The author, a police superintendent, recounts a busy tenure in Gujarat. He managed a flood, plague refugees, an election, and a prime ministerial visit. A key event involved resurfacing a helipad for the PM. The District Collector, known for frugality, revealed he'd once used cow dung paste for the same purpose, amusing the election observer. (This summary is generated via AI.)
The Middle View More 
The India-Pakistan conflict remains unresolved despite cultural exchange and shared history. Personal experiences highlight warm hospitality and commonalities, contrasting with political tensions. India's economic strength necessitates strategic restraint, while Pakistan needs economic repair. The author hopes for peace and an end to bloodshed along the border. (This summary is generated via AI.)
The author, a researcher with Pakistani Muslim friends, observed diverse perspectives on Bakrid. Contrary to common belief, many Muslims, including vegetarians, do not sacrifice animals. They believe the focus should be on sacrificing ego, not an animal. This highlights the ignorance fueling inter-communal conflict. (This summary is generated via AI.)
In the summer of 1953, the author moved from Poona to Delhi and was enrolled in the Convent of Jesus and Mary (CJM). Initially, she was met with resistance from the principal, but her father's persistence and her good academic record secured her admission. She was then placed in Class V under the strict and critical Miss Rondo, who immediately branded her a 'dunce.' Due to a misunderstanding, the author was placed in Class III, where she thrived and was warmly welcomed, achieving good grades. However, she was placed back in Miss Rondo's Class V. Miss Rondo imposed strict rules, including fines and humiliating punishments for clumsiness. Despite the author's efforts to improve and her participation in school activities, Miss Rondo consistently belittled and condemned her, refusing to acknowledge her talents. This contrasted sharply with the kindness and support the author received from her teacher Miss Saldana, creating a clear division in her childhood memories of teachers. (This summary is generated via AI.)
This article reflects on a childhood lived with a built-in environmental consciousness, contrasting it with the modern emphasis on convenience. The author reminisces about a time when reusable glass bottles for drinks and milk, along with cloth shopping bags, were the norm, creating a cyclical and low-waste lifestyle. Reusing items like jars, newspapers, and old clothes was also commonplace. However, the article notes a shift towards single-use plastics and disposable packaging, driven by convenience, which ultimately led to a disconnect from the environment. The author concludes that while environmental awareness is now prominent, the practices of the past, such as reusing and reducing waste, offered a simpler, more sustainable way of life that we should consider returning to. (This summary is generated via AI.)
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