The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet

 The last lesson is an interesting memory of a little boy Franz when the Prussian occupation of Alsace and Lorraine led to the imposition of German language in these parts.

The diction employed by the author and the revelation of the childish thoughts of the protagonist weave a memorable kaleidoscope of life in a sleepy village. It is shaken up by the war and all the changes slapped on due to change in governance. Though the village elders realise what is happening, the changes, the surreptitious snatching away of the identity of the people and their inability to resist is sensitively portrayed through the point of view of the narrator, merely a boy then.

The characterisation of the carefree village boy Franz, happy to collect bird's eggs, go for a swim in the river or just watch the Prussians at their drill juxtaposed with that of the experienced old French teacher M. Hamel brings out the innocencet as Franz wonders if the pigeons would be forced to coo in German. 

The transition in the attitude of the student who is scared of the teacher's wrath to admiration and understanding, simultaneously the change in the stern teacher to one of soft unconditional love is emotionally stirring.

 The English Project - Researching, scripting and performing a One Act Play

The English Project chosen for the year was to write, produce and perform a One Act play. The students worked hard to understand the different elements of Drama, as they brainstormed what they would like to present to the rest of their school. It was tough deciding on any one theme. Lots of disagreements, debates and arguments later the teams settled on their themes and went about scripting their play.

They had to bear in mind characterisation, their message to their peer group as well as be creative in connecting with their audience. 

Being online had its own limitations and challenges. The students did their best to meet online after school. 

Till the very end they were not able to find time to practice physically as coordination was difficult. 

But the final day, everyone's commitment and dedication towards their team bore fruits. It was interesting to watch the shy and reticent students speak confidently and impress the audience. 

A very engaging and enriching experience for all. The highest attribute of  the Bloom's Taxonomy was hence achieved through collaborative means.

Indigo

 Indigo

A touching excerpt, throwing light on the pathetic state of share croppers during the British regime, 'Indigo' highlights the humble beginnings of  the fight for self governance. 

The role played by Gandhiji and other educated people, like lawyers, who stood up for the rights of the peasants, challenging the authority of the landlords and became a force to reckon with, is clearly etched.

The fact is that it was a person like Gandhiji who could visualise the need to free the minds, of the simple peasants, (who had a hand to mouth existence) from oppression by the landlords. 

The peasants won their case and the landlords lost face, though they had to pay merely 25% compensation, the moral and emotional victory was unsurmountable in the nondescript town of Champaran, and India.