Saathi – Inauguration to new lives

- By Sachi Singhal and Meghna Bhasin

It is everyone’s hope to be able to do charity work and some good to the society, but, on the 17th of December, 2009, this hope was turned into reality.
Under Carmel Convent’s initiative, an NGO, or as we proudly say ‘our’ NGO, namely Saathi was inaugurated in Government Model High School – 52 on the 17th of December, 2009 by his Excellency Gov. Gen. S.F. Rodriguez and Home Secretary Mr. Ram Niwas.
The average man is on the whole content and also blissfully ignorant of the strife of those who are not as fortunate as himself. However, it is the society’s responsibility, our responsibility to uplift them.
This is where Saathi comes into action. This NGO is special because it is by the students, for other students and completely comprises of students. We aim to send these 300 students under our care into mainstream schooling, where they can have an equal opportunity to display their talents and complete their education at a level which fully matches that of the more privileged.
The first task that came into our hands was collecting a stunning amount of Rs. 45,000 which would be utilized to buy the required sweaters for the students under our care. Within two days, we crossed our benchmark with the help of all our generous contributors.
Also, organizing a whole inaugurating function was no piece of cake, but under Punita Ma’am’s guidance, we, as First Lady Jean Rodriguez kindly quoted, pulled off the show spectacularly. Both the Governor and the Home Secretary provided us with food for thought through their insightful and encouraging speeches.
Cheenat, a member of Saathi shares his experience with us, saying, “Looking at the delighted smiles of all the kids was a reward in itself!”
Saathi is now an integrated part of our lives. This is not a pass time, it is a mission, a responsibility and this is just the start.

PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE PROGRAMME

By – Sachi Singhal
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Society, Chandigarh, with the hardcore determination and philanthropic efforts of Gen. Dr. Rodriguez (Governor of Punjab), and Mr. Ram Niwas (Home Secretary, Chandigarh), hence by gave way to their brain child, the partnership initiative programme, providing education to 9000 under deprived children across the city.
On the formal meet of all the involved NGOs of the respective AIE centres (Alternative Innovative Education centres) this Tuesday, Mr. Ram Niwas and Gen. Dr. Rodriguez interacted with them, proceeding over the various concerned issues, the needs and demands, the progress, etc. A very dedicated and jolly natured man, Mr. Niwas told us about how they cover regular medical check ups, adequate clothing for all, actually tasty mid day meals, among many other things for these children, fitting them in their network of more than 200 concerned NGOs.
In his speech, he also stated that,” The first time he saw these kids, one of them had dirt smeared on his face, some hadn’t bathed for a week, and many hadn’t seen the face of a meal in ages.” But as we looked at the students studying sincerely, wishing us a very pleasant good afternoon, and looking like well behaved, normal school children, we were left wondering if that is actually possible… But yes, where there is a will there is a way, and both our respected governor and home secretary are living examples of this saying.
In his speech, Gen. Dr. Rodriguez, showing us the real side of our City Beautiful, related that, “No amount of rituals will make you a divine or a holy person, only doing good deeds will do so. And this society can be made better by just giving an hour or so of your week in serving the needy, donating all you don’t need but is in a good condition, and helping us in smooth and efficient functioning of these activities. And all those who have problems, bring them to us, and we’ll find solutions for them. Its our responsibility to give back the society more than what we have taken from it, and that’s what will make us a better human being.”
After these immensely passionate but at the same time completely truthful speeches, we moved towards departing, when we met an ailing lady who had come from all the way to Jammu to make the completion of her daughter’s education possible, whose situation greatly moved us, and we have made arrangements for providing her daughter with proper education as well as secure lodgings. With tears full of gratitude, she was very thankful and went back home with a happy heart and a content mind.
This experience actually touched our hearts and left us wondering about all the other ailing people in the society, and how we could be of help to them.
This function made us aware, about the ugly and ignorant side of the City Beautiful, about the determination of our leaders to make it better and how we are to become a part of this beautiful organization.:)

HOLINESS IS FROM WITHIN

By - Sachi Singhal
Bells ringing, bhajans blasting from enormous speakers, ladies singing all night, ending with a lavish 5 course meal for 200 odd people, who are there just to have free food….No this is not a festival scenario, but a scene straight out of the jagraata organized by Mrs. A, who has kept this to “please” God, by singing out His praises all night, and giving modest donations to the main singers, namely “Rama company and Co. – we make a jagraata unforgettable.”
Don’t we see such scenarios every other day, where fat wealthy ladies like to splash money in order to “please” god all the offerings and those off-tune bhajans ... making herself a public nuisance, as their neighbor’s daughter has an entrance exam tomorrow, and cannot study, and no car can pass that street, because it has been thoroughly encroached upon my the tent company – we provide tents for all jagraatas…
And there you are left wondering… Isn’t spirituality supposed to come from within…??
What happened to those people who used to meditate and pray sincerely every night, thanking Him for each day as it comes by. Have they been replaced by these show offs, who believe singing on blaring loudspeakers is holy, where as helping a poor child get food is just so “low class”…???
Holiness is a feeling, a divine pure feeling of serenity and security , which cannot be achieved through these bhajans and jagraatas, but instead come from WITHIN…
Being kind to the needy, helping those in distress, putting those going off track right back on the track, these philanthropic deeds will actually give rise to those positive serene feelings, not littering the land after hefty jagraata and bragging about just how holy and pure hearted creature you are, while running your car over a stray dog.
Be good, be honest, live your life well, and just enjoy each and every moment innocently…God could never be more pleased with you

ECHO From the ECOSOC

By Mannat Sibal



On 8th November 2009, 26 Carmelites and 23 Johnians assembled and actively participated in the first simulation of the JTP MUN’09 at the St. Johns High School, Chandigarh.
The programme kicked off with lobbing where everyone according to their committee formed blocs and alleys after which the committee started. The ECOSOC Executive Board comprised of Abhivyakti Saxena The Chair followed by Deeksha Bhardwaj the Scenario Director while Karan Singh directed the committee and Aseem Goel was the Rapporteur.
The delegates enjoyed a great esteem of knowledge as well as fun. MUN taught us to be self-confident and it brought out the best that was lying within. The delegates have got so deep with MUN that now our countries have become our identities. The delegate of Pakistan (Vardaan Arora) stated his opinion, “JTP was like living a dream, even though it went a little rough in the middle but it is still something great!”. The committee did have it s ups n downs but it ended up with a light and an informal session. I the delegate of Australia cherish each and every moment spent in the MUN and I love to recall all the Point on the Floor, The Resolutions the Unmoderated Caucuses, Personal Privileges etc.
MUN is about fun, friendship, jumping on the benches to be heard….. But not only is this it something to learn from…….. It is something MESMERIZING, KNOWLEDGEABLE and SERENE..:)
LOVE MUN FOREVER!!!

JTP MUN : An Unforgettable Experience

JTP MUN: Carmel’s initiative for training the future MUN stars
By – Sachi Singhal
Carmel and St. Johns came together for a simulation of the Model United Nations, with 26 Carmelites and 23 johnians becoming the delegates of 24 countries, debating as well as having fun at the same time.
Model United Nations is a debate on the academic front where students represent countries and discuss various matters of global concern. The agenda for our first simulation was Kyoto Protocol in the General Assembly and Mitigation of the impact of financial Crisis on trade and development in The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The Board comprised of Pearl, Rajat, Divir, and Aditya in the General Assembly while Abhivyakti, Deeksha, Karan and Aseem chaired the ECOSOC.
Sunday, 8th November… There was constant mingling, lobbying around and formation of the two blocs, namely, Anti USA and Pro USA. The committee begun with a roll call taken by our rapporteur Divir, where each “delegate” had to answer Present, or Present and voting for their respective country, after which the real cut throat debate commenced. There we sat, young delegates buzzing with fresh energy and flowing information, itching to put forward our country’s stand. At first we were kind of docile, but as we tuned in, numberless point of orders, point of inquiries, point of information were on the floor, and their was our session
With the help of chits, which were passed through messengers (namely Akshay, Ashish and Arpan)the blocs came on mutual decisions for the main aim of each committee, i.e., landing on solutions acceptable to all countries. After discussing countries’ stands on Kyoto Protocol, various moderated and unmod caucuses were passed, in which we discussed various matters in further details. Finally, the committee was adjourned for lunch, and the blocs got together to discuss solutions. In the unmoderated caucus that followed, working papers made and ready to be voted upon (we didn’t make draft resolutions this time), Sarthak (El Salvador) and Harjasleen (Iraq) on one team and Anekant (UK), Meghna (USA), Srajit (Korea) and myself (Burkina Faso) on the other, and after discussions and amendments, voting begun.
The second resolution, namely our resolution, passed by 80% votes.
And with this our committee was adjourned and we walked out of the classroom with a strange kind of happiness accompanied with a sense of accomplishment, that yes, we are officially MUNers. Collecting outside the classrooms with our friends and other fellow students, we discussed about our whole unforgettable day, and with Arpan’s rocking drumming, our unexplainably interesting, enjoyable and too great to be true day came to an end. In a tête-à-tête with some of the delegates-
Ashwan Thakur, the delegate of Kuwait (GA) shares his experience,” JTP MUN was like a dream come true. Even though I felt lost in the start, I soon caught up and as I look back to that day, I feel a sense of nostalgia when I think about how we were so awed by this eye opening experience. The JTP MUN was a completely unforgettable experience.”
Meghna Bhasin, the delegate of US, further chirps in, “Quite some time has passed since out MUN was held at St. Johns. But, I still can’t shake off the habits of the Delegate of the United States. The JTP MUN was our first experience, and it was really one hell of an experience! Our Executive Board was absolutely wonderful and we kept surprising our laugh get at the witty jokes of our Chair, Rajat Jain’s witty humor. There was a bit of friction between the two blocs – Anti USA, and pro USA, and when it finally came to making our resolution papers, it was the former’s paper which was passed. Time flew before we even realized and when we departed, I felt like a more aware person; as is my vision, which had been so limited, had been broadened! All those sleepless nights spent in research had been worth it, and now I know that I definitely want to get a chance to take part in an MUN again. The fire has been lit!!”
Kanika Sehgal, the delegate of China, with a nostalgic grin, comments,”I did something I was itching to do since forever. Now that our first simulation is over, I look back and feel a rush of adrenaline pass through, along with all the good unforgettable memories which I will cherish forever. It wasn’t just all fun, but also a lot of hard work, and I gained a lot of confidence and awareness out of the simulation. Proud to be an MUNer.”

Okay so now let me make reading this post a little more clear to you –
Bloc – A group of countries, having similar needs or thoughts (just like friend circles)
Working Paper – It contains all the solutions blocs offer
Draft resolution – A more organized working paper on which voting is done
Lobbying – Making friends with ally countries
Points – Just like questions, but in a more organized manner, different points for different uses, like point of inquiry is to ask about the procedure, etc

Idea Exchange: An encounter with an Unlikely Hero 18th November 2009

by Sachi Singhal
Indian Express: Idea Exchange Programme
People from various sections of the Indian Express media team came together to interview Mr. Om Puri, one of the best and most talented gems of the Indian Cinema. A self made personality, he has given 32 years of his life to various arty as well as publicly entertaining films like Ardh Satya, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and more recently Singh is King.
Standing perplexed between the constant milling and hustle bustle of the Indian Express team, while we all waited with bated breaths, there entered a man with a casual walk and a pleasant smile on his face, and his deep majestic voice intimidated us all. A man of jolly spirits, Mr. Puri was extremely open about his life, both personal as well as social. A self made personality, Mr. Puri also enlightened us about his childhood struggle, about how he used to pick up leftover coal bits thrown out of the engine, which he used as fuel at his home, and many other incidents which left us glassy eyed, wondering how actually did he reach his present super stardom.
With an applaudable sense of humor, he also related an incident of his comic encounter with Shabana Azmi when she exclaimed, after seeing this then struggling actor with a shaggy mane, “How dare you come to Bombay with a face like this!”
A firm believer of training and practice, Mr. Puri also related various incidents from his National School of Drama days. His good natured personality and his deep, almost extraordinarily masculine voice gripped our souls and left us gaping for breath.
His advice to all the journalists, both established as well as upcoming ones is that they are an integral part of the society, and are much needed in great numbers, provided they are considerate and sensitive about their fellow personnel and have a display a good deal of honesty. Cheers to all the journalists! And kudos to this Unlikely Hero! :)

Dr.Mahbub-Ul-Haq interschool debate'09

-By Ekakshra Mahajan & Riddhimma Shrivastava


In order to honour Dr.Mahbub-Ul-Haq the pioneer of human development programmes, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and the UNDP organized an Inter school debate every year. This debate has three rounds namely, The Regional Round, the National Round and the SAARC round. The 12th regional round of this debate was held on 6th October 2009 in Carmel Convent School Auditorium, Sector 9, Chandigarh. Topic provided by UNDP as per the Human Development Report this year: "Act Now to Reduce Global Warming- Poor Women have a higher stake?".Over 18 prestigious schools from the region participated.The excitement and anxiety were palpable in the auditorium as each participant took the stage.All the participants were applauded by the judges for their excellent performance The topic “Act now for global warming- poorer women at higher stake” undoubtedly went through a series of parley, discussion and debate. Most prestigious schools from the tricity took part in the debate which included Manav Mangal, DAV15, Sacred heart, Guru Nanak public school, Vivek high school, Mount Carmel, Bhavan Vidhyala, St. kabir, KBDAV, St.johns, St Stephens and Carmel convent were amongst the participants. Arshdeep of Manav Mangal started the discussion with third world countries mentioning how the poor women are extremely affected by Global Warning as they don’t have access to clean drinking water and they have to travel miles everyday. Mount Carmel quoted that we have to be a part of the revolution of resolving global warming and be the change. Sanya ojha of Vivek high school highlighted the irony of the situation where people wearing Armani suits and traveling in chauffeur driven cars complain about global warming but are least affected by global warming. Supporting the motion, she felt that poor women have no means to adapt to this unruly climatic change. Shayar Majumdar of the same school, who spoke like a veteran however felt that global warming and climate change are skateboards which keep on sliding to extreme positions. Aditya Chawla of St. Johns high school felt that the women and their families are barely able to scrape together a meager income to somehow cover expenses. Garima Yadav of Carmel Convent pointed out that women are 14% more likely to die of a disaster as compared to men. ‘It’s time to stop thinking and start acting.’ says Garima.Divir Gupta seemed quite oppressive of President Obama’s quote, ‘No nation however large or small can escape the impact of climate change.’ Chitwan singh of Bhavan Vidyalaya felt that Women must be the heart of relief efforts and rebuilding of shattered communities.
Mrs. Manjeet accompanying Shishu niketan felt that even though the competition level was very high the participants had crammed up their speeches and the "emotional touch was missing". The winners were Dav15' school's Akshay shrredhar who bagged the award for the Best Speaker For the motion category and Dav 15 also won the runners up trophy.
Gurpreet Sodhi of St. Kabir bagged the award for the Best speaker in the against motion category.Sacred Heart school bagged the overall trophy. The participants were elated.
Akshay shreedhar said,"I am very happy that my efforts have paid off." Nonica Singh, Donna Suri and Rene Singh were the judges.Nonica Singh said that content mattered the most and felt that all worked very hard all were good speakers.Ms Donna suri said that this was a great platform for students to work diligently and succeed in life.

I WANT TO GO BACK IN TIME!!! Mannat Sibal

I want to go back in time....

When 'getting high' meant,
enjoying the heights of the swing.
When drinking meant
just apple juice.
When dad was the only hero known.
When love felt in moms hug and
the worst enemies were only
our siblings!
When dads shoulder was
the highest place on Earth.
When hurt were only knees and
broken were only toys.
I want to go back in time
when goodbyes meant only till tomorrow.

Unfortunately.....
WE HAVE CHANGED
ANS SO HAS
EVERYTHING ELSE!!!

FRIENDSHIP IS THE BEST THING IN LIFE!! Mannat Sibal

Friendship is when friends push when you need it, but never too hard and they stand back when the time is right but never too far.But the true test of friendship is if you're willing to do it all back in a heartbeat. It's when your life is so much better because you know them and they bring out the best that lies within.
Friendship plays an important role in our lives No way do friends have to be exactly the same, I mean come on friends do have similarities but they also have their differences. The key to opening up the world of friendship is not just to focus on the similarities but to accept each others faults because true friends do not judge each other. Friends love unconditionally. Friends do have their little angry moments from time to time but at the end of the day all is forgiven and forgotten. Why let something that happened in the past ruin what great friendship you could have together in the future??? A true friendship has many memories, both good and bad, but all are important. When they look into our eyes they exactly get to noe that something is wrong and is bothering you and all they have to do is offer a hug and they make you feel a thousand times better. Friends can stay up all night on the phone talking for hours just because you cannot sleep and they would do anything to get that thing off your mind!!When you know that they'd never lie to you and would never hurt you and if they did you know that it would only be for your benefit. Sometimes you wonder how she knew, but then you realize that's just how close you are. They can make you laugh when skies are the darkest and they're there with a good movie and some popcorn when your totally depressed!.Have you ever noticed that when a friend is happy you find yourself happy too, even when it has nothing to do with you???To a friend I've found that nothing ever sounds stupid, funny or unbelievable and you never feel hesitant saying whatever it is and when you turn your back around you always see them standing there waiting for you to return. Don't ever loose faith in your friends, love them instead.To a friend I have found that there are many good friends around, but true best friends are hard to find easyto keep but if gone never to be seen....

The Zeal of Independence at Carmel Convent Mannat Sibal

Patriotism is in the air and with the same spirit Carmel Convent celebrates the 62nd Independence Day.
The festivities were marked with the flag hoisting ceremony by the chief guest, Father Stephan Fernandis. A parade was performed by the students of class 9 accompanied by the newly formed Carmel Band which was breath taking. Their synchronization was so astounding that it left the viewers with a deep sense of belonging towards our Nation. The students of class 8th later presented a tableau high lighting the mile stones on the road of independence of India in the fields of Agriculture, Technology and Sports. The show came to an end with a tribute to our “Kargil Heroes”and the “Mumbai Terror Attack Victims” Seeing such enthusiasm in the students Father Stephan Fernandis remarked, “Everyone has a right of freedom and today I could see it in the play which the students portrayed. The way they had shown how India developed or rather changed during these 62 years was just mesmerizing!”.
“The play was excellent and the presentation was absolutely fabulous!”, said a few sisters and teachers.
Every student now swells and says with pride, “I AM PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN.. JAI HIND!”

But I Say It Is My Dad! Mannat Sibal

Everybody says,
that if ever in our days,
we see footsteps walking,
beside our ways,
everybody says He is The One
the Almighty the creator of the Sun.
but to me today
i want to say it is my dad walking throughout
the way.
As to keep his word
I'll do anything in this world.
All he ever wants is,
love and respect.
nothing else in any other aspect.
People say that we may lead
our life,
our way but then again
I would like to say its my dad who
will guide me my way!

An awaited Encounter with Mr.Vipin Pubby By Mannat Sibal

After a long wait we got a golden opportunity to meet Mr. Vipin Pubby the Chief editor of THE INDIAN EXPRESS.
It was the end of the Golden Jubilee Year when we the reporters met Mr. Pubby. We grabbed a lot of information from him about the working of the press. I eagerly asked him, “How do you get so much information in so less time?? And how do you form the report before the time granted to you? As you could be having 4 situations at one time!!” to his reply he said, “The reporters have to be very agile and have to manage their time accordingly as mentioned above their might be 4 situations in the line but we have quite a few reporters who tackle the situation. Even if there are only one or one , they have to manage their time and complete their report and send it for printing”.

As all of us had different questions one of the reporters asked him, “What if you face a problem that there is something more important which has come up and that news has to be put up un tomorrows paper but the papers have already gone for printing?”. Mr. Pubby replied, “ if something of that sort happens we immediately stop the printing and reform the layout again and if we do stop the printing it would be only if the news has to be at the front page or it would be making the headline” i added, “is it so easy to stop the printing and just start all over again?” “Yes it is easy because printing just takes about 1 or 2 hours.” He clarified.

After this very interactive and educational session we all thanked Mr. Vipin Pubby for helping us clear our doubts. In very little time we grabbed so much from him that we respect all the journalists of the country who put themselves in an situation in which we normal people would never want to be.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN "ECHO" REPORTER

BY EKAKSHRA MAHAJAN

A day in the life of an “ECHO” REPORTER

ECHO literally might mean the repetition of sound for many.

But for all MUNers {model United Nations} it just stands for

The rocking magazine, that updated everyone on what was

Happening in every committee. Our day usually used to start

with a backup team accompanying the conference staff and the

ECHO people to CII or PHD chambers {the place where it was held}

This was one magazine where anyone could be criticized, anything

Could be reported, and any picture could be taken with a

“Not so nice caption”.

In one phrase it was a “rules are meant to be broken”

Kind of a magazine.

Our team, which had to represent the HRC committee,

Comprised of vasundhara and me and Trust me, it used to take us an hour just

to think of a suitable Starting and the rest just followed.

After all, if it began with factual details would we get many readers?

[Take yourself in this situation]

The usual thing that we experienced in those three days

Were the bewildered looks of the delegates whose either chits

had been reported or their malevolent practices.

Take for example the case of the delegate who was

representing New Zealand in our committee. Well she

was so shocked to see her yawning picture in the issue,

with a head turner caption that it seemed that her next

step would be to murder us. {lol;}

However the best thing which we can never forget

were the fake chits that we used to pass on to the delegates.

Like, we sent a chit to the delegate of Pakistan saying

“ I love your ideas. Would you go on a date with me”

Anonymous. {lol;}

And guess what? Instead of replying back and making

Use of such an interesting opportunity he reported it

To the rappoteur. Oh and I forgot to mention we had

Been asked to do all this “ natunki” by the executive board itself.

{Seriously}

God! What an interesting ex. Board we had. The chair’s “pataka”

The rapporteur’s “bebo” everything was just so remarkable.

The chair sent a chit to the delegate of India saying “ yummy

Yummy desi boy” which left a stagnant look on his the

Delegate’s face as he Expected the conference to be a decent one.

Everything was just too good to be true.

The last day was however the one to be cherished where

The ex. Board as well as the delegates danced and showcased

Their capabilities irrespective of who were their allies or friends.

It was thus a lifetime experience, which I would never forget.

But then it is a part of life that “good things come and go” and one can’t

Keep chasing them. So let’s just wait for the next MUN…

Until then this reporter wishes you a happy and gleeful

ASTANA-VISTA.

KYA JOOTE SE CHALEGA DESH!!!

BY: DEEKSHA BHARDWAJ



'SHOE MANIA': It's raining shoes everywhere!!!



In India, flying footwear is the new hunger strike, overtaking even the trendy Facebook protest as an expression of protest.


Latest in a string of four shoe-hurling incidents during the month-long elections underway across India, is when a 21-year-old computer science student took aim at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a sparsely attended rally in Ahmedabad.


The shoe, of a yet-to-be-disclosed brand, landed 20 feet from the Oxford-educated economist, who appeared not to notice the tumult. Known for his cerebral, if dry, oratory, Singh, 76, continued to hold forth on economic development, reading from a written speech.


Elsewhere in Ahmedabad, someone also lobbed a traditional wooden sandal (Kharaon) at the BJP prime ministerial candidate L K Advani. It was the second time a sandal of conscience has been launched in Advani's direction this election season.


"Joota: The ultimate nonviolent weapon," a front-page headline in the Mumbai Mirror tabloid on Monday. An editorial cartoon in the paper showed shoes being handed back to hurlers on silk pillows with a new wristwatch inside, "to get around the election Commission's code against bribing voters," the caption read.

The shoe-as-missile-of-discontent appears to have been inspired by Muntadar al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist who lobbed both his shoes at former President George W. Bush in December. Zaidi became an international hero. But he also drew a year in prison.

In India, New Delhi journalist Jarnail Singh kicked off the "shoe bite," as the gesture is known here, when he threw a shoe at the home minister, P. Chidambaram during a news conference this month in the capital. He said he was frustrated by the minister's reply to a question about riots in 1984 in which hundreds of Sikhs were killed.

"Shoe-throwing is a real expression of the frustration of the people," said Anil Bairwal of National Election Watch, a watchdog group. "But you have to consider that citizens are at a loss for what to do. For too long, they have hoped that the parties would improve themselves, be progressive, put the right people in the seats and work for the betterment of the people. But none of that has happened."


Throwing one's shoe at someone is seen as a powerful insult across South Asia and much of the Middle East. We Indians rarely wear shoes indoors after being out in the often unsanitary streets. Showing the sole of a shoe is also considered an act of disrespect.


So far, no one who has thrown a shoe in India has been jailed. Some pundits here say that is a sign of the health of the world's largest democracy. Others say politically astute leaders realize that arresting the offenders may only make them bigger heroes -- and politicians bigger villains -- in the public's eyes.


The only problem is that actually hitting a politician has proved difficult: Shoes are apparently inefficient projectiles.


Even so, some elected officials are taking precautions. In Gujarat state, Chief Minister Narendra Modi has started putting up volleyball nets around the stage at his rallies to make sure a shoe doesn't hit him.

10 THINGS ABOUT 10TH

1O THINGS ABOUT 10TH ..............................................................

BY :PIA BAKSHI

Hello beta! Which class are you in?
Uncle, I will be going to 10th.
Oh my god!That is so sad …..DO you know that when I was in 10th , I studied all the time……….filana filana……..
Ugh……….we have all gone through that conversation with everybody we have met in the past couple of days .Starting with a sympathy and ending with endless advice. We all rush back to our room and turn up thw volume of our favourite radio station to drive away the haunting memories of the night mares we have been having since the last day of 9th when we are the junction of 9th and 10th.It was difficult for all of us to reconcile with the fact that the girls who spent all their time in dancing etcetra were now going to be only on the study table.Music would be replaced by poetic recitations;novels would be replaced by intimidating arithematic books.
The first day of 10th is still remebered by us all. Wafter the cheers of excitement and hugs all the unsurity, fear and anxiety of last night returned bringing with it new apprehensions.Just then the teacher entered and the rest is history…………………………………..
We have completed 1 month in 10th and all our initial fears seemed silly.Our life is not synonymous with just studies , though it is an extremely important segment of the 15th year of our existence.We still danc e; sing; read ;write. The difference is that now we feel responsible at the threshhold of growing up.
10t is perceived by different people in different ways. Cumulation of this diversity has always intrigued me.Divanshi remarked,”It is certainly better than 9th.Simerpreet Kaur could not agree more. Though Sanam chawla thinks that 10th is hyped and no matter what we say the pressure persisits.Ganeev further adds that because of friends 10ht is just the same as the other classes.ON the other hand Chahat says,”10th has made me responsible .Arti Goyal cheerfully added,”Its great!Though there is still pressure we still have fun.Eman, agreeing with aarti, adds,”I love 10th Iit is not half as bad as projected.”.”Gurshhen says,”It is better tha more interesting than 10th.”Deeksha explains ,”children are under constant pressure because the 10th class certificate follows you in evry venture of yours….and this is bound to have negative consequences.
On a positive note eman further remarks,”You cannot achieve something unles you love itso I have started loving mt studies.”
WE still go out and meet uncles and aunties who in unecessary concern inquire ,”How is class 1oth going, beta?” with a sadistic smile. We reciprocate, with a sheepish grin of our own and prudly declare ,”Great!!!!!!!!!!Could’nt get better.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”…………………..

Reported by: Ekakshra Mahajan

The 22nd of April was widely celebrated as ‘World Earth Day’ especially in educational institutions nationally and globally. The idea was conceived in 1969 by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S Senator from Wisconsin and was accepted as one of the most powerful ideas of the era. It became very popular, drawing 20 million people in the first year (1970) itself. Yet, 39 years since the first Earth day was celebrated, it is disturbing to think that the forests continue to deplete and Global Warming is even more prevalent.


Earth Day was celebrated in Carmel Convent School with joy, hope and zeal. The programme initiated with a prayer praising the creations of almighty God and asking him to protect Mother Earth and bless the students and staff to help succeed in their endevour to conserve the environment. A video, ‘Inconvenient truth’ was played alongside depicting the beauty of the benign Earth, the most priceless gift of Nature and what human beings have made of it to satisfy their greed. As Fredreich Nietzche says,” The Earth has a skin and that skin has diseases, one of its diseases is called man.”

The students were given tips on conserving the environment and the use of plastic bags was discouraged, highlighting the repercussions of using the same. They were advised to use car pools, use CFL lights and follow the policy of ‘Recycle, Reduce and Reuse.’ The children were encouraged to undertake the responsibility of being custodians of this Earth and safeguard the planet thereby doing their bit for the environment. The message that ‘Every day is Earth day’ was conveyed to the audience by Sister Swati, the Vice- Principal of the school.

The trailer of the Walt Disney film, ‘Earth’ was played and children were encouraged to watch it in cinemas as a tree would be planted for every ticket sold.

Students of the secondary classes, inspired, decided to become torchbearers of the environmental campaign and therefore held the Face painting activity to exhibit their conviction with their faces painted to illustrate The Earth, The Greenhouse effect etc.

Followed by the programme was a poster making and slogan writing competition for the primary classes.

As Marshall McLuhan says
“There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all the crew!”

SAVE HER.........SHE NEEDS OUR HELP !

GIRL CHILD

BY EKAKSHRA MAHAJAN

The tender cry on the soft pillow

silences the heart far below.

Finding it might be difficult

as the heart beats away,

but killing the child forever

is a sin committed today.

Girl child, yes is who I am talking about,

but you don’t care

as you yourself act as a lout

The poor thing can’t say a word,

but hopes to soar high in the sky

like a bird

Alas! you kill it

without a feeling

in your heart’s core.

The Last Day to Cherish

Reported by: Vasundhara Majithia

On the last day of the academic session 2008-2009, students of classes VI to the IX presented short skits and songs to express their gratitude and love to God for this memorable academic session which allowed them to grow as human beings and imbibe values from their teachers, fellow classmates and the Value Education classes. The program initiated with a prayer followed by the performances of class IX A which portrayed Environmental concern depicting water pollution and noise pollution followed by a song, 'Heal the World.' Class VII A staged a skit on the impacts of terrorism wherein the Khanna family lost their father to the Taj tragedy and was left indebted. Class IX B performed ‘No Full Stops in Life’ which encouraged students to follow their dreams wholeheartedly which was followed by ‘Happiness is an inside thing’ and ‘Friendship- A rare treasure’ which put forward the importance of Friendship and Giving. Class XI-B sang a song about friendship accompanied by the foot- tapping beat of drums followed by Class VIII-B which presented, ‘Power of Words and amazing Love.’ This was then followed by ‘The Judgment Day’ by class VIII A which opened with God meeting everyone and counting their deeds, good and bad. Mr. Simon Smith, G.Dog, Michael Jackson and Satan were greatly appreciated owing to the humorous script. Class VIII B celebrated and cherished this year and recollected whatever they had learnt this year followed by Class VI A, B and C who staged ‘Peace and community Building’, ‘Mismedia and I’ and 'Values I have Learnt this year’ respectively. It truly was a memorable day as every class endeavored to do their best and cherished their last day of togetherness with their Class teacher and fellow students. We all hope that next year will be as bright and meaningful as this one and will once again bring a radiant smile on our faces.

The Pre-Primary Annual Day

Photo journalist: Ekakshra Mahajan
Reported by: Vasundhara Majithia

As Carmel Convent School ushered into its golden jubilee this year, the tiny tots did not stay behind in conveying their excitement and enthusiasm as they put up a grand show marking 50 glorious years of the eminent school. The show was held in the school auditorium on 8th of February in the evening.The event was graced by Mr. Samwartak Singh, Director, Public Instruction, Schools. The show began with the symbolic lighting of the lamp which was followed by a prayer dance and 'Young King Cole.'The versatility of these budding artists enthralled the audience. The prime focus of the programme was to emphasize on the need of national integrity, honesty and environmental concern as well, through a vibrant and colourful display. 'Goldie Locks and the three bears' received a thundering applause by the audience as parents waited in anticipation to spot their girls in the entire regalia, dressed in swanky clothes supplementing the already bright atmosphere. Revamped versions of 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'The Honest Woodcutter' were staged which encapsulated the minds of the audience through a realistic presentation. The thrilled young artists focused on the nation's diversity and performed the folk dances of Gujrat, Kashmir and Punjab, posing the popular 'Singh is King' look.

"It was a lovely experience training the kids. They were full of enthusiasm and loved to dance", says Ms. Meenu Palta, the music teacher.

The toddlers, adorned in vibrant costumes performed with great vigour and fervour winning the hearts of all the viewers. The little children expressed their love and reverence towards their school in 'Qawaali Ki Raat'. The Carmel flag was waved at the end the finale and the Chief Guest stated that he was extremely glad to see the little ones, whom he fondly called 'his little stars' progressing in the responsible hands of Sr. Maria Christie. He further added that he was sure that Sister's hard work, commitment and diligence will take the school to even greater heights.

The principal Sr Maria Christie was moved by the innocence that the tiny tots reflected as they danced and sang around on the stage on this memorable day.She said, "I would first of all congratulate and thank all the students and the staff that made this program such a success. She further added, " no matter how arduous life might be or how difficult sustenance in this competitive world might be ,we must never lose the child in us that pines to smile at a walking old lady; that willingly gives her colours to her friend to help her beautify her drawing; that is untouched by malice, corruption and materialistic pleasures."

With a smile adorning their glowing faces and with great pride and happiness, after celebrating with each other the success of the show, the young, talented Carmelites returned home marking the end of their spirited celebrations….

Practices for the 'Joseph and his amazing technicoloured dreamcoat'

Photo journalist: Jannat Thapar

PEACE WITHIN

by: Kashish Madan

Peace day-2 minutes silence and then back to the hustle bustle of daily life ,
but have we really thought about peace,looked for peace,experienced peace.
peace is not just a word, it is a feeling,it is transcending all that which
fills our mind.peace is not something that can be bought or experienced just
like that,it is something that has to be attained. At the end of this journey
we call life,we may or may not have attained peace but if once we have experienced
it we have lived a lifetime. Peace is not absence of war or presence of friendship,
it is that strange calm that settles before a storm,it is that feeling of bliss that
permeates through us on reclaiming a lost loved one,it is the smile of an innocent
child,it is the love we see in the eyes of someone we care for. Peace can make war
seem like an obligation to be fulfilled,hatred a chance to make someone experience
love;sadness an opportunity to make someone happy.

Peace at the end of the day, is not something 2 minutes silence can bring,it is that calm within and if even a few people can truly experience peace then we humans will have learnt the meaning of PEACE WITHIN............

send off {class 12}

29th January
Reported by:Ekakshra Mahajan

Photojournalist:Jannat Thapar

29th January was indeed a day of tears and crumbs as class 12 students were invited for their farewell to cherish and celebrate the 14 glorious years they spent in their beloved school CARMEL CONVENT.
Adorned in gorgeous saris, most of them savoring the experience of wearing the Saree for the first time in their life perhaps,but only when they had overcome their fear of making a faux pas.

The program started with a message for the students and a touching candle march followed by a song sung by class 11 which was all about backpacks and stuff. However, the most breathtaking performance was the hip hop dance which rocked the audience off their seats.

After all the clapping and cheering was over, the students of class 12 gave touching speeches thanking each teacher and class fellow for their unconditional love and support.The most memorable speech was, however delivered by Ajab Boparai who confessed at first that she did not want to deliver an impeccable speech and casually thanked each and every teacher and revealed what she liked the most in their class, adopting the most affectionate means to do so.

After this came a round of games initiating with four corners after which the girls who qualified were split into teams and made to play a game in which they had to pass balls of all sizes from ping pongs to footballs, without dropping them, into a bag. Another interesting game that was played was grab the prize in which the girls who fulfilled the desired requisites had to run to the stage and grab their prize. The first one to do so would win the prize. Like for example "girl wearing pink earrings", so all the girls wearing pink earrings had to run to the stage and before the others and snatch the prize. It was quite a sight to see girls in stilettos and pencil heels running at the speed of lightening to grab their prize!gosh!

Next came the BHANGRA {oh..our favourite dance form punjabiyaan di shaan}.The foot tapping music and the enthusiastic vigour of the dancers excited everyone and filled the atmosphere with joy and exuberance.
Aakriti Sharma, a student of class 12 on being asked to describe her experience in one word exclaimed that it was "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" which literally means fantastic.Trishi Grewal on the other hand just had to say one thing"Treasure these years. They are not coming back."
But this year for the class 12 students was not without complaints.They were rather disgruntled that their overnight trip was cancelled and no cabinets were chosen from their batch this year.
At 12;30, the audience was asked to leave and the send off's were given titles and they headed towards a spread of lunch which they hoped would last forever ...............
"letting off is never easy!
but who so ever learns this act
has learnt the secret of life"

FRIENDSHIP IS FOREVER !!!

BY : DEEKSHA BHARDWAJ

As Class IX approaches its end, this I would like to dedicate to all the people who have been more than just friends to me. Those who have supported me when I needed it most, those who've ever cared for me, those who've helped me and those who've loved me beyond recall. This I dedicate to all my friends. Even though next year we'll be together, we'll still be lost in our own personal abyss after that its up to fate if we ever meet again ( I wholly wish fate was in my hands ). This is to all those who have not contacted their friends since a long time. For you destiny has different ends try and make them meet.

WHAT HAD ALWAYS BEEN MINE !!

I stood at altar of time,

To accept what I had done,

To regret what I hadn't done,

But the blood that coursed through my veins,

Would not be bound in chains,

The confusion was shattering,

My sanity battering.

I looked back helpless,

To see what I had become,

Even though a lot of time had passed since then,

The memories were still as bright as the sun.

Today, I stood at the top of the hill,

Looking back at those plush fields,

Remembering the day we'd met,

Those scary woods that we'd tread.

The four of us had been together,

Bridged across life's various weathers,

Helped each other through sorrow and pain,

Any effort we made never went in vain.

But then came that sad day,

We had to go...................our own way,

We cried and wept,

our eyes wet,

But we knew nothing could be done,

We remembered how we had begun,

We hoped that time would heal,

These wounds deep and surreal.

But now again I stand at the Altar of time,

To see what became mine and what couldn't be mine,

We stand across some miles apart,

The spaces that have torn us from each other part by part.

But then again,

Time played its game,

By a touch of fate,

We met....all the same.

The clouds of misery,

Around dissolved,

The blanket of confusion fell,

My problems solved.

It was a reunion,

I had always dreamt of,

But it would come to light,

I had never thought.

Once again,

I now stand at THE ALTAR OF TIME,

To rejoice, not

for what had become mine,

but, for what

HAD ALWAYS BEEN MINE...

MY FRNZ!!

Yeh Hain Mumbai "Humari"Jaan

Yeh Hain Mumbai “Humari” Jaan……………..
By :PIA BAKSHI
Hello people,
I really don’t know how many people are going to read this letter from my side to the entire Mumbaikar community.
But, this is a tribute to all the residents of the amazing city of Mumbai post the day that left a mark on us all, the day that, without doubt, is one the most unpleasant unfortunate and unforgettable happenings in our country, the day a pall of gloom descended over the whole of India, the day Mumbai was struck by the 26/11…………….
26th November, popularly known as India’s 9/11, has strummed the brain chords of the people of the entire world, especially our country, our motherland, our India………..
This is a letter thanking all the Mumbaikars for showing camaraderie and a never say die attitude after that disturbing day………..
I remember that I had woken up from a deep slumber when I switched on the TV to tune into FRIENDS. While surfing through the channels, trying to reach my destination, my eyes saw something they certainly weren’t expecting………. I closed my eyes, blinked twice and widely opened them before gluing them to the TV set. And it wasn’t an imagination of two sleepy eyes but the truth. “Aamchi” Mumbai had been targeted mercilessly. The Breaking News flashed in front of my eyes reporting the trouble and pain it had caused. I remember shedding tears as I heard about families who lost their loved ones ,about families of the Martyrs .I still recall the frantic reporters claiming to be the first ones to bring live pictures from the scene. Seeing helicopters hovering and our men in black coming out of them above the beautiful Taj was a sight no one could have ever dreamed of. After a long struggle and a battle between the two forces ,Mumbai was free to breathe; to heave a sigh of relief; to be the city of dreams all over again, though the images of that day have left scars on everybody in India……..
After the horrifying struggle for almost 3-4 days, everybody expected Mumbai to have shaken up…..to be burning under the fire of hatred…..to be urging to take revenge.
But hats off to the Mumbaikars who peacefully settled matters through silent protests, candle marches and integrity instead of communal frenzy and mass killings. Hindus,
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and people of all other religions came together to raise a voice against this atrocity. Just a month after the attack, Hotel Taj still stands tall and how! The Mumbaikars spirit never dies and people have resumed their old routine of getting up with a smile; reading a newspaper; having a bite; going to the office in the famous local trains; coming back home after a long and tiring day at work but still willing to take the kids to a movie and the wife for a dinner; returning home and sleeping off with dreams of a new day; of a new morning; of the first rays of sunshine and of the speedily recovering “Aamchi” Mumbai.
This sounds like a day in the life of any ordinary person. But mind you, Mumbaikars are not ordinary people, they are a group of extraordinary people with an extraordinary approach to life and an extraordinary vision………..
From being the epicenter of Fashion to being the house of our favourite stars; From giving us our Bollywood to giving us our stars; From teaching us how to live to teaching us how to integrate, “Aamchi” Mumbai has won our hearts again. The people of an area determine the fate of that place, therefore more than the place, the accolades are sent in the way of you all who possess the enthusiasm and love and warmth and happiness that we all wish to imbibe.
I am a resident of Chandigarh, a student of class 9th, and have never been to Mumbai in my 14 years of existence but you all know what, your plight has affected people not only near to your residential home but people from as far away places as Punjab. I am not a Mumbaikar, at least technically, but I am working towards being a Mumbaikar at heart. After all-‘Yeh Hain Mumbai “Humari” Jaan’ ........................
Yours truly; your friend and ,undeniably, your Punjabi Mumbaikar-
Pia.................

DESPERATE TIMES DON'T ALWAYS CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES!

BY: DEEKSHA BHARDWAJ

After the terrorist attack of 26th November in Mumbai, the mood and rhetoric in India is reminiscent to that of the U.S after 9/11. As in the U.S then, outraged Indians swear never again. The phrase ‘War on terror’ invented in the U.S after 9/11, is now being widely used in India. This is a dangerous militaristic mood. It led the U.S into the disastorous invasion of Iraq. Let it not lead India into the same sort of misadventure.

Americans reportedly called 9/11 another Pearl Habour and the analogy sparked a determination to respond with guns and bombs. Many Indians while sympathizing with the U.S pointed out that 6,000 people feared dead wasn’t a huge number when compared with 50,000 killed over a decade in Kashmir. The U.S was apparently suffering from a small dose of Islamic terrorism that has long since wrecked Kashmir. The reaction was hugely preposterous considering that these were the same people who had never equated Kashmiri terrorism with war and always told India to be calm and not bomb terrorist training camps in Pak. But when they got a taste of it at home they went ballistic, declared it war with terrorism and vowed to kill all those ‘bad’ guys.

Cooler heads pointed out that ‘The War on Terror’ was a meaningless phrase. Terror is simply a tactic used by certain groups, and you cannot wage a war against a tactic. You can declare war on an enemy country but not on an NGO – which is what terrorists exactly are. When terrorism arises from an ideology or set of grievances, imaginary or otherwise, killing a bunch of ideologues may simply deepen those grievances and create several more terrorists. There was no Al-Qaeda before U.S’s alleged ‘War on Terror’ but the invasion created large Al-Qaeda cadres which have now been cut to size but remain a festering sore.

Indians who accused U.S of over-reacting to 9/11 are now themselves following pursuit. The media hyped it as ‘The War on Mumbai’, 'War on India’, ‘War on Terror’ etcetera, etcetera. Journalists and politicians who cautioned against jingoism in U.S after 9/11 are fanning it today in India.

Even the normally so-called ‘cool headed’ people are so agitated that they want to drop grenades on Pak. After the Iraqi war haven’t we learned that bombing cannot eradicate terrorism or the extremist mind set? All our invasion will result in is a Pakistani military response which will strengthen the hands of those Pakistani’s who support terrorism. It will constitute to yet another grievance that shall be exploited by the extremists. Let us not repeat the errors of President Bush.

Angry Indians say action should be taken. True but the action has to be patient diplomacy and international pressure which shall bear fruit though slowly but effectively. Outraged citizens do not want to be told to take it easy and respond to terrorism with diplomacy. Alas! Some problems do not have quick and effective military solutions. Lets not forget Britain had to live with Irish terrorism for almost a century.

Let us in such times of trouble avoid Bush speak and recall the old prayer "Lord, grant me serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change things I can and wisdom to know the difference."

I know friends they say that desperate times call for desperate measures but amidst all this chaos let us not forget how much we have to lose if we follow the path of violence. Besides threatening countless innocent lives we also pose the risk of creating stronger and more determined terrorists. Bombing Pak seems to be the most feasible solution to most of us but believe me it isn't. It is on this note that I end my article leaving the decision up to you so as to decide which is going to be the more effective solution - a THIRD WORLD WAR which shall not only risk a thousand lives, 90% of them harmless but shall also cause significant damage to our resources or PATIENT DIPLOMACY which shall set India as an asset to the whole world. I chose the latter which one will you pick?