In today's times talent sprouts at a tender age. We have already heard of MSc at 15, Doctor at 22 and gifted programmers, astronomers et al at much younger ages. Likewise in Media too we have new age youngsters showing promise through their early creativity.

In June OT we published a travelogue by 14-year old twins. In this issue we introduce to our readers the space age imagination of a 9-year old. Saumya is an avid reader having in her collection a variety of literature including Panchatantra, Bhagwat Purana, Enid Blyton, Ruskin Bond, Roald Dahl, Jamila Gavin and Premchand, all while just in 4th standard! The little girl churned a famous Birbal wisecrack into a modern version where Birbal goes to bazaar to buy a “torch”. So read on as the young and upcoming writer, Saumya, spins the modern version of a vintage anecdote...

One day in the royal court, King Akbar posed a strange question. "Can anybody get me a jewel which flashes with light?" Everyone wanted to boast so they agreed to the challenge set upon them.

 Birbal had also heard the challenge and told the king that he would bring such a jewel tomorrow. When he reached home, he told his wife about the King's strange request. She got startled and said, “But how can you get a jewel which flashes with light?” Birbal replied, “Don't worry, dear. I have found the solution to this problem." He asked his wife to give him a jewel. Then he went to a shop and bought a torch. The next day he went to the palace. When all the courtiers had arrived, the court's proceedings began. Akbar asked his courtiers to show him the jewels. But all their heads were bent down in shame, except Birbal. He stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, here is the jewel you are asking for.” While saying this, Birbal put the jewel on the table and put the torch's light on top of it. Akbar understood what he said and had a hearty laugh at Birbal's cleverness.

Saumya is Studying in Std.4, J.B.Petit High School, Mumbai.
We invite Our readers t send us more such writings from the young or even not so young! Let's not forget, behind every achieving child is an encouraging parent or even a teacher!!

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