Letter from the border

Atharv Sangar, AIS Vas 1, IX C

The tricoloured flag fluttered, visible from miles away as it stood tall atop its post in Ladakh. Staring at the flag, soldier Arjun took out a folded letter from his pocket, not for posting but to be read at his school on Independence Day. Proud of his journey from an isolated village to the Indian Army, the school had invited him to hoist the national flag on Independence Day. During his last visit to alma mater, a bright student named Meera had asked him, "Fauji sir, is our flag the biggest in the world?" He had said proudly, "No, but to us, our flag is our biggest pride."

Back in Ladakh, the night was colder than usual. Suddenly, his commanding officer arrived, "Arjun, the intelligence bureau has indicated possible activity today. Be alert." At midnight, he added his final words and tucked the letter in his pocket. His words showed he was unsure of his fate: "Bachho, if for some reason I wasn’t able to come, you all must hoist the flag. Stand straight and sing as loud as you can. And remember, freedom is not free. It is paid for by the men and women on the border. Jai Hind!"

The noise of gunfire tore through the peaceful dawn. Arjun and his platoon took their position, protecting the flag overhead. At 9AM, the shots finally ceased. The tricolour flew bright, but Arjun’s hands were shining with a familiar red. As the commanding officer kneeled next to him, Arjun handed him the letter with a weak smile, "Please read it to the kids."

On August 15, the entire village gathered and Meera pulled the rope to hoist the tricolour. Everyone sang the National Anthem with all their might. They cheered, but their eyes were tearful. It wasn’t every day that they realised how precious freedom was. The flag post now housed a new plaque reading, ‘Infantry Soldier Arjun - He stood tall so we could rise.’

Tricoloured salad punch

Sivya Aggarwal, AIS Noida, LKG F

Ingredients               
Carrots 2
Cucumbers 2
Curd ½ kg
Salt As per taste
Pepper As per taste

Procedure 
����Put the curd in a strainer for 2 hours. Keep the hung curd in the fridge until cold.
����With the help of an adult, slice the carrots and cucumbers in circles of medium thickness.
����Arrange the green cucumber roundels in a row on a plate. Spread a thick layer of hung curd on top of it. Finish the tricolour by covering the hung spread with orange carrot circles.
����Sprinkle salt and pepper and it’s ready to eat.

Indian diary

Jayas Kumar, AGS Noida, IG2

The Indian Diary has far much to say

With moments of pleasure and dismay

It stands unwavering as a voice of truth

The pulse of citizens and heart of youth

This ancient record spans a golden age

Wheels of progress write a modern page

A rhythmic march of history moves along

Where temple bells and sacrifices belong

Here, rich heritages are saved and known

In every faith and ancient custom sown

Where fearless patriots forged a revolution

With burning courage and precise execution

This sacred ledger shares a moral creed

A visual canvas calling out for our deed

To match the blaze of a newly gained glory

And light the lamps of an eternal story.