Democracy

Points: Definition of democracy — The system of election — Democracy in India.

             Democracy, according to Abraham Lincoln, is “government of the people, for the people and by the people.”  In a democracy, the will of the people determines the policy of the government. The will of the people is expressed through the electoral system of votes. A true democracy is based on universal adult franchise.
             Democracy means government by consent. This consent is expressed periodically through the ballot-box. But unless there is freedom of speech in a country, there can be no fair and free election. The electorate must also be educated. Otherwise, the self-seeking politicians will cheat and mislead the ignorant masses.
             India is the biggest or most populous democracy in the world. The world now recognizes that India has already set up a very good, democratic tradition, India has a written constitution. If lays down the guiding principles to be followed by the government as well as by the citizens. There is an Election Commissioner for India. Whenever an election is announced, his office assumes the charge of conducting it independently. Even a Prime Minister has to bow out if he or she loses in the election. We are proud of being a democratic nation.

Importance of Games and Sports

               ‘A sound mind in a sound body’ is an ideal well expressed. So you cannot have a sound mind without a sound body. Arid for a sound body, physical exercise is a necessity. Games give us a lot of exercise and so help us a good deal in forming our body and mind.
Games are necessary after hard work. They provide us with the necessary relaxation after the dull routine of our daily life. ‘All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.’ So games are as necessary as work.
               There are both outdoor games and indoor games. Badminton, tennis, hockey, football, cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, wrestling, jumping, races, etc., are some of the outdoor games which are generally played by schoolboys all over the world.
               The most obvious use of games is in connection with physical health. Games strengthen the muscles, expand the lungs and make our body strong and fit. They impart us vitality and strength. They give us pluck and courage.
               Besides making the mind and body strong, games help to foster in us virtues of obedience, discipline and team spirit. All the players learn to obey the captain of the team, and observe the rules of the games. They also learn the ‘team spirit’, for each player has to realize that he must efface himself for the good of his team. It requires great discipline and self-denial on the part of a player to pass the ball on to his fellow player and forgo the glory of scoring a goal for himself. One has to play the game not for oneself hut for the whole team. In this way, every player comes to imbibe esprit de corps or ‘team spirit’.
               But games can be abused too. Carried to excess, they may harm instead of improving one’s health. Sometimes a hard hit strikes the bone and leaves it broken for good or a strong kick at football dislocates one’s knee. So there is a grave risk of physical injury in playing manly games like football, hockey and cricket which can however be avoided in such games as tennis, badminton, volleyball and basketball.
               Again, unhealthy rivalry between two teams or two players often leads to unpleasantness and sometimes causes disputes and thus produces ‘bad blood’ between the parties. Thus, the whole purpose of games is lost. To avoid this, true sportsmanlike spirit should be cultivated among boys. They must learn always to play the game fair, never to take a mean advantage of their opponents’ weakness, lose the game with a smile, and never, never sulk at all when defeated.
               Timid boys who are afraid of manly games and are shy of taking part in active games sometimes take to indoor games like chess, bridge, ludo, draughts. carrom and table-tennis.
               In these games, no risk of physical injury is involved. They afford very little physical activity and provide recreation only to the mind. Moreover, they sometime absorb too much of our time and interfere with our profession or work in life.
               So indulgence in indoor games must be avoided. Outdoor games should be preferred to indoor games, as the former not only afford us mental recreation but also provide us with the necessary physical activity which keeps our body going   and help us to counteract ill health and guard against disease. 

Terrific Incident in One Night

               The clock struck five when I stepped out of the office. I had no idea it would take so long to finish my first foray in the Media. I had been given a small part in a television programme and the shooting had begun at 6 o’clock. Morn and Dad had to go to an official dinner at 8 o’clock and they had asked me to ring up home, if I was delayed. They would send the car to fetch me. I just couldn't ring them up while the shooting was going on — I had no idea it takes so long to finish a five minutes stint on the T.V.
               So, here I was without any means of transport to go home. Some of my coworkers had already left in their cars and scooters. I did not know anyone of them well enough to ask for a lift. I could not ring up home. because only granny would be there. She would get panicky immediately. Well, I thought, I will have to use a public transport to go home, and face the music later for not ringing up at the proper time.
               Just then a three-wheeler stopped before me and someone asked me if I wanted a lift. The face looked ‘Largely familiar. “Don’t you know me, miss? I was helping with the stage lights.”
               “Where are you going?” I asked. “To Mansingh Road. I can drop you at Curzon Road.”
At that time it didn’t strike me to ask how did he know where I lived.
He got out and asked me to get in. As I stepped in, I could smell liquor on his breath. It made me hesitate but he quickly got in and the three-wheeler started. The fellow, I didn’t even know his name, started asking me questions. I gave replies in monosyllables. A premonition had struck me, something was wrong and I had made a big mistake in accepting the lift. I peered out to see on which road we were going. Suddenly at a red light I saw Ashoka Road sign and breathed easy. At least we were going at the right road.
               I felt the man trying to get closer to me. Alerted, I asked the driver to stop. “Why?” asked the man. Thinking desperately of an excuse, I replied my uncle lived on this road. I would get down at his place. The driver, meanwhile, had slowed down. I seized the opportunity to push him and shouted, “Let me get down.” The man, taken aback, by my shouting moved a little and I jumped out. I ran for dear life to the nearest door and banged with all my might. ‘The man and the scooter driver also entered the compound. Suddenly the door opened and five-six people came out in night clothes. I clung to the elderly lady and shrieked, “Please help, Auntie.” The owner immediately guessed something was wrong and immediately rang up the police. The lady took me inside gave a glass of Water’? I was almost hysterical.  She calmed me down and found out my telephone number. Daddy picked up the phone, and said he was coming immediately. The police had also come and caught hold of the men and the driver.
I have learnt a bitter lesson. I will now never accept a lift or hitch hike again.

A Terrified Journey

               There was a general air of laughter, relaxed conversation, much rustling of papers when Air India Boeing 737 took off from Delhi airport on its morning flight to Bangalore. Not many had paid any serious attention to the demonstration given by the two pretty air hostesses on what to do in an emergency. Soon the breakfast trolleys arrived and we enjoyed our breakfast. It is only four hour flight from Delhi to Bangalore. My father had opened his hrie1cse and was looking into sonic files and I pulled out a book and started reading. After three hours of smooth flying, suddenly the plane started dipping with a sudden lurch. Passengers, who were standing or walking in the aisles, had to clutch to seats to prevent themselves from falling. I looked out of my window and saw nothing but white clouds. Some passengers who were dozing woke up with cries of “What happened’?” Worried faces looked around when another lurch made us jump in the seats. Suddenly the lights ‘ere on and we heard the Captain’s voice on the intercom. “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Captain Mehta speaking. I regret to inform you that the plane has developed engine trouble and I may have to make a forced landing - so tighten up your belts, put on your life jackets. The air hostesses, the steward will keep the emergency exits ready. Try to get out of the plane as soon as I land, Do not panic. God bless you all.”
               There was a stunned silence after this announcement. People were too shocked to react. Then all hell broke loose. Cries, prayers, angry protests all came together. The trained crew worked swiftly and competently. So the 247 odd passengers were swiftly helped to put on their life jackets, the masks were on. My father quickly put my jacket and held on to my hand. We were asked to keep our heads down. I could see some passengers helping others. One of the lockers opened and a piece of luggage fell on a woman’s head. She gave rushed to her aid.
               Meanwhile the plane was jerking and shuddering. We could make out we were descending rapidly. The clouds could not be seen and then we heard the Captain say, “Now Ready!“ I put my fingers in my ears, my father held my hand firmly. I arched my body to receive the crash. There was an almighty thud; the shock seemed to go through my whole body. Then everybody was asked to rush out.
               There was chaos, screams and everybody was pushing each other out. I felt myself sailing through the shute and landed on the hard ground. My father pulled me up and we ran away from the plane. It was the fastest run I had ever made. People were running everywhere — some limping, some sobbing, but running. The last to come out was the Captain and the crew.
               The nightmare was not yet over. Exactly 10 minutes later we heard a thunderous sound, saw the plane go up in flames. I won’t forget the scene for years. People stood still in shock. Then all tan as fast as they could away from the fire. We found ourselves running between rice fields, absolutely panic stricken. Some lay down, totally exhausted.
               It was one of the worst and the strangest crashes. Not a single life was lost thanks to the skill of the Captain and selfless service of the crew. Of course, our luggage could not be saved but we were grateful for our lives. Some were injured while running but not seriously. I don’t think I am every going to forget this dreadful, terrifying experience.

Scenario of a Weekly Market

              The weekly market in my area is something to be seen and believed! The wares spill over the road and the road is jam-packed with people shopping madly. The policemen try in vain to control the crowd but give up after some time. No vehicle can pass the area. it is cordoned off, yet one has to push and struggle to get through. Hundreds of buyers, women mostly, throng the area, chattering bargaining, pulling, pushing. You do see a few men, bravely trying to find their way but most of them looked harassed and irritable.
              Why this mad rush? The reason given is that you can find all the vegetable, all the fruits, all the condiments, clothes, flowers, plastic goods, at one place. Things are said to be cheaper too I I really cannot vouch for that but most women seem to believe it, including my mother.
              The scene seems to be from some painting on a large canvas. Smells, colors, sounds, touch all mingle together. You are struck by the colorful sarees, the multi-colored mounds of vegetables and fruits, the variety of fish lying on the pavement, the toys loaded in carts. Then the cacophony of sound hits you. Screams, arguments, shouts by the vendors deafen you. Mothers shouting at errant children, housewives bargaining at the top of their voices, blares of horns in the distance, the whistles of the policemen pierce your eardrums. The last thing that hits you is the smell! Smell of fish, smell of overripe fruits, smell of “Garam-Masalas” (spices) and the red chilies, smell of petrol are all mixed up, to say nothing about the smell of bodies.
              I am dragged to this market week after week by my mother as it happens on a Saturday. I dread going because the noise, the overpowering smells, the continuous haggling gives me a headache. But my mother feels it is a training for future running of household. She has never told me how much she saves by going to this market. Sometimes she is cheated badly, but nothing can keep her away. It is an experience but not the kind I relish or like to have week after week.

The Choice of a Profession

              One should take great care in choosing a profession for on it depends the prosperity of one’s whole life. Before a boy joins a school, he must have some ‘idea, however vague it may be, of the profession which he would like to adopt in the latter part of life, If a man whose tastes and temperament incline him to take up a particular profession follows quite a different profession, he is bound to fail in life.

              There are various professions which are open to a young man after he has finished his studies. Teaching is one. It is a noble profession. To be given an opportunity to mould the lives of the youths of a country is indeed a privilege, and a teacher does certainly enjoy that. Further, this profession brings us plenty of leisure in which we can profitably pursue certain hobbies which give us joy in life. But I can hardly bring myself to like this profession. A teacher’s lot is hardly enviable. He is so poorly paid that one finds it hard to live a comfortable life. To join this profession is to embrace a life of voluntary poverty.

              The medical profession is considered these days to be a very noble profession. It is indeed the greatest service to humanity to relieve the sufferings and agonies of the sick and the wounded. To save a man from death is the highest act of charity and nobility. And this is what a doctor can do. But it is not easy for a young doctor to make his mark s1hen there already exist so many doctors far more experienced and. in sonic cases, better qualified than he. Moreover, I have a personal dislike for this profession. It makes us see at all times only the ugly and unpleasant side of human life. It distorts one’s tastes anti kills one’s appreciation of beauty.

              The Bar also is over-crowded. Only very few attain to eminence at the Bar, and not many, even after fifteen or twenty years of waiting, succeed in getting constant employment. The majority of the lawyers who have no other means have either to connect themselves with other pursuits, or live a most unenviable life. From a moral point of view also, the lawyer’s profession is not the best one to choose: because an honest lawyer can hardly earn enough to make both ends meet. He is often required to argue a case which he knows to be false and try to prove it to be true. He is therefore required to kill his conscience at every step, which is a great sacrifice indeed.

              Agriculture, though profitable, is not so honourable as to attract me. However rich a farmer may be, he does not enjoy any status in society. Moreover, I have absolutely no liking for this profession.

              In both Mechanical and Electrical engineering, however, there are excellent opportunities for a young man to distinguish himself, and in other directions men may do well if they choose to put their shoulder to the wheel. But I have no aptitude for any of these professions.

              I want to settle down as a businessman and follow in the foot-steps of my father. I am not fitted to attain any remarkable success in other professions, So I want to follow the profession of my forefathers. The prizes in commerce are greater in point of money than they can possibly be in any other profession, and they are within the reach of even the poorest man on earth, provided he is industrious, patient, painstaking and honest. Moreover, you enjoy complete independence in this profession. You are the master of your time. There is no one to boss over you. This is the profession I wish to adopt in life.

              There are various professions open to every young man and he should follow only that profession which suits his taste, temperament, aptitude, and circumstances best.

Newspapers

              The newspaper is a means of bringing us into contact with the world outside. By spending a rupee or so we can know what is happening in foreign countries which we all of us cannot afford to visit.
              The newspaper provides us with up-to-date information about important political events, and topics of general interest. We are brought into touch with the current problems which affect us so much if we neglect them. Again, the morning paper brings to our knowledge all the notable events which occurred in distant lands only the day before. The advertisement column of the newspaper tells us where we can find work for ourselves or improve our prospects. It provides us with the means of either disposing of our own articles or purchasing the things we stand in need of. Reviews of books given in some newspapers helps us to choose the best books. Those of us who are interested in art, music, farming and sports can also find enough material for amusement.
              Besides this, the newspaper tries to educate and mould public opinion. Most of us are far too busy in our own affairs to think of the great political problems of our country. We go to the newspaper and accept the view it presents to us. So the opinion of the newspaper becomes our opinion.
Moreover, the press affords a platform from which advocates of social reform can press their causes on public attention. If certain wrongs are done by the Government to the people, a cry against them can be raised in newspapers.
              A newspaper is a great power in a country.  A newspaper can deeply influence public opinion. The editors of every newspapers have therefore a serious responsibility. A newspaper becomes a power for evil if it distorts truth, presents only the dark side of a question panders to lower tastes and exaggerates sensational news. It has been discovered that the communal riots that have taken place in India during the last fifty years have been due to misrepresentation or exaggeration of facts by the newspapers. But a clean, honest, truthful and earnest paper can do a lot of good to the country by removing evils and bringing light into the country.

How to be a Good Citizen

              It is not an easy thing to be a good citizen. To be a good citizen is as difficult as to be a good student. As a student will find it very difficult to overcome his laziness in order to be one of the best students in his class, so a citizen will find it extremely hard to be good unless he conquers his selfishness.
It is because a good citizen is required to know that the centre of his interest is no longer his own person or his own family but that he is a member of a community which is far greater than his own family. In this way a good citizen has to seek not only his own good or to work for the good of his father or his brother, his mother or his wife, his son or his daughter, but has to seek his own good in the good of all. He is to live not only for himself hut also f others. His life is not to be a life of self-interest, hut a life of sympathy and unselfishness.
              A good citizen always cares more for his duties than for his rights, moreover for his obligations than for his privileges. Of course, every citizen enjoys some privileges. His life and property are looked after by the State: he has a right to rise the public highways, parks, dispensaries, and all other things which are  provided by the State. But a good citizen has not his eye always on such advantages: he cares more for his duties. He does not care so much for what the State does for him, as for what he can do for the State.
A good citizen is always loyal. He is loyal to the Constitution, because it stands for all that is best in the laws of his country. A good citizen is more devoted to his country. He thinks that as his parents gave him a natural life, so he owes his civic life to his country. He, therefore, calls his country his motherland, and is ready to lay down even his life for his sake.
              A good citizen always respects the laws of his country. He obeys all the laws of the land He goes even further, he does not keep the law himself, his is the enemy of all those who break the law. He has no sympathy for thieves, criminals, hoarders, smugglers and blackmarketeers. He will assist the police against all those who are dishonest and a source of danger to the public. He is, therefore, always ready to put down crime and help the guardians of law in arresting criminals.
              A good citizen always takes an interest in the welfare of his country. lit’ has a vote, and he uses ii not to further his own interests or those of the party he belongs to, but to help his country as a whole. He is always ready to help forward good causes. He is most active when illiteracy is to be removed. or when the sanitation of the town is to be improved, or when a dishonest person is to be punished. If a school is to be opened, a dispute is to be settled, a disease is to be checked, a road is to be built, or arty other work of public utility is to be taken up, he is most energetic and helpful.
              In this way a good citizen believes in cooperation with other citizens for the common good. He feels that the members of community are like the different limbs of a body. The head thinks for the hand, the hand works for the belly and the belly supplies nourishment to all. Similarly, all the members of a community work for the common good.

How to Keep Healthy and Be Happy

              "We do not value a thing properly until we have host it." It is only when we have lost a friend that we realize how much we have lost in him. So it is with health. Healthy persons do not value sufficiently the blessings of health. If you want to know what such a blessing as health is, you should go and ask the person who has lost it. He ‘will tell you such a piteous tale that you will never be careless about  your health for the rest of your life only when you have lost your health that you realize that it was one of God ‘ best gifts to  you,
              Good health is very necessary for happiness and success. Those who do not posses good health cannot enjoy any happiness in life. Life appears to be a burden to them. Although we sometimes find weak and ailing people enjoying happiness and doing good work in spite of had health, such cases are few and exceptional. In the case of most people bad health means misery and failure
              How to keep good mental health? Only by knowing and carefully observing the rules of health.
We must eat only good plain and wholesome food. We must not cat too much or too little. We must eat as much as is required to satisfy our hunger. Again, we should not take too many rich and dainty dishes which affect our health.
              We must take physical exercise regularly. A ploughman or a coolie who works hard the whole day may not need exercise, hut those of us who do mental work need it most. We can get it in outdoor games, athletic sports, riding, running, walking or swimming, etc.
We must take in as much of fresh air as possible. We must not live in rooms where there is not enough sunlight and where we do not get plenty of fresh air to breathe. Many of us ruin our health by living in close, stuffy, and ill-ventilated rooms and breathing foul air. We must remain Out of doors for as long a time as we can.
              We must work. We must not remain idle. “An idle man’s brain is the devil’s workshop.” An idle man cannot enjoy good health and happiness. Work is the spice of life. Honest, regular, interesting work. so long as it is not too exhausting, will do much to keep us in health.
              We must take proper rest. If we go on working strenuously the whole day and do not take a rest at regular intervals, our health will be affected. Proper rest is necessary for the upkeep of our health. Continuous work without rest is bound to affect our health sooner or later.
              We must have plenty of sleep. Going to bed late and rising early will soon exhaust our nerves and ruin our health. “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a mart healthy, wealthy and wise” runs the proverb. We must have lull sleep before we apply ourselves to our daily work. Oversleep is as harmful o our health as under sleeping is. Again, we must have sound sleep, i.e., sleep undisturbed by dreams and waking hours. Sound sleep means sound health. Only those that are weak and ailing do not enjoy sound sleep. 
              We must avoid had habits like drinking to excess, smoking, taking opium, and such secret vices as inwardly and silently ruin a man’s body and soul.
              If we want to enjoy good health, our life must be free from cares and anxieties. “Care killed the cat” as the saying is. Cares and worries kill the vital parts and delicate tissues of our body which no amount of nourishment can properly revive. A care-worm man can hardly be found enjoying the radiant health which a man of carefree disposition is found to possess.
              Lastly, contentment and peace of mind will do much to keep us healthy. A discontented person cannot enjoy the blessing of good health. A, person who possesses a contented and peaceful mind will generally not suffer from bad health.

Patriotism — True and False

                               “Breathes there the man with soul so dead, 

                                 Who never to himself bath said, 

                                ‘This is my own, my native land!” — Sir Walter Scott.

              Patriotism which means the love of the land of one’s birth, is indeed a noble virtue. The man who lacks it cannot be called a living man. He has, as Scott says, “a dead soul.” If his heart does not ‘burn’ in him when he returns from a foreign land to his native country, he cannot be said to possess a patriotic soul. Such a worthless man does not deserve to exist.
              In 20th century, the words 'Patriotism' have been so misused that it serves to conceal the most selfish aims & narrow passions. In the name of patriotism people achieve their selfish ends. We must, therefore, distinguish between true and false patriotism.
              False patriotism is selfishness on a vast scale. False patriots “serve” their county to satisfy their own private interests. They do not care for their country so much as for their selfish ends. There are others who preach, “My country, right or wrong.” Such patriots teach us false patriotism. They teach us that we cannot love our country without hating other nations. This is not patriotism. If patriotism makes us narrow, selfish, and jealous, it is not a virtue at all. Such patriotism degrades nation to the level of a herd of brutes.
              The true patriot, on the other hand, is an unselfish lover of his country. His sincere desire is to serve it in all possible ways. He is proud of his country. He loves it above everything else. But that does not mean that he does not point out its faults, defects, sins, and abuses. A true lover of his country cannot tolerate that abuses should flourish in It. He will criticize its policy if it be a wrong one. A true patriot is, therefore, anxious to see that his nation is right. He does not want it to be powerful first, and right afterwards. That is the policy of a false patriot. A true patriot will refuse to follow the time-honored maxim, “Everything is fair in love and war,” He will never be unfair even in war. He will welcome defeat rather than be guilty of unfairness. Secondly, a true patriot, while he loves his country, does not hate other nations. He loves other nations, and gladly recognizes their virtues and achievements. Thirdly, a true patriot will love peace and hate war. He will think a hundred times before involving his country in war. He will recognize the rights of other nations and will do his best to prevent the outbreak of a war. Lastly, if a true patriot finds his country fighting for a true and just cause, he will be the first to lay down his life for his country. Such patriotism is one of the noblest virtues of man.

School Annual Function

              On the 20th of April, Baita Higher Secondary School appeared to be at its best. The whole school had been well swept and cleaned. The hall was decorated with flags, festoons of leaves and streamers of colored papers. The pathways were laid with red gravel. The furniture had been re-polished. The school peon had his new uniform on, and the Head Clerk was smartly dressed. The Headmaster looked happy and pleasant as usual. The teacher seemed to be busy and full of good humour; and the students also appeared very happy.
              It was a grand occasion in the history of the school, because the Governor was to give away the prizes. For this purpose a fine carpet had been spread on the dais. A table, decorated with a richly embroidered table-cloth and a number of vases full of beautiful flowers, was placed there. The boys were all seated on benches arranged in front of the platform. Near the platform, there were chairs for guests. The boys who had won prizes were given special seals near the platform; while those who were to take part in the various performances had a whole classroom near the hall to themselves.
              The guests began to pour in at about four. The guardians of the boys were the first to come. Vakils turned up next. Then came high officials and the gentry of the town. Last of all arrived the Governor accompanied by his wife. They were received at the gate by the Headmaster and members of the Governing Body of the School and were profusely garlanded. After this, they were conducted to their seats on the dais. Before they took their seats there, all the boys and guests stood up and clapped their arrival heartily.
              The proceedings began with the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ which was sung by our school boys, to which all listened standing up.
              Then the Headmaster came forward and read out the School Report for the year. The report was very interesting and gave a good account of the progress the school had made in sports and studies during the year. It spoke of the brilliant results the students had shown in the Higher Secondary Examination.
              After the Report had been read, some performances were given. First of all, the famous song depicting the bravery of the Rani of Jhansi was recited in a sweet, clear voice by a student of the sixth class. After this there were sung some patriotic songs in Hindi. Next came recitations in English. One of the little boys recited one of Kipling’s most inspiring poems. The Dramatic Club of the school staged a one-act play, which dealt with the blessings of national integration.
              After the play the Governor gave away the prizes which consisted mostly of books, stationery and other articles. When the prizes had been given away, the Governor made his closing speech. He said that he was very pleased with the progress the school had made during the last year. He congratulated the Headmaster and the staff on the brilliant results the school had shown in the University examination. He congratulated also the prize-winners as well as the boys who had taken part in the performances. He closed his speech with the remark that the boys, who had not received any prizes that year, should not at all be disheartened but try to win them next year.
              The function came to a close with the singing of the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana and with loud shouts of Jai Hind! Jai Hind! Then the guests were entertained at an enjoyable tea-party.

Your Best Friend

              There are various kinds of friends in our life like childhood friends, school friends, college friends, etc. We make new friends in our life-span.
              I know other boys whom I would call “visiting friends.” They often visit me at  my place, and I also visit them at their homes. Whenever I meet them, they greet me cordially, and entertain inc liberally. If I ever go to their place, they do not spare any expense to stuff me with nice things. These friends know me, but not so deeply and intimately.
              My best and most intimate friend is Abhishek. He can read me like a book. He knows all my moods, whims and humours. He is fully aware of my difficulties and troubles. He knows all my hopes and fears. There is no secret that I conceal from him. There is nothing that  hold back from him. When I am unjustly accused of some fault, I pour my tale of woe into his ears. Oh I what a relief it is then to know that there is one in this world who never misunderstands me! If there is anything to test my patience, temper, or courage, he never refuses me help. His kindliness and sympathy are the greatest assets I possess.
              Abhishek  is one  of the most  sympathetic friends I have ever  come across. He  is the son of’ a rich man. but he never tries to  show himself off. He  puts on fine clothes, hut he seems to he quite unconscious of them, He never speaks ill of  anybody. He never gives himself airs, and is friendly even to the poorest. In joy he is the gayest of companions: in sorrow he is the tenderest of sympathizers and Is very helpful.
              Abhishek is thus a friend after my heart. In the class-room he is the most well-behaved boy; on the playing-field, he is the best sportsman. At home he is most entertaining of friends: and outside he is the nicest and noblest fellow.

The Imaginary Adventures of an Umbrelle

              I was made in the Swadeshi Umbrella Factory, Kolkata, of such materials as steel, bamboo, cloth and other things. When I was ready, I was packed. along with ninety-nine other companions, in a wooden box and placed in a goods train. After about three weeks’ journey in a closed box, we reached the shop of a general merchant, in Chandni Chowk. Delhi.
              The merchant opened the box and inspected all of us. He found that some of us had been damaged during the journey, while others were all right. He made up his mind to sell the damage ones very cheap. I arrived in good condition and the merchant was struck by my neat and tidy look.
              I remained in the merchant’s shop for about a week when an old man came and bought me. Next morning, the old man took me along with him during his morning walk. All of a sudden a fierce storm rose and rain began to fall in torrents. He spread me out over his head. But so strong was the wind that it blew me off in spite of the strong hold of the feeble old man. The old man ran after me while I flew from bush to bush. After a hard chase, he was at last able to catch me. He again spread me over his bead, and again the wind blew away the entire cloth. I was badly damaged. I was, however, repaired the next day. But now was hot the same beautiful thing as before.
              Now I lie in the corner of the old man’s house, without being used by anybody. At times, the little children pay rue a visit and play with me. All my bones and ribs are jutting out. So much changed am T that you can hardly believe that I was once a beautiful, charming umbrella.

The Autobiography of a Fly

             I am a very small and innocent-looking insect. I am found everywhere. There are few houses in a city, and few shops in a bazaar, where you will not find me. I know people do not like me much. But still I manage to live. They have devised many ways to drive me away from their houses but still I am able to find my way there, somehow 

             I do not like all places equally well. I like the kitchen and the dining-room better than the office and the drawing-room. I do not like clean houses, which have wire-gauze doors. But I do like the houses that are dirty. I Like dirty and filthy places. I like filth because I was born in filth, grew up in it, and live on it. As the air is to man. water is to fishes, so is filth , i.e. I am in my element in it.

             As there are some places which I particularly like in the same  way there are some people I like better than others. For instance. I like the careless housewife very much. She keeps her foodstuff uncovered and her sweets unprotected. I also like some of these lazy fat confectioners very much. They never cover their sweets or use whisks to trouble me. The vendors at railway stations are also my friends. They never scare me away from their sweets and other dainties. I always bless the

people who run hotels and small kitchens, for they allow me to feast upon the most delicious dishes before they are tasted by human beings.

             As there are certain persons and places very dear to me, so there are certain days which are very welcome to me. For instance, I always like festivals and weddings very much. Even before the guests arrive, my friends and I sir on sweets and dainties and have a grand feast. What a happy and gay life!

             I hate the winter, when a large numbers of my friends and relatives die of the intense cold, and others are too benumbed to stir out. Oh. then life indeed becomes a burden!

Self-help

Points: Self-help and success go together — Lack of self-help among Indians: Japan, a contract — Importance of self-help.

             “Heaven helps those who help themselves. This is a proverb that sums up the experience of men of all ages. Samuel Smiles in his book Self Help has given us hundreds of examples of self-made men in different walks of life. Successful men are usually those who make their own careers by sheer will power and personal effort.
             Long years of political subjugation have largely damped the spirit of enterprises in our people. We want that somebody will Provide US with food and shelter, give us jobs,’ and make things easy for us. An utter lack of initiative and a general spirit of defeatism’, have caused our economic backwardness and stagnation’, On the other hand, Japan, our Asian neighbor, has become the world’s major producer of steel, and leader in ship-building and Electronics, Even after the experience of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan stands once again on her own legs. India, sadly enough, presents a contrast. She stilt suffer from poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. The only thing that can change all this is the cult of self-help.
            A Sanskrit proverb says that ‘the preys do not enter into the mouth of a sleeping lion.” Like the lion, man also has to be energetic and active in order to achieve success. One should depend least on others and most on one’s own self.

Punctuality

Points: Value of time in life—Punctuality means discipline—The disastrous effects of unpunctuality.

             Time is an important part of our life. Time doesn't wait for anyone it follows it's own way. What is most remarkable about time is that it brings opportunities. For a man it may be the chance of a lifetime. Punctuality makes us time-conscious.
             A punctual man disciplines himself to work according to schedule. He thus gains self-confidence and inspires confidence in others. The lazy man is usually unpunctual. He keeps others waiting and fails to keep his own appointment. Such a man is doomed to failure in life.
             One of Napoleon’s secretaries used to be very late. He always blamed his watch for it. “Either you must get a new watch,” said Napoleon bitingly, “or I must get a new secretary’ Napoleon valued ‘punctuality’.
             Unpunctuality may create all kinds of bottlenecks. It may cause stalemate in business and industry. If goods are not delivered in time, both buyers and sellers will suffer. If appointments are not kept announced, there will be only chaos. Students, in particular, should be conscious about time. They should go by the watch in everything— study, rest, play and exercise. This will give them strength and discipline and build their character.

Superstition

Points: What It is — Accidental origin — Its evil effects and how to eradicate it.

             Superstition, which is belief without reason, is common and widespread. It thrives on ignorance.
             There are various kinds of superstition prevailing in different parts of the world. A Large number of superstitions must have originated from accidental coincidences. Thus ‘13’ is an unlucky’ number; if someone sneezes or calls from behind, it is bad omen; the cry of an owl or a raven or the mewing of a cat is inauspicious; a comet is a portent and so on.
             Before the vent of modern science men were more superstitious. Superstitions destroy our self-confidence. They damp our will to work. Man could never have built up civilization if he relied entirely on irrational beliefs. Only by spreading education can we fight superstitions like untouchability or caste hatred. But once it becomes a habit of mind, it persists. A superstitious man does not know that he is superstitious.
             Sometimes superstitions are modernized under scientific terms. The quacks use medical jargons and cheat people. We have to form a really scientific attitude and encourage the power of reasoning if we want o remove all superstitions.

Tourism and Joy of Travelling

Points: Travelling past and present — Tourism as an industry — Travelling as education.

             Travelling in the past was different in many ways. In those days there was no tourist lodge or holiday home. There were a few wayside inns, but hotels or motels were out of the question. Cars were unknown and people would go on a pilgrimage either by boat or simply by slogging on.

             In this jet age, the old concept of travelling has changed radical. People now go round the world at supersonic speed with only a few stop-over’s en route. Modem travelling is less risky and more organised. It takes far less time. It is a modern industry. There are spots that attract travelers—we call them tourists— from all parts of the world. The Taj in Agra, the Kanchanjangha in Darjeeling, Stratford-upon-Avon in England where Shakespeare was born and the Niagara Falls in America are such world-famous spots.

             Travelling is both for pleasure and for education. It removes many of our narrow prejudices1. It also strengthens our patriotism. We get a fair idea of our beautiful country and its people. We realise that India is a land of unity in diversity. It also assures us that mankind is one and indivisible.

A Cultural Function

Points: Time and occasion — Early preparation — Some highlights of the function.

             The rains were over. It was autumn, and our local Club was active planning for its annual social function. We were happy when Mr. Dey, the famous musician, accepted our invitation. But just then an awkward thing happened, an anonymous letter came threatening our musical soiree. We went to the local police. When we invited the O. C. personally, he assured us that his men would see that the function went off smoothly.
             On the day of the function, the dais was carpeted and seats were marked for ‘members’, ‘guests’, ‘press’ etc. The microphones were tested and the entire locality was echoing with incessant “hello, hello hello.” The musical soiree was a tremendous success. Mr. Dey sang quite a few songs, and each was a ‘super hit’. The boys and girls of the local schools presented folk songs’ which were acclaimed. There was no disturbance and we heaved a sigh of relief.
             The last item was a film show. The chief guest Mr. Mukherjee introduced it with a neat speech. He said that film was a new form of art and demanded new awareness. A taste had to be created for it. One of the world’s most famous films ‘Battleship Potemkin’ was shown after that. It kept the spectators spell-bound. I was thrilled by its vast canvas and grand presentation. It climaxed the success of our cultural function.

A Country Fair or Mela

Points: Time and place of the fair — A bird’s eye view of the site — Some of the fun and enjoyments.

             I had an invitation to the Paus Mela at Santiniketan. My sister stays there. But I had never visited the place. This time I wrote I was coming. My little nieces were greatly excited. I reached there on the opening day of the Mela.
             In the evening we all went to the Mela ground. From afar we saw the merry-go-round. There was a tempting array of wooden toys and clay dolls. My niece Pinky would give me no peace till I bought a big rocking-horse for her. The housewives crowded round the stalls selling pots, pans, pitchers and kitchen utensils. Hand-loom stalls were also heavily crowded. The greatest attraction of the Paus Mela was the assembly of the Bauls from different places. They sang Baul songs one after another. We liked Puma Das Baul and his group very much.
             Pinky’s friends came running to say that a magician was running a little booth in one corner and we should go there. He would let in only ten persons at a time and charge one rupee per head. A showman was announcing startling items like a two-headed calf and a talking goat. He was collecting a lot of gate-money. From there we came to a coffee-stall and sat down drinking coffee. Pinky bought chocolate bars for everybody.
             When we returned, we were tired but happy. It was a hectic day. But everyone enjoyed it in full. May be next year also we would come and enjoy.

Achievements of Science

             At first man was little better than an animal. As reason developed in him, he began to discoveries and invention to make life more and more comfortable. It is science that is at the root of this progress.

             Let us first take the case of food, the most essential of all things. Primitive people did know how to grow food. Gradually people learnt to cultivate lands with the plough drawn by bullocks. But science has been teaching them how to produce more and better crops at lesser labour with the help of tractors and fertilizers and high yielding varieties of seeds. Scientists are trying to grow food even in deserts. They have discovered various substitute foods. The population of the world has been increasing steadily, and but for these achievements, there would have been chronic famines in many places. 

             Science has made home life comfortable and enjoyable. The electric light and fan, the electric cooker, the refrigerator, etc. have freed life of much of the drudgery and discomfort our forefathers had to go through. In the rich countries of the West, there are many other labour-saving gadgets in almost every house.

             Science has given us improved methods of transport and communication. Formerly there were only bullock carts and boats. Now we have railways, steamships, motor cars, airplanes, etc. These have enabled us to travel even to the farthest end of the world within a very short time in comfort and safety. Science has given us the printed book which is our main source of knowledge. The telegraph, the telephone, the radio and TV. The latest addition in this list is computer. It has changed the world.

             Science has also greatly helped the improvement of health. We have now good medicines for many diseases which were so fatal only a few years back. Modern surgery also has been doing wonders in the surgical field. Scientist have succeeded in sending up artificial satellites and have already landed on the Moon and except to reach Mars within a short time.

             All these are wonders of science and we do not know what further wonders will be achieved by it in future. But it is to be deeply regretted that the power of science is being used for evil purpose also. We all know how books are used for propaganda purpose, what damage and destruction were caused by airplanes in Europe and how whole cities were wiped out by atom bombs in Japan during the last Word War. We also know what a mad race is going on the production of deadlier weapons for destruction. This is certainly deplorable. But that is the abuse of science, and because a  good thing is abused, the thing itself is not to blame. In fact, there is a not good thing that cannot be abused. We should use science only for that good of mankind. 

An Unlucky Day

             We were just about to board the plane when a loud blare of announcement terrified us. “All passengers about to board Flight 129 should immediately rush back to the waiting hail. We have to search for a time bomb. The flight is cancelled.” It went on repeating. We were all shocked and disappointed. We, Anil and I, had no alternative but to take a taxi for home.

             It was 11 o’clock. The airport road was dark and lonely. I was thinking of my mother. She had earlier forewarned, after consulting our family priest, that the day was unlucky for a journey. Suddenly we saw a man in the middle of the road flailing his arms desperately like windmills, and we stopped. He was bleeding from a cut in his cheek. He said, “If you could give a lift…..’ and got into the back and sat by me.

             From the little conversation we had, I could guess he was a total stranger in the city. In his right pocket, near my side, something was bulging out. It looked like a pistol. I became suspicious. I wanted to test him. I referred to the police patrol on the road. His voice pitched higher, he grew tense, he seemed uneasy. That clinched it.

             I suddenly saw a way to handle the whole thing. Earlier on his request we had agreed to put him up for the rest of the night. So we had to inform home. I stopped the car near a telephone booth and went to phone. He also came up and stood close to me. I knew where my father was for a special night inspection on that day. On the phone, I told him’ to make arrangements for a man to stay there. He was surprised, ‘Here of all places!’ I said, “Yes, you will be glad to have him.” I took the seat of the driver on the pretext of giving him some rest. I took a different route and drove directly into the police station.

             Five policemen came running with the stenguns ready. I said hoarsely, “Quick he is armed.” They dragged our passenger out and got his pistol. Then everyone began to relax. My father, the Superintendent of Police of the city, presently appeared and patted my back, Well done, my son!” He showed me an old newspaper. There was the man’s photograph with a note: Rupees 50 thousand rewards to help in catching Jhambir, a dreaded criminal charged with over 10 cases of murder and dacoity.

             I again remembered my mother. Did she say the day was unlucky for a journey?

The Autobiography of a Dog

             A wonderful career has been mine from the time I left my mother’s side and began a life of adventure in this little village of Midnapore. I am called Jimmy. I was born in an opening in a wall in one of the dark and dingy lanes of the village. A year after my birth, my mother left me alone and I lived upon the craps thrown by the people in the neighborhood. I do not recollect having met with any accident in my childhood, and the first six months of my life, after my separation from my mother, passed peacefully. I grew up to be strong, handsome and swift. I believe that was the happiest part of my life. I had no work to do, and could run about anywhere I liked. But that could not last long.

             One day a man, riding a donkey, came into the village and saw me eating a loaf of bread which I had stolen from a house. He seemed to take a liking for me at once and ordered one of his men to fasten a leather collar round my neck. My kidnapper then sold me for fifty rupees to a gentleman in a neighboring village. He, as it happened, was a man of means, took me home and gave me a good meal. I was very faithful to my new master and many a time saved his house and property from burglars. In course of time his children grew so fond of me that they would take me out for a walk and send me after a ball which they threw at a distance. When they fondled and patted me, I wagged my tail as a sign of gratitude. I never snapped at them even though they sometimes beat me.

             At last this good old master died, in a very advanced old age, and then I became the property of a certain Christian gentleman. This gentleman, giving me the name of Bob, took little notice of me. Luckily for me, his wife was a benevolent woman, who treated me with the same kind care and consideration us my previous master.

             After a few months’ stay I ran away and embarked on a life of adventure. One day I was crossing the main road, when suddenly there was a loud hoot and I had hardly time to spring for safely when a large and a silent motor car just grazed my tall. How careless!

             Now I am growing old. They say that a dog lives up to 12 years. I have no time to worry about death. The only thing that is worth worrying about is food. I have grown weak and helpless. I remain hungry all the time. I go about smelling the backyards of big houses. I get only kicks and stones. If by chance I lay my paws on a piece of bone, the younger and stronger dogs snatch it away. My old muscles avoid fighting. I now really lead a dog’s life, as the saying goes.

The Autobiography of a Rupee

             I was born in a building called The Mint. My parent was a metal strip from which we were made round. Thereafter we were embossed with two ears of corn and the figure with the words ‘Rupee’ and ‘1991’, to indicate the your of birth on one side. On the other side, the Lion Capital and the words, ‘Bharat in Hindi and ‘India’ in English were embossed. Each disc was given a milled edge too. After finishing they called us, ‘rupee coins’. In shining metal and with the figure and letters very beautiful and distinct, I was very proud of my smart appearance.
             My active life began when I was removed from the Mint and paid ova the counter of a bank to a gentleman who cashed a cheque. He put me into a leather bag: but I was not there for long as he gave me to a confectioner. The confectioner was so pleased with me that he shut me up in a greasy drawer. I continued to be there a close prisoner for many months, till at last I was exchanged for two 50 paise pieces. My new master, to my unspeakable grief was a miserable old fellow. He clapped’ me into an iron chest, where I found five hundred more of my own species lying in the same confinement. The only relief was that we were carried now and then into the fresh air and counted and placed in different heaps. After an imprisonment of several years, we were taken out by a young man. He gave me to a young lady, who put me in her purse. She soon handed me to a servant to pay the grocer’s bill. I thus rambled merrily from pocket to pocket till I was worn out. The corn plant became faint and the lettering on my back became almost rubbed out. I was deemed useless for the world and every one turned up his nose at me. Eventually I was given away in charity to a blind beggar. The beggar bought tea in exchange for me and I was placed in the tea dealer’s box, only to be extracted by his son who took me to a pedlar as he wanted to buy a few toys. The pedlar banged me on the ground to see if I was genuine. He looked at me closely, made a few insulting remarks about my battered condition but in the end accepted me with great reluctance, At last I was sent back to the Mint.
             There were many more of us there—all time honoured old fellows, but in bad shape now. It was being whispered around that we were to be cast into a furnace and turned again into the base material of our bodies—only to be recast again.

Chaos after Rain

             It may sometimes be difficult to believe what we see after the rain. The water-logged road after two days of incessant rain. The broad Rotary Road lined with trees and houses on both the sides. This is one of the busiest roads of the city, difficult to cross on normal days due to the heavy rush of traffic. But that day it was different. The road was submerged in knee-deep water in front of our house.

             It was morning. Not a single bus or car could be seen plying on the road on that day. The students with rucksacks on their backs were wading through knee-deep water to reach their school nearby. The wheels of the parked cars were under water. Anil, my brother, could not move his car. In the foreground Anil can be seen. He volunteered to take my youngest sister to school by carrying her on his back. But he could not make it. The unusually heavy downpour continued in full fury for two days continuously. There were flashes of lightning accompanied by peals of thunder. The drainage system failed completely. There was severe large-scale water-logging. At some places, the level of the water was chest-high. Most of the civic services came to a standstill. School children and office goers bore the brunt of the consequences. It took 2 to 3 hours for the harried motorists to reach their offices.

             Public transport was severely hit. It caused hardship to everyone. Traffic jams became the rule of the road. There were several accidents. The vastly reduced number of buses which plied were chock-full. It caused frayed tempers. Most commuters were drenched. They feared impending attacks of cold and fever over the coming days.

             Rail tracks were submerged in water. It disrupted train services. Roadside vendors and stall owners were unable to do business. In the low lying areas temporary mud and bamboo structure houses collapsed; but the merciful God prevented any loss of life.

             Rainy season has a unique flavor. It is fascinating to see the sky laden with dark clouds and lightning tearing across them. But when rains change the streets into swift rivulets, often deep, it is difficult to say whether it is a challenge for man or it is his misfortune.

Democracy is the best form of Government

              It has become a fashion to sneer at “Democracy”. People think only those governments succeed where there is a dictator at the top, where a strong man rules with an  iron hand. Too much freedom, according to them, leads to chaos and anarchy. Let us first examine what democracy means. It is a form of government where those who control the government are elected by the people and are answerable or responsible for their actions to the people.

              This keeps a healthy check on all their activities and prevents anyone from  becoming an absolute ruler. The world’s biggest democracies are the U.S.A., Britain (it has a monarchy, but its powers are limited and there is democratic rule), India. France. etc. Democracy also means a form of society where there is no privileged class and in which individuals may rise to power because of ability and hard work. Democracy is also an ideal way of life because it lays emphasis on equality, liberty, brotherhood, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

              Is there any alternative to all this? Look at the countries where there is dictatorship. President Saddam has brought grief, calamity, and war to his country. Look at Afghanistan. there is total anarchy — cultural, political and spiritual. Israel and Palestinians are still fighting — one is not giving up what it has taken by force, and other is not giving up fighting for its rights. look at what happened in Bosnia-Croatia. Nothing was solved by war or terrorism, Finally, only democracy wins.

              The Soviet Russia was so powerful with communism, a form of dictatorship. But look how it ended! The dictators, the terrorists have short lived success and in the end those who live by the sword, die by the sword.

              Democracy is the only hope for the world. Look at our own country. only democracy can save it. Otherwise it will lead to disintegration of our country. If we don’t believe in ideals like equality and brotherhood and peace. Where will we end. We are a vast country with many religions, cultures, language and unless we believe in equal rights and opportunity for all, we will be divided into fragments and play into our enemies’ hands. Threat of nuclear war loom’s and only sane people. believing firmly in democracy can save us. Democracy teaches us to be tolerant and peaceful. Democracy teaches us to be unselfish and work for the larger interest, for the good of the maximum number of people. Without ideals we cannot have progress. without tolerance we cannot have peace. The world cannot afford war or dictatorship and democracy is the best form of government for the world.

Is all Art Useless?

             Men are at times very moody. They speak out very odd things like the saying that we are discussing. If all art were useless Leonardo da Vinci would never have made the portrait of Mona Lisa with a bewitching smile. Leonardo da Vinci would never have drawn a flying machine. More recently Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal would never have been regarded as the marble marvel. If there were no art much of the charm of life would have been taken away. All men have an aesthetic sense that enables them to behold and appreciate the beauty in nature and in life around. A smiling flower, a green valley, a gorgeous building, a dancing fountain, a singing canary. a flowing river all are artistic creations of the creator. It was because of this beauty that Keats wrote, ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ Art is beauty and beauty art. Life without art will be useless and not ‘all art is useless.’
             The difference lies in our attitudes. Some are negative in their thinking while others are positive in their thinking. This reminds one of an incident.When two persons looked out of the gate of the Jail. One saw a  pool of mud while the other saw the beautiful bright stars. Beauty lies in our own altitude Art life giving. It is soothing and consoling. These are beautiful depictions In the form of  pictures, architecture, writing, carvings, mouldings and in all variety of life. These beautiful things of artistic concepts are so charming that we are never tired of looking at them. We admire not only the artistic creations hut also the artists who made them.
             Art is the expression of human heart in various phases of the growing civilisation plunging forth Lu unknown goals and targets. It is because of art that man could discriminate between trash and consummate writing. Art inspires life wonderfully and makes it worth living for all its fascination. But for art all life would have become useless. Art is only a means to an end and not an end in itself. Those who say that all art is useless seem to be ignorant and unrefined in their taste and temperament, Art is not useless but it is the most useful aspect of human life.

The Problem of Unemployment in India

             The greatest problem existing in our country today is the problem of unemployment.

The Government has recently announced a major programme for the creation of three million jobs for the educated unemployed in the private sector by 1994-95.

             The proposed plan of action seeks to create three million additional jobs — 0.5 million for graduates and 2.5 million for non-graduates and these employment opportunities will be created outside the Government sector.

In solving the problem of educated unemployed, first it is necessary In train them through vocational education, In acquire skills in trades or professions which will enable them to find employment in the private sector.

             Secondly, it is essential to create inure opportunities for self-employment among the educated, by providing financial aid in terms of modest capital to them.

A massive programme of training computer professions must also he taken up. Repair and maintenance of electric goods would employ a large number of people.

             Lastly, self-employment through public sector is yet another important measure. The public undertakings could reserve some proportion of dealerships. contracts and service agencies for the educated unemployed.

             Thus the Government seeks to tackle the problem of educated unemployed by increasing employment opportunities through vocational training and creation of self-employment opportunities.

Dowry System

             India is the only country in the world where the pernicious dowry system exists. It is the most vicious system that is eating into the vitals of the nation and hampers the growth and development of the Indian womanhood on the right lines.

             The evil of the dowry system. with the ever-increasing demands by greedy parents of well-to-do young boys from the parents of the hapless young girls, has assumed such menacing proportions that the Government has taken a very serious view of the whole matter and has made dowry-giving and dowry- taking a cognizable offence punishable with imprisonment. Still, day in and day out, we are horrified by the news of bride-burning. Young brides are burnt alive by mothers-in-law in connivance with other members of the family sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, even husbands — for not bringing adequate dowry. These human sharks deserve the severest punishment, even extermination from society.

             The evil of dowry system and bridge-burning is a blot upon the Indian civilization and deserves the severest condemnation. Foreigners ridicule our callousness and inhuman cruelty towards women and fail to understand how we can call ourselves civilized when such an atrocious practice prevails in the Indian society.

             How can the menace of dowry system be effectively checked? Social boycott and wide publicity of the offenders will go a long way in reducing the menace of dowry. Women’s organizations staging demonstrations against the guilty people should be made more effective. Lastly every dowry death must be properly probed and the offenders should be awarded exemplary punishment within six months of the occurrence of the death.

Kindness to Animals

             The Bible says. “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast,” thus making kindness and justice to domestic animals an essential part of human virtue. Animals also claim our love and sympathy. not only because they are dumb and helpless but also because they are so serviceable to us. Cruelty to animals hardens our heart, and produces anus a callous and unfeeling and unsympathetic nature which is a great punishment to a human being.

             Some animals do us great services. The horse, the dog, the mule, the ox, the ass, and the camel arc our faithful and hard-working servants. Even in this age of mechanical civilization we cannot do without them. Yet how often do we come across the ugly sight of a driver whipping the horse hard or a farmer showering blows upon the stolid ox mercilessly, as if the latter were made of stone or wood, and not flesh and blood.

             Cruelty to animals is immoral. How often do we fail to realize that cruelty to these innocent dumb creatures, though it leaves us cold, makes angels weep.

“A Robin Redbreast in a cage,

Sets all Heaven in a rage;”

Kindness to animals is rewarded by God. Coleridge says ——

“He prayeth best who loveth best

Both man and bird and beast;

For the dear God who loveth us

Made and loveth these.”

In India the doctrine of Ahimsa or non-violence, though often preached, is not always practised, especially by the young.

             We must practice kindness to animals. We can show our kindness of them by providing proper food, water and shelter to domestic and agricultural animals, by allowing them complete rest one day in a week, by sending them to veterinary hospitals when they’ are ill, by making them carry only so much load as they can carry with ease, by avoiding the use of sharp goads or heavy wooden cudgels, or leather whips to exact speedier work from them, by supporting public institutions like pinjrapoles and societies of prevention of cruelty to animals, by reporting the cases of cruelty to animals to the nearest police station and thus bringing the offenders to book, by discouraging wanton slaughter of animals for food, and by discouraging hunting for mere sport.

             It is our moral duty to treat dumb animals with kindness and sympathy, especially when they are helpless and wholly dependent on our care and protection.

The Use and Abuse of Examinations

              Examinations are often denounced as a totally bad institution. But they have their uses. No better system has yet been devised that can suitably take their place.

              In schools and colleges and government departments, examinations are necessary as tests of efficiency. There must be some proof that a boy is fit to be promoted to the next higher class, that a young man leaving a Medical college can cure diseases. Examinations encourage us to work hard. If a student at a college knows that there is no examination ahead of him, he will neglect his studies, unless he has the love of acquiring knowledge for its own sake.

              Examinations encourage the habit of Cramming his quite possible to pass an examination by ‘ramming without acquiring a sound knowledge of the subject. They are imperfect tests of efficiency for the man who passes may not really be as good as the man who fail. And examinations are no tests of moral qualities, which arc the most important of all. Acquisition of mere knowledge without the formation of one’s character is useless.

Your Ambition in Life

              Different people have different ambitions in life. One wants to enter Parliament and make his mark as a Parliamentarian. Another wants to be elected as the President of the local Bar. And there is still another who wants to become an Ambassador and thus carry the message of his country to the farthest corner of the world. Every one of us has some ambition or other in his life. Life without ambition is a dull, soul-less affair.
              My ambition is a very humble one. I want to live and die as a social reformer. My country is steeped in ignorance, poverty and superstition. My countrymen are dwarfed by disease, famine and pestilence and life sunk in poverty. They have no pleasure in their lives. I shall give (hem education and teach them self-respect. I shall go from village to village and banish all darkness and ignorance front their midst. I shall try to better their social status and remove all superstitions from their midst. I shall teach them the laws of health, sanitation and hygiene and the value of corporate life. In this way I shall uplift them socially and intellectually and make their lives happy and cheerful.
              In order to realize this ambition in life, I shall embrace the profession of a “missionary’ and dedicate my life to Sarvodaya Samaj.
              My motto in life is service above self’. Let my whole life he spent in the service of suffering humanity. This is the noblest thing one can do in life and let me fulfill this noble mission in life
              I possess peace of mind and contentment, patience and fortitude and am inspired with love of service to humanity and a missionary zeal which will enable me to achieve the goal of my heart’s desire.