One kind word can do a lot - Aria Gupta

Picture Courtesy: https://janbeek.blog/2019/11/16/one-kind-word/

There was a beggar who lived on the streets of Gronwice City. He always wanted to start a business of his own, but never believed he could do it at such a low position with no money. Life just went by as normal, people gave him a few pennies, out of which he bought some food and slept on the streets.

One day, a woman came by. And she stared at him for a while. The woman approached him and asked, “What do you want to become?”. “I know it seems stupid, but I want to start my own business,” he replied. “I’m Enara Jain, and I work at the Poltine Charity. Get up, let’s take you to my office.” The beggar, baffled, followed her to her car, and went on a ride.

He soon realised that this was no ordinary charity at all. “So you wanna become a businessman, huh?” she asked. “Yes, it’s a stupid thing to think of, but I still dream of it”, he replied. “What if I told you that you could become one?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “I would love to, but it’s just out of my reach.” replied the beggar.

They soon reached Enara’s office. It was the first time he sat on a proper couch in years. It was a strange feeling. He wasn’t used to the comfortable environment. Then Enara, offering him a glass of water, sat in front of him and asked a few questions as if she was taking his interview. The beggar was quite nervous while answering those questions.

The last question was “Do you believe that you can become a founder and start a business?”. It was the question that scared the beggar the most. “Ummmm… I don’t think I can.” was his reply. “After that, Enara went somewhere. She soon came back, smiling while carrying a cheque. “We’ll be donating 10,00,00,000 Rupees to you, Mr…?”. “Jones,” replied the beggar, delighted about the fact that he was finally about to have some money in his bank account.

“Let me tell you one thing, which is that you can become an entrepreneur. If you save this money, you can surely become one”, said Enara. Mr Jones thought for a while, thinking about what to do with this money. He decided to spend some money and save some money.

10 years later, the fashion company 'Swaniskin' was more successful than ever. The beggar, now one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, was happy that he was able to work hard to achieve his dream. His rags-to-riches story is one of the most inspiring things in the world.

*(Note: None of these people, places, companies, etc are real)

Aria Gupta

Grade VI || Gyanshree School

Fall to a new life - Aati Pema Tseagon

Picture Courtesy: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/AauyxzXZpvdywUpwLlxqKvXBDcUltP2AVoiEG2mXDCRrU0Fqif6MyM8/

As I sank, my consciousness was brought by the most suffocating sensation I had ever felt. In a sudden rush to breathe, I took a big gulp of water. My body racked with a cough, but I forced my mouth shut. When I noticed my hands and legs were tied, a surge of fear took over my body. I limped myself to stand upright. My whole body was in torturous pain. My lungs felt as if they were about to implode. 

At that time, a single thought came to me to jump. That was more of an instinct. I gathered all the strength I had and threw myself upwards.

For a moment, my head splashed out. And I noticed the light, but as soon as I was exposed, I lost control over my cough. And now I came raging, not letting me breathe. My many attempts only brought more panic and water. Both of which I did not want. 

I felt that I was sinking, unable to thrust my tied appendages. As a last-ditch effort, I held my breath and laid still. That was all I knew, which thankfully made me afloat and alive. My heart was racing. My lungs were exhausted from holding my breath. I carefully let out my breath and inhaled one in. And finally, I felt some relief. 

I saw that the light I had seen was coming from a wide-open crack which was only a few ways too far from where I was. My hands and legs tired and tied were of no use. But the little movements which I could do were enough to propel myself. The light helped me to see as it reflected against the cement walls of this place.

I noticed a few sticks floating around. Most of them were new and seemed sturdy. I saw one right next to my hand but was unable to grab it. I thought of an idea. And with a bit of insecurity in my plan, I rolled. Sinking my face in the water, I began fumbling with my hand to locate the stick. In a few attempts, I got the wooden stick. I pricked my palm when I did get a good grip, but it was good to feel that it had some edges. 

I began breaking the bonds, string by string. I made progress and finally cut enough to break through the rest. 

As my hands got free, I began breaking the ropes tied to my ankles at once while trying to stay afloat when I remembered that I was not alone. When I lost consciousness, I was with my cousin!...(to be continued...)

Aati Pema Tseagon

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.