May this newyear not be a customary change of calendar,

It must be happier, harmonious and full of glory and splendour,

May God bless us with peace, prosperity and love,

All storms of enemity, intolerance and injustice, settle down,

In the sky fly fear-free symbol of peace — pigeon and dove.

May the setting lustreless and gloomy sun drown in the fathomless ocean of time,

May the new Sun arise like a newborn babe with hopes of life-sublime.

With the dawn of new year bleeding humanity heave a sigh of joy and relief,

Be our actions and thoughts gentle;noble our ways and belief.

May the enemies of peace and prosperity go in dust,

All may live like brethern without hatred and fear,

Dirt and distance of hearts may disappear,

And all prosper and live like near and dear.

Be happy this new year to all,

May it bring peace and joy to rich poor — big and small.

Sakshi Sharma, B.A. I, MCM College, Chandigarh.

Literacy

Literacy — it enables a person to read & write

Like eating and breathing it is our basic right

Literacy should not be neglected for any reason

And must be enjoyed by people born in life’s various ‘seasons’ .

It is a weapon that empowers you

So that in front of anyone you need not bow

A literate can help his own and also can lead the country in a progressive tone.

Democracy would be saved

And the way to welfare would be paved.

This literacy is of great importance.

And should not be left in the shade of ignorance.

The exam days are here,

Let us take every care,

To learn things by heart,

Lest the looming apparition should upset our applecart.

Shun the comforts of bed,

Drive digressive ideas out of the head,

Read more, eat less,

It is dangerous to depend on guess.

The exam fever,

Makes you shiver,

More than the biting winter cold.

The instant antidote lies in being bold.

Like lambs are we already bleating,

Since time, we know, is fleeting.

Read today, read, read and write,

To make your tomorrow beautiful and bright.

In the midst of this hectic preparation,

Do not allow a moment’s separation,

From the good and gracious God,

For he shall give you the requisite reward.

— Nidhi Kaith, Class VIIIth,

Sacred Heart Convent, Tara Hall, Shimla and Abhishek Kaith, Class - VIth, St. Edward’s School, Shimla.