THE FORGOTTEN TREE 

From an unseen little seed, lonely and lost,
Tucked up deep inside, the dreamlike earth.
Appears a sprout, innocent and small,
Unraveling its leaves to the big wide world.

Facing the torrents, and heavy gusts,
The small sprout begins, to grow and flourish.
Into a colorful, and child-like sapling,
Vibrant, and full of life.

Maturing into a bigger self,
Stronger, intro a bigger plant.
Still young, unprotected from what-not,
Thoughtful, and quite unsure, of what the future beholds.
 
Finally, growing into its biggest form,
A huge tree, standing tall and bright.
Ready to face, the biggest of storms,
Always giving a shade to the deprived.

Bearing the last fruits of its cohort,
Its leaves turn yellow, and gently fall.
The once strong tree, strong and bright,
Turns into a crooked one, forgotten and lost.

Yes, it is life's reality - Aditya

SMART CITIES – THE KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY

As being the smartest and most intelligent living organisms on Earth, we human beings have evolved from non-civilized cavemen to civilized and developed society. From the ancient valley civilization to modern living communities, we can see the exponential evolution of human living infrastructure and their surroundings. 

Now, driven by the advancement of technology and strives for sustainability, the second evolution of infrastructure has begun – the change of modern cities to smart cities. 

A smart city is an environmentally aware city that uses information technology and other innovative techniques to utilize energy and other resources. It also focuses on being a more sustainable city using much less energy and being environment friendly. There are more than 90 smart city projects around the world now, the first few being in Spain, Barcelona, France and Nice. Happy to see that our Dubai is also transforming in fast pace to entitle this glory.

One of the most widely anticipated feature of a smart city is free connectivity, which enables better interaction of citizens through messaging apps, experiencing connectivity on the go, without paying for it. It also enables citizen interaction with government services, like smart parking services and more. 

The Car Evolution - Smart Cars

Smart cars are the perfect vehicles for smart cities. These include vehicles that run of electricity, hydrogen cells or solar energy. There are driverless pods too. This means that after we get into the pod, we just enter the location and it drives. It includes many useful sensors that helps it to avoid collision with other pods or cars.  

No need to be surprised, it is a reality now in UAE. At the Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, there are driverless pods that take you from one end of the university to the other. 

Next in store - Autonomous Cars

The American company Tesla Automobiles has released a software update for their smart electric car Model S, which allows it to drive autonomously. That word "autonomously" is an important one. It means the car thinks for itself without you having to hold the steering wheel, put your foot on the brake or gas pedal. The car is already equipped with 16 sensors. It senses obstacles and cars with the waves the sensor produces. It is kind of like the ultrasonic waves produced by a bat, which allows it to sense objects in the dark. It also has lane changing assist, which allows the car to change lanes automatically. You just need to switch on your indicator, and you will change to your desired lane within seconds, all without touching the steering of the car.

Read my previous blogs to understand more about autonomous cars...

Project Zero – My concept car for green UAE

Why can’t our cars be fitted with mini wind turbines? This thought lead to the idea of ‘project zero’- zero emission, zero impact, happy travelling! The main objectives are:

·             Infinite power

·             Sustainable living

·             Use of renewable energy (wind)

·             Low maintenance and manufacturing cost

Don’t think that this is not going to work. The concept is demonstrated and recognized in science exhibitions and the prototype is getting ready with the involvements of my buddies in the class. 

There are many more concepts that can make a city change from modern to sustainable and smart. As the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.                                                                                             

Thoughts for immediate action

Well, with all the above in the pipeline, we cannot be neutral hoping for the innovative technologies which might mature and get implemented may be in another couple of decades. So here are some practical methods which we can immediately apply without much hazels.

Conserve the fossil fuel:

Fossil fuels, as the name suggests, are very old. It was the Industrial Revolution that led to their wide-scale extraction. And in the very short period of time since then – just over 200 years – we’ve consumed an incredible amount of them, leaving fossil fuels all but gone and the climate seriously impacted.

Fossil fuels took millions of years to form. And when they’re gone, they’re gone pretty much forever. Clearly fossil fuel reserves are finite - it's only a matter of when they run out. Globally - every year we currently consume the equivalent of over 11 billion tonnes of oil in fossil fuels. Crude oil reserves are vanishing at the rate of 4 billion tonnes a year – if we carry on at this rate without any increase for our growing population or aspirations, our known oil deposits will be gone by 2052.

It’s often claimed that we have enough coal to last hundreds of years. But if we step up production to fill the gap left through depleting our oil and gas reserves, the coal deposits we know about will only give us enough energy to take us as far as 2088. And let’s not even think of the carbon dioxide emissions from burning all that coal.  

So does 2088 mark the point that we run out of fossil fuels? The simple answer is no. Renewables offer us another way, a way to avoid this (fossil fuelled) energy time bomb, but we must start to act now.

Before setting up campaigns or seminars to create awareness of this issue, we must first start with ourselves. Here are some tips I find useful from my perspective to save fuel.

Cycle to School

Many of us use our own private vehicles to get to school. A majority of children come by school transport buses, but this also uses a lot of fuel. Many of the student’s homes are near the school, so they can come by cycle or walk there. My school is just around 2 kilometres from my home, so I have started to go by cycle every day.

Reduce your use of plastic

A lot of plastic, including the ever-present plastic bag, uses fossil fuels in its manufacture. Plastics don't break down easily and create landfill problems. Some plastic leach chemicals into our food, water and home environments. For reasons of fossil fuel reduction, your health and the health of your local ecosystems, using less plastic is a good choice to make. Use reusable cloth or recycled bags when you go for shopping, just like I do. 

Optimum Driving Speeds

In respect to the UAE, driving at speeds of above 100 km/ph decreases fuel efficiency. The optimum driving speed limit is between 85-95 km/ph. This saves a lot of fuel and the money saved can be used for many purposes.

These were just some of the hundreds of points which can be implemented to save fuel. With co-operation, optimism and a change of few of our habits, we can give the future generation a world better than the one which we live and experience right now.

Carbon Capture and Storage – It is a must!

When we think of ‘Climate and Weather’, first thing which comes up in the mind is the massive impact of global warming to our mother earth and the living organisms in it. Being responsive and committed youth, we are also contributing for the awareness and campaigns in various levels and the collective thinking of My little mind lead to the technology called Carbon Capture and Storage, abbreviated as CCS.

Energy‐intensive industries account for a significant part of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Industrial sectors such as cement, iron and steel, chemicals and refining represent one‐fifth of total global CO2 emissions, and the amount of CO2 they produce is likely to grow over the coming decades.

Mussafah, the industrial heart of Abu Dhabi has a high concentration of various industries with a big living community around the industrial area including over a dozen of schools nearby. The effect of global warming is quiet noticeable to us by increased rate of heat we experience year by year. 

The challenge is not to evacuate the industries but to eliminate the greenhouse gas contents from the atmosphere. This thought lead me to think of a Carbon Capture, Use and Storage System for Sustainable Abu Dhabi (CCUSSSAD). The idea here is to capture the CO2 form factories , carry away from residential area use it on the way and at destination and store in underground whatever remaining.

As a solution to the problem concluded, there should be a provision to capture these CO2 emissions at sources, to be transported and dispensed in safe areas. As Abu Dhabi is abundant of oil and gas fields, potential for utilization of CO2 to enhance extraction is much higher than in other region.  

Some more innovative ideas proposed are  man-made jungles and ponds of microalgae for CO2 disposal, CO2 theme parks etc. 

What can we do at schools?

Schools are the best communities where we can start practicing out little thoughts for the nature. Here are few points for a sustainable schooling:

Install solar panels to satisfy the electricity need of the school.

Reduce water consumption by implementing sensor oriented toilets and  water dispensers.

Waste water recycle and reuse for watering plants. 

Compost-waste to manure and bio gas. Use the manure for gardens and bio-gas for heaters.

Green House - Germination and sapling nursery by children.

Install e-notice boards and touch screens for information guidance to reduce paper use.

Last but not the least, include Sustainability as an part of curriculum.

These initiatives will provide a platform for students to understand energy use patterns in school and their own home, learn how to conduct energy audits and design a solar power system. The students will also have opportunity to have hands-on experience with the installation of the solar power system in the school premises. Further, education and awareness sessions will include knowledge on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable development and skills to the project through social media. Students will learn about legislative and regulatory requirements and challenges in implementing renewable energy in UAE.

Another important objective is to promote students to understand and adopt to nature through germination, planting and consumption of vegetables.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, all these developments and innovative ideas show how much the human race has developed in the field of technology, and the ultimate aim is to reduce emissions and global warming. From a different perspective, global warming was the change that lead us to create many new technological developments as this. If we all adopt eco-friendly methods including in transportation, along with other factors, we can conquer the global warming effect to a great extent and make the earth a better and sustainable place to live in. 

Being smart is not about living with smart technologies, but adopt and practice innovative ideas and technologies for a sustainable living bearing in mind that the future of our descendants and the mother-earth as such relays on how we live today!

The UAE - 44 Years down the lane.....

THE UAE

“Our major aims focus on raising the standard of living of our citizens and the development of our country. One’s homeland is like a tree which constantly requires the care and attention of its citizens. Every UAE citizen is committed to serve his nation and work toward its prosperity and welfare.” This was one of the many inspirational messages quoted by Sheikh Zayed.

To build up a great and developed nation from nothing but a barren desert is not an easy task.  This was the task taken up by Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid after they decided to unite both their emirates. After 5 more emirates decided to join the union, with a single aim of building up a strong and developed nation, it was evident that the UAE was going to become one of the best nations in the world.

The discovery of oil was a major point in the history of the UAE, which led to the start of fast paced development across all the emirates. High rise buildings, long and wide roads, and excellent living conditions were all established within a short period. But never did they know that the UAE was going to become a global hub. As the job opportunities increased, migration rates rocketed sky high and the UAE was filled with people of more than 200 nationalities, of which the major constituent is from India. This is the same reason that we are here. As the population increased over the years, the need for more development was persistent. Smart transport systems, like the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Water taxi were introduced.

Large industrial areas, like the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area was developed. Many different colleges and universities were started. So, the UAE began to gain international acceptance and importance.

The UAE wants to be the first in all aspects possible. The tallest building Burj Khalifa, the largest manmade island Palm Jumeirah and to be one of the few countries selected to host the Expo 2020 are only some of the major feats achieved by the UAE. But this doesn’t mean that the rich culture and heritage is avoided. Many campaigns, festivals and events are promoted and conducted to spread awareness of its culture and history to all the citizens, especially focusing on the new generation of young people like us, who live in a world of luxury. We need to be shown how this country was developed to what great heights it has achieved today.

Last but not the least, the UAE is a mix of diverse cultures, ranging from America to South Asia mixed in with the local Emiratis. Interacting with people from these many different backgrounds enables us to increase our social and interaction skills. When I came here, I was like an empty vessel, but the UAE filled me up with knowledge, confidence and dignity.

I feel really proud to be staying in such a diverse, developed and strong nation. Even though 44 years have passed since that great day on 2nd December 1971, the UAE is still young. The story of this country is just beginning, and many pages have yet to be filled. I can’t conclude without paying tribute to the soldiers who put heir life at risk for the nation. I wish that this nation reaches even more greater heights in the future.

THE AGE OF AUTONOMOUS CARS.

THE AGE OF AUTONOMOUS CARS

The American company Tesla Automobiles has released a software update for their smart electric car Model S, which allows it to drive autonomously. That word "autonomously" is an important one. It means the car thinks for itself without you having to hold the steering wheel, put your foot on the brake or gas pedal. The car is already equipped with 16 sensors. It senses obstacles and cars with the waves the sensor produces. It is kind of like the ultrasonic waves produced by a bat, which allows it to sense objects in the dark. It also has lane changing assist, which allows the car to change lanes automatically. You just need to switch on your indicator, and you will change to your desired lane within seconds, all without touching the steering of the car.

Carmakers are keen to draw a distinction between autonomous cars and self-driving cars and with good reasons of self-interest. Autonomous cars will look like the vehicles we drive today, taking over from the driver under certain circumstances. Self-driving cars are a stage further on. The steering wheel will disappear completely and the vehicle will do all the driving using the same system of sensors, radar and GPS mapping that autonomous vehicles employ. While some personal cars will remain, a fleet of shared vehicles will likely fill the streets of towns and cities.

The main aim of introducing autonomous cars is to reduce the number of accidents, which topped in at 5,419,000 last year. Many people who drive regularly have problems like neck pain due to the stress. It relieves the driver of the task of navigating and driving, which makes the stress free. It can also increase the speed at which we reach places. The cars will go at higher speeds, as they will drive autonomously and will keep a safe distance between them even at high speeds.

This also opens opportunities for carpooling. Instead of one person going to work in one car, he could also call his friends to go in his car. This saves a lot of fuel and produces a less amount of CO2 emissions. When cars drive autonomously, this can be extended to a greater scale. After dropping a few people to work or any other place, it can go to collect more people and collect them too. This leads to a great reduction in the emission level.

The concept of autonomously driving cars, which has now almost become a reality, does not come without its own constrains. The car’s software or computer can malfunction, if it is not stable under high loads of information. This could potentially increase the risk of accidents. Current road infrastructure may also need to be changed to support these cars.

At the end of the road, all these developments show how much the human race has developed in the field of technology, and the ultimate aim is to reduce emissions and global warming. From a different perspective, global warming was the change that lead us to create many new technological developments as this. If we all adopt eco-friendly methods of transportation, along with other factors, we can turn the tables for the global warming effect and make the earth a better place to live in.

The Dream Come True - Sastra Pratibha visit to Chennai

Day 1 - Departure

We had taken off from The Dubai International Airport, after saying byes to our families. It was sure to be a fun time throughout the tour. After travelling by Air India, we arrived at The Chennai International Airport. We got into our Force Travellers and set off to our hostel, which was the Green Pearl International Hostel. Our accommodation was provided by SRM University there. We arrived there, and got into our rooms and freshened up to have breakfast.

From there it was to SRM University, where we had a short presentation about SRM and its glorious years as a top university, and all the facilities it offered to the students. There was a short session in which we were asked to express our views of the SRM University. Thoughts came sprouting from our heads, and even the younger Pratibhas expressed many great comments on the university. Then the officials also expressed their views, but in an adult like manner and asked some questions in favour of the parents. We had a short campus tour of the facilities. We saw their Gigantic Auditorium, which was the first one of its kind in South Asia, the different labs for research including Bio-Technology, and their administrative offices.

Then we headed back to our hostel rooms, as we needed to get a long day’s rest to go to SDSC SHAR the next day.

 

Day 2 – SDSC SHAR

We woke up early, at around 4:30 in the morning to leave for SDSC SHAR. SDSC SHAR stands for Satish Dhawan Space Centre – Sriharikota Range. We weren’t allowed to bring any phones or cameras, as the place had high security levels. We had to wear dark clothes, as Sriharikota was a forest area. The problem with this is that there are a lot of honeybees, so wearing bright coloured clothes might not have been appreciated by the bees. 

The ISRO staff invited us to see a video containing information about ISRO’s glorious past, and info about PSLV, GSLV and how rockets were assembled, tested and launched. A rocket contains 3 propellant stages and 2 extra:-

• Solid Stage – The 1st stage of the rocket with solid propellant

• Liquid Stage – The 2nd stage of the rocket with liquid propellant

• Cryogenics Stage – The 3rd stage of the rocket with cryogenic propellant

• Electronic Bay – The bay on top of the cryogenic stage with all computers and electronic equipment.

• Flare Cone with Satellite – The top of the rocket which is in a cone shape, housing the satellite (payload).

We had a session with a senior G level scientist at ISRO. G is one of the top ranks in the scientist ranks. The session was very informative and we could learn so much about ISRO and Rockets from him. We could learn that:-

• There were two launch pads at ISRO

• They had a triangle system of satellite development:-

 First, the Design for the satellite is created by the Design team and is sent to the Academics team.

 The Academics team analyses the design and gives corrections to make the satellite perfect. Then they transfer it to the Industry team.

 The Industry team makes the rocket and satellite based on the final design given by the Academics team.

 After everything is ready, they prepare it for launch on a PSLV or GSLV depending on the requirements of the satellite (weight and orbit).

 The satellite is launched and is constantly tracked.

• Under certain unfortunate circumstances, the rocket may not launch properly, and may crash into the island. To prevent that, they destroy the rocket in mid-air to prevent damage to the island of Sriharikota and its wildlife.

• The staff at SDSC SHAR need to take high risks for making the nation proud. One of the most hazardous incidents that can be faced by them is hydrogen fire. If any hydrogen fuel leaks out during launch time, it may cause a fire. As hydrogen is odourless and colourless, the staff may already be trapped before they find the hazard.

Field Visits

We got the opportunity to see many of SDSC SHAR’s facilities right before our eyes. They are as follows:-

1. Mission Control Centre (MCC)

This is from where the launch is initiated, monitored, rockets are monitored and many other aspects of a launch are done. In short words, this is where the entire mission is controlled. This is where all the excitement takes place. This one was the newly developed one, with a large area, grand places for the Prime Minister and other cabinet members to sit and many new facilities. There were many rows and columns of computers, which were divided into many sections, including:-

• Telemetric – Where all communications are handled

• Tracking – Where the rocket are tracked after launched

• Mission Control – Where the Chairman sits and initiates the launch sequence with a special key. Once he turns the key, the main computer initiates launch sequence automatically.

All this was explained to us by a lady who is sitting in the Telemetric row of computers. She was very experienced and explained everything to us clearly.

2. Rocket Booster Testing Facility

After the rocket boosters are assembled in the factory, they are transported to the testing facility. It is a huge building with a large opening at one end. How are the rockets tested? Well, the booster is laid down horizontally onto a carriage and transported to the testing area. It is attached to a giant square section, which is supported at the back by a huge energy absorption wall. The giant square section is the place to which the booster is attached. There is a moving pipe, which measures the pressure applied by the booster when it is test fired. One more giant square section is placed at the back of the absorption wall, which is calibrated and gives accurate reading of the pressure applied by the booster. The diagram below will make it clearer. All this was explained to us by a staff there with charts.

3. Rocket Launch Pads – 1 and 2

In a launch pad, there are the following components – 1. The Rocket, 2. The Umbilical Tower, 3. Rocket Assembly Area, 4. Lightning Tower and 5. Thrust Distributor. The main difference between both the launch pads is that in one, the rocket is stationary and the assembly tower moves, and in the other one the assembly tower is stationary and rocket moves by rail. There is another called umbilical tower, which is used to connect fuel lines and cables to the rocket after assembly till launch. If lightning hits a rocket, it will surely collapse. So, there are 4 lightning towers which capture lightning and spread it to the ground, in the case of thunderstorms. There is also a thrust distributor. As you know, if all the pressure of the rocket is applied on the same place at once, the rocket can collapse and the ground will get damaged. So, there are thrust distributor which dispenses the thrust provided by the rocket evenly to the ground.

4. Telemetric and Tracking Station

We had gone to the tracking station of satellites where satellites are tracked after it is launched. A staff member explained to us that it will take at least 14 minutes for a command to reach Mangalyaan from Earth. For that we need 32m antenna which is found in Bangalore. They have only 11m antenna. We learnt that to track a satellite, a number of nations contribute together. This is because as the Earth is curved, the satellite cannot be tracked with one radar. So the signal is shifted from station to station and is conveyed in real time to ISRO.

That was the end of our wonderful SDSC SHAR experience. We went back to the hostel, after eating dinner from a restaurant. We slept for a long time as we were very tired.

Day 3 – Birla Planetarium & Crocodile and Snake Reserve

We were all set and ready to go to Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Plant, but we got very bad news. We got a letter from plant officials saying that “children under 18 years are not allowed to go as the radiation may affect them.” This was a real disappointment for us as we expected to see all kinds of things like nuclear reactors and much more. But the SIF officials cheered us up by saying that we are going to the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and the Birla Planetarium. We all cheered up and got ready to go.

We got in our bus. This time it was a single large bus of SRM so the boys and girls were together. We had great fun by telling ghost stories and more. 

We went to the Birla Planetarium first, and it was a miracle. Till then I had thought a planetarium was some kind of space exhibition but it was totally out of my imagination. There was a huge telescope either holes like thing, and I didn’t understand what it was. But later I understood that is was the projector. We were asked to sit in slanting chairs, which were in almost sleep position. The show stared, and the dome was filled with stars and information, projected by the giant projector. The session showed information about all the planets, nebulas, galaxies, the pole star, and how astronomers kept track of stars, all seen as if we were flying through space. The show ended, and we went out of the planetarium. Then we went to the Periyar Science and Technology Centre, where we were shown working models of all categories, like vehicle transmission, gear box, ships, aeroplanes, etc. There was a dedicated section for ISRO, where we saw small scale models of various rockets and satellites, like Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan-1, and PSLV. There was also a mirror section, which showcased the optical illusions and models showing properties of mirrors. We saw funny mirrors, which could transform you from Handsome to ugly by standing in front of it. So, that was it for the planetarium and Periyar Science and Technology Centre.

We reached the place and there were full of boards, indicating that crocodiles are dangerous and we should not put our hand in the cage, and informative ones, which gave us a message to not hurt the crocs.

A guide at the crocodile bank guided us throughout our tour and gave us information of each and every species of crocodile there. Here is a table of all the crocodiles which are present there:

Crocodile Species Number of Crocodiles

Mugger 2115

Saltwater Crocodile   12

Gharial 55

Common Caiman 56

Yacare Caiman 3

Dwarf Caiman 13

American Alligator 2

Siamese Crocodile 9

Nile Crocodile 7

African Slender-Snouted Crocodile 6

West-African Dwarf Crocodile 3

Morelett’s Crocodile 13

False Garial 2

Australian Fresh-Water Crocodile 1

Total  2302

Out of these there were some that felt interesting to me.  One of the biggest attractions of the park is a fierce salt-water crocodile known as Jaws III. This species, believed to be the biggest in southern Asia, is 17 feet (5.2 m) long and weighs over a ton. The False Garial (Tomistoma schlegelii) is a crocodile that resembles an original Garial (Gavialis gangeticus), but is not a garial since it’s found in Malaysia. That’s why it is called False Garial. 

Then we saw some species of snakes as well, and they were terrifying. And of course, the ever slow tortoise, including one of the giants, which could live up to 150 years. That was pretty much the end of our Wild Reptile Trip, and we got in our buses and got back.

Day 4 – More of SRM and Departure

We got ready for our final breakfast at the Green Pearl, and sat on our bus to go to the Nanotechnology Research Centre at SRM University, run by the Government.

 The nanotechnology lab was full of equipment, and we couldn’t understand a thing. Mrs. Deepa, who was a researcher working there showed us around the area, explaining each room one by one. Their primary aim was to do research about nanotechnology and develop “nano” sized objects which could be used for specific purposes. She showed us a powder. Even though it looked like the grains didn’t have any shape, under a microscope, it is rectangles, triangles, circles and more. There were many devices to heat a substance, split it using a beam of electron, form the shape and check for smoothness, magnifying it etc. This was the excitement at the nanotechnology lab.

Then we went to the SRM/STRATUS Centre for Medical Simulation. Most of the students studying for medicine don’t have any experience when it comes to real life incidents. Most of them depend entirely upon book-based theory, and this is bad, as they are the ones who save lives. If a life saver does not have experience, then how would he become an expert doctor? Of course, we cannot do operations and medical procedures on real patients, so SRM has spent precious money to buy mannequins with real heart beat and vital signs. This is an important part in the course of a Medical Student, and is recommended by the Government of India. Even police officers are trained to do CPR’s and simple medical procedures which can be lifesaving. 

We went and saw how the student’s practices, as each of their action were monitored and streamed by live CCTV cameras. We went and tried inserting a berating tube into a mannequin’s throat and it worked. So now, we knew how to do a lifesaving procedure. We also saw simulated operation theatres. The mannequins are really amazing. They have heart beat, vital signs, and can talk to the students and express feelings. Some of the advanced models can even be operated on and there is blood too, which is going to be implemented soon at the Medical Simulation Centre. Behind every simulation room there is a control room, from which the teacher can change the heart rate, condition of the mannequin. So any real life situation can be simulated here. 

We left the place, and went for one final time to our Hostel. It was a little sad to leave, as we had great fun in the tour. We packed our bags and left in our travellers.

Then we had a quick one hour shopping session, and the girls went their own way. We were in a confusion at what to buy, and at last we brought some small shells and waited for the girls. The girls came back with 2 or 3 covers full of items, and this was expected. We reached at The Chennai International, and I was kind of feeling good to go home as everyone felt a little homesick. We boarded the plane, which was Air India again. 

We arrived back at the Pearl of The Gulf, Dubai. I was waiting for my baggage, but it came after a very long time. I saw my brother and family at the exit, full of excitement to hear from me what all was my experience. We Sastra Pratibhas joined for a group photo one last time, and I bid byes to all my friends. And the was the end of the 5 Day Jorney.

The End

Hardwork Pays......

Due to my interst in app creating, website designing and other IT related stuff, I decided to create a mobile application for our class. It could send messages, display thought for the week and the word for the week, the current news headlines, display a schedule of upcoming competitions, homeworks and other events, show a list of students and teachers, show educational videos, time table, online books, and tons of other useful stuff to students. When I went and showed my concept to my classmates and teachers, they were not so much concerned about it. I was a little depressed because after so much hardwork, is this the response, I get?

     Then one day, our competitions co-ordinator Mrs.Soudha Nasar told me that there is a science exhibition. We friends started discussing so much through skype and all, and still not topic. And suddenly, the IDEA popped up in my mind. Computer Science is a branch of science, so why don't I take the app for the exhibition? All my friends were a little confused at the start, but soon they were very enthusiastic. We all got prepared and finally the day came, when we had to show our INNOVATIVE LITTLE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY to the Whole UAE...
   
      Our innovative idea was highly successful, and all the visitors, teachers and the main judges were very impressed.  But unfortunately I had to go for a quiz as part of the same program, so I missed the main Judging. And thanks to the kindness of my friends, they told to the judges that most of the credit goes to me, because I made the app.
   
     And finally it was the award ceremony, and they were announcing the results from third pos.to first pos.
Even though we got many positive reviews, we were still not so confident about its success, because it was a  relatively new concept. The third prize was not for us, so we were about to get up and go. The second prize was not for us, so we were about to open the auditorium door to go then suddenly, the words we wanted to hear came - "The Smart 7G Wizkids from Sunrise School take first prize!!!"

     We all were shocked, and we went and received the trophies...We all got a deserving McDonalds burger and went home happily...

     A real life story with some small twists, isn't it?

Sounds of nature. ...

Aah, I sure miss the times when I was back in india....the farms ,animals and lush green grass.....every once in a while, we go to India, for a very short time.....

Now the opportunity came flying to me , to visit a farm In the UAE!
The idea group , a group which aims to increase our knowledge practically and theoretically, had plannned an educational trip to almarai farms in al ain.

After a long wait (a two hour journey in the bus with a lot of route miscalculations) which practically made me sleep soundly, we reached the farm.
We did not need to look out of the window, as the special smell of the farms and cows made us instantly realize we are at the farm.

After we reached, the almarai team showed us a wide variety of their products, ranging from milk to croissants.  Then, we proceeded towards the farm. The cows were separated into sections( pregnant cows, 24 days, 25 days to a month and so on. There were gigantic cooling fans which sprayed fine mist on to the cows. There were also huge piles of hay, as feed for the cows. Eveything was explained beautifully by the almarai staff, and we listened carefully.

Then we went to the milk processing area. We saw how the cows were milked, very easily, due to the automatic milking system used there. There were also two tanks in which they stored water and milk.

After all this, we went back to the small on-site office. There, we got the chance to taste all the products of almarai, which satisfied our appetite. We saw a video In which they showed how almarai started and how it grew into such a successful business.

We bid bye to our animal friends and left, for an another 2hr journey back to abu dhabi. It was very nice of the idea group to create such trips. Anyways, I got a full experience of the life with the cows....

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