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at that moment, see the harsh side of the wonders of science and the inventions oftechnology, or how frightening the prospect of war and destruction could also be. But theseed had been sown and Bachhu questioned his grandfather later on. Grandfather had metold acquaintances who had served at the war front. He told Bachhu precious lives werelost, whole cities destroyed, thousands rendered homeless. Bachhu listened with raptattention. Indeed, Bachhu’s grandfather was right.Have you read of the effects of the atom-bombs which were dropped by theAmericans on the two cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, during World War II?The two cities were destroyed completely in a few seconds and thousands of innocentpeople died or were wounded, blinded or maimed for the rest of their lives.Now we have a far more destructive weapon in the nuclear bomb. If a nuclear bombwere to be dropped anywhere in the world it would endanger life on earth, because apartfrom human lives it would destroy plants, animals, birds, and insects and large areas ofthe earth would become barren and lifeless. Isn’t it sad that man should utilise scientificknowledge for destruction?Yet, there is also the bright side. It is equally true that welcome discoveries of scienceand technology are marvels that have to be seen to be believed. Can you make a list ofthe wonders that science has achieved in the fields of communication, engineering,agriculture, medicine, etc? It is true man has suffered, but man has also benefited greatlyby the work of devoted scientists. Read about their lives, their hard work, dedication,diligence and perseverance. The study of science can be an extraordinary experience,opening the doors to new worlds for you as well.19. Parents’ AnxietiesHave you ever given thought to the anxieties and worries parents go through for yoursake? Here are some examples:Faisel’s mother was worried about his health. His school timings were baffling — 7a.m. to 1 p.m. The boy had to leave home by 6.30 a.m. to catch the school bus. With agreat deal of coaxing he would gulp down a glass of milk on some days, and run off toschool without anything on other days. To get children to drink milk is most difficult andyet that is the most complete food available. Faisel’s mother would get up early, by 5a.m., to prepare some parathas or sandwiches for the boy, and she lovingly packed thisinto his tiffin box. She would tuck in a bit of fruit when possible. However, on most daysshe was never sure that he had his tiffin during the recess. It was sometimes the crow thathad picked it up, for there were a lot of crows that congregated at the school during recesstime when a hundred boys or more were opening their tiffin boxes; sometimes, someother boys dipped into the box and returned it empty just to tease him, for these are theways of boys at school. All this meant, that the boy had nothing to eat till about 2 p.m.when he came home ravenously hungry. Faisel’s mother knew this was not good for hishealth. Young boys and girls need to have a wholesome, nutritious diet at regular hours.The body, when growing, requires a lot of protein and calcium and vitamins. She alsoworried that he did not get enough exercise, for the school had no playground. It was in acrowded part of the city. Right food, right exercise, right sleep — these seemed to be so