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Chandamama 3 January 2007 CMYK HONOUR TO CHANDAMAMA With its 60th birthday fast approaching in another six months, the services of your favourite magazine, Chandamama, to the growing generation were recognised recently by the TTTTTeeeeellllluuuuuggggguuuuu SSSSSaaaaammmmmssssskkkkkrrrrruuuuutttttiiiii VVVVViiiiikkkkkaaaaasssssaaaaa VVVVVeeeeedddddiiiiikkkkkaaaaa at Tirupati and SSSSSrrrrriiiii VVVVVeeeeennnnnkkkkkaaaaattttteeeeessssswwwwwaaaaarrrrraaaaa BBBBBaaaaalllllaaaaa KKKKKuuuuuttttteeeeeeeeeerrrrr, Guntur, where the magazine's efforts to enrich children's literature were recalled, and your Editor was personally honoured. His 40 years' association with the magazine as Editor and Publisher came in for special commendation and words of appreciation, which he promptly dedicated to the magazine and its founders. CCCCChhhhhaaaaannnnndddddaaaaammmmmaaaaammmmmaaaaa wishes to thank the two organisations for choosing this 60-year-old children's magazine for being honoured. CCCCChhhhhaaaaannnnndddddmmmmmaaaaammmmmaaaaa owes this honour to its readers, admirers and well-wishers. CCCCChhhhhaaaaannnnndddddaaaaammmmmaaaaammmmmaaaaa wishes to thank its readers for their unstinted support all these years. CCCCChhhhhaaaaannnnndddddaaaaammmmmaaaaammmmmaaaaa hopes to enjoy their patronage in the coming years. CCCCChhhhhaaaaannnnndddddaaaaammmmmaaaaammmmmaaaaa wishes to thank both the print and electronic media for their appreciation of the magazine’s progress. - Publisher Chandamama 3 January 2007 CMYK VOL. 38 JANUARY 2007 NO. 01 7 The Magical C O N T E N T S Sword (Vikram and Vetala) (cid:2) Mail Bag ...06 (cid:2) Indiascope ...11 12 (cid:2) A Parable from Swami The Tremor Ramtheerth ...15 (Ruskin Bond) (cid:2) Science Fair ...18 (cid:2) The Fearless Four (Comics) ... 20 (cid:2) Self Criticism 16 (A Jataka tale) ...24 Father and Son (A page from (cid:2) Under a Curse ...30 Indian history) (cid:2) Kaleidoscope ...33 (cid:2) Book Review ...37 (cid:2) The Master of the Clouds 26 (From the Arabian Nights) ...38 A Just Verdict (cid:2) A Fraudulent Saint ...44 (Humorous story) (cid:2) Puzzle Dazzle ...47 (cid:2) The Concealed Saint (Anecdotes 48 from the lives of the great) ...50 Glimpses of Devi (cid:2) Newsflash ...52 Bhagavatam (cid:2) Laugh Till You Drop ...56 (Mythology) (cid:2) A Discovery Through Shower of Arrows 53 (Adventure & Exploration) ...57 ‘Chittappas’ or (cid:2) Garuda (Comics) ... 60 Cheats? (A folktale from (cid:2) Chandamama India Quiz ...64 Tamilnadu) (cid:2) Quiz 11 and 12 results ...65 (cid:2) Photo Caption Contest ...66 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION : English Rs.180/- FOR BOOKING SPACE Other languages Rs.150/- Send D.D. (payable at Chennai) or money IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CONTACT : order in favour of Chandamama India Ltd. with the name and address of the person you are gifting it to, and the language edition subscribed for. CHENNAI : SHIVAJI Add Rs.90/- on outstation cheques. Ph: 044-2231 3637 / 2234 7399 Mobile : 98412-77347 Subscriptions by air mail to all countries other than India Rs. 1,200/- email : [email protected] For USA & Canada 12 issues by air mail English $ 30 Other languages $ 20 Remittances payable at Chennai DELHI : OBEROI MEDIA SERVICES in favour of CHANDAMAMA INDIA LIMITED Telefax (011) 22424184 Mobile : 98100 -72961, email : No.82 Defence Officers' Colony, Ekkatuthangal, Chennai - 600 097. Phone : 2231 3637 / 2234 7399 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] © The stories, articles and designs contained in this issue are the exclusive property of the Publishers. Copying or adapting them in any manner/medium will be dealt with according to law. CMYK Founded by Editor Editorial Advisors Consultant Editor B. Nagi Reddi Viswam Ruskin Bond K.Ramakrishnan Chakrapani Manoj Das YYYYYeeeeeaaaaarrrrr ooooofffff ttttthhhhheeeee EEEEEaaaaarrrrrttttthhhhh::::: ooooouuuuurrrrr cccccooooonnnnntttttrrrrriiiiibbbbbuuuuutttttiiiiiooooonnnnn The year 2007 is of great significance to all of us in Chandamama, including the thousands of our readers. For, their favourite magazine completes sixty years of publication. To every Indian, it will also be time to rejoice as the country became a free, independent, sovereign nation sixty years ago. Though officially it is 2008 that is designated as the International Year of Planet Earth, the activities for the year will span three years–2007 to 2009 and, therefore, 2007 is important to all those who matter in protecting life on earth and preserving environment and maintaining the ecological balance. The United Nations has spelt out some strategies for each individual towards achieving the objectives of the International Year. They are, improving the understanding of the evolution of life, from the form of a fish to the intelligent human being; eliminating human health hazards by a better understanding of the medical aspects of the Earth Science; reducing the risks for society caused by natural and human-induced hazards; prompting society to take a greater interest in the Earth Science; discovering new natural resources; and in view of the impending global scarcity of water, to detect deeper and accessible sources of water. In each of these, everyone will have something to contribute. It is our bounden duty to play our role in arresting the damage done to our environment and ecology. Let this be our New Year resolution. The wrong sort of people are always in power because they would not be in power if they were not the wrong sort of people. - Jon Wynne-Tyson I always love to begin a journey on Sundays, because I shall have the prayers of the church, to protect all those who travel by land, or by water. -Jonathan Swift Visit us at : http://www.chandamama.org CMYK This from Shamika K. (10) Chennai: ibmnu mytao I acafp g odaaCapmughzyleai t na sntfen,odo atrgaa omiprvovrieaie.dvn ms Ee- rav.fpe r elaBiaereduy anev tsdmre u tsrroho.ye fne I H nt Cmwhaoh,pitaa s pgnIho yadn e zaalaNilymngle eetatwoh rm il eysYca ehr.lwaea iTlaracd!hkidrtiiee snfrngosr EsVlToneCaiIhogdahl linryiaa snneta mn fthe nlcrdoha eoeajDay eor mmgmicahryn eo .aeiam 1gtnpn Wm 9,fgoima reh9I atlotsaa he4 hsm rkn(e streTtsrh oi oehI-easpet l mdt wu op2oPm gnei0aa.r,udGigis0n sew ) u.1dsihs tneoe, .tee I. r doIaW r Ck S achiasshhhnmhuesueeege nb blna krpsnsww ec cswaiaiemrhnriteisin eh pby( dC t tT etdjKhhiadoodoieaomani nnngrtfugbo.otedig vaiurSdgrhserighigayt fheeahamtl .rreyi)hsr: aaPmbdkceoreitaunoupIiglvgpnteeai sl n tzpe CiidRais eehnd neosauoeoad.pnnn d lTldnd zeiehtakaoe hraeeemmtm e i nSrpahiC oj n.wmlhosacNadthavyrac.oaaeiniCe nrmrt dh(i sitgeBcai sohn (s. mewae to nT sa Cafddrhhgx hmiheteo-gaahumca luhnipeor.l)todys edl ,lIcea to enrtoon mpcahks fotltiaote eitnieKmnp c ’gsasbo gp atsdrell oou .ik,l avsar lpaeeinemnuet sddbssaot hh lalr zoaienoweasrr iudhmderrsl ie stdaitua)odnef .bnr ffd siiioajT:neanuihusr rdsastest.ir CmhaaugIns adaezamfimun leeaa af moingnareeB .wrtd ylhIey erv eeaw e-pammladaoi aestpntiriion. ln y wgIgfe r ataowcormomso m.s n erIRdmee aeaf uitrlvnlnihiyndkie cg ua atn mmhhteieaoaxo zwtrnme : idasIs skgtmuiaolelzi ..sir nseIeae add vm tehrye MaCcgohstof.ai vntSaihdut leaidoe mincsmp.oag temu Sa wnus aauRtc ryhcoay c fu iatewnlens inosm tfe fhuas f Bfelka oriai nvrnlltoega tsfo s uc ofotht rhfuyie elorf de uuwrp.nreres ni oat mpenlisludke:set CChohaiTspanhssnidunihdsaeio aom)cumn alawsdamm a matesanr a .ygdf rThr toethoeamacel lptpo e .CsamP n MhIrrtopttiisai nlye.cdmn eatirIipi ane tptafknikoeuotea’ eesrnse :l .Mx Simgnppare reeine csatesnihtsaxa itlano m s(ykn N e aeItoa ’mhsfrv aa’epsintdmh eIaobalfes,r, Ita oaam mpp da rgierztrleiiaPgc.t riheIpetf aeuettthdleh a f ithoni hnMarka st.yty Sh otomhehuue yir ost fpp potoaparof ioi nynBrsotttaaiiuunynnnrg:g gie tacwnyol coagmosriue pvcreehantgoi testiemoon nem n.f oetI.r January 2007 6 Chandamama CMYK NEW TALES OF KING VIKRAM AND THE VETALA T he cremation ground presented an eerie spectacle on that dark night. The moon was hidden behind the clouds, and it was drizzling intermittently. The pitch darkness was relieved only by occasional flashes of lightning that lit up the sombre scene, causing an eerie dance of jerky shadows in the cremation ground. Occasionally, a jackal’s spine-chilling howl or the blood-curdling laughter of some invisible evil spirit cut into the silence that hung like a shroud over the area. Altogether, it was a scene that would strike terror into the bravest heart. But nothing could daunt the intrepid King Vikram. Once again, he made his way to the ancient gnarled tree from which the corpse was hanging. Bones crunched under his feet, and a screeching ghost rose from the dust in shuddering frenzy as he marched determinedly ahead. Oblivious to everything but the mission at hand, he brought the hanging corpse down by cutting the rope with his sword. Slinging it astride his shoulder, he had just begun his return journey when the vampire that possessed the corpse said, “O King! I have never seen anyone as fearless as you are. Without the least heed of personal risk, you are entering this dreaded cremation ground in the dead of night time and time again. Nothing seems to faze you; it is as if Fear itself is afraid of you and keeps his distance! Your courage and tenacity are praiseworthy indeed. I’m reminded of a youth of another time, who struggled against impossible odds, to come up victorious. Listen to his story; perhaps it would inspire you.” The vampire proceeded to narrate the following tale: Sasank was a young man of Kanakpur village. He was both well educated and trained in the martial arts. CMYK After walking for several miles, he found himself in the midst of a dense jungle. Feeling tired, he stopped to rest under a tree. Suddenly, he heard a loud scream – “Help! Help! Tiger!” Sasank sprang to his feet at once. Drawing his sword, he raced towards the source of the sound. He did not have to go far. Before long, he spotted a yogi cowering beneath a tree. A huge, ferocious-looking tiger was crouching a short distance away, ready to pounce upon him. Brandishing his sword menacingly, Sasank charged at the tiger with a loud yell. The tiger was taken aback, but quickly turned on him. Soon, man and beast were locked in a fierce battle. Midway, Sasank’s sword broke. Undaunted, he wrestled with the wounded tiger and eventually killed it with his bare hands. The yogi, who had been watching all this, hugged Sasank and exclaimed, “Bravo, my boy! You are courageous indeed. You had unhesitatingly risked your life to save a total stranger. That shows your nobility. Your He was especially good at sword-fight. His father had unselfish action deserves a reward.” been a rich merchant. Unfortunately, his parents died in He pulled out of his bundle lying at his feet a sword an accident when he was in his teens. Subsequently, his in its scabbard. He handed it to Sasank, saying, “This is father’s partners had assumed full control of his flourishing a sword with magical powers. But you should take care business and swindled the boy of his rightful share of the never to use it in an unjust cause, or against a defenceless property. Thus, Sasank was left destitute. He now opponent. If you use it the right way – with courage, maintained himself by doing odd jobs. honesty and conviction, its powers will come to your aid. One day, his friend Jayant called on him. Moved by Victory shall be yours!” his plight, he said, “Sasank, you’re an expert in sword- Sasank accepted the sword gratefully and bade him fight. With a great future ahead of you, it’s a shame that goodbye and continued on his journey. you’re wasting your talent by burying yourself in this After travelling for several days, he finally reached godforsaken village where there’s none to appreciate it! Veerpuri a day before Vijayadasami. He repaired to an If you move to a city, you’ll certainly get the recognition inn for the night, intending to present himself at the palace you deserve. Our king holds competitions in archery and the next morning. sword-play in the capital every Vijayadasami day. I To his dismay, he learnt from the innkeeper that the suggest you try your luck there.” elimination rounds of the competitions were already over. Sasank liked the idea. Vijayadasami was just a week Apparently, a young warrior named Chakradhar, who away, and the capital, Veerpuri, was quite far from his hailed from a noble family, distantly related to the king, village. As he had no money to hire a carriage, he would had won the sword-fighting contest by defeating all the have to travel on foot. So, he had to act immediately. other contestants. The very next morning, he set out on his journey. All had been greatly impressed by his performance, January 2007 8 Chandamama CMYK and the king was going to honour him at a special function the next day. Although disappointed, Sasank was by no means dejected. He decided to go to the palace and try his luck anyway. The next morning, just as the king was about to honour Chakradhar at a packed arena, Sasank walked up to him and said, “My lord, pardon me for coming in late. But I’m a swordsman from a distant province, and I would like to pit my skill against that of Chakradhar.” He then drew out his sword. This new development irritated Chakradhar, and he shouted angrily, “Who’s this fellow? He looks like a country bumpkin. If he wishes to be trounced at my hands, I’ve no objection!” “And what if you’re defeated?” asked Sasank quietly. On hearing this, Chakradhar looked as if he was having an apoplectic fit. His eyes bulged and his face went red with fury. For a moment he was dumbfounded. Then, finding his voice, he thundered: “If I’m defeated, I shall leave this kingdom!” The contest began. The spectators, who fully queen, his only daughter, and his minister to join him. He expected a walk-over for Chakradhar, were astonished then asked them, “What do you think about this youth, at the mettle displayed by the unknown warrior. Even a Sasank? There’s no doubt that he’s an excellent warrior. trained fighter like Chakradhar was no match for his He’s also robust and looks handsome. But he comes from obvious dexterity. a remote village; so, perhaps he may be uneducated.” Seconds into the fight, Chakradhar’s sword was The minister said, “No, sire! He is staying at an inn knocked out of his hands and sent flying in a wide arc, to nearby. I sent my men after him to make secret enquiries finally land with a clang on the floor at one end of the about him. I find he is from an aristocratic family. arena. Unfortunately, he lost all his wealth after the untimely death The arena erupted into a pandemonium as all the of his parents. I understand that he’s well-trained in all onlookers rose to their feet and applauded as one man. martial arts. He came here seeking his fortune, hoping to The king and the royal family members were also seen get a job by virtue of his skills.” applauding the stranger. The king said, “As you all know, my daughter is the The next moment, Chakradhar stormed out of the crown princess of the kingdom and the one to marry her palace, never to be seen again. would get the throne. I had announced earlier that she The people of the capital hailed Sasank with great would be married to the winner of the sword-fighting fervour and the king, in a glittering ceremony, conferred contest. At that time, I had no doubt that Chakradhar on him the title of ‘Best Swordsman’. would be the winner. But now, after this turn of The king asked Sasank to meet him in the royal garden circumstances, I feel that Sasank deserves her hand more. later in the evening. What do you say?” The king repaired to his chamber and requested his All, including the princess, were happy with this Chandamama 9 January 2007 CMYK proposal. It only remained to meet Sasank and break no truth in it! Secondly, how did Chakradhar come to the happy news to him. know of Sasank’s magic sword? The transaction that took It was evening and the king, along with the others, place between the yogi and Sasank in the middle of the was waiting for Sasank in the garden. forest was a secret one, wasn’t it? If you know the Just then, the chief of the king’s spies approached answer, speak out – otherwise, your head shall shatter him and said in a low voice, “Sire, I’m afraid I have some into fragments!” bad news for you. One of my men has just brought me Without any hesitation, King Vikram promptly the information that Chakradhar is mobilising the people answered, “There is nothing unrealistic or untrue about at the frontiers of our kingdom to revolt against you. the minister’s claim. It is quite true that hostile neighbours Apparently, he is instigating the people by telling them would think twice before launching an attack on a that Sasank won the fight unfairly by using a magic sword kingdom whose ruler was known to possess a magic obtained from a yogi, and that he does not deserve to sword capable of winning any battle. Thus, the magic become the king’s heir. Chakradhar intends to seize the sword was indeed a strategic asset not only for Sasank throne and marry the princess himself.” but for the whole kingdom! Coming to your second On hearing this, the king turned pale. He muttered, question, Chakradhar merely cooked up a story to “It is shocking that one of my own men – one whom I discredit his rival and justify his own defeat in the contest. trusted implicitly – has turned against me!” It was just a coincidence that the story of the magic sword The minister now smilingly spoke up, in a reassuring happened to be true! Anyway, there is no doubt that tone, “Don’t worry, your majesty! Chakradhar’s Sasank thoroughly deserved to win the contest as well propaganda is going to harm no one but himself. There’ll as the throne. Chakradhar’s strategy of defaming his rival be no threat to our kingdom. In fact, we’re going to benefit is unbecoming of a warrior, and shows him in very poor from his misrepresentation. As word spreads that the light.” crown-princess’s fiancé possesses a sword with magic On hearing this, the vampire nodded in approval, powers, our enemy kings won’t dare even to look in our before going off into peal after peal of thunderous laughter. direction! So, all’s well that ends well. If both the parties The next moment he, along with the corpse, moved off agree, we can go ahead with the marriage.” the king’s shoulder with a jerk and flew back to the tree. Concluding the story at this point, the vampire King Vikram gave a little sigh as he gazed upon the scene. demanded, “O King, how could the minister make such Then, he squared his shoulders and retraced his steps an unrealistic claim? It may sound convincing, but there’s towards the tree. January 2007 10 Chandamama CMYK