Book Competition Winners – December 1, 2019

9 years and below
A dream I had
I had a dream last night. I met a total stranger who gave me a big parcel. He said that the parcel was for me and that a friend of mine had sent it. I was quite doubtful about it but I opened it. I was happily surprised to find some lovely clothes inside. But when I was about to wear them, I opened my eyes only to realize that it was all a dream.
A few months passed when I really received a parcel from a friend which was very similar to the one in my dream. A friend of mine had sent it making my dream a reality. I hope I get such pleasant dreams of this kind in the future too and that they turn out to be blissful reality.
Aysha Manaal (9 years)
Ilma Int. Girls’ School


10 – 12 years
A rainy day
October was the month of rain. As I got up early on a Saturday morning, the sky was filled with heavy black clouds. It started to drizzle. After having my breakfast and a warm glass of milk, I went to my neighbour Amna’s house. She was delighted to see me as her mother had strictly warned her not to go out in the rain. We played Monopoly, Ludo and a game of Snakes and Ladders.
In the meantime drizzle changed into light rain and then into a heavy down pour. We watched the rain trickle down the window. Some old men scrambled under dripping trees. The rain continued for three hours. The weather became cold and we got bored played games.
The rain stopped and a cool breeze began to blow. Both of us decided to take a walk. The streets were full of water. There was no dust in the air. The leaves on the trees looked green and fresh. A sweet muddy smell came through the wet earth. Frogs croaked. Children sailed paper boats in puddles. It was a beautiful sight. We returned home. It was a fully enjoyable walk on a rainy day.
Safiyyah Rameez (10 years)
Evergreen Int. Academy


13 – 15 years
What I think about Freedom of Speech
Freedom of speech is one of the basic rights given to the citizens of most countries across the globe. There are a few countries such as North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Belarus, Iran, Burma and Libya that do not give the right of freedom of speech to their citizens.
The ancient Greeks pioneered Free Speech as a democratic principle. The Greek word ‘Parrhesia’, means ‘Free Speech’ or ‘to speak candidly’. The term first appeared in Greek literature around the end of the fifth century B.C.
During the classical period, parrhesia became a fundamental part of the democracy of Athens. Leaders, philosophers, playwrights and early day Athenians, were free to openly discuss politics and religion and to criticize the government in some settings.
While freedom of speech allows an individual to share his/her thoughts and ideas and contribute towards the betterment of their society and fellow citizens, there are many disadvantages attached to it too. Many people misuse this freedom. They do not just express their views but also impose them on others. Some views such as that related to the activities of different religious groups have even given rise to religious riots in the past. This damages the peace and harmony in the society.
Freedom of speech and expression is a basic human right that must be given to citizens of each country. It empowers them to share their views and thoughts. Every citizen should have this right and it must be defined clearly by making groups, organizations and giving lectures to schools, college and companies so it helps to bring positive change in the individual as well as the society and does not disturb normal functioning.
Sivanuja Sivarajah (14 years)
J/Mahajana College, Tellipalai