SANT ATULANAND CONVENT SCHOOL

Holiday Homework
(Class XII)

"A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.”
-Earl Wilson
We believe some of your best ideas come when you are on vacation. Therefore you were given
some assignments to do while being on vacation. So, here is an answer for those assignments
provided by Kartikey Singh. If you like, you can write these answers. Otherwise you can try your
own.

Assignment I.

ABC School
123 Main Street
New Delhi - 110001
10th June 2023

Ms. Shaheen Mistri

Founder and CEO
Teach For India
456 Park Avenue
Mumbai - 400001

Subject: Invitation to inaugurate the 'FREE EDUCATION CAMP'

Respected Madam,

Greetings from ABC School!

We are organizing a 'FREE EDUCATION CAMP' for the underprivileged children from the
nearby slums from 12th June to 12th July 2023 at our school.

The camp will provide education and development opportunities to the children who lack regular
schooling. The camp will also involve our students and teachers as volunteers and mentors.

We are greatly inspired by your vision and work as the Founder and CEO of Teach For India.
We invite you to inaugurate the camp and address the gathering on 12th June 2023 at 10:00 am
in our school auditorium.

Please confirm your availability at secretary@abcschool.com or +91-1234567890.

We look forward to hosting you at our school.

Yours sincerely,
Vaibhav
Secretary of the School Council
ABC School

OR

1. Unity is often celebrated as a virtue that brings people together and fosters harmony and
peace. However, unity can also be used as a tool to justify and perpetuate racism and
discrimination. When unity is based on the exclusion or oppression of certain groups, it
becomes a form of violence and injustice. Unity that does not respect diversity and human rights
is not true unity, but a false sense of solidarity that masks the underlying inequalities and
conflicts. Therefore, unity should not be pursued at the stake of racism, but rather as a means to
challenge and overcome it. Unity should be built on the recognition and appreciation of the
differences and similarities among people, and on the commitment to uphold the dignity and
rights of all.

2. Unity is a powerful force for positive change in the world. When people unite around a
common cause, vision or goal, they can achieve more than they could individually. Unity can
also foster mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among people of different
backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Some examples of unity that have brought change in the
world are:
- The civil rights movement in the US, which united people of different races and religions to
fight for equality and justice.
- The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, which united people of different ethnicities and
political affiliations to end racial segregation and oppression.
- The environmental movement, which unites people of different countries and generations to
protect the planet and its resources.
However, unity is not always easy or automatic. It requires effort, dialogue, compromise and
tolerance. It also requires overcoming the barriers of racism, prejudice, ignorance and fear that
often divide people and hinder their potential for collaboration. Unity is not the same as
uniformity or conformity; it does not mean erasing or suppressing one's identity or differences.
Rather, it means celebrating diversity and finding common ground. Unity is a choice and a
responsibility that each of us can make and share.

3. Unity is a noble ideal that many people and organizations aspire to achieve. However, unity
does not always prevail in reality, as there are many challenges and obstacles that hinder it.
Some of these challenges are:
- Racism, prejudice and discrimination that create divisions and conflicts among people of
different races, ethnicities, religions and cultures.
- Poverty, inequality and injustice that prevent people from accessing basic rights and
opportunities and create resentment and frustration.
- Violence, terrorism and war that destroy lives, communities and trust and fuel hatred and fear.
- Environmental degradation, climate change and resource depletion that threaten the survival
and well-being of all living beings.
To overcome these challenges and promote unity in reality, we need to work together across
borders, sectors and disciplines. We need to respect diversity and human dignity, foster
dialogue and cooperation, promote peace and justice, and protect the planet and its resources.
We need to learn from the examples of unity that have brought positive change in the world,
such as the civil rights movement, the anti-apartheid movement, the environmental movement
and others. We need to realize that we are all interconnected and interdependent, and that our
common future depends on our collective actions.

4. Racism is a social evil that harms individuals and society. It is based on the false belief that
some races are superior or inferior to others, and it leads to discrimination, oppression, violence
and hatred. To curb racism at our level, we can do the following:
- Educate ourselves and others about the history and effects of racism and how to recognize
and challenge it.
- Check our own biases and privileges and learn from people of different races and cultures.
- Speak up and take action when we witness or experience racism, whether in person or online.
- Support anti-racist organizations and movements that work for racial justice and equality.
- Cultivate empathy and compassion for people of all races and backgrounds and celebrate
diversity as a strength.

Assignment II.

Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murty is a collection of 51 short stories based on the author's
real-life experiences. The stories are simple yet profound, touching upon various aspects of
human nature and society. The stories are set in different parts of India, reflecting the diversity
and richness of the country's culture and traditions. The stories also showcase the author's
compassion and empathy for the people she encounters, especially the underprivileged and
marginalized sections of society.
The book is a salute to life, as the title suggests, as it celebrates the joys and sorrows, the
triumphs and tragedies, the wisdom and folly of ordinary people. The stories are narrated in a
simple and engaging manner, with a touch of humor and irony. The stories also convey some
important messages and lessons about values, ethics, morality, kindness, generosity, honesty,
courage, justice, and humanity.

The book is an inspiring and enlightening read that will make you reflect on your own life and
actions. It will also make you appreciate the beauty and diversity of India and its people. The
book is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that are realistic, meaningful, and heart-
warming.

OR

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is a classic novel that depicts the harsh realities of Victorian
England through the eyes of a young orphan boy. The novel follows Oliver's journey from a
miserable workhouse to a life of crime and danger in London, where he encounters various
characters such as the Artful Dodger, Fagin, Nancy, Bill Sikes, and Monks. The novel exposes
the social evils of poverty, injustice, exploitation, and corruption that plagued the society at that
time. The novel also explores the themes of identity, innocence, morality, and redemption.

The novel is a masterpiece of storytelling, with a gripping plot, vivid descriptions, and
memorable characters. The novel also uses satire, irony, and humor to criticize the hypocrisy
and cruelty of the institutions and individuals that oppress the poor and the helpless. The novel
appeals to both the emotions and the intellect of the readers, as it evokes sympathy for Oliver
and his friends, and challenges them to question the status quo and seek for social change.

The novel is relevant even today, as it raises important issues such as child abuse, human
trafficking, domestic violence, and class discrimination that still exist in many parts of the world.
The novel also inspires hope and courage in the face of adversity, as it shows that even in the
darkest situations, there is always a possibility of finding kindness, love, and happiness.

A similar kind of story by an Indian author is Godan by Munshi Premchand, which portrays the
life and struggles of a poor farmer in rural India during the colonial era. The novel depicts the
exploitation and oppression of the peasants by the landlords, moneylenders, and officials. The
novel also explores the themes of dignity, sacrifice, faith, and social reform.

Assignment III.

Characters:
Franz: A young schoolboy who regrets not learning French
M. Hamel: The French teacher who gives his last lesson
The villagers: The elders who attend the last lesson
The Prussian soldiers: The invaders who occupy the region and ban French
The narrator: The voice that introduces and concludes the play

Scene:
A schoolroom in a village in Alsace-Lorraine, a region of France that has been taken over by
Prussia. A blackboard, a desk, and some benches are seen. A large poster with the words
"Order of Berlin" is hung on the wall.

(Franz enters, running and panting. He is late for school.)

Franz (soliloquy): Oh no! I'm late for school! I hope M. Hamel won't scold me. He is so strict. He
always makes me recite the rules of participles, which I hate. I wish I could skip school and
enjoy this beautiful day outside.

(He reaches the door of the schoolroom and hesitates.)

Franz (soliloquy): What's this? The school is so quiet. Usually there is a lot of noise. And what is
that poster on the wall? It says "Order of Berlin". It must be something new that the Prussians
have put up.

(He opens the door and enters timidly.)

Franz (soliloquy): Oh! What a sight! The schoolroom is full of people. Not only the children, but
also the villagers. They are all wearing their best clothes. And M. Hamel! He is wearing his
beautiful green coat and his frilled shirt. He looks so sad. And he doesn't scold me for being
late. He just says:

M. Hamel: Go to your seat quickly, little Franz. We were going to begin without you.

Franz (soliloquy): What does he mean? What are they going to begin? What is going on here?

(He goes to his seat and looks around.)

Franz (soliloquy): My last lesson in French! How can that be? How can they stop us from
learning our own language?

(He feels a sudden surge of emotion.)

Franz (soliloquy): Oh! How I wish I had paid more attention to my lessons! How I wish I had
learned French properly! How I wish I had listened to M. Hamel and respected him more!

(He looks at M. Hamel, who is standing at his desk, holding a piece of chalk.)
M. Hamel (loudly): My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from
Berlin that only German shall be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. Today you must
say goodbye to your French language, which is forbidden to you now.

(He pauses and looks around the room.)

M. Hamel (loudly): It is a great loss, my children. A great loss for all of us. For your French
language is the most beautiful language in the world. It is the language of liberty and reason. It
is the language of your country, your heritage, your history.

(He pauses again and wipes his eyes.)

M. Hamel (loudly): And it is not only for you, my children, that I say this. It is also for myself, and
for all these good people who have come here today to show their respect and their love for
their language.

(He points to himself.)

M. Hamel (loudly): I, too, am guilty. I, too, have not done my duty as a teacher.

(He points to the villagers.)

M. Hamel (loudly): And you, too, are guilty. You, too, have not done your duty as parents or
citizens.

(He points to Franz.)

M. Hamel (loudly): And you, little Franz, you are guilty too.

(Franz feels ashamed and lowers his head.)

M. Hamel (loudly): But do not despair, my children. Do not lose hope.

(He raises his voice.)

M. Hamel (loudly): Remember, my children, remember! Remember your French language and
cherish it in your hearts!

(He picks up a book.)

M. Hamel (loudly): And now, my children, let us begin our last lesson.

(He opens the book and reads aloud.)

M. Hamel (loudly): The rule for the participle is...

(Franz listens attentively and repeats after him.)

Franz (soliloquy): The rule for the participle is...

Narrator: The last lesson goes on until noon. M. Hamel teaches with passion and patience. The
students listen with attention and respect. The villagers watch with emotion and gratitude.

(The clock strikes twelve.)

M. Hamel (loudly): That's all, my children.

(He closes the book and puts down the chalk.)

M. Hamel (loudly): That's all.

(He stands up and looks at the blackboard.)

M. Hamel (soliloquy): That's all.

(He sees the words "Vive la France!" that he has written on the board earlier.)

M. Hamel (soliloquy): Vive la France!

(He turns to the class.)

M. Hamel (loudly): Vive la France!

(He raises his hand in a salute.)

M. Hamel (aside): God bless France!

OR

The Last Lesson: A Reminder of Our Colonial Past.

Hello, readers! Today I want to share with you my thoughts on a short story that I read recently.
It is called “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet, a French writer who lived in the 19th century.
The story is set in Alsace-Lorraine, a region of France that was annexed by Prussia during the
Franco-Prussian War in 1870. The story tells about a young schoolboy named Franz, who goes
to his school one day and finds out that it is his last lesson of French. The Prussian authorities
have ordered that French teaching be banned in the region, and that German be imposed as
the only language.
As I read this story, I couldn’t help but think of the similar circumstances that my own country
went through under British colonial rule. India was under British rule for almost two centuries,
from the 17th to the mid-20th century. The British rule started with the East India Company, a
private company that traded spices and other goods, and later became a political power that
controlled most of India. The British government took over the direct administration of India in
1858, after a rebellion by Indian soldiers, and established the British Raj.

The British Raj had a significant impact on the economic, social, and political conditions of India.
Many Indians suffered from poverty, famines, and oppression during British rule. India also lost
its traditional industries, such as handicrafts and textiles, and became a producer of cash crops
for the British market. India gained its independence from Britain in 1947, after a long struggle
led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.

One of the most lasting effects of British rule in India was the imposition of English as the official
language of administration and education. The British believed that English was superior to the
native languages of India, and that it would civilize and modernize the Indians. They also
wanted to create a class of Indians who would be loyal to them and serve their interests. They
introduced English-medium schools and colleges, where Indian students were taught English
literature, history, and culture. They also discouraged or banned the use of Indian languages in
public spheres.

This policy had a profound impact on the linguistic diversity and identity of India. India has
hundreds of languages and dialects, each with its own history and culture. Some of these
languages have ancient roots and rich literary traditions. These languages reflect the diversity
and richness of India’s culture and heritage.

However, under British rule, many Indians felt ashamed or inferior for speaking their own
languages. They felt that they had to learn English to get ahead in life or to be respected by
others. They also felt that they had to adopt Western values and lifestyles to be modern and
progressive. Many Indians lost touch with their own languages and cultures, and became
alienated from their own roots.

That is why I think “The Last Lesson” is a powerful reminder for us to cherish and preserve our
linguistic diversity and identity. It is a reminder for us to respect and appreciate our own
languages as well as those of others. It is a reminder for us to learn from our colonial past and
not repeat its mistakes.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please share your comments and feedback below.