CHAMPAK_20110901

FOUNDER

SEPTEMBER (FIRST) 2011

VISHWA NATH

NO. 814

1917-2002

STORIES THE RIGHT ADVICE THE TRAIN STARTS RATTOO AND PUSSY FRUITS OF LABOUR EVERYTHING HAS... POSTMAN HEALTHY THE UNHAPPY CAR FOUND THE NOSE THE STRORY OF... TURN ON THE LIFT... A GARDEN IN THE THE TASTE OF... BRAVE KITCHU

4 8 12 19 24 30 35 40 54 60 64 70 74

RAT REARED WHERE DID THE... FROGS TAIL

79 85 92

PICTURE STORIES ROARING ... CHEEKU

16 50

YOUR PAGE IT’S FUNTIME CHAMPAK CHEKERS FROM YOUNG... WHO AM I ?

28 47 88 92

Editor, Publisher & Printer : Paresh Nath EDITORIAL, ADVERTISEMENT & PUBLICATION OFFICE: Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg, New Delhi- 110055. Phone: 41398888, 23529557-62. Fax: 91-1123625020. Printed at Delhi Press Samachar Patra Pte. Ltd. A-36, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad and Delhi Press, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi110055 and published on behalf of Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pte. Ltd. from E3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi 110055. THIS COPY IS SOLD ON THE CONDITION THAT JURISDICTION FOR ALL DISPUTES CONCERNING SALE, SUBSCRIPTION AND PUBLISHED MATTER WILL BE IN COURTS/ FORUMS/ TRIBUNALS AT DELHI. Title registered with Govt of India as trade mark. Cheeku feature is registered with the Govt. Contents must not be reproduced in any manner without permission. The names of the characters Send articles at: Send invitation and press releases at: Write to the editor at: ● Subscription at: ● ● ●

used in all fiction and semi-fiction articles are fictitious. Self-addressed stamped envelopes must be enclosed with all manuscripts otherwise the rejected material will not be returned. Rates Inland: Single copy Rs 20. 1 year Rs 384, 2 years Rs 720, 3 years Rs 1008, in India. Subscription should be remitted through money orders/bank drafts and cheques drawn in favour of Delhi Prakashan Vitran Pte. Ltd at E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi- 55. Vpps not accepted. International Subscription Price Air Mail Charges

Express Delivery Europe & South America 1 Year : 95 1 Year : 420 2 Year : 185 2 Year : 835 3 Year : 275 3 Year : 1250 Express Delivery Express Delivery Rest of SAARC Countries Countries 1 Year : 235 1 Year : 275 2 Year : 475 2 Year : 545 3 Year : 710 3 Year : 820 (All the Prices given are in US $)

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

S.Mallick

The Right Advice By Nitin Kumar ‘Nit’

B

UNTY MONKEY was sitting dejectedly. Chicknu Rat inquired,

“What has happened? I have never seen you so depressed before.” Bubbly Monkey is angry with me,” Bunty said, “Yesterday was her birthday. I gifted her saree. But she did not accept it.” Chicknu thought for a moment and then said, “The saree must have been cheap.” “No, I took the saree from the most expensive shop of the city with great difficulty, avoiding the eyes of the shopkeeper,” explained Bunty sadly. Then Chicknu advised him, “I think if you give a necklace along with the saree then she will definitely accept it.” “A necklace!” Bunty said worriedly, “I may be caught.” “Friend, you are a monkey how can the jeweler catch you,” said Chicknu and walked away. Bunty mustered courage and robbed a gold necklace from the city. However, even this time Bubbly refused to take it. Bunty was again disheartened. Matku frog said, “Saree and necklace are fine, but who will get the bangles?”

Bunty again went to a bangle shop in the market. When the shopkeeper was engrossed with a customer, he picked up the best bangles and ran away.” This time too Bubbly Monkey showed reluctance. Bunty Monkey came back disappointed. Chumchum Rabbit reprimanded him, “Dear friend, you are so old fashioned. Who wears these? You should have brought jeans and Tee shirt for Bubbly.” “Yes, you are right,” Bunty realized his mistake. He immediately went to a showroom in the city, robbed a pair of jeans and Tshirt from there for Bubbly. However, this time too he

was disappointed. Bubbly did not even look at him. Bunty was again sad. This time Chunki bird advised him, “In the city there is a children’s school. I can help you if you come with me. “ Once there Chunki requested Bunty to dance in front of the children. They were overjoyed to see the monkey’s dance. Some of them threw money at Bunty. He was red with anger, “What is all this? I want to please Bubbly not the children.” “If the children are happy then Bubbly will also be happy,” Chunky said pointing out at the money, “Buy some gift for Bubbly.” unty counted the money and said, “What can be bought with this small amount?” Chunky laughed and said, “Buy something inexpensive. One does not see the cost of the gifts.” Bunty bought a cheap salwar-suit. He thought, ‘Chunky had lost her mind. When Bubbly did not bother to look at all the expensive gifts , why will she accept the cheap gift?’ However, what Bunty thought of was absolutely wrong. Bubbly was extremely happy when she saw the salwar-suit. Poor Bunty was completely confused. Then Bubbly explained, “This is very valuable for me, more than all the expensive gifts you robbed and brought earlier. I know you went through a lot of pains to buy these.” Bunty heaved a sigh of relief. He thanked Chunky Bird from the bottom of his heart.

B

September (First) 2011

7

The Train Starts By Nitin

C

HUKCHUK TRAIN was packed with passengers. Suddenly its wheels stopped running on the tracks. The sudden halt of Chukchuk caused a lot of inconvenience to everyone. On one side, there was the sweltering heat and on the other the hurry to reach their destination. Everyone wanted Chukchuk to start soon. Cheeku and Meeku Rabbits were travelling on the same train. Both were going to their maternal grand parents place to spend their holidays. Cheeku said, “Surely something is wrong, otherwise the train would not take so long to move.” “I agree with you,” Meeku said. “Come let us find out.” They were not even out of their seats when Neelu Rhinoceros restrained them, “Why? Are you engineers? The repair of the train is the responsibility of the government servants.” Cheeku replied, “That was not our intention. There can be some conspiracy behind the train stopping in this lonely area. There is nothing wrong in being cautious about one’s safety.” Both of them got down to hear the conversation taking place between the engineer and driver. Gradually others joined and soon a crowd gathered. “If nothing is wrong with it then why is the 8

Champak

train not moving?” “I will tell,” said the Foolish Jackal. “On the way just now we passed the temple of Fakkdh Baba. No one offered anything at the temple.” “Yes, we really made a big mistake,” many animals agreed with the Jackal. “If the train moved only because of the offerings

then why would the government spend so much on the drivers?” Cheeku and Meeku tried to explain the animals. “Yes, both of them are right. It is foolish to find a solution by making offering,” Bunty Monkey tried to support. “All right, then, explain why the train is not moving further?” Foolish Jackal said in irritation. At this Bunty Monkey replied, “We should give some time to the driver. The train may move once the fault is identified.” “They will never be able to identify the fault,” said Foolish Jackal, trying to misguide the animals. “Nothing is lost. Let us go to Fakkadh Baba’s temple. The train will not move on without the offerings.” Influenced by his talk many animals accompanied Foolish Jackal.

RAMENDRA NATH

Cheeku felt it was too warm and therefore he looked around for some trees. He suddenly jumped, “Oh! Look a red shirt is hanging from the mango tree in front.” “The red colour indicates danger. Maybe that is why Chukchuk was not moving further,” said Bunty Monkey. Bunty Monkey jumped and brought down the shirt from the mango tree. At that moment an elephant wearing shorts came there, and said, “This is my shirt. I was bathing in the river. It must have blown in the wind and come here.” Everyone got in and sat in the train on the dirver’s instructions. The moment Golu Guard showed the green flag, Chukchuk train blew the whistle and started moving without waiting for the animals that had gone to make the offerings. ● September (First) 2011

11

Ratoo and Pussy

P

By Manoj Rai

USSY CAT had been playing with the woolen balls for quite some time. She would

12

Champak

sometimes take them to the sofa and at other times throw them on the floor. Ratoo was watching her from far through a hole. Watching the antics of the cat he could not control himself. “What is the matter aunty, you could not sleep at night?” Ratoo asked with a smile. On hearing this, the cat lost her temper, “I will mince and eat you if you talk too much.” Pussy would catch the woolen ball and sometimes run with the rolling balls. “Hee … hee… hee…” Rattoo laughed looking at her. “It seems you have lost your mind. Does any animal behave in this manner?” the mouse asked and the cat could not control her anger. “If you try to provoke me I will rip you apart with my nails,” the cat growled. However, Rattoo continued to laugh. Pussy became furious. She ran to catch him a lesson but her long white tail got entangled in the wool. At first Pussy Cat did not come September (First) 2011

13

to know but the moment she tried to catch Rattoo her tail tightened. “Oh my god! I am dead,” she cried out in pain. Rattoo immediately ran, took the packet of chips from the table and ran to his hole. “Aunty today I have a good chance. You stay tied while I eat.” Rattoo said with a smile. He took a piece of sweet meat from the table and ran to his hole. He then came out of his hole and was going to the kitchen when Pussy caught him. “You were laughing at me. Now look what I do. I will knit a sweater out of you,” said Pussy as she tried to tie him with the wool. But Rattoo was very cunning. He said in a sweet voice, “Aunty tie me with yellow wool. I like yellow colour very much.” Pussy thought what the mouse can do now. Therefore, she turned to get the yellow coloured wool. Rattoo immediately threw the black woolen ball at her head. By the time Pussy could regain her balance, the mouse threw the green woolen ball

P.S.MICHRA

at her. The cat fell with a thud slipping on it. She thought she had broken her back. In the confusion to catch the mouse her feet got entangled in the wool that was lying on the floor and she again fell. She hit her head hard and lost consciousness. When she regained her senses, she saw Rattoo in front of her. “How are you feeling now Aunty?” he asked. Pussy Cat thought this was the right time to catch the mouse. Just as she extended her hand to catch Rattoo, he ran to his hole. From there he shouted, “Everyone can improve but not Pussy Aunty.” Pussy Cat was disheartened. She had no option but to regret.

ONE DAY IN A FOREST FRIEND, DIDN’T YOU HEAR?

OUR KING THE LION IS ORGANIZING A ROARING COMPETITION!

ROARING COMPETITION VENU VARIATH WHAT IS THE NEWS?

ONE WHO ROARS THE LOUDEST WILL GET THE PRIZE.

HI, HI. WHAT IS THE NEED FOR A COMPETITION? I AM SURE TO WIN THE PRIZE.

YOU ARE RIGHT. WHEN BIKKU ROARS, THE WHOLE FOREST TREMBLES. GRR, GRR.

16

WOW!!

HE IS TOO PROUD OF HIMSELF. I MUST TEACH HIM A LESSON.

Champak

CUNNING JILLU CAME FORWARD.

CAN’T YOU ROAR LOUDER? EARLIER YOU COULD ROAR LOUDER THAN THIS.

GRR, GRR.

TRUE. I’LL ROAR ONCE AGAIN.

NO, NOT ENOUGH. SOUND IS NOT LOUD ENOUGH.

BIKKU CONTINUES ROARING.

GRR... GRR.

I’LL TRY AGAIN.

GRR... GRR.

GRR... GRR.

GRR... GRR.


17

HOW IS IT NOW?

IT IS BETTER.

YOU CAN ROAR LOUDER IF YOU KEEP ON PRACTICING LIKE THIS.

THAT’S RIGHT.

NEXT DAY NEXT IS BIKKU’S TURN.

KI, KI. WHAT IS THIS?

HI, HI. IDIOT BIKKU PRACTICED WHOLE NIGHT AND NOW VOICE IS NOT COMING OUT.

HI, HI. NICE

18

BIKKU LOST THE FIRST PLACE IN THE COMPETITION.

IDIOT BIKKU. HE WILL NEVER BE ARROGANT AGAIN.

Champak

L

IKE EVERY day Chinky Ant entered Manoj’s kistchen in search of food.

“This place is flooded,” she muttered as she gingerly walked around the water’s edge and reached the place. “So much sugar! Let me go and inform the others.”

Fruits of Labour By Rajendra Kumar ‘Raj’

Chinky pulled at a grain of sugar and went back. “Sister Minky, in the kitchen there is a pile of sugar lying on the floor at the back of the pool of water.” When she heard Chinky, Minky excitedly said, “Is that true?” Minky reached there to find Gandhu and Dusty flies had seized all the sugar for themselves. Suddenly, one of the flies spotted them and said, “This sugar belongs to us. We will not give even one grain to you. Go away from here.” Both of them trembled on being reprimanded.

20

Champak

However, after sometime Chinky said mustering courage, “It will be of no use to anyone once it mixes with water. Therefore, let us share and eat it.” ‘No! No, we will not give you anything,” said Gandhu angrily. The ants went away disappointed. “What has happened Chinky-Minky? Why are you so dejected?“ Ginny Spider asked the saddened ants. They narrated the whole story. “The flies are very foolish. Come with me I shall reason with them,” said Ginny and started off with them. “We have made a great mistake by shooing off the ants,” said Baddy fly. top crying. Have your fill then fly off. The water is rising,” said Gandhu. At that moment Ginny came and said, “It is not good to trouble anyone collectively. The ants did not say anything wrong. The food that you are bent on wasting could be used by the ants if you permit them to eat it.” “Your stubbornness and the rising water will ruin the sugar after sometime. Therefore, try to understand and let the ants store the left over sugar.” When the flies heard this, they became furious and shouted in unison, “Go, go, we do not need your advice and take your friends along with you.” The three of them went away from there. Nishi Lizard stopped them and said, “Sister Ginny, I can set them right. The moment I swallow a 2-4 flies alive they will run for their life in fear. “Nishi , we want to teach them a lesson not take revenge,” said Ginny and walked away.

“S


21

Nanu Mouse heard them and thought he should help them. He quickly ran to the kitchen and started inspecting. Ginny said to the ants, “Sister, I will try and get help for you, in the meanwhile you gather together your companions.” Then Ginny went from there. The two ants started gathering their friends. Nanu Mouse entered the kitchen with the help of the water pipe. He saw some garbage blocking the pipe and muttered, “The problem of the ants will be solved if the filth is removed from the pipe. The moment the water gushes out the flies will fly away and the ants will easily take the sugar.” Then he became busy removing the muck blocking the pipe. eanwhile the flies and the ants fought over the sugar grains. The flies sitting on the grains were swaying to and fro. Nishi Lizard said to her companion as she clung to the wall, “This is a good opportunity. Come let us eat a few flies.” The lizard came down and with their long tongue started eating the flies. At the same time Ginny and her friends swung over the heads of the flies from their fine threads of the web. They caught hold of a few flies with their legs. A commotion occurred among the flies. The flies trembled with fear. They said, “Leave us. We will always remember this lesson.” The flies were released. Nanu Mouse was busy removing the dirt from the pipe. The moment he removed the rest of the dirt, the water gushed out.

M

22

Champak

“Oh! All the clothes are drenched,” he muttered and came into the kitchen. Nanu looked around and said. “Sisters, you can now store the sugar with no difficulty. The water will drain off shortly.” And he walked off from there. “Brother Nanu, you understood our problem without being told and solved it. Sister Ginny also helped driving out the flies from here, we all thank you,” said Chinky ant. Ginny said, “Some selfish people take advantage of the situation to exploit it to their advantage.” The lizard heard this and slipped off. In order to boost their courage, Nanu said, “All the problems can be solved if tackled together. Sweet are the fruits of persistence and labour.” “… then brother Nanu, take some sweets,” said Chinky offering a grain to Nanu. “You are putting a drop in the ocean,” said Ginny and everyone burst out laughing. ●

Playing with letters Given below are 5 words. If you interchange the letters in a word, you will get another word. Then try and form a sentence using both the words. For example: ACT changes to CAT Sentence: A film producer wants a cat to act in his film. Change these words and make a sentence. Words: 1. SEND. 2. MUG. 3. THIN. 4. TUB. 5. TANS. Send your answers at— CHAMPAK (Playing with letters) DELHI PRESS E-3, Jhandewala Extn., Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi - 110055.


23

T

HE FOX was very close to Raja Sher Singh. One day, the Fox said to Raja Sher Singh, “Your Highness, if nonvegetarians like you did not exist in the world then the number of grass eaters would be swarming everywhere. Thanks to the large number of nonvegetarians the vegetarians have some value. If there had been no meat eaters then nobody would have cared about these goats and sheep.” The sheep was also present in the court. She spoke timidly, “But if we vegetarians did not exist then what would the nonvegetarians have eaten?” Sher was perplexed. He said, “Your point is valid. Everyone is significant. Since there are vegetarians we are

Everything has Value By Manhor Chmole ‘Mnu’

alive. If they do not exist we too will not survive.” The Fox was snubbed. She was silent for sometime then she said, “Your Highness, there are certain beings that are insignificant. Take for instance an owl. Seeing an owl is considered an ill omen. Humans have used the name of an owl in many phrases.” Sher Singh questioned, “Many phrases? Like” The fox explained, “Like, ‘cry of an owl’, ‘making a fool like an owl’, ‘becoming an owl. Even the sight of

an owl portends ill. The cry of an owl in a place indicates that the place will turn into wilderness.” Sher Singh was shocked. He said, “If that is the case then we should put a ceiling on owls.” Sher Singh said to his Minister Panther, “Minister, pass an order and broadcast that the owls should leave.” The Squirrel who had been quiet till now requested, “Your Highness, before passing the order please listen to what I have to say.” At this Sher Singh laughed and replied, “All right, Little Squirrel.” The Squirrel said, “Your Highness, sometime ago you had said that every being has some significance. 26

Champak

Now you have banished the owls. What kind of justice is this? The owls have done no wrong, for which they should be punished.” Sher Singh asked, “But why do you have sympathy for the owls. What difference will it make if they are not in our kingdom?” The Squirrel replied, “It will make a great difference, for it will cause imbalance. Everywhere there will be snakes. Not only will we worry but even you will not be safe.” The Fox immediately interrupted, “Little Squirrel, are you frightening the King? How are snakes and owls related?” quirrel explained, “Your Highness, the owls act as predators at night. They have large eyes therefore they can easily see in dim light. They are able to prey even in the dark.” “Perched on the tree they come to know the movements of a mouse that is in its hole which is a foot deep underground. A single owl is able to devour 8 to 10 mice.” “Your Highness, just think if there are no owls then the whole earth will be teeming with mice. Where there will be mice there will be snakes. The mice will roam around without fear. This will create havoc in our lives.” Sher Singh said to the minister, “We take back our order. The mice are already a nuisance in my den. If the owls are not there they will nibble my throne.” Poor Fox’s cunning ideas had no effect. She went away from the court with a shame face. Everyone praised the Squirrel for her wisdom.

S


27

Amit: What is a snake’s favourite subject? Sumit: I don’t know. Amit: Simple! It is His story. -Carol * Two friends were dining at a restaurant. Sonu: Why is that woman wearing a helmet at the dinner table? Monu: Oh! Probably

she is on a crash diet. -Madan * Science teacher: Can anyone say what is black and white and pink all over? Student: Yes, Sir. It must be an embarrassed Zebra. -Bina * Friend 1: Two mountains were talking.

What did one mountain say to the other mountain? Friend 2: I have no idea. Friend 1: Let’s meet in the valley. -Dia * Students were taken out for bird watching. They saw a flock of birds flying towards south. Teacher (asked the students): Why do birds fly south? Students: Sir, because it is too far to walk. -Priya * Father: Son, can you find a word incorrect in the dictionary? Son: Yes, Dad. The word ‘Incorrect’ if I’m right. -Kani *

Sunny: What do sea monsters eat for lunch? Franny: What a silly question. They eat fish and ships. -Ajay * Girl: What did you get that little medal for? Boy: For singing. Girl: What did you get the big one for? Boy: For stopping. -Saurab * Doctor to Patient: I’m sorry, you have a brain tumour. Patient: Oh, that’s GREAT! Doctor: Strange…how can someone be happy about this? Patient: This shows that I have a brain!! -Kala *

Postman Healthy By Vivek Chakravarthy

H

EALTHY ELEPHANT was resting under a tree. Suddenly something came and fell on his back with a thud. “Hey, who is throwing stone at me? Be careful, it might hurt someone if you play with stones,” shouted Healthy as he lazily moved his body.

“Healthy, it is not stone. It is me, Kittu Postman. I was on my way to distribute today’s letters. I felt dizzy and fell on you,” said Kittu Pigeon as he collected his bag full of letters and stood up. “Kittu, if you are not feeling well, take rest today. You can distribute the letters tomorrow.” “Oh no, Healthy letters should reach the respective people on time. Else it might be a great problem. Just in case, someone’s expecting a call letter for an interview tomorrow and the letter is not delivered today, he would miss the opportunity and end up in great trouble in life.” “Yes, I agree. Postman’s job is an important and responsible profession,” said Healthy. Now he felt brisk. k, let me go now. I have a lot of letters to be delivered,” said Kittu as he tried to fly with his bag. But he was so sick that he could not even flap his wings. Healthy felt sad for Kittu. He said, “Kittu, are you alright?” “Healthy, I am still feeling dizzy and feverish. I am unable to fly.” “Kittu, do not worry. I will distribute the letters today. You take proper rest and take care of yourself.” “Thank you, Healthy.” Kittu gave the bag full of letters to Healthy Elephant. Healthy pulled out the first letter from the bundle. “First letter is for Chaplu Rat,” read Healthy and walked towards Chaplu Rat’s house. “Chaplu, here’s a letter for you,” called out Healthy when he reached Chaplu’s house. Chaplu

“O


31

immediately came out of his house to collect his letter but when he saw Healthy standing there, he ran back into his house quickly. “Healthy, what are you doing here? Why did you say that I have a letter? I am sure you have been sent here by Bunty Monkey to hurt me and collect money from me which I owe him,” shouted Chaplu from inside the house. “No. I came here because...”

P.S.MICHRA

32

Champak

“Healthy, go and tell Bunty that I will return his money soon,” said Chaplu. “But I came here to...” “Did you not hear me, go from here now.” “The world has become so bad that people don’t see any goodness in others. I came here to deliver your letter but you are chasing me away.” “Hey, if you have really come to deliver my letter, don’t throw it away. Slide it inside my house through the door. “ “I know that,” said Healthy as he slipped the letter through the door into Chaplu’s house and walked away. Healthy pulled out the second letter. “It is for Manu Cock,” uttered Healthy as he walked towards Manu Cock’s house. The whole day, he went to several places to deliver letters and by afternoon he had one letter left. That was for Koji Rabbit. inally, my job will be completed if I deliver this last letter to Koji Rabbit. Postman’s job is not an easy one. It is a tiring job. I feel exhausted after going around delivering letters,” said Healthy as he walked towards Koji’s house. On the other side, just in front of Koji’s house, a fox was hiding and waiting for a right moment to execute his plan. ‘Ha, ha, ha...there is no one in this forest as prudent as me. I wrote a letter to Koji to trap him. Now Kittu Pigeon will come to deliver my fake letter and Koji will come to collect it. I will catch both of them in this net and will feast on them tonight.’ The fox was happy at the very thought that he

“F


33

would have a great dinner that night. Just then, the fox heard someone coming that way. He hid behind a large tree. “Koji, a letter for you. Come and collect it,” said Healthy. “Coming...,” Koji replied from inside and came out after a little while. ‘Why is Kittu sounding so different today? So what? I have to catch both Kittu and Koji in this net now,’ thought the wicked fox. As soon as Koji opened the door, the fox threw the net on them from behind the tree itself. “Hey, Kittu and Koji, you have been escaping from me for a long time. But now I caught both of you,” shouted the fox and came from his hide out. But the moment the fox saw Healthy standing there with Koji, he was puzzled. He sensed that he was in trouble and decided to escape. But, Healthy caught him in his trunk. ey, what is the hurry now? Don’t you want to take back your net?” said Healthy as he pulled the net that has trapped Koji and rolled the fox in it. The fox tried to get out of the net but could not free herself and with great struggle, she left the place entangled in the net. “So you sow, so shall you reap. Foxy is caught in the same net that she had brought to catch you,” said Healthy with a smile. Koji thanked Healthy for his help. “Healthy, I would have been killed if you had not come today.” “That is ok. I am happy that I could help you today. Let me go now. I am really tired after a whole day’s work. I will go home and rest for a while,” said Healthy as he walked happily back home.

“H

34

Champak

T

HE POLICE station at Champakvan was buzzing. The Head Constable was sitting and rocking on his chair. The police station was crowded with people. While some people were taking away their vehicles after releasing them from police custody, some others were waiting to complete the procedure to take their vehicles back. There were a lot

The Unhappy Car By Anil Kumar Kashyap


35

of vehicles, big and small, parked in the field in front of the police station. Some vehicles stood there quietly covered with dust all over as they had been there for a very long time and nobody till date had come to claim them. Those vehicles were in a pathetic condition and some had even been buried in wild grass and plants. Cattle passing that side stopped and ate the grass happily. A few vehicles were murmuring among themselves. A big bus, who was in a terrible state, said, “It is almost a year that I was brought here. I have spent each day expecting my master to come and take me back. But my master never came. I heard that the

MD. ALI

roads are made broader, smoother and safer. When I used to run, the roads were narrow, broken at every corner and rough. It was pain to drive through the roads then.” There was a motorbike standing next to the bus. She replied immediately, “I have come to police station just because of the new, broad, smooth roads. My master was a young man who rode on me with pride. He did a lot of acrobatics with me on the road and one day hit a man walking on the roadside. My master is free but I am paying for my master’s action. I have been kept under police custody now for no fault of mine.” wo days ago, a Maruti van was brought to the police station. The vehicle was badly damaged in a major accident and the other vehicles at the police station felt sad and sympathized at his wretched condition. “We always fall victim for our master’s irresponsibility. They do the fault but we suffer because of that.” Maruti was in tears when she entered the field. “My master’s son was drunk and he drove recklessly on the road. When he hit an electric pole, I was totally crushed down on the road. He was also injured but my condition, as you see, is serious.” Just then a policeman came there. The vehicles stood quietly. The policeman went near the motorbike, lifted the stand and rolled it away to the station. The other vehicles thought that the owner of the motorbike had come to take him. As soon as the motorbike left, the old truck that stood there quietly started honking loudly. All the

T


37

other vehicles shut their ears for a while and then scolded him for his annoying behaviour. “Hey, why do you behave so strangely? Didn’t you like the motorbike going with his master?” “No, nothing of that sort. I am happy that he is freed today. He was such a chatter box.” Truck, jeep, tempo, scooter and several other vehicles lived there in the field happily, sharing their emotions with each other. A scooter, attracting everyone’s attention, said, “Brothers, We are here not by our fault but for our master’s mistake. People who drove us did not behave responsibly. They did not use the brakes on time, did not service our engines on time, did not check if our headlights were working properly, their insane driving cause a lot of damage to us. How long should we tolerate such foolish behaviours of men? May be we should stop working if we are not properly treated and cared for.” All the vehicles nodded and seconded this opinion and pledged to be careful and safe. ●

Do you have something to say? Children are invited to contribute their own views, poems, jokes (not published so far), amusing anecdotes and cartoons. Give full name and address separately for each column. Kindly send them to: The Editor, Champak, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi-110055, stating that it is your own original, unaided, unpublished work. 38

Champak

Monkey and Chimpanzee A team of American researchers who conducted a study on monkeys found that monkeys, including Chimpanzees, can identify what is good and what is bad for them. The scientists noticed that monkeys never made any mistake in differentiating good and bad. Whenever their companion is sick or in danger, they instantly go for help and they don’t forget the help that they received from their companions.

AMRITA GOSWAMI


39

Found the Nose By Arvind Belewar

UNTUN RABBIT went for a trip to the nearby town. He came back to Champakvan and started narrating his experience to everyone. He said that all human beings had prominent noses and they all looked cute. He also said that humans are proud and have a high regard for their nose. They talk about an idiom that says, “Cut off your nose to spite your face.” “Oh yeah?” Mottu Monkey listened to Tuntun’s narration with his mouth wide opened and commented, “Hey, I do not have sharp nose like men. I just have 2 flat nostrils.” “None of us have sharp nose like human beings. It is a shame on us that we do not possess distinctive

T

nose. But why we are made so?” said Tuntun with a deep sigh. “I think our king would have an answer to our question,” said Kalu Balu. “Come, let us go to King Gabru Lion and clarify our doubts.” All the animals agreed to Kalu’s suggestion. Next day, when they went to King Gabru’s house, they saw the lion king seated outside his den with his minister. “Hey, why all animals are marching here? Is everything ok?” asked King Gabru when he saw the large crowd of animals. Minister Chatru Fox immediately stood up and said, “Sir, let me check.” “Stop there,” shouted Chatru Fox and all the animals came to a halt at once. Chatru asked, “What is the matter that you have gathered so early in the morning?” “We do not have a nose!” All the animals shouted in chorus. “What nonsense?” Chatru growled angrily as he did not understand what the animals were saying. “I saw a sharp nose on human beings’ face. But why is that we do not have a proper nose? All animals have just 2 nostrils.” Tuntun explained the case. Before Chatru could react, Tuntun looked at his companions and said, “Look, the minister also does not have a proper nose.” This made Chatru very angry. He immediately rushed back to King Gabru to PRABHAT

tell him about the matter. “Sir, all the animals have a complaint that there is no animal in our forest with a nose,” said Chatru with hesitation. King Gabru instantly put his hand on his nose to check. “Sir, even you do not have a nose,” said Chatru immediately. King Gabru roared. He said, “How dare you make fun of me?” “No, Sir. Why is that we do not possess sharp noses but only two little nostrils unlike the human beings?” “We want prominent noses like human beings.” King Gabru heard the animals shout together. ‘Oh! This is a great problem.’ King Gabru pondered for an answer. How can Lion King bring sharp prominent noses on the faces of the animals? “I think, right from the beginning, someone has cut off our noses and made us like this.” Gabru was frightened and panicked by Chatru’s comment. “What can we do now?” King Gabru was worried to find a solution. “We should search the lost noses and give them back to these animals,” suggested Chatru. “But who can do this job?” asked King Gabru curiously. Tuntun, who was overhearing t h e i r conversation

said, “We can ask Jumbo Elephant to look for the lost noses.” When Jumbo heard this, he was puzzled. ‘Where can I find noses for these animals?’ He immediately said, “I do not have any nose. Whoever wants a nose, they can search one for themselves.” Hearing this, all the animals were scared and said in unison, “We do not want any nose.” “We cannot compare our noses with that of human beings,” said King Gabru trying to explain the fact to the animals. Just then an old rabbit came forward and said, “I know that this was started by Tuntun and the fact is…” ing Gabru knew that the old rabbit was shrewd and intelligent. He interrupted and said, “What is your opinion?” “O King, we have very specialized nostrils for sensing smell. No one in this world has such a nose and we should be proud about it,” said the old rabbit. King Gabru was glad to hear the fact. He said, “Can you please explain it further?” “Sir, look at Jumbo’s nose. No other animal or human has such a long nose!” “Wow! Why is that we did not realize this truth,” appreciated King Gabru. “Tuntun, did you understand the fact? From now on, whoever does anything wrong, even if it is human beings, Jumbo can swirl them with his nose and teach them a lesson.” Jumbo was excited to hear about his nose and he immediately lifted his trunk and danced happily. All the animals joined him in his joy. ●

K

44

Champak

Straw Man There are numerous festivals that take place all around the world. But this festival in a tiny North Yorkshire village of Kettlewell is a unique one. People in large numbers celebrate a scarecrow festival elaborately. Here, the scarecrows are not just any figures on twigs, but popular stars, sports persons and even, recognizable kings and queens. The festival is all the more fun as the participants compete for prizes.


45

46

Champak

Splendid Lantern Shark is a rare dogfish shark that is seen in the deep waters of the East China Sea. A recent study done on them by a team of researchers at the Catholic University of Louvain's Marine Biology Lab discovered some fascinating facts about these sharks. The fish were able glow-in-the-dark whenever they wanted and also make themselves 'invisible' when faced with a predator. The ability to do this is controlled by light-emitting organs called photophores. The researchers believe that the sharks light up when they are trying to attract other sharks or communicate with each other.

Lantern Shark

Rules and Purpose of the Game

In this game, you should avoid getting stung by poisonous insects and reach the treasure. Pick up your dice and start playing when you roll a 4 on your dice. Before starting the game each player has to select a coloured peg of his choice. Please note, if you are bitten by: 1. Red worm – Restart game. 2. Yellow worm – Miss a chance 3. Orange worm – Miss 2 turns 4. Blue worm – Move when you get 1 on the dice. 5. Green worm – Out of the game While following the rules throughout the game, the player who reaches the treasure first shall be the winner.


47

Start

Roshan Babu

TREASURE

WHY DON’T WE START A BUSINESS?

YES, WE CAN DO ANY KIND OF WORK EASILY AND QUICKLY.

ALRIGHT! OUR COMPANY WILL BE CALLED ‘FAST DELIVERY.’

50

WE WILL WORK HARD AND MAKE IT A SUCCESS. YES, OUR BUSINESS WILL BE A HIT.

Champak

THE TRIO STARTED THEIR BUSINESS AND OPENED A SHOP FOR THE SAME. HEY, WE ARE GETTING OUR FIRST CUSTOMER.

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU? I HAVE TO MAKE A TUNNEL. I AM AN EXPERT IN DIGGING TUNNELS. I WILL COMPLETE YOUR WORK.

MEEKU WENT AWAY TO DIG THE TUNNEL. WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU? MEEKU IS ACTUALLY HYPERACTIVE. LOOK, ANOTHER CUSTOMER.


CAN YOU GET THIS PACKET DELIVERED AT MADHUVAN QUICKLY?

51

BITTU TOOK THE PACKET AND SPRANG INTO ACTION QUICKLY.

DON’T WORRY, HE WILL DELIVER THE PACKET SAFELY. OURS IS ‘FAST DELIVERY.’

YOU ASK AND WE DELIVERED. BUT HOW! THE ADDRESS IS WITH ME…

OH! HE DISAPPEARED WITH MY PACKET.

JUST THEN, CHEEKU RECEIVED A PHONE CALL. WHAT?

52

I AM CALLING FROM THE POLICE STATION. MEEKU HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR DIGGING A TUNNEL IN THE JAIL.

Champak

TUNNEL IN THE JAIL? OH, WHY DID HE DO THAT? AND WHAT ABOUT MY PACKET?

I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT ANY MEEKU. I WILL SEND YOU TO THE SAME JAIL FOR COVETING MY PRECIOUS THINGS IN THE PACKET.


YOUR PACKET WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO YOU. I HAVE TO RUSH TO HELP MEEKU.

WE STARTED ‘FAST DELIVERY’ BUSINESS BUT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FREE MYSELF SO FAST!

53

The Story of the Leaf By Bagwat Prasad Pandey

T

HE MANGROVES turned to be the resting place for birds during the scotching heat of summer afternoons. While a few birds relax on the cool leaves of the mango trees, a few enjoy the sweet juice of the fruit. One day, Chinni the squirrel climbed up to the top most branch of a mango tree. He plucked a ripened mango to eat and also leaf along with it. Just as he was about to fold the leaf, he heard the squeaky sound let out by the leaf. “Chinni, what have you done.. it is alright to pluck the ripened mango but it is wrong to have unnecessarily pulled out a leaf with it” “If one small leaf is pulled out of such a huge tree, what great catastrophe has happened.. If not today, you will have to wither away from the tree one day. Now I am hungry, let me eat the mango” Said Chinni without any repentance. The leaf replied in a concerned voice “The question is not of one leaf being needlessly plucked. If all the leaves are plucked like this one by one, how will the tree survive… where will you get your fruit from…” “Come on…you thought that I am a fool? I know that trees are held strong on the ground by their roots. Why does the tree need so much of leaves?” Chinni made these comments as he sucked the juice fro the mango. “You do not have full knowledge and that’s the reason that you are talking like this. All the leaves are useful to the tree till their last moment,” said the leaf. 54

Champak

MD. ALI

“Is it? Please tell me about you….how useful you are?” Chinni said these words in a raised voice. “Listen.. Only through the food made by the leaves are the trees healthy. As the tree grows big, its need for food also increases and hence the number of leaves also go on increasing to provide the tree the food it needed,” said the leaf. Chinni said in a ridiculing voice, “I always live nearby the trees and I have never seen any leaf preparing food. And tell me when and how do you cook the food?” September (First) 2011

55

Leaf, looking up in the sky said, “With the help of sunlight, carbon dioxide, water and the green substance called chlorophyll that is inside us, we prepare the food. This process of making food is done so little by little that it is not visible to your eyes”. “That means without the leaves the trees just cannot survive!” Exclaimed Chinni with surprise. “No, it is not like that. Just like many parts of the animals do different tasks, the various parts of the tree also perform various tasks to keep it healthy. Roots lift up water and minerals from the soil and take it to all parts of the tree. The stem keeps the tree straight and erect while fruits and seeds come from the flowers,” said the leaf. ow I understand the secret of nature’s greenery. Please tell me if anything is more to it,” Chinni wanted to know more about this. “While making food, leaves absorb poisonous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and send out oxygen inhaling which all animals and human beings live. To protect themselves from heat, cold and rains, animals are dependent on leaves. Animals hide behind the leaves so that their enemies are not able to find them and thus escape from them.” The leaf gave more information on why leaves are so important. “Oh dear leaf, by giving so much of information about the leaves, you have indeed opened my eyes. Please forgive me. I promise that from now on I will not unnecessarily harm any leaf,” said Chinni, Squirrel. Before the leaf could forgive Chinni listening to his plea, a strong wind blew over and took the leaf from Chinni’s grip to a far off place.

N

56

Champak

Fill with beautiful colour


59

Turn on the Lift, Please

Y

ERA AND AMOL were playful and naughty. Their mother was always behind them warning and trying to put some good sense in their minds. “Yera, Amol…our society is celebrating its 5th anniversary and the RWA has organized a party in the park. I want both of you to behave properly and not to create any problem during the party. Did you understand?” Yera and Amol nodded obediently to their mother. “Come on…it is time to go downstairs. The programme is going to begin. All the other residents must have reached the park. We are late. Let us go down quickly,” said Mother and all the three got ready quickly, closed their house and took the lift to go to the ground floor. They lived on the 10th floor of the apartment. Yera and A m o l , along with t h e i r mother reached t h e

By Vivek Chakravarthy

park where the programme was organized. As soon as they entered the park, Sudha Aunty called Amol’s mother and they both started chatting. Yera and Amol started playing with their friends. After some time, Yera’s mother called Yera and asked, “Did your father call to say when he would come?” Yera said, “Mummy, I left the mobile at home itself.” Yera’s mother was angry. She said, “How can you be so irresponsible. Now I have to go up and bring the phone.” Yera said, “Do not worry Mummy. Give me the key, I will run and bring the phone to you,” said Yera. “Mummy, I will also go with her,” said Amol. Yera’s mother gave the key and they both went toward the lift. The lift was on the 10th floor and so they pushed the button to call the lift to the ground floor. They waited for the lift. But the lift did not move. They wondered what could be the reason. “It is more than 10 minutes. Why is the lift not coming downstairs?” Yera said impatiently. “May be someone has an emergency and would have stopped the lift on the 10th floor so that they can come down quickly.” Amol explained patiently. “We should climb up the stairs to go and bring the mobile,” Yera complained. Amol and Yera went up the stairs to go to their September (First) 2011

61

house on the 10th floor. When they were about to reach the 10th floor, Yera stopped suddenly and pulled Amol to her side signaling to stop. “What happened, Didi?” “Look, there are 2 people standing in front of our house.” “May be they are Dad’s friends. They must have come to meet him.” “No, they are not Dad’s friends. They are thieves. See they are trying to break into our house.” “Oh! Come let us call someone for help.” “Amol, we are on the 10th floor. By the time we go back and bring some people, these thieves would escape.” Just then the thieves turned and looked at them. “Chattan, look the children have seen us. Go and catch them.”

DINESH

62

Champak

Hearing this, Yera and Amol started running downstairs. “Chattan, they are running down. Come, let us take the lift. We will reach the ground floor faster and can easily escape from this society.” Amol and Yera heard the second man saying so. They stopped and came back to the 10th floor. “Amol, run and switch off the lift quickly,” whispered Yera. By that time, the thieves had entered the lift and pushed the button to go to ground floor. But before they could cross the 9th floor, Amol switched off the power and the lift stopped in between the floors. he thieves were stranded. “Someone please switch on the lift. We are caught inside the lift. We’re scared.” Chattan and Babban shouted in panic. Now, Amol and Yera ran downstairs to call people for help. They explained the incident to their mother and she immediately called the police. All the people surrounded the lift and the guard switched on the power so that the lift slid down to the ground floor. The thieves were caught and handed over to the police. The RWA Secretary congratulated Aol and Yera for their brave and intelligent move to catch the thieves. He said, “Children, if not for your help, our celebration and enjoyment would have been spoilt. As a fitting reward, the RWA will give you Rs. 2000 each.” Hearing this, the residents clapped and appreciated Amol and Yera.

T


63

A Garden in the House By Poonam Mehta

I

T WAS THE month of April. Dry leaves were falling from the trees and it was very hot. Behind the house of Chiku, the rabbit, these leaves would get collected because of the strong wind and his mother had to sweep twice every day to clear the backyard. On Sunday, Chiku made a heap of all the dry leaves and set them on fire.

Seeing the rising smoke, Babuji came out of the room. He warned Chiku against burning the leaves and asked him to come inside. Surprised, Chiku followed Babuji. There was a microscope in Babuji’s table. He placed a dry leaf under it and asked Chiku to look at it through the microscope. Seeing small insects on the leaf, Chiku was very astonished. Babuji then explained to him that even in dry leaves lot of small species live and instead of burning these leaves it would be better if they are buried in a pit on the ground. By this method, leaves turn into fertilizers whereas by burning, carbon dioxide is emitted on to the atmosphere which contributes to global warming. Chiku nodded his head in agreement as Babuji went on to elaborate the importance of trees. Chiku liked what all Babuji told him and asked him how anyone could plant trees in his home. Babuji asked him to get unused basket from his house and materials like tins and cans. He washed the basket, painted it and

filled it with soil. Babuji and Chiku got chain, net, some special soil and manure from the market. They also got many plants like hanging geranium, money plant, circulitious etc fro the market. Chiku covered the basket with the net, filled it with soil and manure and planted the sapling and fixed the basket with a chain. Now the basket was hung on the top of the roof. Before hanging it, he 66

Champak

painted the chain with the colour of the basket and also watered the plant. Containers made of tin and other materials were painted, small holes put on them, filled with soil and manure and saplings planted on them and kept at various places in the house. They were money plants which require very little sunlight. The house looked very green in allsides. Everybody was praising Chiku. Babuji asked Chiku to put dry leaves RAMENDRA NATH on to these pots. He also asked him to water them regularly and put manure them. After a few days, the plants in the hanging pots of Chiku’s house started to flower and with it birds, butterflies and bees began to visit them. This way, Chiku could make of his free time productively and also make his house look very beautiful. Things that were considered waste were put to use and now he does not have to burn dry leaves. In fact his house turned into a wonderful garden as he wished. September (First) 2011

67

There are some mistakes in picture 2. Find out how many mistakes are there. Send your answers through SMS. First type the keyword DPBQB. Then leave one space and then type the total number of mistakes. For example, DPBQB 7, as shown in the photo of mobile. Then send the SMS on 57007. You may send as many SMS as you like. Any 5 correct respondents will be asked to send their complete address. They will be given a gift of Rs. 100 each. You can also send your answers by Post Card. Your answers should reach us by 15 September, 2011.

2

68

7

Find out the mistakes: Win prize-106

1

DPBQB

Champak

The Taste of Mangoes By Manoj Rai

T

HOUGH CHIPPU Monkey looks very innocent, he is always ahead of others in mischief making. His body was fully covered with hair and had a long tail. With this long tail, he would sometimes swing from the branches of trees and at times knock down all the fruits from the trees. He was very proud of his long tail. That day he was longing to eat a mango. But in this huge jungle he did not know where the mango tree is situated. He went in search of the mango tree. In front of him was a coconut tree and if he wished he could have plucked the coconuts. But he was in no mood to eat coconut that day. He just wanted mangoes. “I don’t know where I would get mango in this jungle,” said Chippu. After walking long distance he became very tired. His throat was getting dry. Walking a little more distance, he saw a lot of trees with papaya fruits hanging from them. But even after seeing such colourful and ripened Papayas, he did not have a desire to eat them. If he wanted he could have felled many papayas with just one swing of his tail but he is not interested in these fruits other than mangoes.

“I only want mangoes,” murmuring thus Chippu continued his journey in search of the mango tree. Ahead of him, there was a river in which colourful fishes swam across. A few parrots around the river were also seen talking to each other. Chippu was very hungry but seeing the river in front of him he could not prevent himself from having a bath in it. He climbed upon the tree on the riverside and started to swing on its branch with his tail. After swinging for about three-four times, he let go his grip on the branch and fell on the surging river below. As he fell on the river, the mud and slush that he threw up dirtied the Hippo Horse which was bathing nearby. Just a little while ago only Hippo washed his entire body with soap. But because of Chippu, the horse is now dirty and black. “You mischievous monkey, what have you done?”

P.S.MICHRA

Hippo said angrily. Chippu became quite for some time but soon became his natural self. He knew that Hippo is very lazy and will not be able to do anything to him. Hippo tried to reason with Chippu for long but Chippu went on troubling Hippo. Hippo now got out of the river and started to chase Chippu. Seeing an angry Hippo chasing him, Chippu’s throat became dry. He swam across the river quickly and tried to reach its shores. Just as Chippu was about to reach the other side of the river, Hippo caught hold of his tail and because of its long tail Hippo got caught. olding Chippu by his tail, Hippo started to swing Chippu in the air. Chippu became speechless. Hippo swang him thrice before he let him go. Chippu, like a rocket, came crashing down on to a tree. Chippu just rested there when his eyes fell on very yellowish and big ripe mangoes hanging up in the branches of the tree. “Wow Mangoes!” Chippu was overcome with joy. He quickly plucked a mango and started devouring it and soon his mouth was full with mango pulp. “What wonderful mangoes,” he uttered as we went on to finish up 10 mangoes in one shot. When he had eaten to his fill, he realized his mistake. ‘It is only because of Hippo that I could have such wonderful mangoes. I should seek pardon to Hippo’ thinking such he went towards the river. When he sought forgiveness from Hippo and promised never to do such mischief in future, the friendly Hippo pardoned him very happily.

H


73

Brave Kitchu By Arshad Khan

K

ITCHU WAS a very timid boy. His friends called him a coward. He was frightened of almost anything in the world. He was scared to see cockroaches. He was afraid of dog barking. His heart was always in his mouth. His friends made fun of him for this reason. One day, Kitchu was sitting sadly in front of his house. Rohit was crossing that place and saw him depressed. Rohit stopped and asked, “Hey Kitchu, what happened? Why are you so sad?” “My mother scolded me,” replied Kitchu almost crying. “But why?” “Just a while ago, the milk vessel fell down and all the milk was wasted, because of me.” “But how?” “I was trying to take a water bottle from the fridge. Just then a rat came out from beneath the fridge. I jumped in fear and the milk vessel toppled and all the milk fell.” Rohit pretended to sympathize with Kitchu and said, “Oh! That was really unfortunate. But friend,

74

Champak

is rat so frightening?” “Of course. Have you not seen a rat? Their scary whiskers, long tail, hairy body… Huh, they are really frightening.” Rohit laughed loudly. Kitchu felt bad and said, “Look, even you laugh at me and make fun of me. You are not my true friend.”

Rohit became serious and tried to convince Kitchu. “Hey, I have an idea. If you do that, everyone will call you Brave Kitchu.” “Really? Tell me quickly. What is your idea?” asked Kitchu curiously. “You know that a lot of monkeys come to the garden behind your house.” September (First) 2011

75

“Yeah. There is a big fat monkey too. I’m afraid of those monkeys.” “Imagine if you could beat and chase away the big fat monkey…” “But how is that possible. I’m scared of that monkey a lot.” Kitchu was shivering with fear. “Why are you worried so much? There is a ring master living next to my house. He has a monkey’s dress with mask. I will wear the mask and dress and come before you. You try to beat me and chase me away. All the people will think that you have become brave and fearless.” Kitchu was very happy about the plan. Next day, Kitchu went to the garden and sat there. He waited for Rohit to come in monkey’s dress. Suddenly, he heard a thud behind him and when he turned, Kitchu saw the big fat monkey. For a moment, Kitchu was scared. But he thought that it was Rohit who had come in

MD. ALI

76

Champak

Monkey’s dress and said, “Friend, you look like a real monkey!” The monkey snarled at him angrily. “Oh! You make sounds like a real monkey too,” exclaimed Kitchu. He was not terrified at all. “Now it is my turn.” Saying so, Kitchu took a stick and started thrashing the monkey and shouted, “Hey, you fat monkey…what you think you are? You have troubled people enough. If I don’t teach you a lesson, I am not brave Kitchu.” he neighbours heard Kitchu and gathered in front of the garden. They saw Kitchu beating the big fat monkey and they were all surprised. They all clapped and appreciated Kitchu for his brave deed. The big fat monkey finally ran away from there to escape from Kitchu’s beatings. When Kitchu came out of the garden, the spectators lifted him in joy and carried him on their shoulders shouting, “Kitchu is now brave.” Just then Kitchu saw Rohit coming with a bag in his hand. “Hey Kitchu. Sorry I got late. When I was coming in the monkey’s dress, a dog chased me and I had to change and come,” said Rohit and laughed loudly. “Oh! Who was that I thrashed just now? Was it really the big fat…,” Kitchu trembled and almost fainted. The neighbours who had gathered there learnt about their plan and Kitchu’s bravery to chase the real monkey and laughed aloud. Kitchu stopped fearing for everything then on.

T


77

Help the rat to reach his hole so that he escapes from the snake.

78

Champak

Rat Reared By Harish Kumar ‘Amit’

A

LITTLE FAT rat lived comfortably in a house. He enjoyed roaming around the house freely. He liked the kitchen the most. That is because he

could get a lot of food to eat. His teeth were sharp and strong that he can cut open anything easily. The mistress of the house was very annoyed because the rat. She brought a mousetrap from the market and placed it in the kitchen. She kept a piece of bread and left it there expecting the rat to get trapped. The rat, unaware of the fact, was quickly attracted toward the trap where

he smelt fresh bread. As soon as the rat entered the trap to eat the bread, the trap door shut behind and the rat was finally trapped. The mistress was very happy. She kept the trap in a corner and thought that she would take the trap to a far off place and leave the rat there so that they could escape from the rat menace. But when she completed her chores and decided to leave the rat outside the house, she was shocked to see that the wire mesh of the trap was broken and the rat was missing. Next time, when the mistress went to the market, she brought an iron trap to catch the rat. She was sure that the rat cannot bite iron and cannot escape from the trap. But she was proved wrong. The rat was caught in the iron mousetrap but soon with his strong teeth, he cut the iron rods and escaped. his made the mistress of the house distressed. She ordered a tougher mousetrap and brought it home. One day, as usual, the rat was caught in the trap. The rat tried his best to cut the iron rods with his teeth but, alas he could not accomplish the task. The mistress left the mousetrap in a corner and continued her household chores. The rat was restlessly jumping inside the trap. He was also hungry. The mistress was making dough. She rolled a few small balls of the dough with small iron balls inside and put them inside the trap through a small opening. The rat ate the dough quickly as he was hungry. But when he bit the iron ball hard, his teeth started aching. This time, the mistress did not leave the rat outside

T


81

the house but kept him in the mousetrap for a long time. She fed the rat with dough with small iron balls everyday. Because the rat was hungry, he ate the dough balls and every time when he bit the iron ball stuffed inside the dough, his teeth hurt. By this, the rat’s teeth became weak and he was unable to cut anything by biting. After some time, the rat lost all his teeth. The mistress of the house noticed the rat’s condition. She took the trap outside and left the mouse in the garden. The mouse did not run away but slowly came inside the house again. Now, the mouse did not have any teeth so he could not cut and throw scrap in the house. The mistress saw the rat but was not worried. She fed the rat with soft things and the rat happily ate them and rested in the house. He was not a menace then. He was tamed.

SHARP EYE 109 The illustration given below is part of a bigger illustration published in this issue. Look carefully through all the pages and tell us on which page is this larger illustration published. DPDPA 18

You can SMS us your answers. First type the key word DPBPA. Leave one space after that and then write the page number. For example DPBPA 18, as shown in the photo of mobile. Then SMS this on 57007. You may send as many SMS as you like. Any 5 correct respondents will be asked to send their complete address. They will be given a gift of Rs. 100/- each. You can also send your answers by Post Card. Your answers should reach us by 30 September, 2011. Address: CHAMPAK, Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-55

82

Champak

E

NNIE, THE elephant was very happy. On this birthday his father had gifted him with a red ball. Ennie would throw the ball on to the air and catch it as it comes down. One time she threw the ball very high with her trunk and spread it to catch it. But the ball never came down and it seemed that it got disappeared with the air. “Where did my ball go?” Ennie got very frustrated. He looked around in the bushes but could not find his ball there. There were big stones behind the bushes and Ennie thought that possibly the ball would have fallen there. He went there and searched but could not locate the ball. Mina Rani was flapping past up above and Ennie asked her “Mina Rani, did you see my ball?” “No Ennie, I didn’t see it. Why don’t you go and seach on the banana tree that is just behind the bushes? Maybe the ball is there,” Mina gave a suggestion to Ennie.

Where did the Ball Go? By Manoj Rai

Ennie went in that direction. There were banana trees but he could not find the ball. Disappointed, Ennie sat on the grass round with a big face. Just then, the spider which was webbing its net saw Ennie “What is the matter? Why do you look so disappointed?” The spider asked Ennie. “I threw up my red ball on to the air but it never came down. It got lost in the air.” Hearing Ennie saying this, the spider started to laugh “You are really stupid. How can a ball be lost in the air?” “Maybe it got stuck in one of the clouds,” When Ennie said this, the spider bust out in laughter and convinced him thus. “You go and look in the flower garden, maybe you will find your ball there.” Ennie felt that the spider is saying the right thing. She went towards the garden. There were many types of flowers in the garden. Ennie started to search for the ball there. The ball was still not found. Guppi the monkey was eating an ice-cream sitting in the nearby tree. “I lost my red ball. Did you see it anywhere?” Ennie enquired with Guppi. “Only when I get time from eating the ice-cream I could see any other thing. Did you search for it in the pond? Maybe it is there,” said Guppi the monkey. What would Ennie do? With great expectations, he went towards the pond and searched for it there but there was no ball there. He became very DEEPIKA disappointed. By

then a colourful fish appeared in the pond and jumped above the surface. Seeing the little elephant dejected the fish asked “What happened? Why are you so down? Did your mother scold you?” he enquired with great affection. “I lost my ball. I threw it on to the air but it did not come down,” Ennie said these words with a heavy voice. “If you ball had fallen in this pond, I would have definitely known it. You go and search in the tree nearby. You may find it there.” Hearing the words of the fish, Ennie started coming back. She stood below the huge banyan tree and looked around for the ball but did not find it. Suddenly, his gaze went up on to the top of the tree. There, between two branches, he could see his red ball stuck. Seeing his ball, Ennie was overcome with joy and started to jump. He shook the tree vigourously but the ball did not fall down. But now what would he do…he does not know to climb on a tree. On the tree Chippu the squirrel was climbing up and down. “Dear Chipu sister, can you drop my ball that is stuck there?” Ennie asked Chippu standing at the foot of the tree. The rabbit got ready and made a big jump. The ball came down and hit Ennie on his head. “Thank you” taking his ball in his hand, Ennie thanked Chippu. “Now don’t throw the ball so high,” so said Chippu to Ennie. And he in turn nodded her head and began playing with the ball again. September (First) 2011

87

The Smart Monkey

T

here was a village named Nandanvan. There lived many animals. Once Meeku monkey, Cheeku Rabbit, Raimy Deer, Billu Giraffe and Monty Donkey were playing in the fields of bamboo and eating those bamboos. They had fun party and games. Suddenly, A herd of elephant came in the fields of bamboos and destroyed them. The animals were scared and ran away as fast as they could. They shouted for help and the farmers nearby helped them to run away. All the farmers were unhappy as their crops were destroyed. The next day, the farmers held a meeting and called the animals. They said, “We need a person who at night and day can take the responsibility of taking care of the crops.” Hearing this all the animals got scared except Monty donkey. He took the responsibility of taking care of the crops. The farmers were not sure whether the donkey could take care of the crops. In the daytime, he took good care of the crops. He was very sleep at night. So Monty donkey slept and was snoring. The farmers saw Monty and were angry. They said, “We knew that this donkey is not of any use to us. Look at him, now he is sleeping. Such a lazy being.” Suddenly, the herd of elephants came again and destroyed the crops.

The farmers were trying to wake up Monty but he was sleeping. One of the elephants pulled up Monty and threw the donkey on the tree. He realized that he had been smashed with the tree. But he didn’t go back and got to fight with the elephant. He took a stick and started beating the baby elephant. The baby elephant cried and the mother elephant took the donkey and threw him far away. Monty ran away and come back. The farmers were stunned and climbed up the tree. The next day, they appointed Meeku monkey. He was smart, hardworking and very honest. He was friendly and everybody liked him. He got with his friends and started discussing. Meeku said, “I think this herd of animals came here because they do not have food which they get from the tree and they do not have shelter in which they could stay.” Hearing this, Raimy deer said that he saw a woodcutter cutting the trees. “Thank you” said Meeku to Raimy. Meeku said that now we have no time so we should go to the forest and meet the woodcutter. They went to the forest and met the woodcutter. They asked the woodcutter, “Why are you cutting trees? All the animals are not getting food and shelter.” The woodcutter said, “I’m cutting these trees because I want to get rich and have gold and silver.” Meeku said, “We request you to stop cutting trees as everybody has the freedom of living their life. The woodcutter refused. Meeku and his friends begged but woodcutter didn’t listen to them. Meeku said, “If you don’t listen to us, you have to pay for it.” The woodcutter laughed and took it as a joke. Meeku and his friends took a stick each kept nearby and beat the woodcutter. The woodcutter ran away as fast as possible and it seemed that he will never come back. Meeku and his friends were happy and told the farmers. The king appointed Meeku as his judge and Nandanvan was very happy. - Devyani Rustagi

Fill with beautiful colour

90

Champak

☺ Who Am I ? ☺ 1. At the sound of me, men may 3. I have four legs but no tail. dream, or stamp their feet, I live both on land and water At the sound of me, women Usually I am heard only at may laugh, or sometimes night. weep. 4. If you allow me to live 2. I have an eye but cannot see. I shall not live long; I am stronger and faster then But if you kill me any man alive, but have no I shall stay longer. limbs.

How Much Do You Know?

?

1. River Cauvery flows through which state? (a) Andhra Pradesh

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Kerala

(d) Maharashtra

?

2. Which was India’s capital before the British rule during 1912? (a) Lucknow

(b) Agra

(c) Kolkata

(d) Delhi

3. Which country has the longest Gas pipeline installed? (a) Japan (c) India

(b) Iran (d) China

4. Who was the first woman Foreign Secretary of India? (a) Kokila Iyer

(b) Kiran Bedi

(c) Nirupama Roy

(d) Indira Nooyi

5. Where is Dehradun located? (a) Uttar Pradesh

(b) Uttrakhand

(c) Himachal Pradesh

(d) Chattisgarh

Answers Who Am I? : (1) MUSIC, (2) Hurricane, (3) Frog, (4) Candle.

Answers: 1. (b), 2. (c), 3. (d), 4. (a), 5. (b) 92

Champak

OLDY FROG lived in a pond in Sundervan. He had a strange liking for long colourful tails. He loved animals with tails and befriended them. He spent almost all his time playing with his friends’ tails. Sometimes he was seen swinging on Tony Monkey’s tail and sometimes he roamed around holding the Moomoo Cow’s tail. Slowly, Goldy developed a desire to have a tail of his won.

G

Frog’s Tail By Amshed Azmi

One day, Goldy was sitting on a tree branch when his friends Situ Frog and Nitu Frog came that way. Situ and Nitu saw Goldy on the tree branch and said, “Goldy, why are you sitting on the tree branch like a monkey? We are going to the big pool for a bath. Come, let us go together.” “Hey, you are forgetting that you are a frog. You are always with monkeys and other animals that you have started behaving like them. Moreover, it is not safe for a frog to sit on the tree branch like this,” said Nitu Frog. earing this, Goldy was annoyed and irritated. He croaked angrily and said, “I am not going to go to the pool. I do not like any animal without tail. I will stay only with tailed animals. You better leave this place now or you will see a very bad person in me.” “If you love tails so much, why you don’t ask your friends to give a tail for you forever,” ridiculed Situ and Nitu Frogs and went away laughing. These words made Goldy think for a long time. He decided to ask his friends if they can spare a tail for him. At once, he went in search of his friend Tony Monkey and found him in the vineyard eating grapes. Goldy went near Tony and said, “Friend, I have been looking for you all over and you are sitting here in the vineyard.” “The grapes are ripe and juicy. So I came here for my breakfast. Why were you looking for me?” Tony asked casually. “I want your tail for a few days. Please give me your tail,” asked Goldy looking at Tony’s long tail.

H

94

Champak

“What? Have you gone mad? I cannot give you my tail. If I give you the tail, then it will be very difficult for me to jump from one branch to another or to climb down. My tail helps me to hold to the branches I am able to move without falling down. Moreover, all other animals would tease me if I lose my tail. So, I cannot give you my tail,” said Tony bluntly. Hearing this, Goldy became sad. He left the place quietly and went in search of Moomoo Cow. Soon, he saw Moomoo grazing in a field. He went near her and asked, “Sister, can you give me your tail for a few days?” Moomoo was shocked. She replied, “Goldy, it is not possible. My tail helps me to keep away flies. If I give you the tail, flies would drink my blood. I am sorry, I cannot give you my tail.” “You are not my true friend…I will not talk to you again,” said Goldy and walked away. He went and asked all his friends who had beautiful tails but the answer was a ‘No’ from all of them. Goldy came and sat under a tree unhappy. He could not understand why his

MD. ALI

friends refused to give him a tail. He started crying. A bird was sitting on the tree where Goldy was sitting and weeping. The bird saw Goldy crying for a long time and kindly inquired, “Brother, why are you so sad? Are you hurt?” “No. I wanted a tail for myself and all my friends refused to give me one, even for a few days. You too have a beautiful tail. Would you give me your tail?” Goldy asked with great expectation. “Oh, no. I cannot fly if I lose my tail. I will not be able to give you my tail,” replied the bird immediately. Goldy started crying loudly. He said, “If you do not want to help me, why do you sympathize with me? Go away and leave me alone.” The bird was feeling bad. He thought for a while and said, “Hey, I cannot give you my tail but I can get you another tail. I saw a raccoon’s tail under a banyan tree nearby. You can use that tail.” “Really?” Goldy wiped his eyes and shouted with joy. “I will go and get that tail.” Goldy rushed to the banyan tree. He was happy when he saw a raccoon’s tail lying there. He took the tail and went to a tailor. He asked the tailor to stitch the tail for him and soon he walked out with a pretty tail! He danced and jumped around with his new tail and catwalked near the pond where the other frogs were bathing. Seeing Goldy with a long tail, the other frogs felt funny and laughed at him. But Goldy did not care. He swayed his tail in style and walked 96

Champak

around as if he was the king of the forest. Goldy spent his days happily playing with his tail. One day, he was walking around as usual and a fox saw him. The fox thought, ‘What a stupid frog? He has attached a tail to his body. I think it will be easy to fool and kill him. He will be my lunch today.’ The fox went near Goldy and said, “Hey, you have enjoyed a lot with your tail I believe. I am hungry and let me eat you up.” “No, please don’t. I am also your kind. I have a tail. Won’t you feel bad to kill your own relative?” Goldy gathered courage to speak. “Not at all. Why should I feel bad? Come on, let me feast on you,” said the fox and moved towards Goldy. ealizing the danger, Goldy started running. The fox pounced and caught the tail. By then Goldy had entered a small tree hole. He held an aerial root tightly and hid inside the hole. The fox pulled Goldy’s tail forcefully. Suddenly, the stitches opened and the tail got detached from Goldy’s body. The fox lost his balance and fell with a thud when the tail came in his hands. The fox tried a lot to catch Goldy but was unsuccessful. Later, the fox left the place in search of food. Goldy came out of the tree hole with a sigh of relief. He realized his mistake and thought, ‘That was a hair-breath escape. It is very dangerous for frogs to have a tail. I will never ask for a tail and I will be happy for what I am.’ Goldy went and joined his kin and kith in the pond and lived happily with other frogs after the incident.

R


97

HELP CHIMPU MONKEY REACH THE PILE OF FRUITS

98

Champak

Get Books

FREE of cost

Refundable Deposit Scheme

Objective

z To introduce more and more readers to the world of famous, interesting educational, inspiring and entertaining books. z To make books available to curious readers at home free of cost. z To assist in the enrichment of reader’s personal library. z To inform readers about the new books.

Benefits of the Scheme

z Get books of your choice free of cost at home itself. z Get books worth ` 500 atleast free every year. z Get attractive discounts on giving orders of books apart from the free books of worth ` 500. z Get 10% special discount on ordering books of other publishers. z Get these books gifted to anyone and they can be even sent to the gift recipient directly by us as per your instructions. z Get the entire free books worth ` 500 at a time on making a deposit or in instalments as and when new books are published. z Get free every month VISHV BOOKS newsletter.

What to do?

z You have to deposit ` 2000 in our office. z You can also make your remittance by Credit Card or by Cheque/Draft/Money Order.

Format of the Scheme

z It is a Deposit Scheme. z Under this scheme, as long as the deposit of ` 2000 is with us, the free books of worth ` 500 will continue to reach you regularly every year. z To get free books of worth more than ` 500 you can make the deposit in multiples of ` 2000. z This is not a life membership scheme. The deposit amount is refundable at one year’s notice from either side. z In case you wish to withdraw the deposit amount in less than a year and you have availed the free books, then the cost of such books shall be deducted from the deposit amount and balance will be refunded.

Special Facilities

VISHV BOOKS

Vishv Vijay Pte. Ltd.

M-12, Connaught Circus, New Delhi-110001, Ph. : 91-11-41517890. Email :[email protected], visit us : www.vishvbook.com

VV91C/EFP

z The person nominated by you can also avail the benefits of this scheme after you. z The deposit amount is even transferable to any member of your family.

(REGISTERED) RNI 26884/75

DL(C)-14/1094/09-11

WPP U(C) 145/75/2009-11

CHAMPAK_20110901

Recommend Documents