December (First) 2010 Rs 15.

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Champak Chekers-206

FOUNDER

DECEMBER (FIRST) 2010

NO. 796

VISHWA NATH
1917-2002

STORIES
RATTUS WONDER MARATHON AT CHAMPAKVAN A TRUE LESSON THE GREAT DELUGE THE BLUE SAINT THE EARTHS SUNSCREEN WHO STOLE THE HENS? GREAT WALL, INDEED! THE CHEFS SECRET FORMULA 4 TRUE FRIENDSHIP 64 A GIFTED UMBRELLA 78 10 16 PICTURE STORIES 24 CHEEKU 52 29 GIFU AND THE TURTLE 70 34

YOUR PAGE
22 40 49 75

IT IS FUNTIME 42 FROM YOUNG 54 READERS WHO AM I? 59 CHAMPAK CHEKERS

Editor, Publisher & Printer : Paresh Nath

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S.Mallick

Rattus Wonder
by Indrajit Kaushik

T IS a story of those days when cats and rats were very good friends. Cats used to sit outside and protect the holes of the rats and the rats used to arrange food for the cats. They were living very peacefully and happily. The cats used to enjoy a lot. They did not have to do anything. They only had to sit lazily outside the hole of the rats and pass their time. At the end of the day they used to get food for free from the rats. The rats got frustrated as they served them everyday. We do all the hard work. We even cook food for them and they hardly work during the whole day but enjoy the food. For how long would this continue? one day all the rats called a meeting to discuss this. Do not be so selfish. Do not forget that they guard our houses day and night to ensure our safety, reminded Rattu Rat and everyone was silenced. Meow! I am very hungry. Get my food quickly, said Katty Cat standing outside

the door. The rats got scared to hear this. Katty was growing fat day by day as she was consuming so much of ready made food. She had nothing to do except eating ample food. Small quantity of food was no more sufficient for her. That day Sonu Rat faced so many difficulties and at last found a piece of bread for her. But Katty got so angry and asked for more food. Poor Sonu could not do anything. Katty Cat lost her temper as Sonu tried to explain her. Sonu ran away in fear and went somewhere to hide. Here, all the rats were thinking over some solution to this problem. We should leave this place and settle down somewhere else, proposed some of the rats. Do not talk like fools. Wherever we go, Katty will follow us. We should think of some other way to guard our houses and ensure our safety rather than taking help from these cats, suggested intelligent Rattu. But small rats started escaping from there. When
December (First) 2010 5

they were chased by Katty, they some how managed to escape from her clutches as well. They could not understand simple solution to face her boldly. Rattu was very disappointed to see this. Soon the population of the rats decreased. Rattu could not understand where the rats were vanishing. One day he got to know the truth. He told everybody about Katty. She used to be our own Katty. How could she do it? The rats were red in anger and they ousted Katty by throwing stones over her. Do not even dare to come back here, otherwise we would not leave you alive, rats challenged her and decided not to continue to have any relation with her. here, Katty was striving. Till now, she was habitual of getting ready made meals. Now she had to search the food herself. It was a very tough job for her to search two meals everyday. One day a nail poked into Kattys feet while she went out in search of food. Her foot started bleeding. She wept and approached several people but no body took time to pull out the nail from her foot. Have you ever helped anybody in this world? Why should I help you? Selfish and cruel creatures like you should be treated like this, said Vaity Rabbit. She could not reply to this. At last she remembered her old friend. I am sure his heart would melt after seeing me in such a pitiable condition. I should approach him now, thought Katty band went to the Rats Colony. She cried a lot there. She even begged all the rats

Champak

and asked them to help her for the old time sake. Rats felt for her and finally they agreed to help her. Rattu Rat was very intelligent. He used to think ahead. This time also he used his mind and thought about a plan. He went to the market and bought a microchip. The microchip was as small as a grain of wheat. He put it in his mouth and went to help Katty. He took out the nail with the help of his pointed teeth. During this, he put the microchip in place of the nail, in her foot and bandaged her foot. After sometime, Katty was relieved and she was able to walk properly. Thank you Rattu, we are again good friends now, said Katty. Actually she was not true to her words as was trying to be kind only for satisfying her selfish motives.

P.S.MICHRA

We agree to your proposal. But now you would not live with us. You have to be in your colony, there, said Rattu as he pointed out to the other direction. Alright. As you wish! Katty was happy from within as she thought that she would be in her own house and keep an eye on the rats. Whenever she would get an opportunity, she would grab any of them to satisfy her hunger. ut this was her biggest mistake. Intelligent Rattu was well aware of her tricks. The microchip in Kattys foot displayed her movement and signaled it to the computer, placed in Rats Colony. This helped the rats to get alert at the time when she used to come out in search of her food. After trying so many times, all her efforts failed and she got irritated this time. I do not know from where do these rats get to know that I am out in search of food, thought Katty and she went to the other direction. Hurray! screamed all the rats after she was gone. They all thanked Rattu for the tremendous job he has done. His formula worked for their betterment. None of the rats lost his life at the hands of Katty. Katty could not understand this fact that how all the rats got to know about her movement every time. She is still in dark and is still unable to find any solution to this problem. Just a small intelligent solution, given by Rattu, worked for them and they lived happily. Even the rats, who ran away earlier because of the fear of Katty, came back to their colony after they heard about the execution of the wonderful solution, suggested by Rattu.

Champak

HE PREPARATIONS for the marathon were are its peak in Champakvan. The marathon path was decided and the maintenance work started. The humps and pits on the road were levelled. But as usual, Kalu Jackal was habitual to interfere in others work. He was punished several times for his wrong doings. Only then, he thought about a wicked plan. He thought that if he digs a deep pit on this marathon path, then, any of the runners would certainly fall in it. And the mood of the marathon would get spoilt. Just a day before the marathon, Kalu Jackal hide in he bushes near the marathon path. He started digging the road as soon as it

was dark. After digging, he put dried leaves and grass to cover it so that no one notices this deep pit on the road. Then he slept quietly in the bushes. Next morning, everyone gathered in the vast field to start the marathon. It was the place from where the marathon was decided to get started. Maharaja Sher Singh had to start the ceremony. Almost all the runners reached there but Jumpy Monkey was not to be found there. Jumpy Monkey was coming from the way of the marathon path only. He noticed a lot of greenery at one place over the path. He doubted this. He went to see that patch. Kalu Jackal was watching him from behind the bushes. He tried to stop Jumpy. Now Jumpy was sure that something is wrong there. He did not stop there and rushed towards the direction of the pit, which was dug by Kalu Jackal. As soon as he cleared the grass and dried leaves from there, he saw a deep pit on the road.

Marathon At Champakvan
by Kumud Kumar

Oh! So, this is the matter. This Kalu Jackal wants to ruin the marathon by doing this kind of thing. But I would not let him succeed in his pursuit, thought Jumpy. By then, Kalu Jackal came there and they started fighting. But Kalu Jackal was too much to be handled by Jumpy. But Jumpy thought about a plan. He acted cleverly and started running. Kalu Jackal followed him. He was red in anger and wanted to catch hold of him. He did not look anywhere and was blindly chasing Jumpy. Now Jumpy started running in the direction of the pit. Jumpy took a long jump and reached the other side of the pit easily but poor Kalu Jackal did not notice that and he fell into his own pit.

Soon Jumpy succeeded in his plans. Kalu Jackal fell into the deep pit, which he dug himself with wicked intentions. Then, Jumpy started shouting out so loudly. Maharaja Sher Singhs guards came there as they heard the noise. Jumpy indicated towards the pit and they all went to see it. They all found Kalu Jackal crying in pain, sitting inside the pit. The guards pulled him out and arrested him. By then, the runners were seen at a distance. They were about to reach there. They all moved ahead by crossing from the side of the pit. After that, Jumpy and the guards took Kalu Jackal to face Sher Singh. The marathon race was over. Maharaja Sher Singh awarded the winners of the race and then said, Dear natives of Champakvan, the three winners of the marathon race have shown their talent in the race. They have been duly awarded. But a special award is still left, for which the rightful person is our brave Jumpy. This marathon has been successful only because of him. Maharaja narrated the whole incident to every one and said, The punishment for Kalu Jackal is that he alone would clean the vast field today, after the marathon is over. After the program, everyone went back to their homes and Kalu Jackal was busy in cleaning the field.

Desert Creature

Kangaroo rats gather small seeds and dump them into the soil. These seeds get swollen with the moisture present in the soil. After some days, the kangaroo rats eat these seeds. Huge Chameleons, found in Australian deserts, have horn-like projections on its body. There are small holes on its outer layers of skin. Rain water seeps into its body through these holes, which gets collected in its bag like organs, near the mouth. These bags are like storage bags for the chameleons. At the time of need, Chameleon contract these bags so that the water reaches its mouth.

KHALIL

14

Champak

A True Lesson

by Ilica Priya

HEEKU PEEPED out of the door and said, Oh Minni! Minni Sparrow was there in the balcony. He said Sweet Minni and came out, when suddenly the sparrow flew away and sat over the branch of the tree. Minni, why do you run when I come near you? asked Cheeku innocently. What if you will catch me? No, no, I will not catch you. I like you so much. I was about to offer you grains to eat, said Cheeku, but Minni could not trust him. She flew away towards her nest. Next morning, she came again. Minni, do not run, I will not catch you, said Cheeku while standing inside the house. Minni noticed so many rice grains in the balcony and there was no net. She came there and had rice. This time she started trusting Cheeku a little bit. But again she flew away to sit on the branch of the tree as soon as he came out.
16 Champak

You really cannot trust me, right? The truth is that I want to be your friend. I like you a lot, said Cheeku sweetly. I can trust you, but I am scared too. What will happen if you betray me? Would you lock me in a cage? Or would you prefer to sell me? I have the habit to live independently, I feel suffocated in the cage. I would come and visit you every day if you promise me that you would never do such a thing. Cheeku was very happy to hear this from Minni. Now Minni used to visit him every day, sit and chat with him in the balcony. Cheeku loved spending time with Minni. He liked her colour admired her feathersand beak. They soon became best friends. Now Minni was no more scared of Cheeku. She did not fly away now even if Cheeku came near her. One day Minni was, as

usual, eating rice grains in the balcony and Cheeku was admiring her. How beautiful is this, Minni. My friends would have been so happy to see her living with me in my house. I should quietly catch hold of this beautiful sparrow, suddenly Cheekus intentions got transformed. He thought about caging her and suddenly he tried to grab her. But she flew away and sat on the branch of the tree. Cheeku, you have done an unexpectedly bad thing today. It was not bad at all for me, but it is definitely for you. I trusted you after a very long time, but I made a mistake and you do not expect me do repeat this. Now I would never come to your balcony nor would I be seen around your house. Forget about our fake friendship now, said Minni and she flew away. Cheeku was sitting there speechless. He was ashamed of his behaviour after losing a friend. He was thinking not that Minni has gone now, but was wondering how she might be thinking about him. He lost a good friend by committing a small mistake. But now he learnt a lesson and he would never repeat this.

Who will be the first to reach the aeroplane?

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One day Papa, along with Vivek Uncle went to a store to purchase a dog. Vivek Uncle: How can you say that this dog is faithful? Shopkeeper: I have sold him 5 times before, but it comes back every time.
-Jitesh

* Monu (to Bablu): Why are you looking so depressed,

my friend? Bablu: Do not ask. Yesterday, sir asked me such a question, to which I could not reply anything. Monu: What did he ask? Bablu: He asked for one such word, which has more than 1000 letters. Monu: So, what is there to feel depressed

about? You should have said, Post office. Every one knows that each letter goes there.
-Anju Singh

* On this diwali, teacher came to Gabdus house and gifted him 5 packets of dairy milkbars. (Next day in school) Teacher: Gabdu, I gave you 5 packets yesterday. You gave 2 to your sister. So how many are left with you? Gabdu: Maam, 5 are left. Teacher: How can that be possible? Gabdu: I will not let her take the chocolates easily. I am not talking to her these days. -Chetan * Patient: Doctor, how did you know that I am

suffering from eye infection and not stomach ache? Doctor: brother, you are making a mistake. I am not a doctor. I am a shopkeeper and this is my general store and not a clinic. - Chandan Singh * One day I was going on a picnic with my friends and teacher. The bus stopped on the way. A man who looked like a robber entered the bus with a huge box in his hand. He shouted: Silence. No body will try to act smart and move from his seat. I am Munna Bhai After a few minutes, he shouted again: Scared? I am Icecream vendor, Munna Bhai... Come and buy icecreams from me. Hahaha!
-Sonu

The Great Deluge

by Ashesh

ATE IN the night all the mobile phones flashed a message that said, Residents of Champakvan, tomorrow will be the last day of your life. The earth will be destroyed. Whoever bows down to me will be saved. This message is being sent to a very few good people. See you after the wipeout. It was signed Shiladev at the end of the message. Shiladev was the name given to a huge rock lying in the forest. It looked ghostly. Some superstitious animals and birds worshipped it as god. Next morning, many small animals were found missing. Where has Bidku Deer gone? Jumpy Monkey asked Cheeku Rabbit. Oh, Meeku Rabbit is also missing. They came to know that so many small animals were missing from the forest. Only then, Rumpy Tortoise came from the river and said, Last night I got this message from Shiladev. Look, here it is. Everyone read the message from his phone. You are new to this place and so you are not aware of certain things. You do not know anything about Shiladev. He is our god but this message must be a prank, said Elephant Grandpa. Cheeku and Jumpy went aside and discussed
Champak

24

something quietly. Elephant grandpa sensed what was wrong and shouted, I have understood the whole story now. Cheeku signalled him to be quiet and called him nearby. After sometime, Elephant Grandpa along with so many birds and animals gathered around Shiladev. They all stood there with folded hands and closed eyes. Elephant Grandpa said, Hey Shiladev, we came to know that earth will be destroyed soon. If you would save us, we will sacrifice an animal every night for your feast. Please come before us so that we could see

your original form or we might have to drag this huge rock to find you out. A Jackal, hiding in the bushes, came out as soon as he heard this. Now tell us, where are our kids? Elephant Grandpa asked as he got hold of Jackals neck in his trunk. Jackal started trembling in fear. To save his life, he indicated towards the lower portion of the rock, I have eaten one of them, the rest are there behind the bushes. After saving the innocent animals, everyone caught hold of the clever Jackal and tied him with a rope around the rock. After sometime they created a small stream from the nearby lake t o w a r d s the rock. Soon, the rock started sinking as the sand below became wet and loose. Jackals scream was heard for some time but it soon faded away in the rising stream of DINESH water. w{

ADHU DONKEY liked Sajhus plan. You are right, said Gadhu, We do not have to earn in this. We would have the opportunity to eat the good quality food. Secondly, we would never have to cut and bring wood every time and never have to carry pots, said Sajhu, We can have fun without putting in any efforts.

The Blue Saint

by Omprakash Kshatriya

December (First) 2010

29

Yes brother, you have proposed a fantastic opportunity. But, how would we work it out? asked Gadhu. Sajhu answered, You jump into the bucket filled with water, filled with indigo, when Ulthu Washer man would apply azure to the clothes. This would colour your body blue. Yes, that will be perfect, said Gadhu. According to the plan, he jumped into the bucket when Ulthu Camel was washing the clothes. This coloured his whole body. After that Gadhu put auspicious tilak over his forehead. Then he walked towards the village. Sajhu was already waiting for him there. He already informed the villagers, Today I have seen a dream that some famous saint is going to come in the village today. His body would be totally blue in colour and his forehead would be painted with auspicious tilak. Whoever would rightly serve him shall be happy and prosperous in life. Suddenly everyone noticed a blue saintly creature coming forward wearing tilak on his forehead. Hiru Deer said, Look there friends, the same kind of saintly creature is coming here as Sajhu has just now described.
30 Champak

Then what was left? Everyone walked towards him. Live long Maharaj, everyone said in chorus. Only then someone asked, What is your good name, Maharaj? Peelu Jackal said, Oho! This saint is totally blue in colour. So he must be Neeleshwar Maharaj, Peelu used his brain. The saint smiled as he heard this. He was very happy to hear this name. He said, Alright, child. My name is Neeleshwar Maharaj. I will stay here for 2-4 days and then leave. Why, Maharaj? Give us some time to serve you. Why are you planning to MD. ALI leave so early, Maharaj? questioned Sajhu ingeniously. There is nothing like that, son, said Neeleshwar Maharaj, Your question is good enough. Yes Maharaj. So listen to me, Sajhu dear, said Neeleshwar Maharaj, We have to go to the Himalayas to pray. That is why we would not be able to spend more time here. At this, Sajhu said, But Maharaj, how did you know that my name is Sajhu? asked Sajhu. Child, I even know that his name is Peelu. At this, Sajhu uttered in himself that why he dont
December (First) 2010 31

tell that only because of my plan he is disguised as a saint and uttering so many names. Otherwise not even your ancestors could tell so many secrets. But Sajhu was only concerned about his own profits. Sajhu said, Wow! It looks like you are a famous saint. Otherwise who knows about so many personal things about everybody? Maharaj, what might be your age? asked Peelu Jackal curiously. It must be around 200 years, said Sajhu and continued, Live long Maharaj. Everyone repeated, Live long Maharaj. After that everyone served Maharaj with full devotion. He was given abundant fruit and flowers. Maharaj enjoyed good quality food. But then, Sajhu realised that Gadhu would be enjoying the most at his scheme. He would be deprived of all the fun and benefits. He thought about eating the fruits and vegetables. He said, Now, Maharaj should take some rest and we all should move back to our houses. Everybody went back as soon as Sajhu declared this. After everyone left, Sajhu said, Oh! Neeleshwar Maharaj, should I pour 2-4 buckets of water over you? What do you say, kid? Asked Gadhu. Sajhu replied, Should I beat you Maharaj and make you forget saying Kid everytime? Sajhu said in a style, I have made you a saint. The plan is also mine. But the food is yours? You should have asked me to have it too. Gadhu said, What should I do, friend? I was very hungry and I could not control it. So I sat down to eat,
32 Champak

said Gadhu while offering the leftover food to him and said, You can have it if you want. Gadhu started walking towards the field, Now I should get over my lousiness and he rolled over the dust on the ground. ajhu got shocked to see this. He said, Oh! What are you doing, brother? but Gadhu did not listen to what Sajhu said. He had a habit to roll over the dust and keep on producing weird sounds after eating heavy food. He did as he was habituated. Each animal came there in the field as they heard his weird noise. The blue colour of Neeleshwar faded away after he rolled in the dust. His voice opened all the secrets. Peelu Jackal saw the actual face of Neeleshwar and said, Oh friends, this is our Gadhu Donkey, disguised as Neeleshwar Maharaj. What? said Ulthu as soon as he heard this. He jumped into my bucket, filled with indigo. Oh! So, he is a coloured Donkey, said Gamlu Donkey. At this Heeru Deer said, He is a fraud. He has cheated us and he should be taught a lesson so that he could not repeat such a thing with any one. As soon as Heeru finished, everyone grabbed Gadhu and started hitting him badly. Thayb hit him with ever thing, be it a stick, a wooden log etc. But Sajhu was clever. He ran away from there. After that Sajhu increased his physical appearance and from then onwards he is better known as a mare. It is said that after that incident Gadhu Donkey stopped befooling people. He minds his own business now and lives in his own world.

December (First) 2010

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HIS SUMMER every one was facing tremendous heat in Champakvan. Bright hot sun and warm wind irritated all the animals. Oh! It is again a power cut and it is so hot outside. I think I will melt in this heat, said Bhola Bear while fanning himself using a large papaya leaf. Listen to what he is saying. Every one says that they are burning from this heat, but he says that he is melting, Bundu Monkey said as he tried hard to fan himself using the newspaper. Bundu, Bhola is right. There are layers of fat in his body, like ice cream. Does the ice cream melt or does it burn? asked Montu Cock and Bundu laughed at this. The weather is already bad and both of you are irritating me so much, said Bhola in a miserable voice. What can be done, Bhola? Even we are facing the same problem. But it is something out of our hands. We have to pass this time. Bundu, do something regarding this heat, said Bhola as he fanned himself more hastily. Why dont we go and ask this from Khushiram? He has spent a few days in the city. He might know

The Earths

Sunscreen

some way out to save oneself from this scorching heat, said Montu as he noticed Khushiram coming to their direction. You are right. Let us ask him. By then, Khushiram reached them. by Vivek Chakravarty Khushiram, give us a tip to save oneself from this heat. This time summers have created a problem for everybody and regular power cuts have worsened the situation. I think one should swim in the river during such weather. What are you saying, Khushiram? The water of the river is boiling hot, how can that keep us cool? I do not understand why is it so hot in summers, said sweaty Bundu. All this is happening because of the holes in the ozone layer. It is not the case with our Champakvan only. The whole world is facing such adverse changes in the environment due to this. I will just call Chuchu. He is an expert in filling up holes and pits. He can help us in this, Bundu said

as he got up from his chair. Oho! My dear Bundu, ozone layer is in the sky. Chuchu cannot reach there, replied Khushiram and he stopped Bundu. Sheer lie, there is no such layer with holes in the sky. I have not seen any hole in the sky till date, said Munni Mynah who was sitting over a branch of a tree and listening to them.

unni, ozone layer is situated at a great height in the sky. You cannot reach there, explained Khushiram. Can I reach there? Chilu Eagle interrupted them. No, even you cannot reach there. Khushiram, is there any way to fill these holes and make this earth a secured place to live? asked Montu Cock. Yes, there is. What? everyone screamed loudly. I will tell you in sometime. First, I have to go home and give these carrots, they must be waiting, said Khushiram and showed carrots to everyone, which he was carrying in a bag. Oh! He is gone. What should we do now? asked Bhola. I have understood the solution to this problem, said Bundu. What is the solution? We have to perform ritualistic prayers for that. Prayers? Yes. Look, god protects us. So, this ozone layer must be just another creation of the supreme power.
36 Champak

And if we perform such a ritualistic prayer, god will be happy and then he would listen to our prayers, suggested Bundu. Bundu is right. Munni, you go and call every one from the forest, so that we could do something about it as soon as we can, said Montu and Munni went away to call everyone. Every one gathered there after some time. I will get wood logs for the prayer, said Honey Elephant as he swung his trunk. I will get ghee, said Bundu excitingly. They were discussing this, when suddenly Khushiram came. Oh! Every one has come here, said Khushiram surprisingly.

DINESH

Khushiram, we are going to pray together for our ozone layer, said Bhola. Ritualistic prayer to save ozone layer? Ha ha ha, I have not heard anything like that before, said Khushiram as he laughed out loud. What is there to laugh about? Bundu asked immediately. What should I do then? Smoke is the only cause behind this problem. And you all are planning to produce massive smoke to harm the ozone layer and deteriorate its condition. You will cut trees and burn wood, which will produce smoke. This will produce an adverse effect on the environment. Trees are on earth and ozone is in the sky, then, how would the cutting of trees affect it? Bundu asked curiously. Bundu, plants and trees reduce air pollution and in this way protect ozone layer. This increasing pollution and deforestation is the sole cause behind this problem. Ozone layer used to protect our planet by not allowing the ultra violet rays to reach the surface of the earth. But now, the layer itself is damaged and it cannot soak these rays. Thus, it causes extreme climatic conditions, explained Khushiram. Is there any solution to this problem? Montu asked impatiently. The only solution is that we should plant more and more trees and should reduce air pollution. So, do we have to stop cooking as well? questioned Munni. Munni, we cannot stop our daily chores but we should keep a check on air pollutants.
38 Champak

Khushiram is right. I am going to plant a tree. You also do the same to get relief from such a scorching heat, said Bhola enthusiastically. Yes, we all should plant trees, which will reduce the heat so that we can live comfortably from tomorrow onwards, everyone said in chorus. Friends, I am feeling extremely sorry to tell you that if you plant trees today, it will not affect the heat by tomorrow. This process takes years and years of time. What is the need of putting so many efforts, Bhola said depressingly. Why would we put in so much of hard work when we will not get any benefits from it? questioned Bundu. hola, if we do not plant trees today to control the increasing temperature then it could be possible the coming generations cannot tolerate the temperature in the coming few years. And let me tell you that it is your feeble mindedness to think about working hard and not getting any benefits from it. Just think about those people who planted these trees, which are satisfying our daily needs of wood, fruits etc. If they would have had the same thinking as you, we could not have survived. Khushiram is right. We should not think selfishly. By doing a little effort, we can make this earth a better place for generations to come, said Honey Elephant as he shook his trunk. Everyone agreed and they all went to plant trees.

December (First) 2010

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Scary Dream

HERE WAS a happy family of father, mother, son and daughter living in a village. Unfortunately, the father and mother died in an accident. After the death of their parents, the brother and sister had to lead a difficult life. One day, when they were returning from school, they saw an old man sitting outside their house. He was in a very bad state. He was wounded and bleeding. They sympathized him and took him inside the house and gave him food to eat. He rested there that night and went away next morning. The brother also left the house in search of some job so that he can earn some money to lead their life. He went to the nearby town looking for opportunities and asked his sister to remain carefully in the house while he was away. That night the little girl was alone in the house. She ate her dinner and went to bed. Soon she was fast asleep and started dreaming. She saw a strange dream where she was lost in the forest and was frantically looking for her way home. Suddenly, a bear

stood in front of her and was trying to attack her. She was frightened and started screaming. The bear bounced on her and scratched her with his paws. His teeth and nails were terrifying. The poor girl was trembling in fear. She did not know what to do. She tried to run as fast as she could. She was crying inconsolably. The little girl called out for help and shouted her brother s name. But alas, there was no one to help her. She was wounded by the bear s attack. In her dream, she fell down and was rolling on the ground. The little girl woke from her sleep as she really rolled down from her bed on the floor. She could not realize what was happening. She checked her hands if they were bruised by the bear s attack. She looked around if she were actually in the forest. Slowly she understood that it was a horrible dream. She got up and sat on her bed trying to recollect what she had seen in her dream. How scary was that? She could not believe that it was a dream and was shaking in fear.

uddenly she heard someone knocking at the door. She called out to ask who was standing outside. Her brother answered. He asked her to open the door. The little girl ran and opened the door. She was happy to see her brother back. When the brother asked why she looked scared, she narrated the whole story. Her brother advised her that one should not carry bad thoughts and brood on them. Out thoughts in subconscious mind manifest as dreams that we see while sleeping. The moral of the story is that we should always think well and carry good thoughts and should never brood on bad thoughts. - Kusum Naagar

by Kumud Kumar

Who Stole the Hens?

42 Champak

LACKY OPENED a poultry farm in Champakvan. He reared different breeds of hens in his farm. He used to earn living for his family by selling eggs of these Indian and foreign hens. Blacky was working hard and his business was expanding rapidly. He was getting richer day-by-day. Kalu Jackal was jealous to see this. He always looked forward for occasions to steal hens from Blackys farm. But Blacky was alert enough to keep a check at him. He used to be quite attentive, while working and made sure to make some person sit at the farm during his absence. He used to sleep in the farm at night. He used to lock all the pens himself before sleeping. Kalu Jackal tried several times to steal eggs from the farm. But he could not succeed in his attempts because of good security measures taken by Blacky. His mouth watered every time when he used to see healthy hens, safely sleeping in their pens. Now Kalu thought about some other plan to catch hold these hens. He befriended Blacky in order to
December (First) 2010 43

execute his plan. He used to visit him and talk to him regarding his family and business. This way Kalu tried to win Blackys confidence. Over a period of time, Blacky started believing him blindly. Now Blacky trusted him so much that he sometimes used to ask him to attend the farm during his absence. Kalu had always waited for such opportunities. He used to take out the healthiest hen, after inspecting all the pens. Then, he used to take it to the nearby pond and kill it to enjoy it in solace. Blacky could not notice such things easily as there were hundreds of hens in his big farm and he could not keep a check over each one exclusively. He never used to count his hens, unlike before, as he was not expecting such kind of mishappening in his farm.

alu succeeded even in getting to know about the place where Blacky used to keep the keys of the pens of his farm. Whenever he did not get the chance to have eggs in his lunch, he used to search for keys in the night and eat the eggs then. He used to come to Blackys house quietly and steal the keys kept near his pillow. Then, he used to catch hold any of the innocent, sleeping hens. After doing this, he used to keep the keys back in their place near Blackys pillow. This way, he used to regularly steal hens from the farm. Next morning, he used to come and greet Blacky as if he was his best friend. He used to work all day with him, but his wicked eyes were always on the hens. He always used to search for the healthiest hen, present there, and make it his pray in the night.
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One day, Blacky observed that there are fewer hens in his farm. He had a doubt in his mind. That day, he decided to count his hens. Next day again he counted his hens and found one hen missing. Now Blacky was worried. Neither did he sell any hen nor did any of his hens die that day, then how come one was missing. As soon as Kalu reached there, Blacky said, Kalu, yesterday I counted 802 hens in the farm. But 1 is missing today. I am unable to find any reason behind it. Kalu got alert as he heard this. He sympathised with Blacky and said, Dear Blacky, believe it or not, I can assure you that this is either done by Lapku Doggy or Lampat Wolf. I am sure that either of them is responsible for this. Let us go and register a complaint against this. No Kalu, not now. Only 1 hen is missing. I probably might have made a mistake while counting them. I would certainly go to the police station if this stealing continues.

P.S.MICHRA

Now Kalu stopped stealing hens from the farm for a few days. But he could not stop himself for very long. He was tempted every day while working in the farm. He again got back to his job and steal hens from the farm at night. This time Blacky decided to lodge complaint. Kalu also went to the police station, along with Blacky. Inspector Tiger came to the farm for investigating. How a hen vanishes if no lock is broken and no dead body is found around the farm? This question stirred the mind of the inspector. He strictly investigated Lapku Doggy or Lampat Wolf. But all his efforts went in vain. During the investigation, Kalu stayed with Blacky all the time. That is why, nobody doubted him. Now, inspector Tiger called detective Meeku Rabbit to solve this mystery. Meeku could find that this is done by some professional thief, who is cleverly keeping an eye on each step taken to find him. Now Meeku started his work. He inquired certain things from Kalu as well. Meeku could see that Kalu could answer his questions confidently. Meeku doubted him. Now, Meeku started inspecting the farm and the area around it. He was shocked to find so many feathers near the pond. After investigating properly, he also found so many bones of the hens. Meeku also found the foot prints of a Jackal. As he traced those foot prints, he found that the foot prints were coming from Kalus den to the pond. Meeku took out a paper and a pen to trace these prints. And next day, he called Kalu to his office for
46 Champak

investigation and very cleverly he asked him to walk over the damp mud. After Kalu left, Meeku traced these foot prints in his diary to match with the previous ones. These prints were identical. Meekus work was done. His doubt came true. He gave the report of this case to inspector Tiger. Tiger arrested Kalu. But Blacky could not believe that Kalu could do such a thing to his friend. He was shocked to know that Kalu was behind all these. He went to the police station to release Kalu. But, by the time Kalu had already accepted his crime. Inspector Tiger and Meeku narrated the whole story to Blacky as he reached there. He could not believe his ears and could not digest the fact that Kalu used to steel hence from the farm Now Blacky recalled the time when Kalu became his friend and understood his motives clearly. From now on, Blacky decided to be cautious while making new friends.

Playing with letters

Given below are 5 words. If you interchange the letters in a word, you will get another word. Then try and form a sentence using both the words. For example: ACT changes to CAT Sentence: A film producer wants a cat to act in his film. Change these words and make a sentence. Words: 1. SPOT. 2. PINS. 3. TODS. 4. LIPS. 5. RIFE. Send your answers at CHAMPAK (Playing with letters) DELHI PRESS
E-3, Jhandewala Extn., Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi - 110055.

December (First) 2010

47

Green Spider
In the thick forest of New Guinea, there are a lot of new species discovered. One of them is a green coloured spider which can jump upto 6 inches in a go. It is known as Arthrus popularly.

AMRITA GOSWAMI

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Champak

Who Am I ?

1. I am incomplete without wheat, 3. I am a place of knowledge, My job gets finished when I eat, I spread it everywhere, I give treat to everyone, I am common for all in the But I cant work when world, electricity is gone. Allowing to find the life treasure! 2. I am treated like a rasgulla, But when you put me in mouth, 4. I go and never come back, And start chewing me, You cant see me while going, Red water flows out of your But I am still the bravest mouth. In the whole world.

How Much Do You Know?

(a) 8. (c) 6. (b) 7. (d) 10.

1. How many countries have attended all the CWG till now?

2. What is the position of England in the Commonwealth Games? (a) Third. (b) First. (c) Fourth. (d) Fifth. 3. Which Maharashtrian district has started U.I.D identity proof in India? (a) Pimpri. (b) Tembhali. (c) Goregaon. (d) Sonavati. 4. How many countries in the world teach Hindi language? (a) 105. (b) 55. (c) 80. (d) 93. 5. Who was the first motor woman of the western railways? (a) Priti Kumari. (b) Sumitra Singh. (c) Surekha Yadav. (d) Mumtaz.

Answers
Who Am I? : (1) Wheat Mill. (2) Beetal (3) School. (4) Time.

How Much Do You Know? : (1) c. (2) a. (3) b. (4) d. (5) a. December (First) 2010 49

Help Chunmun to reach the sweets.

Khalil

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Champak

MEEKU WAS RUNNING SHORT OF MONEY. THAT IS WHY HE GATHERED SO MANY CARROTS.

I WILL SELL THEM AND WILL BUY A NICE GIFT FOR CHEEKU WITH THE MONEY IN EXCHANGE.

BUT HE COULD NOT SELL ANYTHING. HE TOOK HIS BASKET, FILLED WITH CARROTS, AND WENT TO CHEEKUS HOUSE.

MEEKU SAW A FOX PEEPING INSIDE CHEEKUS HOUSE.

I HAVE TO GIVE HIM THESE CARROTS ONLY AS I HAVE NOT BOUGHT ANYTHING FOR HIM.

WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE? I AM SURE SHE IS IN SEARCH OF SOME ANIMAL. I WILL MAKE HER RUN AWAY FROM HERE.

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MEEKU HIDE BEHIND THE WALL AND THREW SOME CARROTS OVER THE FOX. OH! WHAT IS THIS? WHO IS HITTING ME? IT COULD BE CHEEKUS FRIEND. I SHOULD RUN FROM HERE.

CHEEKU AND HIS FRIENDS CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE AS THEY HEARD NOISE. OH! WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE? THE FOX HAS RUN AWAY. SHE WAS LOOKING INSIDE FOR SOME ONE. WHY ARE YOU SO LATE, MEEKU?

I WENT TO SELL THESE CARROTS FOR YOUR GIFT. THEN, I DECIDED TO GIVE THESE CARROTS TO YOU AS A PRESENT. CARROTS? WHERE IS IT? I LOVE THEM.

I THREW THEM OVER THE FOX. MEEKU BROTHER, YOU HAVE GIVEN ME THE BEST PRESENT EVER. YOU HAVE SAVED OUR LIVES. LET US GO INSIDE, I HAVE TO CUT THE CAKE AS WELL.

December (First) 2010

53

The Great

Wall, Indeed!

IZZU PIGEON was coughing felt suffocated as he sat over the Great Wall of China. He heard the Wall speaking, There is flowing the mountainous spectacles.

by Sanni

Go and drink its water and then move ahead, otherwise you will be tired soon. No, I will not. I have come here to meet you. Actually, I am feeling thirsty and I need to drink water. Thank you. Pizzu came back after he drank water. It seems that you have come from Delhi? asked the wall. Yes How do you know? I can see the name of the press, Delhi Press, written on the magazine lying in your bag. You have got it right. I carry my favourite magazine Champak of Delhi press everywhere I go. Delhi is the capital of India as Beijing is of China. Isnt it only 80kms away from here? But you have come here to meet me, right? I will answer all your questions. Do you know how long I am?

I have heard that you are around 3 times the length of Britain that is around 8850 km. Correct. You have heard it right. You must also have heard that I can even be seen from the moon? Yes, I have read it somewhere. You have read it wrong. A writer by the name Richard Halliburton wrote a book in 1938. He wrote that I am visible even from moon. But it was written without practically experiencing this fact. You can of course see me from the basement of the earth. Even ships, farms, and the whole city can be viewed from there. That is right. But we cannot see these things, when reach a few kilometres high from the ground level, said the Wall.

SUSHIL

When, why and who told you this? Around 2220 years back, a Chinese, named Smart Huangshi planned to construct me in order to get saved from the nomads. That time three walls were already here, built at some distance from each other. He joined them first. Then? Then around 221 A.D people started working over this wall and it took 11 years to complete it. But it was not the same as it looks today.

he successors expanded this wall. Most of the part was during Ming Dynasty, in between 1440 and 1460. Then only the building process came to an end. I am 7.6 metres high and 6 metres wide. How did they do so much of work? Pizzu looked at the long Wall. In AD 221, Huangshi forced people to work on the wall. It is also said that so many workers lost their lives while suffering from the extreme weather here. Skeletal bones were seen scattered everywhere. How much time does a person take to view you completely? If you travel in a vehicle, you can see me in half a dayor perhaps lesser than that. Yes, I have taken a long break. I will return to Delhi once I view you completely, said Pizzu and took a flight. Only then he noticed a monk. He was bald. Pizzu sat on his head and said, Oh! I can see the wall from this moon. Then, why was it saying that it is not visible from the moon.
December (First) 2010 57

There are some mistakes in picture 2. Find out how many mistakes are there. Send your answers through SMS. First type the keyword DPBWB. Then leave one space and then type the total number of mistakes. For example, DPBWB 7, as shown in the photo of mobile. Then send the SMS on 57007. You may send as many SMS as you like. Any 5 correct respondents will be asked to send their complete address. They will be given a gift of Rs. 100 each. You can also send your answers by Post Card. Your answers should reach us by 20 December, 2010.

DPBWB 7

Find out the mistakes: Win prize-88

58

Champak

ITTU JACKAL lived in America. He was a scientist by profession. Apart from inventing things, he used to travel to different countries and enjoyed the unique food of that place. He never missed any cuisines in foreign lands. Sittu Jackal had heard a lot about India and about the Indian food. Since long time, he planned to visit this country, but never had the opportunity to travel afar.

The Chefs Secret Formula

by Rajiv Saksena

Peelu Singh, the king of Chandanvan was his good friend. One day he got a mail from Sittu Jackal, I am coming to your country and I will surely come to see your Chandanvan. The day arrived and Sittu landed at the Chandanvan airport. Peelu Singh himself had come there to receive him. On their way home, Sittu admired the greenery and enjoyed the pleasant weather at Chandanvan. He said, Wow! Chandanvan is, in fact, very beautiful. It is far more attractive than what I expected. I think I would have a great time here. Maharaja Peelu Singh had arranged for a warm welcome followed by a special feast with exclusive

P.S.MICHRA

varieties of apples, bananas, grapes and pineapple for Sittu Jackal. He had also ordered for pizza, burger, patties, pastries and cakes as well. But Sittu did not turn towards any of those food items. Peelu Singh was worried and asked, What happened, Sittu? I have ordered these just for you. Dont you like them? ctually I eat noodles, fruits, biscuits, pizza, etc in America everyday. It is really boring now. I have heard a lot about the spicy Indian food. Can I get them here? Yes sure, why not? Blacky Bear is a famous chef of our Chandanvan. He is too good in making spicy snacks. I will ask him to make some for you at once. Peelu Singh ordered some fresh snacks for Sittu Jackal. Sittu could not control himself when he saw those tempting snacks in front of him. He ate and relished so many of those crispy fresh snacks and later said holding his stomach, Peelu, I swear, the snack is yummy and tempting. I liked them a lot. Peelu Singh was happy to hear this. Sittu continued, But how does your chef Blacky inflate these snack balls? Come and see for yourself how he makes these balloon-filled snacks. We call them kachori, said Peelu Singh and smiled. Peelu Singh and Sittu Jackal went to the royal kitchen. Blacky was frying hot and crispy kachoris in a pan. The balls became big and balloon-like as soon as Blacky put them in hot oil. Sittu Jackal observed Blacky for a long time but could not understand his trick in making such yummy snack balls. He was amazed.

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Sittu thought, I should do a complete research on the formula behind these big fried balls. Then, he quickly took out his camera and clicked Blackys photographs while frying those drooling kachoris. Soon, Sittus trip to India came to an end. He went back to America. He took some kachoris to show his people there. He arranged a team of cooks to find out the secret behind the yummy formula, but could not succeed. It remained a mystery for Sittu. But he started a shop to sell kachoris and soon became popular in America. Sittu Jackal became a big businessman and became fat in joy. When someone asks about his big belly, Sittu was irritated a lot. How do kachoris swell with so much air inside? Actually, the dough prepared for kachoris has high water content. And when they are fried in hot oil, the upper crust of the snack becomes crispy. Water inside the balls vapourises and thereby they swell and become round big balls.

Do you have something to say?

Children are invited to contribute their own views, poems, jokes (not published so far), amusing anecdotes and cartoons. Give full name and address separately for each column. Kindly send them to: The Editor, Champak, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi-110055, stating that it is your own original, unaided, unpublished work.
62 Champak

True Friendship
by Indrajit Kaushik

O L D Y P E A C O C K spread his long tail feathers and started dancing when it became cloudy. But Goldy was stunned when he saw some wild dogs near him. Goldy got scared as he wild dogs barked at him and he started running

fast. The dogs chased him but before the dogs could catch him, he flew away. He sat behind thick bushes to hide away from the dogs. But soon he realized that the place was strange for him. Where have I come? Every thing seems so different here. It looks as if I have come to a new forest, thought Goldy Peacock as he looked all around in awe. Goldy started venturing in the new place. Everyone there seemed new to him. He did not know any one there. Goldy Peacock got shocked to see himself among strangers. I have to make a friend here, so that I can have somebody to eat, live and play with.

oldy Peacock forgot about the option to return to Sundervan because he knew that the wild dogs of Sundervan would not let him live peacefully there. Good morning, Brother. Would you like to be my friend? asked Goldy Peacock to almost everybody whom he encountered on the way. But everyone rejected his offer and moved ahead. The sun was about to set and he was feeling very hungry. Who are you, my friend? Where have you come from? asked Blacky Crow. Goldy was glad to hear someone inquiring. Did you call me friend? I am Goldy Peacock; I have come here from Sundervan. Would you be my friend? Yes, we are friends from today. Come with me, Blacky said to Goldy and he arranged food and shelter for Goldy.
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Goldy was very happy to find a friend in the new forest. They wandered together, ate together and lived together. They shared everything they found. But their friendship was not appreciated by some clever animals in the forest. Couldnt you find anyone other than this black Crow in the whole forest to make your friend? Look at yourself, you are so pretty and Blacky is so ugly. Both of you are so different to be partners, said the naughty group. You can get as many beautiful friends as you want. Leave this Blacky Crow. Do not forget that true friendship remains only among those of the same kind, prompted Baddy Jackal.

Baddy is right. I am as beautiful as you. From today, I will replace Blacky in your life, said Fudku Deer while admiring himself in front of the mirror. The efforts of the naughty animals succeeded. Goldy left Blacky and joined their group. Goldy insulted Blacky in front of others. Blacky felt sad on Goldys changed behaviour. He tried to make Goldy understand and leave the company of such selfish animals, but Goldy was not ready to listen to him. Well done. Now you look perfect together, said Baddy Jackal when he saw Fudku and Goldy together. Goldy Peacock was feeling proud. Oh! Look. There is a peacock. How beautiful it is! Let us go and take out the feathers of this peacock. We can earn a lot of money by selling them, said a boy to another. Goldy Peacock was caught by the boys while he was talking to Fudku. Save me, save me! Goldy shouted for help. Fudku, poke these guys with your pointed horns and chase them away. No. I will not be able to do that. How funny would I look if my horns get broken? You take care of yourself. Let me move from here before anybody comes here to catch me too. Fudku Deer denied to help Goldy and left him in trouble. There, Goldy could not escape from the clutches of the boys. One of the boys came near Goldy to cut his
68 Champak

feathers. Fortunately, Blacky Crow noticed Goldy Peacock struggling to free himself. Blacky could not tolerate this. He even thought about the time when he was badly insulted by Goldy. But then, he decided to save the life of his dear friend. Come brothers. Come with me. We have to save Goldy from those boys, said Blacky Crow to all his companions who were sitting on a tree branch. They soon flew together to save Goldy Peacock. Blacky and his companions hit the two boys with their pointed beaks. They started bleeding and so they finally ran away from there. Goldy Peacock was saved but Goldy felt ashamed and could not face Blacky. It was Blacky who had come to help him at the time of danger. orgive me, friend. I have made a mistake. I treated you badly. I was provoked and influenced by selfish animals. I am feeling guilty and ashamed for my mistakes, said Goldy Peacock as his eyes watered. Forget it, Goldy. Past is past. Do not keep any guilt in your heart. I have forgiven you already. I have done my duty, said Blacky and turned to go away when suddenly Goldy Peacock stopped him. I have realised my mistake. Now I cannot let a true friend go away, said Goldy Peacock to Blacky. Blacky was moved by Goldys words and tears. Again the true friends were together. Their friendship set an example to everyone in the whole forest.

December (First) 2010

69

GIFU AND THE TURTLE

HAI! HAI!...

BY VENU VARIATH

LONG AGO, THERE LIVED IN CHINA, A FARMER NAMED GIFU. ONE DAY, HE WAS RETURNING HOME FROM THE FIELD. THEN EH! WHAT ARE THESE PEOPLE DOING HERE? HA! HA!

GIFU WENT TOWARDS THEM. WHAT A PITY! KILL HIM! HA! HA!... WHAT A THRILL!

A GROUP OF PEOPLE WERE TRYING TO KILL A TURTLE, BEATING WITH STICKS. POOR LITTLE TURTLE! I MUST HELP HIM! HEY, DEAR FRIENDS, PLEASE DONT KILL THAT TURTLE WHAT WRONG DID THAT POOR LITTLE THING DO? EH!

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HM! GET AWAY! OR, YOU WILL GET A GOOD BEATING.

DONT WORRY! NOW, NOBODY WILL DISTURB YOU.

HE TOOK THE TURTLE HOME AND PUT IT IN A TUB OF WATER.

TIME WENT ON. ONE DAY, CHIN CHUM, GIFUS SON HAD A LOOK AT THE TURTLE. DEAR LITTLE BOY, WILL YOU PLEASE DROP ME INTO THE SEA. I GOT FED UP WITH EH! THIS SMALL TUB.

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POOR LITTLE TURTLE! LET ME GIVE HIM FREEDOM AND HAPPINESS.

THUS, WITHOUT INFORMING FATHER, CHIN CHUM TOOK AWAY THE TURTLE AND PUT HIM IN A NEARBY RIVER. THANK YOU, DEAR FRIEND.

WHEN CHIN CHUM RETURNED HOME HM! YOU THREW AWAY THAT TURTLE IN TO THE RIVER, DID YOU? THAT WAS A LUCKY TURTLE! SORRY, DAD. BUT, WHY SHOULD WE DISTURB THAT POOR LITTLE TURTLE?

YEARS PASSED. THE NEIGHBORING KING ATTACKED GIFUS KINGDOM. UM! RUN! HELP! HELP!

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DAD, THEY ARE JUST BEHIND US. THEY WILL KILL US! EH!

WITHIN A SHORT WHILE, THEY REACHED THE BANK OF THE RIVER.

HOW CAN WE REACH THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER? SUDDENLY, A BIG TURTLE APPEARED THERE. YOU ALL GET ON MY BACK, PLEASE! I SHALL TAKE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER. GIFU AND FAMILY SAT ON THE BACK OF THE TURTLE. YEARS AGO, YOU SAVED MY LIFE.

EH!

THE TURTLE SOON TOOK THEM TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER. THUS, GIFU AND FAMILY ESCAPED FROM THE ATTACKING SOLDIERS. WELL SEE AGAIN!

WELL NEVER FORGET YOUR HELP.

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Marsh Harrier

Marsh Harrier is a flying carnivore. These birds flap their wings for a white and later fly steadily with the gainet momentum. These hunter birds fly afar in search of prey. They migrate to Europe during february and March every year and return to their homes in Asia and Africa during winters. Marsh Harriers live on snakes, frogs and other small crawling creatures.

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Rules and Purpose of the Game

With the help of Champak Chekers, try and be the best player of the commonwealth Games. Start the game when you get 4 on your dice. Before starting the game, each player has to select a colour of his choice. Apart from the other medals, the winner has to have 3 gold medals. Restart the game if you are standing on the Red block. You cannot count the medals earned before when you restart the game. Pleaes Note:

Yellow : Gold Medal. White : Silver Medal. Brown : Bronze Medal.

The player, who reaches the end point enthusiastically with at least 3 gold medals, shall be the winner.

AALI, HURRY up! We would get late to reach Billus house, Lallu fox called his wife, Laali. Wait, I am coming. Why are you shouting so much? Let me get ready for the party, said Laali while she entered the room. Why are you getting angry, dear? I called you to ask that what should we gift Billu on his birthday? Why are you asking such a question? We can give him anything from our house. Our only job is to clean it and wrap it with glossy wrapping paper, said Laali and smiled. I appreciate your idea of gifting everyone all the old and waste stuff of our house. By doing this,

A Gifted Umbrella
by Vivek Chakravarty

we save our money on buying expensive gifts for others and also help utilise the unused things in our house. This way we can get rid of the clutter in our house. I must appreciate your efforts too. You do the tough job of selecting an item for gift and then you clean it, polish it and wrap it so well that one cannot believe that it was an old unused thing in our house. Oh! Laali, enough of flatters. Suggest what should we gift Billu? Should we give him this old lighter? This is not working properly. I was thinking of throwing it away. This is a good idea. I will just clean it and make it look like a new one. Then I will wrap it, said Lallu and started cleaning the gas lighter.

fter some time the lighter was shining and then Lallu wrapped it into a clean wrapping paper. Then they went to the party and gave the gas lighter as a present to Billu on his birthday. After the party, Billu sat down to open all the gifts he received. Only then, the lights went off. Eh! Why did the lights go off now? Everything is scattered around the house. Now I have to search for the match box to light the candle. Oh! I can light up the gas with the gas lighter which has been gifted by Lallu. Then, I will light up a candle with the gas, Billu uttered and switched on the torch to search the gas lighter. As he got the lighter, he went to the kitchen and pressed the lighter. The spark of the lighter was so jerky and warm that Billu got shocked and his hands burnt. He screamed as he was hurt by the lighter. His neighbour, Bhola Bear rushed to see what happened.
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December (First) 2010

He said, What happened, Billu? Why did you shout? Is everything alright? Bhola, my hand got burnt with this lighter. I tried to light up the gas with it. Where did you get this lighter from? asked Bhola while pouring chilled water on Billus hands. Lallu and Laali gifted this for my birthday. I knew it. Henceforth, do not use anything gifted by them, otherwise you will land up in trouble. Trouble? Billu, you are new to this forest and that is why you do not know that Lallu and Laali give such useless presents to everyone. Last year they gave me a rainbow coloured umbrella. One day, it was raining and I took it with me. It was not looking new at all and there were dusty patches over it. As soon as I went out with the umbrella, those sandy patches were washed away. Do you know what happened then? What happened? asked Billu curiously. The umbrella was leaking from all corners as there were holes in it. Moreover, the bright colours faded just in a single wash. I do not understand why they gift such things to everyone. It will be better if they do not give anything at all. We generally do not say anything to them, as they might get hurt. But they do not know that everyone is

aware of their ridiculous behaviour. After hearing what Bhola said, Billu decided to teach a lesson to Lallu and Laali and waited for the right time. After a few days, it was Laalis birthday. Lallu invited all his friends for her birthday party. Everyone in the forest went for the party with gifts. After a couple of days, Laali and Lallu planned to go out. But it was raining. Laali, it is raining outside. We will go tomorrow. So what? We can use the umbrella that Billu has gifted me on my birthday, replied Laali and brought the umbrella.

hey went out together in the rain. They could only go a few feet before the umbrella started leaking and so they rushed back home. Billu has given us a useless umbrella. Water is seeping inside it. I will complain about it to Billu, said angry Laali as she entered her room and switched on the lights. You will do that later. But what is wrong with you now? What have you made of yourself? You look like a crow. Why have you painted yourself black? shouted Lallu as he saw her standing in front of him. Oh! You say I look like a crow? You look as if you have dipped your body in a drum of charcoal. Do I also look the same? Laali, I am not joking. You have actually turned black. Look at the mirror. Laali looked at the mirror and screamed. How did this happen? I am wondering too, said Lallu in a contemplating tone. The gifted umbrella. Both of us were under the same umbrella, which was leaking. I think the umbrella bleeded in rain. It was black, said Laali. They walked to the door to inspect the wet umbrella.
December (First) 2010 81

Laali, you were right. The colour of this umbrella has been washed away. Tomorrow, I will go and ask Billu about this umbrella. Even our clothes are spoiled because of his gift, said Lallu frustratingly. Hey! Come here. There is small note attached to the umbrella. It says, A gift for dear Lallu and Laali. This is the same umbrella which you gifted Bhola on his last birthday. We decided to send this special umbrella as a return gift. This is what you both have been doing for a long time. I hope you will remember this gift forever. Your friend, Billu. Both, Lallu and Laali were ashamed of their deeds. They learnt a lesson and understood that their useless gifts might have created problems for their friends. From then on, Lallu and Laali never gifted such useless things to others.

SHARP EYE
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