A Journey Down Memory Lane

          An unexpected holiday came to me on Friday last. The morning of that day kept me busy with my usual routine-work. But, I felt a sort of drowsiness at noon. Gradually, days of the past haunted my memory. Life was full of joy in my childhood. I was an object of care, and affection of all. My father loved me. My mother loved me too. My grandmother was affectionate to me. She used to tell me Stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. But the sad day in my life was the day on which I lost my father. I began to cry. But, the sudden call of my mother marked the end of the journey down the memory lane.

My Life at School

           I am a student of Hooghly Collegiate School. More than one thousand students read in this school. There are thirty classrooms. Quite flows the Ganga by the side of the school. There are thirty teachers who teach us carefully. They are also very sympathetic to us. I have many friends. Some of them are really cooperative. Our Headmaster is our guide. He thinks for the all-round development of the students. The general atmosphere of the school is calm and quiet. It is really suitable for exchanging our thoughts and feelings among ourselves. I like this healthy atmosphere of the school. But I dislike excessive pressure of home tasks upon the students in general. I am proud of being a student of this school.

Mid-Day Meals in Schools

           The students of the primary schools of rural areas are given meals at midday. It is, called mid-day meal. The mid-day meal scheme is a wing of Sarba Sikha Abhiyan. The particular motto of the mid-day meal is — “Eat together, learn together”. This brings the students of different castes, religions and status close together. Thus a sense of national integration grows in them. About twelve crore primary school children are covered by the scheme. Mid-day meal has increased the attendance of the students in schools. It has already checked dropout rates in poor rural areas. But, this scheme has been criticized by many in respect of low-quality o food, wastage of time etc. Yet, scheme is always welcome.

Bad Effects of Plastics

          At present, articles made of plastic are being used all over the world. For this, paper packets have practically vanished from the market. Plastic bags are no doubt, comparatively cheap and handy. But they are harmful for users. Plastic bags react with food and make those poisonous. Plastic wastes, thrown into the ponds and rivers, pollute water. This endangers marine life. Polymer or plastic articles never mix with soil. This reduces the fertility of the soil. Burnt plastics emit poisonous gases and affect the eco-balance of our planet. Experience tells that some children play with them. They may be suffocated any moment. The sooner we can get rid of them, the better one our existence on this earth.

Drug Addiction

           Addiction to drugs is not a blessing hut a curse. Addicts take drugs like heroin, opium, tobacco, brown sugar, alcohol etc. At present there are more than 3,00,000 drug addicts all over the country. The addicts are mostly from well-to-do families. Psychologists inform a number of causes behind addiction. They say that the mystical experience of the addict apparently help to overcome frustration. But., addiction damages vital organs of the body. Desire for food and sleep of the victim is lost. Life slowly but inevitably invites death. To treat a drug addict is rather costly. So heavy-handedness of the police is a must. Mass-media should carry campaigns against It. It is a good sign that all voluntary organizations are trying to create awareness among people.

Global Warming

           The earth has started becoming warmer day by day. The average temperature of the earth is increasing annually by a small margin. This is caused mainly by the change of atmosphere of the whole world. Effects of the increase of surface temperature are horrible indeed. According to the scientists, rainfall will become extremely uncertain. This will effect agricultural productions severely. Ice-caps mthepolar-regions will melt soon, causing devastating floods in lowlands. The sea-levels will rise alarmingly. So what is urgently needed is to take preventive measures against this danger. Afforestation all over the world is a must. Urbanization and industrialization should be restricted immediately.

Science in the Service of Man

          Modern, age is the age of science. It is an essential companion of man in every sphere of life. It means everything to us. Indeed modern civilization is bed on science. Science is present everywhere with its gifts. Vehicles with high speed on modern roads and bridges have removed distance. Food is produced plentifully to enrich our food basket. Fatal diseases are cured now. Thus, science has helped man to become really a social being. But science has made our life complex and fast-moving. It has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. So, everybody of our society cannot enjoy the blessings of science in the same way. So, the fact is that science serves only the rich, not the poor.

The Beauty of Trees

           Trees are the great creation of nature. They offer their aesthetic beauty. Their majestic beauty soothes us. They, with their fruits and flowers beautify the surroundings. Thus, they are a source of joy forever. Trees are home to diverse living things — from tiny creatures to ferocious animals. But, trees are real friends of mankind. They are usually bounteous with their gifts. But, there is greed of man. Valuable trees are being destroyed by greedy timber merchants. There is also steady march of urbanization. Thus, it is apprehended that some countries of the world will have no forests within a few years. But only laws to protect the trees are not enough. Movements are needed to establish such laws.

Winter in Bengal

          Winter follows Autumn, It lasts for a very brief period — December and January. The trees shed their leaves and look dull. The season is painful to the poor who cannot buy warm clothes. Some suffer from cold and cough. But, winter has a special appeal of its own. It is the season of fruits, flowers and green vegetables. The atmosphere is pleasant as there is neither sun’s bearable heat nor constant rains. People enjoy picnics and excursions. Fairs are held in every district of West Bengal. The important festivals of winter are the Saraswati Puja and Christmas. Those who have money enjoy the beauty of the snowfall in the hilly regions. Thus, winter is pleasant to the rich, unpleasant to the poor.