Saif and Preity opt for live-in-relationship to know each other better. A Telegraph file picture

An unconventional movie that I watched recently was the Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta starrer ? Salaam Namaste. Both of them are not ready for marriage but ready to try out a live-in arrangement, so that they can take their time and get to know each other better. How they adjust to each other, the joys they share and the problems they face, is what the film is all about.

I found the movie unusual as it was based on the concept of a ?live-in-relationship?.Not very common in our films.

Though I appreciate that a new concept was tried out, I also feel that in a way, the film has conveyed the wrong message to the younger generation. It glamourises the live-in relationship and many young people may get a wrong message from it, thinking it?s an acceptable thing to do. But the truth is that the concept defies the Indian culture and is alien to it. It?s not accepted as very normal. So while it works in the film, the idea may not really click in reality.

Sukant Kumar,

St Xavier's College, Ranchi.

Welcome break

The puja holidays this year came as a welcome relief from the tensions of second term exams. And for me, it was bonus as it came after a lot of gruelling work I put in for the exams. It was indeed a welcome change as all of us got a chance to meet up with our friends and have a blast.

While some of us went to our favourite locations, for the rest of the people it was pandal-hopping. As for me, I am a little tensed thinking about how I fared in my exams.

As soon as classes resume I will get my papers. That will ease out some tensed shoulders, bringing smiles to the faces but some lips will bend downwards into a frown.

But life means walking hand in hand with success and failure and we must all accept that. Though the thought of exam results is making me a little apprehensive, I will not let it dampen my spirits.

Arundhati Bakshi

Sacred Heart Convent School, Jamshedpur

Aussie sensation

My favourite cricket star is Adam Craig Gilchrist, the Australian vice -captain. When the Australian comes with a willow in between that twenty two yards of the ground and starts scoring runs, he leaves all spellbound especially the team he is playing against.

His batting technique, placement of the ball in between two fielders, presence of mind and running between wickets are just awesome. He always keeps the opponent on their toes, in an anguish and on the tenterhooks as long as he stays on the crease.

Some players use manual power to score, but Gilchrist uses only his mind and technique to score runs.

He is equally good with gloves behind the wickets. He keeps against the great pace of McGrath and Lee as well as against the great spinner like Shane Warne.

I personally consider Gilchrist as one of the best all-rounders in the modern cricket.

Nilabjo Chakarborty, D.A.V Jawahar Vidya Mandir,

Shayamli, Ranchi

Honesty: best policy

My parents have the greatest influence on my life because they have inculcated values of honesty in me.

Right from my childhood they have taught me never to be dishonest and speak the truth without any fear.

All through their lives, people indulge in dishonest means, and today dishonesty has become a rampant practice.

I would like to say to the world my parents may just be people, but for me, they are my world.

Days are not far when honesty would just remain a bookish word for most of us in the world.

An honest person will never stoop down life, may be the world would abandon him but he would always be there and in the long run he will always be the winner.

A.M. Vandana

St. Mary's English School,

Jamshedpur