Although this is kinda cliche and I try to avoid cliches, it is this Festival of Light that entrances me every year. While it is considered that crackers cause harm to the environment, no person can elude the snares of lighting atleast a few crackers. What is/was the original significance of Diwali, one might ask. While it is known that Lord Krishna conquered Narakasura on this day, prompting the villagers of those days to light up fireworks to acknowledge the triumph of the "Good" over "Evil", some people also deliberate that the then people of Ayodhya lit up candles all along the way of Lord Ram's return from exile as the rightful king, leading to the event being replicated nowadays. As of today, the entire concept of Diwali has become, rather messed up. Our ancestors didn't cause any harm to Mother Nature but today, most of our crackers are not at all eco-friendly. It is estimated that on the day of Diwali alone, the amount of sulfur dioxide (a compound present in most, if not, all crackers) in the air increases multifold. The people of yesteryears never used these kinda things. Instead, they paid their obeisance and reverence to the deities by just lighting up a large amount of oil lamps, as you might see in the picture. Ultimately, I know what one does is one's birthright, but I would like to strongly implore each and every person that might read this article to please curb the amount of fireworks used in their respective homes. As a member of the Interact Club (a division of Rotary Club), I have sworn to light lesser amount of crackers than in the past. I hope atleast some would follow this humble request. So, let us enjoy this Diwali with friends and family, make merry, jest , partake of sweets, adorn dresses to signify our culture and also strive to make it as eco-friendly as possible.    

Diwali: everyone knows its a festival of lights. To me, its much more than just a "festival of lights". I had always been, as I will, a Passionate lover of the festival, eventhough I am not a Hindu. You will see why. Well, read on... I am always fascinated by the fact that there are so much stories about and behind Diwali. Some say its celebrated because Lord Ram retuned from exile, some believe its observed as the festival celebrating the victory of Lord Shri Krishna for his victory over demons. Anyway, when something has more than one story, its obvious that it is of some value. When I was a child, my mother used to walk me down the streets for shopping during Diwali. I never failed to notice the excitement of the people for the oncoming festival. That excitement is contagious too. Shopkeepers were active throughout day and night, buy selling crackers and clothes and other goods. How beautiful the night looks, with crowded people waiting for the festival, children preparing themselves for Diwali by buying crackers and it is the time that you learn a lot of thngs. Its a festival of family gathering too. Even after having grown up, I still feel like the same little boy who is awaiting for the festival with awe. Let this Diwali bring everyone prosperity and peace. A hearty Diwali for everyone!    

Legends of Dussehra There are various legends associated with the festival of Dussehra. As we have seen in all of the festivals the roots of origin of the festivals can be traced in the Hindu mythology. According to legends Lord Rama, killed the great demon and king of Lanka, Ravana, who had abducted Ram’s wife Sita. Ram, along, with his brother Lakshman, follower Hanuman, and an army of monkeys fought a great battle for ten days to rescue his wife Sita. This victory of Rama is regarded as the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. That’s why to commemorate that victory of Lord Ram it is celebrated. According to another story, Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, a Brahmin, was living in the city of Paithan. After studying under the guidance of Rishi Varatantu, he insisted on his guru accepting a present, or gurudakshina. Initially the guru refused but later asked for 140 million gold coins, one hundred million for each of the subjects taught. The obedient student went to the King Raghu to ask for the money, as the king was renowned for his generosity. Within three days the king made the God of Wealth Kuber make a rain of gold coins near the shanu and apati trees. After giving the promised amount to the guru, Kautsa distributed the rest of the coins among the needy on the day of Dussehra. Even today, in Ayodhya, the capital of King Raghu, people loot the leaves of the apati trees and present to each other. In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate dolls (Bommai Kolu) and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers. In Mysore the festival is celebrated by the famous gala procession of richly bedecked elephants on the brightly lit streets of the city on. In West Bengal Duga puja marks the celebration of Dussehra. It is the most important festival of the Begalis. It is celebrated for a period of five days across the state. Every festival in India is associated with certain rituals and customs. And these rituals are according to that particular region where the festival is originated. Starting from Mahasaptami, Mahaashtami, Mahanavami and Bijoyadashami. Which is the seventh, eighth, ninth and the tenth day of the festival. From the morning of Saptmi (the seventh day) the puja starts.The next day or Ashtami is considered to be the most important day, as it is believed that Goddess Durga killed demon Mahishasura. The ninth day of the festival, Mahanavami is characterized by the all-day ‘pujas’ and ‘shaloka-recitals’ and a ‘Maha Arti’ that is considered a formal end of religious customs. Since it is the last day before immersion of the idols so people are sad as it marks the end of the glorious festival. Cultural programmes such as music and dance fill the rest of the day. The tenth day, Dashami marks the end of the festival with grand processions taken out on streets full of colors and dance, where the Durga idols are taken for ‘visarjan’ (immersion in a pond, river or sea). According to rituals idols are immersed in Ganges. Since Ganges is regarded as a holy river. Dussehra is also associated with the harvest festival of the agrarian societies and is believed to be the beginning of New Year in some communities.     

Time management is the most important thing in school, especially for a 10th class student. And I am studying in 10th. Academics, no doubt, is extremely important. But at the same time, other things like a little alone time, a little playing, and some friends and fun time is extremely important too. Because at the end of the day, all-round development is necessary. I would rather be called the "girl who likes and does everything well" rather than the "girl who buries herself in books, and is a genius." That's what schools are meant for, being an all rounder. Sure, we may not succeed at everything, but not trying is a crime. And that is what makes a student special, trying. And so, brings me back to what I said, my resolution is to manage my time well, in an appropriate manner.    

A new academic year means new learning and discoveries coupled with new challenges that I love most. I resolve to be a better student excelling in both academics and extra curricular activities. Why both? It is because I believe that the true success of any academic year is when I have become a richer person in terms of knowledge, skills and inter-personal relationship with my teachers, classmates, friends and all the other people we meet on the way. Grades and marks do count, that is what we are in school for after all, but we must not forget that those are not the be-all and end-all of life. We must also learn how to become a better person by being nice, friendly, helpful and accommodating to everyone – be it the ayya who cleans our toilet at school, the driver who drives us to home, the guard who never fails to wish us good morning as he opens our gate or just about anyone we meet on the road of life. I resolve to be a better student, but most of all, I resolve to be a better    

My resolution for this year is to interact with the environment by using paper bags,not littering public places and so on.I feel this is important as I will contribute in my own small way to conserve the environment.After all maintanence of nature is in our hands. -- Neha Desai Gitanjali Devashray    

Holidays are basically meant for physical and mental rejuvenation. After an year of haggard toil and stress, holidays are more sort of a boon to not only the students but also the staff. A good and solid vacation of at least 15 days shall tone one's body intensively. At the same time, holidays is the best time to get prepared for the next academic year......... first starting of with a proper Plan Of Action and an assertive mindset to perform better in the coming year as this would keep us at mental peace and prevent us from preoccupation and stress. Thereby, holidays is a period both rejoice and    

Holidays are for enjoyment and relaxation as well as for preparing for next academic year.All study and work makes a child dull.Apart from studies and works children need sports and games.Games and sports are needed for a child to grow in to a healthy individual.So the holidays are an oppurtunity for a child to enhance his sporting skills.This is also a good for nation because this brings out the sporting talent in a child and gives talented sportstars like Leander paes and the great Olympic Gold medalist Abhinav bindra.A recent American survey shows that our mind cannot concentrate on any topic at strech in a year.So the holidays are must to be relaxed as well as to study lightly when a child is bore in his leisure time after playinghe has to study rather watching TV or playing Computer games.And Holidays should be utilised as per the class.If you are in primary classes you can relax more than studying.If you are in board going classes you concentrate more on your studies than playing.So I conclude that holidays must be utilised properlyand wisely.     

A student awaits the day when the holidays begin. Basically,holidays are provided to prepare the students for the upcoming challenges faced by them. But holidays are not only given for studying but also for recreation,and fun. Holidays should be utilised in a proper manner. Some time should be given for studies,but it's not necessary that the student has to study the whole day! Half of the time should be given to studies while half of the time should be utilised for recreation. If this is done properly,then the student will be a wiz kid in the school,and he/she will be energetic before the first day of the school!     

It is not because it is observed that all working women are not able to cope with there office pressures and house hold chores.we often notice that we do not take care of how a working women works.The house wife better servers to the family because they work and prepare the food and accessories in time and help in maintaining a systematic family management. we may think that working women will earn money and economically support the family,but truth is that house wives are economically saving more money because they are doing household work,they are taking care of children,making them study,teaching children like a tutor whereas the working women do not get time to do all these so they employ maid servants to do house hold chores,and force children to tutions,and taking care of children is only possible if children under are control of parents.But they cannot employ any tutor to take care of their children.     

Working women... Homemakers. What is the big difference? Working women have more technical skills... so what? Does a woman's technical skills help her hold a house together, maintain a relationship, lend comfort to you during your exam time and relieve you of your stress? No. No one is more or less accomplished. Working women may be shpwn more respect... It is like the difference between breeze, and a slightly faster breeze. Homemakers and like breeze, the light breeze that play accross your face everyday, but you scarcely notice it. Working women are a slightly faster breeze, you notice them. They are equally important for our sustenance.    

Home makers make all happy at home. They love and care a lot. They are at peace. They help save money and troubles of putting kids in creche. They give a relaxed life and time to all. They are never in hurry for anything. They teach and create fun time at home. They are ready to act host always. I love my mom as she waits for me and hugs me. There is no stress or strain on us. We are comforted when sick. She has nothing more important than us. We love to be home. We are good at our studies as she guides us whenever and never ever says, `she is busy'. She gives us hope, courage and love in plenty.    

If you don't get into IITs,NITs or Bits,you can still have a successful engineering education.There are many other institutions that offer quality education as these colleges do.Moreover the non-IT areas require engineers to a great extent.Therefore IITs.NITs, & BITs are not the only options for a successful future.Colleges like SRM University have foreign collaborations & even international faculties adding quality to its dynamic curriculum.These colleges brings out people having strong technical skills & practical experience making these colleges better than the IITs,NITs & BITs.Therefore there is no need to worry if u don't get into these colleges.Be happy & go for other prestigious institutions like SRM where you get quality education no less when compared to IITs,NITs & BITs.     

Who said that all people recieving successful engineering education are from IITs and NITs and BITS? There are many wonderful engineering institutions in India itself! The education provided by IIT and the education provided by a government engineering institution is the same only the method of teaching is different. Finally I would like to point out that recieving successful engineering education does not depend fully on the institution but it also depends on the amount of hard work we do and the amount of interest we take in what we are learning!    

Yes, there are various other options in life. Not all great men are products of such institutes and not all products of such institutes are great men. It is not the institute but the hard work you put in, the knowledge you gain & how you apply it that matter. The institute can only give you the passport, the Visa is your skill your hard work and your willingness to acquire