In the rush of school schedules, work hours, and daily routines, family holidays or vacations often take a backseat. The constant hustle to meet deadlines at various fronts makes time fly by. Blink and we find our kindergarten-going child is now a cool teenager who finds holding your hand in public so uncool. This makes us realise that despite the unending deadlines, we need to take a pause, make time for our loved ones, and create moments and memories for all to revisit at a later time and be happy. Family holidays can become a tool not only of making lifetime memories but one of shaping the world views of our kids.

A holiday is synonymous with travel most of the time. It may be one’s ancestral home or a popular destination, a long-desired place on a bucket list, or just an unconventional choice. Whatever the option, travel is an immersive educational tool. There is a limit to what textbooks can teach. The real-time experiences of a holiday hold a world unique to themselves. A textbook or a pic cannot do justice to the stunning sunset view of the beach, the foggy, misty morning atop a mountain, or the warmth & aroma of dadi’s kitchen delicacies – they need to be experienced, felt, imbibed, and cherished by us.

As Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Taking kids on holidays exposes them to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. This makes them curious about things and broadens their perspective.

In today’s digital age, where parents are glued to work emails and kids to YouTube videos, quality family time is becoming increasingly rare. Holidays offer the perfect excuse to unplug and reconnect.

Remember the joy of road trips as a child? Singing Bollywood songs at the top of your lungs, playing antakshari, and fighting over the window seat was the norm. Today, kids would find these amusing. According to a survey by the Family Holiday Association, “Children remember family vacations more vividly and fondly than toys and gifts.” The experiences of building sandcastles, going on jungle safaris, taking a shikara ride, or lazily reading a book in a houseboat become the stories that families laugh about for years to come.
Holidays provide an opportunity for kids to learn local customs and traditions. Rabindranath Tagore aptly said, “Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.” Holidays allow kids to explore firsthand, making them more appreciative of their heritage and roots while opening their hearts to other cultures.

Family vacations aren’t just about the kids; they’re a well-deserved break for us parents too! The daily grind of work, household chores, and parenting can take a toll and call for a much-needed respite or break. A holiday allows parents to unwind and rediscover themselves. Happy, relaxed parents make for happy kids, making the trip enjoyable for everyone.
Travel is a one-of-a-kind teacher. Visiting the local flower market, handicraft bazaar, flea market by the beach at night, or the souvenir shop, they understand economics at play. A hike to the fort atop a hill teaches them endurance, science, and resilience. The efforts made to communicate in a new language instill confidence.

According to travel writer Pico Iyer, “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves.” While our kids may not enjoy all the different spots visits while on travel or may grumble about the weather conditions and other things, these very escapades shape their personalities, making them open to exploring new things and develop a curious mind.
Kids may not remember their birthday gifts given every year, but the first-ever visit to a beach or a popular destination is etched in memory forever. These are the moments that stick forever.

A study by the U.S. Travel Association found that “Adults who traveled with their families as children are more likely to value relationships, seek adventure, and have a sense of curiosity.” As parents, we often focus on academic achievements, but investing in experiences is just as crucial.

It’s not about the destination but the journey—those endless rounds of “Are we there yet?”, the excitement of packing travel essentials, and the joy of discovering new places together. These are the moments that make childhood special and parenting worthwhile.
As Dr. Seuss perfectly put it, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Happy holidays!

“But because of this, the mosquito has a guilty conscience. To this day she goes about whining in people’s ears. ‘Zeeee! Is everyone still angry at me?’ When she does that, she gets an honest answer.”

‘Why mosquitoes buzz in people’s ears’, the acclaimed work of celebrated American writer Verna Aardema, tenderly sheds light on the rich African storytelling culture. Born on 6th June 1911; Aardema was a hugely respected name for her significant contribution to the modern-day version of folktales retold with vivid imagination and cultural sensitivity.

Aardema spent her early young adulthood teaching children at elementary school, where she grew fond of children’s stories and more precisely storytelling as an impactful form of children’s education. The natural extension of it all resulted in her passionate writing characterized with strong influences of African folktales.

Folktale adaptations or retellings are never a cakewalk. The oral tradition of storytelling dates back to as long as humans existed. It’s a task to understand the nuances of these passed-on stories – mythologies, legends, real accounts, and everything in between.

“From that day on, Mosquito has been buzzing and itching, whispering in the ears of people, reminding them of the consequences of heedless actions.”

‘Why mosquitoes buzz in people’s ears’ deals with a weird timeline of eventful happenings where a mosquito creates havoc leading to absolute confusion and mayhem in the animal kingdom. The book was immensely rooted in the African storytelling tradition, blending in seamlessly with the childlike simplicity and an innocent worldview.

The pitch-perfect illustrations elevated Aardema’s text manifold. Her writings were tagged along with some creatively realistic bunch of illustrations brought to life by the amazing Dillons. The imagery provided a sensorially stimulating experience for young readers when paired with Aardema’s prolific writings.

‘Bringing the rain to Kapiti Plain’, ‘Borreguita and the Coyote’, ‘Who’s in rabbit’s house?’, ‘Anansi does the impossible!’, ‘Tales from the story hat’, ‘Misoso’, ‘The lonely lioness and the ostrich chicks’, ‘Behind the Back of the Mountain’, ‘The Riddle of the Drum’, and many more titles constitute the illustrious bibliography of Verna Aardema.

These stories taught young readers to empathize with the world at large, especially with people representing diverse cultural backgrounds. It instilled within them a sense of kindness, righteousness, and love.

“So, the next time you hear that faint buzzing in your ear, take a moment to reflect on the tale of the Mosquito and the power of our choices.”

To experiences, learnings, and the power of our choices – until the next time a mosquito buzzes!

The Kite Runner is a story set in Afghanistan. It is the story of two friends Amir & Hassan and the friendship they have. It is an emotional tale where one feels the emotions experienced by the characters in the book. Amir is a boy belonging to a rich family, while his friend Hassan is poor. They lead very different lives but are still very close.

One incident changes their relationship. It makes Amir go through a guilt trip for many years.

I like the book due to its characters touching and emotional story about friendship, guilt, and making things right. The book follows Amir, a boy from a rich family in Afghanistan, and his best friend Hassan, who comes from a poor background. Even though they are close, their lives are very different. One terrible incident changes everything between them, and Amir spends years feeling guilty about what happened.
I really liked the way the book showed the real-life characters of Amir and Hassan. Amir makes mistakes like we all do while Hassan believes in being a loyal friend like we all want and aspire to be. Amir tries to correct his mistakes just like one would do in the real world. This makes the book more relatable.

I liked the simple and lucid writing style of the author. This book made me think a lot about friendship and its value. I would recommend this book to all for the unique friendship bond displayed by Amir & Hassan throughout the plot.

Also, this book is a must-read for young adults who enjoy reading emotional and meaningful stories.

Today was a significant day for me. It was my first day of break after my final exams. I had spent many nights living this moment over and over in my mind. No more sitting surrounded by books, getting up early, following a strict timetable, and eating healthy. And most of all the end of my parents’ watch over me too. Now I had the time and freedom to do things that I wanted.

While all my friends had plans to sleep endlessly, go window shopping in malls, or enjoy picnics, My mind had chalked out a complete fun-filled routine of some enriching me-time. Well, the plan was perfect. Or so I thought.

I had it all mapped out. First, fitness routines. I decided to go for morning jogs, do yoga, or try the exercise routines that were a hit on social media. By following a mixed routine I planned to achieve my desired fitness levels by the time the next academic session started. A 10th std student all ready to face the world brimming with energy.

Then, I was going to transform myself into the voracious reader I once was. The study schedules had taken me away from my beloved books. I had all the intention to finish the many unread books on my shelf. Not only that, I had a brand new journal ready for starting my journaling journey much on the likes of the Pinterest pages I followed.

The color palette and markers were my next stop in my perfect plan. Doodling, an activity that had made many of my gloomy days bearable was beckoning me and I intended to heed to it.

The last phase of my plan was to learn to play the guitar. Some convincing was needed for its purchase but I was very sure of my skills to do it.

However, all the slogging done during the exams made me tired. So I decided to take the first day of the break a little easy. It started with a small power nap that turned out to be a 5-hour sleep session. This was followed by some fast food eating, and chatting with friends. Poof! The day was over. I reminded myself to follow the routine strictly from the next day onward. Alas! What I thought of as one day of rest was soon going to spiral into some non-planned activities that made my perfect plan go haywire! Slumber.

The next morning, I slept in till noon. That “fitness routine” never even saw the light of day. The only form of exercise I did was to go into the kitchen to get some food and eat it.

The books? Still unread. Blame it on the availability of my favorite anime show on Netflix. When would I ever get the time to binge-watch all 10 seasons if not now? I could always read books during my study breaks and Sundays right?

Learning something new? Well, I did learn how to perfectly procrastinate.

Now, as the vacation nears its end, I wonder where all my time went. My perfect plan remains just that , a plan. If I look at it another way, I actually enjoyed doing nothing.May be I would execute the plan to perfection sometime in future. But definitely not this year.

There is quite a common contradiction when it comes to the uses of Artificial Intelligence(AI) in everyday life. A few argue that AI has been a driving factor in job displacement, while others argue that it is a technology that has been destined to shape our future. Indeed, this contradiction has led to arguments on the access of information to AI systems. More the information is fed into these AI applications, the more it is likely for AI systems to become self-conscious in ways that can lead to the destruction of humanity.

AI takeover is a pressing concern in the long term. It is important to solve issues of AI prevailing in the current society. As mentioned earlier, job displacement is a driving factor in recent times that has put AI under great scrutiny and oppression. Although AI systems are ultimately shaping new job opportunities, they are replacing existing jobs and workspaces.

Job displacement in fields like writing is an even bigger issue. We have all used AI applications to write something for us – let it be a college paper, school essay, or general homework. Moreover, AI is also taking over journalism, content writing/creation, and physical newspapers, since it takes a minute to write out an article covering a topic, whereas it takes hours or days to get it done by a human.

Such power is easily accessible at anyone’s fingertips. There is no need for the collection of information, sources, writing, and framing. All it takes is a few seconds to type out a prompt, which would be converted to an essay within minutes.

This is a concern for the current society. Not because of how AI has grown to a point where it can write out prompts in seconds, but the influence it has over the economy, politics, and society as a whole. Journalism is a task that requires careful consideration, skills, and proper data, something that AI applications physically can not do. Unlike journalists who are actively on the hunt for new data, being physically present on what they intend to write on, AI applications cannot do it and rely completely on sources online.

Thus, such prompts written by these AI systems can at times be misleading. They might not be updated with the latest information. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between AI-written and human-written articles. These concerns about AI’s influence on society and writing are a prevalent part of society.

However, we cannot ignore the positive impacts such AI applications have on writing as well. It helps new creators learn, understand, and develop. It helps identify mistakes, adapt to them, and grow accordingly. Free learning tools and grammar identification websites that use AI are shaping the field of writing. It also enhances productivity and efficiency. Indeed, AI applications play a dual role in the sphere of writing.

As a writer myself, I look into both sides of this issue. On one side, I strongly stand with those who think AI applications have a positive influence on society, and on another side, I strongly emphasize the negatives associated with AI in writing.

AI has played a crucial role in helping me during my early stages on how to write, how to create suspenseful plots, and so on. It has increased my productivity and fueled my desire to continue writing during my initial stages.

As I write more and more articles, I find it a battle to remain original, and in a sense human while writing, when data can be generated within seconds using AI tools.

I strongly believe that AI tools can never replace human writing on the whole. While some may find it easy to write their essays using AI, writing is something that is more emotionally connected. It is, after all, a way to transfer emotions with the use of books instead of communication. Such emotions are carried only by letters that the author himself feels while writing. That much of an impact emotions have on reading, simply cannot be overridden by AI tools and applications.

Yes, I do have mixed opinions when it comes to AI in writing. While it may truly not be an ideal option, it enables people to learn and increase productivity. At the end of the day, in a world filled with AI applications, the one who uses AI the right way ends up winning. The key isn’t to let AI take over but to use it as a tool that supports and enhances human creativity. Technology should work for us, not the other way around.

In today’s world where our children are hooked to screens from sunrise to sunset in the form of online teaching aids in school and usage of personal gadgets, it’s become a popular belief among parents that keeping kids busy is the key to their success and happiness. This results in parents trying their best to fill their calendars with classes, extracurricular activities, and structured playdates, all in the hopes of bringing up a child that is not addicted to the digital overload. The reality, however, is far from it. We need to slow down. Allow the kids some respite. Let their minds wander into nothingness, let them experience boredom, the feeling of doing things that do not make sense to the others. Yes, boredom is that secret ingredient to creativity and inspiration—and has been ignored in pursuit of creating a tailormade world for our little ones.

What is boredom, one might ask. It is akin to that sweet, hollow feeling that washes over you, that results in creative bursts alongside existential crises. When are kids bored? When they have too much to study, too many assignments to complete, too many classes to attend, have to follow a set schedule et al. They just want to break away from this order of things and be in a world where the mind can wander on its own will.

When kids are relentlessly engaged in a multitude of planned activities, they’re not really given the chance to think for themselves. Sure, they learn many skills like arts, sports, music, but it all takes away from them an opportunity to be with themselves without a goal. It makes them miss the opportunity for true creativity that reveals itself in the midst of boredom.

Studies show that allowing children to be bored can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. Be it staring at the ceiling aimlessly, counting the number of paint drops on the wall, or wrestling with their thoughts. It’s during these moments that new patterns emerge, new ideas take shape and the feeling of EUREKA sets in.

Boredom encourages kids to explore their surroundings and come up with their own games or stories. Of course, the last thing we want is for them to transform the living room into a wrestling arena featuring plush toys as combatants. But you’ll be surprised—those pillow fights can unleash fierce negotiation skills!

Now, while we are all for creativity, wisdom is key! If your child says, “I’m bored!”, a classic Indian parent response could be: “If you’re bored, you can help me clean the house or fold the clothes!” This mixed approach of doing productive things to weed out boredom might seem like a good solution but it is activities like these which might prevent the creativity setting in.

Instead, we must allow boredom to foster independence. When children are left with nothing to do, they learn to self-entertain. That boredom could pave the path to independence, allowing them to find hobbies or interests truly meaningful to them, rather than doing activities forcibly.

Boredom enhances imagination. A bored kid rides high on the imagination horse and finds things around him assume personas impossible to foresee in the real world. A cardboard box becomes a spaceship to Mars, while a broomstick instantly transforms them into a wizard finding the hidden elixir or creating the next spell.

Kids innately learn problem-solving skills while they tackle boredom. An attempt to make a castle using home linen and pillows teaches them lessons in resourcefulness and managing with meagre things firsthand. These are precisely the skills needed in adult life to navigate.

Kids often trying to be creative face failure multiple times before the idea in their head becomes a reality. This teaches them the values of patience and resilience. As they learn to cope with an empty day, they develop skills that may keep them calmer when faced with real challenges later on. An outrage of not being able to play outdoors due to rains becomes a creative pursuit of rescuing an imaginary friend from the torrential downpour all from being perched in the balcony and watching the pouring raindrops.

However, there is a thin line between trying to be creative while being bored and whiling away one’s time aimlessly. Boredom cannot be a ticket to binge-watch favorite cartoon shows or teen dramas.

As parents, we must create a balance where kids have some ‘me time’ without feeling like it’s a punishment. Boredom can be a great stimulator only if it is not allowed to be converted to a mindless activity.

So the next time your child complains of boredom, cheer them on! Let them learn, explore, and innovate in their own unique ways. Who knows? You might be nurturing the next big inventor, artist, or just a kid who knows how to find endless fun in a single cardboard box. So sit back, take a sip of chai, and embrace the glorious, wonderful, and oh-so-important journey of boredom!

What is the book about?

This book by Geraldine McCaughrean is a thrilling, fast-paced historical set in the early days of the American West, the story follows the struggles of the small, seemingly insignificant town of Florence, which faces the threat of being bypassed by the new railroad line. The townspeople, led by the determined and resourceful protagonist, decide to take matters into their own hands to stop the train from passing them by.

What is interesting about the book?

This story is truly exciting! It is a mix of adventure, humor, and important life lessons. The book touches on themes of community, perseverance, and the impact of progress on traditional ways of life.

What I loved about it?

The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with each townsperson playing a unique role in the town’s fight for survival. Readers will quickly become invested in the determination and teamwork of the people of Florence, who show that even small communities can make a big difference when they work together. There’s a perfect balance of tension and light-hearted moments, making it a fun and rewarding read.

Why should one read it?

This story combines adventure, history, and strong character development. It helps readers connect with the themes of perseverance, community, and overcoming adversity.

Recommendation

This book is an excellent choice for readers (aged 12 years and above) who enjoy historical fiction with a dash of suspense and heart.

One Winter Morning, We Learnt How To Love!

By Himanshu Nimbhorkar

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Introduction

The best socio-cultural impact is often achieved by making your point without being too on-the-nose about it. Blending in your worldview so seamlessly into the narrative, that those elements exist simply because they have to, simply because it's a norm for you, and that's how it should be in an ideal world.

“One Winter morning, Peter woke up and looked out the window. Snow had fallen during the night. It covered everything as far as he could see.”

‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats was a pioneer in mainstream children’s literature back in the day. It introduced us to a black character as a child protagonist, an unprecedented move in children’s literature for its time. Diversity and multiculturalism were at its most purest and honest, simply because the character inherently belonged there, not because his race demanded him too (or vice versa). Children’s stories with inclusivity (an extension of humanity) are a way of life.

About Ezra Jack Keats

Keats, born on 11th March 1916; in New York, United States; was a celebrated writer and illustrator of children’s literature. His work has been widely translated across almost all the major spoken languages globally.

Keats turned everything around him into subjects for his drawings since his early childhood. His artistic prowess became known all around, and he continued engaging with it throughout his early adulthood, as he began illustrating extensively. After illustrating for books and publications for years, other than having multiple exhibitions of his illustrated work; Keats began writing his own books.

Works by Keats

‘My Dog is Lost’, a sweet little tale of an eight-year-old Spanish boy, having newly arrived in New York loses his dog, and a havoc ensues. Locals help him reconnect with his furry friend, constituting an adorable and wholesome narrative.

Keats’ most accomplished and talked about work, ‘The Snowy Day’, portrays an African American boy named Peter who witnesses his neighborhood soak in the heavenly beauty of the season’s first snowfall. Also illustrated by Keats himself, the book contains a beautiful collage Artwork.

Peter returned for many more books:

• ‘Peter’s Chair’
• ‘A Letter to Amy’
• ‘Goggles’
• ‘Pet Show’
• And a few more

Retaining the characters’ innocent worldview and an adorable sense of simplicity.

Keats introduced another fun character in his latter series of books. Louie; a quiet, curious, imaginative child; made us journey through some lovely bunch of adventures like:

• ‘Regards to the Man in the Moon’
• ‘Louie’s Search’
• ‘The Trip’
• Etc.

Themes and Legacy

Mundane joys, little moments of happiness, sensorially stimulating elements, inherent cultural diversity, and much more; made it to Keats’ writings book after book, illustration after illustration.

“To me, one of the greatest triumphs in doing a book is to tell the story as simply as possible. My aim is to imply rather than to overstate. Whenever the reader participates with his own

Core Principles of Ganimi Kava

1. गनिमी कावा हा स्वराज्याचा कणा आहे
   Ganimi Kava is the backbone of Swarajya
2. शत्रू संख्येने मोठा असला तरी युद्ध नीती आणि चातुर्याने त्याला हरवता येते।
   Even if the enemy is large in numbers, he can be defeated with war strategy and intelligence
3. कधीही संपूर्ण ताकदीने समोरच्या शत्रूशी भिडू नका, हळूहळू त्याला संपवा।
   Never confront the enemy with full force; weaken him gradually.
4. जलद हल्ला, अचूक वार आणि सुरक्षित माघार – हेच खरे यशस्वी युद्धाचे तत्त्व आहे।
   Swift attack, precise strike, and safe retreat – these are the principles of a successful battle.
5. रणांगण हेच खरं शिक्षण आहे, आणि डोंगर-दऱ्या ह्या खऱ्या शाळा आहेत।
   The battlefield is the real school, and the mountains and valleys are the true classrooms.
6. आपल्या भूमीचा प्रत्येक डोंगर, प्रत्येक जंगल, आणि प्रत्येक नदी हेच आपल्या सैन्याचे शस्त्र आहेत।
   Every mountain, every forest, and every river of our land is a weapon of our army.

Introduction to Guerrilla Warfare

The above lines are a testament to the importance of guerrilla warfare, or Ganimi Kava as enunciated by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, who is universally credited with inventing it. This unorthodox military tactic was instrumental in extending Swaraj (self-rule) and fighting against the powerful Mughal and Adilshahi armies. His expertise in guerrilla warfare allowed him to expand the mighty Maratha Empire.

In the 17th century, the Mughals controlled most of the Indian subcontinent. They enjoyed huge armies, superior strength in numbers, and vast resources. Shivaji Maharaj, having limited men and resources, had to adopt an innovative approach to overcome these powerful empires. The rugged and hill country of the Western Ghats provided him a natural cover that he skillfully used for hit-and-run guerrilla tactics.

His tactics were hit-and-run, ambushes, surprise, and strategic retreats. He fought battles on his own terms, not facing the superior enemy forces head-on. His familiarity with local terrain, along with the commitment of his soldiers, provided him with an advantage over his enemies. He inspired his soldiers by enunciating the core tactics used in this warfare.

He used quick maneuvering, midnight attacks, and small-unit maneuvers to seize forts, demoralize the opposition, and win over his kingdom. The top benefits of using this approach included:

Benefits of Ganimi Kava

• Proper Utilization of Terrain: Nature provided its advantage in the terrain of Deccan hills with dense forests. It proved quite challenging for enemies to follow the Maratha units.
• Surprise and Ambush: Shivaji’s forces attacked suddenly and disappeared before the enemy could retaliate.
• Minimizing Casualties: By avoiding direct battles, the Marathas sustained fewer losses while causing significant damage to the enemy.
• Fort Warfare: Shivaji strategically captured and fortified key forts, which became strongholds of Swaraj.
• Swift Cavalry Attacks: His highly mobile cavalry conducted quick raids on enemy supply lines and camps, disrupting their logistics.

Notable Battles

Several battles demonstrate Shivaji Maharaj’s brilliance in guerrilla tactics. Some of the most notable ones include:

1. Battle of Pratapgad (1659): One of his earliest victories against the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan. Using deception and superior planning, Shivaji lured Afzal Khan into a trap, personally killed him, and then launched a surprise attack on his army, securing a decisive victory.
2. Battle of Pavan Khind (1660): While the Bijapur army besieged Panhala Fort, Shivaji devised an escape plan. His trusted officer, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, and 300 men blocked an enormous Adilshahi force at Pavan Khind at the cost of their own lives so Shivaji could safely flee to Vishalgad Fort.
3. Sack of Surat (1664): Shivaji made a surprise attack on the prosperous Mughal city of Surat, plundering its wealth and weakening Mughal finances. The raid showcased his capacity to penetrate deep into enemy territory and retire quickly.
4. Battle of Sinhagad (1670): A brilliant night attack under Tanaji Malusare led to the capture of the strategically located Sinhagad Fort from the Mughals. Though Tanaji was killed, the victory consolidated Maratha dominance.

Legacy of Ganimi Kava

The strategies of Ganimi Kava have been eternalized in Marathi Powadas (ballads). One such well-known one is “Afzal Khanacha Vadh” (अफजल खानाचा वध) by Agrindas, which narrates how Shivaji Maharaj employed clever tactics of deception and guerrilla warfare to destroy Afzal Khan.

Shivaji Maharaj’s methods of guerrilla warfare were unparalleled and contributed notably towards the enhancement of Swaraj. Through his military strategic mind, careful fortifications, and creative methodologies, he fought against the large empires during his era very effectively. Military planners and liberators across the globe are today inspired by the legacy of Shivaji. His masterful uses of guerrilla warfare not just protected the integrity of the Maratha state, but also enabled the establishment of a powerful free India.