Spirit of Diwali: Chandan put his hands on his ears trying to shut off the sounds. It was Diwali night. The entire city was lit up. Fire crackers were exploding everywhere. Chandan was lying on a dirty wooden bench in one corner of a dhaba in which he worked, trying to shut off the world and sleep. Diwali – the …

A Father And A Patriot: “Abba, how come Nanaji does Puja while Ammi and you perform Namaaz?” eight year old Muskaan asked her father Imtiaz Hussain. They were sitting in the balcony of their flat on a Sunday morning munching groundnuts – the year was 2023. “Before I answer your question let me tell you a little story.” “Wow! That’s …

Neeraj was going to the market to buy vegetables when he saw a crowd of boys jumping and laughing. As he drew near he recognised two of them – Kartik and Ahmed – the notorious bullies of his class. Kartik was sitting on his haunches holding a black puppy while Ahmed was tying a string to its tail. To the …

Twelve year old Anil had just finished his breakfast when he heard his name being called. He came out. It was Azhar his best friend. “Have you heard Anil?” “Heard what Ajju?” Anil sighed and asked. It was Azhar’s habit to start every conversation with a question. “Someone is trying to destroy our Park and build a shopping complex in …

“Time pass chana- phalli,” Hari heard the all-familiar booming voice as he stepped out of the school gate. “Nampalli, Lingampalli, Kukatpalli, Marredpalli, time pass chana-phalli,” the voice rose above the din. Hari ran towards the owner of the voice. “Time Pass Uncle!” “Hari beta, I was looking for you,” replied Shauqat Ali. Hari’s Time Pass Uncle. Shauqat Ali sold chana …

“Come on Anmol, you can do it”, shouted Rohan. Anmol and Rohan were class six students of Saint Francis High School. The inter-house cross country for the junior group was in its last phase. Anmol, who was in Shivaji House, had completed the stretch from the school canteen, the starting point of the race, to the Stadium. Now all that …