CULTURE TWO

Abhimanyu

by Chiraag Mundhe

Abhimanyu was the strong and handsome son of Prince Arjuna, and his spouse Subhadra (who was Krishna's sister). Abhimanyu was a very young boy when the Pandavas went to the forest, after losing a game of dice with Duryoduna. Abhimanyu stayed back with his mother, Subhadra, and learned the arts and skills of a warrior. After the Pandavas came back, the Kauravas refused to give back the land to the Pandavas. So, a great war began between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.

Abhimanyu fought on the side of the Pandavas. He surprised everyone by his skill in archery. While the Pandavas suffered heavy losses in the beginning, they fought back bravely. After Bheesma fell, Duryodhana asked Drona to become the commander of the Kauravas army. In order to capture Yuhushitra alive, the Kauravas came up with a clever plan to distract Arjuna away. They knew that Yudhishtira could never be captured with Arjuna protecting him. So, Arjuna was pulled away from the main battle and Drona set a deadly circular formation of troops called Chakravyuha.

Yudhishtira was very worried. Normally, he would have sent Arjuna to break through the formation, but he was away. So, he asked Abhimanyu, who agreed to break through the formation, even though he did not know how to get out of it. Soon, Abhimanyu broke through the formation and displayed great heroism and battle skills as he slaughtered the army around him. He also felled several great warrirs as they came to stop him. Finally, Karna aimed an arrow at the reins of Abhimanyu's horses and broke Abhimanyu's bow with an arrow from behind. Later, Abhimanyu's horses and charioteer were killed. Then, Abhimanyu jumped to the ground and bravely fought against the mighty Kauravas with a sword and shield. Abhimanyu was attacked on all sides by the enemy. Drona broke Abhimanyu's sword with an arrow, and Karna broke his shield. Now, Abhimany was all alone. So, he picked up a chariot wheel, and used it as a shield. When this was broken by countless arrows, he picked a mace lying close by and attacked his enemies. He fought with Dushasana's son, and after a long battle, they both fell to the ground. The enemy got up first and crushed Abhimanyu's skull, breaking all rules of warfare.

Later, the Pandavas avenged the death of Abhimanyu, by killing all these Kauravas in the battles that followed.

Ashoka

by Raghav Rastogi

Ashoka was the son of King Bindusara who ruled India from his capital of Pataliputra in the third century BC he excelled hid brothers in the art of war. Therefore, when a Rebellion broke out in the distant province of taxila, he was sent to suppress it.

Weeks later news came that Ashoka has successfully put down the Rebels. Bindusara had a hundred sons beside Ashoka. They were not happy to hear the news. But they were unhappy still, when the king recalled Ashoka from Taxilla. Ashoka was ruthless, and the worried that Ashoka might fight with his brothers over the throne. Just then a letter came from Ujjaini it said a Rebellion is in Ujjaini. The King sent for Ashoka. Ashoka had got the message and set off to Ujjaini. Ashoka decided to take a rest in Vidisha-nagar. Ashoka saw a group of women carrying thalis. Ashoka was charmed by the leader of the group. Ashoka found out that her name is Vidisha and was a merchant's daughter. Ashoka asked the merchant for Vidusha's hand in marriage. The merchant was honored. After a quick marriage, he proceeded towards Ujjaini. In no time Ashoka routed the Rebels. The Rebels laid their arms. Vidisha was against this. The people gave Ashoka a grand welcome. Month's later, Vidisha gave birth to a son. His name was Mahindra. Two years later, Vidisha gave birth to a girl. Her name was Sanhamitra. One day a messenger came. Ashoka's father was ill. Ashoka came immediately. Vidisha made Ashoka promise to shun violence of all kinds. The King was no more, and all brothers including Ashoka fought over the throne. He had forgotten the promise and had won. Vidisha ran away when she heard the news. Vidisha gave birth to one more boy which became a monk at a very tender age. At the palace the king was getting ready for a battle against Kalinga. Ashoka had won the war., Ashoka went to see where the war took place. As he proceeded, he saw horrible sights. As he moved farther he saw suffering of the people. A note came from Vidisha. She was sending children over to him. One day he saw a monk. He called the monk in. The monk was his brothers son. The monk decided to stay with Ashoka. Ashoka wanted to find Peace. One day Ashoka said the things I love are gone. His son said almost everything but You haven't given your children away. So one by one his children left him. Then the monk said that Ashoka had finely found Peace of his mind and became a Buddhist.

Bapu II

by Deepa Nellaiappan

Gandhiji led the salt satyagrha, and was arrested. So, complete hartal (???) was observed all over India. Gandhiji attended the round table conferences in August, 1931, in London. Gandhiji [after returning to India] continued to struggle for India's freedom, and was arrested many times. He urged people to treat the untouchables as their equals. He called the untouchables as harijans (???) India got freedom in August,1947. Gandhiji urged the Hindus and Muslins to live together in peace. He regularly held prayer meetings. On January 30, 1948, a bad man, who opposed Gandhiji's principle, shot him. At the last minute, softly, Gandhiji called, "Hey Ram!".

Birbal The Just

by Jivaji More'

For my book report I read " Birbal the Just". The book has many short stories. The story I have chosen to write about is called the " The Mango tree". One day two farmers named Ramu and Shamu came to Birbal with a problem. There was a Mango tree on the border of their farms. Each on of the farmers claimed that the tree the tree belonged to him.Birbal ordered them to be sent home. He sent a servant to tell each farmer that the mangos had been stolen(this was actually not tree). Upon hearing the news Ramu told the servant that he would attend it later. While Shamu ran to the tree. When Ramu and Shamu came back to Birbal the next day, Birbal told the that the mangoes would be split evenly and the tree would be cut in half/ Ramu thought that this was fair. But Shamu said that it was not fair to cut the tree because the had watered it for seven years. Because Shamu had cared for the tree Birbal decided to give it to him. And as for Ramu he was whipped for lying.

C2A-1

Birbal's Khichdi

by Mikhail Dhruv

Once during winter, Akbar, Birbal, and a few other people went to wash their hands and feet at a lake. Akbar said, "Whoever can stand in this ice cold water up to his neck will receive 50,000 gold coins". A poor man heard what they were saying. He tried the challenge, and stayed in the water all night. Next day, the poor man went to get his reward of 50,000 gold coins. A jealous man at Akbar's court asked the poor man, "How did you manage to stand in the cold water all night?" The poor man said, "I spent most of the time looking at the palace lights". "You got warmth from the palace lights, you don't deserve the reward" said the jealous man. Birbal felt he had to help the poor man.

A few days later, Birbal invited Akbar and a few people for dinner. After a few hours, everyone was getting hungy. Akbar asked Birbal, "Why are you keeping us waiting?". Birbal said, "the khichdi is taking a long time to cook". After a few more hours, Birbal took everyone to see the pot in which the khichdi was being cooked. The pot was tied on a high branch of a tree, and the fire was at the bottom. One of the guests said, "how can the heat reach the pot?". Birbal said "Why not? If a poor man can receive heat from the palace lights, many miles away, why can't the pot receive warmth from the fire a few feet away?". Akbar said "I see your point, and gave the poor man his reward of 50,000 gold coins.

The End.

C2A-1

Birbal & The Punishment

by Nalini Margaitis

After the days work was done Akbar the Mughal emperor liked to pass a few light-hearted moments with his courtiers. One day as Akbar was getting dressed his grandson came running to him. "baba, baba there is something black in your mustache!" bend down and I will take it out! " O…Ou..Ouch" said baba. "Now go and play. I've got work to do". Can any now here think of a suitable punishment for this deed ? After moments of shocked silence there was a chorus of suggestions. The man should be flogged a thousand times. That's too mild ! The scoundrel should be imprisoned for life ! The emperor turned to Birbal. Why are you so quiet Birbal. Why are you so quiet Birbal ? are you stuck for ideas ? No JahanPanah, but it is a bit awkward. Perhaps I should speak to you in private ..No Birbal! Let everyone hear what you have to say. The guilty person deserves one loud resounding kiss. What said the people!. Birbal has gone out of his mind! As usual, my clever minister has got the better of me! Birbal, explain yourself, why this strange punishment? Only a child would dare to indulge in such a prank. And that could only be your grandson, Ha! Ha! Clever Birbal..

C2A-1

Chanakya

by Samir Mistry

Chanakya was a very smart and clever person. He was a scholar in Chemistry, medicine, politics, and economics. He was insulted by a king. He helped Chandragupta, who was very brave, strong and intelligent, to raise an army. Then, they planned a mutiny against the king. They foughta a war, and Chandragupta's army won. Chandragupta took over the kingdom, and beat the Greeks[who were trying to invade India]. Then, he married the daughter of the ruler of the Greek invasion.

C2A-1

The Clever Turtle

by Prasad Patil

One day long ago one eagle ate almost all the turtles. One turtle said to the eagle "We should put on a race". If the eagles won, he could eat him. But he didn't tell the eagle that there were more turtles than him. If the turtle won, the eagle would never eat a turtle again. The turtles got in a straight line under the water and the first one went. Then when the turtle got there, another would come up. The turtle won and the eagle did not eat a turtle again.

C2A-1

Emporer Sivi

by Vivek Seth

There was a famous emporer called Sivi, who was known for his courage, kindness and generous deeds. The God Indra decided test him, and called Yama, the God of Death. Siv took his seat just as a dove, who was out of breath and tired, flew in. Just then, a hawk swooped down. The dove said "Save me from the hawk. He will kill me." The hawk said "Give me my prey, if not I could starve and die". Sivi appealed to the hawk. He cut a portion of his hand, and put it in a pan, but that was not enough. So, he cut off some more. Still not enough. So, he cut off his hands and legs. When the Gods saw this, they were very pleased. They rained flowers on Sivi, and said "Sivi, we have seen your love for animals, and for all living beings. May you live long. May this country enjoy plenty of wealth, and may you forever be a gracious ruler!".

C2A-1

The Fate Of A Fool

by Ashwin Murthy

Once in a small town called Seva nagar lived a foolish man. His name was Bhola. One day his wife was very worried because there was no food. She told Bhola to sell their goat and horse. She also told him to be careful of the cheats. (seva-nagar was famous for cheats). So he started off to the market. While he was riding down a path and met three cheats. While Bhola was not looking, the first cheat took the goat and ran off. When Bhola looked for his goat and noticed it was gone he started to cry. Just then the second cheat came along and asked why he was crying. Bhola told him that his goat had ran away. But the second cheat told him that he knew where the goat was, he said the goat ran away with the wind. So he asked him fir the horse and he would get the goat. Bhola gave the horse to the second cheat and thanked him. While Bhola was walking along he met the third cheat. He told him that his goat and horse were in the well. So Bhola took off his clothes and jumped in the well. The third cheat took Bhola's clothes and ran off. When Bhola came out he noticed what a fool he was and walked home.

C2A-1

Gautama Buddha

by Ruchi Tanna

More than two thousand five hundred years ago, there lived a king and queen in Kapilavastu, a beautiful city in the shadow of the Himalayas. The queen gave birth to a son. He was named Siddharth by his parents, because a sage, whose name was Asita, said that this child will one day bring deliverance. All the pundits, who were summoned from far and near, agreed with the sage.

Shuddhodhana, the king, wanted his son to follow in his footsteps, follow the Kshatriya tradition, and become a world conqueror. The pundits had warned the king to keep the prince away from all sorrow and suffering, if he didn't want him to renounce the world. Therefore, the king decided to keep his son happy, and surround him with what was beautiful.

As Siddharth gre up, his father employed the most learned teachers of the land to instruct him. His son was clever and intelligent, and a quick learner. He also became proficient in the princely arts such as wrestling, fencing and archery.

Siddharth wanted to explore the world and wondered what life was like beyond the palace gates. He found that there was a world of sorrow and suffering out there. He saw sick, old and dead people. He also saw a Sadhu, who had renounced the world and was searching for eternal truth. Siddharth decided that he wanted to be like him. One day, he left the palace to become a Sakyamuni. After fourty-nine days of meditation, he became Buddha - the Enlightened One. He went on to travel and preach all over the world. His teachings were "Right Views, Right Speach, and Right Living".

C2A-1

Let's Do A Play

by Soham Bhatt

This book starts off when Deepak was laying in the sun, reading comic books. Then, he suddenly heard "Pee Peeha Papee"; he was startled until he saw his friend, Dido, who told him there was a play in town. So, they went to it. Then, Dido's sister, Paro, asked if she could come. Behind her came Tuppo, crying me-too! So, they went on. Deepak wasn't very happy.

Well, that noise Deepak had heard was coming from the play. On the way home, they saw Deepak's mom. She was angry. She explained that his Uncle Prem was coming, and he had to stay home to greet him. That night, they had dinner with Dido's family, Uncle Prem and his daughter, Anu. After dinner, Uncle Prem took all the kids to the theater (like an auditorium) and taught them the different parts of the stage. Then, Deepak's dad came to pick all of them up. The next day, all the kids came except Tuppo. This time, Uncle Prem taught them about all the people that act and don't act. Then, they saw a dress rehersal. The next day, they saw the play. Then, the next day Uncle Prem left. He left a note saying "Deepak, the great star". Then, they went to sleep. The End.

C2A-1

Stories of Light and Delight

by Vikas Patel

Stories of Light and Delight is a collection of stories. It has eight stories. Surprisingly, only one story has a moral. The first story does not have a moral. The second story has a moral. I'm only going to tell the second story.

The second story is about a boy named Raghu and Raju. Raju was a cheater. Rtaghu was a good worker. Raju copied answers from Raghu, and Rtaju always got good scores. Years later, Raju, who was still dishones, became Prime Minister of a state in India. Rashu, who still lived in his own town, was a poor person. One day, Raghu went to the palace. Raju still remembered him. Raghu knew he was a bad Prime Minister. So, Raghu one day dressed up as a peasant. He got information from a guard. Every day, Raghu gave the man 10 gold mohars. One day, he found out something and he stopped giving the guard the mohars. He spread the word and pretty soon, he [Raju] got thrown into jail, and Raghu became the Prime Minister. He got good honest people and lived happily ever after. The moral of the story is that never cheat.

I reccommend this book to whomever likes short, but funny books. My opinion of the book is that it is funny and a fun book to read when you get really bored.

C2A-1

Mangu's Top

by Monica Punjabi

There once was a boy named Mangu, who was very poor and did not have any toys. He longed for a nice toy, so he could play with all the other children who had kites, marbles and tops. One day, he found an old, dirty, muddy top on the ground outside! He quickly took it and washed it. He tried to spin it and it worked perfectly! It spun nicely, but he found it was not very bright. The colors had worn out. He got some left over paint from his father's friend and painted it. It was wonderful. Mangu finally got a toy and was happy.

C2A-1

Mohini and the Demon

by Amisha Patel

Once upon a time, in India, there lived a demon called Bhasmasura. Every time he put his hand on anyones head, and it turned to ash. Everyone in the vilage was afraid of Bhasmasura, all except Mohini. One day, Mohini thought about getting rid of Bhasmasura, because he sometimes came to eat people. Mohini thought about the problem, and she suddenly knew what to do. She went to the headman and said, "I am going to deal with Bhasmasura".

The villagers thought that she was crazy, but they let her go anyway. So, Mohini bundled up some things and left. When she got to the home of Bhasmasura, she went inside. She could not see him. She thought "Where could he be?" All of a sudden, she heard a loud thump. She turned around and saw Bhasmasura. He asked Mohini "How dare you come into my cave?". Mohini told him that she was impressed by his looks and strength, and would like to marry him!

Bhasmasura smiled, and was very happy to hear it. Mohini put one condition, that he had to pass a dance test without any mistakes. Bhasmasura agred. Mohini started to dance, and Bhasmasura followed. Mohini blinked her eyes, and Bhasmasura did the same. She whirled around and skipped and hopped around, and he did the same. She then put her hands on her head, and Bhasmasura did the same, and he turned into a heap of ashes.

That is how Mohini beat the demon at his own bad deeds.

C2A-1

Prabhudas And The Magic Conch Shell

by Amisha Patel

Prabhudas was a poor farmer, and one monsoon his crop failed. He borrowed money from the a money-lender. When he couldn't pay, the money -lender took away his land.

The farmer then went in search of the Lord to help him. On his way, he stopped to eat, but he saw an old man who looked hungry, and have him all his food. He then told the man his story. The stranger gave the farmer a conch -shell, which could take anything away, but nit give anything. He of course asked for his poverty to be taken away.

When the money-lender heard about this, he took the conch-shell away from the farmer, but he did not know the rules about using it. Therefore did not work for him. The money lender gave it back to the farmer, but made him promise that whatever he asks for, the money lender would get twice as much. One day, the farmer got an itch in one eye, he wished for it to be taken away, and he lost one-eye, but the money lender lost two eyes!

The money -lender asked for forgiveness and asked the farmer to wish for his eye sight again. After that day, he never bothered the farmer again.

C2A-1

The Result Of Greed

by Molly Rastogi

In a country there was a king. He was very nice and he also made sure that none of the people in the kingdom were sad. The king had a very good and wise minister too. That minister ruled the kingdom wisely with the king. Sometimes at night, the king and the minister would disguise themselves. so they could go in the kingdom to make sure everyone was happy!

One night while the king and his minister were walking in the kingdom. They heard a painful cry. When the minister and the king found the place the cry came from, they felt very sad for what they saw, there was a house made of rags. Inside the house there was an old man on a tiny bed and a girl beside him. The minister asked the girl where the cry came from. She answered that her father was terribly sick and he was the one who cried.

This time the king asked her if she ad any money to buy medicine and food. She didn't have any money so the minister gave her some money and they went back to the palace.

On their way back to palace they discussed that he will back to the same house next night to give them a bag full of gold. A greedy merchant overheard this discussion. So the merchant went to that house and tried to buy the house from the poor man in exchange for one thousand rupees. Poor man's daughter was clever and became suspicious of something wrong because the merchant offered them so much money for such a rag. So she asked for more and finally settled for five thousand rupees. Now the merchant waited inside the house for the night very eagerly. But one of the minister's spy had already told the minister about this deal between the merchant and the poorman.

At night when the king and the minister walked by the same house, king asked his minister to deliver the gold to the poorman from the window. minister stopped him and said loudly so that the merchant inside could hear this, that the poorman has already been delivered five thousand rupees in the morning which will be enough for him and this gold which they brought for the poor man will be useful for some other poor family.

This story tells us that people shouldn't be greedy like the merchant, who lost his five thousand rupees in greed for the money which belonged to somebody else.

C2A-1

The Summer Tree Contest

by Nikita Seth

It was a hot summer day. There was excitement in the forest. What was happening? This was one of the biggest forests in India. There was going to be a competition. It was called "The Summer Tree Contest". The trees and plants had to prove that they loved the sun, but how were they going to prove it?

The Morning Glory blew its purple trumpet and announced "Come one! Come all! Join the Summer Tree Contest! Show how much you love the sun! Win a prize! Win a lovely prize! The competition began. First came Rugtoora, the Scarlet Fountain tree. He began to say how much he loved the sun. When he finished, they were clapping and cheering. Now came Palas, The Flame of the Forest. Then, came Semals, the silk cotton twins. One dressed in yellow and one in red. Now, came Nili Gulmohur, the Jacaranda. Then, it was the turn of Champa, the temple tree. Mandra, the coral tree was next. Now came Neem, the margosa. The Copperpod came next. Who was next? The gasped when they saw Cassia. How beautiful she looked. The last one was Gulmohur, the Flamboyant.

Each tree felt the sun loved them the most, but the forest folk voted for Gulmohur, and gave him the prize.

C2A-1

The Thief's Stick

By Shauna Mahajan

A rich merchant came to Birbal with a complaint. He said to Birbal that his money bag was missing. Birbal asked him "Who do you think stole your money bag ? The merchant said that he thought one of his servants stole it.

The next day he brought all of his servants to Birbal. Birbal gave each one a stick that would grow an inch if it was touched by the thief. He brought them each to his own room.

In the morning they measured the sticks. One was short by an inch because it was cut by the real thief. The one who had that stick was sent to jail and the money bag was returned.

C2A-1

The Tiger And The Woodpecker

by Shyam Vimal

This book has many interesting stories and they are all illustrated cartoon stories and all of them have a moral. The story/book that I chose is called "The Tiger and the Woodpecker.

One day a tiger was eating his lunch. A bone got stuck in his mouth. A woodpecker was watching from a tree, that the tiger wasn't feeling good. The woodpecker asked what had happened, and the tiger made a signal to come closer. Then the tiger pointed in his mouth and shoed him the bone. The woodpecker made a deal with the tiger that if he could have all the meat he wanted, the he would take the bone out. The woodpecker took out the bone. The next day the tiger didn't give hid share to the woodpecker. The tiger said that you should be grateful, that when you took the bone out I didn't eat you. To take the revenge the woodpecker blinded one eye while the tiger was sleeping. The moral of the story is that one should repay ones debt.

C2A-1

The Ungrateful Guest

by Alicia Sondhi

There once was a fox who lived in a cave. He was very happy until one night, when it was raining. He heard the moaning of a wolf. He pushed the stone over and saw a wolf. The fox felt bad for the wolf. So, he decided to bring him into his cave. The wolf was thrilled. He came in and slept. The fox was surprised that the wolf didn't even say thank you, but he was delighted that he did something good. Soon, he regretted it.

The wolf came back, and was very rude. He started to treat the fox as a slave. One day, the wolf told him to find a farm that had plenty of fruit, and to report to him. If he couldn't, the wolf would kill him. Finally, the poor fox found a farm, and a hole in the fence! The fox almost ran in, but thought "Why would the farmers have a hole?" He realized that there was a hole in the ground, covered with grass.

The fox ran back to the wolf and told him everything, but the hole. When they were there, the wolf fell into the hole. The fox laughed and laughed. The wolf began pleading. The fox felt sorry for the wolf. So, he said he would help. The wolf told him to put his tail in the hole. When he did, the wolf pulled so hard, the fox fell in.

The wolf said, "it is my fond wish to see you dead before me." The wolf was about to do something when the fox said he heard farmers. When the wolf stood to listen, the fox jumped on his sholders and took a leap. He stood on a mound and howled until the farmers came out.

C2A-2

A Tree Full of Fruits

by Sheetal Kumar

The story was about a tree that had colorful fruits on it. There was a rich man, who climbed the tree and plucked the fruits out. There were two men who wanted some fruits, too. So, he told his friend to get it. His friends came. First, they tied up the bulls. Then, they sat down to eat.

2A-2

The Bags From Lord Brahma

by Supriya Agrawal

One day Lord Brahma called a man to him and said, I have created you therefore it is my duty to find out what you wish. "T want to pass my life peacefully and happily I want progress I want people to appreciate me," replied the man. Lord Brahma gave the man two bags and said, this bag is full of your neighbors vices keep it closed and don't took at it nor show it to other people. The other one is full of your vices keep it in front of you and look in it and show it to other people. The main gladly took the bags but by mistake he put his neighbors vices in front of him, kept it open, kept looking in to it and showing it to others. He kept his vices closed and he kept it behind his back. Now his wishes were reversed, he was headed for a fall instead of showing any progress. When he realized the bags were reversed, he ran back to Lord Brahma and said, "your Lordship, what did I do wrong? Why did you reverse my bags?" Lord Brahma laughed and said, "I have not reversed these bags. You yourself have reversed these bags." Then the man realized that he himself had reversed the bags. So he bowed kindly and asked if I put the bags night way, what will happen? Lord Brahma answered by saying "If you do the right thing, you will get peace and happiness and people will appreciate you". Hearing this, he put the bag containing his vices in front of him and the one containing his neighbor's vices behind him. Then he lived happily ever after.

Moral: Those who ignore their own vices and always find fault with others can never be happy.

C2A-2

Bapu

by Parimal Patel

Mohandas Karamchand Gahndhi was born October 2, 1869, in a little town, called Porbunder, in what is today Gujarat State [in India]. He was the smallest out of four children. Mohan was a shy boy, and he was just happy with his books. As a boy he learned that his desire was to aquire the habit of speaking truth, and he learned that good should be returned for evil. Mohan and his sister often stood to spot the sun. Mohan's parents were keen that their son should go to local schools, at Porbunder and Rajkot. Mohan wasn't brilliant, but always was studious, doing his lessons regularly. He just read his books and plays he liked. Once, Mohan and his friends went to see a traveling group of actors, staged in the neighborhood. Mr. Giles was an English teacher on an "inspection day". Mr. Giles was giving spelling words to the boys. Everybody got them right, except Mohandas. He wrote those five simple words, getting them all right except kettle. Mohan's teacher scolded him after school.

Mohan was thirteen when he got married. Mohan lost a year at school because his marriage interfered with his education. Mohan was always slow and shy. He was 18 in 1887, when there was a matriculation examination in Ahmedabad. Mohan passed the exam. He wanted to become a doctor, but his family didn't approve it. Mohan was faced with a number of handicaps in England. Mohan learned that his mother had passed away, when he landed in Bombay. Gandhiji returned to Rajkot, where there was trouble in store for him. Gandhiji was asked to become the legal adviser to an Indian firm. Mohan gladly accepted the offer.

Gandhiji and South Africans did not mix together. Once, Ghandhiji was traveling in a train and he got a first class ticket. He was seated in a first class compartment, when the train halted at a station. A European passenger came to Gandhiji and told him to leave, and travel in the luggage van! Gandhiji said, "but I have a first class ticket". A police man seized Gandhiji and pushed him out.

In 1924, Ghandhiji fell very ill. He was suffering from abdominal pains and fever. Gandhiji went to a hospital in Poona, where he had to undergo an operation for appendicitis. Gandhi went home in March, 1924.

In 1930, Gandhi asked the Viceroy to remove the salt tax. The government refused to do so, and Gandhi announced that he would publicly break the law. On March 12th at 6:30 am, he was ready to depart. There was a soft smile on his face, a staff in his hjand, and determination in his gentle eye. The news of the march spread far and wide. Thousands came to watch, but they also came to cheer this fearless leader, who was afraid of no power on earth. Hundreds of them joined the march. After 24 days, the marchers reached the seashore at Dandi. The savage action of the British government turned the whole country againt it. The sight of such brave, non-violent behavior on the part of th satyagrahis, who bore brutal repression silently, and without protest, evoked admiration and respect for them, and the cause they represented. Everywhere, one got proof of quiet, undaunted courage of a determined and heroic people, in earnest to win back their freedom.

Women now came out of the century's old seclusion of their home, and fought shoulder to shoulder with their men folk. From that time, Indians could never tolerate British rule in their land.

C2A-2

Bheeshma

Report by Ashti Mistry

There was a king named Shantanu whose favourite thing was to hunt Deer and Bison. One day while king Shantanu was walking he suddenly saw a lovely maiden. At first sight he fell in love so he went up to her and said oh lovely maiden will you be my wife? The maiden said oh grateful king I will gladly be your wife. But on only one condition that you must never question me what I am doing. So king Shantanu said so be it. They lived happily together till they had babies. But the maiden threw all her babies into the river where they drowed. The king was very disturbed to see all of his babies drowned. So one day he said stop you wicked women what are you doing? At last you have broken the promise I shall leave you for ever. Hearing these words king Shantanu was sad he begged her but she disappeared and she took the last baby with her.

Years past since they were married and king Shantanu was very lonely. Devrata was once the son of king Shantanu but his life changed because he wanted to help his father get married to Satyavati. So he went to Satyavatils father and said why won't you let my father marry your daughter? satavatils, father said I wish that my daughters sons will be the king so Devavrata took a terrible oath and said from this day on I promise that I will never be the king and never get married or have children. On hearing these words Satyavatits father said, OK my daughter will marry your father. After that the gods showered flowers on Devarata. So from that day on Devarata was called Bheeshma. So Bheeshma took Satyavati to the kingdom. After when Bheeshma told his father what happened, King Shantanu said to his son, I am very proud of you. For this you will get a boon. You will choose when ever you want to die. So Bheeshma thanked his father and went on with life.

The rest of the story is about war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas and how Bheeshma dies. Bheeshma felt the faithfull arrows of Arjun, then suddenly Bheeshma fell to the ground and war stopped between the Kauravas and the Pandavas and all croweded around their beloved Bheeshma.

C2A-2

Choice of Friends

by Sushma Dasari

This story was a very long one, and had many characters in it. The story takes place in a forest, and begins when a group of pigeons are trapped by a hunter because they disobeyed their noble and wise king. Just as the hunter comes, the king, with his followers, fly up the net to their friend mouse's house. The noble king is ready to sacrifice his life for his followers. So, he asks his friend to free his followers first. The mouse agrees to tear apart the net. Then, he gives them a feast.

All the while, a friendly crow had been watching all this happen. He sees the mouse being a good friend, and when the pigeons leave, he begs the mouse to be his friend also. Hesitantly at first, the mouse agrees, and the two go into the forest together. After a while, the crow says that he has to go to another forest, where his friend turtle lives. Since there is no more food for him there, the mouse says he wants to go there too. Since he can't imagine life without his friend crow, the two soon set off for the other forest. Soon, the came to the forest, and were greeted by the crows friend turtle. The duo soon turned into a trio, as the mouse and the turtle became good firends.

One day, as the turtle went for a swim, the mouse and the crow saw a very fightened deer that had escaped from a hunter. As the three talked. They saw that the turtle was captured by a hunter. The mouse makes a quick plan, and everybody gets in their position. The deer pretends to be dead, and the crow pretends to be picking at the deer. The hunter drops the turtle, and runs to get the "dead" deer. The mouse gnaws on the net, and sets to turtle free. Meanwhile, when the hunter gets to the deer, and crow, they run away. When the hunter goes back to find the turtle, it has escaped also. The hunter scolds himself for being so greedy, and wanting everything. The mouse, crow, turtle and deer, best friends forever, joke about tricking the hunter.

C2A-2

Jayprakash Narayan

report by Ami Patel

Jayprakash Narayan was born on October 11,1902, in Sitabdiara, India. Jayprakash's father was Baba Harsu Dayal, and his mother was Phul Rani.

When Jayprakash was five he started going to school. When Jayaprakash was six, his schoolmaster came to see him, and said he was a very clever boy. Jayaprakash's father gave two doves as a present, since young Jayaprakash didn't like toys. One of the doves then died, and Jayaprakash would not eat for the whole day. To ease his grief, Jayaprakash's father gave him a deer, a dog, and a rabbit.

Jayaprakash was very smart. So, his parents sent him to Patna for further studies. Jayaprakish did well, especially in math. Then Jayaprakash became interested in defending India from the British, but he didn't know whether to defend India in the violent way or the nonviolent way. During that time Jayaprakash passed his matriculation exam, doing very well. In his free time, he read the Gita. Jayaprakash then asked Rajendra Prasad and Braj Kishore, who were leading figures in Patna, if violence or if non-violence was the way. They said non-violence was the way.

Braj Kishore was impressed by Jayaprakash, and asked Jayaprahash if he would like to marry his daughter. Jayprakash accepted, and and the marriage was held. Jayaprakash was only 17, and Prabhati, his wife, was only 14.

Jayaprakash decided to go to the United States for college. Jayaprakash sailed there on August 16th, 1922. Jayaprakash went to Berkely College, but it was expensive. So, he went to Iowa University where the teachers started to call him JP. Then JP went back to Chicago in 1926.

There he found signs saying "No Vacancy for Asians". So, then JP did not have food, a job, or warm clothes. JP fell ill. .When he was better, he moved to Ohio, where he earned his B.A and was working for his M.A when his mother fell ill. . JP went back to India, and wanted to work for Congress, but what about his mother? JP decided to go to Congress, but unfortunately his mother died trying to follow him there.

JP worked trying to free Indian men, when it became free on August 15, 1947. There was great rejoicing and sadness, for India had been parted. Afterwards, JP worked with the poor and untouchables trylng to free them from poverty. Then, the Dacoits surrendered to JP on April 14, 1972.

Then JP led a long and slient march for 8 people who died from policemen with guns. JP made a speech saying he would fight for a better education for youngsters and a total revolution. Since he made this speech, he was beaten and thrown In jail where he became ill and was transferred to a hospita. .JP got a little better by the next month and wrote a verse saying he felt sorry he couldn't help others while he was in jail. JP died in 1979, at the age of 77.

C2A-2

The King Elephant and the Mice

by Devi Vairavan

One hot day, a group of elephants were running around and were very thirsty. They were looking for water. One of the elephants from the herd knew where there was a lake from where they could drink water. So, he told the king elephant. The King asked him to lead the way to the lake, and told the rest to follow.

Once the elephants saw the lake, they were happy and started running towards it, scaring all the other animals that were nearby. One group of animals were the mice. All of them were terrrified, because o the stampede of the elephants. Some of them were run over and killed. Therefore, the mice decided to meet with the King elephant, and ask him to use another route to the lake. They offered to help the elephants in any way they can. The King was very kind and said he would tell his herd to be gentle and use another route when they go to the lake.

One day, while the elephants were playing around, they were trapped by hunters. One elephant managed to escape, and came to see the King elephant; and told him about what happened. The king told him to go ask the mice for help. The elephant went in a hurry looking for the mice. He foun them, and asked them for help. The mice quickly jumped onto the elephants back, and went over to help their trapped friends. The mice got down and started nibbling on the rope, and let loose al the trapped elephants.

The Moral of this story is never judge anyone by their size. They can be worth a lot!

C2A-2

Krishna and Jarasandha

by Nimit Patel

Brihadrata was a king of Magadha. He was rich, but had no sons. One day the sage Chandakaushika came to town. Brihadrata got a mango to give to his wives. He split the mango and gave it to his wives, but when they got the babies, they each got half a baby. The Rakshasi, Jara, put them together. That is why he was named Jarasandha. He grew to be a handsome man, and became the King of Maghdha. His two daughters were married to Kamsa, the king of Mathura. Kamsa was killed by Krishna, which made Jarasandha angry. So, he went to war with Krishna. Out of the sky came two chariots, full of weapons and armor. Krishna and Balarama both killed Jarasandha's army, but not Jarasandha himself. Jarasandha tried 17 times, but Krishna and Balarama always let him live. Kalayavana and Jarasandha came at the same time. Krishna realized the situation and transported the people and wealth to Dwarka. Krishna defeated Kalayavana. When Jarasandha came closer to the fight, Krishna and Balarama ran on top of the mountain. Jarasandha set fire to the bottom of the mountain. The Yadvas escaped unseen. Jarasandha thought they were dead. This is how he thought he took revenge. Yudhishtira wanted to perform the sacrifice to be king of kings, but he had to defeat Jarasandha. He agreed to send Bheema and Arjun with Krishna. They asked Jarasandha to fight. He picked Bheema to fight. They fought for 27 days. On the 28th day, Bheema was about to enter the arena, but was losing his confidence. Then, Krishna picked up a stick and broke it. Bheema got the idea, and killed the evil Jarasandha by spliting him in half. Yudhishtra did the sacrifice, Aand everyone in the kingdom was there to watch.

C2A-2

Kunti

by Karna Supriya

This book is about a boy, and Kunti (his mother). Kunti got a special power to have kids whenever she wanted to. She called the sun god, and got Karna, when she was not married. She set him down a river, where he was picked up by a man. The man took him to his home, where he grows up. Later, he fights against his brother and dies.

C2A-2

The Mahabharat

by Ravi Patel

The Mahabharat is a great story that has been passed from generation to generation.

The word Maha means Great, and the word Bharat means India. It's about a great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Pandavas and Kauravas were cousins and princes. There were 5 Pandava brothers, and 100 Kaurava brothers. The Pandavas names were Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and Nakula and Sahadeve. Yudhishthira always spoke the truth. Bhima was strong and loved laddus. Arjuna was a great archer. Kauravas names started with letter D, like Duryodhana, and Dushasara. All the names represented their bad nature, like greed, selfishness, anger and laziness.

The story is a long one. I will tell you it very beifly. When Pandavas and Kauravas grew up, Kauravas invited Yudhishthira for a game of dice. Kauravas tricked them, and Pandavas lost their kingdom, and had to go into exile for 13 years. When they came back after thirteen years, Kauravas refused to give them back their kingdom, or even part of the kingdom, despite requests from great people like Bhima, Drona and Krishna. Finally, Krishna advised Pandavas to have a war with Kauravas. The war lasted 18 days. Krishna advised Arjuna to fight with his own relatives and teachers, when he was nervous at the start of the war. The message is also known as The Gita, a great book for Hindus. In the war, Krishna wos on the Pandavas side, and bhima and Drona were on the Kauravas. During the war, many people were killed, and the Pandavas won their kingdom back.

I liked this book because good always wins.

C2A-2

The Mahabharatha, Part II

report by Siddharth Bhaskar

This book is about the lifetime of two cousins, the Kauruvas and the Pandvas. It began when the Pandavas were getting ready for their exile in the Dandaka forest. Soon after that, Arjuna went-on a tirtha yartha to get astras. First he got the pastupastra from Sri Sankara. Then he got various celestial missles from the Devas. On the thirteenth year of their exile they disguised themselves in king Virata's palace. Yudhisthira was the king's attendant, Bheema was the cook and the person in charge of the gymnasium', Arjuna was a dancer named Brihannalah, Nakula was in charge of the horses, and Sahadeva was in charge of the cattle. On the last day, the Kauruvas attacked. "Brihannalah" routed them all. When the Pandavas asked for their land back, the Kauruvas wouldn't give them any. So there was a war. The Padavas won. From then on, they ruled for many years.

C2A-2

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh

by Pinakin Patel

Once upon a time there was a king, named Ranjit Singh. He was born in 1780. The king loved people and the people loved him. Once the king was riding on his elephant and passeed by an orchard tree. Village boys were throwing stones at this tree. One of the boys hit the king, when he was throwing stones at the tree. The soldiers ran after the boys and rounded them up. They were beating the boys, when the king ordered the soldiers to stop beating the boys. The king said, "Don't you understand little children are like flowers? The boy aimed the stone at the fruit, and if it hit me by mistake, he is not to blame. Give them candy and silver."

One year, there was no rain. People did not have crops of wheat. The king told them not to worry, and he gave those people sacks of wheat. Sometimes, the king dressed in the rags of a beggar, and went into the streets to see his people. One night, the king saw an old man sitting on an old sack. The king put the heavy sack on his back and left iti in the old man's hut. When people heard of it, they began to love him all the more. Because the king, Ranjit Singh, was a really great man, his people began to call him Maharaja. ranjit Singh was great because he ruled over a large kingdom. He was very brave, and always trying to make his people happy. He was a wise man.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's father died when he was ten years old. At thirteen, he learned to ride well and use a sword with skill. One day, he went out for hunting on his favourite horse. His horse took him into the kingdom of Nawab Hashmat Khan Chattha. This man wanted to kill Ranjit, and take over his kingdom, but in fighting, Nawab Hashmat Khan Chatta lost his life.

When Ranjit was twenty years old, he won Lahore. He did everything to make his people happy. He decided to extend his kingdom. He wanted to have the finest soldiers in his army. He hired officers from France, Italy and other European countries to train his soldiers.

Ranjit Singh beleived that all human beings are the same, no matter what country they come from, what religion they have, or what caste they belong to. He hired different people to work as officers for his kingdom.

He was born in Gujranwala, which is now in Pakistan. He had small pox when he was a child. His life was saved, but his face and forehead were left deeply pitted. He also lost his left eye.

Ranjit Singh never sentenced anyone to death. He was happier forgiving people, than punishing them. Ranjit rebuilt many mosques and temples. One day, the Governor Avitabile got angry, and had some Pathan homes levelled to the ground. The Maharaja sent an order to the governor that the homes should be rebuilt as soon as possible, at his own expense. In order to get his people closer to each other, he celebrated all festivals. He also rewarded his people.

The Maharaja did not like wearing too much jewelry. He did not even like prople calling him Maharaja. He simply liked Sarkar. The poeple of Punjab were willing to give their lives for him. When Maharaja was ill, people prayed for his health in mosaques, temples and gurdwaras. When Maharaja died, in 1839, people came out of their homes, fell into each other, and cried bitterly. There was mourning all over the land. Ranjit Singh is one whose praises are sung to this day. If there has to be a king, he should be like Ranjit Singh.

C2A-2

The Mouse Merchant

by Gautam Bhatnagar

This story is about a young man who makes a lot of money by listening to a strange way to earn a lot of money from a treasurer. Here's how it goes:

A treasurer and his friend were walking when they saw a dead mouse. He told his friend that he could pick up the dead mouse and start a business. A young man was walking by and he heard the treasurer, he picked up the mouse. A man with a cat was walking by, he gave the young man one paisa for the dead mouse. The young man bought some gur with the coin.

Then the young man saw some people collecting flowers, he gave them water and gur, they gave him some flowers. Then he went to a temple and sold the flowers there. He got eight copper pieces and bought some more gur. Then he saw some grass cutters, he gave water to them, to show gratitude they said he can ask them for help whenever he wants.

On his way home, there was a bad storm. It blew leaves all over the palace garden, he called some boys to help clean the mess. He gave them gur for the job. A potter came by and the young man sold the sticks to him. The potter gave him sixteen copper pieces for the sticks. He went to the grass cutters and asked them for five hundred bundles of grass. He sold all the grass bundles to the horse seller for a thousand copper pieces.

Then he bought all the merchandise a merchant had. Then a hundred merchants came to do business, they bought all the merchandise the young man had, and all of the merchants gave a thousand gold pieces each. He returned home and called on the treasurer and gave him half of his money. And told him the whole story. He married the treasurer's daughter.

I like the young man because he didn't just use the treasurer's wisdom; he showed gratitude to him for teaching him.

C2A-2

The Prince that Ran Away and the Friends He Made

by Shivani Dave'

This book is about a prince named Ram Singh. His father is oneof the richest men in India. Ram Singh is a fitt little boy and has chubby cheeks. In the palace there are a lot of servants and when Ram Singh claps his hands one of the servants magically appears. Ram Singh was unhappy because he always wanted to go outside and play with the other girls and boys that he saw from his palace window. Ram wanted to be free, so he decided to run away. But he couldn't run away when the servants were there. There is one time in the day when he could run away. It was when the servants had a big meal, and after that they would all go to sleep except for only one little guard. At this time Ram escaped. The first person he saw was a girl that he was always interested in, so he went up to the girl and begged her for some fruit. Ram sat next to the girl and ate his fruit. After that Ram walked more and saw an old gardner who had his son with him. The gardner had just finished his meal. Afler a while Ram was alone, and got frightened. Suddenly he heard a shout. A little boy was -running with his dog. This boy worked for an Englishmen who lived near the palace. The boys sister was with him. When she saw the prince she was a little scared. Ram found out that all his new friends were a afraid of him. So he walked back on the big gate of the palace and he saw a pretty girl sitting on the ground surrounded by a basket of fruit. He learned a lot about outside things that he wondered about when he was locked up in the palace. He made up his mind that he would never go back to the palace. In the distance he could hear cries of frightened servants running all different directions. When they saw the prince and the other people he was talking to, they looked horrified. They said that the prince must return to the palace. But Ram was having a lot of fun with his new friends he didn't want to go back. He said he would come home when he was ready he wanted to stay longer with his new friends. But when he looked around for his friends they had ran away. So poor Ram went back to the palace the home never forgot the picturesque little people at the palace, though they had deserted him.

C2A-2

Ramayan

by Deepa Patel

Once upon a time, Rama, Laxmana, and Sita were talking. A girl monster came along, whose name was Shurpanakha. Shurpanaka got angry, and said bad things about Rama's wife, Sita. So, Rama got mad, and cut off Shurpanakha's nose and ear with a sword. Shirpanakha told her third brother. They decided to kill Rama, and kidnap Sita. Rama found a golden deer. Sita said "If you go and kill that deer. I will make a blouse out of it's leather. Then, I'll wear it". With Rama's magic power, Rama made the deer turn into Marcha. Sita heard a cry. She screamed "Ah, this is Rama's voice!" Sita told Laxmana to go help his brother. Laxmana tried to get close to the sounds he heard from his brother. Sita said if you do not go and help your own brother, I will kill myself. Laxmana started off to find his brother. Sita was alone at the hut. Ravana dressed up and came in front of the hut. Sita brought fruits.

C2A-2

RAMAYANA Part I

report by Megan Jayaraj

Once upon a time there was a king named Dasharatha and he had three queens named Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. They didn't have any children. So he went to a sage and he said he wanted children. Then the sage gave the king a fruit and said to split this fruit with your wives. After eating the fruit Kausalya had a son named Ram, Kaikeyi had a son named Bharatha and Sumitra had two sons named Lakshmana and Shatrughna. They grew up and learned how to shoot a bow and arrow. Ram loved Lakshmana and Lakshmana loved him back. One day the sage came and told them demons were attacking his house so Ram and Lakshmana fought the demons. On the way back they saw a stone which was a girl and when Ram toughed her she became real and her name was Ahilya. One day there was a contest in Seeta's swayamvara and the contest was for who could lift Shiva's bow and string a shot in it . All men tried but they couldn't lift the bow . But, Rama lifted the bow and strung it right on the dart. So, Rama married Seeta One day Kaikeyi's maid told her once Dasharatha owed her two wishes. So Kaikeyi went to Dasharatha and told him to grant her wishes . Her first wish was for Bharatha to be king and the second wish was for Ram to go to the forest for fourteen years. So Dasharatha was very sad at this. But not Ram and Seeta and Lakshmana. No one wanted them to go but they went any how. When they reached the bank of ganga they were welcomed by People. Dasharatha became very sick and died. Then Bharatha went to the forest to search for Ram. When Bharatha found Ram he asked him to come back but Ram gave his shoes to rule instead. One day Viradha a rakshasa snatched Seeta. Ram and Lakshmana couldn't defeat him. Viradha put them on his shoulder. Then Ram and Lakshmana ripped his arms off and Viradha died. For some years they lived in the forest. In the forest they met a sage named Agastya. After leaving the sage Ram went towards Panchavati on their way they met an enormous vulture called Jatayu. Jatayu promised to protect them. Ram, Lakshmana and Seeta lived happily in the forest.