‭The Aftermath of Diwali: A Call to Tackle Festive Waste on Our Streets‬

‭ iwali, the festival of lights, is a time of celebration, unity, and joy. Families come together,‬
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‭homes are adorned with beautiful decorations, and streets are filled with people enjoying‬
‭sweets and fireworks. However, as the lights fade and the celebrations come to an end, a‬
‭concerning problem lingers — our roads and streets are strewn with garbage.‬

‭ he morning after Diwali presents a stark contrast to the previous night’s beauty, as streets‬
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‭are littered with burnt firecracker remnants, plastic packaging, food wrappers, and decorative‬
‭items. This accumulation of waste isn’t just an eyesore; it also has significant environmental‬
‭and health impacts. The burnt chemicals from firecrackers leave behind toxic residues that‬
‭mix with the air and soil, contaminating them and posing risks to both human and animal‬
‭health. Streets piled with garbage also attract stray animals, which can spread diseases as‬
‭they rummage through the litter, making our public spaces even more unsanitary.‬

‭ ut the issue is deeper than just the litter itself. It speaks to a broader pattern of behavior —‬
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‭a lack of awareness and responsibility when it comes to the waste we generate. We‬
‭celebrate festivals with great enthusiasm but often fail to consider their environmental impact‬
‭or our role in managing the aftermath.‬

‭ o address this growing problem, community involvement and proactive measures are‬
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‭essential. Local authorities can work on deploying cleanup teams more quickly and‬
‭strategically, but long-term solutions must also involve public participation. Awareness‬
‭campaigns are needed to encourage people to dispose of waste responsibly during festivals,‬
‭and even simple acts, like carrying bags to collect wrappers and leftover materials, can‬
‭make a significant difference. Additionally, it’s high time we encourage the use of eco-friendly‬
‭alternatives — from biodegradable decorations to noiseless, smoke-free fireworks — to‬
‭reduce the pollution and waste produced during celebrations.‬

‭ s a community, let’s make a commitment to preserve the sanctity of our festivals while also‬
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‭respecting our environment. Diwali’s message of light and goodness should extend beyond‬
‭our homes and hearts to the streets and surroundings that we all share. We have the power‬
‭to make a change, and it begins with each one of us taking responsibility for the waste we‬
‭create. Let’s come together to celebrate a cleaner, greener Diwali next year.‬

‭The Aftermath of Diwali: Addressing the Festive Litter on Our Streets‬

‭1. Post-Diwali Morning: A Stark Reality‬

‭ he morning after Diwali, our streets and public spaces look vastly different from the festive‬
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‭night before. The remnants of burnt firecrackers, plastic wrappers, food containers, and‬
‭decorations create an unsightly scene on roadsides, sidewalks, and even in parks. This‬
‭post-celebration litter isn’t just an eyesore; it reveals a pattern of neglect and lack of‬
‭responsibility toward our surroundings. While Diwali brings light and joy, the next-day mess‬
‭leaves an unfortunate mark on our communities.‬

‭2. Environmental and Health Implications‬

‭ he increase in waste after Diwali is more than a simple cleanup issue; it poses significant‬
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‭environmental and health risks. Firecracker remnants release chemicals that contaminate‬
‭the air and soil, potentially harming plants, animals, and even people who come into contact‬
‭with them. Plastic waste, much of it from packaging and disposable items, adds to pollution,‬
‭blocking drains and affecting wildlife. Stray animals often eat or get injured by the litter left on‬
‭the streets, highlighting the broader impact of this waste on our shared environment.‬

‭3. The Challenge of Waste Management‬

‭ or local authorities, handling the surge in waste after Diwali is a daunting task. Waste‬
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‭management teams already work hard to keep our streets clean, but the sheer volume of‬
‭post-Diwali garbage strains resources, requiring additional manpower and time. These extra‬
‭efforts are both costly and demanding, often delaying regular cleanup routines. This problem‬
‭emphasizes the need for citizens to be mindful of the waste they create and actively‬
‭contribute to managing it during festivals.‬

‭4. Community Responsibility and Awareness‬

‭ he responsibility to reduce and manage Diwali waste lies not only with authorities but also‬
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‭with each individual in the community. Many people celebrate without considering the‬
‭aftermath or planning for proper waste disposal. Raising awareness around responsible‬
‭waste management is crucial — small steps like collecting firecracker remnants, reusing‬
‭decorations, and avoiding single-use plastics can make a big difference. The community’s‬
‭role is central to creating cleaner, healthier public spaces for everyone.‬

‭5. Shifting Toward Eco-Friendly Celebrations‬

I‭n recent years, awareness has grown around the environmental impact of traditional Diwali‬
‭practices, and many people are adopting more sustainable ways to celebrate. Eco-friendly‬
‭options like biodegradable diyas, reusable decorations, and noiseless fireworks help reduce‬
‭the festival’s carbon footprint. By choosing these alternatives, we can enjoy the festivities‬
‭without harming the environment. Promoting these options and making them more‬
‭accessible to the public will be key in encouraging greener celebrations.‬

‭6. Encouraging Participation in Community Clean-Ups‬

‭ o restore cleanliness and promote collective responsibility, many neighborhoods have‬

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‭started organizing post-Diwali clean-ups. These initiatives not only help clear the streets but‬
‭also foster a sense of community pride and unity. Local councils, schools, and residential‬
‭societies can encourage participation in these clean-ups, providing supplies and organizing‬
‭events to make it a community effort. Such initiatives serve as a reminder that a cleaner‬
‭environment benefits everyone and is achievable when we work together.‬

‭7. A Call to Action: Celebrating Responsibly‬

‭ iwali is a festival of joy, unity, and new beginnings — values that align with taking care of‬
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‭our surroundings and acting responsibly. As we celebrate Diwali each year, let us remember‬
‭that the festival’s essence isn’t just in the lights and sounds but also in the care we show to‬
‭our communities and environment. By reducing waste, choosing sustainable options, and‬
‭ eeping our streets clean, we can uphold the true spirit of Diwali and set a positive example‬
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‭for future generations.‬

‭ et us commit to making every Diwali a celebration of not only light and joy but also‬
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‭cleanliness and responsibility. Together, we can make a difference.‬

‭Diwali: A Festival of Light, Culture, and Community‬

‭1. The Essence of Diwali‬

‭ iwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most celebrated and cherished‬
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‭festivals in India. This joyous occasion symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and‬
‭good over evil. Rooted in Hindu mythology, Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya‬
‭after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Across different regions‬
‭and religions, Diwali also represents various stories and meanings, from Goddess Lakshmi’s‬
‭blessings of prosperity to Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. This diversity in‬
‭tradition underscores Diwali's cultural richness and universal appeal.‬

‭2. Diwali Preparations and Traditions‬

‭ iwali’s spirit fills the air long before the festival begins, with preparations that involve‬
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‭thorough cleaning, decorating, and purchasing new items. Families paint their homes, adorn‬
‭them with rangoli (intricate floor art made with colored powder or flowers), and hang diyas‬
‭(small clay lamps) at every corner. The marketplace bustles with people shopping for‬
‭sweets, clothes, and gifts, creating an atmosphere of excitement and community. This‬
‭preparation period serves as a reminder to cleanse both our surroundings and our hearts,‬
‭fostering a sense of renewal and anticipation.‬

‭3. Celebration of Family and Togetherness‬

‭ iwali is synonymous with family gatherings, as people travel long distances to reunite with‬
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‭loved ones. From sharing home-cooked meals to performing traditional prayers (pujas)‬
‭together, the festival emphasizes the importance of family bonds. The act of exchanging gifts‬
‭and sweets between family members, friends, and neighbors builds a feeling of unity and‬
‭joy, reinforcing social connections and strengthening the sense of community. Diwali’s focus‬
‭on family reminds us of the values of love, respect, and togetherness.‬

‭4. The Role of Lights and Fireworks‬

‭ ighting diyas and bursting fireworks are central to Diwali celebrations, both carrying deep‬
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‭symbolism. Diyas signify the removal of darkness and ignorance, and their warm glow is‬
‭believed to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, into people’s homes. Fireworks,‬
‭though criticized for their environmental impact, remain a popular tradition for many,‬
‭symbolizing celebration and festivity. However, a growing awareness around pollution has‬
‭inspired many to adopt eco-friendly celebrations, including noiseless fireworks, to maintain‬
‭the spirit of Diwali without harming the environment.‬
‭5. Environmental Impact and Conscious Celebration‬

‭ hile Diwali is a joyous occasion, it also brings challenges, particularly concerning‬

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‭environmental pollution and waste. Fireworks release harmful chemicals into the air,‬
‭contributing to air and noise pollution, while single-use decorations and wrappers increase‬
‭plastic waste. As more people recognize these impacts, a shift toward sustainable‬
‭celebrations has emerged, with eco-friendly decorations, biodegradable products, and‬
‭community clean-ups becoming popular. This growing movement emphasizes that we can‬
‭celebrate responsibly, protecting our planet while honoring our traditions.‬

‭6. The Economic Significance of Diwali‬

‭ iwali holds immense economic importance, as it is one of the busiest times for businesses,‬
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‭especially small retailers, artisans, and craftsmen. The festival season sees an increase in‬
‭the sale of goods such as clothes, sweets, jewelry, and home decor. Diwali also boosts the‬
‭demand for hand-crafted items like diyas, lanterns, and rangoli materials, which provide‬
‭livelihood to countless artisans across India. The festival season is thus a time of economic‬
‭upliftment, as communities support local businesses and stimulate the economy, making‬
‭Diwali a time of prosperity in many ways.‬

‭7. Diwali Beyond India‬

‭ hile Diwali is traditionally celebrated in India, its popularity has spread worldwide, with‬
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‭festivities observed in countries with Indian diaspora communities, like Nepal, Malaysia,‬
‭Singapore, and the UK. This global celebration showcases India’s cultural influence and‬
‭allows people from various backgrounds to participate in the festival. In many Western‬
‭countries, Diwali has been officially recognized, with communities organizing grand‬
‭celebrations and lighting monuments in Diwali colors, symbolizing the universal values of‬
‭light, love, and harmony.‬

‭8. Diwali’s Message for All‬

‭ t its core, Diwali is about spreading light, love, and kindness. Its message of overcoming‬
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‭darkness with knowledge, replacing hatred with love, and embracing each other with open‬
‭hearts resonates universally. Diwali encourages us to reflect on our actions, renew our‬
‭commitments to positivity, and extend compassion to those around us. This festival reminds‬
‭us of the power of unity and hope and calls upon each of us to be a beacon of goodness in‬
‭the lives of others.‬

I‭n celebrating Diwali, we are reminded of the timeless values it represents, values that‬
‭transcend religion, borders, and time.‬
‭Save Water-Are we doing enough? By XYZ‬

‭ ater the elixir of life When people have ample facilities, they don't care but when they are‬
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‭short of it then only, they realise how important it is to them. As water scarcity is all around in‬
‭the metro cities, the situation Is alarming The man's body is 70% water Water is probably the‬
‭most important resource on earth Water is essential for life, le plant life, animal life as well as‬
‭human life. It is also needed for many numan activities such as cooking and washing.‬

‭ hat would the future be without water? Are we doing enough to save it? Perhaps not.‬
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‭Hurman callousness towards the misuse of water is taking him to a dungeon of its scarcity.‬
‭The acute shortage of water is going to affect adversely on all. People throw garbage in the‬
‭Yamuna Water pollution is on the rise. The day is not so far away when it will prove right,‬
‭"Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink!‬

‭ he need of the hour is to use it judiciously. People should use it moderately. One should‬
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‭use used water for plants Everyone should stop washing cars with running water. A pledge‬
‭should be taken to conserve this universal solvent. The motto of 'Save Water - Save Life'‬
‭should be understood. The wholehearted efforts must be put it to save it‬

‭Let us live, let her live, and let us help her live with pride courage, and freedorn.‬

‭Question 2‬

‭ ur performance in Rio Olympics has told us that we do not pay enough attention to‬
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‭athletics and outdoor games. It is time we revise our attitude. Sports should be an important‬
‭part of the school's daily routine Write an article in 150-200 words in the Importance of‬
‭Outdoor Games'. You are Sreeja/Thomas, (10) marks) [CBSE Paper 2018]‬

‭Importance of Outdoor Games‬

‭-By Thomas‬

‭ he impact of computerisation is severely affecting the youth today. Sports and games that‬
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‭were only outdoor have now become primarily virtual, and boys and girls are literally glued to‬
‭the screens of their monitor sets playing computer games‬
‭ hat is nowever worrying is the poor performance of our athletes, swimmers, footballers,‬
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‭bikers, car racers or basketball players to name a few. Outdoor games are very much‬
‭neglected at home and given little importance in most school curriculums. Physical exercises‬
‭through sports and games not only tone and maintain our bodies but relax our mind too thus,‬
‭warding off several diseases at an early age and on the contrary, increases the resistance to‬
‭innumerable ailments‬

‭ he body of a young person not only remains flexible but acquires toughness that keeps his‬
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‭comfortable even at did age too Even the septuagenarians abroad play badminton, fable‬
‭tennis, or tres to maintain their health Local cubs, state and national level coaching camos‬
‭need to create better ambiance, give encouragement, and pool in government commitments‬
‭to discover and nurture soorts, talents to improve our performance in the international arena‬
‭for sports‬

‭ wo sliver and bronze medals in the Rio Olympics bring our heads down in shame is this the‬
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‭outcome of years of training to lakhs of players from a country with about 1.2 billion‬
‭population? Does it mean that real talents are either not interested or yet to be discovered or‬
‭lost indoors in the virtual world of computers?‬

‭Question 3‬

‭ very teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. What they are going to become‬
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‭tomorrow depends on what our youth dream of today Write an article in 150-200 words on‬
‭What I want to be in life You are Simranjit/Smita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2017]‬

‭What I Want in Life‬

‭-By Simranjit‬

‭ ver since I was a child, I minutely observed my father, who was in the Indian Police‬
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‭Service. I decided that one day, I would be like him as idealistic and ethical as any human‬
‭can be‬

‭ he youth around have dreams that I guess are dependent on their exposures and‬
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‭experiences. I have been not only drilled with discipline, honesty, transparency, diligence,‬
‭ nd academic regularity but had grown up with exemplaries in my ambiance of such virtues‬
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‭of life‬

‭ ime is changing and I know that compatibility and compromise are the order of the day.‬
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‭However, I have a holistic scheme to develop on the atmosphere created by my role model‬
‭father‬

‭ egularity is what I adhere to, but simultaneously efficient time management helps me to‬
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‭cultivate my hobbles of playing badminton, swimming, reading, writing travelling, slum‬
‭literacy, and martial arts. Policing has a wider range of functions and I enjoy being an indirect‬
‭participant in the community Policing with some of my father's colleagues, whereby not only‬
‭do I get to meet the demarcated class of people who are mentored to be re-introduced to the‬
‭mainstream of the society but I have an opportunity to practically know how situations make‬
‭criminals and nobody is a born one‬

‭ now fulfilling my wishes and materialising my dream to be born as IPS of the highest order‬
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‭will have paths laid with horns, hot coals, and incredible impediments, but the love for my‬
‭father and this nation should be the foremost incentive to make my dream come true‬

‭Question 4‬

‭ eenagers are full of energy as well as ideas. Write an article in 150-200 words on How to‬
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‭Channelise theEnergy of the Teenagers. You are Tejinder/Simran You may use the following‬
‭clues‬

‭ eenagers curious-full of questions-question elders-sometimes even wrongly-generation‬

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‭gap-may go astray effect on society-how to channelise-productive hobbies-social‬
‭work-sports-part-time etc.‬

‭How to Channelise the Energy of the Teenagers By Tejinder‬

‭ he students in their teenage or early adulthood are full of physical and emotional energy.‬
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‭Unless this energy is rightly channelised to positive avenues, it is possible that they use it‬
‭negatively because they cannot stop themselves‬

‭ eenagers are curious to know more. This is the age when they develop their outlook‬
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‭towards the world They are full of questions about the world around therm and about‬
‭themselves. These young adults question their elders, sometimes even wrongly, and try to‬
‭make their own decisions. This creates a generation gap The influence of cinema and media‬
‭ romotes rash behaviour as heroic. If at this time, their energy is not channelized in a‬
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‭positive direction, they may go astray and can affect society negatively.‬

I‭n channelising a teenager's energy, the parents and the mentor in schools play the most‬
‭important roles Parents should inculcate and educate their children about the right and‬
‭wrong things. They should teach them their culture and stories of courage and good‬
‭manners, engage the students in positive and social activities apart from academics. The‬
‭students who have underutilized time end up using it in unwanted activities. Encourage them‬
‭to take part in productive hobbies, social work, part-time jobs, and sports of their Interest.‬
‭Art, culture, and literature are also avenues for using youth energy.‬

‭ he most important of all, educational institutions should be a place where they have the‬
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‭freedom to express, develop confidence and skills, and that develop good behaviour and‬
‭discipline. Every teacher should become a personality development trainer. The dynamic‬
‭energy of the youth needs to be channelised positively and not politically or by media.‬

‭Question 5‬

‭ ou are Vignesh/ Viharika. Of late, there has been an increase in the number of suicide‬
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‭cases among students because of the increased workload. You are deeply disturbed and‬
‭decide to write an article for the "The Hindu Write the article in 150-200 words. (10 marks)‬

‭Answer‬

‭Student Suicides on a Rise By Vignesh‬

I‭t is common these days for youngsters to come up with expressions like very little leisure‬
‭the belleve there are two main causes of this situation. The first is parental pressure and the‬
‭second is competition for university placesThe parents want to see their children do well in‬
‭school and have a successful career This makes them avert pressure on their children to‬
‭spend hours each day studying Some even arrange extra tuition for their children. As a‬
‭consequence, their leisure time is extremely limited and the pressure on them is‬
‭considerable‬
‭ he second cause is related to the higher education system. Due to less number of seats at‬
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‭the university level only those students with very good grades manage to obtain a place.‬
‭This contributes to the pressure on teenagers since they must work long hours to have any‬
‭chance of success‬

‭ ne solution to the problem is to create awareness among parents. Schools should inform‬
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‭parents that too much pressure can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. They should be‬
‭shown ways in which they can help their children lead more balanced lives with a reasonable‬
‭amount of leisure time‬

‭ nother effective measure would be for the government to invest in the creation of more‬
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‭university places This could he done by expanding existing universities or by building new‬
‭ones. This would reduce the competition for places giving teenagers some of their precious‬
‭free time back‬

‭Question 6‬

‭ ou are an active member of the Animals Lovers' Club of your school which works for‬
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‭preventing cruelty to animals. Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine‬
‭emphasising the need to co-exist peacefully with animals You are Zaheeda/Zahir of PK‬
‭Senior Secondary School Hyderabad (10 marks) (CBSE Sample Paper 2015]‬

‭Answer‬

‭Stop Cruelty Towards Animals By Zaheeda‬

‭ very day in India animals are beaten, neglected, or forced to struggle for survival, Left in‬
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‭unsanitary conditions with no food or water, they have little hope as they live out their days‬
‭without the compassion they deserve Some are found and rescued, given the chance to‬
‭experience how great life and humans can be, others aren't so lucky. To grow as a nation,‬
‭we must fight for these abused animals' rights and severely punish heartless owners‬

i‭t is up to us to speak for these creatures who lack a voice Who will if we don't? It is‬
‭important that stringent laws are made to protect all animals Large fines and lengthy prison‬
t‭ime should be levied Seasoned abusers should not be allowed to own animais. Along with‬
‭these laws, we need officials who will strongly enforce them. Police and psychologists, both‬
‭need to work in tandem to understand the link between animal cruelty and violence against‬
‭people. To better protect communities, work should be done to Increase public awareness of‬
‭these crimes‬

I‭t's not only up to the legal system to ensure that communities across the county Sare aware‬
‭and educated‬

‭ bout animal cruelty. There are plenty of things that citizens can do everyday. The simplest‬
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‭action is for‬

‭ eople to take care of their own pets and learn the facts, so they can educate others on‬
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‭proper animal care‬

‭ nother easy way to help is by donating to or volunteering at a local animal shelter By‬
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‭writing letters you can remind your local lawmakers that animal abuse is a real problem that‬
‭needs to be addressed.‬

I‭t is our job to be the voice for creatures who cannot speak up for themselves. As a nation,‬
‭we need to make It our priority to come together and ensure the safety of our beloved pets.‬

‭Question 7.‬

‭ ver the past few years there has been a constant rise in coaching institutes and private‬
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‭tuition centres all over India Write an article in about 150-200 words highlighting the‬
‭exploitation of young minds that seek sincere counselling and proper direction. You are‬
‭Gurpreet, a student of Class XII of Indira Public School, Jamshedpur (10 marks) (CBSE‬
‭Sample Paper 2015)‬

‭Answer‬

‭Coaching Institutes - The Real Purpose By Gurpreet‬

‭ he recent trend of joining a coaching institute to get good marks has led to the‬
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‭mushrooming of coaching institutes and private tuition centres all over India. The real‬
‭purpose of coaching institutes was to provide help by providing students proper guidance. Of‬
‭late, however, the purpose has become exploitation of young minds.‬

‭ ome may say that it is a tall claim. Others might still say that we cannot blame the whole‬
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‭Set because of some money-minded people. Being a victim of this rigmarole of coaching‬
‭and tuitions, I can say from my experience that things are not the same, Parents and‬
‭children diligently, visit various coaching Institutes, in order to choose the best. The‬
‭counsellors at the institute aim to fill their centres with the cream, so that their results are not‬
‭compromised. In case a weak student comes for coaching, they sincerely offer a crash‬
‭course knowing fully well that the needs of the student are different.‬

‭ ll this because if the student (without any doubt in this particular case) does not get through‬
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‭any entrance exam or does not get good marks, one can always say that they did only a‬
‭crash course, Such exploitation of the students and their parents needs to be regulated by‬
‭the Education Department. Parents should be made aware of the various courses at the‬
‭coaching institute. The most important thing would be to believe in their wards and‬
‭understand that just like earlier days, children can still do well without any extra help from‬
‭coaching centres True, some students might need such help, but it should not be done to‬
‭blindly follow a trend‬

‭Question B‬

‭ agging nas raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school has shown‬
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‭that this evil has not yet come to an end. Wite an article in 150-200 words on Ragging, an‬
‭Evil. You are Navtej/Navita (10 marks) a practice from the British era original aim, respect for‬
‭hierarchy enforming traditions, discipline a practice from the British era original aim, respect‬
‭for hierarchy enforcing traditions, discipline prefect a teacher substitute misuse of authority‬
‭vulgar aspect fatalities‬

‭Ragging, An Evil By Navtej‬

‭ agging is a social evil which has spread to the educational institutions. It has to be‬
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‭eradicated with a heavy hand, so that lives of innocent students who fell victims to these‬
‭evils, can be saved. Initially, ragging started in British era with the excuse that it was to teach‬
t‭he social hierarchy in early career, and also learn other important values in life. Ragging has‬
‭let down humanity on innumerable occasions. It is also a pity that the practice has been‬
‭going on for decades and the victims of last year become the perpetrators this year. In the‬
‭name of the "Tradition, this course is on and the authorities keep mum on the happenings in‬
‭their institutions. Under the pretext of fun, a poor student is often assaulted, sometimes even‬
‭stripped and intimidated by his seniors. The chilling incident continues to haunt him‬
‭throughout his life, and he unknowingly develops various psychological disorders‬

‭ fter experiencing the evil of ragging, a student develops a feeling of revenge for his‬
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‭'unjustified harassment and derives pleasure in ragging his juniors. So, the trend goes on‬
‭and students continue to suffer‬

‭ hose who surrender before their seniors are set free from the torment after going through a‬
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‭series of inhuman acts, but those who refuse to follow their diktats are subjected to barbaric‬
‭and brutal treatment and are forced to urinate on high voltage heaters, take part in naked‬
‭parades, shave off their moustaches and beards, and stand upside down on their heads, etc.‬
‭The situation sometimes turns so bad that it compels the victim being ragged to commit‬
‭suicide‬

I‭n spite of the strict warning by the Supremeurt for enforcement of these recommendations,‬
‭some institutions have failed in this regard. Therefore, seeing the gravity of the situation and‬
‭inhuman aspect associated with it, ragging has been declared a criminal offence. We need‬
‭stringent laws and punishment for the criminals‬

‭ trict action should be taken against students indulging in ragging. There should be‬
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‭sensitisation on the Issues More activities requiring the collaboration of both seniors and‬
‭juniors, will also help bridge this gap Question 9‬

I‭ndia is a tourist's dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India in an‬
‭article in 150- 200 words You are Navtej/Navita‬

‭ laces of worship-religious tourism-foreigners-places of histoncai interest the rich-hill‬

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‭stations auring summers-the sun-kissed beaches in winters - leisure tourism-medical tourism‬
‭- world class hospitals (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015 Answer‬

‭India - A Dream Destination By Navita‬

‭ rom the snow clad mountains in the North to the desert areas of Rajasthan to the beaches‬
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‭of Goa, India is a land of diversity-Diversity of culture, religion, language, food, occupation.‬
‭Besides this, exquisite monuments and temples together with archaeological finds for the‬
‭tourists make India a travellers delight In fact, diversity is synonymous with India. Being the‬
‭birth place of many religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, India is also an ideal‬
‭place for religious tourism. Places like Bodhgaya, Shirdi, and Rishikesh are thriving because‬
‭of religious tourism‬

‭ he other attractions include beautiful beaches, forests and wildlife, and landscapes for‬
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‭ecotourism, snow, river and mountain peaks for adventure tourism, technological parks and‬
‭science museums for science tourism, centres of pilgrimage for spiritual tourism, heritage‬
‭trains and hotels for heritage tourism. The Indian handicrafts particularly jewelleries, carpets,‬
‭leather goods, Ivory and brass work are the main shopping items of foreign tourists. A new‬
‭growth sector is medical tourism. It is currently growing steadily with world class hospitals.‬
‭Yoga, ayurveda and natural health resorts also attract tourists.‬

‭ owever, the tourism industry in India has been generating very low revenue of late. It would‬
H
‭be worthwhile to look at the factors that have led to this untapped potential. The major‬
‭constraint in the expansion of international tourist traffic to India is non availability of‬
‭adequate infrastructure.‬

i‭ndian tourism has vast potential for generating employment and earning large sums of‬
‭foreign exchange besides giving a boost to the country's overall economic and social‬
‭development. Much has been achieved by way of increasing trains and railway connectivity‬
‭to important tourist destinations, four-lane roads connecting important tourist centres and‬
‭increasing availability of accommodation by adding heritage notels to the hotel industry and‬
‭encouraginging guest accommodation. But much more remains to be done, if India is to‬
‭become a world player in the tourism industry.‬

‭Question 10‬

I‭n the year to come (if you have not already done this year) you are going to celebrate our‬
‭18th birthday. Write an article in 150-200 words on the joys and responsibilities of being‬
‭eighteen. You are Navtej/Navita (10 marks) (CBSE Demi 2015]‬

‭Answer‬
‭I am Eighteen! By Navtej‬

‭ eaching milestones in age (For example, hitting 18. 21, silver jubilee or sweet sixteen) is a‬
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‭great birthday to celebrate it packs all that magical specialness which a normal year doesn't‬
‭Whether it actually brings along that much more in its stride is still a question. For me,‬
‭becoming 18 was an awesome feeling. I was allowed to vote. That for me was the best part‬
‭of turning 18. Becoming responsible for your actioris is again something I really loved, as it‬
‭leads to proper personality development and our parents are no longer responsible for us‬

I‭t also brings with it a feeling of independence and loads of freedom. They said that age was‬
‭just a number I don't think so! Turning 18 has led to a thousand new duties entrusted upon‬
‭us. Right to vote, driving, helping parents with their work, the list is endless. It opened up a‬
‭new domain of responsibilities and made us aware how much our parents deal with. As they‬
‭say, grass is always greener on the other side. When we were kids, we wanted to be adults‬
‭but now that we are adults, we want to be kids again! With every age comes lots of‬
‭experience and learning so just go along with it, live life to the fullest and no matter what‬
‭your age, don't forget to be yourselfi But remember, being 18 is also about being more‬
‭responsible, mature, thoughtful and balanced.‬

‭Question 11.‬

‭ rite an article in 150-200 words on how we can make India a carefree and enjoyable place‬
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‭for women when they can go wherever they like to without any fear of being stared at,‬
‭molested or discriminated against. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]‬

‭Answer‬

‭Women safety in india By Navita‬

‭ omen in india, today, are becoming the most vulnerable section as far as their safety and‬
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‭security is concerned. When we turn the pages of a newspaper, we come across many‬
‭headlines reporting cases of molestation, harassment, trafficking, ill treatment of women in‬
‭houses, violence against women in remote areas, etc Women feel unsafe and unsecure and‬
‭feel that their freedom and liberty are jeopardised. It is unbearable to imagine the plight of‬
‭ omen who are sufferers of such crimes. It is a jolt on the confidence of the women, of‬
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‭society and on our judicial system.‬

‫‬‮کیا‬

‭ e generally play the blame game for any such incidence and hence, have not succeeded‬
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‭to reach the root cause of this issue. An effective implementation of laws protecting women's‬
‭rights is the first step in this direction. There should be stringent laws and the perpetrators of‬
‭such crimes should be severely punished We also need to create social awareness about‬
‭these issues and ostracise those who commit such crimes and not the victims Better‬
‭surveillance by law enforcing authonties is also required. The last but the most effective‬
‭would be to compulsorily teach self-defence techniques to girls and women in schools,‬
‭colleges, offices and residential colonies. Only when these measures are taken, India can‬
‭become a carefree and‬

‭Status of Women In Society By Navtej‬

‭ he worth of a civilisation can be judged by the place given to women in the society One of‬
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‭the several factors that justify the greatness of India's ancient culture is the honourable place‬
‭granted to women However, the status of women in India has been subject to many great‬
‭changes over the past few millenniums. From equal status with men in ancient times through‬
‭the low points of the medieval period to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the‬
‭history of women in India has been eventful, In modern India, women have adorned high‬
‭offices in India including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and‬
‭Leader of the Opposition.‬

‭ owever, women in India generally are still exposed to numerous social issues Though‬
H
‭emotionally as well as intellectually a woman is as good as a man, they are not allowed the‬
‭same status as a man in the Indian society. Even when women are working, they are not‬
‭given equal pay for equal work at certain places To add to all these woes, they are stared at,‬
‭ill-treated and discriminated against at home, at workplace and in the society‬

‭ e need to promote education and skill development for women. They should be given‬
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‭priority in jobs. We also need more women-friendly laws. Though we celebrate Women's‬
‭Day on March 8, what we need in reality is to understand the real contribution that women‬
‭make to the society, It is not just about celebrating one day. In fact it is about understanding‬
‭and thanking all the women in our lives. We need to understand the small sacrifices that they‬
‭make every day, so that we can have a better tomorrow.‬
‭Question 13‬

‭ hen children watch TV, the adults generally scold them without realising that some‬
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‭programmes on TV can be educative too. Write an article in 150-200 words on 'TV as a tool‬
‭of instruction. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]‬

‭Answer‬

‭Tv as a Tool of instruction By Navita‬

‭ ince the invention of TV, there have been contrasting views on its usability. Many parents‬
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‭believe that watching violence on television makes the children aggressive and violent.‬
‭Parents also believe that watching too much television is not good for pelth. Excessive TV‬
‭watching (more than 3 hours a day) can also contribute to sleep difficulties, behaviour‬
‭problems, lower grades, and other health issues. Television makes us antisocial, taking the‬
‭place of family and friends. Many people call it the idiot box and feel that watching TV is just‬
‭a waste of time and resources. Time which could be spent in doing something important and‬
‭enriching is lost. Children feel lost without television. They do not have any hobby or‬

‭creativity left‬

‭ ut is TV viewing so bad? Are there no educative programmes on TV? Children feel that‬
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‭they are not always‬

‭ rong and immature. They can also take right decisions Parents must have faith in their‬
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‭children Parental discretion is important but not always. Some shows can motivate people‬
‭who are interested in that field and help them to pursue their dreams. Not only does it keep‬
‭one entertained and informed, it also expands one's horizon Certain channels like Discovery‬
‭Science and History TV are good and informative To supplement education with‬
‭entertainment, children can also watch cartoons, though the proportion needs to be‬
‭maintained. Sometimes, it can be a family viewing session too. This will in fact bring the‬
‭farmily together‬

‭Question 14‬
‭ id-day meal scheme in the schools introduced by the government serves several purposes‬
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‭Millions of children from the deprived sections of society get nutritious food leading to good‬
‭health, are attracted to the schools, kept from going astray and developed into good citizens.‬
‭The scheme may have some drawbacks too Write an article in 150-200 words on all aspects‬
‭of the scheme You are Navtej/Navita (10 marks) CBSE (AI) 2015]‬

‭Answer‬

‭Mid-day Meal Scheme By Navita‬

‭ he renowned midday meal project is a famous school meal scheme in the country, India.‬
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‭The scheme began in the year 1960. The main objective of the scheme is to provide day‬
‭lunch to students during working school days. Some other important aims of this scheme‬
‭include: protecting students from study- room hunger, improved socialization especially‬
‭among the students, increasing enrollment as well as attendance, social empowerment,‬
‭addressing malnutrition, etc. It aiso prevents children from going astray and develops them‬
‭into good citizens‬

‭ owever, there are certain drawbacks to this scheme. Sometimes, due to lack of monitoring‬
H
‭and hygiene, children are provided with contaminated food. This is furthered by corruption at‬
‭all levels. In most places, teachers manage kitchens and are often not dignified in‬
‭distributing food. A lack of infrastructure in schools and delay in payment by the Government‬
‭further aggravates the issue. Children are often treated as burden. Only when the‬
‭government, school authorities and the parents join hands, can this mid-day meal scheme‬
‭be a true success‬

‭Question 15‬

‭ orning assembly in the schools gives a cool and calm start to the otherwise hectic‬
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‭schedule of the day. It can be a means of passing important information to the students.‬
‭What are your views on this significant event of the day? Write an article in 150-200 words‬
‭on Importance of Morning Assembly. You are Navtej/Navita (10 marks) (CBSE (AI) 2015]‬

‭Answer‬
‭Importance of Morning Assembly‬

‭By Navtej‬

‭ orning assembly is the most important feature of the school curriculum, where students‬
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‭learn the value of collective prayer and are exposed to the need to inculcate moral and‬
‭ethical values. The morning assembly helps each child to showcase his or her talent and‬
‭ensure a robust start of the day. They are also guided to the path of spiritualism through‬
‭educational talks Meditation and introspection form an integral feature of the morning‬
‭assembly it is a symbol of unity of our school. It helps children to cultivate a sense of‬
‭belonging towards the school The assembly is creative canalisation of the innate talent of‬
‭students and is an integral part of the school activities‬

‭ orning assembly provides a channel to release information related to the school‬

M
‭operations, such as the club activities and extra-curricular activities. We can know what is‬
‭going on in the school every day. It also provides a training platform for both, the students‬
‭and the teachers to share their ideas about cultures, festivals and current affairs To‬
‭conclude, morning assembly plays a major part in the development of a child‬

‭Question 16‬

‭ n the occasion of Teachers' Day, the Honourable PM of India had an Interactive Session‬
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‭with students from all over the country through satellite link. Your school also made special‬
‭arrangements for the students to view the telecast. Write an article in about 50-200 words for‬
‭your school magazine giving details of the talk and its impact on you. You are‬
‭Akshay/Akshita of Brightland Public School, (10 marks) (CBSE Sample Paper 2016]‬

‭Answer‬

‭ n the occasion of Teacher's Day, the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr Ram Kumar Sharma‬
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‭interacted with students from all over the country through satellite link. Our school made‬
‭special arrangements for the students to view the telecast in the school auditorium. It was‬
‭indeed an enthralling experience to see the great dignitary interacting with the students. The‬
i‭mportance of teacher's in shaping our lives was an Important part of his talk. Mr Sharma‬
‭talked about how he was thankful to his teachers for instilling the beliefs that he has today‬

‭ e thanked his teachers for helping him fulfil his dreams. Whatever difficulties may come‬
H
‭one's way, one should strive hard to succeed. He gave examples from his childhood about‬
‭the times when he had to walk 10 kms to reach school. It was difficult but he used to wade‬
‭through even deep waters during rains, so that he could study. His talk was truly inspiring.‬
‭We realised how only after one has put in full efforts, one gets complete satisfaction, the‬
‭sense of achievement. He motivated the udents to give their best in difficulties, so that they‬
‭can be successful in life. the face of‬

‭Question 17‬

‭ n the occasion of Earth Day, you participated in various eco-friendly campaigns initiated by‬
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‭your school.‬

‭ rite an article in about 150-200 words for your school magazine giving details of these‬
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‭campaigns and the‬

I‭mpact on you. You are Akshay/ Akshita of Brightland Public School. (10 marks) [CBSE‬
‭Sample Paper 2016)‬

‭Answer‬

‭Earth Day Celebrations‬

‭By Akshita‬

‭ n the occasion of Earth Day, April 22, various eco-friendly campaigns were organised by‬
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‭our school. Many of you might question, why we celebrate Earth Day? It's because we seem‬
‭to have forgotten what a beautiful gift we have been given in the form of planet earth. We‬
‭also seem to have forgotten that this is our home and we need to keep it in order to stay‬
‭healthy and alive.‬
‭ ver the centuries, we have ruthlessly used and depleted the earth's resources. All this has‬
O
‭led to severe problems like depletion of the ozone layer, cyclones, flash floods, earthquakes,‬
‭tsunarni, forest fires, global warming, etc. To satisfy our quest for modernisation, heavy‬
‭amount of deforestation is also taking place. All this has harmed the earth's environment.‬
‭The ice at the Polar caps has started to melt due to the rise in earth's temperature‬

‭ ll this is bringing the doom's day nearer. So, days like the Earth Day remind us to be caring‬
A
‭and loving to the earth This Earth Day, our school had a series of enlightening lectures on‬
‭the theme 'Save Earth' by the famous environmentalist Dr Ramakant Mishra, Poster making‬
‭competition, planting saplings, cleanliness drive in and around the school were also‬
‭organised.‬

‭ pecial screening of James Cameroon's movie 'Avatar' was also conducted to make the‬
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‭students aware of the importance of saving earth. These programs were thoroughly enjoyed‬
‭by the students. Many students also pledged to do their share to help the planet. Students‬
‭were made aware of how little things like switching off lights and fans when not in use, stop‬
‭using plastic bags, saving fuel by walking small distances, recycling paper can go a long way‬
‭in saving the earth. Let us pledge to save earth this Earth Day‬

‭Question 18‬

I‭ndia is a land of diversity. One way in which it makes us feel proud of it is the number of‬
‭festivals we enjoy Write an article in 150-200 words on, Festivals of India'. You are‬
‭Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016 Answer‬

‭Festivals of India By Karan‬

I‭ndia is a land of fairs and festivals. People belonging to different damunities and different‬
‭religions live here, therefore, many festivals are celebrated regularly every year. Among‬
‭these festivals, some are religious, some are based on seasons while some are of national‬
‭importance. The commonality being the great enthusiasm in a colourful atmosphere.‬

‭ iwali Dussenra, Raksha Bandhan, Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti, Guru‬
D
‭Nanak Jayanti,‬
‭ anesh Chaturthi, etc are the religious festivals of India. These festivals are celebrated by‬
G
‭different‬

‭ ommunities, but they are celebrated as a whole. We can see festive atmosphere‬
c
‭everywhere in India‬

‭ oll, Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, Binu, Pongal, Onam, etc are seasonal or harvest festivals.‬
H
‭During the day harvest festival the farmers worship the sun, the earth and the cattle as‬
‭thanks giving for a bounteous harvest‬

‭ hen comes our national festivals - The Independence Day, The Republic Day and Gandhi‬
T
‭Jayanti. These festivals are celebrated by all communities throughout the country. The‬
‭Independence Day celebrated on 15th August every year reminds us those numerous‬
‭freedom fighters that made the Britishers leave the country. Our long-cherished dream of‬
‭freedom came true. All these days are observed with great national feeling On The Republic‬
‭day, a colourful parade starts from Vijay Chowk which ends at the Red Fort‬

‭ he festivals make our life colourful. People come together to welcome with open arms and‬
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‭forget the narrow differences. Festivals are very Important and they must be celebrated with‬
‭pomp‬

‭Question 19.‬

‭ ising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc. have caused health‬
R
‭woes for a large section of our population, Providing health care used to be a charitable and‬
‭ethical activity. Today, it has become commercialised, a money spinning business. Write an‬
‭article in 150-200 words on 'How to provide proper health care to the common man'. You are‬
‭Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016] Answer‬

‭How to Provide Proper Health Care to the Common Man?‬

‭By Karan‬
I‭n the rat-race to earn more and live a better lifestyle, people do not have time to take care of‬
‭themselves Exercising, yoga, meditation have become uncommon these days. They have‬
‭become fancy terms which people only talk about. Rising pollution, fast and competitive‬
‭lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc. have caused health woes for a large section of our‬
‭population. Providing health care used to be an ethical activity. Today, it has become‬
‭commercialised. The poor illiterate man who goes to the hospital for some other treatment‬
‭ends up losing kidney. Such cases of kidney theft in hospitals have become quite common‬
‭Doctors refuse to start treatment of people unless payment is done. Can the poor afford?‬

‭ any government hospitals are in pathetic conditions. There are hardly any provisions for‬
M
‭the sick. The government hospital doctors have made the hospitals a referral point for their‬
‭private practices Inclusion of private sector in health care has made the entire situation‬
‭commercialised. Unnecessary tests and operations are done without any human concern.‬
‭Proper health ca as stopped being affordable even to the middle class, leave alone the poor‬
‭class‬

‭ hough the cost of treatment is lower than the west, it is still Vot affordable to the common‬
T
‭man. The‬

‭ overnment needs to take necessary steps and allocate more funds to the health care in‬
g
‭India. Better health‬

‭ are facilities at the Primary health care centres, provision of essential medicines free of‬
c
‭cost, strict‬

‭ igilance on the doctors at the government hospitals, health insurance should be improved‬
v
‭and private‬

‭ ospitals should provide health care to the common man at affordable cost "Prevention is‬
h
‭better than‬

‭cure. Therefore, proper precaution and care should start at home Question 20‬
I‭ndia is an emerging economy. We are rich in natural resources. Yet a significant proportion‬
‭of our people are living below poverty line. One cause of this poverty is our rising population‬
‭write an article in 150-200 words on How to keep a check on population' You are Karuna‬
‭Karan (10‬

‭marks) (CBSE Delhi 2016‬

‭Answer‬

‭How to Keep a Check on Population? By Karima‬

"‭ We all worry about population explosion but we don't worry about it at the right time" With‬
‭limited resources and an ever increasing population, the developing countries face a lot of‬
‭problems. As per United Nations population statistics, the world population grew by 30%‬
‭between 1990 and 2010 which is an alarmingly high rate. There are many ways of keeping a‬
‭check on our population. Out of the many, the most Important is women empowerment, it‬
‭should be up to women if they want to have a child or not. They shouldn't be forced to give‬
‭birth to a child just for the continuity of a family name.‬

‭ econdly, as education is the most powerful tool, the society needs to be made aware of the‬
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‭current situations and be educated enough that they break the stereotypes. With a powerful‬
‭legislation and making sure that the laws and policies get implemented, population can be‬
‭controlled more effectively. A proper family planning can also help to curb the menace. All of‬
‭these measures are just a few of the many. It is the need of the hour to control the‬
‭population in order to handle the problem of scarcity of resources and for a steady economic‬
‭development‬

‭Question 21.‬

‭ omen feel unsafe on the road, at their place of work and even at home. There is an urgent‬
W
‭need to change the male mindset in its attitude towards women. Write an article in 150-200‬
‭words on 'How to make women feel safe. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi‬
‭2016] Answer‬
‭How to Make Women Feel Safe? By Karuna‬

‭ he status of women in India has been subject to great changes ous the past few millennia.‬
T
‭Today, Indian women are found working in all fields like aeronautics, space, politics, banks,‬
‭schools, sports, businesses, army, police, and many more.‬

‭ owever in the recent years, we have seen a lot of changes. On the one hand, we find‬
H
‭female figurines being worshipped in our temples, on the other hand, we hear about the‬
‭manifold increase in crime against women. Molestation, dowry deaths, rape, murder have all‬
‭become everyday news now. With the rising‬

‭ umber of rape cases in the country, more and more women have fear regarding their safety‬
n
‭Women are‬

‭ arassed everywhere at all times Perpetrator of such crimes have been found to have a‬
h
‭stereotypical male mindset, that the job of a wornan is only to beget children It has been‬
‭found that crimes against women are rising due to the lack of gender- friendly environment‬
‭and improper functional infrastructure, such as consumption of alcohol and drugs in open‬
‭area, lack of adequate lighting, safe public tollets, sidewalks, lack of effective police service,‬
‭lack of properly working helpline numbers, etc. There is an urgent need to understand and‬
‭solve this problem of women safety, so that women feel equally safe in their own country.‬
‭The police need to be more pro-active‬

‭ ounselling at home and in the schools is required to ensure gender equality. It is important‬
C
‭that women are made aware of their rights, for example, cyber-crime against women is also‬
‭punishable. To feel safe, it is important that women/girls are motivated to join self-defense‬
‭classes, so that she can fight for herself. Let us all work together to make this world a better‬
‭and safer place to live in.‬

‭Question 22.‬

‭ ccording to 2011 census, literacy rate of hundred per cent or around has been achieved by‬
A
‭only a couple of states in India Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and the deprived‬
‭sections of society. What can the youth do to spread literacy in society? Write an article in‬
‭150-200 words on 'Role of students in eradicating Illiteracy You are Karuna/Karan. (10‬
‭marks) [CfISE Delhi 2016] Answer‬
‭Role of Students in Eradicating Illiteracy By Karan‬

‭ iteracy is a key element in the progress of any nation. In its absence, people often become‬
L
‭helpless. It also hinders their development. Though the literacy rate in India has grown over‬
‭a period of time, literacy is still below average in the country. Despite many government‬
‭programmes, India's literacy does not show any Improvement. Illiteracy is found mostly‬
‭among the old and the deprived sections of society. Though some states in India have‬
‭achieved 100% literacy, the real purpose is yet to be achieved. Students in particular can do‬
‭a lot in this regard. The youth can help the rural people in many ways, by spreading‬
‭education among them, by developing adult education programmes and by removing‬
‭ignorance from their life‬

‭ ducation creates awareness. Various street plays can be staged to make people aware of‬
E
‭the benefits of education. Being a part of programmes like 'Each one Teach one will also‬
‭help the cause. During summer vacation, students can set up various camps to teach‬
‭people. If stuents pledge to eradicate illiteracy from the country and work towards achieving‬
‭that goal, surely our country will also become a nation of literates soon‬

‭Question 23‬

I‭ncrease in the number of private vehicles has caused problems like rising air pollution,‬
‭traffic jams, lack of‬

‭ arking space road rage, etc. The solution lies in the use of public transport. Write an article‬
p
‭in 150-200‬

‭ ords on "The Importance of Public Transport You are Karan/Karuna: (10 marks) [CBSE (AI)‬
w
‭2016]‬

‭Answer‬

‭The Importance of Public Transport By Karuna‬

‭ owadays with the arrival of low end private vehicles in the market, we find people preferring‬
N
‭private vehicles over public transport. This increase in the number of private vehicles has led‬
‭to rising levels of congestion and air pollution Increasing number of road accidents, incidents‬
‭of road rage in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing‬
‭number of private vehicles in use. The Increasing number of private vehicles contribute to‬
‭greenhouse gases, further leading to global warming In order to reverse this decline in the‬
‭quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use public transport‬
‭more. There are many benefits of using public transport.‬

‭ irstly, it is affordable and accessible any day, and at most times to the public, unlike private‬
F
‭transport where the responsibility of maintaining and financing the vehicle falls on the‬
‭shoulders of the owner. The Increasing cost of fuel further gives a reason for use of public‬
‭transport. Private vehicle owners need to check the road-worthiness of the vehicle and‬
‭ensure that the vehicle is taxed and insured.‬

‭ econdly, public transport is a means of relieving traffic congestions since a greater number‬
S
‭of passengers can be accommodated in it. Less number of vehicles means less fuel‬
‭consumption, thereby saving fuel Reducing the number of vehicles on the road has the‬
‭effect of reducing the Amount of air pollution in the environment, reducing global warming.‬
‭This will lead to better health of individuals. Furthermore, in this fast paced life where people‬
‭do not have time to interact with others, public transport gives an opportunity not only to‬
‭relax but also to interact with other people. Therefore, public transport is very important and‬
‭should be advocated.‬

‭Question 24‬

I‭n certain states of India there is a great imbalance in the male female ratio. This is the result‬
‭of special treatment given to boys in the family Why is it so? How can we change this‬
‭mindset? Write an article in 150-200 words on 'Gender Discrimination in Society You are‬
‭Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) (CBSE (AI) 2016] Answer‬

‭Gender Discrimination in Society By Karan‬

I‭ndia is a male dominant society. Men enjoy certain privileges over women. Birth of a boy is‬
‭celebrated, whereas girl's birth is considered as a curse it is pity that in a country where‬
‭women are said to be worshipped there is widespread discrimination. Even before they are‬
‭born, injustice is meted out to them in this male chauvinistic world in varying degrees Certain‬
‭brutal practices like female foeticide throw light on our attitude. The girl child is considered a‬
l‭iability and doesn't enjoy the privileges of a boy She is denied the advantages of proper‬
‭education. The dowry system haunts parents and the narassment she is subjected to‬

‭at the in-laws often force her to commit suicide‬

‭ ven in enlightened nomes, women have to live their life under surveillance, if not in strict‬
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‭purdah Working women are physically and verbally abused, denied opportunities of growth‬
‭and subjected to discrimination‬

‭ ocial evils like dowry system, honour killing, human trafficking, societal dognas, etc, take a‬
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‭toll on women. Only education and economic independence can empower women. Proper‬
‭law making and execution, spreading awareness, exemplary punishment for the predators‬
‭etc., surely will bring positive changes. Women need to be empowered instead of treating‬
‭them as a helpless victim of male chauvinism. Let us live, let her live and let us help her live‬
‭in better developed society.‬

‭Question 25‬

‭ or admission to colleges, there is a lot of competition today. For one available seat, there‬
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‭are hundreds of candidates. Such a situation leads to stress on the minds of students in the‬
‭schools. However, the practice of Yoga can help them feel calm and stress-free. Write an‬
‭article in 150-200 words on the topic, 'Importance of Yoga to Students'. You are‬
‭Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016] Answer‬

‭Importance of Yoga to Students By Karan‬

‭ oga is a holistic method of fitness that aims at balancing the body through various poses‬
Y
‭and meditative techniques. It aims at all-round health and improves all systems of the body.‬
‭It is suitable for any age group,‬

‭ oga can have great importance for students. Students these days have to face stiff‬
Y
‭competition. To reach the number-one spot has become a priority for everyone. There is a‬
‭mad rush among hundreds of candidates to get that one available seat in college. All this‬
‭creates stress among students. This is where yoga helps. The practice of yoga can help‬
t‭hem feel calm and stress-free. The benefits of yoga for students can be manifold. Yoga‬
‭makes students flexible, helping them remain fit. Some particular asanas like surya‬
‭namaskars increase the blood flow to the brain, helping the brain to function better.‬

‭ egularly practising yoga also helps students to concentrate better and train the body to do‬
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‭things unconsciously, Breathing exercises in yoga or pranayama are also very helpful to‬
‭students. They help in removing stress and tension from their minds and reducing‬
‭behavioural problems. It keeps their mind healthy and decreases physical ailments. Yoga‬
‭also helps in reducing depression, a by-product of stress. It calms mind and helps students‬
‭concentrate better.‬

‭ editation skills also help students focus on important things. Seeing the benefits of yoga,‬
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‭the United Nations has declared 21 June as the international Day of Yoga and it is‬
‭celebrated worldwide since the year 2015. So with these umpteen benefits rolled into one,‬
‭let us make yoga a part of our life.‬

‭Question 26‬

‭ ducation has always been a noble profession. Our ancestors received their learning at‬
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‭gurukuls and‬

‭ shrams. Even in the near past, pathshalas (schools) were associated with places of‬
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‭worship. Today,‬

‭ ducation is fast becoming commercialised. Parents halve to shell out a lot of money on‬
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‭coaching classes, which basically promotes the latent talent in students. The cultural club of‬
‭the school under the guidance of the Head Master Mr. Johnson made elaborate‬
‭arrangements for the four day-long event. Invitations were sent to all the schools requesting‬
‭them to send their teams to participate in the event. Some of the schools that participated‬
‭were The Doon School , St. Xaviers Academy , Bishop Cotton School ,The Knox Hall , The‬
‭Aditya Birla Academy. The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief‬
‭Guest Mr. RP Upadhyay, Chief Secretary of the state. The events slated for the first day‬
‭were debate and elocution. There was a strong competition between our school and The‬
‭Doon School. Our school finally won the debating event, conceding elocution to Bishop‬
‭Cotton School . Dramatics on the second day had some very good plays, caricatures and‬
‭skits that left the audience enthralled. The judges had a tough time deciding the winners.‬
‭Antakshri and musical events on the last two days were very entertaining. The team from‬
‭Aditya Birla Academy and The Knox Hall walked away with the first prize in these events.‬
‭ he festival finally drew to an end on the 14 th of October 2020 Our Principal, Mr. L.G. White‬
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‭gave away the prizes. Mr. Johnson thanked the participating teams in his vote of thanks, for‬
‭making the event such a grand success. It was with a heavy heart we bid farewell to our new‬
‭found friends, promising to meet again next year. We shall always cherish the invaluable‬
‭experience of teamwork, brotherhood, and healthy competition during the event which shall‬
‭stand us in good stead in life.‬