Champak 1

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Editor, Publisher & Printer : Paresh Nath

SEPTEMBER (FIRST) 2008 NO. 742 STORIES DON-09 4 LONGE GIRAFFE AND FATSO... 10 MISER MEEKU 19 MAGICAL PEN DRIVE23 SECRET OF THE RED

GHOST 28 HOBBY CLASS 46 SECRET OF SUCCESS 52 WHEN CHUCHU BECAME GOOD 57 AJAY’S PLAN 59 THE TRAP OF JUMPY 67 LESSON FOR MANTU 72 THE FIGHT 78 PICTURE STORIES SALUTING 16

RAM LAL’S HELP 36

CHEEKU 38 YOUR PAGE CHAMPAK CHEKERS-152 41 IT IS FUNTIME 64 WHO AM I? 77

“W

William replied, “Yes, and I also know that his name is ‘Don-09’ and he can do everything.”

“But it is amazing that since Don-09 has come to this town, incidents of bank robberies are on the increase.” Expressing doubt John said, “Is it Don-09….?”

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. John opened the door and saw Neha standing at

by Awdhesh Kumar Jha

Don

Don

-09

it. She was Mehra Uncle's daughter. All the 3 studied together.

“What are you doing? I hope you are not reading detective stories,” Neha said smilingly.

John and William kept quiet for some time. Suddenly, John's eyes fell on Neha's neck. She wore a diamond necklace.

“What a beautiful diamond necklace you are wearing,” said John.

“Yes, father gifted me on my birthday,” she said and taking Math book she went away.

As Neha left, William turned the pages of the old newspaper.

His eyes suddenly brightened up, “John, look, a 5 crore necklace stolen from Sunday Bank locker. This is last month’s news.”

“Was Neha wearing the same necklace?” John whispered. Both exchanged gestures through their eyes.

That night John and William hid behind Mehra Uncle's house. A car zoomed by. The windows of the car being tinted, John and William could not get to see anything inside. They followed the car on their bike.

The car stopped in front of 'Nero Bank.' John parked his bike at a little distance.

The car door opened and 'Don-09' stepped out. The guards standing on the bank gate were surprised as the stature of Don's body was growing very fast.

Suddenly, Don's right hand went up and laser beams were emitted.

The guard fell instantly and the Don proceeded inside.

“Now what do we do?” John asked.

“Wait for him to come out,” William whispered. In the morning police surrounded Dr Mehra's house.

“What is this?” Dr Mehra was surprised seeing the police.

“Mr Mehra, you are arrested for the crime of bank robberies,” Inspector said.

“But what evidence do you have against me?” Mehra asked.

“Evidence is your Don,” William stepped forward and said, “which has a micro camera on his chest.”

“Micro camera, on Don's chest?” Mehra's forehead had sweat drops on it.

T

“But what is this?”

“Yes Mehra Uncle, we have done all this. Yesterday when Neha came to take the book, we got suspicious seeing the necklace in her neck,” John said.

“Later after seeing in the newspaper, we were sure that the necklace was the same that was stolen from Sunday Bank.

“Then we made a plan. Yesterday, we went to your house to see Don-09 and we quietly stuck a micro camera in Don's chest.”

“Now the camera has in it all that happened yesterday in Nero Bank,” William explained.

The inspector took out the micro camera and saw the recording fully which made it clear to him.

Dr Mehra accepted his crime.

Inpector congratulated John and William, “You both have helped to get the Don arrested who was difficult and impossible to be caught.”

L

Long

Long

e Gir

e Gir

af

af

f

f

e and

e and

One day, both were sitting on the banks of the Sone river when Shantu Monkey, sitting on the nearby blackberry tree, saw them and called his friends.

He said, “Look at this animal. How long is his neck! It looks like a tall pillar. And look at his friend, how fat he is. His nose, oh my god, so long. Looks like a long pipe.”

Longe and Fatso were annoyed at hearing the monkey talk about them and said, “Why are you upset? Aren't you very small too. The whole day you keep wandering everywhere. You have no work and you talk nonsense.”

Shantu was least moved and jumping from one tree to another, went away. Both Longe and Fatso felt bad and thought, 'Were they actually so ugly that nobody wanted to be their friends? Maybe that is why most of the animals avoided talking to them.'

F

It was Tina Cat's birthday party that day. Her mother had invited everyone at her new house situated on top of the banyan tree.

In the evening, Nikky Vixen came out decked up for the party. Seeing Longe and Fatso outside, she said, “Did Tina not invite you on her birthday party? How beautifully the tree and the house is decorated with colourful lights!”

“A special cook has been called from Lucknow. It is a great party. Well, I am getting late. I hope I don't miss the party, talking to you both,“ arranging her

sari and her pearl necklace, Nikky said.

Longe and Fatso were again disappointed. Fatso said, “Friend, though Tina has invited us for the party, I am scared of other animals making fun of us like Shantu Monkey. So we will not go there.”

Longe agreed.

Suddenly, Longe Giraffe saw smoke coming out from some distance. “Oh, that is Tina's house.” He heard noises, “Fire, fire, run, run.”

“Is Tina's house on fire?” Longe lifted his long neck to see. Tina was shouting, “Help, help,” but no one was coming to her help.

Longe told Fatso about it immediately. Fatso quickly went to the river and filling his trunk with water came and threw it on Tina's house. The fire doused after water was thrown a few times. Tina was happy.

Longe brought down Tina from her treetop house on his neck. Tina was very tired and highly upset. She was given water to drink.

you,” Tina said, after recovering a little. If you were net here, I would have died today. God knows how the electricity wires had a short circuit and the fire spread on the entire tree. You 2 have saved me like true friends.”

“I know everyone in the jungle makes fun of you but nature has bestowed you with this shape surely with a reason. Every part of the body has its importance.

“See your long neck and long nose was so useful today. If you had not lifted your long neck, how would have you known that my house was on fire. If Fatso had not carried water in his long trunk and doused the fire, it would have spread in the entire jungle.”

All the animals apologised to them and felt sorry for their behaviour. They promised that they would not make fun of anyone in future. All made friends

with Longe and Fatso. z

Things I like

Crawling on my toe. I like a dancing peacock, Dance, dance, dance. I like little spider, Spinning its web. I like a lovely lotus, Floating on the water. I like a little butterfly,

Collecting nectar from flowers. I like a bicycle,

DPBQB 7

There are some mistakes in picture 2. Find out how many mistakes are there. Send your answers through SMS. First type the

keyword DPBQB. Then leave one space and then type the total number of mistakes. For example, DPBQB 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.

Your answers should reach us by 20 September, 2008.

Find out the mistakes : W

SALUTING

THE ACT OF SALUTING IS PROBABLY AS OLD AS MANKIND ITSELF. IT SIGNIFIES THE RECOGNITION OF THE SUPERIORITY OF ANOTHER PERSON. TODAY MOST SALUTING TAKES PLACE IN THE MILITARY. IN THE INDIAN ARMY, SOLDIERS SALUTE WITH THE PALM OF THE HAND FACING OUTWARDS. WHILE IN THE U.S.

ARMY THE PALM OF THE HAND FACES DOWNWARDS .

DOWN SALUTE : THIS IS ALSO THE WAY IN WHICH SAILORS OF MOST NAVIES SALUTE (INCLUDING THE INDIAN NAVY). THIS IS BECAUSE IT WAS BELIEVED THAT SAILORS OFTEN HAD GREASY HANDS AND THE DIRT AND GREASE WAS CONCEALED BY THE PALMS- IN THE ARMY OF POLAND, SOLDIERS

EXCHANGE A 2-FINGER SALUTE.

BOY SCOUTS ALSO EXCHANGE THE 2-FINGER SALUTE. IN THE USA CIVILIANS SALUTE THE FLAG OR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY PLACING THEIR HANDS OR THEIR HATS OVER THE HEART

HAL HITLER!

AVE' CAESAR!

THERE ARE MANY OTHER WAYS OF SALUTING. SOLDIERS SALUTE IMPORTANT OFFICERS, AND DIGNITARIES BY PRESENTING ARMS. THEY MAY ALSO SALUTE FALLEN COMRADES BY FIRING

SEVERAL ROUNDS IN THE AIR...

A SOLDIER FROM THE INDIAN ARMY’S RAJPUTANA RIFLES.

IN ADOLF HITLER'S GERMANY (1933-45), SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS ALIKE EXCHANGED THE SALUTE OF THE NAZI PARTY BY RAISING THEIR RIGHT HAND. THIS MANNER OF SALUTING WAS PROBABLY INSPIRED

BY THE ROMAN SALUTE WHICH WAS ALMOST IDENTICAL IN APPEARANCE.

...OR BY REVERSING THEIR WEAPONS IN SILENT HOMAGE.

TANKS SALUTE BY DIPPING THEIR TURRET GUNS AND WARSHIPS DO SO BY FIRING THEIR BIG GUNS.

ESPECIALLY TO THE MAHARAJAS, MANY OF

WHOM HAD BEEN ASSIGNED GUN SALUTES

OF PARTICULAR NUMBERS BY THE BRITISH

AUTHORITIES. THE VICEROY HAD THE SUPREME ACCOLADE OF A 31-GUN SALUTE. AND FINALLY, IT IS NOT JUST HUMANS WHO SALUTE. ANIMALS CAN ALSO BE TAUGHT TO SALUTE. FOR EXAMPLE, ELEPHANTS CAN BE TRAINED TO SALUTE BY RAISING THEIR TRUNKS.

GUN SALUTES ARE FIRED ON LAND TOO. THEY HAD SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE DURING THE BRITISH RULE IN INDIA.

M

On his birthday, Cheeku Rabbit invited all

by Apeksha Majumdar

Miser

Miser

Meeku

his friends that included Meeku. Meeku was confused. He wanted to go but thought about it the next moment. He was hesitant because he knew that other friends were carrying gifts for Cheeku.

Finally he took a big gift for his friend.

Seeing Meeku with such a big gift, all friends were shocked.

Banti Monkey could not resist. He asked Meeku, “Have you got such a big gift?”

Meeku proudly said, “Yes, after all, it is my friend's birthday.”

Cheeku felt elated at hearing this because till today Meeku had not given gift of even a rupee to anyone.

Cheeku then asked Meeku to unwrap the gift and show him. But Meeku stopped him and said, “What is the hurry? The party has just started. You can see it later.”

A

When Cheeku saw the gift that Meeku gave, he was highly disappointed as the box was full of stones.

The next day when Cheeku's friends asked him about the gift, Cheeku showed them the box filled with stones.

Initially, everyone laughed but after some time, silence prevailed on everyones face.

Chinki Deer said, “Meeku should not have done this. Cheeku is his best friend.”

Banti Monkey suddenly spoke, “We must all plan to do something which improves his miseries.”

Hariya Parrot had an idea in mind, “I have a plan. If you all cooperate, we can teach him a lesson.”

“Yes, we are all with you,” all animals shouted together.

All were happy to listen to Hariya Parrot's plan.

After a few days, there was Diwali celebration. All friends were distributing sweets to one another and exchanging Diwali wishes.

Meeku too distributed packet of sweets to all friends and wished them happy Diwali. His friends too in return gave him gifts.

Meeku was very happy to receive them. At night before retiring to bed he looked at the gifts. The first packet had stones, the second one too. To his

surprise all the packets had stones in them.

Disgusted at the reciprocation Meeku started crying. In Cheeku's gift, he had some hope but that too had just stones.

Seeing such a response, Meeku understood that his friends had done this to teach him a lesson.

T

Everyone was happy at the thought that Meeku had at last improved.

Banti Monkey said, “At this good news, Meeku will give us all a party in a five star hotel.”

“Not at all. I have promised to shun miserhood but I will not approve of spending thriftily,” Meeku said.

All the animals were quiet.

“I will throw a party for all of you at my place,” Meeku said.

All the friends jumped with joy again. z

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.

A

Every year Aman won the competition and so Vir was jealous of him.

Magical

Magical

Pen Drive

Pen Drive

Vir decided, “I will win the competition this time surely.”

This time the competition had no specific subject as such. Children were supposed to take 4 photographs of their choice download them in their pen drive and handover to school. On a particular day, the judges would see the photographs on the computer screens and decide the winner.

A week's time was left to deposit photographs and children were busy capturing the best of photographs in their pen drive.

Vir too had clicked many photographs but he wanted to, somehow, see the ones clicked by Aman.

was sure that, by now, Aman must have downloaded his photographs in the pen drive.

Thinking something, he proceeded towards Aman's house. Aman was very happy to see Vir come to his place. He took him in his room and inquired what brought him there.

“Aman, have you taken the photographs for the competition?” Vir asked.

“Yes, they are already in the pen drive. Have you clicked the photos?” Aman asked.

“Yes, I have. But I don't have a pen drive. Can you lend me your pen drive for some time? I want to show it to my father so that he can get the same kind,” Vir acted clever.

“Yes, sure you can take my pen drive and return it by evening,” Aman replied and gave Vir his pen drive.

V

“Vir, you cannot see the photographs in my pen drive. It is a magical pen drive.” Vir turned around and to his surprise Aman was standing behind at the door.

“What! Magical Pen Drive!”

Aman replied, “Yes, my pen drive is magical. It has a lock. This is the latest in the market and I have bought it 3 days back. It works according to the movement of my fingers and reads my finger-prints. So without my approval, nobody can see my photographs.”

“Then how will the judges see your photo-graphs,” Vir asked.

“These photographs to be given in school have been saved in other pen drive which does not have a lock. For additional security I have saved the photographs in this pen drive too.”

“You know Vir, I had purposely given you this pen drive. I knew you had a pen drive of yours. I also understood why you wanted my pen drive,” Aman explained. When Aman said smilingly, Vir felt ashamed of himself.

“Sorry Aman,” Vir apologised and Aman smiled.

“Don't feel sorry. Come, I will show you my photographs. Photography is an art. It cannot be imitated. You can perfect it by practice.” Aman said. And the next moment, Vir was seeing the photographs clicked by Aman on the screen. z

Strange facts

Interestingly enough, there are some frogs which shrink as they, grow! They are called paradoxic frogs, and are seen in the marshy lands of South America.

’ ’ ’

The polar bears have a keen sense of smell. They are very clever in finding out a prey, may be a dead animal, about 20 miles away.

’ ’ ’

A type of wasp known as the Tarantula Hawk wasp can paralyse spiders by injecting a special secretion. Later, the spider will die, and the wasp will lay eggs on the dead body of the spider. When the eggs hatch, little spiders will come out. These little spiders will feed themselves on the dead body of the spider.

B

He was treading nervously, sometimes looking left and right.

His eyes suddenly fell on a banyan tree. A red piece of cloth was swaying away frantically with the thrust of the breeze, creating a strange fluttering sound.

Feeling the scary atmosphere around him, Bablu started trembling. He said to Raju, “There is a red ghost on the tree. We must change track. Ojhaji of the village was telling that red ghost is very dangerous.”

Bablu pulled Raju to the other track. But Raju was very brave.

He insisted, “I will walk on this track only and will also want to have a confrontation with the red ghost.”

Bablu's heart was giving way. He asked, “What do you mean?”

Raju said, “ It has been a long time since we have climbed the banyan tree. This way I will climb the tree and also meet the red ghost.”

He knew that it was necessary to behave like this in order to remove fear from Bablu's mind.

A

Raju turned the ghost left and right to see it closely. It had a map on it. On the right side was a picture of a school. A disoriented line flowed left downwards, leading to a danger sign.

Raju thought like a detective. He could soon sense that there was someone in danger who had drawn the map and left it to the winds. It had probably flown to the banyan tree and got stuck there.

He said to Bablu, “We have found the place of the red ghost. We must go there urgently.”

Bablu once again swore by Ojhaji and insisted to go back home. But Raju did not listen.

He said, “Don't be scared. I am with you. Have faith on me.”

Despite his fear and displeasure Bablu had to go with Raju to the ghost’s place.

They came to the only school of the village. Then with the help of the map, they proceeded further. The track of the village finished and from here the forest started.

It was so dark that one hand could not see the other. Halting at a place they thought of arranging for some light.

Suddenly, the moon emerged. Getting their view a little clearer with the moonlight, they walked ahead.

T

When Ojhaji moved on, both the friends came out and went into the forest. They soon reached the danger point. The moonlight had spread equally all around. Their eyes glanced all around.

They saw a ruined building there. There was no one nearby. The building had many doors and all were closed.

Raju and Bablu went behind the ruins. They saw some footmarks that ended at the wall of the ruins.

Raju and Bablu came to the wall. Raju boxed the wall. Surprisingly, he did not get hurt as the wall

was made of cardboard. From far, the wall appeared like a one made up of bricks.

When Raju and Bablu repeatedly kicked the wall hard, it opened inside a hall. They saw a small coal stove lit up. A vessel with some powder was lying next to it.

Raju picked up a pinch of powder and sprinkled it on the fire. Consequently, smoke came out gushing.

When it settled, Raju decided to take a round of the ruined building. There were many rooms in a row, all closed. Some left-over eatables were strewn outside one room.

By this time, Bablu's fright had vanished. He said to Raju, “There is surely someone in the room.”

There was a ventilation. Bablu peeped inside. He saw a child tied up with ropes.

Bablu and Raju tried opening the door by pushing it by their shoulder. The chain broke and

the door opened.

They quickly acted and freed the child. The child seemed to be hungry for days.

He told them, “Two ojhas who were wearing red clothes stay here. They propagate that ghosts live here. They are pressurising me to behave in a ghostly manner so that they can scare people of the village. Because I refused to obey them, they have captured me here. They keep me hungry too.

“Once the Ojha forgot his scarf here, I drew the map of this place with coal and threw it outside the ventilator. It seems you have found that scarf.”

“You are correct, but who are you and where do you stay?” Bablu asked.

The child sobbed, “I am an orphan. I used to work in a hotel in the city. The Ojha bought me from the hotel owner. Save me, I am in trouble.”

T

On seeing them, Raju ran inside. He picked up the powder and sprinkled it on the stove. The smoke engulfed both the men and they got trapped in it.

All the 3 ran towards the village. They went to the police station and informed them about it. Both the men were caught along with the Ojha in the village.

With the courage and promptness of Raju and Bablu, villagers gave up superstitions and praised them a lot.

Both made friends with the boy. The boy now lives with them and attends classes in the school

1. Which is the nearest planet to the Sun? (a) Mars. (c) Pluto. (b) Mercury. (d) Jupitar.

2. Which State in India receives the maximum rainfall? (a) West Bengal. (b) Meghalaya.

(c) Karnataka. (d) Gujarat.

3. What is the term of the Prime Minister’s office? (a) 2. (b) 3.

(c) 4. (d) 5.

4. ‘Onam’ is celebrated in which State? (a) Kerala. (b) Rajasthan. (c) Maharashtra. (d) Gujarat.

5. Zakir Hussain is associated with which instrument? (a) Harmonium. (b) Guitar.

(c) Tabla. (d) Flute.

Who Am I ?

. - /

/ - .

?

?

1. Every Morning I rise, To spread brightness. I am round like a ball, By evening I set to rest. 2. We are made from grass and

straw,

Our parents are birds. We keep hanging on the tree, That is why we are called

home.

3. Towns without houses and roads, Ocean without water and fish. Mountain without snow and trees, You are smart if you can find all. 4. I am the royal ride,

Running is my job. Long is my tail,

But neither have I beard nor moustaches.

How Much Do You Know?

Answers

(Who Am I?) : (1) The Sun. (2) Nest. (3) Map. (4) Train. (How Much Do You Know?) (1) c. (2) b. (3) d. (4) a. (5) c.

RAM LAL’S

HELP

BY VENU VARIATH

RAM LAL WAS VERY MISER. ONE DAY—

HEY, WHAT IS THIS? EATING GRASS!

WHAT ARE YOU DOING? ARE YOU CRAZY? _{I AM VERY} HUNGRY. IT HAS BEEN 4 DAYS SINCE I HAVE HAD ANY FOOD! POOR FELLO!

COME WITH ME. _{NO, MASTER. MY FAMILY, WIFE}

YOU ARE LUCKY. IT IS GOOD THAT WE

MET. ALL OF YOU COME TO MY HOUSE. _{IN GREAT TROUBLE.}THAT WILL PUT YOU I HAVE 4 CHILDREN.

NO PROBLEM. ALL OF YOU ARE WELCOMED.

LATER — MAY YOU LIVE LONG, MASTER. FOR 2 DAYS, WE HAVE BEEN EATING

GRASS.

THE HAVES MUST GIVE TO THE HAVE

NOTS.

COME TO THE OTHER SIDE. THANK YOU, WE WILL REMAIN OBLIGED TO

YOU FOREVER.

I WAS ABOUT TO GO IN SEARCH OF SOMEONE TO CUT THE GRASS. THAT IS

IT WAS RAINY SEASON. LOT OF INSECTS EMERGED OUT ON THE GROUND.

SEE THIS, THIS IS CALLED REPTILE. IF YOU TOUCH HIM, HE WILL COIL UP.

LET US PICK HIM ON A LEAF. WE WILL SHOW IT TO BITTOO.

YES... YES, HURRY UP. BITTOO WILL BE WAITING FOR US.

AT THAT MOMENT A VIXEN CAME THERE. WHAT IS SO HURRY?

WHY DID HAS SHE CAME?

NOW I WILL CHEW BOTH OF YOU. MAY YOU HAVE INSECTS IN

YOUR MOUTH.

OH YES, THIS INSECT WILL COME HANDY.

BUT WILL YOU NOT FULFIL OUR LAST WISH BEFORE DYING.

TELL ME WHAT IS YOUR LAST WISH.

CHEEKU USES THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THE INSECT IN THE VIXEN’S EAR IN THE GUISE OF WHISPERING INTO HER EARS. THE VIXEN LEAVES BOTH OF THEM DUE TO MASSIVE

PAIN IN HER EAR. YOU HAVE KILLED ME. WHAT

YOU HAVE PUT IN MY EAR? HELP... HELP.

Rules of the Game

G In this game a player has to slide fast and has to reach

the water.

G You can begin when you get 1 on your

dice.

G This game can be played by maximum 4 players.

G If you do not have a dice, then pick up your Champak magazine. Now with your eyes closed, open the magazine. Count and move box as per the last digit of the right hand side page number, such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

G Before starting the game each player has to select a

colour of his choice.

G You have restart if you get ‘out’.

G While following the rules throughout the game, the player who reaches first to the water, shall be the winner.

Wait for 2 turns.

Move when you

get 5.

Move when you get 1.

Out.

Start

Out.

Out.

Move when you get 3.

Wait for1 turn.

Wait for 1 turn.

Hob

Hob

b

b

y Class

y Class

A

notice board: “Those who want to enroll in the Hobby class, come and give your name to Bhima Bear. The school will hold classes for children in holidays.”

“Wow! Classes in holidays,” Bittu Singh jumped with happiness.

“Holidays are for relaxing. Play games, play cards, play carom, watch films, but they are running classes in holidays also,” Nittu Monkey grudged.

“Yes, but here, you don't study. They teach you while playing,” said Bittu Singh.

“So what, did not you hear, it is a hobby class and a class is a class,” Nittu Monkey said.

“Yes, last time I had joined a drama class. We enjoyed a lot. We wrote the script, enacted it, everyone praised it also,” said Bittu Singh.

“So this time you will not be at home?” Nittu interrupted.

“No, this class will be held in the morning. They teach you many things--- singing, dancing, painting and lots more.

“Elephant sir is there and others come from outside too. Last time Chinki Squirrel was also there in the dance class. She came first in dance in the school. Even I danced but there were some mistakes. This time I have practised a lot.”

“Oh!”

“Yes, you too get your name enrolled. All our friends come there. And we get to meet other children too who come to the hobby class,” said Bittu Singh.

A

“Yes, but who told you?” Nittu asked.

“Your aunt had rung up. She is coming along with her daughter Pinky. She wants her to learn dancing. This time Bhima Bear has called a teacher from outside. She teaches Kathak also. Even I want to learn dance but I have grown old,” she said.

“But mother, I find it all useless. Holidays are to relax. The whole year we work hard, go to school everyday, do homework, tests and the year passes with great difficulty. Now again go to school early mornings, Mummy I don't want to go,” Nittu said.

Well, don't go. Sleep at home the whole day. We will send Pinky.

At her place nobody knows what a hobby class is,” mummy said.

The next day aunt came from Sundervan. Pinky had come with all preparations with new pretty clothes and also her small violin.

“What is this for?” asked Nittu.

“I have learnt it. I will play it here. I have heard that a music class will be held here. I will learn if somebody teaches. Are you too joining the class, Nittu?” she asked.

“No, I don't wish to.”

“Why don't you join a gym. Lots of children come there. They make you do different exercises, play tennis. You love playing, isn't it?” she tried to confirm.

“Yes, but I want to sleep till late. I dislike getting up early in the morning and hurrying up for school,” he said.

“Well,” Pinky smiled, “brother we gossip, play, laugh and make noise. There is no exam and no class.”

“Then…?”

“All learn together what they want to and what we like is taught. Our teachers are like our friends because it is a hobby class.”

T

When Nittu got up from sleep, he went out to talk to his friends but came to know that they had gone out early morning. Bittu Singh has gone to the drama class again and Lucky Squirrel for dance classes.

A disappointed Nittu went towards the mango grove.

Suddenly, he saw Kattu coming from far. “Thank god I have found you. I thought you too had gone to the hobby class.”

“I did go but I have a lot of work here too. My relatives are coming in summer holidays so I have to put my house in order.”

She asked, “Why didn't you go?”

Making a big face Nittu said, “I don't like to go there. I like to roam here and there,” saying this, he jumped on the tree nearby.

On the other hand, Nandu Juggler, who was searching for Nittu since long, saw him all by himself.

“Good, this is the time,” he thought. He kept some jaggery and nuts in a pot under a tree and hid himself far away.

Seeing a pot lying under the tree, Nittu went near it.

“Oh wow! I can see jaggery and nuts in it.” He smiled and put his hands in the pot. After picking a handful of it he realised that his hand could not be pulled out.

He became nervous. He could neither open his fist nor could he pull out his hand. In the meantime Nandu Juggler made a noose of a rope and throwing it at him pulled Nittu. Now Nittu was in Nandu's captivity.

“So how are you, Nittu?” juggler asked.

Nittu started crying when he saw Nandu. 'It would have been better if I was in school with my friends,' he thought.

K

“Go away, Nandu. Till we are all together, you cannot catch Nittu,” she said.

“Thanks Kattu,” Nittu said and he had tears in his eyes.

“Now where will you go?” Kattu asked.

“To my friends. To Elephant Sir's class where all my friends are. It is better to be there with everyone,” he said and ran fast to the hobby

T

At the foot of the hills was a beautiful lake which was home to an entire colony of frogs. Albal the King Frog lived there with his 2 queens--- Saila and Aila. Their many tadpoles played the whole day in the waters of the lake.

Albal was a courageous frog. His leap used to be as long as 20 feet. His slippery and viscous skin always dropped a dangerous chemical from itself. He could attack his enemy by throwing his 5 feet long tongue at an electric speed.

With the sticky venom on his tongue, small and big insects would pass down his throat without any effort.

Albal was proud of his ancestors who were much bigger and more dangerous than him.

Albal was generally perturbed with the fact that after him which of his sons is capable enough to occupy the throne.

He had 55 sons and 42 daughters. But he only had faith in the bravery of his 3 elder sons ---Lomu, Bhomu and Somu.

He wanted to declare the

Secr

Secr

et of

_{et of}

Success

Success

most capable son as the heir.

Albal thought of a plan in which he considered giving each one an opportunity to prove his bravery and capability.

He kept a competition in which whoever stood first would be anointed the heir.

He consulted his queens too on this matter. They agreed with him.

The king decided that whoever would reach the top point of the hill by leaping,

will be the successor.

Two servants announced the competition with their loud croaks everywhere in the

jungle.

On the night of the full moon, King Frog

declared the competition open with a whistle in front of all the animals of the forest --- earthworms, birds, parrots, kites, pigeons and others.

All the animals wondered how a small water animal would cover such a long and difficult distance up the hill. About 200 frogs took part in the race.

The frogs went leaping as fast as they could towards the hill. The spectators cheered them with encouraging sounds.

More than half the frogs could only cover 100-200 metres and sat when they were tired. Rest of them tried covering distance as fast as they could.

Taunting at the frogs in race, Ilu and Beelu parrots said, “The top of the hill is at the height of a kilometre. It is doubtful that these frogs will be able to climb it.”

“Let them jump. After some time they will die of tiredness and we will get a feast,” said Hori and Jori kites, who were flying in the sky and discouraging the runners.

A

Lomu and Bhomu were very proud of their bravery but Somu was a simple frog with a lot of perseverance.

“Where are you going? The area near the top of the hill is full of prickly bushes. You are aquatic animals, don't go ahead or you will die,” Browny Bear, hanging on a tree savouring honey, shouted out.

Hearing this, Lomu and Somu got scared. They started trembling with fear and fatigue.

Lone Somu was marching away towards the hilltop.

Lomu and Bhomu warned him not to go into the face of danger. But Sonu slowly and gradually kept advancing. Other’s sarcasm and decries were not affecting him.

hill he took his last leap. But due to the slippery rocks, he came down slipping.

Hori and Jori kites burst out laughing, “You cannot climb, return back.”

Somu became cautious but got up and again taking small leaps, reached close to the top of the hill.

He stopped there for a little time. Giving a deep look at the flat portion of the top, he aimed and took a last jump and landed straight on the top.

All the animals were stunned. When Browny Bear saw this, he quickly climbed down the tree and started clapping at Somu's victory.

K

King Albal and his queens took Somu in his arms.

On the one hand they were happy for Somu winning, on the other hand they were sad for having lost some of their other sons.

A press conference was organised after the first aid of the hurt.

“Somu, tell us the secret of your success, when your friends kept taunting you and tried their best to discourage you,” asked the reporters.

“I don't listen to discouraging and gloomy talks. I marched to my destination with great self-confidence and firm belief. Very simple,” taking out cotton from his ears Somu said.

After that King frog Albal organised a grand function and declared Somu, the king of the

C

“What a terrible pain I have,” Chuchu Bird said. “Where?” asked Cheeku.

With an innocent face Chuchu said, “Can you not see my hurt wing?”

Cheeku felt bad for her. He said, “My dear, come near me.”

He bandaged her wing with his handkerchief. “Thanks Cheeku. You are so good. You have helped reduce my pain by tying this up. Will you be my friend?” asked Chuchu Bird.

“Why not? Who will not like to make friends with a sweet bird like you?” said Cheeku.

Suddenly, a fat, wool-like white Pussy Cat, sitting in a corner, interrupted Cheeku, “It is not good to make friends with a stranger.”

But Cheeku was too fond of Chuchu. He said, “You do not know anything. Look, how innocent she is.”

“Oh! Why does he not listen to me?” saying the Pussy Cat got up in anger.

Slowly, friendship between Cheeku and Chuchu increased. Then suddenly, one day, a fierce hawk came to Chuchu Bird and whispered in her ears.

First, Cheeku was scared but when Chuchu said that Blacky Hawk was her friend, Cheeku was not frightened of him now.

On a Sunday Harry, Mikky, Chikki, Chuchu Bird

by Shrimati Vinod Pandit

When Chuchu Became

When Chuchu Became

Good

and Pussy Cat went out. They were tired by the time they returned. Cheeku's mother Mikky kept her ring on the window.

The next day Cheeku's mother was heard shouting, “Oh my ring, Harry? It was my engagement ring. Somebody has taken it.”

When it was searched everywhere in the house, it was found that Chuchu Bird was missing.

Nobody could doubt on her as she went for a morning walk everyday.

Harry said to mother, “Surely, you must have dropped it in the sink while washing dishes.”

Cheeku could not see his mother's sad face. He quickly climbed down the pipe with a torch. But he could not see the ring anywhere in the dark passage.

Harry soon pulled Cheeku out with a string. Cheeku was feeling lonely without his friend Chuchu. He left home to search for her. He saw a small aircraft in the fields. With the press of a button, the aircraft started flying with great speed. He called out, “Chuchu Bird, where are you?”

H

For some time, Cheeku's plane flew properly but a little later, making a weird sound, it banged into a big tree. Seeing Chuchu coming from front, Cheeku rescued by her taking her in his arms.

Chuchu Bird was so moved that she confessed the plan of stealing the ring along with the hawk. Giving the ring back she apologised to Mikkey mother.

From that day Chuchu promised to be honest and

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A

A road roller was in action at the crossing.

Ajay stood for a while observing the machine work. One machine was pouring black oil on the road and the other was spreading stones mixed with tar on it. The road roller was then going over it pressing the whole thing. A number of labourers were working nearby. Suddenly, Ajay's mobile rang.

He pressed the respond button, “ Hello, Vijay?” Before he could speak anything, Vijay said in a frightened voice, “Ajay, something wrong has happened here.”

Ajay’

Ajay’

s Plan

s Plan

“What?” Ajay asked rather surprised. “A bank was looted by 4 miscreants.” “Then?”

“Somebody had informed the police and they have gone out in search of them.”

“Ok.”

“Oh yes, I can see the car coming towards you,” Vijay said. “The robbers are continuously firing at the policemen. The policemen too are retaliating,” and Vijay hung up the phone.

Initially, Ajay was nervous. But then he calmed down thinking that even the robber who has looted, must be nervous. He ran to the labourer on the road pouring black oil.

Telling him everything in brief, he got him to fill the oil in a bucket.

Then he made him spill some oil on the road. Ajay stood behind the machine with another bucket with black oil so that the robbers could not see him. Ajay had a dangerous plan in mind. But this was

the only way out to encounter the gun-trotting robbers. After a lot of hesitation, the labourer with the black oil machine agreed to Ajay's plan.

After some time a vehicle with loud siren was heard. The police van was following a white car. The robbers sitting in it were firing at the police van.

The policemen too were returning back the fire. The white car came with great speed near the oil machine.

A

The driver was not ready for it. His view through the glass became blurred. Unable to see anything in front, he got nervous and could not control the vehicle.

The car climbed the carriage of the machine that carried small stones for road making.

With a banging noise the car came to a halt. Its front portion was smashed. Two of the 4 robbers got hurt badly on their head. One of them was hurt by his own machine-gun. The other one broke his leg. The policemen were alert. Ajay too. He was quick to pick up the machine-gun as it fell out of the car so that it may not get back in the hands of the robbers.

As the robbers were all hurt baldy, they could not fire. They could not realise what happened to them.

The car and the robbers were in trouble every ways for which they were not prepared. The glass was smeared with black oil. The car banged with

the other. All the robbers were hurt with the guns falling from their hands and their vehicles getting stuck. All happened together rendering them helpless.

They were arrested and lakhs of rupees confiscated from them.

W

Congratulating Ajay and the labourer, the Police Inspector said, “If every man becomes as brave as both of you, crime will finish in our country.”

Both of them were rewarded for their bravery on the Republic Day. They felt proud receiving the

award. z

HA! HA! HA!

Teacher: Is there anyone who is not afraid of the

‘lion’?

Dhananjay: Yes teacher, the ‘lioness’.

—Dhananjay, Mumbai.

*

Father: Raju, do you know how much I spend on your

studies?

Raju: Yes, father.

Father: Still you do not study.

Raju: That is because I do not want to increase your

expenses. —Sarika, Ambala.

*

Neelu: Do you write with your left hand or your right

hand?

Neelu: Neither do I write with my right hand nor my

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Colour the Picture

Judge: Have you ever

appeared as a witness before?

Witness: Yes, Your

Honour.

Judge: What was the

suit?

Witness: Not in a suit,

Your Honour. In the last occasion also I came in a dhoti. —Shreesha, Mangalore.

*

Amit: I have changed my

mind.

Pintu: Does it work

better than the old one?

—Preeti K Praveenji. Trichy.

*

Wife (to her husband): Do

you remember when we received a letter from our son last?

Husband: No, I did not

remember. But wait. I will go and look in the cheque book.

—Shradha Vijay, New Delhi.

Mother: Son, I have 3

oranges. I buy 2 more. What will be the total number of oranges with me?

Son: Sorry Mom, I don’t

know. My teacher taught of apples only.

—Amod N. Narvekar, Mumbai.

*

Student: Sir, What is

always coming but never arrives?

Teacher: There is no such

thing.

Student: There is. Teacher: What is that? Student: Tomorrow.

—Sunil, Delhi.

*

Navendra: Mr Raj Nath,

I hear your son is still a medical student. How come he has not yet finished the course?

Raj Nath: Yes, Mr Narendra. He is taking his

time. He knows that patients have more confi-dence in older doctors.

—B. Surya, Secunderabad.

*

A man talks to a waiter in a

hotel---Man: I have to catch a

flight. Please wake me at 4 in the morning.

Waiter: But sir, I don’t

know how to see the watch. So please tell me when it is 4 then I will wake you.

—S. Vijay, Delhi.

*

A wife calls her husband at

work---Wife: The car has water

in its carburetter.

Husband: Where is the

car?

Wife: The car is in the

river.

—Shardha Vijay, Chennai.

J

“Can you tell me what address is this?” showing a piece of paper Jhagru Wolf, sitting at the driver’s seat, asked.

“Take a right turn after going straight from here. Then…..” Jumpy had not completed his sentence

by Anil Satija

The

The

T

T

rap of

rap of

Jumpy

Jumpy

when Badlu Leopard shut his mouth with a piece of cloth and pulled him inside the car. Jumpy fainted with the effect of chloroform. Jhagru sped the car away.

“Ha…ha…ha.. Jumpy's father Dumpy is a very big building contractor. He can easily give a ransom of 25 lakhs.”

“Look Badlu, I have taken a new mobile and sim card. You will go to recover the money from Jumpy's father. In case of any problem, call me on 5865 685558.”

“Ok,” said Badlu. They did not know that Jumpy was partially conscious. He had noted Jhagru's number in his mind.

Soon, the car reached in front of an isolated house in the outskirts of Champakvan. Jhagru and Badlu locked Jumpy in the room inside and sat guarding it outside.

T

“Here is your breakfast. Your father must have gone tired by now searching for you. Poor fellow must not have slept for the whole night. Today we will take 25 lakhs from him. Ha...ha...ha.”

“Eat this. I will come back again. You will have to write a ransom letter to your father, understand.” Badlu left. Jumpy became restless. Though Jumpy remembered the number but did not know how to use it.

He drank the milk lying. Suddenly, his eyes fell on his schoolbag. There was shine in his eyes. He had some dangerous plans for Jhagru and Badlu in his mind.

said, “Come on, take out a pen and paper from your bag and write a letter.”

Jumpy started writing. “Dear Papa, I have been kidnapped. These people will only leave me after getting 25 lakh rupees. Papa, please give them the money. I am feeling suffocated here. Yours loving son, Jumpy.”

Badlu took the letter and read many times. Then said, “Well done, you have written the exact thing. Well, I will leave now.”

“Wait, before my father hands the money, you will have to make him believe that it is actually me

who has been kidnapped.” “You are correct, but how?”

“Show my schoolbag to him. He will believe you.”

“Wow, you are a very sensible boy,” and Badlu took the bag.

On the other hand Dumpy was very upset at home. Jhagru rang up from a PCO and asked for ransom with a warning not to inform the police.

“The kidnappers said that their man will come with Jumpy's letter exactly at 11 o’clock. I have not told the police yet. Then….”

S

On the other hand Jhagru was waiting impatiently for Badlu to return. His mobile suddenly rang.

“Hello. Who, Badlu…?”

“Yes, I am Badlu, Jumpy's father has informed the police. Inspector Blacky Bear is at his place with his men. I have changed the plan. You come near the post office on the Ring Road with Jumpy by car. I have instructed Dumpy on the mobile to come alone with the ransom money.”

“That is all right. But your sound……”

“What to do I am scared of the police. Anyways come soon. I will meet you there.”

As the phone hung up, Jhagru dumped Jumpy in the car dickey and brought him to Ring Road.

He got down of the car and policemen hiding nearby came out and surrounded Jhagru. Jhagru was shocked. Inspector Blacky immediately nabbed him and freed Jumpy.

“But how did this happen? Badlu said…..” Jhagru asked in surprise.

“That phone was made by me not Jhagru,” Dumpy smiled and said. “Jumpy had put one more letter in his bag which was found during search. The letter had your mobile number and the whole plan written on it. I had given money to Badlu that very moment. Then first I rang up the police and then you. Badlu must be at your hideout by now and waiting for you. Now you will tell police his address,” saying this Dumpy took Jumpy in his arms.

“To hell with everything. Such a small carelessness and such big defeat,” Jhagru banged his head. With the fear of beating from the police he had to tell them his address.

Now both the friends were behind bars and

repenting. z

Find out the mistakes : Win prize-31

Selected 5

Candidates---Dinabandhu Tanty, Bondamunda (Orissa). Ramya ,Chennai. Sai Kalyan, Hyderabad. Akshay Akanksha, Nagpur.

K. U. Sandeep Kumar, Delhi.

Champak English Sharp Eye-39

---Aishwarya, Sindhanur (Karnataka). D. Lavanya, Sandur (Karnataka). Mahvish, Jamshedpur. Saket Kumar, New Delhi.

T

He said to the Trunk, “Trunk brother, did you smell my fragrance?”

“Yes, indeed, it was quite strong,” said the Trunk. The Flower once was convinced that he was the best. He said to the Thorn, “So Thorn Friend, what is your opinion about yourself?”

The tone of the Flower’s utterances was not right. The Thorn got angry. He wished to tear away the Flower’s petals. But he preferred to remain cool. He did not say anything.

The Flower was convinced that he was the best

by Om Prakash Kshatriya

The Fight

and started behaving rudely.

He started teasing the Leaf, “Leaf sister, what is your use? But I am of help to everybody.”

“Yes, you are right. Indeed, you are very useful but so am I, do not you know this?” replied Leaf.

By now the Flower really felt bloated with pride. He was convinced that the plant existed because of him only.

Whatever maybe the plant, if he was there then everybody was there.

The Trunk was not appreciative of the Flower’s attitude. He was quite for a long time. He was thinking that the Flower was too young and was on a wrong track. Nevertheless, when he did not control himself, he said to the Flower, “Flower brother, it is not good to be proud. Stop getting boastful of your fragrance. It is not good in your own interest.”

However, the Flower was in no mood to listen to any kind of advice.

He arrogantly said, “Now if I do not feel pride in my own qualities then who else will feel pride?”

feel proud because they feel it is a part of their nature. So being proud is not good,” said the Trunk.

The Flower did not like what the Trunk had said. He instantly said, “Who had asked you to interfere? I did not talk to you; I was talking to the Thorn. What made you to interfere in between?” said the Flower arrogantly.

The Thorn, who was quite till now, listened to the conversation between Flower and Trunk. However, he could not tolerate when the Trunk was insulted.

He said, “Little Flower, don’t you have manners? Don’t you know how to talk to elders?”

“You better be quite, you fool,” shouted the Flower.

The Thorn also became angry. He also shouted, “Shut up you idiot.”

He hit the Flower with its sharp-pointed thorn. The Flower was very soft and couple of petals were severed and suffered great pain. He shouted back, “You idiot, when your arguments did not work, you stooped down to the level of manhandling. If you have the guts, prove it with the arguments.”