When My Grandfather Passed Away

When my grandfather passed away, it didn’t quite sink in. For some reason, it just felt like he would just come and start talking or scolding us about our health. It seemed temporary. A few days later, we went to dadu-dadi’s home and I sat beside dadi. Dadu wasn’t there (now, he never would), but in my head, I just kept feeling that he was in the washroom. I could not accept the reality.

Later when I was reflecting, sitting idle, I realized what a vacuum my grandfather's passing away had created. Joint family photos will now be gloomy and of course incomplete. Family dinners would seem odd and sad too. He wouldn’t forward me videos from his friends' groups and I wouldn’t be giving thumbs-ups to them anymore. He wouldn’t call us and ask if billa and billi were doing fine.

His homely, close-circle family presence was now gone too. He would be worried about us even for things like a mere fever. That would get him to come running at 1:00 am and would make sure we were fine. He would discourage family arguments and accept people as who they were, even with their flaws. But most importantly, he would always be the base to neutralize anyone’s acidic behavior.

There is one more thought that is stuck with me, it is about his lifestyle. He would wake up at about 5:30 am, make tea for himself, read both Hindi and English newspapers, and go for his walk, getting milk on his way back. He would go about his day eating a perfect amount of everything and getting a perfect amount of sleep. His self-motivation was inspirational to us and naturally kept us in line too. It feels impossible to imagine life without him. But here we are having to live it.

Even though I spent only 12 years with him, they were my first twelve years which went with him nurturing me like a child of God. From candies to aloo paranthas, he never forgot my care. So, in the remembrance of his unconditional love, I will keep his sweater with me. It would symbolize his emotional presence despite his physical absence. I would always feel that he is with me.

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Paryushan

Unlike every other festival, Paryushan is a time for self-discipline for merrymaking. No junk food but the satisfaction in daal roti is what this festival wants to build in us. These are the perfect eight days to pray and gain knowledge at home. This is a time one must stay at home to avoid killing animals that come out in the monsoon. This period should be used as a tool for detaching ourselves from worldly things. There are two modes to remove unnecessary things-mentally and physically. Negative thoughts should be sent where they belong: AWAY.

It is not just another one-week or one-day that happens often. And that is exactly the reason why our family members held a special Zoom Meeting to talk about the history and significance of Paryushan. To put a spotlight on the importance of this festival, it was Harshu mama and Nupur mami's idea to organize the meeting. Nana and Reteka masi were the ones to speak on the topic and part upon us the knowledge.

The first seven days are for self-reflection. On the eighth day, one must act on the reflection, by being compassionate and forgive anyone who asks for it. It is time to master the art of not keeping a heavy heart. Paryushan is also meant for you to ask for an apology from any individual you have wronged. That way, the whole eight days would end at a happy and balanced-from-both-sides note.

Some ways for kids to self-discipline in these days could be:-

• 1.      Refraining from junk food.
• 2.      Give half an hour every day to organize their toys.
• 3.      Make work/study schedules and follow.
• 4.      Waking up on time.
• 5.      Deep breathing or 5 to 10 minutes of yoga shall not be forgotten in this list.

I have another list for mental purification:-

• 1.      When a sibling takes your stuff or breaks your toy, forgive him/her.
• 2.      It is always good to let go of grudges.
• 3.      Giving old clothes is not only compassion but also detachment.
• 4.      Reaching the cause of your depression and uproot it.
• 5.      Forget disturbing memories.
• 6.      Remove an emotional attachment from things like money.

Because of the Zoom meeting, I decided to do some self-reflection myself. When I first started thinking about something to change about myself, it was hard. I went through everything I thought about each day to every item I had. It took me quite a long journey. I was reminded, once again it is easier said than done. Eventually, I came to an agreement that would be distinct and practical. For my part, my clothes were really messed up in the cupboard, so I am going to fold them properly every time once a week. That way not only will I be able to select my clothes quicker but also my mountain of cloth-demons would haunt me no longer.

Paryushan is the most important festival for Jains. You could sooner convince a river to divert from its course than stop us from our 8-day purification. It is just like shutting all applications on a computer down and then opening it all refreshed. Compassion and asking for a heartfelt apology are milestones on the path of wisdom. And thus, Paryushan is the time of the year, one can not only clear him/herself but also become wiser.

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Who Moved My Cheese?- Book Review

Nana's suggestion and mom's introduction to the book-"Who Moved My Cheese?" convinced me to read it. Despite having an exam the next day, I could spare some time reading the book as I had completed my course, The book was about four characters-Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw and their protocol on realizing the moving of their cheese.  Cheese is the metaphor for what you want to have in life-a a good job, money, or any possession or spiritual peace of mind. The four characters symbolized different reactions. It also discussed the psychology of human minds. I finished the book in about forty-five minutes. The story and vocabulary were simple yet impactful. 

The author wanted to say that changes happen in life. The moral is to anticipate the change and never get too comfortable with the current state.  He suggests that one should be sure to monitor the change to know about the progress and regress. Adapting to new changes will get you the best as soon as possible. One should enjoy the change, savor the adventure as much as possible. And most important of all, one should be ready for a change to happen again and enjoy it all over again. Because, if we aren't changing, we aren't growing and if we aren't growing we aren't living (as quoted my mother Dr. Hina Mohnot).

Just a few days ago, my dad came up with the visionary idea of giving me a new i-pad and giving my old one to my younger brother. Initially, I denied, being afraid that I would not be able to reach the levels in my games again, which I already had in the old one. But after reading this book, I finally reached the conclusion of embracing the change. I accepted the new i-pad happily. Using the new one, I realized that the features were better, and it was a good move to move with the change. So, I would urge you to embrace change gracefully and happily. Live life with change for it is the very way it is supposed to be. 

Change is something that you can't block or avoid so better learn to live with it.

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Engagement Story

20.06.1975

Yesterday my mother told me a story,

of a dramatic engagement in history!

Where the hero intelligent, nice and dashing,

Rejects the heroine short at measuring!

Then her uncle just calls him up,

To improve the situation of what was up!

He tells him the pros of her from "A to G"

Which, from "H's Height" had more priority!

Then the prince changes his mind,

Heart melts and feels proud on his find!

Tells his mom on marriage confirmation,

Cutting off other maidens' consideration!

His mother takes care of further events,

Driving the car without any dents

With him & with her taking astrologers’ word,

She heads to the home of the math nerd!

To join forces both armies decide,

And promise to never offend or collide!

So, they lived happily ever after,

No regrets, only lots of laughter!

All this plot, fictional it may seem,

But its my grandparents, a living meme!

Even after 45 years since this day,

they maintain harmony in every way!

A rose plant as the anniversary gift,

Beautifully tells their life in gist!

Leisure learning in the Lock down

Our schools had been closed suddenly due to the corona threat. I and my brother, Mudit, were having fun fighting more than anything else during the unexpected holidays. However, momma saw it differently and sent me to  Nani's home for a couple of days.

On the second night of my night stay, I saw the PM  appealing to the country about the pandemic on TV. While we sat eagerly though quietly to see what actions would be taking place; very smoothly Mr. Narendra Modi opened up about a 3-week lockdown.

I was shocked as well as super excited because a) such a thing had never happened before b) it was starting in not more than 4 hours and c) my stay would be extended at Nana- nani's home.

The best thing a reader-writer can get is the noise-free time because then they can do reading peacefully and learn to write with improvement. Fewer people meant less noise, thus enabling me to be able to write poems. I took weird topics to write, like banging plates and clapping on my Dadu's birthday, and even on the essence of living at nana Nani's home.

It was literally a big achievement to be able to finish 13 novels in 14 days. It is that precious kind of time and freedom every individual who is passionate about language and letters would crave for. And I got exactly that at Nani's place. Nobody disturbed me while reading rather Nana encouraged me, which was very obvious because Nana and Nani are very thoughtful & considerate persons.

My online classes had just started and I was assigned a study table and Nana's computer, which was very efficient, helpful, and gratifiable. Nani took me to make and rolling Rotis in perfect circles by making me practice it every day.  Also, Nani worked hard for NIDS - Nani's Instant Dosa Service and also made one of the best Aloo Pulavs in the world for me. Nanisa (my Nani's 90 years old mummy, who is very fond of me and my handwriting) would tell me stories about values of life in the evenings like she always did when there were kids at Nana Nani's home.

I had a lot of fun and will always remember this time span as a meaningful and lovely experience of my life. Those two weeks were like a gift that kept unfolding and giving blessings in disguise. 

Nana Nani had always been an important part of my life, but now my love for them had multiplied manifold.

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आत्म निर्भरता

The other evening, we were watching our PM's speech on the topic of self-sufficiency (आत्मनिर्भरता).In these difficult times, it was felt very impactful. Unlike most of the news, his speech was appealing and inspirational. He talked about how we should make these times an opportunity to develop our local manufacturing capabilities. He gave us the example of how we are making KN-95 masks in India every day in bulk whereas  3 months ago no one knew what KN95 even meant.

I had always believed a stereotype idea in my mind that being independent meant nothing but living without anyone. It included having a satisfactory job that provided you enough of the essential things one needs to survive.  But apparently, I was proved wrong. Being self-sufficient also means not to depend on domestics and local workers in difficult circumstances as such and doing some little things by yourself.

Inspired by the PM’s speech, people started posting scenes of their hair cut and making exotic and fancy dishes all at home on social media showing how they were now trying to become self-sufficient by not depending on barbers and chefs. Adjusting with having no maids to our assistance was at first difficult but we handled it pretty well.

I learned that self-sustain did not need that much skill but just some initiative from your heart. Even making something like your own tea/coffee by yourself is a kind of self-reliance too. I have now started making my snack like maggie and pasta on my own and have also learned how to cut fruits for myself. I have started to do simple chores like making my bed and washing small clothes.

Being able to do things on your own, gives you inner satisfaction and confidence in yourself, thus increasing your self-esteem. Having done something on their own, children may feel they are growing up and achieving maturity of getting responsibilities. Moreover, it is of help to older people in the same house, who now have some load lifted off their shoulders. Therefore, it improves everyone's lifestyle.

The only person we need to be dependent on is ourselves and the only country that is ours. Self-sufficiency (आत्म निर्भरता) is one word that can have personal, communal, and national meanings. Like developing the local services (and advice to everyone in the country) or even cleaning your own wardrobe (on your own). In his speech, Mr. Narendra Modi had said that not only did India have the potential to win this battle, but also strive for a global leader. And for that, the path was of self-reliance.

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Stop fussing

Stop fussing on so-called time waste,

Of life, or else you don't get the taste.

Some days you're out in the field,

Other days, make your sword and shield.

Get used to shocks and surprises, 

Certain advantages everything comprises.

Think of a girl at her grandparents' home

(Un)stuck with stories and old songs

Or a parent with all his energetic kids

Gets the gym-less exercise he longs.

Elderly away from friends and family,

Get a sprinkle of that modernization

And the people who're always at offices,

Have their fair share of relaxation.

College folks can learn to adjust 

Without all friends, funk, and party.

Students of schools can enjoy life, 

And develop new skills in creativity!

Stop fussing on so-called time waste,

Of life, you just don't get the taste.

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Gratitude to NMS Teachers

These minds behind every meeting on zoom
That train us in the virtual classroom
The hearts in making studies constant
On teaching knowledge are persistent
And interactive sessions are gems studded
Our pride for NMS is a flower that has budded
In these difficult times for the whole world
Studies had actually become a dreamworld
Something like this is not so easy to do
And you united us, giving a quality view
So all the creditor our time production
Is given to the staff and teacher’s initiation


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A jewel of Gold

Every time I hug you and you pat my back,

I feel as if nothing in the wide world I lack!

Or I sit beside you even if watching the TV,

I wish I could be at your home forever happily!

Or you bring for gudduram some namkeen,

I remember how overwhelming you have been!

Never have you scolded only talked politely,

All my life you have stood just by me!

We love to feast at your home endlessly,

And do whatever we want to fearlessly!

If I didn't have you, there would be nothing left,

Without you, I couldn't have been my best!

You make me feel special and work harder,

And also tell me to eat my food faster!

You appreciate all of my results & talents,

And comfort me on my under achievements!

I always love you more & manifold,

For you are the most precious jewel of Gold!!


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I saw movie: Chhapak

This movie was heart-touching,
with both happy and sad ending,
indeed awareness-raising!

As Nana  discouraged initially,
I struggled & switched the TV on,
because Nana's will to see it,
had lost and gone!

he joined missing an hour's half,
and loved it with tears & laugh!
a movie about not giving up,
or hiding cowardly in a scarf!!

There were scenes which
were emotional and scary,
overall though the movie was
inspiring and empowering very!

Throwing of acid on girls indeed-
one of the world's most dreadful deed
Therefore, Malati fought and,
for mercy, she didn't plead!!

Surprised to see a girl
threw it on another,
though she was her friend,
for a brother, she didn't bother!

The punishment was exemplary,
the lawyer extraordinary,
the movie was society's eye-opener!


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Place that looked familiar

Sofas damaged and worn away totally,

The main table scattered so vibrantly!

A shop of papers and files in the room,

Beside the toy world of grandkids' bloom!

A museum of objects from undefined ages,

Politicians blabbering as if sitting in cages!

Photos are a gallery, framed and laminated,

All kinds of artifacts from long ago dated!

A pleasing lady asking for assistance,

Astrology charts triggering curiosity balance!

A kitchen that serves the simplest dishes,

While clinging to all of your untold wishes!

Specs and their boxes lying all around,

By no silly rules we, the children are bound!

What? It's Nana-Nani's home? Oh Dear!

I just KNEW this place was looking familiar!

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Where the mind is without fear (Modified)

I think Rabindranath Tagore's prayer, "Where The Mind Is Without Fear" should be a little (actually a lot) for our class VI C. And I have done this task for our late Nobel-laureate poet.


Where the mind is without fear
Of talking endlessly in the class
where knowledge is of 2lac per annum
and most of us just waste it
where the world has not been broken up into fragments
but we will certainly break it by our noise
where words come out from depth of complaint boxes
where tireless boys stretch their arms towards penfight
where a clear stream of naughtiness has not lost its way
into the dreamy dessert of looking out of the window
where the mind is lead forward to rebel the everlasting lists of notebook culprits
irritated by those scoldings of the teachers we achieve by disturbing our sleep in the morning
our principal - let our class sleep some more.




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The Jolly Rancher Lollypops

It was the best day of the year- my birthday. I was superlatively excited to distribute Jolly Rancher lollipops to my classmates and teachers. We had to visit a number of stores to get the desired type and number of these lollipops as they are not readily available. I was eagerly waiting for my friends to wish me over and over. The whole class would sing for me and I would be the star of the day. 

Also, today I was going to reach the class well in time, contrary to my usual tardiness. Today was different, I had reached school 15 minutes early than the normal time of 7.30 am. On way to my class, I met my friend on the staircase and she suggested we take the elevator. In excitement, I forgot to tell the liftman for the fourth floor. And accidentally reached the sixth floor.

The Sixth floor had classes of higher grades. Their school starts at 7.00 am so for them, I was 15 minutes late. Latecomers were being scolded harshly by Man Singh Sir.  I recalled our principal’s announcement of strict actions on the latecomers. I panicked fearing that sir could mistakenly scold us. My friend suggested climbing down two floors and quickly ran towards the stairs. But, I simply stood there panic-stricken. I did not feel a thing as Sir’s deadly grip clotted my blood. I was paralyzed, to my misfortune, my mouth refused to open, tongue too tied and terrorized to speak.

Sir dragged me into the scolding section, and I joined the doomed ones. There was a lecture of half an hour on punctuality. By this time, I was 15 minutes late for my own class already. My excitement had faded off. Eventually, as he gave the order of our dispersal I rushed towards my class. It was then that I realized that I had forgotten my lollypops at home. Everything around me that was moving with time, stopped. I stood rooted to the ground regretting my silliness. Could this day get any worse?

I heard my mom's voice, “Get up Fionaa, get up” she continued, “or you will be late to your school”. I woke up to find myself not on the school stairs but my home bed. I was never so delighted to wake up this early. I always demanded two more minutes of this heart-warming means of relaxation. But for today, losing the nightmare where it was, was the best thing. I quickly got up and ensured all the Jolly Rancher lollypops were in my bag. 

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Veeir’s Vital Victory

Veeir’s Vital Victory

For us a magnificent memory!

This fact isn’t surprising,

“A champion won a trophy”

We all know he was deserving,

Extremely hardworking!

It wasn’t just only his luck,

And so he was truly inspiring!

We are feeling so very proud,

Not only us but the JPIS crowd!

By hitting the last winning shot,

He got the team a big jackpot!

The kids of his school are overjoyed,

With strength and courage, he’s alloyed!

It wouldn’t go from our memory, 

Veeir’s Vital Victory!!

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Naive, Noble, Number one Nupur Mami!

Naive, Noble, Number one Nupur Mami!
For our Heart Club, a wonderful Mommy !!

With all the good qualities, she is embedded,
So always in Heart Club, she is needed !!

Her lips are as pink as petals of a rose,
She enchants people wherever she goes !!

Her teeth are mirrors, hair silky, eyes charming,
She is our celebrity, shining, shimmering and sparkling !!

Mami gives us reviews and suggestions,
On all our poems and creations !!

As she thinks amazingly productive,
Also very vast, logical and innovative !!

To our ideas, she is quite receptive !
Innocent and polite, an example of how to live !!

For our Heart Club a wonderful Mommy,
Naive, Noble, Number One Nupur Mommy

by, 
Fionaa & Alishha

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My teacher today

Veeir Bhaiya had won a state-level cricket tournament by hitting the last winning shot. Alishha and I wrote a poem for him. Reteka Masi and Vishaal masosa got highly impressed by our poem. Vishaal masosa even expressed his wish for us to write a poem on him. Alishha and I were excited and pleasingly agreed to do so. Within a couple of hours of his request, we accomplished that task. Nana immediately whatsapped him too. As he read that poem he was overjoyed and called us. He was overwhelmed to see our vocabulary, accuracy, and promptness. He was literally in tears of happiness. He wanted to reward us for writing two poems in such a small span of time. He offered to take us out for dinner. We pleasingly agreed to that. 😊At the dinner, he continued praising us. Many times he even asked us to teach him writing poetry. which made us laugh and giggle. We thought he was joking as how could we teach him; we were too young. 

Later, while coming back home I recalled a chapter from Sudha Murty’s book, titled, “How I taught my grandmother to read”. Sudha was a young girl. She and her grandmother (Amma) used to love reading a Kannada magazine series which came every fortnight. Her grandmother did not know how to read as she had not gone to school. Therefore, Sudha would read it and her grandmother would listen carefully. Once Sudha had to go for a marriage party with her parents. The magazine came as usual in time. Sudha ‘s grandmother tried to read it in the absence of Sudha but couldn’t understand a single alphabet. When Sudha came back, she found her grandmother sobbing. Amma desperately wanted to become literate and independent for reading. Sudha just laughed at Amma’s thought. She said Amma was too old to be taught and she was too young to teach. Then Amma explained to her that no teacher should be discriminated on the basis of age and that is what their God has taught them. Eventually, Sudha taught her, and in just ten days Amma was able to read. 

This story made me ponder. I started analyzing my thoughts and Sudha’s dialogues to her Amma. We were having similar stereotypes. Masosa might be as keen as Amma to learn. When he asked us to teach, we giggled as we were feeling embarrassed. Vishal masosa, one who has traveled half of the countries in the world, has met so many knowledgeable people across the globe and who is embedded with uncountable talents, was asking us to teach him. We are just some 11 and 8-year old, who write poems in Heart club gleefully. We had never imagined that we would be given this opportunity to teach such an accomplished person. But the fact is that Masosa has taught me something today: Firstly, for a student only one quality is essential- that is the urge to learn. Secondly, there is no age for being a teacher; anyone with talent can be your teacher!

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My dear Alishha

We live apart and so far away,

After years we get to meet for a day,

That is the most emotional part,

As our patience in the craze is an art!

My bright companion of Heart club,                       

Giving great support and positivity

Helping me write prose and poetry,

The only one who never takes it lightly!

You must never underestimate her,

For she is a bold and beautiful sister!

Can’t be compared with anybody,

Who is ever and always praiseworthy!

She is so incredibly intelligent,

Just surpasses everyone easily!

Always an allrounder and topper,

Beating the world un-comparably.

A place in my heart is what she holds,

We share fond memories and some scolds!

We are the sisters who live amicably,

Enjoying the Heart Club remarkably!

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Voice of Rakhi

Quilling Rakhi made by Fionaa

Crafted and decorated with perfection,

Prepared with love and affection!

Every year tied by her, on his hand,

With the silk thread, Rakhi I stand!

She buys me thinking of the future,

For the brother protecting his sister!

She is sure that his care would remain,

Unaffected by his financial loss or gain!

But that is the story of olden times,

When there were black &white Chimes!

Now is the age for women empowerment,

To realize a girl’s potential that God sent!

Amazed to see a world out of Thali,

Women venture everywhere freely!

Can tie me to anyone; for you- who fight,

Brother, sister, or mother, full of might!

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