Sights, sounds and aromas of Ramadan

Fasting has been enjoined upon the Muslims in Ramadan which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of intense prayers, devout worship and religious zeal. But another dimension that makes Ramadan such a unique experience in Pakistan is the accompanying profusion of sights, sounds and aromas that permeate the air and enrich the soul in this holy month

The last days of Shaba’an see a heightened sense of anticipation among the faithful. People crowd on rooftops, remain glued to their radio sets or gather around the television for the news of sighting of the Ramadan moon. As soon as the sighting of the thread-like crescent is announced, the air is filled with cries of “Ramadan Mubarak.” People ring up relatives and friends to convey the glad tidings and wish each other “Happy Ramadan”. 

There is much excitement in households as menus for sehri and iftaar are discussed. Then the muezzins call the faithful for Isha prayers and people go forth in large droves for the first of the taraveeh prayers of the month. For those who stay at home, the television networks telecast soul stirring recitation of the Holy Quran, naats and live taraveeh from the Holy Kaaba.

Predawn time again sees a flurry of activities. Harassed mothers bang on doors to wake up kids, alarm clocks are silenced, bathroom doors are banged and wide yawns are stifled as everyone rushes about preparing for sehri. There are groans from those who are not accustomed to waking up this early and stumble about half asleep on their feet. 

There are shrill, ear piercing whistles from guards who double up as signalers to rouse people. In some areas, people pay drum bearers or ‘dholchis’ to go about waking the slumberous. 

After this cacophony of sounds comes the aromas as sehri gets prepared. Fried parathas, curry, porridge, fried eggs and hot toasts, omelets, fresh fruits, yogurt, juices, lassi, tea and water or any other food that suits the palate adorns the dining tables as people eat enough to last them for the day. With the advent of night jobs and 24-hour open restaurants, there is no shortage of traffic even at this semi dark time. 

Roadside canteens, halwa puri stalls and tea vendors do a sterling business. The clamour of cutlery and cooking utensils reach their peak just before the fajr prayers as more sleepy heads join the fray. A siren blares through as the end of sehri time is announced. Forks and spoons are put down and eating and drinking comes to a complete stop. As the first Allahu Akbar rings out, mouths are rinsed and ablution performed as once again people make a beeline for the nearest mosque. 

The first day might pass in a state of drowsiness. But being Pakistanis, we use every occasion as a reason to celebrate and indulge in our favourite pastime____ eating. Office chatters are filled with plans for elaborate iftaar parties.  Families too plan get together as more and more people want to earn the blessings of Allah by providing food for others to break the fast. 

As the day progresses, it is not unusual to find that people and places go through a marked transformation. Shops seem to be emptier and mosques fuller. Cinemas and restaurants have a deserted air about them. Offices and educational institutes close early. 

Most taxi and bus drivers forsake their penchant for vulgar Punjabi songs and put on cassettes of na’ats, durood sharif and recitation of the Holy Quran in deference to this month. There seem to be more beggars on the streets invoking Allah’s name for the sake of alms, zakat or sadaqah. They knock on car windows, follow you around and ring door bells incessantly. 

Around Asr time, the streets come alive again. “Splat”, “sizzle”, “splash,” “crackle.” Vendors start preparing the mouth watering wares that will be used for iftari by millions of people that day. Spicy pakoras, aalo and qeema filled samosas, channa chat, fruit chat, crisp papri, dahi bhalay in yogurt, sweet jalebi, sour tamarind chutney are some of the delicacies that are bought by fasting men crowd. The air is filled with the aroma of ghee, spices and hot food making the stomachs grumble.

Everybody is in a tearing hurry to get home before iftari so that this special occasion can be celebrated with those closest to heart. Frantic travelling causes the inevitable traffic jams on our roads with frantic manoeuvring by volunteers and traffic police to unclog the blocked avenues. Horns blare and tempers fray but for some even this is an opportunity to be hospitable and charitable. 

In such busy junctions, some philanthropic people set up huge iftar dastarkhwaans to help those who are stuck in the jam break their fast. Dates and milk sodas, samosas and jugs of cold Rooh Afza are passed around. Allah’s bounty makes its presence felt and more and more people donate food for the poor, the impoverished and the less privileged.  

At home, women frantically try to get everything prepared before the Maghrib prayer. Food is placed on the table, trays laden with iftaar delicacies are sent around to neighbours and acquaintances. Many people are busy reciting Suras and prayers as this is one of the times when prayers are heard and obliged most by our Creator. 

Dupatta clad women and topi clad men take their place at the dining table and listen for the sound of azaan. With the onrush of consciousness of Allah’s blessings and bounty, there are tears in many eyes as people fervently beg forgiveness for their past sins and pray for more blessings and mercy.

The countdown to iftaar begins on the television which had previously been airing religious sermons and cooking shows. Children are usually most excited at this point and when the dua for breaking the fast is announced, they grab dates wrapped in silver warq, ready to pop it into their mouths as soon as they hear the azaan. People usually partake a little food and slake their thirst and then offer their prayers. After that, the family again sits down for a proper meal, tea and fruits.

As the month progresses, so does the discipline and spiritual zest. Waking up at sehri or going without food and water all day long no longer seems difficult. People make exceptional arrangements for special prayers like Salat-ul-tasbeeh and Itikaaf, the practice of spending the last ten days in mosques for strict prayers and worship without worldly distractions. 

These last ten days also see a sharp increase in shopping for Eid. Shops display colourful clothes, shoes, accessories, glass bangles, mehndi and Eid cards. Everything seems to glitter and shine just like the eyes of young shoppers who throng the markets looking for their special Eid clothes.

Ramadan is the most keenly awaited month in the Muslim calendar. It is a time of reflection, introspection and unbridled religious fervor. It is the month of abstaining from physical desires, reaching for taqwa and attaining piety. It is also a time of greater sense of community spirit, of giving to the poor and asking for blessings from Allah.

It is a time of enjoying family re-unions and iftaar parties. Even though prices of food items spiral up and the expenses of Eid-ul-Fitr loom ahead, everybody enjoys this special month for all its excitement and benedictions.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Summer Activities for Children

Keeping the children entertained during the long, hot, summer afternoons can be quite a challenge. For some parents, summer camps provide a solution to this dilemma, but not everybody can afford or choose to spend thousands of additional rupees just to keep the children occupied. Taking expensive trips which involves hotel rents and airfare is also not always an option. Hyper active children cooped up indoors can be difficult to manage but it is equally vexing to watch your children behave like couch potatoes and waste both time and opportunity.

Sometimes as parents we get so involved in the nitty-gritty of daily routines that we forget to enjoy parenthood with those who make our lives complete. So this summer take out time out of busy schedules and create fond family memories for yourself and your children by enjoying simple things together.

Rediscover the magic:

This summer introduce your children to the magic of classic Hollywood cinema. For each week of the month, select a classic and ask your child to read the book first and then watch the adaptation together. Whether it is the delightful Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” the pretty “Mary Poppins,” or brave Jim in “Treasure Island” select books according to your child’s age and get them enchanted by these timeless characters. Older children might prefer “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “A Little Princess” and “The Secret Garden.”  Chuck your household chores for an evening and watch the movies with your children for a perfect Mom and children evening. Don’t forget the popcorns!!

Invest in Puzzle and Activity Books.

Dot–to-dot books, word search puzzles, crossword puzzles, logic problems, mazes, fit-the-word and jigsaw puzzles are great mind boosters and enhance children’s mental capabilities. They are also an ideal way to while away the long summer afternoons when children cannot play outdoors. Be there to piece together a difficult part or help them in their deducing quest. Remember to select books that are age appropriate. Too easy and your child will get bored quickly; too difficult and they’ll give up entirely. 

Help your child start a collection:

Discuss a theme or a topic and help your child become an expert on that specific subject. It could be aeroplanes, boats, birds, coins, dolls, space exploration or any other topic of your child’s interest. Help him collect pictures and information from newspapers, magazines and the internet and compile them in a scrap book or journal. By the end of summer vacations, you’ll be proud of your little resident expert.

Visit historical places together.

Don’t leave it to the tourists to experience the wonderful sights and sounds of your city. This summer make a list of all the historical places and theme parks that are in the vicinity. Remember to include your children’s suggestions and preferences.  Visit the museums, forts, mosques and wildlife parks.  Keep a lookout for advertisements in local newspapers and take them to funfairs, puppet shows, art exhibitions, book fairs and any other activity that they cannot attend during school days.

Help improve their writing skills.

Children normally hate opening their pencil cases if they do not have any homework to do. This causes their writing skills and handwriting to deteriorate during the long layoff. By being creative (read devious!!), you can prevent this from happening. Let your child choose a nice diary or register and ask him to record his daily activities, write book and movie reviews, discuss his favorite television character or write about the trips you are making together. Casually ask him to use a dictionary to help with the spellings. Do not be critical about his work but offer suggestions and praise. This will encourage your children to be more creative, neat and organized and they’ll be improving their writing skills at the same the time.

Get closer to nature:

Children nowadays spend a lot of time indoors glued to television and computer screens. At least once a month, weather permitting, plan an outdoor picnic. Let your kids run around, climb trees, collect leaves, catch butterflies, observe insects, bike or scoot around or simply watch cloud shapes. This could also give them great material for their journals. Take their arts material with you and ask them to draw and paint the natural scenery around them.

Find Apprenticeship for children:

It is never too early for the child to learn the value of hard work and honest living. If you employ a driver, gardener, cook etc. make your child an apprentice for a while or teach your children the basics of these vocations yourself. Give them responsibilities pertinent to their age and make them responsible for that duty. If you or a near relative owns a shop, café, boutique etc. older children can learn the tricks of the trade and earn valuable experience early in the life. Just make sure that the environment is child friendly and does not pose any hazard to your child’s well being.

Exercise together:

Children love to imitate their parents. Buy a fitness routine video and exercise with your children. If you have young kids, they’ll love to tumble around while trying to learn the intricacies of yoga or aerobics. Mothers can work out with teenage daughters and build camaraderie for these difficult years while fathers and sons can head for the nearest gym together. If you prefer long walks in the park, ask your kids to join you as well. While weight loss may not be an issue for growing kids, building stamina, getting fit and staying healthy is always great.

Have a great summer!!

Stop Littering Now!!

“I did not drop it. It’s not my problem.”
“Who cares? I am here for a little while only.”
“No-one’s looking and the trash can is too far away.”
“What are sweepers for anyway?”

Littering is common and the evidence is everywhere around us. Have you been to park recently or a busy market area? Perhaps you have gone to the stadium to watch a Twenty20 match or visited a sick relative in the hospital? 

Do you know what all these places have in common? Lots of people come here for fun, work and entertainment and when they go back home, they leave behind a mountain of smelly trash and dirty rubbish behind them.

Our good and bad habits have a severe impact on our environment. Littering is a terrible habit and yet we do not seem to care. Go to any park and you’ll find apple cores, banana peels, orange rinds and melon skins that are left strewn around. These make the parks and gardens look like rubbish dumps instead of a recreational place where people go for health and refreshment. 

Go to any public place and you’ll find cigarette butts, broken bottles, plastic bags, sweets and chips wrappers, half eaten food and rotten fruits thrown carelessly on the ground, parking areas and sidewalks. What does all this tell us about our civic sense and social values? 

Many people think that it is all right to litter as it is the duty of sweepers to keep the area clean. Some think that since they are visiting for a few hours only, it does not matter what condition they leave the place in. Others feel too lazy to walk up to a trash can to deposit rubbish in it and some just do not think at all while tossing a sticky chewing gum or an empty juice bottle on the roadside.

Everywhere we go, we create a mess and we do it all the time without even thinking about our actions and its consequences. Trash that is left around to accumulate and rot attracts germs, flies, mosquitoes and rodents. Rotten fruits and decaying food stuffs give out toxins and bad odours which are extremely harmful for our health. But worst of all, it gives the entire area an untidy, smelly appearance which reflects badly on us individually and collectively as a nation.

10 things you can do to keep your surroundings clean:

1) The most obvious thing is not to litter and make a conscious habit of keeping your surroundings clean.

2) Politely stop your friends, school-fellows and adults around you if you see them littering. 

3) While travelling in a car or school bus, keep a bag with you to collect waste materials. Do not throw tissue papers or wrappers out of the car window.

4) When you go out for a trip or picnic, make an effort to collect all your trash and dispose it off in a trash can. 

5) Create awareness about dangers of littering by talking to your friends, younger siblings and cousins.

6) Do not make a tossing game of throwing trash in trash cans. If you miss, it leaves the garbage scattered around the bin which looks awful.

7) In school and office, keep a small tin on your desk to collect pencil shavings. Clean your desks regularly and do not wait for school sweepers to collect rubbish. 

8) Ask your art teachers/school authorities if you can have art competitions regarding this theme. Display your posters around the school boundary walls so that passers-by can learn about negative effects of littering.

9) You can form a club or a group (with permission from school and parents) to create art-work/posters and display it at shops, offices and mosques, wherever allowed, to create a mass awareness.

10) If you see an area where there are no trash cans installed or where filth and garbage has accumulated, bring it to the notice of concerned authorities. You can send letters and emails to newspapers regarding this issue. Do not give up before trying. 

If you think nothing will change, then nothing ever will.

Littering shows that people lack national pride and have little interest in preserving their environment and ecosystem. It is a fact that people usually do not feel guilty about littering in areas where garbage is already scattered around. 

So let us keep our roads, shopping areas, parks, schools, zoos, beaches, lakes, rivers and mountainsides in pristine condition so that no-one dares pollute them. 

The power to end littering is in our hands!

Short story: The Blue Ribbon

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we often might win, by fearing to attempt.”  William Shakespeare

Ali Noor stared at the students in the parade ground with a hungry look in his eyes. It was a clear, sunny day and the rehearsals for the Annual Sports Day were in full swing. All his school-mates were busy marching on the field, their footsteps perfectly matching the beat of the drum. 

Some were rehearsing acrobatics while others were practising relay and sack racing. The parade leaders were twirling their batons while the Sports Teacher supervised the practice session. Each student was trying his utmost to display his strength and agility. The whole place was abuzz with noise, colour and excitement.

Ali Noor sat alone under an old tree. Every fibre of his being wanted to be on that sports field, running and marching and proudly raising the red and gold school banner but a tragic reality prevented him from doing so. Ali Noor had been paralysed in his infancy by polio. He belonged to the tribal areas and had not been vaccinated.

When he was five years old, polio had struck and left his left leg useless. His father, a wealthy carpet dealer had left no stones unturned for his son’s health but to no avail. Extensive physiotherapy had given him some use of his lower limbs but Ali Noor would never regain full mobility. 

Later, his father decided to shift to Islamabad and Ali Noor was enrolled in a new school. He was a quiet, studious boy but a bit of a loner. He did not want to be pitied or get involved in students’ activities so he shunned all friendships and liked to be alone dreaming of all the things that he could not do.  

Just then, something landed at his feet with a thud, snapping him out of his reverie. He looked down at the black and white football near his well-polished shoes. He wanted to kick hard at it to vent out his frustration but as usual his left leg refused to act. Ali Noor heard running footsteps and swallowed his tears of bitterness. He looked up and saw Zaheer, captain of the school sports team who had come to retrieve his football. 

“Hello Ali. How ya doing?” Zaheer asked cheerfully. Unlike Ali Noor, his shoes and pants were covered with dust and grass stains marred his white and gray uniform.

“It must be tough for you, sitting here all alone.” Zaheer added conversationally.

Bitter words sprung up in Ali’s throat. He knew that Zaheer had not meant to be unkind but his words hurt nonetheless. He looked at Zaheer with resentment, tinged with envy. Zaheer was tall, athletic and extremely well built. If seeing him run after the ball during school hours was not enough, Ali Noor had to bear the sight of him playing every evening as well. 

They lived across the street from each other. Every evening, while Ali Noor was bent over his books, he heard Zaheer and his friends playing cricket or dribbling the football on the concrete road outside. This was usually accompanied by shouts of joy, laughter and high-fives. Ali Noor would draw his curtains in an attempt to block out the sight of these boys enjoying themselves but the sound of running footsteps would continue to torment him. 

“What would you know about what’s tough for me, Zaheer?” he asked bitterly. 

Zaheer’s smile faded when he saw Ali Noor’s stony face. Ali’s hostile gaze had made him uncomfortable. He was a good natured boy who made friends easily. He was highly revered by his coach and class-mates for his athleticism but this attention had not made him vain. 

He did not know how to respond to Ali’s blatant antagonism so he shrugged and tucked his football under his arm. He turned to race back toward his team-mates but something made him check. He was struck by the anguished look in Ali’s eyes. He came back towards Ali and looked down at his crippled class-mate.

“Listen, Ali,” he said earnestly. ”Would you like to compete in a race?”

Ali Noor’s face darkened with anger. He felt sure that Zaheer was making fun of his disability. 

“Yes, Zaheer,” he replied sarcastically.” Maybe we should have a wheelchair race and I’ll be the only participant and we’ll see who runs the fastest.”

“I did not mean to hurt your feelings, Ali,” Zaheer added gently.” We are having a three-legged race. If you agree to be my partner, you’ll be able to participate in the sports day with the rest of the school. I’ll talk to the coach.”

Zaheer’s words left Ali speechless. He was suddenly ashamed of his outburst. 

“It’s not possible, Zaheer. I’ll slow you down and you’ll lose the race.”

“Maybe. But maybe I’ll win a friend, instead.” 

Ali Noor’s head was suddenly filled with visions of him running alongside the school’s sports captain. He wanted to run, to feel the wind on his face and to feel that rush of adrenalin. He imagined himself racing towards the finish line, faster than anyone else……

The coach’s shrill whistle brought him down to the earth. He looked down at his leg encased in a metal and wood brace, deformed and shrunken. He let out a half-laugh, half-sob sound.

“No, Zaheer. As I said, it’s not possible. Other students will either pity me or mock my efforts and I can’t face that.”

As Zaheer tried to convince him, Ali Noor gathered his crutches and turning his back on Zaheer, walked away.


Later in the evening Ali sat in front of the TV, flipping channels morosely.  The door-bell chimed and a few seconds later, his mother led in Zaheer.

“Come on, champ. At least give it a try.” Zaheer bent down and forced Ali Noor to stand up 

Ignoring Ali’s protests, Zaheer firmly led him outside. It was dinner time and the street was deserted. Ali Noor tried to extricate himself from Zaheer’s clutches once again.

“Go on, son. At least give it a try.” It was his mother’s gentle voice that made Ali straighten up his shoulders.

“Oh all right then. Whatever you say,” he capitulated

Zaheer tied Ali Noor’s left leg to his right leg. With their arms around each others shoulders, they tried to run a three legged race. It was extremely slow going. Ali’s movements were slow and awkward and he kept tripping over. 

“It’s no use, Zaheer. Maybe you should find a new partner,” Ali panted. 

But Zaheer would not let him quit. Next evening and every evening after that, the two of them practiced under the light of the street-lamps. Gradually, their movements became more coordinated and their friendship grew.  While Ali learned to appreciate Zaheer’s “never-say-die” attitude, Zaheer too learned to value all those simple things which he had always taken for granted…. the ability to run, jump and dribble and kick a ball. 

Finally, the Sports Day arrived. Ali Noor was extremely nervous. He looked at the spectators’ pavilion which was filled to its capacity. His own parents were also there.  As the commentator announced the start of the three-legged race, the students took their positions at the starting line. Ali Noor’s anxiety gave way to pure dread and panic. He looked at the blue ribbon stretched across the finishing line and it seemed miles and miles away. He imagined himself sprawled on the sports field and all the people laughing and jeering at him.

“I can’t do it, Zaheer. I am sorry.” He turned away but Zaheer grasped his arm firmly.

“Listen, Ali. Sports isn't about running fast or jumping high. It is about team spirit and giving your best when the chips are down. Right now your team needs you and if you quit, I’ll have to forfeit too.”

Ali looked up to where his parents were sitting. More than anything else, today he wanted to make his parents proud. He unclenched his hands and gave a thumbs-up to Zaheer. The whistle blew and they all set off. Ali saw the contestants on his right tumble and fall in a comical heap. People applauded and cheered them. 

The contestants to his left were also having a difficult time synchronizing their hops. Filled with a sudden feeling of exhilaration, Ali grasped Zaheer’s shoulders even more firmly and they propelled each other forward. Faster and faster, they hopped till the blue ribbon loomed ahead. Ali stretched his hand forward and to his delight, they were the first one to cross the line. 

The whole school stood up to applause his remarkable feat. Ali and Zaheer embraced each other as their team-mates surrounded them, slapping their backs and hugging them.  Ali Noor saw his father on his feet clapping hard, unashamed tears of joy rolling down his cheeks. His mother too looked at him with pride and love. 

“Thanks Zaheer,” Ali wanted to say more but words eluded him.

“No sweat, champ. Maybe you should train for the sprint race now,” Zaheer joked.

Ali grinned and took his crutches from the assistant coach. He had learnt to laugh at his disability and not wallow in self-pity. 

After all, isn't life all about overcoming the disadvantages and surmounting the setbacks? What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?

Let's Make A Difference: A short story

“There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.” Henry Ford 

Ibraheem sat alone in his classroom with an open book in front of him. It was recess time and all the other children were outside. He heard their chatter and the thump-thump of a basketball being dribbled in the playground. Then a shrill whistle from their sports teacher pierced the air as he tried to line up the boys. But Ibraheem’s mind was on the poem they had just read in the Urdu class. 

The poem was about little raindrops. Each raindrop feared that it was too small and insignificant to bring any relief to the dry, parched earth. They all hesitated while man and beast suffered alike under the scorching sun. But their leader told them that if they all fall together, they could ease the suffering and bring respite to the people. When the raindrops fell together, the sun-baked earth rejoiced and the people celebrated Allah’s bounty 

Ibraheem’s mind reflected upon this story and an idea began to evolve in his mind. His pencil beat a steady staccato against his desktop till the ringing of the bell signalled that the recess was over. He hastily ate his lunch and gulped down a mouthful of water as there was an onrush of footsteps. The boys came in and Ibraheem hastily brushed away the crumbs from his shirt and got ready for the next class. He was ready to put his idea to test.

The next class was Social Studies. Their teacher, Sir Imtiaz was a young, idealistic person. In their last session, he had asked the students to come up with ideas for their social work project. Such projects were initiated and funded by the school to create social welfare awareness in the students.

“So, does anyone have any ideas that would bring about a positive change in lives of people around you? 

As Ibraheem hesitated, Saad’s hand shot up in the air. The students groaned in unison. Saad was the class clown and his suggestion was sure to be an outrageous one.

“Yes, Saad. Let’s hear your idea.” 

“Well Sir, I think it would be a great idea if our school remained open for only a couple of days per week. It is such a simple idea and would surely bring happiness to many of the students,” Saad suggested a little cheekily.

Amongst the laughter and the applause that followed, Sir Imtiaz said gravely, “I will forward this idea to the principal with your compliments, Saad.” 

As Saad’s cheeky grin faded away, he added a little kindly “Let’s hear some more suggestions“

Sir Imtiaz looked at his class. A few of the students yawned and looked bored. Some looked at each other for inspiration while others had a vacant expression on their faces. Slowly, Ibraheem’s hand went up.

“Yes Ibraheem. What do you have to say?” Sir Imtiaz asked.

“Sir, there is a vacant plot of land at the end of Jauhar Lane. It was once a park but now it is abandoned and in terrible shape. I think, that if we all work together, we can restore that land into a children’s park…..”

His words were greeted with a chorus of dissent and protests.

“Are you crazy?” objected Hassan. “That ground is being used as a dumping area for trash and rubbish for years.”

“My father says it is a haven for drug addicts at night,” added Sohail.

“”What about all the muck and slime? How do you propose we clean that up, Ibraheem?” Ali asked sarcastically.

“Boys, boys,” Sir Imtiaz intervened. ”Let us at least hear what Ibraheem has to say.”

“I know that the plot is in a terrible shape. That is why we will try to clean it up. Instead of being a breeding place for flies and mosquitoes or a sanctuary for drug addicts, it will be a clean and fun place for the children,” Ibraheem added a little diffidently.

“I think it is a perfect project for our Social Work Week. But how do you propose to go about it?” asked Sir Imtiaz

“Well, Sir, if we all work together, we can clean the debris. Saad’s father owns a plants’ nursery. If his men help us to cultivate the grass and plant a few trees, we’ll have a nice park in no time. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy,”

“If the broken fence is fixed and painted, it can provide a secure boundary,” Haider piped in.

“We can ask Ghulam Ali to build a few see-saws and swings,” added Fawad. ”We’ll all help.”

Ghulam Ali was the school handyman. He repaired the broken desks and chairs, mended windows broken by sailing cricket balls and prepared the backdrop sets for their school‘s Annual Drama. He was an extremely skilled craftsman and could make anything out of wood.

All the boys sat up and looked extremely excited. They started discussing the project in earnest and in no time they had evolved a clear strategy. Lists of jobs were prepared and all duties were relegated according to interest and aptitude.

The students were given one week off from studies. 

Next day, they arrived in old, plain clothes and the school bus took them to the vacant plot. It was littered with old newspapers, discarded shoes and clothes, cans, broken bottles, cigarette butts, pieces of junk and a few syringes. The boys donned protective gloves and overalls and attacked the debris with gusto. They used brooms and rakes to collect the trash and put them in huge trash bags. There were a few groans and grumbles but on the whole everyone was rather enthusiastic. Most students were happy to be outdoors instead of pouring over boring school books. 

Five hours later, they had got rid of some of the worst debris. They boarded their bus and went back tired but satisfied. Next day, Saad’s father sent some of his expert gardeners to help the boys. First they mowed the wild, overgrown grass. Then they raked and weeded the land and spread a new layer of fertile soil. They pruned the existing hedges and planted some new rose bushes. Pesticides were sprayed where needed and some decaying plants were completely uprooted. Everybody worked hand in hand and an amazing change could already be seen as the land transformed before their very eyes. 

Meanwhile a group of students worked under Ghulam Ali’s guidance to mend the fence and set up the swings. Others cleaned the green and slimy fountain in the centre of the park. Their efforts paid off when a smooth, white structure emerged. 

People from nearby apartments came out to see what was happening. They were amazed by what they saw. Where there was once filth and rubbish, now there was a vast expanse of freshly mowed land with neatly trimmed hedges. The newly painted bright green fence gleamed in the sunlight. The tree bases were also painted white with a little red border to give a neat and orderly appearance. 

Like little raindrops that quenched the thirst of the burning earth, the boys worked in unison to provide the children of the area with better and safer playing facilities. At the end of the week, the park was opened for public. All the students received medals for their hard work and efforts but their best reward was the laughter and shouts of joy of little children as they scampered about in their new park.

Children's Classics for Summer Holidays

Mark Twain once said “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.”  While books by Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and J.K Rowling are extremely enjoyable and a lot of fun to read, a good classic is something that makes you think about life, its challenges and the courage and determination of its characters in tackling difficult situations.

Many famous writers have written some wonderful classics for children. They are delightful to read and the best time to do so is during the long summer vacations. If the thought of reading an unabridged classic is too daunting, why not choose the shorter version by publishers like Oxford Progressive Readers or Illustrated Classic Editions and get to know those timeless heroes and heroines who live within the pages of these great books.

Let’s take a look at some of the most wonderful classics ever written for children.

King Solomon’s Mines, by H. Rider Haggard

Famous hunter and explorer Allen Quatermain does not want any more adventures but then he meets Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good. Soon the three of them are on a dangerous journey into the heart of Africa in search of King Solomon mines. They are captured by the fierce Kukuana tribesmen and taken to the terrible one-eyed King Twala. They participate in a battle to help the right king back on his throne but can they defeat the evil witch Gagool and find the diamonds hidden in the King Solomon Mines? 

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This is a wonderful tale of three young children, Mary Lennox, Colin and Dickon who due to their friendship and courage manage to overcome their troubles and sorrows. Mary is initially sullen and lonely, while Colin is a bed-ridden cripple until they come to know about a secret garden whose key has been lost. In their quest to find the key to the garden door and bring it back to life, the children find the key to their own happiness.

Heidi, by Johanna Spyri

In this much loved classic tale, we get to meet a little Swiss girl called Heidi who is very devoted to her simple mountain home. Her life changes when she is sent to live with a rich family in Frankfurt as a companion for a sick girl, Clara. The city life does not suit her and she is extremely unhappy. Heidi longs to go back to her gruff old grandfather, the Alps and the goats. Clara comes to visit her but what happens when Peter spitefully sends her wheelchair crashing down the mountains? Well, you’ll have to read the book to discover the end.

Around the World in 80 Days, by Jules Verne

This wonderful book tells the story of Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman who makes a fantastic trip around the world as a bet. He has to complete his journey within 80 days or he will lose all his wealth. With his French servant Passepartout, he travels around the world on train, steamboats and elephants. He is pursued by a detective who mistakes him for a notorious criminal and is determined to catch him. You will know whether Phileas Fogg wins his bet or loses everything when you read this funny, timeless classic.

The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis

Consisting of not one book but seven, this masterpiece series is considered a must read for children all over the world. Four children step through a wardrobe door in a huge country house and reach the magical land of Narnia where animals can talk and a wise lion, Aslan rules all the beasts.  There are grand battles between good and evil and many adventures and journeys which are chronicled in this magical series. The books are sure to keep you occupied and out of trouble all summer!

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This is a heart-warming riches-to-rags-to riches story of Sara Crew, an intelligent and kind-hearted girl whose father leaves her in a boarding school in London. When the snobbish headmistress discovers that Sarah’s father has died penniless, she makes Sara a servant in the same school. But how does the little princess behave in her new circumstances, you will know only when you read this book.

Treasure Island, by R. L. Stevenson

This book brings you the blue seas, bloodthirsty pirates, treasure maps marked with an X and hidden sea-chests containing unimaginable wealth and of course, the unforgettable character of Long John Silver. Treasure Island is a wonderful tale featuring the exciting adventures of young Jim Hawkins who finds a treasure map and outsmarts a gang of mutinous pirates to bring the treasure home.

The Hobbit, By J. R. R. Tolkien

In a quest to win a portion of treasure guarded by an evil dragon, Bilbo the hobbit makes an adventurous journey into unknown territories. If you are a fan of fantasy and make-believe worlds, then read ‘The Hobbit’ to meet a wide variety of magical creatures like the hobbits, wizards, elves, man-eating trolls, evil goblins, giant spiders and of course dragons. 

Some other classics that you might enjoy are The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, Woman in White and The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, Kidnapped by R. L. Stevenson, and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

So during these summer holidays curl up with these classic tales and explore the wonderful worlds they take you to. What will make the experience even better is that after reading the book, try to watch their movie adaptations and decide whether you enjoy the book more or the movie. Don’t forget the popcorns!

Happy Reading!!

Battling Clutter

Having a clutter free home with one or more energetic kids in the house might seem like an impossible task. As soon as you are done cleaning one corner of the house, two more seem to be clamouring for attention. Babies, toddlers, pre-teens or teens, it does not matter what age group your kids belong to, their scattered belongings can drive you up the wall if you do not have a firm plan on how to counter it.

Sometimes we like to console ourselves with the adage that where there are kids, there’s bound to be some mess. However, research has shown that a cluttered house can have a very negative impact on your mood and health. It makes you feel tired, lethargic and quarrelsome especially if you cannot locate socks, school shoes or important papers buried underneath the mess. And just imagine the horror of unexpected guests walking in through the door with your children’s belongings scattered all over the house!!

Choose toys carefully:

One of the cardinal rules for having a clean house is to have fewer toys for young children. We shower our kids with toys, most of which end up broken, discarded and scattered all over the house. Mechanical and battery controlled toys are the worst offenders.  If your child has too many toys, divide them in half and put one half away. After a month or so, round up the current lot, store it and take out the other half. Choose toys carefully. Balls, bicycles, stuffed toys, building blocks and hard books have a greater shelf life than remote controlled cars and video games which become junk without cells and other easily breakable parts.

Keep things out of reach:

Toys belong to children but this does not mean that they should access to all their playthings 24/7. If clutter drives you crazy, think about putting jigsaw puzzles, bead sets and 1000 piece Lego out of reach of your kids or you’ll spend endless hours picking them up. Put such things in a place from where only you can hand them out.  Designate a play area and place a mat or sheet there. After they are done playing, just gather the sheet from its corners and pour the little pieces in their container.

A place for everything and everything in its place:

Most of the clutter in the house arises from the fact that there is not enough space or containers to store the things in the house. Buy multipurpose colorful baskets or chest of drawers for your children’s toys, games, art supplies, etc. Once in place, teach the children gradually to put away all their stuff after they are done playing. If things are spilling out of cupboards and containers, sort them out for storage or donation.   

Clean up between activities:

This is one of the most difficult but necessary habits to inculcate in kids. Between every two activities, there should be a 5-10 minute break in which children put away their things. For example, after getting ready each morning and before leaving for school, older children must learn to put away their night clothes and breakfast dishes. Similarly, after doing homework and before watching TV, there should be some allotted time, in which they put away their school bags and books before settling down to watch their favourite programme. 

Think before you buy:

Most of us usually buy far many more things than we need. Whether it is shoes, clothes, DVDs, accessories, decoration items, kitchen utensils, we sometimes forget to draw a line and the result is often a cluttered house. This tendency becomes more pronounced during sale seasons if we have kids. Before going on a shopping frenzy, think carefully, if you really need all those “buy one get one free” items.

Pick up things as you go: 

One sure way of keeping the house clean is to pick up things as you go and keep putting them back in their places. Straighten cushions, stack books and clear table surfaces as you go from one room to another to have a spic and span hose all the time. It might seem irksome at first but once it becomes a habit, the house starts looking habitually clean and tidy. It becomes even better when children start to copy your ways and start picking up their stuff without you having to point it out.

Clean a corner everyday:

We all know how quickly things pile up in our closets, cupboards and shelves. Shoes that are no longer needed, clothes that are outgrown, faded bed sheets, threadbare towels, broken toys and hordes of other things which eat up space in our homes. For a house to be really clean and organized, it is important to clear away such debris on a regular basis. Each day, spend some time to clean away one corner of your house, no matter how small.

Keep 2-3 cardboard boxes in the store and keep filling them with things that are not in use any longer. Kids’ booties, caps and rattles that they have outgrown, old books, your daughter’s T-shirt which she has vowed never to wear, your son’s broken toys – all these things can be collected out of sight and then sorted for storage or charity making your house less cluttered. Your sanity and prestige might depend upon it!!