Delhi is the third largest city of the country. It is also the capital of India. It is one of the most ancient cities of the world. Its history goes beyond the Mahabharat. It is a historical city. It has many famous historical monuments like the Red Fort, Purana Quila, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Birla Temple, Qutab Minar. Humayun’s Tomb, safderjung Tomb etc. They all are very interesting places and worth many visits. Visitors from all the parts of India and foreign countries came to visit them.

I have visited many of these historical places and monuments. But still a few remain unvisited. I have decided to see all of them one by one. Last Friday I visited Humayun’s Tomb. I had not seen it earlier. I chose Friday because on this day the entry is free and there is no ticket. I reached the place with my friend Abhishek. He is also my class fellow and lives in the same locality where I live. Luckily, it was a holiday and the school was closed.

We reached there by bus. We got down at Nizamuddin bus stop. From there the Tomb is within a walking distance. It is near Purana Quila on Mathura Road, and very near to Nizamuddin Aulia’s Dargah. We entered through a big gate. There were many visitors. Most of them were from foreign countries. We were delighted as there was not much crowd.

The Humayun’s, Tomb is a grand monument. It has been raised in the memory of Humayun, the Mughal king. He lies buried here. It is a fine and grand example of the Mughal architecture. Humayun’s widow got it built in 1574. It is a really one of the masterpieces of that period. It is a mixture of Indian and Persian styles.

The tomb is built on a huge and raised terrace. Built with red stand stones, it has double dome and octagonal base. Many other famous monuments including the Taj Mahal are its imitation. Around it are vast and lush green lawns. There are many types of big trees in the garden. In the garden are flowers, plants and stone benches to sit and rest. There are also water channels and fountains. But they were dry and fountains were not playing. Its high arches decorated with black marble look very majestic.

On each side of the tomb, there are long flights of stairs. They lead to the tomb on the terrace. From there one can have panoramic view in the north-east acrors the railway line. Besides Humayun, there are many other nobles and princes buried here. The last kind of Delhi, Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured here by the British in 1857.

A persion builder Mirak Mirza Ghiyath was its architect. Straight from here, near Jorbagh stands another monument, the Safderjung Tomb. It is on the pattern of Humayun’s Tomb. But it is far small in dimension.

We enjoyed our visit to our hearts’ content. Inside the monument there is a refreshment shop and restaurant. We bought snacks and cold drinks and enjoyed them on the vast velvety lawns. In the evening we returned home fully satisfied, happy and more enlightened.

Last Sunday I was all alone at home. I was feeling lonely and bored. Therefore I decided to visit the zoo. I took my bag and packed it with snacks, some other eatables, the water bottle and a camera. Then I took a bus and reached the Red Fort. From there I took another bus hich dropped me at the zoo. The zoo is near the Old Fort in the Mathura road. There was huge crowd of the visitors from Delhi and other states. A couple of public school-children were also there. There was much hustle and bustle outside the zoo. It looked like a small fair.

I bought the entrance ticket and entered the zoological garden. A big and flat ground covered with bright red sand led me to a few steps and then followed a level ground. As I walked farther I saw a big python lying on the straws. It was quite motionless and looked like dead. It was enjoying the morning sun. In the next cage were big and very colourful parrots. They were from Africa. In front was a big circular lake. It was full of ducks, swans, cranes, herons, flamingoes and other water birds. Many of the birds were busy making nests on the thorny trees growing on its banks. They were producing a chorus of their sounds and cries unconcerned with the visitors. A couple of swan looked very majestic while swimming and sporting in water.

Next we visited an enormous and open enclosure. In it were various types of deer, stags and a number of cranes. In another corner of the enclosure were kangaroos. They jumped here and there in a typical way. They were from Australia.

I took some photographs before moving to the next enclosures. In it there were owls, pigeons, parrots, mains, bulbuls, rots, peacocks, eagles and sparrows. They were of many kinds, sizes and colours. They produced enchanting and sweet music. Then I retired to a secluded corner to enjoy refreshment which I had with me. I took some rest and went to the next enclosure.

This was the section of wild animals. There were tigers, leopards, bears, lions, monkeys, zebras etc. They were in separate cages and enclosures. The white tiger, found only in India, was very interesting. There was a big crowd before the lion’s den. A lion and lioness were moving restlessly in the small area of their enclosure. It was open to the sky. The leopards also attracted a large crowd. There was a panther as well.

But the cages of monkeys and apes drew the largest crowd. They were of many types. Chimpanzee showed many tricks. So did the spider monkey with his very thin limbs, body and a long tail. A black and small monkey from Africa produced shrill, long and strange crises to the delight of children. People were throwing nuts, parched grams etc into their cages. I gave a banana to the chimpanzee.

The large trench with iron enclosure had one-horned shino. It was from the forests of Assam. I was told that its skin was very tough and even a bullet could not pierce it. It looked very big, heavy and tough. Even a tiger could not dare to go near it.

There were many more interesting enclosures. But I felt tired and so decided to return home. The zoo is so vast that it is not possible to cover all the sections and cages in one visit. I again relaxed for some time on the soft green grass and enjoyed eating snacks and drinking a bottle of cold drink. I came out and boarded a bus taking me to the Red Fort. From there, I took another bus and reached home in the evening.

My mother had returned from Jaipur by then with my younger sister. She offered me tea and some special sweets brought from Jaipur. I found them very delightful. Moreover, I was feeling hungry. I told my little sister about the zoo and various interesting animals and birds. She wanted to visit the zoo herself. I promised to take her the next time. It immensely pleased her. It was really a delightful, educative and memorable experience.

I remember my first day at school. It was long ago. So do I remember my last day. They are very memorable days of my life. Parting is always sad and painful. And there were many other students who were sad and like me. We were all the students class XII. But at the same time we were happy became now our schooling was over. It marked a new beginning, a new hope and more challenging and interesting life. It had prepared well for the bored examination. I was confident to stand in merit. This too made me happy. Thus, there were mixed feelings. The state of mind was like that of sky with some clouds and bright sunshine. Life is like that. A farewell party was arranged for us in the school. It is a tradition to give a farewell party to the final class students when they leave for the board examination. The day was Monday. The weather was very pleasant. Winter was over and spring was about to set in. I was dressed in my best cloths. I reached the school in time. So it was my last day in the school, my alma mater. Other student had also arrived there. I met and shook hands with them. The school was beautifully and tastefully decorated. A small platform was raised. Soon we assembled for the farewell function. First of all there was a group photograph with the principal and the teaching staff. Then we reached the platform. On the platform sat the principal, vice principal and other members of the staff. The principal presided over the function. First there was a short cultural program by the students of XI class. It provided a good entertainment. Next , the students of XI class presented us roses on behalf of the school. Then a boy representing the XI class students came on the stage and delivered a short farewell speech in Hindi. It was full of great warmth, good wishes and affection. In reply the monitor of our class made a short speech on behalf of outgoing students.

Next followed the speeches and blessings of the teachers who had taught us with so much love, labour and care. After it our principal spoke in an emotional tone. He blessed us all, wished us bright career, success and happy future. His speech touched us all and our eyes become wet. There was thunderous clapping when he finished speaking.

In the end there was a nice party. In the hall there were many tables. They were full of snacks, sweets, fruits, cold and hot drinks. There were many students with trays full of eatables to serve the principal, the teachers and the outgoing students. I enjoyed it very much. Every thing was so fine, tasty and fresh. It was a very fine party. In my opinion, it was one of the best functions I had seen in our school. Finally, we took leave individually of our principal and teachers. They again blessed us and prayed for our bright success and career.

This was my last day in the school. A memorable and unforgettable day. I was full of emotions and my throat was choked for some time. I asked the forgiveness of the teachers for anything rude or unbecoming I had done knowingly or knowingly. Then, I walked out of the school with slow and somewhat heavy steps.

I usually get up early in the morning. I set the alarm at 5A.M and get up at once as soon as it starts ringing. But the other day I got up late. It was Friday morning. My mother was busy preparing my breakfast and lunch in the kitchen. She thought I was up and getting ready for the school in my room.

When I woke up it was already past six. I rushed to the toilet. I had my bath in great haste and almost gobbled up my breakfast. I ran to the bus-stop. There was no other student waiting for the bus. It took me no time to realize what had happened. I had missed the school bus. But I did not want to miss the school. On that day I had to participate in an inter class debate and a new lesson had to be begun.

Had I not overstayed in the birthday party of my friend that night. I would not have missed the bus. I could not take a lift on a two wheeler scooter because I had no helmet. A few days earlier helmet was made compulsory for the pillion rider.

I was in a fix. I did not know what to do. I had not brought money enough to pay to a three wheeler. And the school was about 10Km. form there. The local buses were over crowded. People were hanging outside. Some others were on the foot-board. But then I decided to board a bus. As soon as a bus stopped, I entered from the front door. The driver knew my problem and so did not object. I stood in a corner with my big school bag, water bottle and lunchbox.

Somehow I obtained a ticket. I passed on the fare to a passenger. He passed on to another, and he to yet another. It was a kind of relay race for a ticket. The conductor sent me the ticket in the same method. At every stop there were more passengers. Women passengers entered the bus. They were all from a slum colony and going on their domestic work. They were giving out a bad smell. It became difficult for me to breathe. I turned towards the window and had some deep breaths. I was squeezed between these ladies.

I heaved a sigh of relief when the bus stopped at my school bus stop. I jerked myself out. In the effort my school uniform got spoiled. However, I thanked my stars. The morning assembly was already over. The ten minutes of the first period were already past. The teacher was busy in teaching. Somehow, I managed to draw his attention and sought his permission to enter the class. He very kindly allowed me to enter and I almost slumped in my chair. For the next few movements my heart beat loudly.

Sunday is always welcome. It is a holiday, a day of rest, enjoyment and leisure. On this day I do not follow any fixed program and timetable. I do and enjoy things as they come. I mean everything depend on my mood and weather. The rest of the week I follow a set timetable. But on Sundays things changed for me. The clock does not have that much significance on these days.

It is said that God created the world in six days. On the seventh day he took rest. This day was Sunday. Sunday means Sabbath. God created man after his image. That is why man enjoys Sunday as the day of rest. Rest does not mean oldness. It means such activity which gives pleasure and entertainment. Nothing routine and for the sake of saving money.

The very word ‘Sunday’ has music in it. I love it because it means many pleasant, happy and merry things. On Sunday I get up late at leisure. There is no hurry, no haste. I have not to get up early in the morning at 5.30 A.M. as usual. My parents know it and does not awake me till it is breakfast time. On Sundays, I skip my morning tea. I have the bed at about 7 A.M, have a quick brushing of the teeth and wash up and then I go straight for breakfast. My mother always prepares something special for breakfast on Sunday. We take breakfast together. On other days I take my breakfast alone.

In the day I play cricket with my friends. If weather does not permit it, we enjoy playing chess indoors. Sometimes, I go to see a good movie in the company of my friends. Last Sunday we went on a picnic.

In the evening either I visit one of my friends or they come to my house. Sunday evening is spent in joyful and intimate conversation. We together enjoy cracking jokes, telling stories and anecdotes. We also exchange our experience on Sundays in the evening.

On Sundays I keep away from home-work and study of text books. I read magazines or a newspaper for entertainment. It is all light reading for pleasure alone. Sometimes, my elder sister comes with her two children -5 year son Hemant and 2 year daughter Avantika. Then, on such a Sunday I like to play with them. I enjoy so much being in their company. I recite shymes or tell them moral stories and fairy tales.

Thus, Sunday comes with a lot of freedom from routine. On this day I am guided more by impulse than by reason. It is a day of loveliness and leisure. Sometimes, there are other welcome guests. Then there is different type of program. However, I never wish that every day was a Sunday. It is attractive only because it is once a week affair.

Sundays work like a tonic and prepare me for coming labour and hard work. I cannot enjoy a Sunday well if I have not done well in the rest of the week. Then I feel that I have not earned my Sunday. Work and rest, both are essential. One is useless without another. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. But work is very natural, it is worship. Honest and sincere toil is holy service. No good labour is ever lost. We cannot work well without occasional rest and leisure. And rest and Sunday will be meaningless without work. Sundays make my work and studies pleasurable.

I am a student of a co-educational school. Co-education has been there in our school for the last many years. There are many co-educational schools in the city. It is no more a foreign system.

It is becoming increasingly popular day by day. In my class there are 35 students. Out of it 20 are boys and 15 girls. With the spread of education more and more girls are joining schools and colleges. It is a healthy sign.

Co-education has many advantages. It also has some disadvantages. But advantages are far greater than advantages. It is wrong to say that students neglect studies in co-education. My own experience shows that there is much more seriousness and devotion to studies in co-educational schools. There is a kind of healthy and desirable competition.

Every one tries to do his or her best. Students are more disciplined and orderly. There may be some exceptions. In the beginning, when co-education was introduced, there were some problems. But now it is quite normal. Every new system takes its own time to settle down. There is no undue sex attraction.

Co-education gives an early chance to boys and girls to know each other. It is very beneficial. Half the world is that of women. Co- education helps in their better understanding and appreciation. Later in life there is better cooperation and understanding between men women men and women as husbands and wives. Boys and girls educated and trained together make better citizens, parents and couples. Co- education provides them an early chance to know each other?s mental make-up and psychology. It also helps in removing such evils as dowry and prejudice against women.
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economically also co-education is best suited to our country. India is developing country. It is a vast country with a large population. The rate of literacy among women is very low, it is not possible for a country like India to have separate schools for girls. It means a lit of extra cost and expenses, separate schools also mean the need of double the number of trained teachers. India cannot afford it. At many places the number of girl students is not large enough to merit a separate school. It makes matter more uneconomical. Thus, co- education system avoids waste and affects economy.

The co- education also helps in making a right choice of partners in marriage. Girls become smart, intelligent and practical and can choose their own husbands. Or they can help the parents to take a right decision. A girl educated in a separate school is bound to be shy, timid and spineless. She cannot be as practical, bold and form in such matters as her sister educated in educated school.

There is no harm in educating girls and boys together. What is needed is a little more imagination, watchfulness and care. students in co- educational schools should be given more personal attention and care. They personal counseling and guidance. They should be given sex education but with care and caution. If proper care is taken there would be no harmful results.

Sometimes, students become over- conscious in matters of fashion in such schools. They pay undue attention to their personal looks. The students try to attract the attention of the opposite sex in this way. But it is not a very serious problem. It can be solved easily with tact. What is needed id that students should not be allowed to remain idle. There should be a lot of creative activity. And the teacher should be well trained in the psychology of boy and girl students.

There is no place like home. East or West home is the best. There are many phrases and sayings in praise of home and hearth.

They are true and based on long experience of life. They are really unfortunate who do not have their own house and home. A house is a shelter. It may be one?s own, taken on rent, permanent or temporary. It may be of wood, stones or bricks. But what makes a house a home is love, deep bounds of affection and a sense of belonging and togetherness.

It is good to have a house. But it is really great fortune to have a home, a sweet and warm home full of love and affection.

There are missions and millions of people who are homeless and house less.

I am really fortunate to have both. Our family is a small one. There are my parents, myself and a pet dog. It is a compact family. We love one another deeply. We are bound together in strong family bonds. Our pet dog Pintu is very much part of our family. We cannot think of the home without it. Pintu is so alert, watchful, loyal and devoted. He would never hesitate to sacrifice his life for our good.

My father strongly believes in one-child family norm. That is why I am only son of my parents. They treat Pintu, the pet dog as their second child. We live in a three-room DDA flat. It has two bed rooms, one dining-drawing hall, a big Kitchen, two big balconies and two toilets. It is quite enough for three of us. There is plenty of room and we have been very comfortable. The flat is on the first floor. Our neighbors are co-operative and decent people. Our home is like a castle for us. We feel quite safe and secure in it with Pintu with us.

The house is well furnished and decorated. The show case in the drawing room is big and tastefully made. It is full of many valuable articles and showpieces. There are some rare art-objects in the hall. My mother is very fond of flowers. They are always there in the vases, fresh, fragrant and colorful. We have all kinds of amenities of modern life. They include fridge, color TV, automatic washing machine, computer, microwave oven, car, music system etc.

I have my separate room. Pintu also sleeps in this room. He is a very good companion. There is a big study table with table lamp for my use. There is a small library. It has a collection of choicest books. There is an almirah in the wall. It serves as my war double. I have my own walkman, camera and a binocular. I use the walkman mainly to listen news bulletins. I use the walkman mainly to listen news bulletins. Sometimes I also enjoy classical and film music.

Our flat is airy, spacious and comfortable. In the winter there is lot of sunshine in one of the balconies. In front of the flat there is a large common park. It makes the site pleasing and valuable.
Children play there, elderly people walk and rest. There are some shady trees, flower plants and a lot of green grass. It is looked after by the welfare society of the colony. Our home is really a home, more so because it is so homely. I am proud of my hose and home.

Man is full of likes and dislikes. He can be called a bundle of these. Each and everybody has his own likes and dislikes, preferences and hatreds. And I am no exception to the rule. My likes and dislikes are sharp and definite. I am very clear about them. I am not ashamed to own them. I have many dislikes. But the thing I dislike most is flattery.

Many people consider flattery an art. They feel proud of it. The use it as a powerful means to achieve success. And most of the people like flattery. They always want to be told pleasant things. They want blind admiration and praise. They cannot tolerate criticism, even when it is right. I really pity such people. they are really fools. They are blind to the realities of life. They are constantly living in illusion.

Flattery is nothing but false praise and administration. It is used to make a fool of others to serve selfish ends. Today the world is full of flatterers and fools. In my opinion both the flatterer and the flattered are fools. Their attitude to life and realities is that of an ostrich.

People do not differentiate between flattery and sincere praise. A genuine praise or admiration is from the core of the heart. It is true, sincere and without an axe to grind. I always welcome and appreciate genuine praise. There are many great and beautiful persons and things. They deserve our admiration. They are worth our appreciation. It is our duty to praise them, to bring out their worth in open. But flattery disgusts me. I hate a flatterer like an enemy. I regard him as a very dangerous person.

But the world of today is full of flatterers. People use it blindly in flattering others. And in return want to be flattered. There is no sincerity, no truth, no reality in what they say. In talks, lectures, conversations, writings etc., there are false, sweet and pleasant words. They all are meaningless, empty and selfish. To me they make no sense, no appeal. I am fed up with such people. that is why my friend circle is very limited. I like frank, sincere and truthful people.

People use flattery on every occasion. They have got used to it. They use it as a weapon to serve personal profits. They use it to gain rewards, favors, patronage or some such other advantage. It has become a cottage industry without any investment. The dividends in this business are rewarding. Flatterers use their lips and collect rich returns.

In my opinion, flattery is a bait, sweet poison which should be avoided. It degrades us. To praise a decent and disserving thing is natural. But false words of praise make me furious. It is selfishness not to encourage and appreciate good work. But it is equally a bad thing to indulge in gales admiration and flattery. We should discriminate between them. It is one of our basic weaknesses to flatter and receive flattery. We often overestimate our worth and value and expect people to praise us sky high. We should guard against this tendency. Only then we shall be able to distinguish between a friend and flatterer.

It is more dangerous when you flatter yourself. There is no such flatterer as a man?s own self. Self-flatterer is a worst kind of person. One should be detached, objectives and analytical in judging one?s own value and worth. One should be frank, hard and critical in such matters. That is why its said that man is his own friend or enemy. Those who flatter themselves, have false sense of pride and praise. They are their worst enemies. I have nothing but deep dislike for such people.

This tendency of mine has made me an unwelcome guest with many people. They don?t like my frank, sincere and factual opinion. They expect me to praise each and everything they say or do. But I never care about them. I want friendship and company but not at the cost of plain speaking. I have some friends who really cherish my friendship. They value much my frank and truthful opinion, criticism and appreciation.

Our late principal Shri Akshaya kumar has made a lasting impression on me. Unfortunately, he died in a road accident last year. He was highly qualified, experienced and mature. He was fifty years of age and yet looked young, energetic and vibrant. His tragic death shocked us all. The whole school was plunged in mourning for many days. Even today I cannot believe that he is no more. But who can deny the cruel fact. It was a great personal loss to me. He lives for ever in my memory.

Mr. Akshaya kumar was an exceptional person. He had many qualities of head and heart. He believed in simple living and high thinking. What he believed, he practice strictly. He also preached that. He was simple and yet very dignified. His intellectual and moral status inspired respect, for him from all those who came into his contact.

The strength of his character, the nobility of his heat were seen to be believed. His physical appearance, habits and charm reminded of ancient gurus and rishies. He had a rare poise and elegance. Whenever he addressed us, there was pin drop silence. We all listened him carefully and then tried to follow him in our own way. He could successfully carry us with him. His message was direct and to the point. He always emphasized on character-building, moral values and human kindness.

His knowledge was wonderful. He was a moving encyclopedia. He never believed in physical punishment. We could approach him any time for any problem. He helped many poor and deserving students from his own pocket. His magnetic personality and great learning have left a permanent impression on me. He was a very nice example to follow in so many things. The staff-members and teachers looked upon him as their own elder brother or father. He was a torch-bearer for them. He inspired them to work hard for the welfare of the students. During his principal ship, our school progressed by leaps and bounds. We all miss him so much. Recently his statue has been erected in the school premises. W3henever I pass by it, I bow automatically in reverence.

He was regarded, respected and followed by the students and teachers. It was because he had certain basic human qualities. These qualities raised him very high from the common people. yet he was never proud. He belief in God and goodness was rock-firm. He was a great admirer of Gandhiji and followed him in letter and spirit.

He was very kind hearted. His kindness extended even to plants and animals. He was against any king of violence. Once a pigeon was badly struck by a running fan. He immediately sent the bleeding bird to the bird hospital in Chandini Chowk, after treatment of a seek. How happy he was on the recovery of the bird?

He was always warm and responsive. He listened everyone patiently. He was never angry or irritated. He welcomed suggestions and advice. He saw that they were put into practice if found useful. He hated nothing but flattery, back-biting and lying. The memory and impression of him, as his name ?Akshaya? suggests, are for ever and ever.

The importance of school libraries is well known. They play a vital role in education and learning. They promote self ? such and reading habits. Without libraries educational aims cannot be achieved. They help the students to learn and gather information independently. It generates self ? confidence and self ? reliance. The students remain in the school for a limited time. The rest of the day they have to read and study book on their own. A good library is a big asset for a school.

Our school library is very rich. It is housed in a big hall. There are a number of big wooden and steel almirahs. They are full of books on all subjects. Then there are dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps and other reference tools. They are well catalogued and alphabetically arranged. They are kept nicely and in good condition. There are a librarian, one assistant librarian and tow helpers. They are always busy in their work. Then there are newspapers, magazines and periodicals.

These books are on many subjects. They are on science mathematics, literature, language, business, commerce, computers, geography, history, arts, crafts etc. we can borrow books for a week at a time. The librarian helps us to select, local and borrow the books. When a book is already on loan, it can be reserved. There is fine on late return or spoiling a book. Once in a week there is a library period for every section of the class. It helps us to develop reading habits. It also encourages self ? study and self ? reliance. We are taken to the book exhibitions and fairs and helped in purchasing good and useful books.

There is a special ?Library Prize? of Rs. 1000 and a set of selected books. It is given annually to the student who makes the best use of the library in the year. The best library user is selected on the basis of the number of books borrowed and used. There si on oral test on the basis of the books borrowed and read. It has generated a healthy competition among students. Last year I won this prize. This year I could not repeat it has generated a healthy competition among students. Last year I won this prize. This year I could not repeat it in spite of my best efforts.

The senior students of class XI and XII can come to the library at any time in their spare time. There is big central table and many chairs around it. It is specially reserved for these students. They can borrow books to study them there. They can consult reference tools and dictionaries. It helps them to increase their general knowledge and achieve better understanding of the prescribed subjects.

In examination days, the library is kept open on Sundays and other holidays. Many students come there and study for the whole day in a very healthy atmosphere. They can bring books from home as well for study. No body is aloud to talk or to speak loudly in the library. For the teachers there is a special arrangement. They come here in their vacant periods and enjoy reading. They can be issued 3 books at a time for a period of one month. The principal often pays surprise visits to see and supervise that everything in the library is okay.

Our school library is a big source of our knowledge, hope and inspiration. It widens our horizon of knowledge and thinking. We are proud of our school library.

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