Training

Is war a debate, a dilemma or a drama? Or can it be a poem? A class contemplates its many meanings

- Gogu Shyamala

How does one teach war to students? How do I begin today? What aspects should I focus on? How do I end? What is the message I would want them to take away? It's tough to introduce the concept of war at this tender age. The questions swarmed like fruit flies in Shantipriya's head. There is no way to know how these children will react—will they get scared or retaliate—who is to know?

She got off the bus as she struggled with these thoughts. She headed towards the government school, a half-hour walk from the bus stop. She reminded herself of what Jawaharlal Nehru had said: The future of our nation is dependent on our students; within the four walls of a classroom are the citizens of tomorrow. The responsibility of nurturing these future citizens is in the hands of teachers. It reassured her.

She looked at her watch: twenty past nine. She had the time to stop at the chai shop next to the school. Probably the best way to escape her scurrying thoughts. She heard her phone's ringtone calling out to her from inside her bag; she took it out to see it was her dear friend Geetha calling. Ah! There is no escape from war after all!

“Hi, Geetha!”

“Hi, Shanti. Are you at school?”

“I am on my way.”

“Not to disturb, I just wanted to update you about our project, ‘War and Peace.’ A lot of people have sent us their poems. I am waiting for a few senior writers to send their work as well; they should be in my inbox by this evening. I wanted to remind you about your contribution as well. As the editors of this anthology and as poets ourselves, it would be great to have our work—Anand’s, yours and mine—be part of this collection.”