Learn Curve for Girls

Girls Education Project for School Story Curriculum

  • Of Forests and Faeries – Interview with Srivalli Rekha

    Could you talk about your writing career pathway?

    I have done an MBA full time and then did an MA in English Literature by distance mode. I was more into science or physics. So, the MBA appealed to my analytical side. I could not adjust in the corporate world and I did the MA in English and a career in literature looked appealing to me. I started sending my writing to people. I gathered a lot of feedback. I worked with Artoonsinn and Writer’s Workout. Now I am a published writer.

    What genres do you prefer?

    I read a lot of mysteries. I try writing mysteries. I enjoy writing horror. I like writing the strange pace of events in horror. I like the supernatural and the paranormal. I enjoy magic realism too. This collection Forests and Fairies was a collection for children and is middle grade stories.

    Your writing has a lot of references to the world of folklore and fairy tales, could you talk about this?

    I have a soft corner for fairies. I look for inspiration in the Panchatantra Tales and Jataka Tales. I like weaving stories around forests. We all as children read the folk tales and fairytales and this becomes a part of you since its a part of our childhood. Many of my stories find inspiration in fairytales and folklore. I used really like the Little Mermaid as a child, though it was a sad story. I think my love for fairies goes to barbie movies. Mariposa and barbies became an inspiration for my fairy worlds. I associate the barbie movies and also fairies with a sense of safety. You can rely on fairies when things go wrong. The fairies try to help you and even you can’t see them.

    Your journey of writing Forests and Faeries?

    I have been writing the different stories in this collection for children over four to five years. The writing was done for different publications. But the editing was what took attention. When we decided to publish the collection, I had a chance to read a lot of middle grade fiction and children’s books. In this book, there are a lot of pagan people and people who are close to nature. The stories retain a sense of globalness. The stories can be retold in any other context – African or South American.

    Could you talk about your interest in sustainability?

    Forests have been central to my writing. I create spaces with the presence of trees, animals, calmness, a brook on the side etc. It makes me carefree. Another location I like setting my story is in the ruins of a temple. In Shared Roots I had set my story in the ruins of a temple.

    Could you talk about motifs in your writing?

    I see forests as a safe place. I see them as a non-venomous space. These forests are home, and they are where I believe magic happens. Forests have everything I ask for as a home. Another motif in my writing is Faeries – the little helpers, guardian angels, giving us help and hope. We all need help and hope. We are always stepping on shadows. Fairies give us hope. As a writer, I also have characters in the story who read books and like books. This is a given.

    Could you talk about your idea of magic?

    Being a Hindu, magic is a part of our lives. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata with Sita Haran or War Scenes. There are different types of arrows, causing rain, using fire. The ties are close by. As a child you read a lot of folktales and fairytales – it becomes a part of who you are. I see magic as a kind of help when you need it. When you need help and get it – it is form of magic. It comes in varied forms. It depends on how much magic we want to believe in. The flower turning into fruit – there is magic in science. As a child, I believed in magic.

    Could you talk about writing as a dialogue?

    When I write the first draft. I write for myself. I don’t think of the reader. Then there is dialogue with me and what I have read so far. When I start editing that’s when I have a dialogue with the audience. Some of the stories had to be edited to make them suitable for children. The story Perfect Paradise has a hopeful ending for instance.

  • Celebrating Goan Culture through books – Interview with Rajeshwari Iyer

    Living in Goa for the past 43 years, 72 years old Rajeswari Iyer, is a freelance journalist.  She has to her credit many articles, features stories , interviews published in leading English dailies. A few popular Tamil magazines featured her articles in Tamil too. 

    Rajeswari is one among the 8 senior citizen authors who have written two stories each in 15 books over a span of just one year published by Pachyderm Tales . These authors including Rajeswari were recognized and awarded by All India Book of Records. 

    Her 16th book, Ragamalika is a compilation of all her stories from the 15 books written in Tamil of which ‘Musings from my balcony’ is the English version.  Rajeswari is the only woman writer from Goa to receive lifetime achievement award and medal and a certificate from All India Book of records.  She is also a recipient of best innovative story writer from Pachyderm Tales.

    Could you talk about your writing background?

    My journalism background was many decades back. For ten years, from 1990 – 2000, I have been writing feature stories, interviews including celebrity interviews of people who are well known in their field. I wrote the middle of 400-500 words for a Goan newspaper. Goa Today has featured me. I was a businesswoman. Writing was a passion. I did special features. I wrote for Deccan Herald, Bangalore and Deccan Chronicle Hyderabad.
    I joined a Tamil writing group. I refreshed my Tamil. We were writing in the same Tamil group when Uma spotted me. I joined the Ashtalaksmi group of Pachyderm Tales.

    You have written about the Kumbi dance of Goa. Could you talk about this art form?

    The Kunbis or Gawdas are one of the ‘Adivasi’ communities of Goa, an indigenous tribal community engaged in the farming sector. Due to the Portuguese influence, the Kunbi dance is performed by the women folk to the beats of local instruments like dhol, tashe and ghumot which are played by the men. The beat is a mix of local and western. In spite of the fast pace, the women sway with grace and elegance. The attire of the Kunbi women is the red chequered cotton saree which is now popularly called the Kunbi saree. This  six-yard Adivasi saree is locally referred to as the ‘Kapod’. As the women work in the fields, for their comfort and convenience they tie the saree at the waist with pleats, stretching just below the knees. What would normally be the pallu is drawn across the chest and back over the right shoulder to form a knot locally called a ‘dethali’.  Traditionally, no blouse was worn with this sari.

    Could you talk about the Chikal Kalo festival of Goa?

    There is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Devaki in a town called Marcel in Goa. It is called Devaki Krishna Temple.  In Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) we see that Devaki is in a standing position holding the infant Lord Krishna known as Balakrishna, in her arms.

    Devaki also requested Lord Krishna to grant herself that privilege of Krishna’s childhood antics. Lord Krishna obliged, and he came to earth along with Devaki to fulfil her wish. They chose an Island called “Sudan” in Goa. The Portuguese changed the name of Sudan Island to Chorao Island.  Goans hid the idol of Devaki and Bala Krishna near a waterbody called Mayem Lake. The mud festival or the Chikal Kalo festival demonstrates the divine play of Balakrishna for his mother Devaki.

    Could you talk about the legends associated with Govapuri?

    According to ancient Indian mythology is said that Goa was reclaimed from the sea. It is believed that Sixth Avatar of Vishnu Sage, Parshuram created the Sahyadri range and struck an arrow into the western seas. The arrow is said to have sent the seas rolling back to create Gomantak or Goa. Govapuri, also known as Gopakapattana, was a prosperous port city in ancient Goa. It was the capital of the Kadamba dynasty for 300 years. The Sanskrit name for Goa is “Govapuri.” The name “Govapuri” is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words: “Go” meaning “cow” and “Puri” meaning “town” or “city.” In ancient times, Goa was known for its cattle and agriculture, hence the association with cows in its Sanskrit name.

    Could you talk about Goan “susegad” lifestyle

    Goan “susegad” lifestyle. ‘Susegad’ is a concept associated with Goan culture. It is derived from the Portuguese word ‘sossegado’ (peace). It is often about living life in a relaxed, calm, peaceful, and laid-back manner. In short, enjoying life to the fullest.

  • Journalism on conscious living – Interview with Suhani Dewra

    On your journey?

    I have written for 15 years. I wrote for the media (newspapers and magazines) and the IT corporate set-up. I started my own website and web magazine. Here, I worked on a blog with features on the conscious space, with all things conscious like practicing Veganism, Climate Conservation etc. I also ran an online store which sold five – six products like soy candles, body butter etc. to fund my writing. I had registered this manufacturing, and it was done inhouse.

    In 2018, I said goodbye to my 9-5 job. I went for a Vipassana retreat in Jaipur. Ten days of Vipassana has transformed me. As a consequence of this transformation, I realised I did not need so many things in my life. I was practicing Vipassana and gym. Because of the 10-day Vipassana meditation, my complete lifestyle changed. In my web magazine I started featuring people who practiced conscious lifestyles. And out of these interviews a published book emerged – An Alternative Way of Living: 25 Interviews.

    The field of Positive Psychology talks about the importance of Positive Journalism. Do you see your work as Positive Journalism?

    I wanted to document the little practices that made people feel good. I could see these practices as an alternative way of living. I wanted to focus on lifestyle practices that helped. The positive side of life is something that newspapers need to talk about. Newspapers are filled with news on criminals and scandals. Not of it makes much of a difference to the life of reader. Say there is news on a scandal in some remote part of the world how is it going to change my life or that or the reader. It is a scandal and cannot have a positive impact on my life. Now instead if I write about wearing cotton fabric it is a lifestyle practice that can fundamentally alter someone’s life. News on a criminal in Tihar Jail will not help me improve my life. People need to understand this. I met a family friend and gave him my book of interviews. I asked him to give it to his dad who is in the 70s. This friend said that his father won’t read such light stuff because was interested in serious things. Yes, knowing about the suffering and strategy of the government brings empathy and expands the mind, but so does reading a book like this.

    Could you talk about the Vipassana meditation that transformed your life and set you on the journey to write this book?

    I have attended 10 retreats after the first retreat. It has been six years of tremendous transformation. I can now clearly see how an alternative way of living is the direct pathway to such transformation. This is what I have explored in my book. It is the little practices that can make a huge impact. I was a big fan of milk tea. I interviewed people following veganism and saw it as an important alternative practice. I could see after the interview how we are depriving cows of milk and not giving calves their full share. I have written on cotton fabric. We resort to synthetic fabric because it is easy to maintain. But is it good for us? After Vipassana, my view of things has changed. I have a wider view and a clearer view.

    How have these practices impacted your writing?

    I have started to write better and with more clarity. My thoughts flow in a straight line. I have a wider view of being a human being. A lot of my stories revolve around the themes of impermanence and acceptance – these are practices from Buddhism. I wrote one story about a girl who gets a million gifts for Christmas. Initially these gifts are very exciting for her. But in time she realises the problems – like how they slow her down. I don’t subscribe to what the world asks you to think. I have an independent school of thought.

    Could you talk about the ‘little practices’ covered in your book?

    The book lists around 20 practices. One interviewer has been wearing natural fabric for 25 years. When you wear natural fabric the body feels better. Traditionally fabrics of India were made from natural material. Two of the interviewees are working on garbage management which is very important for a country like India where there is no understanding that garbage needs to be managed. A Bollywood actress talks about how children need to be graded not just for knowing things in textbooks but for their understanding of plants. We need these alternative practices in today’s India which is full of European brands and style aspirations. We are forgetting good practices. The idea is not to hurt oneself, others and nature around us.

    When talk about not hurting do you mean Ahimsa?

    Ahimsa is a strong word; it has connections with violence. By not hurting I mean not causing them pain even in little ways.

    Could you talk about mindfulness in connection with conscious living?

    I see mindfulness and conscious living as synonyms to each other. A lot of people associate mindfulness as being only present in the present moment, but I see it as same conscious living. Being mindful about how you are talking, how your actions are affecting the other person, being mindful about what you eat, what you wear – these are some aspects of mindfulness.

    How do you define conscious living?

    Living in way that does not hurt me, hurt you or hurt the nature around.

    How has writing this book changed and influenced you?

    I have adopted a lot of the practices I have written about. I have turned 80% vegan. My wardrobe has 85% natural fabric. I have become mindful of the fabric I am wearing. I learnt about a new practice called permaculture, so I learnt something new. I turned into a minimalist. In 2023, I didn’t buy anything. I realised had so much already. In Delhi, known for its small shops I shopped for all of Rs. 5000 for one year.

    Could you talk about the book?

    I have written about eating mindfully, sleeping mindfully and behaving mindfully. The book launched on July 18th. A lady told me during the launch that the book is very good and different. A friend of mine Niveditha started writing with Morning Pages, a practice documented in the book. In a sustainability event, all participants were given a copy of the book. A book like this can impact the collective consciousness.

    Your future plans?

    I am writing an autobiography on being on the conscious path. I am also working on a book of interviews on Vipassana practitioners and how the practice has helped them transform.

  • Interview with Educator and Storyteller Jayalakshmi Unnikrishnan

    Kathalaya Impact Series

    Your career journey?

    I started working as a pre-primary teacher. I worked in pre-primary for 33 years. I worked as a coordinator for the pre-primary sector. That is when I thought that storytelling is an important aspect for pre-primary sector. I contacted Kathalaya and invited Geeta Ma’am for a workshop. At that time, I thought that when I quit my job and retire, I will be a storyteller. This was the inspiration I had that day to be a storyteller.

    After I quit my job, I took storytelling as a profession. That is when I called Deiva and she asked if I could do storytelling through schools. I started working on storytelling for schools through Kathalaya. I have also done the diploma in storytelling through Kathalaya.

    Could you talk about the certifications in storytelling you completed at Kathalaya?

    I did an online beginner’s course during Covid. Since I had decided I work as a storyteller, it worked well. After that I did my diploma at fireflies. The Kathalaya beginner’s course covered how a story should be told. With the diploma we covered the deeper nuances of storytelling – the importance of voice, voice modulation, movements, body language, and the role puppets play in storytelling. For the diploma we interviewed a few folktale tellers and made a booklet with fairytales, folktales etc. We documented all this.

    Could you talk about your interest in using puppets for storytelling?

    When you do the diploma in storytelling, you know who your audience is. Mine is storytelling for pre-primary children. For others it has been storytelling for adults, storytelling for senior citizens, storytelling for special children etc. Since I am interested in doing storytelling for pre-primary children or smaller children I knew that puppets will be relevant. I make my own colorful and attractive puppets. I make hand puppets and stick puppets. I have a whole box of puppets.

    Could you talk about the role of sounds and voice modulation in storytelling?

    When we are enacting animals, each has a characteristic sound. We use a different voice for each animal. For instance, the lion has a gruffer voice, and the mouse has a softer voice.

    During storytelling sessions, voice modulations for different animals is done.

    Is there a need to research ecology for storytelling?

    A lot of study is needed while preparing for a storytelling session. We need to read a lot of information on nature, plants, animals, birds etc. For instance, if you are working on a story on hornbill, then you need to know if the bird migrates, if it can fly etc. You need a lot of information and facts to tell the story of an animal or bird.

    Can you talk about your experience as a story narrator?

    Every platform, I perform in is a different experience. Even storytelling in one school to another school is a different experience. The storytelling experience varies from when your audience has only children or when it has less children.

    Could you talk about spontaneity in storytelling?

    The same story can be told to a two-year-old and to a ten-year-old. You can elaborate on different points of the same story to help different audiences connect. The way you tell a story to younger children requires much more voice modulation than a story told to older children.

    Could you talk about movement in storytelling?

    I start my story with an icebreaker with movement. Movement helps the audience connect to the story and the teller. Through getting the audience to enact movements during the story they are able to pay better attention to the story.

    How has storytelling positively impacted you?

    Once I got into the profession of storytelling and stopped working in schools my perception towards life itself changed. I was able to read more. I have been meeting different types of people. My knowledge has increased. It has changed my perspective of life.

    On your plans as a storyteller?

    I would like to reach out to more schools, more children and do more storytelling.

    The favourite story you like telling?

    The story of the lion and mosquito.

    Once there was a lion. The lion thought that he was the King of Jungle. He really thought that.

    The lion growled.

    The mosquito was trying to sleep. The lion was making so much noise that the mosquito could not sleep.

    The mosquito asked the lion to be quiet.

    The lion said, “I am the King of the Jungle and can do anything I want.”

    The mosquito said, “I don’t think you are the King of the Jungle.”

    The lion said, “I am the King of the Jungle.”

    The mosquito said, “I don’t think you are the King of the Jungle.”

    Then the mosquito, entered the lion’ nose.

    The lion cried, “Leave me please.”

    The mosquito bit the lion hard.

    The lion said, “Leave me alone.”

    The mosquito asked the lion, “Who is the King of the Jungle?”

    The mosquito then said, “Now, I am the King of the Jungle.”

    And that is how the mosquito became the King of the Jungle.

    Could you talk about the use of dialogues in the story?

    The more you talk in dialogues during a narration the more the children will be able to assimilate. Their language also improves. I use Kannada and associate it with English. I do storytelling at the Sharadha Mutt and I do it in Kannada and English.

    Could you talk about other influences to your storytelling?

    I am a trained dancer. I have been training since the age of five and have been performing till the time of marriage. This has helped in storytelling with expressions and voice modulation. I am trained in Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and Kathakali.

    Could you talk about how Kathalaya has impacted you?

    After I left school I told Geeta Maam, about joining as a storyteller and she knew what my strengths were. She knew I had been associated with schools. She suggested I do storytelling for schools for Kathalaya. We are also working on building a story curriculum.

  • Interview with Nandhini Lavanyamurthy

    Your writing journey?

    Before my retirement, in inter office competitions,  I used to write small skits. Actually my writing journey started there. Then, I was writing titbits, small stories  for a Tamil magazine “Pavaiyar Malar”. Almost every month, my article used to come.  After retirement, I joined some Facebook groups and started writing articles. I started participating in Story Competitions. People started recognising me slowly.  After reading some of my posts, Uma Aparna, Pachyderm Tales asked me to write stories with some senior citizens. 

    Why did you chose to do a book on Hanuman?

    From very tender age, Lord Muruga and Lord Hanuman are my favourite Gods. When I chant Hanuman Slokas, I used to be fearless and tackle my problems. One day, when I was reading Sundara Kandam Book, it struck me to write it in a simpler language to reach everyone.

    Why should children be introduced to Indian culture?

    Our Indian culture is one of the oldest one in the world.  We have everything in our  culture and traditions. With two great epics Ramayana and Mahabaratha we can teach our children how to live a successful and at the same time peaceful life too. If we follow our traditions followed by our ancestors, then we will lead a very good life. Children are future leaders.  It is a must that our school system, parents and elders should show our children a correct path.

    What is your favourite story from the Ramayana?

    Hanuman’s meet with Ravan and burning of Lanka.

    What can children learn from the story of Hanuman?

    Nowadays, so many comic fictious stories are coming in book, film and series form like Spiderman, He-man, Pokeman, Shakthiman, etc. If you combine all these characters also, you cannot go near Hanuman. He is wise, showing empathy, bold and brave at the same time, quick in actions. Children can definitely keep Hanuman as their Godfather and Hero.

    What sources did you refer to for the Sundarkandam?

    I read Valmiki Ramayan, Kamba Ramayan and searched Google. But importantly, since my childhood days, my granny used to tell so many stories. Ramayana is one them.  It inspired me a lot. I used to watch Ramayana Serial regularly in television.  These are all my sources.

  • Anne goes to meet Shakespeare

    Suhani Dewra

    Anne and Sid are best friends. High school students, they study in the same class as well as live in the same colony. Every evening they catch up after school, sometimes to study together and at other times to just chit-chat about all things sundry. One evening Anne came prancing to Sid’s house and said,

    “Hey Sid, do you know where I am going to, this summer vacation?”

    “Where to?” asked Sid.

    “In the far off land of Stratford-Upon-Avon.”

    “What is that? Never heard of a place like that,” said a bewildered Sid.

    “That’s a popular tourist location that receives over 2.7 million visitors every year,” informed Anne to Sid.

    “That’s a humongous number! What’s so special about that place?”

    “That’s the birthplace of you-know whom?”

    “Whom?”

    “The most famous writer of English language – William Shakespeare,” said Anne with pride in her voice.

    “O Anne, we have acted in several of the plays that he wrote – Merchant of Venice and Romeo and Juliet,” recollected Sid. “And what a delight it would be to visit the house he was born in!” added Sid.

    “It sure will be, Sid. I am told that the house has the fireplace area preserved where Shakespeare was born and also is conserved the window of the same room. Writers from across the world visit his house to seek inspiration,” Anne said basis what she had heard her dad talk about the iconic site.

    “That sounds magical. I would like to visit the town too sometime in the future. Which country is Stratford-Upon-Avon in?” asked Sid.

    “England.”

    “Oh! Would be exciting to see the English lifestyle. I remember seeing a fridge magnet in Susan’s house that had a picture of Shakespeare with lines – To be or not to be. I remember asking her dad what it meant,” Sid recalled.

    “What it meant, Sid?” Anne interrupted. 

    “Uncle explained it to me saying it that the lines are a metaphor to the perpetual conflict that adults experience – if they should keep going at life or not. There are times in life, when situations arise that make us wonder if there is light at the end of the tunnel or not. In those situations of “to be or not to be”, one must always choose to be,” recalled Anne’s young friend.

    “That’s looking at the bright side of life, Sid,” Anne remarked. 

    “Yes, that’s what he meant,” Sid confirmed.

    “I will try to bring you a similar fridge magnet from Shakespeare’s birthplace, Sid,” said Anne.

    “Do so. A fridge magnet that would remind me ‘to be’?” Sid said smilingly.

    “Haha! sure, Sid,” smiled back Anne.   

  • Cinderella

    Suhani Dewra

    Cinderella woke up at the crack of the dawn. Mopped the floors, washed the clothes. Made the breakfast, ironed the clothes. Her stepsisters were insensitive, so was her stepmother. Dear father was under the influence of the new mother. Months passed by, but nothing changed. Cinderella’s dreams and hopes were not to be realized, was convinced Cinderella.

    One sleepy afternoon, the door knocked. There was the king’s soldier who had a message to deliver to every house in the town.

    “Hear, hear, my dear fellow beings. To mark the occasion of prince’s 22nd birthday, the king extends his invitation to the grand ball to be held tomorrow night. The king and the price shall be happy to have you all grace the occasion,” announced the man.

    “The prince’s birthday?! A dance party?! How lovely this sounds,” exclaimed the stepsisters with unbound excitement. Joined in the mother who had a plan for her girls.

    The trio got together to get their dresses ready and match the accessories and everything they thought was pretty and glittery. Cinderella mustered some courage and walked up to the stepmother.

    “Dear mother, am I also to go? I would love to be at the royal ball. You well know how much I love dancing and all things around it,” said Cinderella in her soft voice.

    “Oh no Cinderella, you don’t go. You stay home and look after the house,” instructed the stepmother.  

    The next evening, the stepsisters were ready, all dressed up resembling a Christmas tree.

    “O my lovelies, the prince is sure to get charmed seeing your beauty,” said the stepmother. “Listen carefully girls, you have to ensure that the prince notices either of you. I plan to ship one of you as the prince’s bride. So, dance well; speak well; and charm well!” said the stepmother.

    While soaking in all her sadness for having been left at home, something stirred within Cinderella. She decided to sneak out of the house and see what the royal ball looked like. “I have absorbed too much of unfair behavior from these women. I mustn’t worry about the consequences,” saying so Cinderella got ready. Of course, she didn’t have a make-up kit or finery to wear. For a change, she acted smart and used her step sisters’ makeup and accessories and also the dress. To ensure that her step family didn’t recognize her, Cinderella used a party mask.

    Getting to the palace was a task. “How do I get there? How about flick some money from my dad’s cupboard?” thought Cinderella.

    Soon the ever helpless Cinderella was at the royal ball room. The hall looked magnificent with intricate light green and golden architecture. The orchestra was soulful and there were gorgeously dressed men and women dancing with each other.

    “What a splendid sight to watch!” exclaimed the new entrant.

    Cinderella joined the club and got along dancing with everybody, ensuring to never drop her mask. While dancing she happened to become the prince’s partner. The couple danced for some time and then the prince struck the conversation. Cinderella knew it was time for her to realize her dreams.

    She immediately told the prince that she wanted his help.

    “What kind of help?” Asked he.

    “You do see that I am good dancer. Could you offer me the dance trainer’s job in your palace? The palace must have a dance trainer, say for parties like these,” she tried to educate. 

    The prince agreed with her vision. He said, “How about you see my tomorrow in the courtroom. I will discuss with the king as well.”

    The next morning when Cinderella was out to buy groceries for the day, she walked up to the palace and met the prince and the king. They both agreed about the need for a dance trainer in the palace and offered her the job.

    Cinderella no more lived with her stepfamily. She was the official dance trainer at the palace with a royal quarter offered to her as part of the job.   

  • Watching ‘The Imitation Game’

    Suhani Dewra

    Reyanshi was browsing Netflix on her laptop to watch a movie. Indecisive of what kind of movie she wanted to watch, Reyanshi looked through almost all the genres. She decided on ‘Action’ and ‘Biographies’, because those were two segments she hadn’t really seen many movies from.

    “It’ll be nice watching movies based on real people’s life and those with stunts like in Mission Impossible,” said Reyanshi to herself.

    Her eyes soon caught attention of the title ‘The Imitation Game’. The poster of the movie looked inviting and Reyanshi hit the play button.

    It was more than an hour of engrossed watching, with not a moment of distraction from the movie.

    ‘The Imitation Game’ was the story of Alan Turing who was a British genius with many feathers in his cap. He was a mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst who helped the British government decipher the encrypted messages of Germans during World War II.

    The ‘Imitation Game’ was quite a discovery. Reyanshi was excited to meet her friends at school the next day and tell them about the gem of the movie that she chanced upon. Much to Reyanshi’s surprise, most of her friends had heard about Alan Turing.

    “I have not seen the movie, Reyanshi, but I am familiar with the name,” said Ayesha.

    “Yes, I have also heard of Alan Turing. He was in news in 2009 when the British Government issued a public apology to Alan Turing for having treated him with the lack of empathy,” added another friend Khyati.

    “What lack of empathy,” asked a girl who had not heard of the English genius.

    “Well, Alan Turing was charged for being a homosexual. I am sure you get what that means,” immediately said Khyati.    

    “But what was the crime?!” wondered the girl.

    “Back in those days, the British government did not recognize homosexuality as a normal human behavior. Those who were found to be homosexuals were convicted in various ways,” elaborated Khyati.

    “That is so weird,” commented the friend.

    “There are government laws that decide if one can be a homosexual or otherwise. Every country has a different law for a case like this,” added Khyati.

    “One doesn’t decide to choose the gender one likes. That’s a pre-set biological condition,” said Ayesha.

    “But it’s an abnormal choice,” said Reyanshi.

    “No, it is not. It is a natural human behavior. The world now recognizes it to be so,” tried to explain Khyati.

    The girls discussed the topic for some more time before breaking away to the next class. That evening when Reyanshi went back home, she had several questions on her mind, including what was her choice and how does she ensure that she knows her choice.

    These questions were not something she felt comfortable discussing with anybody at home. Her friends in school knew somethings, but not everything.

    “Who do I speak to?” she wondered.

    It occurred to her that she could confide herself in her tuition teacher. Barely four years older to Reyanshi, the tuition teacher was a friendly teacher who Reyanshi called by her name. That evening when Reyanshi went to the tuition teacher’s house for the evening lesson to begin, at the outset she mentioned that she wanted to discuss something beyond studies.

    “What is it?” asked the teacher.

    “I saw the movie ‘The Imitation Game’,” Reyanshi began.

    “I am sure that you have heard of Alan Turing. Would you know how does one know if one is homosexual or heterosexual?” quickly jumped Reyanshi.

    The tuition teacher gauged through Reyanshi’s mind and began with educating her on a few parameters that help one find out better about oneself. The talk dealt with knowing how one feels within in, in the company of a gender.  

    “Alan Turing found out about himself when he was in school. His male companion was also the inspiration for his scientific creations in the future,” Reyanshi made a random statement.

    “Yes, that is the time when most of us discover ourselves,” said her friendly teacher.

    The topic occupied the session with detailed conversation between Reyanshi and her tuition teacher. Reyanshi did gain clarity of her own feelings. She again waited for the next day to get to school to educate her gang of girls about how they could know themselves better.

  • Howard Hughes

    Suhani Dewra

    Rishika was watching a movie titled Aviator on her new TV set. It featured a billionaire named Howard Hughes who was known to be passionate about his work which comprised producing movies, flying planes, and multiplying his wealth. At one point he was the richest man in the United States of America.

    As Rishika felt a rush of adrenaline watching the movie with large airplane ports and Hughes assertive attitude, she wondered what it took to be as capable as Hughes.

    “It sure must require a lot of talent to carry on multiple activities of this magnitude,” wondered Rishika.

    As she finished watching the movie that left her spellbound, she Googled Howard Hughes on her laptop.

    What she read about him was even more astounding.  

    When Hughes was 11 years old, he built his town’s first wireless radio transmitter.

    “That’s an inventor! At such a young age,” said Rishika to herself.

    A year later when Hughes was 12, he became the first boy in his town Houston to drive a motorized bicycle that he had invented from parts of his father’s steam engine.

    “The more I read about him, the more I am fascinated by Hughes’ aptitude and attitude.”

    Having started learning how to fly at the age of 14, Hughes dons the hat of setting several records in the sky. In 1935, he flew a landplane, that his company Hughes Aircraft built, at an airspeed record of 566 km/h consuming nine hours twenty-seven minutes. A year and a half later, Hughes broke his own record by flying from one continent to another without a halt in seven hours twenty-eight minutes.  

    Everything that Rishika read about this multi-faceted man, she was inspired to be like him.

    Rishika went to her dad and told him about her discovery. “Dad, I saw the movie Aviator and also then read up about the protagonist of the movie who was a real man that lived an ambitious and fulfilling life.”

    “How does one gather so many talents, dad?”

    “Well, one has to be enterprising and believe in oneself,” answered Rishika’s dad unsure of who Howard Hughes was.

    “Would you like to watch Aviator? You will thoroughly enjoy the grand amalgamation of activities in the movie,” insisted Rishika.

    “How about I first read up a little about him?” he said.

    Her dad looked up the web to land Howard Hughes’ Wikipedia page. As he read about his, he was compelled to watch the movie on his life.

     “Sure, let’s watch the movie. There should be a print on the web,” dad suggested.

    He stayed glued for the time the movie played, finding it exciting and feeling the adrenaline rush just as Rishika did.

    “That’s good discovery, Rishika,” he looked at his daughter.

    “What does it take to be Howard Hughes, dad?” asked a curious Rishika.

    “May be the will,” he replied.

    “And like Howard Hughes himself quoted – ‘Passion will make you crazy, but is there any other way to live?’ – passion for what you do,” he pondered.

  • Taani’s lesson in time

    Suhani Dewra

    Taani had had a sleepless night. Her teacher at school was going to conduct a test to check how well the students read time from the clock. Taani didn’t know how to. She never understood what the teacher taught about reading time.

    Little Taani worried and worried more.

    “What should I do? I have the test tomorrow. If I fail, I may have to bear the consequences,” sighed Taani.

    Like always Taani turned to her sister for help, “Teach me how to read time, will you?”

    Taani’s sister got on the job and Taani found herself standing below a large clock on the wall of the living room.

    “Look at the numbers and the two hands on the clock, Taani,” pointed out Dolly.

    There was a 1 and 2 and 3 and so on…till 12.

    “All the numbers are spaced by a difference of five,” added Dolly.

    “The small hand there represents the hour. If it points at the number 4, then it means that the time is either 4’o clock or around 4’o clock.”

    “The big hand represents minutes. If it is at 1, it means the minutes are 5. If it is at 2, it means the minutes are 10. Remember what I told you – they are all multiples of five. The big hand at 12, stands for a full hour.”

    “So, let’s do some practical exercise. Tell me what time it is now, Taani,” asked Dolly. 

    Taani looked closely at the clock. The small hand was at 2 and the big hand was at 12.

    “It is 2’o clock, right Dolly?” asked Taani.

    “Right Taani.”

    The sisters broke away for lunch. Soon after, Dolly called Taani back to the clock.

    “Look at the clock now, and tell me what time it is,” said Dolly to Taani.

    “Ummm…the small hand is at 3 and the big hand is at the number 5. Five times 5 is 25. Is it 3:25?”

    “You got that right, little sister. You are ready for the test tomorrow,” said Dolly patting on Taani’s back.