"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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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.
Meet the Robotics Marvels
They may look like regular teenagers, but this team of 10 children share a dream of participating in the world's biggest robotics challenge for high schoolers.
THE HOUR OF GHOSTLY VISITS
Bua, our aunt, had come to stay B with us from the village for three days, and I was thrilled because her visits always meant a treasure trove of stories.
THE HOUSE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL
Twilight was setting in the sky.
SPOOKY NIGHT
It was late at night. Dodo deer was returning to the jungle from the city.
The Taste of Coffee
Ginny goat happily entered a field and was -enjoying the green grass when the owner of the field ran after her with a stick. Ginny ran speedily and hid inside a truck parked on the roadside. She had grazed a lot of grass, so she felt lazy and fell asleep.
Ravana Burst with Pomp and Show
The festival of Dussehra was approaching, so the teachers and students were busy preparing for the three-day fair organised every year on this special occasion in the school. This year the responsibility of staging Ramleela in the fair was given to the students of classes 3rd, 4th, and 5th. On the other hand, the children of classes 6th, 7th and 8th were given the responsibility of making Ravana effigies.
Here Comes Gandhi Baba
\"Bapu, where are you going so early in the morning?\" Gandhi Baba's revolutionary companions in Sky Park asked. He smiled.
