"MASS-ACRE - Meaning lots of land?" Udaya scratched his head as he squinted at the word in front of him.
"Plural of MASCARA?" Nivi giggled. She was the fashionista of the class.
After coming up with no other meanings, the class turned to Kanchana ma'am for its actual meaning.
It was a routine of the class to come up with meanings, which they felt suited the word before they learned what the word meant.
Kanchana ma'am wanted her students to be able to think outside the box. She wanted them to learn new things about their surroundings and history. She felt that only textbook learning was no good.
"MASSACRE- means to kill in large numbers." She looked around, ensuring that the attention was on her. "To kill people who are unarmed and do not fight back."
The class fell silent. It was indeed a very deep word for the students and definitely not an everyday word, and not one for young minds.
"But why would anyone kill in such a manner? It is inhumane and unethical," Sachdev was the first one to recover from the enormity of the word.
"True, Sachdev. But, in real life, such incidents do happen," Kanchana ma'am said.
"If I come across an anthill and pour a bucket full of water on it, will it become a massacre? Or maybe if I kill freshlybloomed flowers for no reason, will it become a massacre?" Kirthi asked, trying to understand the word better.
Kanchana ma'am thought for a while.
"Technically, yes, you can call it that. But, generally for animals, insects and flowers too, we use the term 'Butcher' or 'Slaughter'. 'Massacre' is a term used mostly for human beings."
"Can you give us an example of such an incident, ma'am? I don't think people can do such things," Priya asked.
Kanchana ma'am closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She knew her class would ask this question and that was the reason she chose the word for today as well.
She began narrating.
Denne historien er fra April First 2024-utgaven av Champak.
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Denne historien er fra April First 2024-utgaven av Champak.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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FINDERS, KEEPERS
Raji came out of her cool, thatched roof hut. The rough, sun-baked ground scorched her little feet. She looked up at the sun - it was still not very high in the sky. Judging by its position, Raji guessed it was around ten o'clock...
A Dog Named DOT
Dogs like Dot are found a dime a dozen on Chennai streets. Diya could never understand why that one particular dog who was just like any other brown and white dog, chose to pull at her heartstrings...
THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION
10-year-old Mayank had just opened his tiffin box to eat when the aroma of his food spread through the class...
TARUN'S TALE
\"Stories should be like a breath of fresh air. They should give strength to our souls,\" Tarun's grandmother told him...
The Forest Lesson
Once upon a time, in a deep, green forest humming with life, there lived a fox named Foxy. Foxy was known for his sharp mind and charm, yet he often exaggerated his adventures. His best friends were Sandy sparrow, Rosy rabbit and Timmy turtle...
The Story of a Visionary
A few years after India's independence, the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as 'Chacha Nehru,' visited a small village...
Poppy and Karan's Masterchef Mummy
\"What have you made this time, Mummy?\"...
The Mighty Mouse
Ricky mouse emerged from his hole and set off for some work. Katie cat spotted him and dashed to catch him.
Halloween Costume Party
Nandu was the first one to reach Soham's house for the Halloween party.
A FAIR EX CHANGE
Mani heard Thatha arguing with his friend as he entered the hall.
