Fasting has been around for centuries and will continue to be a regular practice for many cultures in the future. Religions and philosophies that practice fasting include: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Fasting can last for just a few hours or even a few weeks, usually with practitioners eating at night.
Ramadan is the holiest period within the Islamic calendar. Throughout this month, in obedience to God, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a practice of self-discipline, peace, tolerance and remembrance of those who do not have a regular source of food and water. During Ramadan, alongside abstaining from food and water during daylight hours, Muslims are also expected to be increasingly mindful of their behaviour and speech and often engage in charitable activities and prayers.
The students of Primary and Middle wings of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) penned beautiful verses on topics like peace, tolerance, hunger, patience, caring for other creatures etc., the values imbued by fasting.
Calm Amidst the Storm
When within you rages a storm
Keep your calm
And aback yourself from anger
Think of the stomachs that live with hunger
Be still even when everything around you goes wrong
This will surely make you strong
You may not be able to change places
But you can bring a smile on other’s faces!
Even when you do not have enough
Do your bit and help those whose lives are tough
The one up above is looking down in love
Your kindness and care,
To you he’ll pay
Throughout all your days!
| Mishal Leela Prasad, 6-A, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) |
Peace
A Calm and cool person
Has a face like a treasure
And pleasant as morning light
Is always filled with pleasure
Don’t fret, don’t cry
Don’t let life go dry
Anger will bring nothing but sorrow
But peace my little girl or boy
Will surely bring you joy.
Wipe away someone’s tears
Remove away from him all his fears
Show that you care
To everyone out there
Be the first to make a start
To touch each and every heart!
| Sheryl Ann Prasad , 6-A, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) |
Hunger
Oh Mother dear!
What goes through their mind
The ones who don’t care the mankind?
Even if they don’t have anything to offer
Why do they make others suffer?
Oh Mother dear!
I think of those stomachs
That cry all night
Will their sufferings ever end?
Will they have a future bight?
Oh Mother dear!
Can they see the beautiful sights?
Do they ever enjoy nature’s beauty?
To end their sufferings, I should fight
That for me is a divine duty!
| Malavika Happy, class-6, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) |
Sacrifice
Small sacrifices give us all
Happiness in our lives
Look around dear friend
At those tired and hungry eyes
How many of our friends
Each night go to bed
Without any food!
A little bit of sacrifice
Will suffice
To make someone smile
A little bit of food
Will make the hungry satisfied
Let’s build a peaceful world
Where all are equal
Let’s build happy world
For me, you and all!
| Theertha Balakrishna, class-6, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) |
Peace
Freedom from noise and anxiety
Is the true meaning of peace.
The sight of a dove flying high
In the bright blue sky
Makes my mind calm
It frees me from the yelling and screaming
That I really hate.
Let’s say no to violence,
Forget all our differences
And give up all our fights!
| Samveda Kashyap, class-7, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) |
Love All Creatures
Animal and birds
Flowers and trees
Bring to our earth
Beauty and peace
The chirps at dawn
The doe and her fawn
The rustle of leaves
And the sweet summer breeze
Whispers of the rain
Takes me down memory lane
Spring out of bed
Before the leaves spread
The flowers
Shall bloom
As the spider
Brings out its loom
I heard a whisper
Curious to know
Who would this be?
Friend or foe
I’m mother earth
Before I meet fate
Cherish me
Before it is too late
Beauty and peace
Bring to our earth
Else before you can blink
She’s gone in a wink.
| Reine Mary John, 4-K, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (IES) |