EDUCATION

SCHOOL BUZZ
Kids to perform ballet before PM for a fair deal
Smriti Kak

IT is a compelling fact of our times. Those who are economically weak are deprived of a whole lot of things, including the basic necessity of education, which in turn has a serious implication on their lives.

Children rehearsing for dance-drama titled, Akhir Kyun

To ensure justice to them, individuals, NGOs and the Government must do all that they can. What is heartening is the fact that rapid strides have been made in this direction. An example is the Delhi Public School Shiksha Kendra, where children from the marginalised sections are taught.

These children have now been entrusted with the duty of carrying forward the message of imparting quality education to those who have no access to it.

The Principal of DPS, Dr. Shayama Chona, stressing the need for education revealed, “We have failed to elucidate a positive reply and reaction through dialogues, debates and speeches, so this time we are doing it through dance and drama. We hope to get the message across and receive a positive response.”

The dance-drama, Akhir Kyun, is the question, which these children have put to us. Is there any reason why the children are being denied their right to education? Maybe our honourable Prime Minister can answer that when these little children confront him at his residence on the 12th of this month as he watches them perform.

What did we do during winter vacation?

THE winter vacations are over; while some are still trying to get used to the hectic schedules, others are sad, that it’s back to studies. No matter what they have been up to, all of them have had fun. What with the Christmas and the New Year celebrations high on everyone’s agenda. The dancing shoes were out of the closet and so were those games. But for those who are preparing for their exams, it was the time to juggle between studies and merry-making.

Let’s hear what the kids did during the vacations.

V. Pallavi, IV, Bluebells:

It was a mixed bag for me. Though I enjoyed outings, parties and playing with friends, there was a whole lot of work. There was so much of homework. So, I called my friend over and somehow, we managed to finish it.

I also enjoyed attending birthday parties and dance parties. But when it was time for me to resume school and to my surprise, I found out at the bus stop that the school was still closed.

Pranav Sood, V, Ramjas School:

My vacation began with a Xmas party at home. One of my friends dressed up as Santa distributed sweets to all. After the party, I along with my mom went to Ludhiana. We also planned a picnic at the Fun n’ Food Village. It was really exciting.

I also enjoyed playing indoor games with my cousins. Then came the 31st of December and it was party time again. With loads to eat and drink and lots of dancing, it was fun all the way. We also burst crackers to welcome the New Year.

Himank Sharma, VI, Apeejay Pitampura:

Happiness, joy and relaxation are what vacations bring with them. On December 25, we started for Shimla. It was so exciting that I could not have proper sleep for a couple of days.

Since it was Christmas, the entire Mall Road in Shimla had been decorated. We had a jolly nice time — shopping and watching the decorated shops. Next day, we went to the Institute of Advanced Studies, which before the Independence, was the residence of Lord Mountbatten..

The old and precious books in the library were interesting. In Kufri, the snow-laden peaks were a visual treat. The horse-riding was again something I enjoyed a lot. By the time, we started back I was so excited and wanted to tell my friends about the splendid vacation I’d had.

Jezeem Ashroff, IX, Educare Center:

This vacation, I went to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to meet my father who works there. So, this vacation was like a reunion for me. Jeddah is a beautiful port city and is known as the ‘bride of the Red Sea’. It is the city of traditional markets called ‘souks’ and modern shopping malls.

I miss the clean air of Jeddah in Delhi and those beautiful beaches. The vacation was full of fun, but the best of all was that it was spent with my dad.

Astha Raina, IX, Birla Vidya Niketan:

Initially, I was quiet put off. With truckloads of homework to finish and little time for myself, it hardly seemed like a holiday.

But then began the roller-coaster ride. I travelled far and wide with National Geographic, widened my scientific horizons with Discovery. Thanks to my history text, I understood the government and the Indian Constitution.

By the time it was goodbye to vacations, I had learnt a lesson that the studies are not that bad. One can’t really stay glued to the idiot box, there are more interesting things to occupy yourself with.

Priya Gopalakrishnan, IX-B, DPS R.K. Puram:

Come December and it’s time for fun, festivity and Xmas carols. The unmatched pleasure of keeping warm inside the quilts without having to scramble to school in the dark winter mornings is something worth looking forward to.

What’s more winter vacation ushers in a peak in birthday celebrations. Is it not fun to have neighbours on both sides of my house having birthday celebrations on the same day as me?

It’s fun indeed to have a period of ‘all fun and no work’. There is no load of holiday homework that I have to carry on my head. All I did was paint on the canvas and rendered devotional songs from the Bhagwat Gita at a cultural show.

As the vacation drew close, I was reminded that it might be the same next year, when the stage will be set for the first public exam, the boards.

Abhishek Chatterjee, IX –A:

I went to Ahmedabad to attend my cousin’s wedding. It is an up-and-coming city with multiplexes and malls, yet there is certain calmness in the attitude of the people.

These people, unlike Delhi wallas, seem to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. They live a quality life, never appear to be in a hurry.

During my stay, I also went to the Sabarmati Ashram, the Swaminarayan temple and the Harappan site of Dholavira. So it was pleasure combined with information.

My trip made me thank God that India isn’t restricted to Delhi alone, considering that we in Delhi are always racing against time and leading a very monotonous life.

Sanchita Misra, XI, DPS, Noida:

I am sad that holidays are over and now we won’t get another till the final exams are over. The holidays began on a nice note as we had a small party in the class. We had a gala time singing and dancing before we broke for the hols. And the food from the favourite fast food joint was a treat.

We had brainstorming too; well it was about where to go and what to do,what music to enjoy and what food to savour. But the long hours that I spent in my cosy bed, irritated my parents and so did my channel-surfing. Those long hours that I chatted over the phone made them see red. However, my spirits were dampened when on December 29, our phone played truant. With no means to contact my friends, I was forced to stay home with my parents, which, in fact, turned out to be good for a change.