Mazhavillu-June

Rohan Rajesh Volume 1 June 2019 Issue 2

Volume 1 FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Issue 2 June 2019 I'm really proud and excited to acclaim that Magazine Co-Ordinator : we are ready with the second edition of Viji John \"Mazhavillu\". We are flushed with success after Editorial Board : the acceptance of first edition. This gives us Divya Manoj more responsibility towards future editions. Viji John Sujith Parassini This magazine is indeed a pious attempt to Technical Support : make our budding talents give shape to their Vinayan Patuvam creativity and learn the art of writing. So to our Rakhi Biju kids... Use this opportunity to the fullest. Cover page Design: Rohan Rajesh The herculean task of editing and designing of this magazine would not have been possible without the sincere support of the members of editorial board. Concluding my words with a quote of Aristotle . \" Pleasure in a job puts perfection in the work \". And to the Kids... Think more ...read more ...write more...Let your creativity flow... More to come... Divya Manoj Write your feedback to [email protected]

FROM THE DESK OF CHIEF COORDINATOR The stage is set on fire.. Kudos to all my dedicated coordinators and members of Gurukulam. The second edition of “Mazhavillu” is here with our budding talents’ writing displays. The new Gurukulam team is completing its half year with second edition of “Mazhavillu” release, let me congratulate my highly motivated team members, specially the chief editor Divya Manoj for bringing out this magazine. Salute to my team. There is something for everyone here. During the last quarter we could conduct a Public speaking workshop which I am sure benefited every attendee. 30 plus participation and the quality of speeches they presented is worth to mention. Coming to a stage and speaking in front of a big crowd need an audacity and our kids displayed it in style. Hats-off to all participants for displaying that ships are not built to be anchored at the harbor but to steer through the fierce waves. The cultural talents display of our kids on Vishu-Easter eve was a feather on our cap. Way to go.. Let’s wait for more. As parents, let’s encourage our kids to read more, write more and speak more.. And my dear Children, Trust yourself and keep taking challenges. That’s the only message I have for you. Lets all learn and experience success. Viji John Gurukulam Chief Coordinator

Table 0f Contents Roots of Greed -Ganga Raghu                               6 Status of women in -Aiswarya Ramesh                       7 modern India Fifi the feather -Devapriya Vinayan                    10 Book Review-Wings of -Abhijay Sajeev                            12 Fire Soldier -Udit Narayan                              14 My family -Rigved Jagadeesh                      15 Georgia- A mini -Alida Maria                                  16 Switzerland Cross word -Prabin P Thomas                        19 My Pet Fish -Rithika Rajesh                             20 ഈ ർ-വിഷു സംഗമം 2019 21  കാമറ ിലൂെട

ക  ലാവിസമ് യ ള െട                                                   ദൃശ - ശാവ വിരു ായി -Gopika Rathnakaran      24   ഈ ർ-വിഷു സംഗമം -Malavika Manoj               27 The Sweet Hands  -Nivedh Suresh                 27 Just For Fun  -Sagar Suresh                   28 The Mysterious trip -Uma Sajin                          30 Magic Square An Unusual program of Tapas - Public speaking workshop and speech  competition -Jahnavi Jagadeesh           32 Movie Review-AVENGERS    End game -Nikhil Mahendran            34 Its fun time -Abhinav Manoj                  35    സാ സൗഹൃദം -Revathi Raveendran         36 Gurukulam's little Artists                                              38 Look at the brighter side of life -Rohan  Rajesh                   42   -Sudev Santhosh               43 Some Interesting Wild Facts

ROOTS OF GREED   When the sun rained riches in the land of simpleton They found it ever natural than their babies smeared in mud   When the sun rained a banquet in the land of the simpleton They found it ever satisfying than their homely meal of rice   When the sun rained gold in the land of the simpleton They found it ever beautiful than their smiling spouses back home   When the sun rained false relations in the land of the simpleton They embraced it like none than their durable family bonds   Who should stop? The sun or that growing thirst for greed Anyone would do? but make it fast before its too late to woo! 6 Ganga  Raghu Grade 11

Illustration :Akarsh UnnikrishnanSTATUS OF WOMEN IN THE MODERN INDIA India is a country where women are worshipped as goddesses and plays an integral role in building the society. We can find women in all fields of life and yet face a lot of atrocities and hardships. As per the latest reports, there are 933 females for every 1000 males in our country. Male dominance is everywhere. To a large extent, lives of women in our country are decided and controlled by the men in their lives. In the past women were considered to be care takers of the home. They had to look after the smooth running of the family, look after aged in-laws, nurture the children etc. They were always kept out of decision making matters as the primary role of women was not that of ruling the family. 7

They were expected to always obey orders of the husband, the elders of the family but kept in isolation when it came to major decisions related to the family. It was believed that women need not to be educated much. They would be married off one day to their in-laws place and hence would not need too much of knowledge and it was also believed that if women are educated much, they can go against their in-laws. Women were also forced to face many social evils like ‘Sati’, child marriage, etc.Women have completely transformed in the modern day. Today we can see a slow and steady rise of women in all fields of importance. The status of woman especially has changed from being a mere homemaker to the modern day multitasking woman, handling responsibilities without fear. They handle their duties and chores at home, manage a career outside their homes, nurture their children and balance their family life with their professional life. The modern day woman is independent, takes right decisions boldly, fights for her rights and walks a path of success. Women are not just restricted to cooking and taking care of their households, they have stepped out of their comfort zones to create their own images in the outside world as well. The society has now changed its stand and the way it looks at women, due to the progress achieved by women in all fields of life. Men of today are more understanding towards the women in their lives, yet we hear many cases of harassments and atrocities against women. 8

Though women have achieved success in various fields of life, the evil face of humanism do exist even in modern days. In a world full of hypocrites we get to hear plenty of cases of rapes, mental and physical harassments, dowry deaths, cases of domestic violence, etc. Crimes against women are definitely on the rise. Many women fear to go out of their houses after sunset and fear their own safety. Women are also prone to plenty of incidents of chain snatching, molestation, eve teasing, verbal abuse etc. Such incidents morally bring down the courage of women and forces them to depend on male members of the family. Even after facing all these, women play many roles in their lives, that of a daughter, sister, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, friend, colleague, professional and the list is never ending. With more of roles, comes more of responsibilities and women have to handle everything in a very dignified manner. The modern day woman is aware of the society around her and believes in her strengths, handles her weaknesses with grace, identifies the goodness in things and is socially responsible towards her duties. Women take up many roles and handle them with grace. 9 Aiswarya Ramesh

FIFI - The Dreaming Feather Devapriya Vinayan Grade 5 Hi, I am Fifi the feather. I am just a small feather that no one cares about. Only the birds and the pillows have actually heard me talk. I have been squished, thrown, fallen and many other stuff that sounds terrible but I am almost immortal. I can live forever and I do feel pain but not too much. So one day when I was inside a pillow and someone was sleeping on me, I, myself had a dream. It all started when I fell of a bird. WEEEEEE!!! I fell to the ground. Suddenly I was picked by a group of ants. They carried me like I was their queen or something. They carried me and I was enjoying my time. I was dancing, screaming and all sorts of weird stuff and they didn’t even care. We went through a forest and to my surprise they threw me through a waterfall. I was soaked I wanted to go back and beat up those ants but I knew that I would be more wet. I was so angry until I saw a fantasy world. There were unicorns, phoenixes, griffins, angels, fairies and many more. It was a dream come true even though it all was dream. I ran towards the shining rock when I was eaten by a unicorn. AAAAAAH!! I was fell into a stomach were I was flying on top of shiny cookies and rainbow water. It wasn’t the best thing to be in a unicorns belly but this was awesome. I was relaxing when this bumbling dumb unicorn started dancing. 10

I went to the left and the right, front then back, up and down. The unicorn went crazy. I was spinning and bumping on either sides of the unicorn. I t was a mess. Event the cookies and water were crazy. In fact the cookies could talk. It said “ Hi, did you just get swallowed by the unicorn. “ YUP” I said with a gulp. It said “ Well, lets have a party.” I did not want to party in someone’s belly. That when I remembered I have a spell. It tickles anything I say it to. It was perfect. In a loud and clear voice I said ‘OXILLURMAS”. I ACCIDENTLY said it to the cookie instead and it started going crazy . “ HA…HA…  M.. MAKE IT STOP. IT.. IT IS SO FUN..NY!! “ I did not know any spell to reverse it. I had to figure out something before the cookie attacks me. so i said “FRITACOMPRA” but it did not work. Then I said “SRICTOMUS” but that too was a fail. then the cookie said “Try AB..LAIT..IE”. So I screamed “EBLAITE” but it did not work . ” NOT EBL..AITE YOU DUM..BO!!! ABLA..ITIE.” screamed the cookie. i repeated it in my mind and said “ ABLAITIE” The cookie stopped laughing. It said “ THAAAAANKS”. Then i suddenly heard a phoenix saying “ Where is that feather that came here??” That was me. I was terrified. I aimed at the unicorn and said “OXILLURMAS”. it was so hard as the unicorn was dancing but it worked. The unicorn stopped dancing for a moment and ACHOOOOO!!! I was flying out of the unicorn’s mouth and got stuck in a tree but I eventually came sliding down. Then a griffin said ‘ THERE IT IS!!” OH NOO!! I rushed out of the waterfall. A fairy started to chase me but for some reason hit a wall and fell when she tried to fly out of the waterfall. it did not even use its wand!! Feeling cold and wet, I flew back into an apartment and rested. OH!! That was tiring. and just like that my dream was over. Hope you enjoyed it. It was awesome and i really want it to come true. i love fantasy creatures. i also want to see an alien but for now I'm done so byeeeeeee.������ ( until i bump into another unicorn or alien).. 11

BOOK REVIEW WINGS OF FIRE An Autobiography APJ Abdul Kalam with Arun Tiwari Wings of Fire is an autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, written by Arun Tiwari who worked with him for a long time. It is really an inspiring book and is suitable for all age groups. This book takes us through a journey into the life of APJ Abdul Kalam. He was born in a middle-class family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. He used to go to a local school and on some days went to distribute newspapers early morning. Even though a Muslim, APJ Abdul Kalam’s father’s best friend was the high priest of the Rameswaram temple. 12

They shared spiritual thoughts every evening. This part shows religious harmony and attracted me a lot. In spite of being from a poor background, APJ Abdul Kalam did not give up his dreams and did his higher studies with his family’s support and encouragement. After graduating from Madras Institute of Technology, he joined Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organization and later joined ISRO. He researched lot and did many inventions. He never gave up in any failure, while building the SLV – 3 Missile the first one crashed into the sea but he motivated the whole team to do it again and they succeeded and thus is rightly called ‘The Missile Man of India’. I recommend that everyone should read this book it will be a good reading experience and tells us how true ambitions and hard work can take one to his heights. I conclude my review with one of his inspirational quotes “Dream, Dream, Dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action’’. Abhijay Sajeev grade 6 13

Soldier Salute to the man who,                        Sacrifices his family for our sake. Salute to the man who,                    Lives on the border to keep us safe. Salute to the man who,                        Is so determined for his Nation. Salute to the man who,                       Performs all times his duty. A Big Salute to our Brave Soldiers Udit Narayan Grade 8 RiddlIIe'maptpheearfirtwsticoen earth, the second in heaven. me in a week, though you can see once in a year. Who am I? 14

Rigved Jagadeesh MY FAMILY Grade 8 This is my family that never leaves me behind that can trust me blindly and then we bind Is it the love?  Or is it the blood?  Whatever it is  We hold no grudge They are my kindred so i never forget their love towards me which is hard for others to get It is not love the whole time because there is some hatred but we are not seperated and never baited This is my family so we share the same blood they take care of me even if it is a bug 15

GEORGIA- A MINI SWITZERLAND Alida Maria Grade 5 Travel is about knowing the unknown...We break free from the routine life...We discard all our worries and fall in love with the moments of life ...We even trust strangers and make new friends.. Let me share the best Travel memory of my life and I'm sure you will enjoy it. Friends , have you ever been to  SWITZERLAND, the  land of Alps, green lakes and snow capped mountains.. If not don’t worry, I have a suggestion for you to get the feel of Switzeland with less money...Yes, I am talking about the Mini Switzerland, Georgia, a country not very far from our UAE. It was another day of the boring summer vacation and that’s when my dad said that we are travelling to another country. ANOTHER COUNTRY? I was so startled to hear this and I started jumping up and down. I went behind my Dad asking him where are we going? No answer.. He kept it as a surprise. 16

I was so curious I could not even sleep. Finally the day came when we  packed up for  going to this “ country” . On the way to Airport he said we are going to Mini Europe…and when I reached the airport  I saw the board ‘ Boarding to Georgia’  !!! I was wondering what kind of  place is this as I had never heard of this country. But as I had entered Georgia I was astonished by its beauty, it took me a while to snap out of this shock. WOW! I said to myself as I walked into the car. It was truly an amazing sight. I was accompanied with my parents and many other families as we had booked through a tour group  known as AFC HOLIDAYS. Straight from Airport we were taken up to a hotel on top of Gadauri mountain and  I saw the beautiful nature, hills and fresh water melted from an ice mountain, a scene still fresh in my mind  whenever I think of my Georgia trip. Now the surprise.. Do you like pets, specially dogs? Let me tell you, Georgia is a place of beautiful dogs. Wherever I went in Georgia, I could see my favourite animal the cute, furry  DOGS. Yes, these are a kind of stray dogs, but with care of authorities .None of them   harms us and much more beautiful than the ones we see in our  normal houses.Even though this country is small, we could see crowd everywhere, mostly  tourists from Middle East...The local people  over there are so kind and compassionate to all including animals.  Georgia is a safe country full of crops, vegetables and fruits. I remember we plucked lots fruits from the road side grape farms and how yummy they were. We also sneaked in to a grape farm plucked bags of dark grapes with which we made wine at home. I also took many photos with the dogs. My parents were telling not to be clumsy and fall of those sloppy hills. 17

When we talk about Georgia we cannot leave the wine  and wineries, where you can get the best  wine in the world. They serve the  wine in funny shaped containers, which my dad bought few and brought home.  The food in Georgia was delicious and the way  they served it was spectacular. This destination remains my favorite ever. Next memory of Georgia is the trekking we made in a place near Russia border. We reached this steep place in which we had toclimb a  rocky and slippery hill in order to see a water fall. I never expected us to go trekking! Me and my dad started climbing and my dad thought I would give up but I being really hyper and excited I was running and jumping my way up the hill. It was really adventurous.  I had fallen and got a few scratches but I did not give up and surely it was worth it.  I was filled with joy when I saw the waterfall on top of that mountain. I was mesmerized by the beauty of this country and I am sure it is worth to visit this place.   Next day we were transferred to another hotel in the capital of Georgia called TIBLISI. There are many attractions in Tblisi including the Cathedrals, monasteries and fruit farms.  This was the place where my dad lost his favorite sun glasses. I also got to go in a zipline and it was very amazing.  I was really sad when we were returning. Hope you got an idea of this journey to Georgia and would like you to visit it too.!   “Travel a lot.. Wherever you go, go with your heart” 18

CROSS WORD Find atleast 10 sports names...You can find more... Prabin P Thomas Grade 8 A pangram, or holoalphabetic What did the sentence, is a sentence that left eye say to contains every letter of the the right eye? alphabet at least once. Between you The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog. and me, Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs. something Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. smells 19

My Pet Fish I have a pet fish,                Its name is Lish. I give him food, And he wiggles his tails! He is always grumpy, Almost like he is rude Making me smile is something he never fails. I don’t have any other pets, But that’s ok! I just cant take my eyes from Lish. Rithika Rajesh.,Grade 6 AN ORANGE IS ONLY AN ORANGE IF IT IS ORANGE IF IT IS NOT ORANGE THE ORANGE IS NOT AN ORANGE ______________________________________________ BILLY IS A BOY. BILLY HAS A BALL. THE BALL IS BLUE AND SAYS PIKA BOO ______________________________________________ PETE LIKES PEAS SO PETE PUT THE PEAS IN A PEA POT 20 BUT THE PEA POT WAS SMALL FOR THE PEAS THAT PETE PUT IN THE PEA POT SO PETE BOUGHT A PINK PEA POT AND PUT THE PEAS IN THE PINK PEA POT BUT NOW WHERE IS THE PINK PEA POT AND THE PEAS THAT PETE PUT IN THE PINK PEA POT? Devapriya Vinayan,Grade 5



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കലാവിസമ് യ ള െട ദൃശ - ശാവ വിരു ായി ഈ ർ -വിഷു  ആേഘാഷം 2019 ഏ പിൽ 26- ഞ ൾ ഒരുപാടു കാ ിരു ദിവസമായിരു ു അ ്. അ ാണ് തപസ് വിഷു-ഈ ർ ആേഘാഷം അജ്മാൻ ഹാബി ാ ് സ്കൂളിൽ െവ ് നട ത്. കു ികളായാലും വലിയവരായാലും കഴി ഒരു മാസേ ാളമായി നട ിയിരു ത ാെറടു കള ം പരിശീലന ള ം എ ാവരുെടയും മു ിൽ ഒരു കലാവിരു ായി എ ിയ ദിവസം.“സാെര ജഹാം െസ അ ാ” എ വിഷയെ ആസ്പദമാ ിയാണ് ഇ പാവശ ം തപസ് പരിപാടി നട ിയത്. ഇത് തെ യാണ് തപ ിൻെറ എടു ു പറേയ പേത കത.െവറുെത ഒരു പാേ ാ ഡാൻേസാ അവതരി ി ാെത, എ ാ പരിപാടികള ം ഒരു മാലയിെല മു ് േപാെല ഭംഗിയായി േകാർ ിണ ിയാണ് തപസ് എ ും അവതരി ി ു ത്. േലാക ിെല ഏ വും വലിയ ജനാധിപത രാജ മായ, അതുേപാെല ഏ വും കൂടുതൽ ൈവവിധ ൾ നിറ രാജ മായ ന ുെട ഭാരത ിെ നാനാത ിൽ ഏകത ം എ സ ൽ ം അ രാർ ിൽ ഒരു കലാവിരു ിെ രൂപ ിൽ േവദിയിൽ അവതരി ി േ ാൾ ഒരു ഇ ാരി എ നിലയിൽ എനി ഭിമാനം േതാ ി. 24

വിഷു ണിേയാട് കൂടി തുട ിയ പരിപാടി, വടേ അ ു കാശമ് ീർ മുതൽ െതേ അ ു േകരളം വെരയു ഏകേദശം പേ ാളം സം ാന ള െട തനതായ േവഷവിധാന േളാെട, അവിടുെ പര രാഗതമായ നൃ ൾ മേനാഹരമായി അവതരി ി ാണ് മുേ റിയത.് െകാ കു ികള െട സാെര ജഹാം െസ അ ായിൽ തുട ി കാശ്മീരി, പ ാബി, ഗുജറാ ി, ഹി ി, ബംഗാളി, മറാ ി, േഗാവൻ, തമിഴ,് മലയാളം ഭാഷകളിെല പാ ിനനുസരി വിവിധ പായ ാർ ചുവട് വ ത് ഒ ിെനാ ് െമ െ തായിരു ു. അവസാനമായി ഭാരത ിൻെറ അഖണഠ് തയും ഒെ ാരുമയും വിളിേ ാതിയ പരിപാടി രാജി അ ിളിെ അഭിന ൻ വർധമാെ േവഷ കർ േയാടു കൂടി പൂർണതയിൽ എ ി. ശരി ും േദശാഭിമാനം െകാ ് ക ് നിറ ുേപായി. സംഗീത ിന് എ ും ഒരുപാടു പാധാന ം നൽകിവരു തപസ്, ഇ പാവശ വും പതിവ് െത ി ി . അവതരി ി ഗാന ൾ ഓേരാ ും ഒ ിെനാ ു െമ െ തായിരു ു. േക ിരു വർ ് ഒരു സംഗീത വിരു ് നല്കു തിൽ അവർ വിജയി . തപസ് എ െകാ സംഘടനയിൽ കൂടി കലാജീവിതം ആരംഭി ് ഫള് േവഴസ് ് ചാനലിെല േകാമഡി സൂ ർ ൈന ിൽ വെര എ ി നിൽ ു മനുരാജ് അ ിളിെ േകാെമഡി പരിപാടി തപ ിൽ ഒരു പുതിയ രീതിയിലു അവതരണമായിരു ു. അ ിളിെ സേ് പാട് ഡ ിങ് എ ാവെരയും ഒരുപാടു ആകർഷി . െകാ കു ികളട ം എ ാവരും ന ായി ആസ ദി . 25

പി ീട് അവതരി ി \"േകാഴിയും കൗപീനവും\" എ നാടകം, നാടകെ പ ി അധികെമാ ും അറിയാ ഞ ൾ ് േപാലും ന ായി ആസ ദി ാൻ പ ി. വിനയൻ അ ിൾ ശരി ും ആ കഥാപാ തമായി ജീവി ുകയായിരു ു എ ് േതാ ിേ ായി. അ ിളിെ മുഖ ് മി ി മറ ഭാവമാ ൾ ക േ ാൾ ശരി ും ഒരുപാടു ആരാധന േതാ ിേ ായി. അ െ വറീതിെ വരവ് തിക ം അ പതീ ിതമായിരു ു. അ ൻ നാടക ിൽ ഉെ ു അറി ിരുെ ിലും എ ാണ് കഥാപാ തം എ ് അറി ിരു ി . ആ രൂപമാ ം ക ് ശരി ും െഞ ിേ ായി.രാേജഷ് അ ിള ം കൂ കാരും േ ജിൽ ഡാൻസ് കളി തകർ േ ാൾ ഞ ള ം ഒ ം തെ ആസ ദി ് ഡാൻസ് െചയ്തു. അ ിളിൻെറ പുലിമുരുകൻ കല ി. ശീജി ് അ ിളിെന അ ൻ അടി ു ത് ക േ ാൾ ആദ ം േപടി േപായി. പിെ യാണ് അത് ആ പരിപാടിയുെട ഭാഗമാെണ ു മന ിലായത്. എ േ യും േപാെല തെ ഒരുപാടു ന ന ഓർമകള ം അനുഭവ ള ം നൽകിയാണ് ഇ വണെ വിഷു-ഈ ർ ഉ വം െകാടിയിറ ിയത.് എെ കുെറ ന കൂ കാർ ഈ വർഷം നാ ിൽ േപാകു ു .് അവെര അടു പരിപാടി ് ശരി ും മിസ് െച ം. എ ാലും അടു \"കാവിെല പാ മൽസര ിനു\" േവ ി കാ ിരി ു ു. Gopika Rathnakaran grade 12 കടംകഥ അക ു നി ് േനാ ി ാണും, കാണു െത ാം ഉ ിലാ ും ... 26

The Sweet Hands Her Steering hands guide me. Her loving hands care me. her cheerful hands make me happy. Her teaching hands teaches me. Her special hands make me feel  special. These are but,  My mothers hands Malavika Manoj Grade 8 Just For Fun Where do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honey combs! Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon ? Because she will let it go! Where do fish keep their money? In the river bank! What do you call a sleeping bull ? A bulldozer! Why did the picture go to jail? Because it was framed! What have hands but can’t clap? A clock! Why did the teacher put on sunglasses? Because her students were so bright What falls in winter but never gets hurt? Snow! What is tornado’s favorite game to play? Twister! How do we know that the ocean is friendly? It waves! Nivedh Suresh 27 Grade 9

THE MYSTERIOUS TRIP Sagar Suresh Grade 11 Once upon a time; While playing outside my house with my friends my attention stumbled upon a deserted house. It is heard to be known as a haunted house and people avoid visiting it even in broad daylight. However, the thrill of adventure inspired me and my friends to explore the mystery of the haunted house. After a few seconds, few lights started to blink on us from the site of the house and we got scared. But then i thought… if this small thing scares me then i can never reach my ambition to become a defense personnel as i dreamt, since we have to risk our life to protect my mother land and its people. So then, I motivated my friends saying that there is nothing to get scared of it and we have to find the source of the light.  Then we moved forward bravely. Even though we were a bit scared and hesitant, we had to push our self forward to run to the house direction, as there was a furious dog came chasing us. 28

So forcefully with mere chance we have reached that haunted home. But to our surprise when we looked around the house, there are many photos of a family members hanged on the walls and we were just curious to look at those portraits!!! While staying around that scary area, suddenly a man jumped on to me with a knife, but then i pushed him away and succeeded in conquering him. Tried to recover from the shock and we all started questioning him about the scene created by him. In few minutes we could understand that he was scared of us, the strangers…hence tried attacking us. We told him that we did not want to harm him and had entered home due to curiosity. Slowly we started talking to him. Actually we were scared from outside in entering the compound because the house looked dirty and scary from outside but then to our surprise the house was neat and tidy from inside. this was because the old man used to clean the interior of the house and never could come out and clean the exterior because he was scared of the outside world and common people outside. After cooling down for a while, by seeing us, the young children, he started sharing his sorrowful past. Long ago the man’s son left him and ran away from him. Since then no one visited his house nor did he visit any one’s .He attacked us due to his mental condition as a result of his lost son and his memories. But then finally he became our friend as we show our respect and care towards him. He also took care of us like his grandchildren and when we went in the evening and told this incident to our parents, they didn’t believe because everyone called that house as haunted house. 29

Later occasions when we used to go in the evening to play we made it a practice to visit him. We used to take food for him from my friend’s uncle’s restaurant and our houses whenever we visited him. We even used to play with him in his clean garden now, which he started preparing for us after our first visit. It was due to our soft approach to him, i trust. At last we understood that people have these mental problems only because of their family issues and due to their families’ status.                    We should never leave our parents in old age homes without supporting them or even alone in our own house. Try to support and care your parent’s till their last breath and be good to people around you. It will make changes in you as well as many in such situation…………………… All feels happy and safe when cared and loved by people around… Magic Square Its a square divided into smaller squares each containing a number, such that the figures in each vertical, horizontal, and diagonal row add up to the same value. Complete these Magic Squares Uma Sajin 30 Grade 4

Team Gurukulam conducted a Public speaking workshop and a speech contest for Gurukulam Kids on May 3rd 2019. Gurukulam chief coordinator Viji John organized the program. Renowned speaker and trainer Mr. Biju Nair conducted a workshop about public speaking. 19 kids participated in the senior group speech contest and in junior group 12 kids participated. winners in Senior category :- Nandana vinod (1st) , Malavika Manoj(2nd) and Sreedev Krishna (3rd) winners in Juniour category:- Alida Maria(1st) Abhijay Sajeev (2nd) and Abhinav Manoj(3rd) 31

An Unusual program of Tapas – Public speaking workshop and speech competition I have been part of Tapas and Gurukulam activities from the time the organization and the Group was formed. I used to attend most of the programmes  of Gurukulam whether it was dance, songs, other cultural programmes or sports. This time I heard about a new programme of Gurukulam, public speaking workshop.   Public speaking??..I too wanted to attend.. But somehow ended up sitting in the audience watching my younger brother speaking on the stage. But that doesn’t prevent me from sharing my experience of this special day. 3rd May, 2019.. Programme started with a warm welcome by  Gurukulam chief coordinator Viji John  along with his full team members around him supporting for setting up the stage. Let me tell you, it was an amazing experience.  First, a 45 minutes workshop by a veteran speaker and a trainer Mr. Biju Nair. What an apt subject he covered just before the competition. How to speak on the stage, what to speak, the gestures, language, presentation and I am sure those 45 minutes were a learning for all those children participated in speech contest after that session. The way he explained everything did make our heads turn. Then followed the contest, children up to grade 6 in junior category   and grade 7 and above in senior category. Juniors presented a prepared speech of their own choice and the seniors came up with different thoughts on the topic given by organisers  ‘Blessing of Life Comes In Small Packages’. 32  

Amazing topic indeed! Every speaker mentioned one thing in common “ Family” . Who cannot mention that? Family is something we are all grateful for. Though not many mentioned I would add friends also along with family among the greatest  blessings of life. In my opinion, everyone participated in the competition  did their best.. When I saw everyone on that platform their hearts out by telling what they felt, I felt like being up their too. But I wasn’t, because I hadn’t prepared. One thing I learned , even if you got stuck up in between your speech, it doesn’t matter, because everyone forgets your mistakes and every one appreciate your guts in participating. It is our  thinking that people would be talking about some mistakes we made, what we could not speak  etc.. To me,  you went up there unlike me.  I was  surprised to see the performance of the junior kids . They had really good language and wonderful ideas to share.. Every participant came up with memorable topics and they presented it in style too.   Lastly, I would like to thank and appreciate Mr. Viji John for conductingsuch a wonderful session useful for all the attendees specially thecompetition participants  and would be waiting for many suchactivities in future. -Jahnavi Jagadeesan Grade 10 കടംകഥ കുടിൽ െതാ െകാ ാരം വെര എെ കാണാം...ഞാൻ കൂടിയാലും കുഴ ം…. കുറ ാലും കുഴ ം... 33

MOVIE REVIEW Nikhil Mahendran Grade 11 This is the most anticipated movie of all time in the history of Hollywood. It is a movie about memories, nostalgia and tons of fan- service moments. This movie is a resume of the fight between The Avengers and Thanos(Villain), who killed half of the world’s population just by a snap. This movie also has a first part that is “Avengers: Infinity War” where Thanos collects all the six infinity stones and sticks it to his gauntlet and snaps, and Thanos escaped. This snap was so powerful that it wiped out half of the world’s population. In this movie The Avengers are trying to bring back the other half of the population and defeat Thanos. 34

This is such an amazing movie with some comedy included in it. This movie also boasts an impressive budget of 356 million USD and a world wide gross of $2,531,378,374. It has so many set-pieces and computer-generated effects to be observed. While “Avengers: Endgame” is three hour long, the narrative is entertaining enough to overcome the more stale sequences. The movie never feels dull and it keeps you in the edge of your seat. It is the best Marvel film, so emotional, so much heartthrob, and definitely worth the three hours. Now, thanks to 21 movies in 11 years end one massive satisfying three hour finale. This is said to be the last Avengers film. This movie is with  lots of suspense and emotions. Its Fun time I am friends with all 25 letters of the alphabet but I don’t know why! What do you call a fish with no eyes? A FSH! Which tree is full of science?  Chemis-tree! Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because it was not peeling well! Is a mountain funny? No it’s hill-arious! Why did the cat catch a cold? Because it ate too much mice-cream! Where did the cow go on holiday? To the moo-tel Do you want to hear a joke about food? Never mind I don’t want to taco-bout it! Abhinav Manoj,Grade 6 35

സാ സൗഹൃദം ഞാനും അ നും അ യും എൻെറ സേഹാദരൻ സാഗറും കഴി വർഷം ദുബായ് േ ാബൽ വിേ ജിൽ േപായിരു ു. അേ ദിവസം അവിെട എെ യും കൂ കാരുെടയും നൃ കലാപരിപാടി ഉ ായിരു ു. അെത ാം കഴി ുഞ ൾ മട ും വഴി പധാന കവാട ിനടുെ ിയേ ാൾ എൻെറ ക ു ിലൂെട ഒരു പരിചിത മുഖം കട ു േപാകു ത് ശ യിൽ െപ . അത് ആരാെണ ു വ മാകാ തു െകാ ് ഞാൻ ഓടി അടു ് േപായി. അക്സയേ അത്!! ഞാൻ അ ുദെ .. അവൾ എ െന ഇവിെട എ ി. എനി ് മാറിേപായതാെണാ?!! ഞാൻ ആക്സ എ ് വിളി േ ാ അവൾ തിരി ു േനാ ി… അവൾ എെ ഒരു അപരിചിതെയ േപാെലയാണ് േനാ ിയത്...ഞാനും ആക്സയും അംഗനവാടിയിൽ ഒരുമി കളി പഠി ന കൂ കാരായിരു ു. 8 വർഷ ിന് േശഷം ഇേ ാഴാണ് ഞ ൾ വീ ും ക ുമു ിയത് … അവൾ െവേ ഷന് ദുബായ് കാണാൻ വ തായിരു ു. എെ മുഖെ േമക്അ ം പിെ എെ നൃ േവഷവും അവൾ ു തിരി റിയാൻ പ ാ വിധമായിരു ു. ഞാൻ എെ പരിചയെ ടു ു േതാെടാ ം ക ിലു ടവൽ ഉപേയാഗി ് മുഖെ േമ ് ഒെ തുട മാ ി. ഏെറ ൈവകാെത അവിെട സേ ാഷ ിെ യും െപാ ിചിരിയുെടയും മാല ട മായിരു ു... 36

അടു ു ആള കൾ ഒെ ഞ െള ശ ി ു ു ായിരു ു.... കുെറ കാല ിനു േശഷം ഉ ക ുമു ലിൽ ഞ ൾ ഞ െള തെ മറ ു േപായി എ ് പറയു താവും സത ം. ഞ ൾ ു ഇ തയും കാലേ വിേശഷ ള ം കഥകള ം ഒരുപാട് ഉ ായിരു ു പ ുെവ ാൻ... \"മതി ഇനി ബാ ി പിെ പറയാം\" എ ് അ ൻ പറ േ ാഴാണ് എനി ് േബാധം വ ത്. ശരിയാണേ ാ...രാ തി സമയം 12 മണിേയാടടു ു ു… അവേളാട് യാ ത പറ ു കാറിൽ കയറിയേ ാഴും എെ മന ് പഴയ സൗഹൃദ ിെ ഓർമകളിേല ് ഊളിയി ിറ ുകയായിരു ു… പ ് ഞ ൾ ഒരുമി കളി േ ാൾ വീണു അവള െട കാലിൽ മുറിവു ായത് ഇേ ാഴും ഒരു െനാ രമായി മന ിൽ നിൽ ു ു… അ ് മിഠായി ് േവ ി വഴ ു ാ ിയെതാെ ഓർമി ുേ ാൾ ചിരി വരു ു… ആ സാ സൗഹൃദ ിെ ന ഓർമകള മായി അ െ േ ാബൽ വിേ ജ് സ ർശനം മറ ാനാവാ തായി... 37 Revathi Raveendran,Garge 8

Gurukulam's S Ayan Biju,Kg 1 Parvana Nikesh, Grade 1 Mihira Manoj KG2 Mihira Manoj, Kg 2 Savishna Vinayan, Grade 2 38

Alan Stalin ,Grade 6 Sheetal Surendran,Grade 6 Vyshnavi Vinayan,Grade 8 Yadharth Smith, Grade 4 Laveena Mathew,Grade 7 Yadhukrishna Biju,Grade 5 39

Jahnavi Jagadeesh,Grade 10 Joan Sojan,Grade 3 Rigved Jagadeesh,Grade 8Joel Sojan,grade 6 Gayathri Raghunath, Grade 8 40

Akarsh Unnikrishnan,Grade 12 41 Revathi Raveendran,Grade 8 Harigovind Anil, Grade 7

Rohan Rajesh Grade 11 “LOOK AT THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE” This world is a beautiful place, But we all split because of our race.   Birds soaring through the sky, And we rather stay in and wry.   Parrots chirping in different tones, But we are all glued to our phones.   We went from “having fun” to “making fun”, And all these problems from which we run.   Gone are the days when we used to share a laugh, Now our paths just seem pale and rough.   So.., learn to enjoy where you reside, And maybe go for a stroll at the sea side.   In Burj Khalifa, there are 163 floors located above the ground and has only one floor that is located below the ground. It has 58 functional elevators that run at a high speed of 10 meters per second. If you thought that was it, well, hear this! Burj Khalifa has 2957 parking spaces, 304 hotels and 900 apartments! 42

Some interesting wild facts Sudhev Santhosh Grade 9 Snow Leopards can leap The Gabon Viper is up to 56 feet long that the longest fanged is almost the length of a medium sized snake swimming pool The mimic octopus is The Hippopotamus called the master of has the widest disguise because it mouth than any mimic over 13 sea other land creatures including a creature. It can sea snake , a starfish , open its mouth up a jellyfish , a lionfish, a to 3 feet wide. stingray , a crab etc. The aldabra tortoise is the longest living creature in the world, it can live approximately 300 years. The Australian pelican The axolotl has the longest beak than can detach any other bird. and regrow its limbs. 43

The killer whale is the The honey badger is the best team working fiercest animal in the world. creature in the world Cockroaches can survive radiation up to 160 times more than a human being Answers CROSS WORD MAGIC SQUARE കടംകഥ കാമറ ഉ് Riddle Letter \"E\" 44

Small changes can make a big difference!

If your world looks gloomy and you are feeling grin and glum, Make a rainbow for yourself, Don't wait for one to come, Don't sit watching at the window for the clouds to part There'll soon be a rainbow if you start one in your heart... And the journey continues....