2012 has become a controversial year even before its arrival. The “strategists and experts” are busy discussing the possibility of a doomsday, the economists are dreading another 2009-like recession, the politicians are keeping their fingers crossed for the poll outcome in five states and the common people are fearing that inflation will bring about their “doomsday”. Amid all these confusion, there’s a section which knows exactly what will happen in 2012. It comprises individuals under 15 years. These kids are determined to follow their own rules. Here's a list of resolutions of our young readers for the New Year...

Less books more adventure

In a few months, Nabaneet Ganguli would pass out of St Dominic Savio’s High School and he has realised a “truth”: reading too many books does not help one gain wisdom. Too many books push too many ideas into children’s head and eventually complicate things for them.

“This year, my resolution would be to read fewer books because they make me think more,” he says. Nabaneet seems to have read too many books already. So 2012 is going to be “book-free” year for him.

If Nabaneet is confused about how to use his book knowledge in college, we have a suggestion: read Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone. It’s an excellent guide on college adventures.

Save green vegetables

Alankriti Jain is only 10 years old but she knows a thing or two about conservation of “natural resources”. She is very concerned about the depleting greenery. “The young generation should be a green generation,” she says.

So how does she plan to save greenery in the coming year? “Eat as less vegetables as possible,” she says with a serious nod.

The Class V student of St Joseph’s Convent High School does not stop there. “I have also asked my friends to do the same. Vegetables in the field would ensure greenery,” she adds.

Sure, we need greenery Alankriti, but we also need animals and human beings. Your “no-green diet” may spell trouble for farm animals. You would certainly like to wish well for poor chickens and goats too.

Be brave and careful

Pawan Tanay, a Class IX student of DAV BSEB, did not have a good 2011. “I have fallen in my own eyes because of my carelessness,” Pawan says. “I was riding a bicycle when I accidentally hit an elderly woman. She suffered a hairline fracture. My parents are very upset with me over my sloppiness,” he explains. “This year, I want to bring out the hidden hero, who I’m sure, lies somewhere inside me,” he adds.

Of course Pawan, your regret is the first step in rectifying your mistake. You will certainly win your parents’ hearts with your improved behaviour. One suggestion: do visit the elderly woman once if you can. She will certainly like it.

Prepare for political change

If you are less than 15, Swarnim’s resolution will certainly appeal to you. The Class IX student of Loyola High School is politically conscious and has taken a resolution to launch a website, www.futuremps.com. “The website would be for those who are disappointed with the current political system and aspire to become MPs after 10 years,” he said, adding that only those below 15 years of age would be allowed to join the site. Come 2012, Swarnim would inspire many like him who want to change the country for good.

The resolution seems perfect for students under 15, but we wonder how long Swarnim will manage to remain a member of the site.

Lose fat, be fit

Saima Hussain weighs 65kg and she wants to lose 20-25kg in 2012. Period. Few resolutions can be simpler than this.

Saima’s only problem: she is not sure how to go about the plan. The Class XI student of Notre Dame Academy has a pertinent query: “How can anyone resist delicious food, which attracts the taste buds like magnet?”

“But”, she says, “I shall resist. By the end of 2012, I will try to do everything it takes to ensure that I weigh about 40-45kg.”

Good for you, Saima. May you get the courage to fight all greasy temptations and stick to tasteless, organic diet. In case you discover some other healthy way to reduce weight, don’t forget to share it with us.

Last week’s question:
According to Biblical mythology, what gifts did the Magi or Three Wise Men (depicted through models in picture left) bring for infant Jesus in Bethlehem?

The correct answer for last week’s question is:
Gold, frankincense and myrrh

The reader who gave the correct answer is:
Suyash Karn
Class VIII C, DAV Public School, Samastipur

This week’s question:
Identify this Australian cricketer. (in picture right)
Clue: He took six wickets in the first Test with India at Melbourne

Readers can send their answers to ttbihar@abp.in
Remember to mention your name, address, class, school and email id with the answers.
Please send only one answer for the question.

STAR SPOT

Shamsul Arfin Class XI BD Public School

Different road…

Shamsul Arfin has chosen for himself. He is serious about pursuing his passion for squash. His present aim: selection in the 35th National Games at Kerala in January 2012.

Speed & force…

Are two reasons why a “not-so-followed” sport like squash attracts 16-year-old Shamsul. He believes squash is one of the fastest games in the world and requires a lot of stamina.

Big challenge…

Shamsul faced in October this year when he participated in a national-level squash tournament held at Udaipur, Rajasthan.

He qualified for the quarter finals.

Success in sport…

Shamsul tasted in 2009 when he stood third in a state-level tournament organised at Bankipore Club. In January last year, he was awarded Rs 1,500 for reaching the top 10 at a squash tournament in New Delhi.

Strong support…

For Shamsul is his coach, Anil Lal, who has helped him master the game.

Family and friends…

Keep Shamsul motivated. His parents, Mohammad Zafir Ahmad and Rumana Khatoon, have always encouraged him to pursue his passion.

Multi-talented…

Is Shamsul. He has also played table tennis and basketball at school level.

Master techie…

Shamsul aspires to be. He plans to become an engineer when he grows up.

Smita Kumar

My Take

MY LAST YEAR IN SCHOOL

2011 will be over in a few hours. This year has been really special for me. In 2012, I will pass out from my school and step into a life full of new challenges and aspirations.

As I look back at 2011, I see mixed moments of befitting success and heartbreaking losses.

To begin with, I won the first prize at a state-level essay competition organised by Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. A senior judge of Patna High Court gave me the prize and complimented me for my essay. Everybody, from my schoolteachers and classmates, praised me. I was very happy.

In May, former President APJ Abdul Kalam came to Patna. Like other academic institutions, my school too decided to send a few students to interact with the visiting dignitary. The teacher in-charge and students unanimously chose me to represent my school. My friends said: 'You are the best among us.' I was overwhelmed with their affection and respect. The very thought of leaving this school and my friends next year brought tears in my eyes.

Two months later, the bright colours in my life seemed to eclipse, all because of an error in my judgement. I represented my school in a quiz competition organised by Limca Book of Records but because of a wrong answer, we were not able to qualify for the national-level competition. I was dumbstruck at my own carelessness. Although I hoped for a miracle in the results, little happened to dispel my gloom.

I was forgiven for my mistake. My principal told me: 'Mistakes happen but a good person is one who never repeats them.' His words changed my approach and perception toward life.

We realise the worth of something when we lose it. Now, almost at the end of my school life, I suddenly don't want to leave all this. But, I can't because life must go on, to the joy of something new.

Bhaskar Bhushan,
Class XII
Gyan Niketan, Patna