Activity room

Today's news is tomorrow's history. This is very apt, especially with regard to political events which more often than not undergo myriad changes within a short time. Think of what happened in Tamil Nadu a fortnight ago. The newly elected AIADMK government was in a spot for arresting the former Chief Minister of the State, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, on charges of corruption, in a manner that invited criticism from several quarters including the press. Ms. Fathima Beevi, the then Governor, was blamed by the Union Cabinet for failing to live up to the constitutional obligations of her office. Even before the Cabinet's recommendation, of invoking Article 156 (1) on the governor, could formally reach the President Mr. K. R. Narayanan, the governor resigned.

Know the Constitution: Now, what does Article 156 (1) say? Refer The Hindu dated July 2, 2001.

Article 257, Article 355 and Article 356 were also discussed during the proceedings of the episode. Find out what each of the Articles stands for and under what circumstances they can be invoked.

Know your government: The newspaper is a powerful instrument that captures incidents and happenings on every front and on a day-to- day basis provides it to the people. If you want to update yourself on current events, get interested in reading news items that involve your government. Look in the newspaper for a government-related story that you think will make history. Write a summary of the event the way it might some day appear in your history textbook.

The changing world: Every deed must at some point of time have been a thought. It is important to keep pace with the field of science and technology irrespective of what your stream of education is. Scan the newspaper for articles on advancements in medical science. Discuss how the invention of a pill or any such breakthrough can alter the course of your life, your family, your neighbourhood and your country at large.

Towards better living: Using the newspaper, you can also learn how hygiene, nutrition and lifestyle choices affect you. For example, browse the employment section of the classified ads and make a list of the jobs that require the most physical activity. Chart out the hazards of such professions. Look for jobs that involves only desk work and write out ways how one can stay fit in inactive jobs.

It's our land: Come summer and almost the whole of India reels under the spell of the sun. The groundwater level goes down and projects like ground water harvesting and recycling do not seem to bring very successful results. The Hindu dated July 2 and July 5, 2001 had carried many news reports on the prevailing drought conditions across the country. Find out the degree to which each State has been affected by the water crisis.

Remember, local problems and events hold as much significance as international issues. Form two groups in your class. One group could write a letter seeking help to tackle the water scarcity problem. The other group could write a letter suggesting a way out of the situation.

There can be no better tool than the newspaper to learn from and grow with. Make the most of it.

SUBAJAYANTHI WILSON

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