Are We Enjoying Our Classes or Just Attending Them? A Student-Led Panel Discussion on the Real Classroom Experience

 Are We Enjoying Our Classes or Just Attending Them?

A Student-Led Panel Discussion on the Real Classroom Experience

On 2082/04/13, something different unfolded in the classrooms of Modern English Secondary School. Students of Class 10 stepped beyond their textbooks and routines to conduct a student-led panel discussion -one that asked a simple but powerful question: Are we truly enjoying our classes, or are we just attending them?

The event was coordinated and moderated by our English teacher, Mr. Aashish Manandhar. His initiative created a space where students could speak openly about what they love, struggle with, and expect from their learning environment.

The program format was simple. The panelists were presented with some topics, and they were asked to give their opinion and answer the questions. All three panelists’ way of answering, their manner, the confident way they talked with was truly remarkable.

The first panelist, Mr. Anurag Dangal, talked very enthusiastically, expressing his feelings in well-thought-out and clearly formed words. Mr. Aaditya Kuikel, the second panelist, expressed in a very calm demeanor, keeping his cool and composure. And the third panelist was Ms. Apara Luitel. The way she put her thoughts out was like she had done this all her life.

The panelists had incredible answers to the questions they were asked. The answers were incredible but a bit unfiltered as well. After the panelists were done with the questions the moderator had to offer, then came the open mic session. Then mic was handed to the audience for asking some questions. Not only the panelists but the audience was equally impressive. The question they asked were somewhere better than the questions presented by the moderator.

One student posed a thought-provoking question: “How can teachers truly understand students when, at times, even the students struggle to express themselves?” This sparked a deeper and more meaningful conversation about the importance of empathy in teaching, the need for adaptable teaching methods, and how student motivation is closely tied to feeling seen and understood in the classroom.

Conclusion: This program was a great way for the students to present their thoughts. It gave them a platform to do so. It was an excellent way of letting students share their problems in a fun and enjoying way.

This event was more than just a panel discussion. It was a mirror held up to the classroom experience, framed by the very learners who inhabit it every day. It was also a reminder to teachers, administrators, and even students themselves that enjoyment and engagement are not luxuries—they’re central to meaningful learning.

By Nischal Kafle 

Grade 10 SunKoshi

Modern English Secondary School

Bhaktapur

An Essay on a Local Festival: Yomari Punhi

Nepal is home to diverse cultures, which are expressed through music, dance, art, craft, language, festivals, celebrations, food, and drinks. Yomari Punhi is a Newari festival marking the end of the rice harvest, observed every year during the full moon of December by making and eating Newari food called Yomari, made out of rice flour and filled with brown cane sugar and sesame seeds. In this essay, we are going to talk about the brief history of Yomari Punhi, major activities, religious or social importance, duration, and drawbacks.

The Newari community is known for its unique culture, which includes food, language, sculpture, metal craftsmanship, and many more. The Newari community has many unique foods to offer. Yomari Punhi is one of the festivals. It is observed by Newari people every year during the full moon of December. On this day, a special dish is prepared called Yomari. It is a dessert-like dish made out of rice flour dough shaped like a fish and filled with brown cane sugar and sesame seeds. The rice flour should be newly harvested because that's the main point of celebrating the festival itself. This festival is only celebrated in the Newari community.

On this day, Kathmandu Valley residents worship the goddess Annapurna, the goddess of crops and food. She is also prayed to for a good harvest of rice. Talking about the history of Yomari Punhi, it is said to have started in Panchal Nagar, known as Panauti in the present day. As per the tales, a couple, Suchandra and Krita, experimented with the fresh yield of rice from their field, which evolved into Yomari.

This festival falls in winter, so the dish (Yomari) helps to keep our body warm. It is also considered a dessert and is even used to make garlands while celebrating even-numbered birthdays of Newari children below 12. This festival is one way of socializing, as people, especially kids, go around the neighborhood to ask for Yomari. A special dance is also performed in the valley.

As much as this festival sounds fun and merry, it has some drawbacks like every other festival. There are many cases of kids getting kidnapped during this festival as kids roam around asking for Yomari. Another drawback is that Newari people drink a lot of alcohol during this festival, which is dangerous to their health.

In conclusion, Yomari Punhi is a unique festival of the Newari community, observed every year during the fall of December by making and eating a dish called Yomari made out of newly harvested rice flour and filled with chaku (concentrated sugarcane juice). It is celebrated with joy and merrymaking.

By Prarthana Shrestha 

Grade 10

Modern School 

Bhaktapur 

Sati Pratha : A Horrible Tradition

In Nepal, as a Hindu country, there are and were lots of traditions and cultures. Some of them were good while some were bad. ‘Sati Pratha’ was one of the bad traditions. It was not only a tradition but a total dreadful nightmare for Nepalese or Hindu women. So, you might be wondering why it is called a nightmare. Let me tell you about this horrifying tradition called ‘Sati Pratha.’

Basically, ‘Sati Pratha’ is the ancient Hindu practice of burning a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre, or burning her alive in his grave. This practice is associated with Hindu tradition. During this Pratha, some women chose to become Sati of their own will while most women were forced. If they didn’t agree to go Sati, their in-laws and relatives would force them or even physically or mentally abuse or torture them.

Now, you might be curious, why did this horrific tradition even start in the first place, right? It is believed that Sati Pratha was seen in Nepal first and it spread to other countries like India. In Nepal, Sati Pratha started during the rule of the Licchavi Dynasty. Some people also believe that this tradition was started by the Hindu goddess Sati (who became Parvati upon rebirth), and this tradition was named after her. She burned herself in a fire in response to the disrespect shown to her husband (Lord Shiva). Her act of devotion was celebrated and, over time, became the practice of Sati more commonly known today. Another common belief is that Nepal is a male-dominated country, and some so-called high-class males created this Pratha to dominate females.

As it is said, sooner or later, everything comes to an end. This horrifying, dreadful, and traumatizing tradition also came to an end. There were many people who were against this tradition, but there were also a few people who wanted to continue this tradition, but they lost for good. There were many movements against Sati Pratha. Sati Pratha was stopped by William Bentinck (Governor-General of India) globally at first in 1829 A.D. Later, Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher abolished Sati Pratha in Nepal on Ashad 25, 1977 B.S.

Sati Pratha was indeed a terrifying culture that lasted for centuries but ended for good. Many people were against it while others supported it despite its awfulness. It was a very good decision by Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher and others who helped to stop this tradition because it was against the rights of women and human values. What do you think?

Thank you.

Nistha Bakhunchhe

Grade 10

Manoram Boarding Secondary School 

Bhaktapur 

Speech:Importance of Exercise for Healthy Life

Good morning everyone, respected principal, vice principal, teachers, and my dear fellow classmates and juniors. It is an honor to be here with you all today, delivering my short and sweet speech on this stage. Let me thank Ms. Aashish Manandhar, our English teacher for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to express my views on the topic called ‘Importance of Exercise for a Healthy Life.’

Let me start with the meaning or definition of exercise. So, what is exercise? Exercise is an energetic physical or mental effort, usually done for health or betterment, for example, running, jogging, cardio-exercises, push-ups, etc. Exercise plays a colossal role in our lives. Exercise helps one to stay healthy and fit.

Exercise has numerous benefits for both our physical and mental health. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and strengthens our bones and muscles. It also reduces the risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Exercise also improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and prevents cardiovascular diseases. Exercise also helps to live longer.

Beyond its physical advantages, exercise also plays a crucial role in mental health. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, known as the “feel-good” hormones, which help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular exercise has been linked to improved mood, better sleep quality, and higher levels of self-esteem. It also enhances cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. By incorporating exercise into daily routines, individuals can experience a significant reduction in mental health issues, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Despite all these benefits, some people don’t even bother to exercise properly. Especially today’s youth, they need exercise more than ever. This is because of the junk food they consume every day, which can hamper their quality of life. Many obvious health challenges affect older people and make it difficult and even dangerous in some cases for them to live independently. These critical medical conditions include arthritis, vision loss, impaired hearing, osteoporosis, etc., and to prevent all these diseases they must exercise properly. Moreover, in today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to neglect our physical health, but taking care of our bodies is crucial for overall well-being and happiness.

Let me tell you a short story. There is a boy named Sushil in my community. He doesn’t exercise and consumes a lot of junk food and hates healthy food. He sits on the sofa and watches TV all day with a packet of chips and a soda in his hands. Now, tell me, is he healthy? No, right? He can also suffer from different types of diseases and obesity. The main thing is if he continues being a couch potato, he also can’t have a healthy life. So, we can say that exercise is very essential for a healthy life.

In conclusion, engaging in regular physical activity may produce improvements in an individual’s physical health, cognitive performance, and psychological well-being. In order to live a healthy life, it is essential to exercise for mental and physical development. Thus, exercise is important for the overall growth of a person. It is essential to maintain a balance between work, rest, and activities. In the same way, we can say that exercising means servicing our body just like people go to service centers to get their vehicles serviced to keep them fit. It is said that good health is not something we can buy, however, it can be extremely valuable. So make sure to exercise daily.

Thank you.

By Nistha Bakhunchhe

Grade 10

Manoram Boarding Secondary School 

Bhaktapur 

Cooking Recipe for Rice Pudding

 

Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

Materials Required:

• Saucepan
• Stirring spoon
• Individual serving bowls or a large serving dish

Ingredients :

    1 cup of white rice

     4 cups of milk 4 teaspoons of sugar

     1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

     Optional toppings: raisins, nuts, or grated nutmeg

 Procedure:

 1. First, wash the rice thoroughly in cold water. Drain it and set it aside. 

2. Then Boil the milk in a saucepan and put the rice in it stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. 

3. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30- 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent skin from forming on the surface. After 30- 40 minutes, the rice should be tender and the mixture should have thickened. 

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool for a few minute.

 5. If desired, you can add raisins, nuts, or grated nutmeg to the pudding for extra flavor and texture. Stir them gently. 

6. Now, transfer the rice pudding to individual serving bowls or a large serving dish. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top for added flavor and garnish. You can serve the rice pudding warm or chilled, according to your preference.

Poem: Faith

 Faith

There are days when you have to cry,

Never a day when you don't try.

There are days when you are in pain,

But without pain, there is no gain.

If you have the faith to strive,

No one will really hurt you, you're wise.

If faith is high, you can touch the sky.

With hope, faith is prime,

It goes on until the end of time.

If you have faith to reach the stars,

You will have the way to go far.

Be the change you want to see,

You have the power to turn your destiny.

Faith is yours and the power is in you,

To see things you want to.

Trust in God and His blessings for you,

So keep the faith once more and smile once more,

Life is so pleasant to its core.

By Bhumika Tamang

Grade 8

Modern Boarding Secondary School 

Bhaktapur 

Movie Review: Forrest Gump(1994)

Title: Forrest Gump

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson and Sally Field

Release Year: 1994

Screenplay by: Eric Roth

Language: English

Budget: $ 55m

Genre: Comedy-Drama, Romance

Rating: out of 5 stars

Forrest Gump is a movie about a slow-witted individual named " Forrest Gump". This is an allegorical movie which portrays the eventful life of Forrest full of adventures and unpredictability. The sheer will and curiosity of Forrest enables him to do things without any hesitation. With just an IQ of 75, he definitely doesn't understand everything that happens to him but he shrugs everything off with an adorable and innocent smile. The positive persona of Forrest leaves every viewer watching this movie in a jolly mood .The optimism displayed in the movie and the positive message relayed by Forrest influenced me to be a little bit more positive in life .

As the movie progresses, we are able to see the joyous life of Forrest full of ridiculous moments . From indulging in the war of Vietnam to running a full marathon for several days becoming a sensation, Forrest does it all. During the course of war we get to see Forrest's best friend “Bubba “ . This character is undoubtedly my favorite character because of his innocence and his unconditional love towards his family and Forrest. Forrest later fulfills his promise with Bubba by running a shrimp boat all by himself. The role of Forrest is played perfectly by Tom hanks and I can’t imagine any other actor playing this character this well. The direction of the movie is exceptional and all the jokes and plotlines are executed perfectly by the actors .The ending of this movie couldn’t have been better; Forrest reunites with his childhood love Jenny. The meaning of love is displayed perfectly by the two, accepting each-other for who they are . This is an absolutely magical movie that should definitely be watched at least once. Claimed to be one of the best movies of Tom by critics, Forrest Gump is a timeless classic that never fails to please viewers.

By Prithak Pradhan

Grade 9

Modern School, Bhaktapur

Movie Review: Spiderman(2002)

 

Title: Spider-Man

Director: Sam Raimi

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco

Release Date: May 3, 2002

Writers: Stan Lee, Steve Ditko

Producers: Laura Ziskin, Ian Bryce

Language: English

Budget: $139 million

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Superhero

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

"Spider-Man," directed by Sam Raimi and released on May 3, 2002, is a gripping superhero tale featuring the talented Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. Bitten by a radioactive spider in a laboratory, Peter discovers newfound superhuman strength, the ability to shoot webs, and the capability to crawl on any surface. Vowing to use his powers for good, Peter is motivated by the emotional last words of his uncle Ben. To know the complete story, watching the movie is highly recommended.

Both the writer and the director have executed their roles admirably. The background music enhances the cinematic experience, and the visual effects (VFX) and costumes are commendable. The entire cast, including not only the protagonist but also the antagonist and supporting actors, delivers stellar performances.

The movie's underlying message, "with great power comes great responsibility," adds depth to the narrative. Whether you're a fan of Tobey Maguire, Spider-Man, or superheroes in general, this movie is a must-watch.

by Jeebit Singh Sunuwar,

Grade 9,

Manoram Boarding Secondary School,

Suryabinayak-5, Bhaktapur 

Poem: My dream and my journey

"My dream is to be a doctor,

Engineer might be right,

But I don't know what to do.

I have a lot to choose.

Well, it's not so easy, of course,

Hard work comes first, that's the source.

There are ups and downs on this course,

I don't know what to do, feeling quite unsure.

I can't stay stuck like this,

Because I have to make my dreams,

From now on, I have to work harder it seems.

So, let's go and make my dreams come true."

By Sejal Shilpakar, Grade 8

Modern English Secondary School 

Bhaktapur

A letter to friend about junk food

 

 Suryavinayak 5, 

Katunje. Bhaktapur

 25th  August 2022

Dear Kripa

Long and sweet remembrance,

A lot of thanks for your letter. I received it yesterday. I hope that you are fine there. I am also fine here. I am glad to hear that your exam went good. You asked me to write about the harmful effects of junk food on our health. And, I am going to do that  in this letter.

First of all,  Junk food is food that has less nutritive value and high calories.  They are good in taste but they are harmful. They may cause many diseases like heart disease, diabetes, diarrhoea etc. They may cause obesity. I know that they have high satisfactory value and they save time but they cause various diseases. They and available everywhere. I am not totally against junk food but if a person eats more Junk food then s/he may be obese. I don't want to see you obese so please refrain from overconsumption of junk food.

We may eat junk food but to a limit. We should have a balanced diet. It may contain junk food once a week. We can maintain both our health and a desire to eat junk food in such a way.

Now, I am going to stop my running pen and flying heart. Convey my namaste to uncle and aunt and don't forget to write about your summer vacation in your next letter. Hope to hear from you soon. Hasta la vista!

Love,

Rajal

(Written by Rajal Shrestha from grade eight, 

Unique Academy Secondary School, Bhaktapur)

An article on a unique tradition of Nepal: NepalJanku: A Newari Custom

                        Janku: A Newari Custom

The world has been enriched with thousands of different cultures. Nepal is also rich in its unique customs and cultures. Janku is among those. Janku is a Newari custom with its own historical and cultural values, celebrated when people reach a certain age. This essay describes when it is celebrated, how it is celebrated, and its importance.

Janku is quite famous in the Newari community. There are five total Janku celebrations: 77 years, 1000 months old (roughly between 81-84 years), 88 years, 99 years, and 110 years old. In ancient times, the average life expectancy of a person was only 67 years, so when someone reached a Janku age, it was like they were given a new life. After their last Janku is performed, elderly people in the Newari community are considered as symbols of divinity. The date for celebrating Janku is calculated by the priest based on the lunar calendar. After the second Janku, the person is given the "Thakali" status and is respected equally to gods or goddesses.

Janku is celebrated by the family members dressing the man in his finest attire, and the woman looking like a new bride. The man or woman is treated like a bridegroom or bride, visiting different temples and vihars. Various Janku rituals are performed to please the gods and seek help to overcome problems. It is a very important celebration in the life of the Newar community. Janku is celebrated according to birth dates. The significance of this celebration is related to Newari texts, which mention that Janku celebration ages mark auspicious times in a person's life when even the smallest threat may pose a serious risk to one's life.

Janku is a custom that respects the spirituality and wisdom of the elderly. Janku is quite important because it celebrates and congratulates long, healthy living within Newari culture. It symbolizes a long life and provides respect to the elders.

By,

Kohinoor Karki

Grade 9

Modern English Secondary School

Bhaktapur 

Story Writing: Happiness before money

 Write a story with the ending, "And the family lived happily ever after." Also write a moral.

Happiness before money

Once upon a time, there was a family of four -Michael, his wife Lily and their two children, Emily and Will. Michael was a farmer and he was the only one to earn a bread for the family. They had always lived a poor life struggling to make ends meet. 

One day, when Michael was ploughing the field, he found a hidden treasure under the soil. It was a chest filled with gold coins and jewels. They were amazed to have something that could change their life. With all the wealth, they could finally buy their dream home, travel the world and live comfortably. However, as they were about to leave their old home, they remembered all the wonderful memories they had there. They realized that the true treasure wasn't the wealth they had found, but the love and memories they had created as a family. 

So, they decided to stay in their old home and use the treasure to give back to their community. They donated to charities, schools and helped their neighbours in need. They found joy and fulfillment in helping others and their lives became richer than ever before. And the family lived happily ever after.

Moral: True happiness and fulfillment doesn't come from material possesions, but from the love we share with others. 

By Pranisha Bakhunchhe

Grade 9

Manoram Boarding Secondary School 

Suryabinayak-5, Bhaktapur 

A short biography about Gautam Buddha

 

Gautam Buddha, the messenger of peace, equality, and fraternity, was born in Lumbini in the 6th Century BC, in the Terai region of Nepal. He belonged to the royal family of Kapilvastu. He is also known as Siddhartha Gautam. His father was Suddhodhan Shakya and his mother was Maha Maya Devi. His childhood was spent in luxury and comfort, wherein he was completely unaware of the suffering, pain, and struggles of the common world. 

Siddhartha got married to Yashodhara at the early age of 16 but he was never interested in his married life. As per the Buddhist manuscripts, when Siddhartha saw an old man, a sick person, and a dead body, he understood that nothing in this material world is permanent. So, he left his home at the age of 29 to find the real truth and purpose of life. He wandered different places and continued meditation to attain enlightenment. He attained enlightenment in a place called Bodh Gaya at the age of 35.

Gautam Buddha died at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, India. He is known as the Light of Asia because he was the most enlightened man in the world and he gave light to the whole world.His teachings are equally relevant in the modern world.

An essay on “Relevance and need of mutual cooperation for nation building”

“Relevance and need of mutual cooperation for nation building”

Mutual cooperation is required for the rapid all-around development of the nation and it is possible if all the people come and unite together. Mutual cooperation refers to the process of working together for a common interest to achieve a common goal. And that common goal for our country Nepal is to bring drastic changes in all the sectors. In this essay, we will discuss the need for mutual cooperation among political leaders of our country and the also among the citizens of our country.

Every politician must understand that politics is the supreme form of social service. That’s why a political leader must work for the interest of the common people. In the context of our country Nepal, recent political events show that there is no proper solidarity between the political leaders and parties. Most of them seem to be after money and power. It is high time for them to understand that rather than fighting one another, they should have a common consensus and work together towards the greater goal of nation-building. They must work together even though their political ideologies differ because it is the need of time.

Mutual cooperation is not only required on the political level but also on the ground level. Every citizen must understand that it is their duty to work for national development. People must cooperate with one another regardless of their caste, religion, class, race, or geographical location. Educators should teach students about the importance of mutual cooperation. Quality education is the first step towards nation-building. Similarly, people and organizations involved in various sectors should mutually cooperate with one another and make contributions toward shared visions and values. For instance, private and public medical sectors can mutually collaborate with each other to provide affordable yet quality health services.

Singapore is a country that achieved miraculous development in a span of about 3 decades. And it became possible due to mutual cooperation on different levels. The diverse population of the country lives and works peacefully. The government and the people work together. The need for mutual cooperation starts with our homes and it is not limited to a nation. We have to mutually cooperate with other nations as well for mutual benefit. Thus the bigger goal of nation-building can be achieved by the sum of small efforts of different parties in form of mutual cooperation.

Library Rules And Regulations

 

•  Sit in your assigned seat. 
•  Be responsible. 
•  Walk to keep each other safe. 
• Use quiet voices so others may learn. 
•  Ask for permission to use the computers and print. 
• Food/drinks/gum/candy are not allowed in the library. 

A letter to a foreign friend about good manners of my community

 

 Write a letter giving advice to a foreigner who wants to live in your community, and that s/he wants to learn about basic good manners on different occasions. 

July 15 

Kawasoti,  Nawalparasi

 Dear Grace, 

I am happy to know that you are visiting Nepal next month. I am sure that you are going to have a great time in Nepal. To make your stay more pleasant, I am going to advise you regarding some cultural behaviour in Nepal. 

Nepali people are more silent, and you may have to ask quite a few questions initially. You can ask questions about family, marriage and job. Nepali people feel more closed, and stand much closer while communicating. They may even hold your arm/hand once they become familiar with you. However, this does not occur between the male and the female. Men and women do not touch in public. Even a husband will not kiss, hug or openly hold hands or show other signs of affection to his wife in public. 

 Greetings are done by pressing both palms together at the chest level and saying "Namaste ". Casual dress would be appropriate for men to wear to work, unless they are in an official setting. Women should wear longer clothes covering the body. In all cases, women should dress modestly with arms and legs covered.  

I hope that you found the tips useful. I am waiting for your arrival in Nepal. 

With best regards,

Tina Ale 

A sample of Notice

 

Manoram  Boarding Secondary School

Katunje Bhaktapur

20th Jan 2023

NOTICE ABOUT SCHOOL PICNIC!

Our school is organizing a picnic on coming Thursday, i.e. 26th January 2023 on the occasion Saraswoti Puja at 9am. The venue is fixed Sallaghari Picnic spot. There is no any charge for students. 

Interested students from class 8 to class 10 can give their name to the class teacher. For more details please contact the school administration.

Mr. Mahesh Gumanju

Principal

Book Review: The Alchemist

" When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it"

Title: The Alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho

Characters: Santiago, the Alchemist, Fatima, the Englishman, Melchizedek

Genre: Adventure Fiction, Quest

Year of Publication: 1988

The plotline of the book is that of a simple quest. A Spanish shepherd boy, Santiago, keeps getting the same dream that there is treasure lying underneath the Egyptian pyramids. After meeting an old king who offers him some advice and some magic stones, Santiago embarks on his journey to cross the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert to find his treasure and accomplish his Personal Legend (a concept equivalent to our purpose in life). Amidst swindlers, tribe wars and endless sand, Santiago finds his one true love, learns alchemy and the language of his heart, and of course, fights to reach his treasure.

The book offers insightful ideas about one's own destiny, about rising above failure, about the unity of the Universe, presented in comparatively simplistic diction of the text. The descriptions are awe-inspiring and the word choice is immaculate, but really it's the depth of soul behind Coehlo's words that spin the magic of this novel. Anyone who reads this will not only escape reality but will also understand reality, The Alchemist can offer the best of both worlds. The Alchemist may not be your regular fiction book, but it most still deserves a place on your bookshelf!

Source: English Course Book of Grade 9

Movie Review: Yashoda

Title: Yashoda

Directed by: Hari-Harish

Produced by: Sivalenka Krishna Prasad

Written by: Hari-Harish

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Release Date: 11 November 2022

Language: Telugu, Hindi

Budget: 30 to 40 crore

Starring: Samantha, Unni Mukundan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar

Rating: 3.5/5 stars  

Yashoda is a story of a surrogate mother who is getting a lot of money for surrogacy. Yashoda is played by none other than the talented and beautiful Samantha. Yashoda and many other women stay in a facility where they and their fetuses are taken care of. Everything goes well and Yashoda even forms a kind of bond with the only doctor in the facility, played by Unni Mukundan. The story goes full throttle when Yashoda decides to shift into an investigative mode as she senses something wrong going on in the facility. Then, the story takes a full U-turn when lovely-looking Yashoda suddenly turns into a strong figher. To know the complete story, you should watch the movie.

The writer-director duo of the movie has done a great job. The plot twists in the second half of the movie are totally unpredictable and thus mind-blowing. You’ll love both the cute and fierce avatars of Samantha. The Background music of the movie is okay. The female antagonist could have done a better job. Others characters in the movie have done decent jobs. The action sequences are totally convincing.

The ending of the movie felt a little rushed. You’ll forget the songs as soon as the movie ends.  If you are a Samantha fan like me or if you love thrillers, you should watch the movie.

Personal Letter

  Pretend that you are Sushila. Write a letter to one of your friends describing how you were able to persuade your parents to allow you to go to university.

 

25th April 2017

 Dear Nisha,

 I am very happy today and want to share my happiness with you. My parents agreed to let me go to university, but it was not easy. Actually, they wanted me to get married. They had already looked for a boy for getting me married to. I was quite upset to know this. As you know I wanted to stand on my own feet before marriage by becoming a qualified nurse. I told this my parents. They didn’t like my idea at first. They told me that they cannot afford my further studies. But I managed to convince them by telling them to spend the money required for my marriage on my education so that I can secure my future. They got convinced and agreed to let me join the nursing course. Today my happiness knows no boundaries! Hope you are doing fine.

 Do be in touch!   

Your friend, 

Sushila