Champak March12

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MARCH (FIRST) 2012 | ` 20
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FOUNDER VISHWA NATH 1917-2002
MARCH (FIRST) 2012 NO. 826
storytime
The Mysterious Gift 5 Welcoming Holi 10 Where is Bhuri 17 True Colour of Holi 21 Chinku becomes Colourful 24 Unique Colour 32 Holi in Champakvan 39 Colours of Happiness 42 Celebrating Cyber Holi 46 Celebrating an Exceptional Holi 51 Delicious Spinach 56
funtime
Who am I ? Its Funtime 38 55
comics
Dont Mind Today... Cheeku Grandpa and Holi 15 28 36
Coverpage
As soon as Cheeku came out of his house, Jumbo, Meeku and Browny began to throw coloured water on him using water guns. Dont mind, its Holi! Editor, Publisher & Printer : Paresh Nath
EDITORIAL, ADVERTISEMENT & PUBLICATION OFFICE: Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg, New Delhi- 110055. Phone: 41398888, 2352955762. Fax: 91-11-23625020. Printed at Delhi Press Samachar Patra Pte. Ltd. A-36, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad and Delhi Press, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi- 110055 and published on behalf of Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pte. Ltd. from E- 3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi - 110055. This copy is sold on the condition that jurisdiction for all disputes concerning sale, subscription and published matter will be in courts/ forums/ tribunals at delhi. Title registered with Govt of India as trade mark. Cheeku feature is registered with the Govt. Contents must not be
reproduced in any manner without permission. The names of the characters used in all fiction and semi-fiction articles are fictitious. Self-addressed stamped envelopes must be enclosed with all manuscripts otherwise the rejected material will not be returned. Rates Inland: Single copy Rs 20. 1 year Rs 384, 2 years Rs 720, 3 years Rs 1008, in India. Subscription should be remitted through money orders/bank drafts and cheques drawn in favour of Delhi Prakashan Vitran Pte. Ltd at E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi- 55. Vpps not accepted.

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www. facebook.com/ChampakMagazine
Story Deepa Agarwal

An award winning author who has written several short stories, articles and over 25 books. Her works have been published in international journals and magazines.
t was time for Naina to cut the cake and the guests to attack the samosas, mini pizzas, rasgullas and other goodies laid out on the table. Tanya breathed a sigh of relief. She hated birthday parties. She hated the screaming and the yelling and the way they often ended with people throwing cake at each other, spraying cold drinks on each other, and worst of all bursting the balloons they had pulled off the walls.
Tanya loved balloons. They looked so bouncy and happy. Why did children want to burst them? They did flatten out on their own eventually. Someone dug an elbow into her arm, almost knocking her over. Oops! Sorry, D.D.! It was Richa. Her impish grin told Tanya that she wasnt sorry at all. Tanya turned red. She hated being called D.D. It was the short form of delicate darling. Richa was the one who began calling her that. And when Richa began something, everyone had to follow. More kids brushed past her, eager to get closer to the table. Tanya hurriedly edged to the back of the crowd. Hey! someone said. Dont you want to see the cake being cut? Tanya found that the boy looked vaguely familiar. His brown eyes
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were sparkling and his cheeks were red. But before she could reply a loud cheer went up, followed by hearty claps and singing. Naina had blown the candles out and was cutting the cake. Her mother popped a piece of the cake into her mouth while Richa grabbed a handful. She began to smear it on Nainas face. And then BANG! Someone burst a big balloon, right next to Tanyas ear. Tanya winced. It was the same boy who had spoken to her. And as Tanya stared at him, aghast, he burst the other two he was holding. They were big red ones. What did you do, Aveek? someone laughed. You sacred poor D.D.! Shes just too delicate! Tanya dashed to the door and ran all the way home. Party over? Ma asked with a frown when she saw Tanya at the door. Tanya could only nod. I suppose you didnt eat anything again? Ma said, sounding slightly annoyed. Tanya bit her lip hard and nodded again. School had just reopened and he was obviously a new student. Tanya noticed that he was already friends with almost everyone on the bus. Tanya felt a twinge of envy, followed by apprehension. Could he be another tormentor added to the lot? She shrank into her corner seat and turned her face towards the window, hoping no one could come close to her. But to Tanyas disappointment, Richa entered the bus. Hey D.D.! Richa shouted. Why did you run away from the party? Dont you know our dear little D.D.? Sumit said. She cant stand ruffians like us! And then everyone began to laugh and chant, Delicate Darling, Mammas pet! Is upset, is upset! Very soon, shell cry, I bet! Tch-tch-tch, tch-tch-tch! Tanya clenched her teeth and tried to stop Ma sighed. You must try to mix with the others, my dear. How else will you make any friends? Tanyas face burned. Who would want to be friends with a D.D.? The butt of each and every joke. The next morning when Tanya got on the school bus, she found Aveek, the rowdy boy who had burst the balloons at the party, sitting in front of her.
the shameful tears from spilling out. However, the moment they flowed out, she was surprised to see that there was only one person on the bus who wasnt laughing or singing. It was Aveek! Later that afternoon, when Tanya returned from school and went to check the mailbox, she was very surprised. There were three red balloons tied to the gate. They were fluttering in the wind. Tanya was astonished to see the balloons. She went forward to take a closer look and wondered who had tied them there? And more importantly why they had been tied there? She remembered all the warnings about touching strange objects and goose bumps appeared all over her arms. Couldcould there be a bomb inside one of the balloons? she muttered to herself. For a few minutes, Tanya stood frozen to the ground. She wondered if she should run back and tell her mother about the balloons? But she could imagine Ma saying, Dont be so timid, my dear! You must grow bolder and braver. Tanya walked forward and yanked the balloons off the gate. She was about to let them fly away, when it struck her it would be a silly thing to do. They hadnt exploded or anything. And yes, she loved balloons!
March (First) 2012
KIMBERLY SODERBERG
She ran into the house and crept into her room. She didnt want Ma to ask any questions. She sat on her bed quietly, watching them bounce in the breeze from the fan. Then, she tied them to a nail on the wall and started doing her homework. Now and again, she couldnt help sneaking a look at the balloons and smiling. She kept wondering who had left them there. Was it a prank? But they were her favourite red balloons. They felt more like a gift. And a message. She felt, as though in some crazy way, someone was trying to reach out to her. The next morning when Tanya climbed onto the bus, she still had a slight smile on her face. Then Richa clomped up the steps. Hi D.D.! she smirked. Tanya shriveled and Richas grin grew broader. Her heart plummeted. Im not going to
cry! Im not going to cry! she began to repeat silently. And then suddenly, the thought of the mysterious red balloons floated into her mind. To her astonishment, she found herself saying, Hi, B.B.! Richas face darkened and she scowled. B.B.? What do you mean by that? she thundered. A sudden hush fell over the bus. Everyone had grown silent. Ahem! B.B.! Tanyas voice was strangely chirpy and as clear as a bell. Means Big Bully! How dare you! Richa growled. But you really are a B.B.! someone said from behind. Tanya couldnt help smiling when she saw that it was Aveek. Yes, Richa! You are! someone else muttered. Then some other children said the same thing. And they were followed by some others too. A chorus of shouts drowned out Tanyas thoughts. B.B.! B.B.! all the children on the bus roared. Tanyas heart leapt in horror. What had she begun? The look on Richas face was one of shock and terror. It didnt make things any better. Stop! Please! Tanya begged. I didnt want you all to! Tied three red balloons to your gate? Aveek said and laughed. I wanted to say sorry, Tanya. And I couldnt think of a better way! You? Tanya said and stared. Well, she then said softly. The balloons were magical. I dont know how but I managed to stand up to Richa because of them. Maybe youre not as much of a D.D. as you think you are, Aveek whispered. Thanks for helping me find out, Tanya joked. But I dont mind. As long as Im not a B.B. Youll never be one! Aveek said and laughed. I can tell that for sure! Tanya laughed too. When she went home that day, she told Ma that she finally had a friend. But no one listened. Luckily, a teacher known for her strictness stepped into the bus and the clamour died down. When school arrived, Tanya got off in a daze and began to walk to the classroom. Just then someone called out, Tanya! It was Aveek. Dont feel so bad, he said. She needed a dose of her own medicine. Aveek paused for a moment and then continued. Im really sorry. I didnt mean to upset or startle you at the party the other day. Its OK! Tanya said with a smile. I shouldnt be such a D.D. But something happened yesterday. Someone
By Veena Gupta
t was springtime. And just like every year, the animals of Sitavan were getting ready for their favourite festival, Holi.
Chutku Mouse, Lolo Lion, Panna Panther, Kittu Rabbit, Dora Deer, Dhaniya Wolf and Bhondu Bear were very excited. They had bought Holi colours from the market and couldnt wait to put them on each other. But the day before Holi, they received a special message from King Lion. He had summoned them all to his palace. Friends, King Lion said in a cheerful voice once the animals had gathered before him. I have called you all here for a special reason. All the animals looked at each other, wondering what King Lion would say. Well, King Lion continued. I want our Holi celebrations to be the grandest ever this year! I want this times Holi to be such a memorable occasion that all our guests remember it for years to come. But how will we do that, Your Highness? Dora Deer asked, scratching his golden head. We will have to think of something fun to do, Kittu Rabbit said, pondering and putting his finger on his cheek. Something that no jungle has done before! And what could that be? Dhaniya Wolf added. Well, I have a suggestion, King Lion said. All the animals looked at him curiously. Do you remember the giraffes? King Lion
March (First) 2012
said. They visit us from the neighbouring jungle every year and put Holi colours all over our faces. The giraffes are so tall that no one has been able to reach their faces or colour them ever. Our water pistols are of hardly any use too, since the giraffes are too quick for them. I think it will be fun if we manage to colour their faces and drench them this year. Chutku Mouse, Lolo Lion, Panna Panther, Kittu Rabbit, Dora Deer, Dhaniya Wolf and Bhondu Bear grinned. They all approved of King Lions suggestion. Thats a great idea, Your Highness! they said. Drenching the giraffes and colouring their faces is something that will be both fun and challenging to do. They all then began thinking of what they would do. I have an idea! Bhondu Bear said enthusiastically. Why dont we get some ladders? We can support them against the giraffes long necks and climb up. We will be able to colour their faces if we do that! Brother Bhondu, your idea is simply brilliant, Dhaniya Wolf mocked. Do you think the giraffes will let us support our ladders on their necks? The ladders will fall the minute the giraffes move. And you, my friend, will fall flat on your chubby face and break your teeth! Bhondu Bear grunted softly. At least I had an idea! he muttered. Chutku Mouse jumped up. Friends, he squeaked. I have an idea that will surely work. It will allow us to put as much colour as we want on the giraffes faces
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VENU
and drench them, without them suspecting a thing. Let us hear your idea then, Chutku Mouse! Kittu Rabbit said in a teasing voice. If its good enough, well know that you really have a brain in your tiny head. Chutku Mouse looked disheartened but King Lion looked at him encouragingly. Go on, Chutku, he said. Tell us about your idea. Chutku Mouse bowed respectfully and said, Your Highness, my plan is simple. But we will require some garlands to help us execute it. If we can arrange for those, I assure you that my plan will not fail.
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King Lion smiled at Chutku Mouse. Alright then, he said. Ill arrange for as many garlands as you want. Please go ahead with your plan. The next day was Holi. And all the animals woke up early and ran out of their houses. They couldnt wait for the giraffes to arrive. Soon, the giraffes walked into Sitavan. They were hoping to throw colours on the animals, just like they did every year. But the giraffes were very surprised when they saw Chutku Mouse and some of his friends rushing towards them with a big garland in their hands.
Welcome to Sitavan! Happy Holi! Chutku Mouse and his friends shouted cheerfully. The giraffes laughed heartily. The animals of Sitavan must have realised that they are not capable of putting colour on our faces, the leader of the giraffes said. Thats probably why they are welcoming us with a special garland! The other giraffes laughed and agreed. They felt proud of themselves and stood even taller. But when Chutku Mouse and his friends reached closer, the giraffes immediately lowered their heads. They felt delighted to be welcomed with such a big and long garland. And then, something happened that surprised the giraffes no end. WHOOSH! Streams of coloured water squirted all over the giraffes faces and coloured and drenched them! Whoa! Whats happening? the giraffes shouted, flabbergasted. Theres water coming out of the garland! And its full of colours too! King Lion and Panna Panther were thrilled to see what had happened. But they were astonished too. How did you pull that off, Chutku? King Lion asked Chutku Mouse. Did you use some magic to make that garland? Your Highness, Chutku Mouse said
March (First) 2012
humbly. I havent used any magic. Ive simply used the garlands you arranged for. Ive only hidden some water balloons that are filled with coloured water underneath the flowers. But how did the water come out of the balloons? King Lion asked, looking very amused. Your Highness, Dhaniya Wolf said, pointing to his claws. Dont forget, we have sharp nails! King Lion laughed heartily. I get it! he said. You pricked holes in the balloons while putting the garland around the giraffes! What a fabulous idea! King Lion then congratulated Chutku Mouse for his clever plan. Well done, Chutku! he said. Youve finally managed to colour the giraffes faces. Its something no one has done before. The giraffes were good sports even though they were slightly proud. That was a wonderful idea, Chutku! they said. We had no idea that you were planning to put Holi colours on us. In fact, we thought you were welcoming us with a special garland! It was all in good fun, my friends! Chutku Mouse said and laughed. Its Holi after all! Yes, its Holi after all! all the other animals chorused. Happy Holi everyone! All the animals then hugged each other and celebrated the Festival of Colours and a day that would go down in their history.
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CHEEKU HAS ARRIVED TO PLAY HOLI IN CHAMPAKVAN GARDEN. BUT WAIT! CHEEKU HAS TO FIND OUT WHICH COLOUR IS PRESENT IN EACH BUCKET. FIND THE COLOUR INSIDE THE BUCKET BY CHANGING ONE LETTER OF EACH WORD. WRITE THE NAME OF EACH COLOUR ON THE BUCKET AND COLOUR THE BUCKET WITH THAT COLOUR.
COLOUR FINDER
1
C ROW N
2
FELLOW
4 3
GREET BED
5
BLUR
6
WHILE
7
FOLD
9 8
MINK GRANGE
10
BLOCK
Answers : 1. Brown 2. Yellow 3. Green 4. Red 5. Blue 6. White 7. Gold 8. Pink 9. Orange 10. Black
BY SHIVESH SHRIVASTAVA
DONT MIND TODAY IS HOLI
SOMU, YOU KNOW THAT TOMORROW IS HOLI, THE FESTIVAL OF COLOURS. YOU MUST PREPARE COLOURS IN A BIG WATER DRUM BECAUSE I WANT A COLOURFUL HOLI.
OK SIR
SOMU DONKEY WORKED FOR CHAMPU MONKEY, THE COLLECTOR OF CHAMPAKVAN. SOMU, YOU KNOW MOTU ELEPHANT, CHOTU DEER, CHINKI FOX AND ALL OTHER ANIMALS WILL COME TO CELEBRATE HOLI AT OUR HOUSE.
SOMU BROUGHT SOME COLOURS FROM THE MARKET AND PREPARED HARD COLOUR. GOOD, NOW I AM GOING TO SLEEP . NEXT DAY, ON THE DAY OF HOLI CHAMPU GOT UP AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM.
DONT WORRY SIR. YOU AND YOUR COLOURS WILL BE THE CENTER OF ATTRACTION TOMORROW. COLOURFUL WATER WAS SPRAYED ON HIM.
ALL THE ANIMALS HAD GATHERED AT HIS HOUSE TO PLAY HOLI. WHEN CHAMPU CAME OUT, HE HAD COLOUR ALL OVER. ALL THE ANIMALS LAUGHED SEEING HIM.
I MUST TAKE SHOWER BEFORE THIS HOLI PARTY BUT WHEN HE STARTED THE SHOWER,
OH STUPID DONKEY WHERE ARE YOU? WHY IS THIS COLOURFUL WATER COMING FROM THE SHOWER?
OH NO..STUPID.
SIR, DONT MIND TODAY IS HOLI.
SIR LAST NIGHT YOU ASKED ME TO PREPARE COLOURS IN A BIG WATER DRUM SO I PREPARED IT IN OUR HOUSEHOLD DRUM ON THE ROOF , SO THAT WE CAN GET IT FROM EVERY TAP!!!
By Sanjay Jaiswal hotu Mouse was extremely naughty. He was always up to some kind of mischief or the other and inevitably got into trouble. One day, Chotu Mouse saw Neetus mother inside the kitchen. She was frying something in a pan.
Chotu Mouse panicked and ran into the mouse hole. He found his mother, whose name was Chunchun Mouse, and squealed, Mother, the lady of the house is frying baby mice in a pan! Chunchun Mouse didnt believe her son. She peeped into the kitchen and laughed. She is not frying baby mice, Chotu! Chunchun Mouse said. She is making gujhiyas. They are special sweets that are eaten during the festival of Holi. Phew! Thank goodness! Chotu Mouse said and wiped his forehead. I really was terrified! He then licked his little lips and said, Mmm! The gujhiyas have a nice aroma! They must be delicious! Come on, Mother! Lets find a way to eat them! Not today, Chotu, Chunchun Mouse said. The gujhiyas are only to be eaten on Holi day. You will have to wait until tomorrow. But Chotu Mouse couldnt resist eating the gujhiyas.
Their sweet-smelling aroma drew him to the kitchen again and again. And he began looking for opportunities to eat them. Now, Neetus Father had asked Neetus Mother to make some special gujhiyas for his friends. They contained an ingredient named cannabis which made people feel intoxicated. The next day was Holi. And Neetus Father placed a plateful of the special gujhiyas on the dining table. He then went out to invite his friends to come and eat them.This was a golden opportunity for Chotu Mouse. He crept out of the mouse hole and jumped onto the dining table. He then grabbed a big gujhiya and sank his teeth into it. Mmm! he said as he nibbled. This gujhiya is simply scrumptious. Chotu Mouse liked the gujhiya so much that he gobbled it up within seconds. Then, he attacked another one. And then another one. In no time, Chotu Mouse found that he had eaten half the gujhiyas served on the plate. The cannabis in the gujhiyas began to take effect. And Chotu Mouse began dancing on the dining table in a drunken state. Just then, Neetus Father returned with his friends. All the men had colour all over their faces which made them look quite scary. Chotu Mouse was startled when he saw them. He thought they were monsters and climbed up a curtain before they came closer. Neetus Father was very upset when he realised that half his gujhiyas were missing. Which fool has eaten my gujhiyas? he yelled. How dare that monster call me a fool?
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Chotu Mouse said, furious. He felt bolder than ever and leapt on Neetus Fathers shoulder and then pinched his nose. Monster! I have eaten your gujhiyas! Chotu Mouse said, gnashing his teeth. And now Ill bite your nose too! Neetus Father was startled by the sudden attack. He screamed and ran as fast as he could. His friends followed him since they thought it was safer than staying in a room that had such a bold mouse. Ha ha! Chotu Mouse laughed when the men had gone. I made an army of monsters run away! Chotu Mouse then flexed his muscles and posed like a WWF champion. He didnt realise that he was drunk and began to believe that he was a superhero with extraordinary strength. He sprinted across the room and thundered, Is there anybody who is strong enough to fight me? Suddenly, Chotu Mouse spotted a cats photograph hanging on the wall. He grew wild with anger and roared furiously, Cat! You have oppressed us for years, but no more now. I will wipe away your existence. Chotu Mouse then thought of Bhuri Cat, who lived in the same house. She was Neetus pet and all the mice who lived in the house were terrified of her. Chotu Mouse decided that he wanted to teach Bhuri Cat a lesson. He marched into all the rooms but didnt spot her anywhere. Ha! She must be scared of me! Chotu Mouse said and laughed. Well, the truth was that Bhuri Cat curled up and hid in a quiet corner on Holi day.
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Someone had once thrown Holi colours on her and she had to bathe for an unusually long time to clean up. That had given her a severe cold which had lasted her many days. And so, Bhuri Cat preferred to keep to herself on Holi day. Where are you, Bhuri? Chotu Mouse shouted. Come out if you have any guts! I dare you to! Bhuri Cat heard Chotu Mouse shouting and felt provoked. She grew furious. She came out of her hiding place and scowled. Look at your audacity, you stupid mouse! she hissed. How dare you challenge me? I can swallow you up in a second. Then Ill tear your stomach and come out, Chotu Mouse threatened and pointed towards his tiny but sharp claws. Bhuri Cat was surprised. The mice usually ran away when they saw her. This was the first time she was seeing a mouse who wasnt shivering when he was standing in front of her. She was furious at Chotu Mouse but curious too. She wanted to know the secret of his courage before eating him. How come you are so strong suddenly? she asked Chotu Mouse. Have you had some kind of energy drink? Is that why you have turned so bold today? Humph! Chotu Mouse blabbered. We mice have always been strong. In fact, we even have the strength to dig mountains. You are an old cat. And so, Ive always pitied you and chosen not to harm you. But since you have been troubling and eating some of my friends, I have decided to teach you a lesson today.
IRSHAD
Bhuri Cat grew very angry now. She wasnt going to allow a tiny mouse to insult her. She grabbed hold of Chotu Mouse and was about to gobble him up when Chunchun Mouse darted out of the mouse hole. Chunchun Mouse immediately guessed what had happened. And even though her heart was beating very fast, she came up with an idea to rescue her naughty son. There was a packet of some black Holi colour lying nearby. Chunchun Mouse spotted it and quickly threw its contents onto Chotu Mouse. Bhuri Cat was disgusted when she saw Chotu Mouse covered with the black colour. Ugh! she thought. If I eat this mouse now, my mouth will turn black and bitter! She let Chotu Mouse go and then pulled his ear. I am forgiving you today because it is Holi, she scolded. But if you dare to act smart with me again, you know what to expect. Chotu Mouse, who was still very intoxicated, simply laughed. Chunchun Mouse breathed a sigh of relief. She then dragged Chotu Mouse into the mouse hole and put him to sleep. When Chotu Mouse woke up in the evening, he remembered what had happened. He couldnt believe how foolishly he had behaved. He didnt touch gujhiyas ever again. And whenever he heard the sound of Bhuri Cats soft footsteps, he ran far away.
Spot the things mentioned in the rhyme to play Holi.
supposed to have fun? Robby Rabbit grew annoyed. Stop asking such stupid questions, Mony! Go and call all the animals here now! he ordered. Theres plenty of work to do! Mony Monkey sprung into action and called the rest of the animals. In a short while, everyone gathered around Robby Rabbit. Robby Rabbit then delegated some work to all the animals. He asked some of them to make colours from flowers and leaves. He told some others to cook special sweets and delicacies. And he requested some others to sing songs, dance and play drums. When Robby Rabbit finished, he realised that Bina Buffalo was the only animal missing from the gathering. Where is Bina? he asked. Why isnt she part of our celebrations? The animals said they hadnt seen Bina Buffalo all morning, and didnt know where she was either.
By Veena Gupta t was Holi. All the animals of the jungle near the little village had woken up early. They were very excited about celebrating the festival with their friends.
Robby Rabbit had taken the initiative to plan the festivities. You all are busy playing pranks all the time, Bonny Bear, Robby Rabbit scolded. And so Im forced to make all the arrangements for our celebration. What arrangements do you have to make? Mony Monkey asked with a chuckle. Arent we only
Robby Rabbit grew very concerned. I hope Bina hasnt fallen sick! he said as he walked with some of the animals to Bina Buffalos shed. When they reached the shed, they found Bina Buffalo sitting in a corner. Hello Bina! Robby Rabbit said in a friendly voice. Have you forgotten that its Holi today? Why dont you come out and celebrate with all of us? We will sing and dance! Bonny Bear and Jaggu Jackal said happily. And have a feast too! Gullu Goat said, smacking his lips. And colour each other with the bright colours of Holi! Mony Monkey added. Friends, I am grateful to all of you for inviting me, Bina Buffalo said in a voice that sounded very wistful. But please leave me alone. I am in no mood to celebrate.
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Whats wrong, Bina? Robby Rabbit asked, looking worried. Come with us please! We will have plenty of fun! Bina Buffalo wiped her big eyes that were brimming with tears. You all know that Holi is the Festival of Colours, she said in a small voice. But I am black in colour. My skin is so dark that no other colour will be seen on it. How does the colour of your skin matter, Bina? Vinoo Vixen said. Its not important to us at all. Bina Buffalo began to cry. My voice isnt sweet and I cant sing. I cant even dance because of my bulky body. And I cant appreciate your songs and dances either since Im not clever enough to understand them. Why, oh why am I so useless? Robby Rabbit, Mony Monkey, Bonny Bear and the others did their best to console Bina Buffalo. But nothing seemed to work or stop
the tears that were flowing down her eyes. The animals were at their wits end now. They didnt know what to do. Suddenly, a milkman from the adjoining village ran into the jungle. He had an empty bucket in his hands. He ran into the shed and sat next to Bina Buffalo and started milking her. I am late today because of the Holi celebrations, the milkman muttered as he worked. The children in the village are hungry. They are crying for milk. I sometimes wonder what they would drink if it wasnt for this buffalos milk? She really is a splendid creature who gives them her nourishing milk! Bina Buffalo looked very surprised when she heard the milkmans words. The moment the milkman left the shed, Robby Rabbit said, Bina, did you hear what the milkman said? Bina Buffalo nodded but before she could say anything, Vinoo Vixen said, Do you know how many children drink your milk, Bina? Their parents can only feed them because of you. They wouldnt know what to do if you didnt give them your milk, even for a single day. Bina Buffalo smiled. She was beginning to realise her worth. I am not all that useless after all! she said happily. I have some worth! I am important in some way too! Bina Buffalo then joined all the other animals in the Holi celebrations. She understood that the true colours of Holi were not just bright shades of red, green and yellow, but those of friendship and love. She spent the rest of day watching her friends singing and dancing, and basking in the colours of their love.
By Preeti Kashyav
hinku Jackal ran a laundry in Champakvan. He enjoyed washing and ironing clothes so much that he often gave his customers big discounts. This made him very popular with all the animals who lived in Champakvan.
But there was something about Chinku Jackal that everyone disapproved of. Well, Chinku Jackal could be very naughty. He enjoyed playing pranks on everyone around him. He never stopped to think if his pranks were causing anyone trouble. When spring came and Holi was around the corner, all the animals in the forest began preparing for the festival. While some of them busied themselves with cooking Holi delicacies, some others went to buy Holi colours from the nearby towns. When the festival came even closer, Chinku Jackal, who was working in his laundry, decided that it was time for him to play another prank. I must play a prank on everyone this Holi, he thought. I will have plenty of fun! And so, Chinku Jackal went to the nearest town and bought packets of red, yellow, green, pink and all the other colours that he could find. He then mixed them all in a tub of water and made a solution that was a bright pink in colour. Chinku Jackal then took all the clothes
he had in his laundry and soaked them in the tub. After a while, he pulled the clothes out and grinned. They all had had big pink stains all over them. He then put them out to dry. Chinku Jackal giggled, when he left his laundry to deliver the clothes the next morning. Dont feel bad! Chinku Jackal said along the way as he practiced the explanation he would give his customers. Its Holi after all! He soon reached Minky Cats house. She was one of his oldest customers. Good Morning, Minky Aunty! Chinku Jackal said cheerfully. Good Morning, Chinku! Minky Cat replied in an equally cheerful tone. Have you brought my clothes? Of course, I have! Chinku Jackal said and chuckled. Minky Cat shrieked the moment she saw her clothes. What has happened to my clothes? she wailed. Why have they turned pink? Dont feel bad, Minky Aunty! Chinku Jackal said with a giggle. Its Holi after all! Minky Cat grew furious. Is this another prank of yours, Chinku? she shouted. Have you deliberately soaked my clothes in pink colour? I have, Chinku Jackal admitted and laughed. But since it is Holi tomorrow, you shouldnt be angry with me!
playing with his friends. But when he reached the playground, he found that there was no one there. Am I too early? Chinku Jackal wondered. Theres no one else here. He looked around and saw some colourful balloons hanging on the branches of the trees. There was a table full of plates of sweets like ladoos and jalebis nearby. There were some water pistols kept on the table too. And a huge tub filled with coloured water was right beside the table. Ah! Chinku Jackal thought. The animals are having a grand celebration! Im glad that they invited me! Im going to have plenty of fun here! Chinku Jackal then stretched his arm out and tried to pull one of the balloons down. SPLASH! The balloon burst and splashed some bright red coloured water right on to his face! Eek! Chinku Jackal shouted as he wiped his face. Eww! he screamed as he spat some of the water that had gone into his mouth. He ran to the table and popped some of the ladoos and jalebis into his mouth, hoping to change the awful taste. But to his surprise, the sweets werent one bit sweet! They were bitter! And full of a dark green colour! Ugh! Chinku Jackal shouted. What horrible sweets! They have turned my mouth bitter and green! He turned to go home but just before he
VENKI
Chinku Jackal then went to deliver the rest of the clothes. He giggled when he saw Chubby Mouse, Daboo Lion and the others panic the moment they saw their clothes. And when they scolded him, he simply shouted, Come on! It is Holi after all! In the evening, all the animals gathered together and grumbled about Chinku Jackals prank. Chinku Jackals pranks are becoming more and more troublesome, they all complained. We must teach him a lesson and put an end to his mischief. Later that day, Chubby Mouse went to Chinku Jackals laundry. It is Holi tomorrow, Chinku, Chubby Mouse said. All the animals have decided to celebrate together. We are meeting at 8 oclock in the playground tomorrow morning. Why dont you join us? It will be fun. Chinku Jackal was delighted. I will surely join you all! he said. Thanks for inviting me! The next morning, Chinku Jackal walked to the playground. He was looking forward to
26
could leave the playground, Chubby Mouse, Minky Cat, Daboo Lion and all the other animals whose clothes he had stained, jumped out from behind the trees. They picked Chinku Jackal up and dunked him in the tub of coloured water. Oh no! Chinku Jackal screamed, realising that he was now completely drenched. He was about to burst out crying when he heard all the animals singing, Dont feel bad, Chinku! Its Holi after all! Its Holi after all! Minky Cat went closer to Chinku Jackals ear and whispered, How did you like our prank, Chinku? Was it as good as yours? Chinku Jackal realised what Minky Cat wanted to say. He hung his head low. Ive been playing pranks on you all for a long time, he said. Thats why you have played one on me today. Holi is a festival that is celebrated with love and harmony, Chinku, Minky Cat said. Its not meant for playing pranks or annoying anyone. Shes right, Chinku, Daboo Lion added. Holi is a festival for everyone to have fun but not at the expense of others. Come on! Lets celebrate with the right spirit! All the animals then helped Chinku Jackal climb out of the tub. They played with him and brought him some ladoos and jalebis that were really sweet to eat. Chinku Jackal had the best Holi ever. He spent the rest of the day washing all the clothes he had stained. And he made up his mind not to play pranks on anyone again.
SHARP EYE
116
The illustration given below is part of a bigger illustration published in this issue. Look carefully through all the pages and tell us on which page is this larger illustration published.
DPDEA 18
You can SMS us your answers. First type the key word DPDEA. Leave one space after that and then write the page number. For example DPDEA 18, as shown in the photo of mobile. Then SMS this on 57007. You may send as many SMS as you like. Any 5 correct respondents will be asked to send their complete address. They will be given a gift of Rs. 100/- each. You can also send your answers by Post Card. Your answers should reach us by 15 March, 2012. Address: CHAMPAK, Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-55
March (First) 2012
27
CHEEKU AND MEEKU WERE LOITERING IN THE JUNGLE.
HEY! LOOKA HONEYCOMB.
COME, LETS EXTRACT HONEY OUT OF IT.
OKAY. COLLECT A BUNCH OF DRY LEAVES AND PUT FIRE ON THEM. THIS WILL CHASE THE HONEYBEES AWAY. AND WELL EXTRACT THE HONEY.
AS SOON AS THEY PUT FIRE ON THE LEAVES, A BEAR ARRIVED ON THE SPOT.
HEY YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
OH! SO YOU HAVE COME HERE TO STEAL MY HONEY! HOW DARE YOU? RUN AWAY FROM HERE OR ELSE ILL SLAP YOU AND MAKE YOUR FACE RED. WE WERE JUSTHONEY
BOTH OF THEM THOUGHT IT WAS BETTER TO LEAVE FROM THERE. IF I DONT COLOUR THIS BEARS FACE RED, THEN MY NAMES NOT CHEEKU.
ARE YOU CRAZY? WE CANT SLAP HIM TO MAKE HIS FACE RED!
JUST WAIT AND WATCH. ILL COLOUR HIM RED WITHOUT SLAPPING HIM!
CHEEKU GOT RED COLOUR FILLED IN A POLYTHENE BAG. ARE YOU GOING TO PLAY HOLI TODAY ITSELF? HOLI IS NOT TODAY, BUT TOMORROW.
THIS IS FOR TOMORROW ONLY. IM JUST MAKING SOME ARRANGEMENTS. ARRANGEMENT S FOR HOLI?
THEY WENT NEAR THE HONEYCOMB. NOW ILL PUT SOME HONEY ON TOP OF THIS BAG SO THAT THE BEES COME AND COVER IT UP .
OH GREAT! THE BEAR WILL THINK IT TO BE A HONEYCOMB. NOW YOU GOT IT! HANG IT ON THE TREE.
THE BEAR CAME NEAR THE TREE IN THE MORNING OF HOLI.
CHEEKU AND MEEKU WERE WATCHING HIDING BEHIND A TREE. NOW THE BEARS FACE IS GOING TO BE COLOURED RED.
AS SOON AS THE BEAR PULLED THE HONEYCOMB, THE ENTIRE RED COLOUR GOT POURED ON HIS FACE.
OH WOW! ANOTHER HONEYCOMB MADE IN JUST A SINGLE NIGHT! HUH! RED COLOUR INSTEAD OF HONEY! SINCE WHEN HAVE THE HONEYBEES STARTED COLLECTING COLOUR? DONT BE ANGRY. ITS AFTER ALL HOLI. HOLI! YOU RASCALS, YOU HAVE MADE ME WET; NOW ILL BREAK YOUR LEGS.
MEEKU, RUN.
Neighbourhood Friends
Rohit, Arjun, Sunny and Kiara are neighbours. Read the clues given below and decide which kid lives in which house. Rohit lives on Gulmohar Street Kiara lives diagonally across the street from Sunny Arjun lives down the street from Rohit but on the opposite side Sunny lives across the street from Rohit Arjun and Kiara live in the same block but not ont he same street Sunny does not live on Gulmohar Street Rohit must cross Gulmohar street to visit Sunny or Kiara
By Pankaj Roy hitey Rabbit was very proud of his darken clothes and not a regular Holi colour skin. It was as soft as silk and as in the water. It had taken three whole white as snow. He took good care months for the colour to come off. Whitey of it and always tried to keep it clean. He was Rabbit had started dreading Holi after that. even more careful now that the festival of The day before Holi, Whitey Rabbit went up Holi was approaching. Whitey Rabbit still to his friends. Please dont think Im a shuddered when he recalled the terrible spoilsport, he said. But I wont be playing experience he had just the year before. Holi with you this year. Whitey Rabbit had been watching his friends Why not? Whitey Rabbits best friend playing Holi. They had been throwing Catty Cat asked, surprised. colours and water on each other. It was then when Gappu Elephant had suddenly turned Dont you remember what happened last around and thrown a bucketful of blackyear, Catty? Whitey Rabbit said with tears coloured water on Whitey. Whitey Rabbit in his eyes. Thanks to Gappu Elephant, I had screamed. His delicate, white skin had ended up looking like a ghost for three turned black because of the colour in the whole months! I had turned as black as coal. water. He had scrubbed himself with soap Everyone made fun of me for months and many times and used countless buckets of called me names! water. But the black colour just wouldnt go. But Gappu Elephant had drenched Bunty Whitey Rabbit learnt that Monkey with the same coloured-water too, Gappu Elephant had Toto Parrot remarked. And Bunty had mixed a dye meant to managed to look clean in just a day! You mustnt have used soap or washed yourself properly, Whitey.
I had! Whitey Rabbit said firmly. I had used several bars of soap and plenty of water too! Bunty Monkey had applied mustard oil on his body before he came out to play! Meenu Starling explained. It had formed a coating on his skin. Thats why he could wash the colour off so easily.
Whitey, why dont you apply mustard oil on your body this time? Toto Parrot suggested. You will be able to play Holi with us without spoiling your skin. No! Whitey Rabbit shouted and shuddered. I will never ever apply mustard oil on my beautiful white skin. It will only make my fur oily and my body stink! Then how will you protect yourself from the colours of Holi, Whitey? Meenu Starling asked, seeming very concerned. We all know that Gappu Elephant is hoping to put more coloured water on you this year. Ill hide somewhere on Holi day and come out only when its safe, Whitey Rabbit said. Dont be silly! Toto Parrot said. Gappu Elephant will surely find you. You wont be able to hide from him for very long. Whitey Rabbit shuddered. The thought of his precious skin turning black again scared him no end. Dont worry, Whitey, Catty Cat said reassuringly. You neednt be afraid of Gappu Elephant or anyone else on Holi day. I have an idea that will surely help. And so, Holi day finally arrived. All the animals in the forest were having a good time. They were playing with colours and throwing buckets of water and water balloons at each other. Some of them were even squirting water out from water pistols. Nobody was left out. Happy Hippo was singing Holi songs that were completely out of tune, and some of the animals were dancing too. There was joy and laughter everywhere. Gappu Elephant was part of the celebrations too. And even though he was enjoying the singing and dancing, his eyes were quietly scanning the forest. He was looking for Whitey Rabbit. And just like the year before, Gappu Elephant had a bucketful of blackcoloured water ready to pour on him. When Catty Cat saw Gappu Elephant looking around so carefully, he understood what his intentions were. Catty Cat slowly sneaked up to where Gappu Elephant was. Gappu, he whispered. I have brought some special colour for you to put on Whitey. I know how you have been waiting to colour him. Gappu Elephants eyes grew wide. Special colour? he said,
MARK BEECH
curiously. Show it to me please! Ill need to use your bucket for that, Gappu, Catty Cat said, taking Gappu Elephants bucket away. He then threw the black-coloured water out and filled it with some tap water. Catty Cat then pulled two bottles out of his pocket. Here it is, Gappu! Catty Cat said, pointing to the white solutions in the bottles. He then poured the solutions into the water which turned a dark pink. This is a nice dark colour to put on Whitey! Gappu Elephant said gleefully. Gappu Elephant then grabbed the bucket. He soon found Whitey Rabbit hiding behind a bush. Gappu Elephant quickly turned the bucket over and poured each and every drop of the dark pink-coloured water on Whitey Rabbit. Please dont do that! Whitey Rabbit begged. Please! Youll ruin my skin! But Gappu Elephant simply laughed and ran away. Whitey Rabbit found that he had turned a dark pink. He was coloured right from head to toe. No one else bothered to put any more colour on him after that. At noon, all the animals went to the lake to wash up. The sun was shining in the sky and the animals bodies began drying in the warmth of the sunlight. Whitey Rabbit found something strange happening to the colour on his body. It was fading away on its own. And by the time he reached the lake, he found that there wasnt a trace of the dark pink colour left on him. Gappu Elephant couldnt believe his eyes when he saw that Whitey Rabbit was his clean, white self already. How did Whitey clean himself so quickly? he wondered. He must have applied some mustard oil before coming out to play. Catty Cat whispered to Whitey Rabbit, That wasnt any ordinary colour. It was a special colour made of two white solutions. Magicians often use it for their magic shows. It evaporates on its own when it dries! Whitey Rabbit smiled and thanked his friend. That was a wonderful idea you had, Catty! he said gratefully. I played Holi without spoiling my skin. Thanks to you. You really are a true friend! Catty Cat smiled. Happy Hippo then began singing a song that was completely out of tune again. All the animals burst out laughing and then went to eat the special Holi feast.
Whats Wrong
Harry Frog, Matku Donkey and Jumpy Monkey are going to the Holi party. Find 15 wrong things that the animals have got for the Holi party.
GRANDPA AND HOLI
NICE. WEAR COLORFUL DRESSES WHEN YOU GO.
HELLO, GRANDPA, THIS TIME WE ARE PLANNING TO VISIT TAJMAHAL DURING OUR HOLI VACATION.
HOLI IS THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS. IT IS ALSO CALLED SPRING FESTIVAL. IT MARKS THE ARRIVAL OF THE SPRING SEASON.
BRIGHT COLORS OF GULAL AND ABEER FILL THE AIR AND PEOPLE TAKE TURNS IN POURING COLOR WATER OVER EACH OTHER.
WHY SO?
IN MOST AREAS, HOLI LASTS ABOUT TWO DAYS. TOGETHER, THE RICH AND POOR, WOMEN AND MEN, ENJOY EACH OTHERS PRESENCE ON THIS JOYOUS DAY.
THE TREND SOON GAINED POPULARITY AMONG MASSES. NOW HOLI IS CELEBRATED BY INDIANS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
THE RAJASTHANI AND NORTH INDIAN POPULATION AT KANKARIA AND JAMALPUR IN AHMEDABAD CELEBRATE HOLI IN GREAT STYLE WITH FOLK DANCING AND COLOUR THROWING.
BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS ENTHUSIASTICALLY TAKE PART IN THIS PLAY OF COLORS. IS IT SEASON OF BLOOM?
THE GLOOM OF THE WINTER GOES AS HOLI PROMISES OF BRIGHT SUMMER DAYS. NATURE TOO, IT SEEMS REJOICES AT THE ARRIVAL OF HOLI AND WEARS ITS BEST CLOTHES.
YES. EVERYBODY GETS DELIGHTED AT THE ARRIVAL OF HOLI AS THE SEASON ITSELF IS SO GAY. HOLI IS ALSO CALLED THE SPRING FESTIVAL. NOW HOLI IS NOT JUST CELEBRATED IN NORTH INDIA BUT CELEBRATED WITH SAME ZEST AND ENTHUSIASM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
FIELDS GET FILLED WITH CROPS PROMISING A GOOD HARVEST TO THE FARMERS AND FLOWERS BLOOM COLOURING THE SURROUNDINGS AND FILLING FRAGRANCE IN THE AIR.
How Much Do You Know? Who Am I ?
When I left I didnt know where I was going; When I got there I didnt know where I was; When I returned I didnt know where I had been. Who was I? At the sound of me, men may dream Or stamp their feet, At the sound of me, women may laugh Or sometimes weep. Who am I? Until I am measured I am not known, Yet how you miss me When I have flown. I am seen in the water If seen in the sky, I am in the rainbow, Who am I?
Answers Who Am I? : (1) Christopher Columbus (2) Music (3) Time (4) Blue HOW MUCH Do You Know? : 1. (a), 2. (d), 3. (b), 4. (a), 5. (d)
1. Who developed Hotmail? (a) Sabeer Bhatia (b) David Filo & Jerry Yang (c) Steve Case (d) Charles Babbage 2. Plants receive their nutrients mainly from (a) Chlorophyll (b) Atmosphere (c) Light (d) Soil 3. Rabindranath Tagore's 'Jana Gana Mana' has been adopted as India's National Anthem. How many stanzas of the said song were adopted? (a) The whole song (b) First stanza (c) First and second stanza (d) Third and fourth stanza 4. 'Dandia' is a popular dance of (a) Punjab (b) Gujarat (c) Kerala (d) Orissa 5. Brass gets discoloured in air because of the presence of which of the following gases in air? (a) Oxygen (b) Carbon dioxide (c) Nitrogen (d) Hydrogen sulphide
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By Awadhesh Kumar Jha
hampakvan was in a festive spirit! It was the colourful festival of Holi. Sweety Nightingale had perched herself on the branch of a tree. She was singing songs and reciting poems about Holi, while Jumpy Monkey was beating a drum with his tail. Teetu Butterfly was dazzling everyone with her wings. They were even more colourful today for they had been drenched in bright shades of red, yellow, green, blue, pink and other Holi colours.
Cheeku Rabbit came out of his house. He looked around and saw everyone having fun. He then smiled and blew the saxophone that he had with him. PEEE! PEEE! PEEE! Friends! he shouted cheerfully. Come here please. All the animals rushed towards Cheeku Rabbit. Jumbo Elephant, who was in a hurry, put his big leg in a tub and spilled some redcoloured water out. Anty Ant, who was sitting inside the tub, shrieked. Jumbo! You stupid elephant! she shouted. Cant you see where youre going? Jumpy Monkey somersaulted in his haste to get to Cheeku. He tripped in the bargain and broke his drum. It went right over him and only his naughty little face stuck out. Harry Frog and Tarry Frog jumped from one tub to the other and made themselves as wet as sponges. And Dumpy Donkey ran so fast, that he accidentally kicked Baddy Wolf with his strong legs. The string of Dumpy Donkeys pajamas came loose too, and his pajamas almost fell down! All the animals looked so funny by the time they reached Cheeku Rabbit that they all burst out laughing. OK! Calm down now and listen to me, Cheeku Rabbit said with a smile. I have an announcement to make! We will celebrate Holi with King Sher Singh this year! Celebrate Holi with King Sher Singh? the animals said, confused. How can we do that, Cheeku? King Sher Singh doesnt go out of his palace on Holi day. And he doesnt allow anyone who has water or colours to go in either. We will surprise King Sher Singh, Cheeku Rabbit said and grinned. And when he plays with us, he will have plenty of fun too! It will be like putting a bell around the cats neck, Dumpy Donkey said. Whoever has the courage to do that? Be quiet, Dumpy! Jumpy Monkey scolded. Dont speak like a donkey! We will work together to put the bell
C. P. SHARMA
around King Sher Singhs neck. ErI mean to play Holi with him. They then discussed some ideas. Soon, all the animals marched together towards King Sher Singhs palace. Gajju Elephant was leading the procession. He was carrying a special chair made of balloons. The other animals were carrying colour pistols and were dancing on the way. Sweety Nightingale was singing a song that she had made up, Holi is here! Holi is here! Its a time to be with those who are near and dear! And so Champakvans procession is here! All the animals stopped when they reached King Sher Singhs palace. We want to meet King Sher Singh, Cheeku Rabbit told the guard outside the palace door. I dont think I can let you go in, the guard said, hesitant to let the animals into the palace. Before the guard could say anything else, Teetu Butterfly sprayed some coloured water on him. Yikes! the guard shouted and ran inside to inform Sher Singh. A few minutes later, King Sher Singh stepped out of the palace. What are you all doing here? he roared. You very well know that I dont play Holi. ErYour Highness, Jumpy Monkey said in a respectful voice. We have just come to convey our good wishes. Thank you, King Sher Singh said politely. I
March (First) 2012
wish you all well too but please leave now. Your Highness, Cheeku Rabbit said suddenly. Now that you have come out, please sit with us for a while. We will be happy if you talk to us for a few minutes. Alright, King Sher Singh said. He then began looking for a chair to sit on. Gajju Elephant immediately offered the chair of balloons that he was carrying. Why dont you sit on our special chair today? Gajju Elephant said. King Sher Singh looked at the chair. What a unique chair this is! he said. But as soon as he sat down, there was a loud sound! And the balloons that the chair was made from burst, squirting coloured water all over! King Sher Singhs jaw dropped once he realised that he was drenched from head to toe in coloured water. And then, all the animals picked up their water pistols and threw tiny jets of water at King Sher Singh. King Sher Singh felt ticklish and giggled. Cheeku Rabbit then went forward and put gulal on King Sher Singhs cheeks. Happy Holi, Your Highness! he said. From all the animals of Champakvan! King Sher Singh laughed heartily. Oh Cheeku! he said happily. Your wit has worked again today when I was trying my best to hide indoors! King Sher Singh then invited everyone into his palace for a cup of tea and special Holi sweets. All the animals were very happy. Holi was more fun when they celebrated with their dear King Sher Singh.
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By Ashish Jain arun! I have brought some oil colours for you! Sumit Uncle said as soon as he entered the house. You can use them when you celebrate your favourite festival!
Varun was delighted to see Sumit Uncle. He lived in the neighbouring town and was his favourite uncle. Varun loved Sumit Uncle very much and wished that he would come to see him more often. And Sumit Uncle was very fond of Varun too. He loved to pamper his young nephew and fulfill all his demands. Have you really brought me oil colours? Varun asked, overjoyed. Yes, Sumit Uncle replied. But I must warn you. They are very difficult to remove. If you apply them on your friends faces on Holi, they wont be able to wash them off for days. Varun giggled and sat down in Sumit Uncles lap. Thank you, Sumit Uncle, he said. I am really glad you are here. Im glad to be here too, Sumit Uncle said, ruffling Varuns hair. And I cant wait for us to play Holi together! Sumit Uncle then gave Varun the packets of oil colours he had brought with him. Varun looked at the oil colors and grew quiet
suddenly. Sumit Uncle, he said softly. I dont think I want to play Holi this time. What? Sumit Uncle said, looking quite surprised. Are you upset about something? Last year, you grew angry because I brought gulal for you instead of the oil colours you asked for. And now when I get you oil colours, you are still angry? I am not angry, Varun insisted. Sumit Uncle saw that Varun had tears in his eyes. Whats the matter, Varun? he asked softly.
SONAL SUMIT
Something terrible happened last year, Sumit Uncle, Varun said. He then went on to narrate the incident that he still hadnt forgotten. You had warned me not to play with oil colours, Varun said. You had suggested that I only play with gulal since it was harmless. But I did something terrible. Sumit Uncle listened patiently as Varun went on. I bought cheap oil colours with my pocket money without telling anyone. On Holi day, I went to my best friend Pawans house with some of my classmates. Pawan wasnt well and didnt want to play Holi. But I didnt listen to him. I put the oil colours and a bucket of water all over him. Varun began to quiver as he continued. I wont! Varun promised. Pawan grew very ill after that. He developed a rash and wasnt able to appear for the final exams. He failed the class. He hasnt spoken to me since then, Varun said, as he wiped the tears flowing down his face. Is that so? Sumit Uncle asked. Yes, Varun said. And thats why I dont want to play Holi again. Varun, my boy, Sumit Uncle said. There is nothing wrong with playing Holi. It is a festival that brings joy and friends closer. But I lost my best friend because of Holi, Varun said innocently. Sumit Uncle patted Varuns head. That happened because of your own thoughtlessness, Varun, he explained. You didnt show any consideration towards And one more thing, Sumit Uncle said. Seek forgiveness for your mistake and ask Pawan to be your friend again. Thank you, Sumit Uncle! Varun said, jumping up. He then ran towards the main door. Where are you going now, Varun? Sumit Uncle asked. To throw away the oil colours. And to apologise to Pawan! Varun said. I want to tell him that now on I will only use colours that will bring happiness and joy to everyone. Sumit Uncle smiled as he watched Varun leave the house. He knew that Varun would now have a wonderful Holi. Pawan. You were only thinking about having fun. Holi is meant to be played in a safe manner. How many times have I told you that? What should I do now? Varun asked. I want to play Holi too. It is my favourite festival. But I dont want to lose anymore friends. You should always use colours of good quality, Sumit Uncle said. Or colours like gulal that are safe and harmless. Oil colours can be dangerous. They dont come off easily and can also give people allergies. Is that true? Varun asked. It is, Sumit Uncle said. And please dont put colours on people who ask you not to. Or drench them if they dont want to get wet.
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March (First) 2012
45
By Veena Gupta
oli was just a day away but for the first time there was no excitement in Namans house. His sister, Nisha, didnt seem interested in buying Holi colours or gulal from the market. Grandma and Mother werent making samosas or any of the special sweets they usually made. Dad too seemed to prefer his office files while Grandpa didnt seem keen on reciting any Holi poems. Naman felt disappointed. His elder brother, Aryan, had left for the USA a few months ago. And Naman knew that the whole family was missing him. Holi was Aryans favourite festival and wouldnt be any fun without him. Naman wanted to change the atmosphere in the house to one of joy and celebration. He went up to Nisha who was reading her history textbook. Come on, Nisha, he said. Lets go to the market together!
46
Why? Nisha asked. She didnt even bother to look up. Do you have any work there? Its Holi tomorrow, Nisha! Naman said enthusiastically. Dont you want to buy gulal and water pistols to play with? No, Nisha said firmly. I am not interested in playing Holi this year. Naman groaned. But why? he asked even though he knew the reason quite well. Nisha sighed. I am missing Aryan Bhaiya, she confessed as she looked up. He loves to play Holi. I cant help thinking of how lonely he must be feeling right now. Hes all by himself in the USA with no one to celebrate with. Nisha turned her attention to her book again. Naman then went up to Grandma. Grandma, why arent you making any samosas or sweets this time? he asked cheerfully.
Well, Naman, Grandma said softly. Aryan is not here. I know how he loves samosas and sweets. I dont feel like celebrating without him. Come on, Grandma! Naman said. Do you really think that Aryan Bhaiya will go without celebrating Holi? He loves Holi so much that he will surely celebrate in the USA too! Hmm, Grandma said. He was the one to first put colour on me every year Grandmas voice then turned emotional and she quickly turned her face away. Naman sighed. He didnt know how to cheer up his family. He felt disheartened and turned his computer on to distract himself. Well, I tried my best, he muttered to himself. But no one is in the mood to celebrate Holi without Aryan Bhaiya. Suddenly, an idea crossed Namans mind. Hey! he said, snapping his fingers. What if we play Cyber Holi this time? It will be fun! Naman rubbed his hands gleefully and began preparing to play Cyber Holi. He carefully selected photographs of the entire family from the photo albums and scanned
March (First) 2012
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them. He then logged on to the internet and opened a website that would allow his family to play Cyber Holi. The website requested some information from Naman and Naman obliged willingly. He filled in details of all his family members, including their names, ages, complexions, heights and other information. Naman then uploaded the scanned photographs on the website and requested it to let him and his family play Cyber Holi with Aryan.
Now begins our Cyber Holi, he said as he clicked on the mouse. Suddenly, an array of colours splashed on the screen. And soon after, cartoon figures that looked just like Aryan and Grandma appeared on the screen. To everyones surprise, they began drenching each other with colours and water! Hey! Thats Aryan playing Holi with me! Grandma said and laughed happily. Look! Hes even splashing water and putting gulal on me! After that, cartoons of Aryan playing Holi with the other family members appeared on the screen. There were cheerful Holi songs playing on the speakers. Sound effects of water balloons bursting and water pistols squirting water were heard from time to time too. Mother and Father, who had never played with Holi colours, saw themselves drenched with colours on the screen! What fun we are having playing Cyber Holi! they said. Naman, why dont you take printouts of everyone playing Cyber Holi? Nisha suggested. You can send some to Aryan Bhiaya too! Naman liked the idea and took a printout of each image. Ill scan them and send them to Aryan Bhaiya later, he said.
SONAL SUMIT
The next day, Naman invited everyone to his room and asked them to gather around his computer. Come on, everyone! he said happily. We are going to play Cyber Holi with Aryan Bhaiya! Cyber Holi? What kind of Holi is that? Grandma asked, perplexed. And Aryan is far away from us. How can we play Holi with him? Wait and watch, Grandma! Naman said with a broad smile. We will play Holi in this very room with Aryan Bhaiya! Naman, please dont play Holi here! Mother warned. Your room will get very dirty. Dont worry, Mother! Naman chuckled. We are playing Cyber Holi! There wont be any mess. Naman then logged on to the internet. He opened the website and turned the speakers on.
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Just then the telephone bell rang. Nisha picked up the phone. Happy Holi, Nisha! a cheerful voice said. Happy Holi to you too, Aryan Bhaiya! Nisha said happily. How is Holi in India? Aryan asked. Superb! As usual you drenched us all with coloured water! Nisha answered. Huh? Aryan said, surprised. I did? Yes, you did! Nisha said, giggling. Naman will email you the pictures soon! Aryan laughed heartily. I think I know what you are talking about! You played Cyber Holi like I did, didnt you? he said. All the family members then spoke to Aryan and told him how much fun they had seeing themselves playing Cyber Holi with him. Once Aryan had disconnected the phone, Grandpa began reciting Holi poems. And Grandma ran into the kitchen. I feel like making samosas and sweets now! she told Naman. Do take pictures of them. And scan them and email them to Aryan too! Naman laughed. He knew that his family was happy now and ready to celebrate their favourite festival.
March (First) 2012
Cyber Communication
Video chat on messenger is a great way to connect with your buddies who are away.
Companies use online applications or software like Skype, Google Hangout, etc. to communicate with their customers across the world. If you dont like school or college, try online courses where teachers from different parts of the world teach various topics in virtual classrooms. Dont know how to play computer games with your American friend? No worries, sign in to Facebook or any gaming site and you can play endless games with your friends around the world through various game applications. Need help to solve a difficult mathematical problem? Just use the software to share your computer screen with your mentor. It lets your mentor solve the problem on your screen without coming to your place. To cheer up a sad friend, send virtual gifts or animated greeting cards that are easily available online without spending a single penny
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50
By Ramakant Kant
apil wanted to apply strong chemical colours on his friends on Holi day. He asked his friend Neeraj to accompany him to the market. Neeraj, who was completely unaware of Kapils plans, agreed to join him. And so, Kapil took him to a shop where he bought some strong colours mixed with chemicals that would make the colours difficult to remove. He then took Neeraj to a workshop from where he bought some thick and dirty machine oil. Neeraj grew quite curious and wanted to know what Kapil would do with all these things. He asked Kapil about it. Kapil grinned and revealed his plan. Well go to our friends houses on Holi day and put the chemical colours and machine oil on them, he said and chuckled. The colour will stay on for many days and make them look ugly. It will be fun when they are admonished by the teachers in the school too! Neeraj didnt approve of Kapils plans. Kapil, he said politely. The people who you want to do this to are our friends. It wont be nice to get them into trouble or to put colours mixed with harsh chemicals on them. I know they are our friends, Kapil said. But this is something a lot of people do on Holi day. How else will we have fun? Kapil, the chemicals in these colours are often poisonous, Neeraj explained. They
March (First) 2012
can cause allergies and rashes. And what if they go into someones eyes? They can turn people blind. But Kapil didnt want to listen. Stop giving me a lecture, Neeraj! he said. I didnt bring you along so that you could give me your advice. Anyway, I promise that I wont put any of these colours on you. Neeraj tried again. Have you forgotten what happened last Holi? he said. Someone put similar colours on our classmate Aloks face. He lost his vision after that. What if something like that happens to any of our friends because of your colours? Will you be able to forgive yourself? But Neerajs efforts were in vain. Kapil was just not ready to listen. Neeraj knew that it was pointless to argue with him or to explain how dangerous his idea was. All that he did after that was tell Kapil that he wouldnt celebrate Holi with him. Kapil grew furious. He threatened that he wouldnt talk to Neeraj if he didnt celebrate with him. But Neeraj was firm. He wanted Kapil to understand how he would only cause trouble for others. He decided that he would seek their friend Gauravs help. And so, Neeraj went to Gauravs house that evening and told him what Kapil planned to do. Gaurav readily agreed to help Neeraj. He also suggested that their other friends be told of Neerajs plan. They would get together and find a way to stop him.
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That evening, all the friends met at the park and Neeraj and Gaurav told them of Kapils dangerous plan. Why dont we douse Kapil with his own colours? a boy named Dinesh suggested. He should get a dose of his own medicine. No, a boy named Piyush said. Kapil is our friend after all. The colours will harm him. We cant let that happen. The boys pondered for a while and then came up with a plan. They hoped that it would work and stop Kapil from using the dangerous colours. They then decided to meet on Holi day under the big tree near the school. When Holi finally arrived, the boys began gathering under the tree as planned. Dinesh was the first to arrive with some ecofriendly perfumed gulal. He had made it on his own at home by soaking some palash flowers in water and extracting their colour. After the colour had dried, Dinesh had sprinkled some rose water on it. It was a safe and natural Holi colour that wouldnt harm anyone. Rakesh came next with gulab jamuns from his house. And Neeraj arrived with a boxful of some delicious carrot and almond halwa that his mother had made. Girish came with some hot potato vadas and spinach pakodas. Piyush joined them and showed them the two posters he had made. And Gaurav followed, tugging a hired washermans donkey. And finally Sanju and Kunal arrived with a drum and a garland of marigold flowers. We are going to have a grand time celebrating Holi today! the boys said cheerfully and greeted each other. Now, the only thing left for them to do, was to teach Kapil a lesson that would permanently stop him from using the harmful chemical colours. Everyone got together and put the garland around the donkeys neck. They then hung Piyushs posters on both its sides. There was some text written on the posters in big bold letters. The boys smiled when they saw it. It read,
SONAL SUMIT
I AM KAPIL. I PLAY HOLI WITH DIRTY OIL AND CHEMICAL COLOURS. I DONT CARE IF THEY TURN PEOPLE BLIND OR BURN THEIR FACES. FOR ME, HOLI IS NOT A FESTIVAL OF LOVE FOR I DONT CARE ABOUT ANYONE. The boys then paraded the donkey on the road and beat the drum. The small procession soon reached Kapils house. Kapil ran to the window to see what was happening. He grew furious when he saw the posters on the donkey. He decided to throw the chemical colours and the machine oil he had on his friends from his window. Kapil ran to bring them from their hiding place. But strangely, they had vanished from there! Kapil didnt know what to do. He went and looked for the colours and the machine oil again, wishing hard that his friends and their procession would go away. Little did Kapil know that Neeraj and Gaurav had telephoned his father and tipped him about the chemical colours and machine oil. Uncle, Neeraj and Gaurav had told Kapils Father over the phone. Kapil is a good friend of ours. We dont want him to do anything that is harmful. Or that would get him or anyone else into trouble. Kapils Father had reassured Neeraj and Gaurav that he would do everything to help them. In fact, it was he who had suggested the
donkey and poster parts of their plan. And even though Neeraj and Gaurav didnt want to embarrass Kapil, they knew that it was the only thing that would work, since Kapil was very stubborn and didnt listen to anyone. Kapils Father had searched the house when Kapil was sleeping. He had found the chemical colours and machine oil in Kapils schoolbag that very morning. He had immediately poured them down the sink. Kapil had no idea of what had happened. He continued searching his schoolbag frantically. What are you looking for, Kapil? Kapils Father said when he saw him. Your friends are downstairs. Go and play with them! UmI dont want to Kapil said as he tried to come up with a suitable excuse. But his father simply smiled. Kapil, he said softly. I know what you are looking for. But you wont find them because I have thrown them away. Tell me, would you have been happy if your friends had applied such colours and oils on you? Or if your skin had broken into a rash? Or if your eyes had burned and stung? Kapil shuddered at the very thought. He immediately thought of Alok and how helpless he was without his eyesight. He now realised how dangerous the chemical colours and machine oil were. He apologised to his father and thanked him for throwing them away. I have forgiven you, son, Kapils Father said. Go down now and apologise to your friends. For they are the ones you would have harmed. Kapil trembled. He didnt know how to face Neeraj and the other boys. Dad, he said, his voice trembling. I
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hadnt bothered to listen to Neeraj when he had warned me about the colours and oil. On the contrary, I threatened not to talk to him. I dont have the courage to face him or the others now. Come on, Kapil, Kapils Father said. Neeraj is a nice boy and so are the others. I know where they are going right now. Come with me. They are all waiting to celebrate Holi with you. Kapils Father then took him down to the car. His mother accompanied them too. They then drove to the park. Neeraj and the other boys had gathered at the park. They all knew that Kapils Father had promised to bring him there. And so, they waited for him to arrive before beginning their Holi party. When Kapil finally walked into the park, all the boys ran to welcome him. Everyone then put the natural gulal on his cheeks and hugged him. Kapil hung his head low and apologised for what he had planned to do. Gaurav immediately tore up the posters that were still hanging on the donkey. He then asked the washerman to take the donkey away. The boys then danced and feasted on the Holi delicacies they had brought with them. They then sang songs, danced and recited some special Holi poems. Kapil enjoyed thoroughly. He realised that there was more to Holi than just throwing balloons and playing with dangerous colours. I had an exceptional Holi this time! he told his father when they went home later that day. I learnt an important lesson too. All thanks to you and my friends!
Students were lined up in the cafeteria of a school for lunch. There was a basket full of apples on the table with a small note. Take only ONE. The teacher is watching. Further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a box full of chocolates. Sam told his friend, Come on! Let us take as much as we can. The teacher is watching the apples. - Soni Father : Why have you got a zero in geography paper? Akash : Dad, it's not a zero. The teacher ran out of stars, so she gave me a moon instead! - Sanjeev English teacher : What's the longest word in the English language? Student : Mam, it is Smiles - because there is a mile between the first and the last letter! - Virendra Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son. "Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!" "But why, Mom? I don't want to go." "Give me two reasons why you don't want to go." "The kids dont like me, and teachers too hate me." "Oh, I cant take your reasons. Quick, get ready now." "Mom, give me two reasons why I should go to school." "First, you're 52 years old and secondly you're the Principal!" - Ram
By Dr.Ritu Jain
ony and Tony had come with their friends Antu and Jojo for a picnic near a lake.
You will tire yourselves, Jojo teased. You will not be able to compete with our speeding motorboat. I know, Chickey said. But listen to me now. You dont know much about this lake. It has many hidden reefs. Weve had a lot of fun racing but I suggest you slow down now. If you continue speeding, there are chances that you might run into a reef and have a mishap. Thanks for the advice, Antu said with a laugh. But we both are experts when it comes to riding motorboats. Dont worry! Nothing will happen to us! Chickey and Mickey realised that the foxes were overconfident and wouldnt pay any attention to their warning. They stopped following the motorboat. Very well then, they then told Antu and Jojo. We are going to swim home now. But please take care of yourselves. The weather seems to be deteriorating too. We hope that youll reach the lakeside safely. Mony and Tony had decided to cook some almond pudding at the lakeside. They were singing songs and chopping
Antu and Jojo found an old motorboat and took it out to the lake, while Mony and Tony stayed at the lakeside to cook. Chickey and Mickey were two young crocodiles who lived in the lake. They were fascinated to see the old motorboat speeding in the lake after so long. They decided to race with the motorboat much to Antu and Jojos delight. Antu was quite a mischievous fellow. He began to increase and decrease the speed of the motorboat, just to tease Chickey and Mickey.
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PROITI ROY
almonds and whipping cream when Julu Elephant saw them. The warm and sweet aroma of the pudding and the fun Mony and Tony seemed to be having, compelled Julu Elephant to march towards them. Hello! Julu Elephant said in a friendly voice. I couldnt stop myself from coming here! You seem to be having so much fun! And I see that youre making something that looks delicious too. May I join your picnic? Id like to be your friend. To Julu Elephants surprise, Mony grew very angry. No! Mony shouted rudely. We have come here with our friends. I am sorry but youre not welcome to join us or be our friend. Please go away. Well ok, Julu Elephant said, looking disappointed. But at least let me taste some of your pudding. It smells scrumptious! You will not get a morsel of our pudding,
you greedy fellow, Tony said angrily. Go away from here! Dont spoil our fun. Okay, Julu Elephant said, sadly. Im leaving. Im sorry to have bothered you. Just then the sound of screaming pierced the quiet of the lakeside. That sounds like Antu and Jojo, Mony said, looking quite alarmed. They seem to be calling for help from the motorboat! Tony said as the screaming continued. Chickey and Mickey suddenly leaped out from the lake and ran towards Mony and Tony. They both looked very worried. Hi! Do you have a long rope? Mickey asked in a worried voice. Er no, I dont, Mony replied. But what do you need one for? Is everything ok? Well, the motorboat has hit a reef, Chickey said, looking quite shaken. The engine has stopped working.
March (First) 2012
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Oh no! Tony cried with fear. What will happen to our friends now? They dont know how to swim! They will surely drown if the motorboat sinks! Well, we are trying to help them, Mickey said. But we will need a long rope to pull the motorboat out of the lake. Dont worry, Julu Elephant piped in. I have a long rope. Its quite thick and strong too. Ill get it right now. Thank goodness! Mickey said, sounding relieved. Youre a big help! And so, Julu Elephant hurried home and returned with the rope in no time. Julu Elephant then joined Chickey and Mickey in the rescue operation. He held one end of the rope with his trunk and gave the other end to Chickey and Mickey. Tie the motorboat to the rope tightly. Call out to me when you finish. I will pull it towards the lakeside with my trunk, Julu Elephant said politely. Chickey and Mickey dived into the water and swam towards the motorboat as fast as they could. Antu and Jojo were relieved to see them. The motorboat was beginning to sink and they were quivering with fear. Chickey and Mickey called out to Julu once they had tied the motorboat to the rope. Julu then used all his might and pulled the motorboat towards the lakeside. As soon as Antu and Jojo reached the lakeside, they jumped out of the motorboat and ran towards their friends. Chickey and Mickey had warned us about the reefs but we didnt pay any attention to their warning, they both admitted, feeling ashamed of their carelessness. We are sorry, Chickey and Mickey, they said, apologising to the two young crocodiles. Mony and Tony turned towards Julu Elephant. They looked quite ashamed of what they had done too. Well, we made a mistake too. We were rude to Julu Elephant when he asked to be our friend. Please forgive us, Julu Elephant. Julu Elephant smiled. And so did Chickey and Mickey. Dont worry! they said cheerfully. We were happy to help! After that, everyone sat down together and had a bowlful of the almond pudding that was quite delicious. They then played games and sang songs and enjoyed their unique picnic.
Answers to Whats Wrong
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Champak March12

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MARCH (FIRST) 2012 | ` 20

MARCH (FIRST) 2012 NO. 826

Story Deepa Agarwal

DONT MIND TODAY IS HOLI

SIR, DONT MIND TODAY IS HOLI.

March (First) 2012

HEY! LOOKA HONEYCOMB.

COME, LETS EXTRACT HONEY OUT OF IT.

HEY YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?

THE BEAR CAME NEAR THE TREE IN THE MORNING OF HOLI.

How Much Do You Know? Who Am I ?

By Awadhesh Kumar Jha

March (First) 2012

March (First) 2012

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