -- do you think a host prepared the brew in-situ, on the table, or pet was used behind the kitchen curtains? Do let me know.

To understand the science, let us take a look at Fig.2.

But before you try to figure out what this figure conveys, you need to know a couple of things. Have you ever tried pouring hot water in a thick glass tumbler and see what happens? If you already have, you know the answer -- the tumbler cracks because of unequal thermal expansion of the glass wall on two sides. The thermal expansion depends on the temperature at a given point and a thick material offers a resistance to heat flow keeping the temperatures on two sides different for a tiny amount of time which is good enough to cause a differential expansion. This explains why the ceramic wall should be rather thin -- larger the thickness, larger is resistance to heat flow from the hot water to the internal wall of the doll.

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scientifically as the transient state), the ceramic wall attains a temperature of Tc (let’s say degrees Celsius) as heat is added to it by the boiling water (made for the brew) and this causes the air to heat up to a temperature Ta while the water remains almost at the room temperature Tw and this causes the air pocket to expand in volume and exert pressure on the water following what is known as the gas law. The increased pressure causes the boy to send a long jet of water and the length of the jet depends upon the pressure which in turn depends on the temperature.

What is interesting to note is the series of complex optimizations which make the thing work. First of all, the clay wall must not be too thick or too thin and should be of a material that can endure repetitive thermal cycles of heating and cooling. Secondly, take a look at the proportion -- the boy has a large head. If the head is too small, the jet would be rather short and if it is too large the thermal time constant would be large as well – eventually causing the water temperature to catch up opposing the expansion of the air pocket and consequently a shorter jet.

Everything has to be just right limiting the robustness of the instrument. Finally, I leave it to you to figure out about the precision of the measurement which means if you repeat the measurements with water heated to the same temperature, how close would the measurement values to be. I am pretty sure that these questions troubled the utilitarian Galileo and I recommend that you study the Thermoscope to be your own Lao Tzu.

Fig.2 The Pee Pee boy at work

In general, when we study the rise of temperature across different materials we talk about thermal capacity which, in physical terms, is the amount of heat energy that needs to be supplied to the substance to raise its temperature by one degree.

Thus, more is the thermal capacity, more is the heat energy required to raise the temperature of the substance. That is precisely why you require much more energy to heat a certain volume of water than to heat the same volume of air. But then, both air and water are fluids (liquids or gases are known as fluids collectively) and when we speak of volume for fluids, the container automatically comes into picture and one talks of thermal time constant which depends both on thermal capacity and the volume. The thermal time constant determines how fast a fluid in a given enclosed volume heats up when a certain amount of heat energy is added or how fast it cools when heat is extracted.

Additional food for thought:

Now, even with a large head and the lower part of the body filled with water at room temperature, the thermal time constant of the air pocket in the Pee Pee boy is much smaller than that of the water pocket.

When hot water meant for brewing the tea is poured over the doll’s head, the ceramic wall transmits the heat to both the air and the water. But, because of the much smaller thermal time constant, the air heats up faster (increases its temperature faster) followed by the water. For all practical purposes, it may be assumed that during the tiny amount of time during which the temperature inequality persists (known

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Does your temperature measurement result depend on how long you immerse the doll in water at room temperature to fill it up with water? If so, how?

PS: Do not forget the first question I asked you and if you can figure that out do surprise me with an email at amitav_gupta@yahoo.com

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Craft

Mobile Stand With Table Calendar And Ice-cream Sticks Materials Required: 1. Old table calendar 2. Scissors 3. Ice-cream sticks (more than 50) 4. Fevicol 5. Sand paper 6. Mobile phone Process: Step 1 Make the form you wish to create with ice-cream sticks and the table calendar.

Step 2 Smoothen the edges with sand paper.

Step 3 Paste the ice-cream sticks on the calendar page using Fevicol and let the structure dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 4 Complete the structure using creativity.

Now follow the steps: 1

2

3

Chandraval Mukherjee Art Teacher South Point High School 147

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Mastermind Edited vs Unedited Dilemma!!

Over four decades have passed since the first test tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in England but are we close to editing out our genetic imperfections? Should we even try to do so considering the moral, ethical, social and even religious questions that will crop up?

Inspired by predictions about the future of reproductive biology by biologists J. B. S. Haldane and Julian Huxley in the 1920s, Julian’s brother Aldous Huxley wrote a satirical novel in 1932, named The Brave New World. Set in the year 2540, it describes a society whose population is grown in vats in a central hatchery, graded into five tiers of different intelligence by chemical treatment of the embryos.

There are no parents. The gestating foetuses and babies are looked after by workers. It’s a harsh, impersonal world of reproductive control and selection whereby Darwin’s Law of natural selection is replaced by artificial selection.

through polygenic screening. Companies do not have the incentive to help consumers understand the limitations of their service. Their built-in incentive is to emphasize the benefits while under-emphasizing the limitations.

Do we want to be able to choose the type of babies we have or should we look at parenthood more as a gift and not try selecting? Current evidence shows that couples do not flock to technologies when they can conceive naturally without assistance.

Sociologists feel that our ability to love one another with all our imperfections outweighs any notion of improving our children through gene editing.

CrisprCas9, a gene editing method developed as recently as 2012, uses natural enzymes to target and snip genes with pin-point accuracy. Although the use of such technology for human reproduction is currently rejected by the medical world, its use in future for genetic enhancement cannot be ruled out, leading to a population of edited children. With technological advancement we will see babies who are taller, more intelligent, have no disabilities, have blonde hair and blue eyes, and have a lower chance of getting diabetes, pattern baldness, autism, or cancer, among others. In principle, one may argue that this means freedom from specific diseases but this may lead to social tensions as the rich will have the means to use this technology to make them even better off, leading to worsening of the health gap between the rich and the poor. There will be a genetic divide – genetic haves and have nots.

Till date, genetic manipulation in animals for research purposes has not created any monsters since it is done in a contained environment. Precise gene editing will help us eradicate heritable diseases.

Therefore, there should be transparent and appropriate guidelines and laws to prevent the mis-selling of such technology to couples. So let us think about the responsible and ethical use of gene editing for the benefit of mankind instead of crying foul that designer/edited babies are a horror waiting to happen. Any new technology has its negative side but positives of this technology can help bring about a qualitative improvement in our lives. Adam Nash, the first “designer baby” born in 2000, was conceived for the purpose of utilizing his stem cells from his umbilical cord, which was later used for the life-saving treatment of his sister, Molly, suffering from Fanconi Anaemia.

Technologies by nature are amoral and we have to decide how to use them. Once the selection of avoidance of genetic diseases becomes an option, we are then faced with its ethical and legal aspects.

Does the government have the right to permit or prohibit an individual from making such choices?

How do we balance between individual freedom and the social consequence of his choice of action?

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Dr. Neelam Banerjee Teacher Consultant Classes XI & XII (Biological Sciences) South Point High School 148

Mastermind Refugees: A Humanitarian View The shocking image of Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old refugee, lying face down on the bank of the Mediterranean Sea as he drowned with his family trying to flee the Syrian civil war in a boat, made global headlines in 2015. The picture acts as a chilling reminder of the world's responsibility to refugees.

The 1951 Refugee Convention defines a refugee as ‘someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.’

Refugees flee their native countries due to war, natural disaster or persecution. Desperate to find safety, they resort to any means possible to escape their miserable lives tainted with violence. In the pursuit of a normal life, many negotiate dangerous terrains and weather conditions, put themselves and their loved ones at risk to cross international borders just to have a chance at a better life with a question mark all through whether they will at all get asylum.

But do they really get a better life? The hurdles are far too many…

The language barrier: Daily communication, getting a job, filling documentation or buying food, all require knowledge of the language of the host country.

Shelter: Due to the cash crunch many large migrant families end up staying under the same roof with little or no personal space which creates a stressful environment.

Finding a job: Everybody needs a secure source of income to lead a happy life. As a refugee or a migrant, finding that is often a struggle. Even if you have been successful in your native country, as a refugee you have to start from the scratch. For unskilled refugees, the struggle is even harder. They are often exploited and underpaid, largely owing to their desperation and lack of support.

Women and children: Refugee women face gender-specific challenges of physical abuse and sexual violence. Refugee children face a different kind of challenge; not only is their chance at getting quality education bleak, they face the threat of losing their childhood, and are forced to grow up too quickly for survival.

With no proper documentation, labour and sexual exploitation, trafficking, violence, xenophobia and discrimination, all play a role in isolating those seeking asylum. Amidst such lonely conditions, it is

hard to rebuild a life or regain a sense of normalcy, if at all possible.

If the challenges are heart-wrenching, the numbers only add to it. According to reports published by UNHCR by the end of 2020, there were 82.4 million forcibly displaced people world-wide, 26.4 million being refugees; 42% of the forcibly displaced people were children and 68% of them originated from just five countries of the world -- Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar. It is estimated that one in every 95 people on earth is forced to flee their native homes.

For a moment, forget about what you just read. Close your eyes and imagine being forced to flee your country in order to escape to safety. If you were lucky, you might have time to pack a bag. If not, you simply dropped everything and ran. Your home, language, money, job, all gone in a blink. Truth be told, we can’t even imagine such a scenario.

The circumstances refugees face play spoilsport to all their dreams and aspirations, pull the entire life they had planned for themselves and their family down to the dust.

As fellow-humans, the least we can do is to recognize their plight and do whatever little we can. The only way for refugees and migrants transitioning smoothly into their new life is to have the world’s support firmly on their side.

Priyanka Chakravorty Teacher, Department of Political Science South Point High School 149

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Mastermind Love Is The Best Medicine!

A few years back, I had a serious health issue. I had to be hospitalized and undergo a major operation. I was in the hospital for eight days and the doctors advised me six weeks of recuperation time, most of which had to be in the form of bed rest, interspersed with visits to the hospital for check-ups and further minor procedures. This unfortunate incident happened in the month of August, when, as we all know, the School is in full swing and the students start to prepare for their First Term Block Tests. Also, those were pre-pandemic days, when online classes and digital learning were alien concepts. (Remember those days, anyone?)

A wave of emotions swept through me – panic! What would happen to my beloved students who I had been teaching from April? How would they fare in the upcoming Blocks? Imagine starting on a journey and coming to an unexpected halt mid-way through because of a faulty car engine. Sorrow, nostalgia, bewilderment — I had so many feelings and emotions surging through me. After I returned home from the hospital and lay in bed staring at the ceiling, I began to miss School — the ringing of the bell, the shouting, jostling, screaming, the maddening hustle-bustle of the kids in the corridor during recesses, the slow whirring of the fan in the classroom, the smell of chalk in my fingers, the delicious egg chowmein served by Arvind in the canteen, the gossipy, fun-filled time in the staffroom with my dear colleagues. And of course, the shining, bright faces of my students.

My fellow-teachers, my colleagues, turned out to be the panacea I was looking for and craved. Earlier, they had visited me in the hospital many times, enquired about my health, held my hand to comfort me and provided me with courage to see through my troubled times. My seniors in the School made frequent enquiries about my progress. Now that I was home, lying in bed, barely able to move, my colleagues would keep me informed about the latest developments in School by texting or calling; would share gossip, joke with me… all to lighten my mood.

From them, I learnt that my students missed me a lot and frequently enquired about my health. How is Piyali Aunty? When is she returning to School?

Well, that year, after the Puja vacation, the doctor gave me the green signal and I resumed taking classes in South Point. One of the most memorable days of my life was the day I resumed classes. My seniors greeted me and made sure that I was comfortable and relaxed. My colleagues embraced POINTER

me warmly. They sprung a surprise on me by organizing a lavish lunch. Oh, how I had missed sumptuous food in the last two months!

Somehow my students had got wind that I was to join back that day. When I was waiting in the staffroom, to my utter surprise and astonishment, I began to see a series of faces peeping in to see how I was — Priyangshu’s toothy grin, Diya’s worried look, Monisha’s uncertain wave of hand, Ankush’s teary face! Another wonderful surprise was waiting for me in the classroom. Banners welcoming me back, flowers too many to name, laughter, clapping, cheering… At last, I was completely healed.

There is so much beauty In letting go of pain, Watching scars Turn into butterflies Before they fly away.

-- Christy Ann Martine Piyali Mukherjee Teacher South Point School 150

Mastermind My Experience Of Online Teaching I can clearly recollect my feelings on the night before my first online class when I had to virtually enter the homes of 90 children and teach them in front of their parents. So cautious and alert... that no wrong word or calculation may slip off my tongue, being a teacher of Mathematics. What would the parents say?? I was so self-conscious. And that too using a laptop... with the constant threat of technical glitches or network issues looming large. But the first sight of tiny eight-year-olds in SPS uniform drove away all my fears. The eternal bond between us made me happy and confident.

How I waited to meet them for the next class after my “Stay home, Stay safe” message each day! The next day would begin with "Good morning, Aunty, see my drawing” or “Do you know my pup, Sheru, shares his birthday with Shah Rukh Khan” or “It's my parents’ wedding anniversary today...” Their curiosity and willingness to share every small detail made online classes interesting and reminded me of our classroom in 16 Mandeville Gardens, which I missed so desperately.

One morning, there appeared on the screen not a child but a huge and bright blue umbrella. On asking, she replied that the umbrella was to protect her from the steady trickle of a running air-conditioner!

Ripples of laughter echoed across and touched the little heart who currently spends sleepless nights talking to the new star in the sky. This merciless pandemic has taken away his beloved family member. This year has imparted lessons beyond the syllabus of the textbooks.

At times I wonder -- is this pandemic a necessary break from school, a time for family bonding or the beginning of an educational revolution? Every teacher, like a sincere and willing student, now explores multimedia to deliver online lessons in an innovative way. Correcting online answer-scripts is like a dream come true. The entire perspective of the teaching-learning process has changed. At homes, the little ones are now tech gurus. They definitely score well but lack the anxiety of sitting together with their peers in an examination hall; they are now cushioned in the comfort of home.

As one of my students focusses his camera on the colourful paper boats floating gleefully on streets turned into streams after torrential rains, a ray of hope kindles in my heart. Someday we too will safely glide through this difficult time and be back in School. Till then, long live technology, at least we, the teacher and the taught, have bonded well and entered each other’s living, dining or bedrooms, along with their hearts.

For the children locked up in their homes for months together, these online classes are the only window to the world outside where they meet teachers and friends virtually. Such a raised virtual hand, when unmuted, asks, “Aunty, can you see my face as my video is not working properly” or “Why can’t we chew the cud like cows to avoid scolding during meals?”or “When man-made things are made by women too, why don’t we call them human-made things?” A plethora of queries, often having no logical answer.

Suhani Kaushik Ghosh Teacher South Point School

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Kaleidoscope

biases – that it never presents an unquestionable view of the past. Did this mean that even I could write it somehow – after training?

Post-South Point, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Jadavpur University’s Department of English. I studied diligently, discovered the wonder that is the National Library in Alipore, and presented papers at conferences – as one is expected to. But while doing my Master’s I grew impatient. I volunteered for various projects that looked at regional histories, like that of wrestlers in Bengal or the Jewish community of Kolkata. I worked on a project on Indian cities supervised by Professor Supriya Chaudhuri, parts of which later formed the subject of my PhD project on colonial memory in Kolkata’s monuments and public spaces, which was supported by the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund. Being somewhat clueless about where I eventually wanted to see myself, meant that I was trying to learn from whatever came my way: and one such was a course on the Digital Humanities offered at Jadavpur.

Kaleidoscope features Sujaan Mukherjee of the 2008 H.S. batch, currently part of DAG's museums initiative and heading the Research and Development team. He has submitted his PhD thesis at the Department of English, Jadavpur University, on history and memory in public spaces in Kolkata. Sujaan writes for the Books page of The Telegraph, India, and is a regular contributor at Scroll. He has been associated with different museums and archives, such as the Victoria Memorial Hall, the Save Gurusasday Museum campaign, and the Jewish Calcutta archive based at the School of Cultural Texts and Records, JU.

Gradually, I realised that I was getting drawn to archives and museums, in particular the way knowledge contained in these magical repositories is made accessible to the public. I won an archival fellowship at the India Foundation for the Arts, which led me to work with a wonderful collection of old images of Kolkata. I slowly began to believe that it is possible as an individual to make meaningful contributions to one’s regional culture by helping build bridges between museums and archives and public platforms. Somewhat recklessly, with a few friends, I decided to start the Save Gurusaday Museum campaign, which I hoped would help a wonderful collection of folk art from Bengal remain open to the public.

Building Bridges

So, when the opportunity came about two years back to work at a museum-exhibition of Bengal art, I simply had to take it. I was approached by an arts organisation called DAG (formerly Delhi Art Gallery) to help make an incredible collection of over six hundred artworks by people like Abanindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and Nandalal Bose, accessible to the public.

Working with an inspiring team and inside a spectacular colonial building, we devoted ourselves to creating a shared dream of a living museum: where, through walkthroughs, performances, and workshops, the artworks would keep engaging visitors in new conversations about their relevance to our world.

Have you ever felt that you have a unique way of viewing the world around you? It is not easy to retain faith in this idea. But I believe that it is important to believe in our individual vision, however humble and personal, and to try and communicate that in a way that becomes meaningful to others. It has taken me a while to arrive at this conclusion, and much of it has been quite by chance.

I struggled with my studies till Class X. But then, when I got the opportunity to pursue Arts for Classes XI and XII, I knew I had to make it count. I developed a liking for history, psychology, and literature (Bangla and English), where our teachers spoke of ideas that seemed larger than the texts we brought to class. I remember, for instance, Shipra Aunty and Paromita Aunty referring us to E.H. Carr’s What Is History?, which introduced the idea that history came with its own POINTER

As someone who finds it difficult to define what I do, I hope that I, as a researcher, continue to feel ready to learn, make mistakes, and build interesting connections with our shared cultural heritage and past that mean something to me and to others.

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Counsellor’s Corner Positivity In The Time Of COVID-19 The pandemic has turned our life topsy-turvy, and as it affects us all it is described as a “new normal”. If we give the name of “normal” to it, does that decrease the impact and the pain of the changes around us? No, this description is just an example to help us cope, and to see the situation in a more positive way.

The main effect of COVID-19 -- and the environmental changes -- has been in the field of mental health where economic and social changes due to social isolation, restrictions and lack of activity have led to a number of psychological impacts such as elevated rates of stress or anxiety, depression characterized by a low mood, tiredness, pessimism, poor sleep, high levels of loneliness and appetite, a feeling of helplessness, guilt and hopelessness, with a gradual reduction in work output.

The meaning of education has changed and strongly influenced children. School closures meant that students from diverse backgrounds are more at risk of increased vulnerability, as their social and emotional needs are not addressed. Their sense of belonging and feelings of self-worth and self-confidence have decreased and their self-esteem is at its lowest. This is due to a complex scenario created by the absence of peer group support, socialization, physical activity and learning in the real world.

To increase positivity we all have to try out new ways, which suit us best, and remember it is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.

Have a plan ready in case you do start to feel overwhelmed (and don’t hesitate to talk to a counsellor or a therapist if you need to).

• Practise self-care Basic self-care will keep your immune system strong and your emotional reserves full. Get enough sleep.

Exercise regularly. Eat well. Try mindfulness apps. Find activities that engage different parts of you. Do something physical like dancing. Occupy your mind with puzzles. ‘Keep your body moving!’ Go for walks; try a virtual exercise or a yoga class, stretch, try meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or reading self-help material.

• Find ways to focus You might feel unmotivated now. Recognize that the current circumstances are hard for everyone. Don’t judge yourself; just do the best you can. Establish a routine. Try to create a separate work/ study space, although you should reserve your sleeping area for sleeping.

Dr. Mohar Mala Chatterjee Counsellor South Point High School • Seek out social support Your classmates have probably scattered. And having to stay home can be lonely. To combat isolation, come together with your classmates via technology. Even something as simple as turning on your webcam during virtual classes can help you and others feel more connected. Talking to people you trust can help. Get in touch with your loved ones and connect with them.

• Help others cope Your classmates and family members are anxious, too.

You don’t have to fix their problems. It’s enough to let them know they’re not alone.

• Find ways to manage disappointment Important events may not happen this year. Grieve those losses, then reframe how you think about these life events. Think how you can honour what you’ve achieved. Find new ways to celebrate. Consider recreating important events once it’s safe.

• Limit your media/ gaming consumption Mobile gaming, in particular, has seen a massive increase in India, with 7.3 billion game installs in the first three quarters of 2020. Of course, it’s good to stay informed and play games. But too much gaming or social media can increase your anxiety, lack of concentration, attention deficit and escape from reality.

Set limits on your media consumption and smartphone use.

• Focus on things you can control While modelling good behaviour and staying safe yourself, recognize that you can’t control what other people do. You can only control your own thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

The first step is to identify what is and is not in your control during this situation. We have to focus on the things within our control. Keeping things in perspective, we have to consider reframing negative, unrealistic, or catastrophic thoughts with more realistic ones and try being compassionate with ourselves and others.

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Parent Speak Music, The Lifelong Companion March 2020. The world was running at its usual speed.

Nobody could even imagine what was waiting for them. Soon a monster came in the form of COVID-19 and forced the world to stop abruptly. An absolute darkness descended on the lives of every human inhabitant of this planet. Our children possibly felt the most helpless during these cruel times. They could not realize why such chaos, such fear and such despair raged all around. Schools, their most favourite place, were closed. They could not see their teachers, their friends, their classrooms and playgrounds physically; instead, they had to cope with a virtual and an unreal world of online classes and video calls. As a result, children started suffering from depression, loneliness, boredom, restlessness and disobedience.

Being a father and a music trainer, I have noticed some distinct exceptions to this trend among a few children I came across. They were learning and practising music seriously. They were calm and could adjust well to the changed scenario. They remained focused in their studies and music and were not at all depressed. I believe it happened only due to music.

Anol Chatterjee Hindustani Classical vocalist; lyricist and composer; recipient of many music awards; performs regularly in and outside India Email: www.anolchatterjee.com Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/mad4raaga YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/mad4raaga Parent of Apratim Chatterjee, Class IV G (A)

Music is a form of meditation. It is a journey within. As the children couldn’t explore the world outside during the pandemic, music helped them look inside and explore the beauty of their minds. Science too points out that music lessens excitement, keeps heartbeat and blood pressure normal and increases concentration. Especially vocal music. Being a great breathing exercise, it keeps our lungs healthy which is very important to prevent COVID.

Lastly, most of the greatest personalities like Albert Einstein, Swami Vivekananda, Satyendra Nath Bose, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and many more practised music regularly. They have admitted that music helped them excel in their respective fields. Rabindranath Tagore has left us such an invaluable repertoire of music – as well as literature and art, of course. Music played a pivotal role in shaping his life, vision and philosophy.

Music teaches the balance and coordination among musical notes, rhythms, lyrics, and expression. Perhaps this quality of music has helped the children to handle so much adversity, chaos and confusion and maintain mental peace and balance.

Little children are bundles of energy. As parents we want to channelize that energy in a proper way. But, when schools are closed and sports activities are stopped, performing arts are, perhaps, the only option to productively utilize this immense life energy of our children. Music is a sweet way to achieve excellence and perfection. Children love this challenge to get the taste of achievement. It utilizes their energy. Moreover, social media provide a huge exposure to young talents nowadays. When praise comes from listeners in the farthest corner of the world, it always motivates and inspires youngsters; it adds to their positive mindset.

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How can our young readers of detective stories forget that their hero, Sherlock Holmes, too, used to play the violin?

COVID has taught mankind several lessons too. We now realize more the impact of music on human mind and especially on tender minds. We pray to the Almighty that this difficult time goes away very soon but we should make music our lifelong companion for a more productive, beautiful and peaceful life.

Stay happy, stay healthy and stay musical.

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Miles to Go

Baguran Jalpai Digha or Mandarmani but offers the same beauty. A dense forest of casuarina bordering the beach adds to its charm. Crabs run among the sands and seek refuge in their burrowed homes when chased. It is a beautiful sight! At night, the moonlight on the beach, the sound of waves crashing against the shores paint a picture of serenity. You can also enjoy the gorgeous hues of sunrise and sunset on the golden beach.

Although the calm and picturesque beach is the main attraction of this place, Junput, Bankiput and the Kapalkundala Temple are some nearby spots that can also be explored. One can also interact with the local villagers and learn about a different culture and way of living.

In times like these, when people are mostly stuck at home, a getaway seems to be the only way to escape the monotony. But with COVID-19 still rampant, you need a secluded place to unwind while also keeping in mind the safety of yourself and your family.

Baguran Jalpai is the answer to all these requirements. It is a tranquil beach destination on the Bay of Bengal. It is located in the Contai subdivision of East Medinipur, 160 kms from Kolkata, and takes approximately five hours to reach. After reaching Contai by bus or train, one has to travel along the Junput road for 14 kms to reach the vast expanse of untouched sands.

The best time to visit Baguran Jalpai is between October and February. The only resort here is Sagar Niralay. There are cottages, tents and rooms for accommodation at affordable rates. The ambience is welcoming and the food is delicious. Once checked in, rush to play in the waves with the sun on your skin!

The beach is not as crowded as the nearby beaches of

Spend a weekend away from the cacophony of city life, among chirpings of birds, the rustling of leaves and the sound of waves. And as Jacques Cousteau said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

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Taste Buds Orange Sorbet INGREDIENTS 3-4 whole oranges 2 tbsp (or more, as per taste) sugar 1 cup water 2 tsp lemon juice 5-6 mint leaves (optional) DIRECTIONS • Cut the oranges in halves. Use a grater to grate some of the zest in a bowl and keep aside.

• Squeeze the oranges to extract about 2 cups of juice. If you are using a juicer, make sure to separate each of the wedges and discard the seeds, or else the juice will turn bitter.

• Mix the sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, water and sugar very well together.

• Freeze this mixture in an ice tray, till hard.

• Take each ice cube out and put them in a mixergrinder to crush them.

• Mix the zest with this semi-solid sorbet and pour into glasses. Garnish with mint leaves and serve cold.

Chicken White Sauce Pasta INGREDIENTS 2 cups pasta (preferably penne) 1 cup boiled chicken (cut into small pieces) 1 cup chopped vegetables (onions, bell peppers), fried 3-4 pods garlic (finely chopped or grated) 1.5 cup milk 1 tbsp flour Salt to taste 2 tsp oil 2 tbsp butter 1 block cheese (grated) 1 tsp each of mixed herbs and chilli flakes DIRECTIONS • Boil the pasta with a pinch of salt and a tsp of oil in water. Strain the pasta but do not throw away the water. Make sure not to overboil the pasta.

• In a separate pan, add the remaining oil and butter and heat them well. Add the garlic and let it fry till golden.

• Add flour to this and fry till the flour changes colour. Once it starts turning golden, add milk to this bit by bit, constantly stirring so that the flour does not form lumps. This mixture should have a thick but flowy consistency. Add the pasta water, if required, to make it into a sauce.

• Add the boiled pasta, chicken and fried vegetables to this and mix well. Let it simmer for two minutes, then add the grated cheese, mixed herbs and red chilli flakes. Turn off the gas, stir well, and serve hot.

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In flight | Pramit Kumar Sen Class IX G (M)

The crossing | Kritika Guha Class IX C (M)

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Frozen in time | Songsthita Sen Class IX G (A)

Peak hour | Sourav Mitra Class IX G (M)

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Soft spots | Aishrin Mitra Class IX E (M)

A gift from heaven | Soumabho Tarafdar Class X A (A)

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True blue | Manish Kr. Pan Class X C (M)

Scarlet splendour | Aishik Giri Class X E (M)

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Through the windows | Suchitrak Bandyopadhyay Class X H (A)

Peace | Kaustabh Mallick Class X H (M) 161

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Two worlds | Shinjon Maitra Class XI G (M)

Checkmate | Ritaja Biswas Class X C (A) POINTER

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The beginning | Gourab Naskar Class XI C (A)

Spring’s smiling bloom | Subhobroto Sasmal Class XI E (M) 163

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Magnificent! | Rudrashish Saha Class XI C (M)

Ripples | Sourjya Sarkar Class XI E (M)

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Let there be light! | Saborno Dey Class XI H (A)

A lonely dream | Ayantik Kundu Class XII E (M) 165

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The path of hope | Debanjan Dutta Class XII F (M)

Vignettes | Anusha Tripathi Class XII F (M)

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To Read and What to Read The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

By John Boyne Two little boys on either side of a fence — a fence that rests on futility yet stands tall to racial hatred and prejudice. The only thing that brings both the boys to one side of the fence is friendship.

Set against the dark backdrop of World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

by John Boyne makes for interesting reading as the author blends in the right amount of sunshine through friendship and innocence. Now, also a popular feature film, this novel is worth a read for its sheer brilliance of portrayal.

First published in 2006, the story unfolds from the perspective of the nine-year-old protagonist, Bruno. The novel begins with a shift – from Berlin to a fictional Auschwitz, here ‘Out-with’, as Bruno mispronounces, probably, and we find little Bruno quite upset with the struggles of a sudden change. It is indeed interesting to observe the gradual culmination of this shift – how the shift in uniform evens out the wrinkles of racial aversion and xenophobia. It is in this shift, this change of ‘sides’ and clothing, that the author attains the devastatingly beautiful conclusion – reiterating and metaphorizing the concept of equality with that of foreverness and beyond.

Boyne, willingly, uses the third person narrative, maintaining the perspective of Bruno throughout, aiming at the obvious sympathetic connect to Bruno with the readers and at the same time, underlining a balanced detachment with his innocent ignorance and the harsh realities of the war-torn world. Bruno’s family keeps him in the dark about the terrors that surround them literally, placing him in a protected cocoon. It is his friendship with Shmuel, the Jewish boy, which punctures the cocoon and places the unevolved Bruno into the real world. Sitting on either side of the fence,

South Point High School Library TITLE 1. The Happy Prince And Other Tales 2. Metamorphosis 3. The Book Thief 4.

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6.

7.

8.

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The Man In The Brown Suit One Of Us Is Lying Around The World In 80 Days The Machine Stops Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin The Power Of Habit

10. Atomic Habits

they present to each other slices of the world which are distinctly different and opposite to the ones they are inhabiting.

Bruno’s journey from innocence to revelation, both on the emotional level and the level of horrid practicality, strikes a chord with readers across all ages. It resonates with one’s own journey of realization and revelation. In page 60, when Bruno is talking to Maria and she reminisces about the role of his benevolent father in her life, Bruno ‘realized for the first time that he had never fully considered her to be a person with a life and a history all of her own.’ This stands witness to the beginning of his journey of emotional evolution but the pace is slow and remains incomplete, making Bruno pay a price for his innocence.

The novel is rich in symbolism. The fence stands for an anamorphic mirror – that separates two worlds. The two children sitting on either side represent the vastly opposed worlds and ingrained prejudices, which lose prominence in the innocent blend of peripheries. The striped pyjamas highlight the barred difference in the ‘sides’ of the fence. This branding, meant for distinguishing, is used as a disguise by Bruno, which eventually leads to the perfect blending of the ‘sides’. In page 110, Bruno observes, ‘We’re like twins’ on realizing that he and Shmuel share the same birthday. The words highlight the parallel that the children share through their strikingly different lives, which eventually culminates in a shared fate.

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas handholds through the murkiest of time travel to a war-ravaged world, yet all the time basking in the warmth of friendship and innocence. It is a must read for all the right emotions and an endearingly painful revelation.

Debanjana Sinha Roy Teacher Department of English South Point High School

MUST READ BOOKS

LINKS https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/902/pg902-images.html https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5200/5200-h/5200-h.htm https://p3cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_4204286/ Image/Grade9GT--TheBookThiefMarkusZusak.pdf https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/61168/pg61168-images.html https://bookstackers.tech/Lying.html https://www.gutenberg.org/files/103/103-h/103-h.htm https://manybooks.net/titles/forstereother07machine_stops.html https://www.gutenberg.org/files/20203/20203-h/20203-h.htm https://weblogibc-co.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ The-Power-of-Habit-Why-We-Do-What-We-Do-and-How-to-Change.pdf https://icrrd.com/media/01-11-2020-043223Atomic%20Habits%20-%20James%20Clear.pdf

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To Read and What to Read

with a level-headed approach to every aspect of life.

Mary tries to overrule her with her usual rudeness but realizing soon that Martha is not credulous, becomes cordial to her.

Martha’s intriguing stories about her own family and her little brother, Dickon, help loner Mary befriend the brother. The story about the secret garden of Mr. Craven’s dear late wife, which has been shut down by him just after her death, unfolds. One day while following a robin, Mary is enthralled to discover the key to the secret garden and enters it. Gradually she comes to know her cousin Colin, who is supposedly ill.

Nature ameliorates the lives of the two children. Though at the beginning Mary is rather indifferent to Martha’s idea of enjoying the secret garden, she gradually accepts the suggestion and spends time in the garden.

Even scampering up and down the moor makes her eat more. The gap between the human-constructed world and nature is bridged by the kind and gentle Dickon and the old gardener, Ben Weatherstaff; the robin redbreast plays a significant role in re-shaping the characters of both the cousins. Mary and Colin become kinder towards others and their self-confidence is boosted.

Travelling between the sultry Indian conditions and the dry and windy English moors, The Secret Garden tells a fascinating story about friendship among three children as well as about nature helping life, health and joy bloom. Burnett skilfully designs a plot, builds suspense and thus succeeds in stirring up the reader’s willingness to continue the novel till the end. The Secret Garden is undoubtedly a literary masterpiece – a compelling read.

The Secret Garden

By Francis Hodgson Burnett Mary had stepped close to the robin, and suddenly the gust of wind swung aside some loose ivy trails, and more suddenly still she jumped toward it and caught it in her hand. (p.77) The Secret Garden by the American playwright and author, Francis Hodgson Burnett, is a magnificent story of an ill-tempered and meagre eater — little girl Mary Lennox, the main protagonist — and her journey from India to Yorkshire in northern England and thereafter.

Set in the Edwardian era, the novel was first published in book form in 1911. The splendid nature with its remarkable healing powers acts magically in shaping the characters and physical conditions of both Mary and Colin, her troubled and ailing cousin. The story is narrated in the third person and the author is privy to the breathtaking actions, thoughts and feelings of each character.

Mary Lennox begins her life in India. The untimely death of her wealthy British parents and their native servants due to the spread of cholera, forces the 10-year-old girl to return to Yorkshire to her distant uncle, Mr. Archibald Craven. Mr. Craven is a widower and he owns an estate named Misselthwaite Manor, an old and gloomy house, where he lives with his sick son, Colin, and a few servants.

Mary is rude to everyone around, if things are not according to her whims and fancies. When she lived with her parents, she was deprived of her mother’s affection who was unable to accept her sickness and her ugly looks. The mother left her in the care of a retinue of Indian servants. After reaching Yorkshire, Mary is received by Mrs. Medlock, who at the very outset makes her aware of the rules of that household. Martha Sowerby, Mary’s chambermaid, is a decent young girl

South Point School Library TITLE 1. Explorer Academy Book 3: The Double Helix 2. Sweep: The Story Of A Girl And Her Monster 3. The Magnificent Flying Baron Estate 4. The Patchwork Girl Of Oz 5. The Happy Hollisters At Pony Hill Farm 6. The Black Arrow 7. Chhotoder Bhalo Bhalo Galpo 8. Hasir Galpo 9. Samaresher Shera 101 10. Kissa Buli Aur Baagh Ka (Hindi)

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Sulagna Mukhopadhyay Teacher South Point School

MUST READ BOOKS AUTHOR Trudi Trueit Jonathan Auxier Eric Bower L. Frank Baum Andrew E. Svenson R. L. Stevenson Narayan Gangopadhyay Asamanja Mukhopadhyay Samaresh Majumdar Shalini Reys

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EBOOK LINKS Epic Epic Epic Epic Epic Epic Shishu Bichitra Bengali Shishu Bichitra Bengali Shishu Bichitra Bengali StoryWeaver

“Expressive Eyes”

Asmita Ghosh Class XII G (M) | Collage

SOUTH POINT SCHOOL

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SOUTH POINT HIGH SCHOOL 82/7A, Ballygunge Place Kolkata 700 019, West Bengal Phone: 24404043, 24405042, 24405115 E-mail: sphs@southpoint.org.in

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Website: www.southpoint.edu.in

A n I S O 4 5 0 0 1 : 2 0 1 8 I n st i tut i o n