Freedom - Gaurangi Rastogi

Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?” -Mahatma Gandhi.

Freedom is a short word in English, but it has profound importance in our life. I hope you know about British Reign in India. We fought for two centuries for our country’s freedom. Some people were violent, and some were non-violent, and why shouldn’t we fight for freedom?

We were burdened with so many taxes that India came into poverty at that time; the crops were failing. There was bloodshed. None of us can forget what happened in 1919, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. We fought for our rights and stood with unity. But the real meaning of freedom is when we are captured, and we want to get free from that captured scenario and fight for it. 

When we have freedom with us, we don’t value it, but we realise its preciousness when we lose our independence. 

Let me tell you a story that occurred in my family.

Before the 21st century, that means us, my father and his brothers and sisters and my grandparents were there under the scare of my eldest grandfather, Mr Hari Krishan Rastogi. My father’s destiny was already set to be a businessman, but there was a dream to become a cricketer in his heart. Now, whenever my dad is free, he sits and gazes at his cricket kit, But, My father says, “ You can become whatever you aspire, for and you have my consent.” 

This story reminds me of how important freedom of choosing your occupation and speaking your voice is, isn’t it? 

Gaurangi Rastogi

Grade VII

The Doon Girls School

Bravery - Aanya Kumar

We often hear people complimenting us when we do something we are scared of. Sometimes they say, "Oh, look at you! You are so brave." or even "What a brave child you are!" Here, the vital question is, what is bravery?

When we have the courage and mindset of doing something that we think is impossible for us, we will be called brave... Certainly, we have so many stories of bravery shown by people from all over the world. As we are soon going to celebrate Republic Day, let me tell a brave step taken by the Panjabis in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre-

On 13th April 1919, many people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh for a peaceful meeting. There was only one exit of it. Along with his soldiers, General Dyer covered the exit and started an open fire. Many people were killed, while many jumped into the well. They thought they would rather die themselves than be killed by the Britishers. This incident came to be known as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Did you see how bravely they sacrificed to free us from the rule? Bravery will push your limits to be what you want to be.

Honesty - Rishona Chopra

Courage, Bravery, we all must have heard these terms, a question might come to our mind: What is the most significant act of courage? The answer could be: Climbing Everest? Being a soldier? Well, it is actually none of those...it is honesty. Let us see how with the help of a story:

Being Honest

Once there was a young girl named 'Mina'. She was taught to always be honest. To her, honesty seemed simple, just tell the truth. 

Once playing in school, she pushed her best friend 'Lily' so hard that it started to bleed. Mina didn't mean to do that at all. She went to her, and along with her other friends, they took her to the infirmary. 

Luckily it wasn't that serious, and the next day she was much better but wasn't able to play. 

Lily was furious at the person who pushed her. She was unaware that it was Mina who did that. She told Mina that she was angry at the person who had made her. That was so rude.

Mina, too, was hurt; she knew what she did hurt her friend. She just didn't dare to stand up and tell the truth. It was tough. That moment she realized how hard being honest could really be. 

Then she remembered telling her mother how simple being honest was, and now she didn't have the courage, to be honest. She thought that she might as well try telling the truth and told Lily the truth. 

Lily couldn't believe it! 'Did you actually do that?' she said, surprised. 'I didn't mean to at all. I am really sorry,' said Mina. 'You aren't mad at me?'. 

'Why would I be? You were honest. And I believe you. I am sure it was a mistake.' said Lily with a smile.

It was courageous of you to stand up.

Like Mina took the brave step of telling the truth, it did look difficult. Imagine you being in such a situation. Would you speak the truth? 

Rishona Chopra

Grade V

Gyanshree School