NEWSLETTER
January, 2009

Page1 | Back

THE NOTICE BOARD

19 December 2008
Gurbani Singh of Class 8 won the 47th East India Ladies Golf Championship

1st-7th January 2009
Roshni Gupta, of class 12-CBSE represented Delhi State in the Under 19 School Nationals for Football in Mumbai. She has now been selected to represent India and will attend a two month training camp this May.

6 January 2009
School reopened for the new academic year

9 January 2009
Members of the Asmita Theatre Group came to school to perform plays on the issues “educating street children” and “corruption”.

20 January 2009
It was announced that the Vasant Valley School Girls Team and Boys Team in various sports have come 1st and 3rd respectively in the Zone Twenty Zonal Tournaments/Athletic Meets.

In the Future Cities India 2020 Competition organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology and Bentley Systems, the group comprising Raghav Wadhwa, Kanika Vohra, Pranay Bery and Unnati Pawar won the prize for the Best Project.

GOBAMA!

On the 20th of January 2009, Barack Hussein Obama was finally sworn in as the premier power of the USA.The celebrations began on Sunday with “We Are One”, a collection of American performers coming together in front of the Lincoln memorial to show their national pride. The amusing part was that a large number of performers were, in fact, not American at all, notably U2, who sang a song called "Pride (in the name of love)" that I have never heard before. Usher, Stevie Wonder and Shakira came together to sing Higher Ground, and Herbie Hancock, Will.I.Am and Sheryl Crow did a pretty decent job of “One Love” by Bob Marley. Even 90 year old Pete Seeger came out with Bruce Springsteen to sing a joyous “This Land is your land” in the middle of which, I must confess, I got up and danced a little bit. The best moment by far however, was watching Obama give his speech, his dark skin against the marble background of the Lincoln memorial in a way represented the contrast between his and past administrations, and the hope that this change brings Inauguration day started off with Mr. Obama visiting the church opposite the White House and then the ceremony itself. People poured into the capitol grounds as early as 5 am in the morning, and by 10 am the place was packed like a box of sardines.Even though it was cold and relatively damp, the atmosphere was literally electric, and when Mr. Obama’s name was announced, and he walked out into the VIP section I literally flew of my comfortable sofa screaming in delight. I waited with bated breathe as Aretha Franklin, wearing an big bow on her hat, sang a breathtakingly beautiful version of “My country ‘tis of thee”and Joe Biden was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States. At 11:57 am, Washington time some of the worlds best instrumentalist, including Yo-Yo Ma, possibly the best cellist in the world performed “”Air and Simple Gifts,” specially composed for the event by John Williams. Suddenly, the whole audience absorbed into the lull and beauty of the strings and piano. It was as if the whole world paused for a moment, took a deep breathe and calmed down. In that utopian lullaby, at precisely 12 noon on the 20th of January the Obama administration began. The man himself was sitting quiet, with his eyes closed, as if he knew that he was now the most important man in the world, but it made no difference to him. I couldn’t help smiling as the pastor fumbled through his oath, and President Obama corrected him, without saying anything at all. Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for came around. As the chants of O-Bama filled the “Arena” he took the stage, and began his speech.It is a very well known fact that Obama is a good narrator. He can captivate large audiences with no more than a few well paced words. His speech “Yes We Can” moved who watched it to tears, and his first address was no different. He almost immediately acknowledged the fact that he has a large number of challenges ahead but as he has said before, he will face them head on with the same sense of hope and courage with which he battled the hardships of his own life. He brought every major topic into one speech, spoke about every problem the world is facing today and yet portrayed them not as insurmountable walls of pain and suffering, but as hurdles that will be overcome. He spoke about his solutions and ideals, his goals and achievements, and yet it all came down to one simple thing. In his inauguration speech Barack Obama the 44th President of USA made it clear that change was finally here. This day will go down in the history as the turning point in mankinds great story. All I can really say to conclude, is that I really hope this time around, white will do things right, yellow will be mellow, and brown will stick around.
Bhavik Singh(XII)
Page2 | Back

SAARC Exchange Programme

Every year our school hosts around 20 children from certain SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries as a part of a programme initiated by the Indian Council for Regional Relations .On the 12th of December, 2008, we had 19 children, aged between 18 and 19, arrive from various parts of Bhutan and Maldives, bringing with them small mementos of their homes and nations. After a quick welcoming session, explaining what exactly the programme was about, we were introduced to our guests. Each guest had been assigned one host whose house he or she would live in for the next four days. In the beginning we all thought it would be slightly awkward having complete strangers living in our houses, but it was amazing to see how our new guests, who had a little trouble merely pronouncing some of our names, immediately opened up to us and how, before much time, we too reached the stage where we were laughing and singing songs with them.
School did a great job organising a whole host of activities, from visiting all the important monuments in Delhi, to watching a movie in the newest malls, and even trinket shopping spiced by flavours from all over India in Dilli Haat. We, the hosts, together organised a trip in Delhi’s upcoming transport, the Metro, to a fun-filled day in Adventure Island, giving them a feel of Delhi cycle rickshaws on the way. I think I can speak for both the guests and the hosts, when I say that we have never had a more exciting and enriching 4 days. We learned facts about the Maldives and Bhutan that one couldn’t possibly find on the Internet. We learned about the differences and similarities in lifestyles, cultures and even religions - our visitors followed either Buddhism or Islam.
The entire experience gave us many insights into who we are and how we will be able to fit into this vast expanse outside the realm of our school; but more so it taught us about who everyone else is and how certain hardships are common to people who may even live 2750 kms away.
Ashrika Kohli (XI)

Motion Picture Moment

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.
– Kung Fu Panda

Change

I am no stranger to change.I enjoy it.It puzzles me at times,but understanding it and gaining control over it sets my adrenalin rushing.I have been in four different schools and lived in nine different houses.I had a big garden in my last house.But I understand that I have more space in this house.I changed my room around so right now,it’s exactly how I want it to be.I have studied in three kinds of education boards.This change is always scary,because I never know what I’ve missed this far,and whether that’s crucial to move forward.But I’m in control now.I understand the system,so I am satisfied.
People say- “Look there’s a Cancerian,watch out,she’s a moody one”.Sometimes I laugh inwardly because they’ll never get it.Like me,my moods enjoy changing.Where’s the fun being happy,or sad,or puzzled,or confused all the time?I like knowing Exactly how I’m feeling,I like understanding every emotion that I feel.And how could that happen if I didnt have mood swings?
For a while,dance really puzzled me.I didn’t understand how dancers could stand on the pointy part of their toes for so long,or why they did it.I spent three years in half squats just to understand that standing on their toes made them look ethereal,like they were floating.I understood,I was ready for change.Horse riding was something else that bewildered me.Why did jockeys have to be short?Couldn’t the taller people just use bigger horses?I didn’t understand.So I spent 2 years riding.Jockeys barely sit on their horses.They press their knees against the horses’ shoulder and move along with the horse.The lighter you are,the longer you can stand in that delicate balance.I understood that.I was ready for change again.I have played tennis,golf,basketball,table tennis,piano,the drums,sung western and indian vocals,painted and practiced yoga.My mother often calls me a Jack of all trades because to her,I change my hobby ever so often.But I see myself as a Joker.I’m a blank card,but because I can be everything,I can be anything.I can change.I’m willing,and I’m ready to change.And that makes me exponentially more powerful.Ozzy Osborne once sang, I Never Want to Change The World.I listen to Alanis Morissette now,because Change Is Never a Waste Of Time.
And then there’s my heart.It’s a constant little thing.I’m fascinated by the simultaneous coordination of the constancy of the routine of it’s beating and the state of constant change my body is in.I’m fascinated by the constant cell division that happens in my body.Old cells die,and new cells are born.Damaged cells are repaired.It’s as constant and simultaneous as my heartbeat,but it’s constant change.The human body is a system I am not familiar with,but I find endlessly fascinating.It has become my passion,my obsession.Every new detail I learn is never enough because there’s so much still changing and I don’t understand why.I want to keep learning because like my heart,I’m a constant little thing,because I keep changing.
Nikhita Venkateish (XII)

My First Week In Senior School

I was afraid, “Would I make a fool
Of myself in Senior School?”
But, I think I was quite cool!
I had fun without breaking a single rule.
I tried my hand at different sports,
I especially loved the tennis courts,
Squash from me got a thumbs-up vote,
To play it often I made a note.
‘Specializations’ are going to be fun,
In junior school we had none,
The performing arts run through has been done,
For me, the choice between dance and guitar will be a tough one.
All our teachers we have met,
Though are studies are to begin yet,
To get good grades I am all set, Once again, I will be the teachers pet!

Sukhmani Singh (VI)
Page3  |  Back

On Raagas and Operas

We, the students of Class 9 and some students of Class 8, had our second session of Music Appreciation with Ms Ariane Hubert. The session was begun with a brief recapitulation of our previous discussions, followed by a discussion on Indian music.
The first conclusion we drew together was that an alaap is like an introduction to a raag – and this is what helps you identify a raag. After listening to the alaap of Raag Bhairavi we were able to recognise the instrument being played and the beat. We also could associate the concept of “freedom within structure” with the alaap. We then proceeded to listening to the main composition of the raag which not only helped us understand raags better but also the peaceful and relaxing nature of such music.
We listened to Western orchestra and western musical songs which helped us learn about many of the aspects of western music like tempo, scale, measure and the beats in music. Differentiating between the sounds made by various instruments and the type of pieces from different regions was also explained to us through the western pieces. The first was a contemporary piece from France while the next was from USA. In the end we contrasted and compared the western and Indian pieces we had heard for an all in all enriching experience that had us contrast different kinds of music and understand how varied cultures express their feelings and experiences through their own particular structured system.
-Ramya Ahuja, 93

Still

She sits still,
Wordless
No expression on her face.
Just her eyes
Weathered
Crinkle at the edges.
Grey tendrils of hair
Gently crown
Her delicately framed,
Firmly set face.

She doesn’t hear the sounds
Around her
Water overflowing from the
Forgotten bath.
The phone ringing impatiently.
The doorbell chimes
Tries to catch her attention
Fails.
She doesn’t notice
A tear falling from her eye
Rolling down a cheek
Leaving its mark there.
She’ll eventually realise.

But for now, she’s lost
In the world of
Forgotten memories

A tiny photograph
Taking her back,
Ten years ago
Walking hand in hand
With her husband
Another one
Takes her further back
Back to when
Her daughter walked away
Eyes full
To her new home.
Searching further
She finds another photograph
Her young son
Smiling out for the first time
In his mothers hands
Taking his first few breaths of air.

Abhilasha Chhabra (X)

Page4  | Back

 

Tales Puppets Tell!!

A puppet show by the 'Kat Katha' was held on the 9th of January and it was a fine welcome to a brand new year. Pedro, the string puppet, who danced was cute, Magarenna, the crocodile Muppet sang and she had bright pink hair!

The characters in the first 'hand puppet' story were Maddu, the monkey, Laddu, the porcupine, Hukali, the small girl and Sher, the lion. In this story we learnt that teasing people is not nice. In the second story, there was a good king, a bad king, a prince called Tinku(good king's son), Masterji (Tinku's teacher) and the Mantri of the bad king. In this story, we learnt how important books are to our lives. We all loved it and if you were there you would have too!
Kaamya Sharma & Nimran V- A

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Water

Water can be so much fun, Swimming and surfing in the sun Kayaking, sailing and other sports, Need water to move the boats.
Frozen water can be lots of fun, Sledging, skiing and skating can be done.

Because of water Michael P. (Michael Phelps) Could win a gold medal at the B. (Beijing Olympics)

By Arvaan Kumar V- A

The Budding Auhors

Little Star’s Wish

Once upon a time there was a girl called Dora. She had a pet monkey. His name was Boots. One day Dora and Boots were looking at the sky. They saw a star in the sky. The star was looking very sad. Dora asked , "Why are you looking so sad?" The star said it was sad because it was away from its best friend. Dora and Boots said, "We will help you. We will become your new friends." The next day, Dora and Boots had a picnic under the sky. Their friend was there. They got juice, cola, candy and chips and told each other stories. The star and the moon waved to them. They went home and slept. The star had found new friends. It was happy once again.
Suhasini Takkar II- C

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

We made Khichdi as it was cold and to celebrate Makar Sankranti- as it means Khichdi.
Rudra Jain and Rhea Chawla III- B
If the Earth was flat

If the earth was flat
It would be shaped like a mat,
And when we reached the end
We would just fall off the bend.

Only day or only night,
Would always give me a fright!
There wouldn’t be a reason,
To have a change of season.

No winter no summer and no fall,
No different fruits and vegetables for us all.
But! Thank goodness the earth is round,
It makes me feel safe on the ground.

Nimran Kang V- A

If the Earth was flat, like a table it would be,
Quite difficult for you and me,
If we dug deep we would fall through,
If the hole was big, the houses too!
Our Earth would not be round at all,
Our oceans over the edge would fall!
Our cars and ships would all fall down,
And we would be left with an empty town!
Like a magic carpet, our Earth would fly,
Up into the dark blue sky.
We would not go around the sun,
A flat Earth would not be fun!!
Gurleen Badal V- A
Page5  | Back

HOW COULD YOU?

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was “bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?” - but then you’d relent and roll me over for a belly rub. My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because “ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, your wife, is not a “dog person” - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a “prisoner of love.” As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be. Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your “family,” but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for her.” They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with “papers.”
You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy! Please don’t let them take my dog!” And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked “How could you?”
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?” Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
Sharanya Thakur (VIII)


Page6  | Back
Book
Review

Title: Airman
Author: Eoin Colfer
Rating: 4.5/5

This action thriller is set in the 1870s and 1880s on two islands called Great and Little Saltee. From Eoin Colfer’s vivid descriptions, I visualise an old-fashioned yet ready-to-modernise country. I also imagine rows and rows of houses lining the coastline.
The protagonist, Conor Broekhart, is very practical and has the right combination of brain and brawn. He displays remarkable presence of mind at a young age. Another important character is Victor Vigny, Conor’s tutor. He educates Conor in the realms of self-defence and aeronautics. Not a very humble man, most of his words imply “I’m a genius.” Another crucial character is Hugo Bonvilain, the megalomaniacal tyrant. A master of trickery and deception, Bonvilain commits many sins while he is Marshall. Last but not least in the list of significant characters, is the blind musician Linus Wynter, who is Conor’s cellmate in the inhuman prison on Little Saltee.
The book has an interesting plot, as we see a middle-aged man imprisoning an innocent fourteen year old boy, and then three years later, the same boy getting his revenge on the man. It has three well defined sections, of which the first showcases love, family and all things good, the second houses treachery, betrayal, murder and all things dark, and the third – well, you’ll have to read the book to know that!
Eoin Colfer compels you to cry with sorrow and jubilation, yet, at the same time, forces you to bellow with rage at the inhuman atrocities committed by Bonvilain. The shortcomings of this book, though few and far between, do exist. The book is full of literally cutthroat politics. I, being a pacifist, dislike this. Also, it has a balance tilting towards the negatives of life.
One of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors, Airman is a must-read for all people who would like to call themselves well-read. I would also recommend Eoin Colfer’s other books, which include the Artemis Fowl series, the Wish List etc. This is a definite no-put-downer and the exemplary plot and the scintillating action will surely stay etched in my mind for many a year.
Ojasvi Goel (VII)

Anirudh Bhatt: I’m getting a heart attack in my head.
And we’re getting loose motions in our ears.

Sonya Bhan: Why are you so self obsessed with my face?
Because I am interested in the selfsame thing.

Abhijit Roy: Dude, that guy was dead.
Kunal Datta: Let’s kill him!
No, lets kill you to death.

Prachi Trehan: Sara, your hair is so long!
Avani Rai: That’s just because she’s taller than you.
And smarter than YOU.

WHODATHUNKIT?

Coca-Cola would be green if colouring weren’t added to it.

Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand.

Some worms will eat themselves if they can’t find any food!

Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people

An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain

A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue!

_________________________________________________________

EDITORIAL BOARD

Mallika Pal, Ramya Ahuja, Suvira Chadha, Tejasvita Singh, Vani Shriya, Vedika Berry, Ayesha Malik, Devika Agrawal, Nikhil Pandhi, Sanjana Malhotra, Tara Sen, Arushi Kumar, Bhavik Singh, Kunal Datta, Meghna Mann, Rhea Sadh, Sara Chatterjee, Vanshika Wadhwa, Akbar Iqbal, Avanti Gupta, Jahan Nargolwala, Mahi Titus, Soumya Dasgupta, Tarunima Prabhakar

Editor : Diva Gujral