Dasvidaniya (1)

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“Out beyond the ideas of NCERT and social implications,
There is a world with good music, good coffee and good people.

I’ll beat you there.”
This is not just a magazine. No sir, it’s not. This is a record of all the
great fun we have had this year, all the memories we’ve made, all the
problems we’ve overcome and all that we have managed to achieve in a
span of just one year. We’ve gone from awkward, under-scoring ninth
graders to awkward, under-scoring tenth graders. Life will be getting real
before long, with most us mugging away at coaching institutions and
some of us managing to get out of our houses every once in a while (read

monthly trips to the local momo vendor).
So we thought, why not make a magazine to help us reminisce the good

times we have had? The idea was spread and soon enough, we were
working on it with all the free periods that we had. It was great fun, we
must add. The lack of our knowledge about anything and everything at
all brought us together, as we requested (read begged) our batch-mates to
submit their angst-ridden poems, their strong-worded essays and just

their general opinion on the world around them.
We would like to thank Mrs. Nalini Mahesh for her constant guidance
and permission slips and for making this magazine a possibility. We
would also like to congratulate the Class X batch of 2015-16 for being

special enough to deserve a gift like this. We present to you –
Dasvidaniya’15.
-S.S.

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ANUJA RAI

ATEEN DAS

As I sit here writing out the story of how our brainchild was
birthed, I am overwhelmed by nostalgia and a sense of pride. I
realise that each of us is starting over in one way or the other.
“Dasvidaniya” is the symbolic representation of our best wishes
and hopes for each one of us. The entire process was wonderful
and left me with several fond memories. Continue being cool,
guys. Live long and prosper.

HANSFRED VAIPHEi

As chaotic as the making of this magazine was, it was fun. I’d
like to believe that it is our way of leaving a footprint on our little
world of APS-DK; a way to say “Cheers” to our times till now
and a gesture to show how much more we can do. A great big
world is waiting for us all.

PANKHURI SHARMA

As I pause to look back at my journey through the years in APS, I
hold more firmly to my conviction that it has given me
multifarious gems in the form of exaltation, motivation,
perseverance and motivation. Dasvidaniya is a small token of our
gratitude towards this magnanimous institution

SHALINI SINGH

Dasvidaniya 2016 was pretty much the greatest achievement of
my life yet. Who would have thought that I, a socially-awkward
teen, would socialize and interview my peers with such fervour. I
absolutely believe that our batch was amazing enough to deserve a
wondrous gift such as this. Cheers.

SHARANNYA MUKHERJI

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MESSAGE

MESSAGE

Dear Children,
It gives me immense pleasure to see that class tenth is bringing out the first
ever issue of their magazine, “Dasvidaniya”. It shows the immense talent
the children have. It is indeed an honour to be associated with the
magazine. I appreciate and congratulate all the students and teachers
involved in bringing out and covering an amazing spectrum of expression
in the form of creative writing.
I wish you all very best now and always!
Mrs. Neeraj Nagpal
Coordinator,
Class IX & X

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MESSAGE

My Class X kids,
I am delighted to be, in a small way, associated with this first-time-ever-
magazine-for-Class X. You kids are talented, spirited and radiate energy
that is a sign of greater and better things to come.
Channelize your energy, take on responsibilities and keep in mind the
Iceberg image – what you achieve is just 1/8th of what you are capable of
– so, go for it! Give life all you have! Love you all!

Nalini Mahesh
Just-Another-Teacher
(Editors’ Note: The Teacher because of whom all this has been possible.)

MESSAGE

Dear students,
As you all are getting ready to cross an important landmark of your journey,
I wish sincerely for your success and glory. I also want to emphasize on the
building of your character. Pay importance to your value system as you step
into the world. At times in life when you lose direction and your sense of
right and wrong goes awry – it is then that your value system becomes your
anchor. It holds you, it brings you back to the right path.
At last, dear children, never forgot, life is not about calculations. Give your
100% to whatever you do. So STAND UP, CHOOSE and LIVE LIFE TO
THE FULLEST. There is no need to worry. Nature has its own mechanisms
to set things right.
All the best. I love you all and may God bless you.

Mrs. Savita Khokhar
Tutorial Head

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MESSAGE

Dear Class X students,
it has been a wonderful experience being with you, teaching you and
learning so much from you. As you enter a new phase of your life where
your career gains the foremost importance; I bless you!
May the sun always shine bright on you and may you succeed in all your
endeavours.
God Bless All!
Do Well!
Ms. Dolly Sharma.

MESSAGE

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rain fall soft upon your fields...
Dear students,
As you move on to a new world and prepare yourself to brace the vistas
of the new world... Just remember to be people of fine character, honest
and committed to truthfulness in thought, word and deed. Reflect maturity
in all your actions, decisions and responsibilities. Look forward to
something in life always and evolve yourself to be the best.

Good luck and God bless!!
Ms. Sonali Malik

MESSAGE

Hard work is the key to success, so dream big, have high goals and work
hard to achieve them.
Have faith in yourself. There’s nothing that cannot be achieved with
hard work.

All the very best
Ms. Gargi Walia

MESSAGE

The Class X batch of 2015-16 is one of the best batches. The students are
intelligent and hardworking. They’ve been actively participating in
various events and have brought so many laurels to the school that they
have set a benchmark for the coming batches.
They have done exceptionally well in academics as well.

Wishing them all the very best for their future.
Ms. Sarla Talwar

MESSAGE

Class X, we will miss you all. The journey wasn’t a bed
of roses but the thorns taught you to deal with life. You
have all blossomed into responsible, mature and sincere
people who will aim for the stars. Create a new universe
and shine kids. We all will be watching you. Make us
proud.

Mrs. Priyanka Dutt

Decoding the cover

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PROFILES

Overall Activity Coordinators

Akanksha Bagai

Akanksha is an extraordinary person who is sweet
and kind at heart. Despite being new in this school,
she managed to make lot of friends and has made
a place for herself in everyone’s hearts. She is a music lover who
plays the guitar too and is a big fan of books. We
wish her all the very best for her future in the field of
Event Management.

Hansfred Vaiphei

Hansfred is a quiet guy and one of the kindest in
our batch, with an obsession for all things Korean.
He is much liked by his fellow students, juniors and
seniors alike.
He is an amazing writer with exceptional
achievements like bagging a Summer Internship
at Penguin Random House. He wishes to pursue
journalism from DU (since nowhere else will do )
and wants to become well-acclaimed in this great
big world.

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ASHOKA HOUSE

Activity Coordinators

Ateen Das is the Dharamvir Singh
activity coordinator A computer and robotics
extraordinaire. He is wiz-kid, is ever ready to
always vigilant and sets lend a helping hand to all
an example for his
peers. those in need.

Dev Deshwal - the Sports Captains
Sports Captain with a
big heart. Dev has Mallika Dang, The national
ensured victory for level badminton player is
himself and house in all THE person to go to for
spheres of activities. advice in any scenario

Prefects

Akshansha is an artist at Limra Jamal Siddiqui is an
heart and soul both, who
Amiya Khandpur is an amazing easy-going person who has a
wants to be recognized person. Aiming to become a
in the world as an triumphant economist, she is great ear for music. On being
indigenous artist. ready to face the world.
asked, she told us jokingly (or

not) that she wanted to become
10
the richest person..

NEHRU HOUSE

Activity Coordinators:

G.K. Anjali finds success in Kritika Kerdwal is the one with the
every task she does. She want
to become a worthy active, creative and artistic soul .
cardiologist.
She is the pride of the Secondary
Wing’s Dramatic Society.

Sports Captains:

Zigme Palzer is a pleasant Divya Jena is a helping hand
personality who has devoted indeed. She sees herself as a
his talents for the school prosperous architect who will also
football team. He is also a delve in art.
Gamer.
Prefects:

Aanchal Ghazal loves her Sumit Arya is a
Chaturvedi is an music and books.
artist who is good She is a terrific Sarwesh Paudel is decent and well-
in academics too. baker too who a an enthusiastic
She wants to wants to become person who loves mannered
become an Army a Travel “gyming”. He
Officer. Journalist want to pursue student who
the Medical field.
loves his

Sciences and 11

Maths.

PRATAP HOUSE

Activity Coordinators:

Abhiram is an able-minded individual Stuti Chauhan is an indomitable girl
who leads his House with utmost who is not deterred by the greatest
determination. He is sure to make his of predicaments. She hopes to
mark in the world. become an IAS officer.

Sports Captains:

Saurav Negi is an outstanding Tamanna Yadav is a free-spirited
sportsman who shines at every sport. person who has led her House
He wishes to serve in the Indian teams to victory countless times.
Army. She wishes to become a lawyer.

Prefects:

Aditya Nayal is a Prachi Poonia is Sachin Kumar Smriti is a sweet
a girl with a excels on the
quiet person friendly conduct stage with his girl with a voice
who hopes to amazing skills.
whose actions shine in the field He wishes to of gold who
of medicine. become a poet.
speak louder than aspires to

his words. We become a

wish him all the cardiologist.

best in life.

SHIVAJI HOUSE

Activity Coordinators:

Aashna Shukla is a charismatic girl Pankhuri Sharma is a girl with
who excels at all she does, be it numerous talents who shines in all
dancing or academics. She wants to aspects of school life, be it quizzing or
be an architect. oratory.

Sports Captains:

Vashu Sharma is a spirited leader Surpreet Kaur is a pleasant person
who enjoys playing basketball. He who is always ready to help others
wishes to join the Indian Institute of out. A zonal level hockey player, she
Technology. wishes to become a teacher.

Prefects:

Ananya Singh is a Sharannya is a Ishaan Ohri is a
spirited person who guy with a strong
Pranati Bhatia is a spends her time vivacious person personality who
cheery and sweet playing basketball. enjoys gaming and
person. She aspires She sees herself as a who can be seen photography. He
to pursue a career doctor in the future. wishes to become
in Mass Media. screaming over the an engineer or a
fighter pilot.
1975 when she isn’t

busy winning

accolades.

You were born with potential.

You were born with goodness and trust.

You were born with ideals and dreams.

You were born with greatness.

You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don’t.

You have wings.

Learn to use them and fly. - Rumi

Today, school without CCE is unthinkable. ‘The CCE system focuses on holistic
education which aims to develop various aspects of a student’s personality which

ultimately helps them identify what they are better at and stronger at in terms of

academics.

Another important aspect of the CCE system is active learning of the students throughout
the year. There is a shift from the typical ‘chalk and talk’ to proper evaluation on all

aspects; it encourages students to participate in extra-curricular activities instead of

focusing largely on academics. It encourages additional life skills, emotional skills and

thinking abilities which help them make a better and well-informed choice of subjects in
Class XI, depending on their academic performance, liking, aptitude and interests.’

Throughout the session, the growth of the students’ individuality has been ensured
through various activities conducted in the school:

•Weekly lessons in Life Skills were given to the students to help them get a better grasp of

value education.
•Workshops were conducted by the Counsellor to prepare them for what is yet to come in
their lives – academic and otherwise a series of workshops and internships.
•To encourage a student’s creative side, various arts and crafts activities like flower

arrangement, Rangoli -making etc were conducted.
•Various intra and inter school competitions were given great importance so that they

help in inculcating the essence of self confidence in the students.
•Sessions with the School Counsellor were held to guide the students in the process of

selecting their streams and careers, along with constant help regarding all sorts of

situations.

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10 B

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10 C
• Akanksha Bagai: The Tiny Busy Bee
• Shivam Gangwani: The Computer • Govind, Nabin,

Maestro Aishwarya,Vishakha, Rohit: The
• Ishaan Ohri:The Brainy Stud
• Shaleen, Kartik, Thara: The Artsy Pleasant Ones
• Prateek, Ridhi: The Funny and
Ones Doodle by Shaleen Khatri
• Harshvardhan, Aditya Akhoury, Cutie Combos
• Swati, Kishu, Kanchan, Divya,
Himanshu, Vidyut, Mallika: The
Sporty Ones Aryan, Devansh: The Smarties
• Sachin, Vashu: Dramebaaz • Lakshay: The Mysterious One
• Yash Jolly, Riya, Mansi Singh, • Rachit: The Fitness Freak
ShivamBalyan: The Chatters • Akshansha and Smishta: The
• Meenal, Prakriti, Mansi: The Three
Butterflies Painters
• VivekAggarwal: The Curious One • Khushi: Can't miss a click(the photo
• VivekChoudhary, Vikas: The
Serious Looks Guys freak)
• Sunny, Abhijeet, Eklavya, Aditya • Aayushi: The Karate Kid
Yadav: The Most Prominent Group
ACHIEVEMENTS:

AAYUSHI BANSAL

Won the Gold medal in 2nd Central

District Taekwondo Championships and

the 4th Winter Cup Taekwondo

Championship, at Shiv Mandir

Dharamshala, Naraina in January 2015

and the Gold medal in 31st Delhi State

Taekwondo Championship 2014, at

Thyagaraj Stadium.

MALLIKA DANG
National Level Badminton Player. State
runner up 2 times. National rank 23.
Part of the badminton team that
represented the school in the western
command badminton competition and
bagged the first position.

MADE BY SHALEEN KHATRI 19
X-C

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10 D

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22

10 E

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10 F

•

Arya’s spirit can’t be tamed, and Yuvraj’s YouTube channel is much famed.
Shalini is the forever-lost writer; Prerna is an indomitable fighter.

DJ is the guy behind the lens, Anantha is practical with a lot of sense.
Ananya is all for helping people out, Nikhil is a genius, no doubt.

Shaurya is the geeky gamer with absurd sniping skills, Sonam has a smile that
could kill. Sidhant is the class’ gentleman, Prince is too cool to mug and
cram.

Priya is the section’s beauty, while Jorawar is bound to serve on line of duty.
Active Sapna is always on her toes, and Rashi spreads smiles wherever she

goes.
Sarthak is the topper of the class, but Arindam too is made of top brass.
Sanjit is a hardcore Potterhead, and Deeptanshu’s curiosity can never be fed.
Samarth jams to Coldplay, while sitting with Shankhanil makes your day.

Prajal has a voice of gold, while Kalpna has looks to behold.
Friendly is what describes Ajay, while a camera can send Vijendra posing away.
Tanupriya is the teachers’ pet while Karman is the tallest person we’ve ever met.

Pruthika and Abantika are really tight friends,
While one can see Annu and Harshita following the latest trends.
Arun is better known as AK, while Nitin’s always cracking us up, come what may.
Shubhashish rocks in the school band, while Divya is always ready to lend a

helping hand.
Ayush & Akashdeep are close buddies; Sahil perfectly balances fun and studies.
Aman is a great and influential orator; Ashish is so nice, it’s impossible for him to

have haters.
Nisha is quiet and has a pretty smile; Kavita is prodigal with no incomplete files!
Piyush and Vishal are pretty fun and very awesome, and everyone finds a friend in

Mausam.
And this sums up Priyanka mam’s 10F, her pride.
Thanks, everyone for an amazing session with memories that are going to last a

lifetime.

•

•
•
•

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10 G

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10 H

Starting with, ANOUSHKA’s looks can certainly be deceptive, impressing
others is not her perspective, and she is a girl of art. This deadly bong, is our
class’s Mozart. SOMYA, SHIVANI & SWETA are 3 of a kind with similar
hobbies and like minds. TEJAS is a perfect blend of intelligence and humour.
KOUSIK & NILESH- for comedy & fun, contact Pandey & Das, they are always
ready with a pun. VISHNU KUMARI& UMESH, with their work always
complete on time, we wonder when ours will be signed. KUNJAL is a real
sweetheart, lekin usse panga le toh laga degi waat. SAIMA is a perfect
mixture of sugar and spice, her mood swings from fire to ice. SHIV ka hai
cool hairstyle, life is full of masti & karta hai smile. Masti is MANAV’s
ultimate aim, uski harkaton se everybody knows his name. ANCHAL is
always bright & gay, her sweet smile never fades away. RAJAT, the ‘Tiffin
Hunter’ of the class, his pet dialogue is “thora toh de do yaar”. SIDHANT
banda hai Bara mast karta hai naukantiyan zabardast. JYOTI is an asset to
our class, her smile takes everyone’s heart. KAJAL ne har baar sports me
sabko hara hai dala, iske saamne aaoge toh nikal jayega diwala. SNEHAR is a
happy go lucky kind, say anything & she doesn’t mind. LIMRA’s good orating
skills and unlimited music potential has the ability to touch the masses.
POOJA is the story packet of our class, MEENAKSHI ke liye class ka register
hai bahut khass. SURAJ is obsessed with his water bottle & can scream from
anywhere ‘chodh de meri bottle, Pani Bahut kam hai’. NIKHIL & VIVEK’s
aptitude for maths we can admire, but their doubts in class are like rapid
fire. SOUMEN is the simple & nice guy, who is very wise. ANUJ doesn’t care
where goes the sun, what matters is to only have fun. AZAD, PRINCE,
MOHIT, AKSHIT & SHALENDRA always sitting in the corner and doing
commentary. SACHIN GAHA & SACHIN KUMAR have no tension, finding new
ways not to study are their only intentions. DARSHAN sits in front, rakhta
hai sari khabar par kya kare aate nahi number. AMAN is the ‘Chuppa
rustam’of our class. VASUNDHRA keeps a low profile but is the sweetest at
heart. RASHMI & UPASANA never knew each other, but seems like they have
become friends forever. HIMANSHU & BIRESH- silent faces they make when
they come in front of teachers but we only know they are the disturbing
creatures. CHRISTOPHER – east or west, sleeping time is the best, kabhi bhi
kahi bhi. JAYESH sees teacher and tries to flee. JAI & HRITHIK don’t have any
cares to give and AADARSH is the happy go lucky kind, grades never
bothered them anyway, fun is what they’re trying to find!.!.!
A VOTE OF THANKS
She taught us not only Algebra and Geometry but the life lessons and values
that we really needed. HARDEEP SETHI ma’am you really are the dearest of
the dearest, words are not enough to express how grateful we are to you.
We thank all our teachers for helping and guiding in our school life.

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10 J

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10 J Class Page

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10 K

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34

OFF Syllabus

Reasons why you should watch anime! BREAKING THE CYCLE OF RURAL POVERTY
-Indu Vinayagam -Pranati Bhatia

Unless you have been living under a rock, you, in all As of today, rural poverty and sustenance has
probability might have heard about Anime. There is always this become a very big issue. Food insecurity and
one anime obsessed person in almost every random circle, and hunger among children is widespread. There are
might have tried to get you into it by telling you how awesome households that experience hunger multiple
it is. But you might have been stuck in the mindset that times throughout the year….rather, are below
"cartoons are for kids". So let me clear the air in front of you. poverty line. But, what are the factors
Characters- The characters are real. Yup, I know they are not responsible for this? There are many factors for
real flesh and blood, but at least the voice actors are. And the sure and one reason is “WE”: people. WE are so
feels they evoke in the viewer is definitely real. self-centered and busy in our own lives that we
Community- You would be the member of a varied group of fail to help the needy. For instance, the “Big Fat
cool people! Many times otakus are quite intelligent. You can Indian Weddings”. In these weddings, food, in
most of the time have a good conversation with us; even if it myriad quantity and quality, is prepared and
may be the controversial topic of reading the manga (Japanese eventually A LOT of food goes waste. Instead of
comic through which most of the times anime is adapted from) throwing the leftovers, can’t it be fed to the
before watching its anime adaption or how Naruto is highly poor and the needy? Another way is to provide
overrated. We are also a pretty friendly bunch of people as long adequate levels of food grains, vegetables and
as you don't insult are favorite anime. They are anime clubs, whole grains to the undernourished. Therefore,
anime and manga conventions, forums and websites especially it is important for the government to focus on
dedicated towards anime and Japanese culture, there are a increasing the access to affordable and healthy
myriad of activities to join in. food for the underprivileged. Access to free and
Beautiful Art- And yes, I know beauty is in the eye of the safe drinking water/ fountains in public places,
beholder. Yet it can not be denied that anime is an art form as establishment of a food policy council in every
varied and as versatile as any other medium. I absolutely adore district for providing fresh and healthy foodstuff
the wide-range if styles each artist in each genre. In anime there to the underserved communities at marginal
is no limit up to which your eyes can be pleased. Anime is all prices, social benefits to the underprivileged is
about animation and story plot, but if you still want to watch must like doling money to all below poverty line
some with amazing graphics then - Shigatsu wa kimi no uso could be practiced for equitable distribution of
(Your lie in April) and 5 centimeters per second are a must. food resources.
Expand your imagination- Most of these shows feature Again, healthy and sufficient food requires
breathtaking concepts and alternate universes that are kinda money that has to be earned. The problem of
hard to imagine. Like who would have thought of a world of unemployment can be targeted through
mages who use their magic to do jobs, yup, I am talking about improving tourism and our education sector.
Fairy Tail, one of the most amazing shows of all times. If you Promotion of industries and loans at affordable
like to watch shows which gives your brain a treat, then anime terms and rates of interest to the farmers and
is a must. Pandora hearts is one such anime which is about other artisans should also be considered. These
alternate universe and rocks in that genre. were some ways and means by which our
Its super fun! - Its once in a blue moon, where I actually find a government can play a significant role in
plot that is a interesting and varied in most animes, the world is uplifting the downtrodden. However WE
overflowing with amazing stories, anime is just a small part of PEOPLE HAVE A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY. I have
it, the ball is in your court now, so come take a seat and get a no right to live in a house of twenty rooms
taste of this wonderful slice of stunning human narration! whereas my neighbor is going without bread
and shelter. In other words, there should be
availability to all, before there is abundance to

few. 35

DIVERSITY: BOON OR A BANE?
-DEV DESWAL

We are diverse; we are diverse and not just in one way. We are separated by caste, creed, religion, race,
ethnicity and what not. Some Indians are rich; most are not. Some are very well educated; others are illiterate.
Some lead easy lives of luxury; others toil hard for little reward. Some are politically powerful; others cannot
influence anything. Some have great opportunities for advancement in life; others lack them altogether. Some
are treated with respect by the police; others are treated like dirt. For the same work, some get rewards and
recognitions; others don't even get appreciations. To be laconic, we are citizens of a country which is diverse,
and diverse in each and every respect. Thus, India is a country full of diversity not just of culture but of class too.
But is this diversity dividing us? In the last 67 years of independence, Indian history is no less than a roller
coaster ride. Certain instances re-affirm our faith in Indian unity while certain others make us question our
tolerance.
On December 6, 1992, a large crowd of Hindu volunteers entirely destroyed the 16th-century Babri
Masjid mosque in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, in an attempt to reclaim the land known as Ram Janmabhoomi.
The demolition occurred after a rally supporting the movement turned violent and resulted in several months of
communal rioting between our Hindus and Muslims, causing the death of at least 2,000 people. And this fight
still continues. After the demolition in Ayodhya , there were riots all over the country. Mumbai was the worst
affected by these riots. Five years after the December-January riots, the Srikrishna Commission Report found
that nine hundred individuals lost their lives and over two thousand were injured. This is the amount of time we
can spend on futile issues instead of worrying about development.
People have to understand that God made human beings, and human beings made religion. Religion divides us
and division helps none. It only deepens the crack causing problems for all except the manipulators and fanatics
who trigger it.
So we have to understand that it is more intelligent to not to fight on the basis of religion as it leads to
communal riots and deaths. We need to embrace our diversity and ensure that it doesn’t drag us into the well of
ignorance but assists us in striving towards development.
The positives of our country can be glorified instead of the negatives. A Hindu is a Hindu and a Muslim, Muslim
but it is worth pondering that RAM is there in RAMZAN and ALI in DIWALI.

SECURITY OF SCHOOLS
By: Eklavya Agarwal

The security of students should be the first priority of every school. It should be given utmost importance.
Students should be kept safe and secure in schools. They should not live in the fear of getting harassed when in
school. The parents or guardians should be tension-free when sending their children to school.
Schools are no different from banks, factories, shopping malls and government buildings where security cannot
be ignored. All schools should have 24 hours security surveillance. A good portion of money recovered from
vandalism, theft, graffiti can be utilized for security purpose.
Armed security guards should be on full alert. They should not be dozing off when there is any trespass or
attack. Even the school children should be trained to take precautionary measures under the prevailing
circumstances. As they say, “Prevention is better than cure”. Schools are soft and sensitive targets for anti-social
elements.
Because of a large number of children, the schools should make use of the latest technology and install useful
devices for monitoring security. Young children are easy targets as they are not physically strong. The schools
should install CCTV cameras and bio-metric devices at the entrance and the rear gates.
The schools should, therefore, take lessons from the terrorist attack on the Army Public School, in Peshawar,
Pakistan. As the children are the future of the modern world they should be well protected and kept safe and
secure.

“Imagine all the people living life in peace” 36

SOCIAL MEDIA-UNRAVELED
-PANKHURI SHARMA

Imagine, prisoners that have spent their lives chained, deep inside a cave, staring endlessly at the cave walls.
Behind them is a fire burning and right on top of it is a pathway. Each and every day, imaginary objects, cross
the pathway creating intricate shadows on the wall in front of them. This is the only world they have ever
known, echoes and shadows of unseen people. Now imagine one day, a prisoner is suddenly released and he
encounters the real light of the sun and the real images, he rushes back to his friends to acquaint them to
reality, but, to his friends, he appears just like everything does his voice a distorted echo and his body a
grotesque shadow. To his friends the world outside can never exist.
Good morning, fellow prisoners. I stand nervous this day, assuming the role of the released prisoners,
attempting desperately to pull each one of you out of the prison of false shadows and distorted images.
One fine and fortunate day, the era of social media dawned upon us and we embraced it arms wide open and
let me confess, on behalf of all of us, that we fell in love with it not because it ‘connected’ us, but because it
became a tool for us to depend upon rather than use it to enhance our life and allow us to slip into several
useful disguises, hiding behind them forever. Like insecure babies we kept slipping deeper into the snare and
today, it is suffocating and imprisoning by the false world of fake identities.
There are lofty claims about the power of social media to bring about social, cultural and political change, and
honestly it is pretty convincing. let’s not indulge in nations and economics, but into the lives of individuals and
caution them against their catastrophic fates.
Has social media really added value to lives and if yes, then at what cost? At the cost of seeing a new species of
crimes like cyber terrorism and bullying emerge. At the cost of letting social media sacrifice the ability of real
conversation, or at the cost of poor attention spans. Being the Generation X, we notice the millenniums to
come when people cannot communicate, cannot look each other in the eye and cannot hold a conversation for
more than 20 seconds before they need to look at their phones.
The number of “inboxes” we possess is staggering. Email, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Skype,
Whatsapp, Instagram, voice mail and several forums, groups and social networks. We do it because we believe
that more relationships provide more opportunity. Is that what we want-spending considerable time building
large networks of shallow connections, potentially at the expense of a few cherished friendships?
And as social media gets bigger and more pervasive, this chasm become even more difficult to cross. Its not an
illusion. We are really are doing more with each 24 hours. We live our lives at breakneck speed because we can,
because we feel we have to keep up and because every macro and micro breeze blows in that direction.
Fundamentally, technology and our use of it isn’t-as we all hoped-bringing us closer together. In fact, it may be
driving us father apart, as we know more and more people, but know less and less about each of them. Today
we remember someone’s birthday because Facebook told us it was. All we are doing is expecting more from
technology and less form each other. I attempt to mark a semi colon in your lives and allow you space to
introspect. For, “Social networking platforms drove man closer to those in neighbouring continents while
driving him father part from those in his neighbourhood.”

AN ODE TO MYSELF
-Shivam Gangwani

It seems to me that our friendship is just a coincidence - we’re two people sitting on a bus next to each other,
with nothing to tie us together. I wish I could tell you that I am nothing but a hollow carcass, a river perfectly
still, and in reflection you see yourself - the reflection so distorted by the lies you recite to yourself. So broken,
so lost that I am not but a mirror, and in me, you see a companion. Desperate in search of comfort, you cling to
me like a child does to a finger - with the greatest of dependency. While my words may warm you, it’s only a
blanket in the winter, my dear, so when the devilish heat comes knocking at your door, I will not be you when it
does. When the jealous rain strikes your head, I will not be you when it does. I am but a wanderer - in the
world, I see me, and in me, I see the world. I reassured myself, “this love is nothing but momentary”, and then I
said to you,

“While I know there’s little to give, and little to take

Between the two of us, dear one

I give you this moment - in its entirety.”,

as my eyelids slid down in memory of the tiresome wounds that love has gifted to me, only to fall into a fantasy

where I’m king and you are queen. 37

“What are you waiting for?
Let go, My Friend.”

- Anonymous

Ever since you gained consciousness, you have been latching on to one thing or the other. You have been living life –
with support. One may say it is human nature to rely on something or someone, but that doesn’t mean that you let it be
the whole centre of your life at that given moment. We, Human beings are greater beings, so we need to know how to
walk – then run on our own.
Society is important, one may say. But what really matters is that you yourself should discover the unknown within
you. And in order to do that, one must first stop depending on something/someone. You need to free yourself of your
obligations and solaces. Because, nothing will provide you solace as long as the conflicts within you ceases.
We ourselves are our worst and harshest critic. No one knows you better than your own self. There may be some flaws
that the outside world notice, but that ocean-wide flaws inside, no one but you yourself see that. And it is equally true
that you know what you are made up of; what you are capable of achieve, so you need to embrace that; be numb to the
accusation and taunts; stop holding on to yourself and break free; let go of your insecurities and fears.
Fall and stumble along the way. Bleed and cry along the way. Stop holding on and go on. And at the end, it isn’t only
achievement you will experience, but contentment too.

What is it like to live?
-Riya Arora

Life is like a bulb, the movement you switch it on-the movement you start relishing every second of it, respecting
each breath you take, listening to each beat of your heart, responding to each blink of your eye-it glows, glows like a
star. If in the interim, you stop responding to your heart’s call, not dedicating each thought to reality – you gloom,
gloom like a night, you pass, but are you cherished?
People have always said that when this switch is turned down-you lose your aim. But personally, what is so dire in
going aimless? Does going aimless mean not being successful? Is it always about being featured among the papers or
having thousands of followers? All these things are illusions and not achievements, it is the lust you are fulfilling and
not your heart’s voice.
Now sit back, take 10 minutes, and think. Think about what switches on your life?
Ironically you will find that these were the most precious ten minutes you could have given yourself.
Whatever comes to you – you ought to grab it and make the best out of it. There are things that cannot be taught but
have to be explored. The art of living being one , it should be noted – nothing really ends, people die, corpses remain;
every full stop symbolizes the threshold of a new sentence .

“Life is about looking, beneath the surface and seeing what lies beyond appearances.”

“How wild it was, to let it be”
-Cheryl Strayed

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LiteraryPARTINGWAYS Equations “We’re all mad here”
- The Cheshire Cat
The exam schedule stares back at me
As I glare at it – the wake-up call I needed. Service Before Self
Tenth grade will end in two weeks, it reminds me ‘Son, are you sure you want to give it a go?’
As I allow myself to leave economics and drown in the father asks
memories. As he tries to discourage his child with grim
Day one at APS DK was a blur for an eight-year-old details of operations and tasks.
Years passed and my true self began to unfold. ‘I’m very sure of it,’ the son replied
The teachers encouraged, and guided me as I Giving in, the father sighed.
Started communicating by writing, being ‘It is a thankless job, you see
irreparably shy. You’ll be celebrated only in times of disasters
Today I am here, still the same girl and calamities.
Just entirely different from who I used to be. Not when you’re getting shot at
There are still people here Not when you’re intervening in communal
That I have known for no less than seven years spats.
But still haven’t spoken to them, forever giving in Nobody will see the pain when you get to see
to my fears. your little boy once a year
I’ve seen people change – for the good, I hope Nobody will care as your wife bids you
They’ve climbed up – the very ones who were farewell drowning in tears.
barely hanging on to the rope. They’ll condemn you instead – you, their very
This is the last time, I’ll be sitting with my friends hero
in the same class Even if your love for this country is enough to
Come eleventh, we’ll be in different sections, keep you warm in temperatures below zero.
mugging up and hoping to pass. Dear son, forget about receiving gratitude,
The daydream ends and I am staring at the For they will brush you off with a thankless
schedule once more attitude.
And I swear, I’ve never wanted two weeks to last Why is it, then, that you are so set on joining
longer before. the Army?’
-Shalini Pratap Singh The son gave a small smile and said,
‘Father, I know these are dangerous tracks I
“Those who don’t believe in magic will never tread
find it” But this is my country, and these are my
people
-Roald Dahl I must protect them – and thanks?
Have you ever expected a thank-you note
from me, Dad?
You just gave me the world because of all the
love you had.
I know I’ll be serving a thankless nation
But I’m one of the few heroes they
mindlessly create, minus the election.’
Dedicated to all serving and retired military
personnel.
- Shalini Pratap Singh

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Slave of Time Soothing Pain
Why did I ever let you go?
I am a slave of time, I was the arrow, you were the bow,
To the master, just a mime, You were my gold at the end of the rainbow.
Who can’t but has to follow Together we stuck our hearts,
The master’s pace in sorrow. Then we raged upon like darts.
Why?
I am, like all, but a slave of time.
So clear was the sky,
Many came, served him Clearer was our connection,
Till their eyes went dim I was the train, you were the station,
Yet forgotten they went away, My only destination:
As it was time they fooled away. Maybe I was not in love,
Maybe you weren’t my dove.
They were, but slaves of time.
In love I stood blind,
His force does seize, And as one we couldn’t bind.
His fear foresees This ensues be the end maybe,
Our potentials, greatest, With no thee, forlorn I shall be,
Those, in time, do unnest. Yet, with no fear, I brook this bane upon me,
So, like a bird, thou shall always be free.
We are, but slaves of time.

I am a slave of time,
Eternally stuck in his rime-less rime,
Where I’ve yet to find my role
And my potentials: yet to unroll.

I am, like all, but a slave of time.

He has no future, no past,
He is my present and I, his slave.

Don’t Quit twists and turns,

-Anant Kumar As everyone of us

sometimes learns.

When the things go Success is a failure

wrong, as they turned inside out;

sometimes will, The silver tint of the

When the road you’re clouds of doubt; “Raindrops and roses and whispers and
tears”
trudging seems all up And you never can tell
40
hill, how close you are,

When the funds are It may be near when it

low and the debts are seems afar;

high, So stick to the fight

And you have to smile,when you’re hardest

but you have to sigh, hit;

When the care is It’s when things seem

pressing you down a worst that you mustn’t

bit, quit.

Rest! If you must; but
don’t you quit.

Life is a queer with its

Memory DO THINGS THAT... A HORSE
-Kritika Kerdwal -Jasmine Grewal -Jasmine Grewal
Sometimes sweet Do things that Befriending the wind,
Sometimes sour Make you happy His royal mane flows,
But it is ours... Because to them Inexorable, spotless white,
Nothing lasts forever You dedicate your heart, There he goes.
And past comes back never Do things that people Galloping away freely,
What is now don’t want you doing Away from this ruthless world.
yesterday is a memory as these set you apart, His eyes lively,
It asks for Nothing You feel different, His happiness swirled.
It's for free... You feel new, Searching for his destination,
Sometimes sweet You wanted to fly, A place where he belongs.
Sometimes sour Look you flew, Looking for his designation,
But it is ours.. Keep trying , He calmly longs.
Memory stays forever Your luck will smile. Across the highlands,
People May Come Good times which amaze you, Crossing the streams,
And people may go Are agile... Over the mountains,
But it dies never... Across the fields.
When we are happy His head high,
It's a memory And so is his spirit.
When we are sad He lets out a deep sigh,
It's a memory The ambience brightly lit.
Sometimes sweet
Sometimes sour
But it is ours....

41

Through The Looking
Glass

“Labels gloss over who we actually are. They plaster over the cracks and creates a 42
smooth image that does not allow us the freedom to be our true selves.”

“Society’s labels can be inaccurate, narrow or restricting. Labels are too confining.
We humans are complex beings; we cannot be simply categorized.”

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44
“Sometimes we lose sight of why we’re doing what we’re doing. We get sick of certain aspects of

our lives and forget the end goal. But everything has a purpose.”

“It’s normal to grow up and dislike things about ourselves. It’s human. It’s
what discovering our individuality is about.”

“Who are you? 45
You are who you are in this given moment. Label-less and limitless.”

“That’s what high school is about: finding yourself, figuring out what 46

makes you tick.” “I am a flower that doesn’t require a lot of sunshine.”

Being a tapsite

Life was so easy when we were kids. How innocent, honest and dependable
we were back then. When other’s emotions mattered and lying was the only
thing we were bad at. When Apple and Blackberry were just fruits and
Facebook didn’t exist. When the biggest responsibility was going to the bus
stop alone without mom or dad there to drop us. School meant a full day of
playing in the grounds. When 5 minute breaks lasted forever and if we didn’t
sleep at a particular time, we were cranky! When even if we woke up at 11 in the morning, it
wasn’t a big deal. This was the time, when sleep overs literally meant sleeping at a friend’s place
and the only thing we went high on was a swing. Drinking only meant orange juice or a cola!
That time, our prospective profession changed every day, and the meaning of ‘friend’ was any
person we talked to. Embarrassment was when someone linked us up. And this was the time
when sex was only another word for gender. Then, innocence was natural and mum’s hugs cured
literally everything! Our longest fight lasted 2 minutes and getting pictures clicked was a
nightmare! It was then that maturity meant not crying when we lost our favourite toy and
wanting to grow up fast was every child’s dream. Santa and Tooth Fairy were real then and
Prince Charming actually existed! This was the golden period of our life-our childhood (it isn’t
over as yet). And APS has a major role to play in shaping and transforming us.
Walking through the cheerful corridors, enveloped with confidence, ready to win every battle.
Spending all those long periods, looking at the watch to see if the bell is about to ring! Those
amazing trips to the canteen. The food never actually satisfies our appetites, but brought to us
endless joy. 40 years from now, when we are staring at white hair, and kids calling us ‘uncle and
aunty’, we will cherish these tapsite moments forever. The water point meeting, just to say “hi!”,
the grey and white uniform that will never manage to match our teacher’s expectations. Accept
it or no, we are all in love with this institution. Its mysterious what they inculcate into us, but we
have always stood out and this legacy will continue. We will forever remain to be the best crowd.
And well, who would be surprised if The Oxford Dictionary has a new entry for ‘tapsite’! after all,
we are synonymous with everything WOW! Confidence, personality that can give others an
‘inferiority complex’, zeal that can move the world and the courage to make others hang their
head in shame! Yes, we are tapsites! And if tomorrow, the hot-shots of media, politics and sports
are tapsites, do not be shocked, it runs in our blood-the ability to prove ourselves! Yes, that’s
what being a tapsite is all about.

Pankhuri Sharma, X-B

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Back to DK

2015 was an eventful year. I started my session in APS Bengdubi and in
October, I moved to Delhi. I was sure about the school which I wanted to go to,
and that was APS Dhaula Kuan. After all, I was returning to this place after three
long years.
Most students are nervous and tense when they move to a new place, but I
was excited. I could not wait for my half yearly exams to get over so that I could
join this school. On my first day when I walked into the class, I could see familiar faces. Dev
Deshwal, the person who sat with me every day in the bus in class 7th, turned out to be my
classmate. Mrs Neelam Segan, the teacher who once selected me for a quiz and made me
practice for it turned out to be my history teacher. I knew people in different sections, and was
thrilled to meet them after so long. I had the best first few days that a new admission could ever
have and enjoyed each and every moment of it. The environment of this magnanimous school is
so affectionate that no one can really remain devoid of it.
This school means a lot to me and has provided me with tons of opportunities in just four
months. A few of my classmates like Aayush Mehta , Muskaan Gupta and Ayush Kumar
encouraged me to participate in skits and street plays, and because of them I went to my first
interschool competition from this school. Not only this, I thoroughly enjoyed the practices for
the Annual Day that took place in December, and all I can say is that APS DK, especially class ''X-
A'' rocks.

Kanishk Mallik, X-A

ONCE A TAPSITE, FOREVER A TAPSITE…

APS DK is the best. Not only because it gives us the most precious
moments and lasting relationships, but also a wholesome radiating
personality and an experience to cherish. It gives us an edge over others
and we stand out from the crowd. This school gives us the ultimate
Fauji attitude which teaches us not to give up, ever. We draw from this
the strength to face any obstacle and emerge as winners.
School is the best chapter in the book of “life” and spending it in APS DK makes it even more
special. I can never forget the huge playgrounds, Cafeteria, Raina Auditorium, Primary Wing,
Science labs, corridors forever beaming with laughter and noises, Nukkad practice spots and
what not. This huge institution can be intimidating at first but its loving faculty and students
gives one an experience like none other. A life lived here is a life lived to its fullest.

Sachin Kumar Dhankhar, X-C

PROUD TO BE A TAPSITE

It's a proud feeling to call myself a TAPSITE!
My school represents honour, commitment, duty and respect. I have had the
honour to have experienced the most joyous moments here and shared my sorrows here.
But, the greatness of this institution is that TAPS is the engine that takes
everyone along like a family.
It is, indeed, an honour to be a part of this school.

Navya Coomar, X-D
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A striking feature of our school is that they are sharing their knowledge with
others in the education community and encouraging other leaders to do the
same in their areas of interest-Khushi Chandhok, X-C

This institution gives us the “spark”. It incorporates in us much more than just
academics. It is only here that you may see a backbencher scoring better than
the rest-Dev Deshwal, X-A

Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan-a great institution with excellent faculty and students with a
huge heart. We owe to it a lot. A time would come when we would all be in our 40s, at the
pinnacle of success, then our hearts would be filled with gratitude for making us the person
that we are-Anonymous

The number of schools I have attended doesn’t matter because the
picture of APS DK will always live in my memories with the caption, “my
first love”-Ishaan Ohri, X-C

This institution, apart from holistic development, certifies our coolness-
Abhiram Shukla, X-A

My school is my second home. Not a second passes when I do not feel
indebted to it for making me what I am. The feeling of being a tapsite
is far beyond words can express-Tamanna Yadav, X-E

APS DK has provided all of us with the best childhood someone can have. I
feel proud to be a part of the APS family-Aditya Akhoury, X-C

Being a new admission, I realize this school has much more
affection than any other school I have been to. In not more than
an year, it feels like home-Arushi Kochhar, X-B

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DASVIDANIYA

“We waste so much time, energy and emotion on the uncontrollable. No
wonder worry can be so exhausting.
Instead, we should think how incredible it is that each of us has a
gloriously uncertain future ahead; Destination: Unknown.”

-Connor Franta

So here we are, yet another trivial year of our school completed. It was
a great year for all of us; a year full of cherished memories,

unforgettable moments, elating events and of course – nerve-racking
academics. It has been a joyride, my friend. Alas, it is over.

It has been nothing less than a blessing that we have had such a great
tenth. And it is all because of every single one of us.

It has been a remarkable journey as a TAPSITE, and wherever we go,
we will be what we are because of this school.

Change is coming, and it is coming fast. A new block, new teachers,
streams, and for some of us, unfortunately, new schools. And later on, a

new way of life.
But what we had this year, will always be a landmark in our demanding
voyage through life. With the kinship and great episodes of our class ten
everlastingly crisp in our mind, we will take on the world like wildfire.
Let us all go on, grow and live, wearing our times here like a medal of

honour.
So long, Class Ten.

-H.V.

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