CHAPTER-1: WHEN A SAPLING IS PLANTED
Activity I (Formal speech)
Imagine that you have won the National Green Corps (NGC) Award for coordinating the activities of your school eco club. The award would be given away by the Governor of the State in the presence of the Chief Minister and certain other dignitaries. You are supposed to deliver a speech after receiving the award. Draft the speech you would deliver.
Good Evening Everyone,
I am deeply honored to stand before you today to receive the National Green Corps Award for our school eco club’s efforts. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Governor of the State, the Chief Minister, and all the distinguished dignitaries present here for this significant recognition of our commitment to environmental conservation.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to my fellow eco club members. Your unwavering dedication and hard work have been the driving force behind our success. Our eco club exemplifies the power of passionate individuals coming together to make a meaningful impact on our environment.
Over the past year, our eco club has been actively engaged in a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable living and reducing our carbon footprint. We have organized tree plantation drives, beach clean-up campaigns, and have implemented successful recycling programs within our school. Through these activities, we have not only worked to protect our environment but also sought to inspire and educate our fellow students about the importance of environmental stewardship.
However, our journey does not end here. Climate change is a global challenge that demands the collective efforts of individuals and organizations alike. I encourage everyone here to take personal responsibility for the environment, whether it’s by minimizing your carbon footprint or volunteering with local conservation groups. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger effort to safeguard our planet.
In conclusion, receiving this award is not just a personal honor for me but a testament to the collective achievements of our school and the eco club. I hope that this recognition serves as an inspiration for other schools to establish their own eco clubs and make a difference in their communities.
Thank you once again for this incredible honor and for your continued support of our environmental efforts.Thank you.
CHAPTER- II RICE
Activity I: (Critical appreciation)
Prepare a critical appreciation of the poem in the light of your responses to the questions above.
Critical appreciation of “RICE”
A Poet's Lens on Agricultural Transformation: 'Rice' by Chemmanam Chacko
Introduction:
The poem “Rice” by Chemmanam Chacko, translated by Prof. Ayyappa Paniker, is a powerful satire that criticizes the greed of some farmers. Through clever use of sarcasm and irony, the poet shows how the traditional values of farming have been replaced by a focus on profit.
Plot Summary:
In the poem, the son of a rice farmer goes to North India to study how to make toys from rice husk. He hopes that by using husk, he can help people find jobs in his village, which is struggling with high unemployment. He works hard for four years, eating simple Chapati every day, and eventually earns a doctorate for his research.
When the son returns home, he is shocked to find that there is no rice husk left. The farmers in his village have stopped growing rice and have switched to planting rubber trees instead. They did this because growing rubber is more profitable thanks to government incentives. The son sees that his father is busy setting up a machine to make rubber sheets, and all the rice fields have been replaced by rubber trees and dealwood trees.
Satirical Elements:
The poem uses satire to highlight the irony of the situation. One example is the Chief Minister flying to the Centre to ask for more food grains, even though there is no rice left in the state. This scene shows the gap between what the government is doing and what people actually need.
The son’s dream of eating his favorite 'athirika' rice is also crushed when he finds out that he has to eat the wheat provided as a ration. His doctorate, which was meant to solve a problem, is useless in a world where rice farming has been abandoned.
Imagery and Style:
“Rice” might not be as famous as the works of poets like Wordsworth or Keats, but it is a strong example of satire, similar to the poetry of Alexander Pope. The poem uses vivid images and everyday language to tell its story. It includes some Malayalam words, which add local color to the poem. The stanzas vary in length, from just two lines to six lines, which gives the poem a prose-like feel. The simple, direct style of the poem is perfect for its theme of showing how greed has changed the farmers’ values.
Conclusion:
In “Rice”, Chemmanam Chacko skillfully uses satire to show how farmers have shifted from being hardworking and traditional to being focused on making money. The poem’s clear and engaging language makes it a strong critique of the changes in agricultural practices and the impact of greed on people’s lives.
WRITE UP/ PARAGRAPH WRITING
Activity II (Write-up)
Chemmanam Chacko is a master satirist who has fought many battles with the system through his writings, laced with scorn and sarcasm. He says, 'Socio-political sphere is much more meek and limited compared with earlier times. Society has changed and, with it, has mass sensibilities.' Consider his poem “Rice” as a satire on the farmers who are forced to switch to cash crops when the market for food crops falls. Prepare a write-up.
Write-up on Chemmanam Chacko's satire:
Chemmanam Chacko's poem "Rice" is a biting satire on the plight of farmers who are forced to switch to cash crops when the market for food crops falls. Through his use of irony and sarcasm, Chacko highlights the absurdity of a society where the production of food takes a backseat to the pursuit of profit.
The poem begins by describing the process of planting and harvesting rice, a staple food crop that has sustained farmers and their communities for generations. The speaker then contrasts this with the current trend of switching to cash crops such as rubber and tea, which are grown for profit rather than for sustenance.
The speaker uses sarcasm to mock the farmers' decision to switch to cash crops, saying "‘Son, we've stopped working on all the rice. It was quite inconvenient. The farmer gained nothing. Only fools turn to rice-farming for gain. This is better money--what good times!". This highlights the absurdity of prioritising profit over the basic needs of the population.
The poem also critiques the government's role in promoting cash crops over food crops highlighting the government's failure to prioritise the needs of its people over economic gain. Furthermore, the poem also touches on the theme of tradition and the loss of it. The speaker laments the loss of traditional crops. This highlights the importance of tradition and how it is being forgotten in the pursuit of profit.
Overall, Chemmanam Chacko's "Rice" is a powerful satire on the plight of farmers who are forced to switch to cash crops when the market for food crops falls. Through his use of irony and sarcasm, Chacko highlights the absurdity of a society where the production of food takes a backseat to the pursuit of profit and the loss of tradition.
Activity III (Paragraph writing)
Instead of a system of values, we have the market ruling us, making decisions for us. Consider this statement in the light of the poem “Rice” by Chemmanam Chacko.
The statement "Instead of a system of values, we have the market ruling us, making decisions for us" reflects the themes present in Chemmanam Chacko's poem "Rice." The poem highlights the negative impact of allowing market forces to dictate the actions of individuals and society as a whole.
In the poem, Chacko critiques the decision of farmers to switch from growing food crops, such as rice, to cash crops, such as rubber, in order to make a profit. This decision, driven by market forces, prioritizes profit over the basic needs of the population. The speaker in the poem says, "The government says: Grow rubber, / It brings in more money," which highlights how the government is also complicit in this decision and how it prioritizes economic gain over the needs of its people.
The speaker also laments the loss of tradition and heritage, as the traditional crop of rice is being replaced by cash crops. This reflects the idea that instead of a system of values, the market is ruling us and making decisions for us, as it prioritizes profit over tradition, heritage and the basic needs of the population.
The statement also highlights the negative impact of allowing market forces to dictate actions and decisions. It reflects how the market is seen as a controlling force, making decisions for individuals and society, rather than being guided by a set of values and principles. This is in stark contrast to a system of values, where decisions are guided by principles such as ethics, morality and social responsibility.
In conclusion, the poem "Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko illustrates the negative impact of allowing market forces to dictate the actions of individuals and society. The poem highlights how the prioritization of profit over the basic needs of the population, tradition and heritage can have detrimental consequences. The statement "Instead of a system of values, we have the market ruling us, making decisions for us" reflects this idea and highlights the importance of a system of values in guiding the actions of individuals and society.
CHAPTER- III : DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE
Activity I (Paragraph writing)
1.Describe the mental as well as physical impacts of drug abuse.
2..Do you think that the addiction to drugs will destroy not only the addicted but the entire humanity? Justify your answer with special reference to the modern context. Write-up
Drug abuse can have a wide range of mental and physical impacts on an individual. Some of the most common mental impacts include changes in mood, such as depression or anxiety, as well as cognitive impairments such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Physical impacts can include damage to organs, such as the liver or lungs, as well as changes in the brain that can lead to addiction.
Drug addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating effects not only on the individual who is addicted, but also on their family and loved ones. It can lead to a wide range of social and economic problems, such as unemployment, poverty, and crime. It can also contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.
However, it is not accurate to say that addiction to drugs will destroy not only the addicted but the entire humanity. While drug addiction is a significant problem, it is not the only one that humanity is facing. There are many other issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change that are also threatening the well-being of humanity.
Moreover, there are many efforts being made to combat drug addiction. From prevention programs to treatment and recovery services, there are a wide range of resources available to help individuals who are struggling with addiction. The modern context also includes many advanced technologies and research that are being used to understand the nature of addiction and to develop more effective treatments.
In conclusion, while drug addiction is a serious problem that can have a wide range of negative impacts on individuals, families, and communities, it is not accurate to say that it will destroy humanity. By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue, including education, prevention, treatment, and research, we can work to reduce the harm caused by drug addiction and improve the overall well-being of society.
LETTER WRITING
Types:
- Formal Letters (Such letters are precise, directly addressing the concerned issue and are kept strictly professional in nature. Formal letters are short and to the point.)
- Informal (Letters relatives, family, friends, or acquaintances. These letters may or may not have a concrete reason for writing. The aim of writing informal letters is to create a personal memoir. It need not adhere to any formalities or follow any set pattern.)
Formal Letters
- Sender’s address ( Return address)
- Date (Date of the exam unless notified in the question)
- Receiver’s address: The corresponding address, i.e. the address of the recipient of the mail is written here. Candidates must start with the receivers’ designation followed by the name of the organization and then the full address, Pincode and country (if the information is known).
- Subject: This highlights the aim of writing the letter. The subject of the formal letter should be very brief (6 to 8 words) and must be preceded by the word ‘Subject’.
- Salutation: Customary greetings. If the name of the recipient is known, the salutation starts with ‘Dear’ followed by Mr/Mrs/Miss, etc. If the person is unknown or even the gender is not known the recipient can be addressed as Dear Sir/Dear Madam.
- Body of the letter
Body: The most important element of any letter. It furnishes the reason behind writing the letter. For formal letters, candidates should use short, clear, logical paragraphs to state the subject matter. The body of the letter is generally divided into 3 paragraphs:
- Introduction that states the main point.
- Middle part: Supporting points and details to justify the need and importance of letter writing.
- Conclusion: Request for some action or what is expected.
- Complimentary closure: his is to end the letter with respect in a polite manner such as ‘Yours faithfully’, ‘Yours sincerely’, etc.
- Signature line: sender’s name, signature and designation. This is the last part where the sender of the letter signs off with his first or last name. The signature line may also include a second line for the title or designation of the sender.
Please note:
- Use of colloquial words, short forms, slang language and abbreviations are restricted.
- The letter must be to the point, precise and clearly indicating the message.
- The subject line is very important in Formal Letters.
- Informal Letters
- Address: The sender’s address
- Date
- Salutation: Dear/Dearest/ Hi/Hello followed by the first name/nickname of the recipient.
- Body of the letter: can be long and detailed containing diverse feelings, experiences, advice, news, etc.
- Sender’s name and signature
Activity III (Letter of enquiry)
While at school you may sometimes have to write letters to different agencies / organisations / offices etc. enquiring about their services or seeking permission to use their services. Study the following letter of enquiry made by the secretary of the Souhrida Club of a school to the Central Library, Mumbai.
From :
Deepak Raj Xyz school,
Malappuram, Kerala
17 November 2023
To:
The Librarian,
Central Library,
Mumbai.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Sub: Enquiry regarding library services
The students of class XII of our school are working on a project on the ‘Increasing tendency of drug abuse among the young’. In this regard, we plan to visit Mumbai during the third week of June to collect information about the tendency
of substance abuse, dangers caused by it, and the practical solutions to safeguard our generation.
I have come to know that your library has got a rich collection of survey reports and a wealth of information about all the topics mentioned above. A visit to your library, I am certain, will immensely benefit us. I would like to know if a group of fifteen students and two teachers from our school could visit your library and make use of the resources there.
I would greatly appreciate if you could let us know the following details:
a.The visiting hours of the library
b.Procedure to obtain permission to visit the library
c.Entrance fee, if any, to be paid.
Could we have the details at the earliest?
Yours faithfully,
Deepak Raj
Secretary, Souhrida Club.
SEMINAR REPORT
Activity VI (Seminar)
The Vicious Web of Drugs Spoils the Dreams and Lives of the Young
Introduction
Drug abuse is a pressing issue that affects people of all ages, but it is particularly damaging to young individuals. Adolescents and young adults are in a crucial stage of their lives where they are building their futures and making important decisions. The misuse of drugs can derail their dreams, harm their health, and negatively impact their relationships and opportunities. This seminar paper explores how drug abuse disrupts the lives of young people and discusses strategies for preventing and addressing this critical issue.
Background
The issue of drug abuse among young people is complex and influenced by various factors. Peer pressure, stress from academic and personal life, traumatic experiences, and easy access to drugs are some of the main causes. Additionally, societal and cultural attitudes can shape how young people view drug use. For instance, in some communities, drug use might be seen as a way to escape problems or fit in with a certain group.
The Impact of Drugs on Young People
Drugs can cause severe physical and mental health issues. Physically, drug abuse can lead to damage to the brain, heart, and other organs. It also increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mentally, drug use is linked to problems like depression, anxiety, and addiction. These health issues can make it hard for young people to succeed in school, hold jobs, or build meaningful relationships.
Drug abuse also affects young people’s future prospects. Students who use drugs often have poor academic performance, which can limit their career opportunities. They might struggle to maintain personal relationships and may get involved in illegal activities, leading to encounters with the criminal justice system.
Preventing Drug Abuse Among Youth
To prevent drug abuse, a comprehensive approach is needed. This approach should address the root causes of drug use and offer solutions. Effective strategies include:
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Schools and communities can run programs that teach young people about the dangers of drugs and challenge harmful norms. These campaigns can help students understand why drug use is harmful and encourage them to make better choices.
Parental and Community Involvement: Parents and community members can play a significant role in preventing drug use. By being supportive, providing guidance, and setting positive examples, they can help young people make healthier decisions.
Access to Mental Health Services: Young people at risk of drug abuse can benefit from mental health support. Counseling and therapy can help them deal with stress, trauma, and other issues that might lead them to use drugs.
Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation: For those already using drugs, treatment and rehabilitation are essential. These services help individuals overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives.
Conclusion
Drug abuse among young people is a serious problem that affects their health, relationships, and future opportunities. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, community support, mental health services, and effective treatment programs. By working together to tackle the root causes of drug abuse and offering support to those in need, we can help young people escape the vicious web of drugs and lead fulfilling, successful lives.
