Reading is essential

 The Power of Words: Unlocking Worlds through Reading

Introduction:

Imagine a world where words become doorways, each book a portal to new experiences, and stories your companions. This is the magic of reading, a vital skill that unlocks a treasure trove of knowledge, fosters empathy, and empowers us to navigate the world and ourselves. In the spirit of World Book Day, themed “Read… so you never feel alone!”, we embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted benefits of acquiring good reading skills.

Building Blocks of Learning:

Reading forms the bedrock of education. It equips us with the ability to decode, comprehend, and analyze information. From grasping complex scientific concepts to understanding historical narratives, reading serves as the bridge between knowledge and understanding. It hones critical thinking skills, allowing us to question, analyze, and form informed opinions.

Doors to Global Citizenship:

In today’s interconnected world, reading transcends geographical boundaries. It grants us access to diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. Through the pages of a book, we walk in the shoes of others, learn from their struggles, and celebrate their triumphs. This fosters global citizenship, promoting tolerance and respect for differences, making us responsible and informed members of the world community.

Unlocking Confidence and Language:

Reading is not a passive act; it’s a conversation between author and reader. As we delve into complex texts, our vocabulary expands, grammar sharpens, and writing skills flourish. This newfound command of language empowers us to express ourselves clearly and confidently, boosting self-esteem and communication skills.

Concentration and Reasoning:

Navigating the intricacies of a text demands focus and concentration. Reading strengthens these cognitive skills, training our minds to stay attentive and process information efficiently. This enhanced ability to focus spills over into other aspects of life, improving learning, productivity, and problem-solving skills.

A Companion for Life:

Beyond the academic benefits, reading offers solace and companionship. In times of joy or sorrow, a book can be a refuge, a friend who always understands. Stories inspire, motivate, and offer wisdom, providing comfort and escape from daily challenges. Reading fosters a lifelong love of learning, igniting curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that enriches our lives in countless ways.

World Book Day and Beyond:

Celebrating World Book Day is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of reading. However, the journey shouldn’t end with this one day. Let’s pledge to cultivate a culture of reading in our communities, homes, and schools. Let’s encourage children and adults alike to explore the vast universe of books, embracing their diverse voices and perspectives. Let’s make reading not just a skill, but a shared passion, a bridge to connect, learn, and grow together.

Conclusion:

In a world often characterized by isolation and division, reading offers a beacon of hope. It empowers us to reach beyond ourselves, to connect with others, and to discover the richness and beauty that lies within each page. So, let us open a book, embark on a journey of exploration, and embrace the joy of reading, for it is in the quiet corners of a story that we find solace, connection, and ultimately, ourselves.

2. HOW THE SQUIRREL GOT HIS STRIPES

This story is one of the many stories referred to in the Ramayana. The story tries to find out the logic behind the stripes on the body of a squirrel. It also emphasizes the dignity of labour, the importance of feelings in participating in team work, and that even the smallest contribution is important in some way...

2.1 LET US READ THE TEXT

Ram asked his army to build a bridge over the sea. Work began at once on a stone bridge. The monkeys pulled out rocks and heavy stones from the mountains, and carried them to the sea. They cut them into shape and began to build the bridge. All this was very difficult

work and it took a long time. Thousands of monkeys worked night and day. Rama felt happy. "How hard they work! Their love for me makes them work like this," thought Rama.

One day Rama saw a small brown squirrel. He was going up and down the seashore with little pebbles in his mouth. The little squirrel could carry only little pebbles at a time in his small mouth. He carried the pebbles from the seashore and dropped them into the sea. A great monkey was carrying a large heavy stone on his back and the squirrel came in his way. The monkey jumped back.

"Here, you little thing," shouted the monkey in a voice like thunder, "you're in my way, I stepped back and you're alive now. But I nearly fell. And what are you doing here?"

The little squirrel looked up at the great monkey.

"I'm sorry you nearly fell, Brother Monkey," he said in his small voice, "but please always look where you are going. I'm helping Rama build the bridge. And I want to work hard for him."

"You, what?" shouted the monkey and laughed aloud. "Did you hear that!" he said to the other monkeys. "The squirrel is building a bridge with his pebbles. Oh dear! Oh dear! I've never heard a funnier story." The other monkeys laughed too

The squirrel did not think this funny at all. He said, "Look, I can't carry mountains or rocks. God gave me only a little strength. I can only carry pebbles. My heart cries out for Rama and I'll do all I can for him."

The monkeys said, "Don't be foolish. Do you think you can help Rama? Do you How the Squirrel Got His Stripes

think we can build a bridge with pebbles? He has a big army to help him. Go home and don't get in our way."

"But I want to help, too," said the squirrel and would not go.

He carried the pebbles again from the shore to the sea. The monkeys were angry and one of them picked up the squirrel by his tail and threw him far away.

The squirrel, crying out the name of Rama, fell into his hands.

Then Rama held the squirrel close to him. He said to the monkeys, "Do not make fun of the weak and the small. Your strength or what you do is not important. What matters is your love. This little squirrel has love in his heart."

He then held the squirrel closer to him and said, "Little one, your love touches my heart." He said these words and passed his fingers gently over the little squirrel's back. And when he put him down there were three white stripes on his back. These were the marks of Lord Rama's fingers.

From then on the squirrel carries the three white stripes on his back.

(A tale from the Ramayana