The chapter is an interview with Dr Ajith Parameswaran, an astrophysicist from Kerala. He explains that scientists mainly create new knowledge, not just discover things. As a child, he became curious about the natural world after reading a Malayalam book that explained everyday scientific questions. Ajith says that even today many important questions—like human‑animal conflict, extreme weather, and diseases—still need answers. He believes that curiosity, asking questions, and understanding existing knowledge are essential for science. A good scientist must think clearly, do careful research, and remain open‑minded. He also says that anyone can become a scientist if they follow their interest and work hard. His message to youngsters is to stay curious and committed.
Sample Interviews
Interviewing A.R. Rahman
- Interviewer: Welcome, Sir. Thank you for joining us.
- Rahman: Thank you. I’m happy to be here.
- Interviewer: When did you start loving music?
- Rahman: I loved music from childhood.
- Interviewer: What inspires your songs?
- Rahman: Life, people, and emotions inspire me.
- Interviewer: Do you follow a routine while composing?
- Rahman: Yes, I work quietly and calmly.
- Interviewer: Which instrument do you enjoy most?
- Rahman: I enjoy the piano the most.
- Interviewer: What is the secret of your success?
- Rahman: Hard work and patience.
- Interviewer: Do you still practise daily?
- Rahman: Yes, practice never stops.
- Interviewer: What do you think about young musicians?
- Rahman: They are talented and creative.
- Interviewer: What advice do you give them?
- Rahman: Believe in yourself and keep learning.
- Interviewer: Thank you for your time.
- Rahman: Thank you. It was a pleasure.
Interviewing P.V. Sindhu
- Interviewer: Welcome, Sindhu.
- Sindhu: Thank you. Glad to be here.
- Interviewer: When did you start playing badminton?
- Sindhu: I started when I was about eight.
- Interviewer: Who encouraged you?
- Sindhu: My parents encouraged me a lot.
- Interviewer: How many hours do you practise?
- Sindhu: I practise for many hours every day.
- Interviewer: What is the toughest part of training?
- Sindhu: Staying focused and disciplined.
- Interviewer: How do you handle pressure?
- Sindhu: I stay calm and trust my training.
- Interviewer: What was your happiest moment?
- Sindhu: Winning the Olympic medal.
- Interviewer: Do you follow a special diet?
- Sindhu: Yes, I eat healthy food.
- Interviewer: What message do you have for young players?
- Sindhu: Work hard and never give up.
- Interviewer: Thank you, Sindhu.
- Sindhu: Thank you so much.
Interviewing Virat Kohli (Cricketer)
- Interviewer: Welcome, Virat.
- Kohli: Thank you. Happy to be here.
- Interviewer: When did you start playing cricket?
- Kohli: I started when I was very young.
- Interviewer: What made you love cricket?
- Kohli: I enjoyed the game from the beginning.
- Interviewer: How do you stay fit?
- Kohli: I exercise daily and eat healthy food.
- Interviewer: What is your favourite cricket memory?
- Kohli: Winning matches for India.
- Interviewer: Do you get nervous before matches?
- Kohli: Sometimes, but I stay confident.
- Interviewer: What do you enjoy besides cricket?
- Kohli: Spending time with family and fitness training.
- Interviewer: What is most important in cricket?
- Kohli: Discipline, teamwork, and focus.
- Interviewer: What advice do you give young players?
- Kohli: Work hard and believe in yourself.
- Interviewer: Thank you, Virat.
- Kohli: Thank you. It was great talking to you.
Interviewing Mary Kom
- Interviewer: Welcome, Mary Kom. Mary Kom: Thank you. Happy to join you.
- Interviewer: How did you start boxing? Mary Kom: I started after watching other boxers.
- Interviewer: Was it difficult in the beginning? Mary Kom: Yes, but I never gave up.
- Interviewer: What challenges did you face? Mary Kom: Many people doubted me.
- Interviewer: What kept you strong? Mary Kom: My determination and family support.
- Interviewer: How do you train? Mary Kom: With discipline and daily practice.
- Interviewer: What is your proudest moment? Mary Kom: Winning world championships.
- Interviewer: What do you enjoy outside boxing? Mary Kom: Spending time with my children.
- Interviewer: What message do you give girls? Mary Kom: Be brave and follow your dreams.
- Interviewer: Thank you, Champion. Mary Kom: Thank you very much.
Interviewing Saina Nehwal
- Interviewer: Welcome, Saina.
- Saina: Thank you. Nice to be here.
- Interviewer: When did you start playing badminton?
- Saina: I started when I was a child.
- Interviewer: Who inspired you?
- Saina: My parents and coaches inspired me.
- Interviewer: How do you prepare for matches?
- Saina: I practise hard and stay focused.
- Interviewer: What is the hardest part of being an athlete?
- Saina: Handling injuries and pressure.
- Interviewer: What is your favourite victory?
- Saina: Winning the Commonwealth Games gold.
- Interviewer: How do you relax?
- Saina: I listen to music and rest.
- Interviewer: What do you think about young players today?
- Saina: They are energetic and talented.
- Interviewer: What message do you want to give them?
- Saina: Keep practising and stay positive.
- Interviewer: Thank you, Saina.
- Saina: Thank you. It was wonderful.
Notices
Notices are a formal way of communication. They provide information of some importance.
NOTICE
H.S.S Malgudi Science Exhibition 2025
Dear students and parents,
Our school is organizing a Science Exhibition as detailed below.
- Date: 10 January 2025
- Time: 9:30 a.m.
- Venue: School Auditorium
Students from Classes 8 to 12 will present working models and experiments. The exhibition will be open to parents and guests.
All are invited to encourage our young scientists and enjoy the event.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
NOTICE
H.S.S Malgudi Annual Sports Meet
Dear students and parents,
The Annual Sports Meet will be held as follows.
- Date: 5 February 2025
- Time: 8:30 a.m.
- Venue: School Playground
Track and field events, team games, and fun races will be conducted. Winners will receive medals and certificates.
All students must wear proper sports uniform. Parents are welcome to attend and cheer.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
NOTICE
H.S.S Malgudi Parent–Teacher Meeting
Dear parents,
A Parent–Teacher Meeting is scheduled as follows.
- Date: 18 January 2025
- Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Venue: School Seminar Hall
Teachers will share students’ progress and discuss academic plans. Parents are requested to attend and interact with teachers.
Your presence will help us support your child better.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Headmaster |
NOTICE
H.S.S Malgudi Clean Campus Drive
Dear students,
Our school is conducting a Clean Campus Drive.
- Date: 12 January 2025
- Time: 9 a.m.
- Venue: Entire School Premises
Students of Classes 6 to 10 will take part in cleaning classrooms, gardens, and corridors. Gloves and cleaning tools will be provided.
Let us work together to keep our school clean and green.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Headmaster |
NOTICE
H.S.S Malgudi Art and Craft Workshop
Dear students,
An Art and Craft Workshop will be held as follows.
- Date: 25 January 2025
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Venue: Art Room
The workshop will be led by a local artist. Students will learn paper craft, clay modelling, and painting.
Interested students from Classes 5 to 9 should register with the art teacher by 20 January.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
NOTICE
Lost and Found – Wristwatch
Dear students and teachers,
A black digital wristwatch has been reported lost by Class 8 student, Meera S, on Monday, 3 March 2025. She last remembers wearing it during the lunch break near the school canteen. The watch has a square dial and a rubber strap. It is important to her because it was a birthday gift from her parents.
Students who were present in the canteen or nearby classrooms at that time are requested to check their bags, desks, or classrooms in case the watch was picked up accidentally. If anyone finds it, please hand it over to the school office or to the class teacher of 8A. We request everyone to take care of their belongings and avoid leaving items unattended.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
NOTICE
Change of Name – Official Update
Dear students, teachers, and parents,
This is to inform all concerned that Miss Anjana R, a student of Class 11, has officially changed her name to Anjana Rajeev. The school has received all required legal documents, including the affidavit and newspaper publication confirming the name change. Teachers are requested to update her new name in attendance registers, mark lists, project records, and all future academic documents.
Students are also requested to address her by her new name to avoid confusion. A revised school identity card and library card will be issued soon. Parents may contact the school office for any clarification regarding updated records.
We request everyone to cooperate and ensure smooth implementation of this change.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
NOTICE
Warning – Misuse of Mobile Phones
Dear students,
It has been observed that some students are bringing mobile phones to school and using them during class hours. This is strictly against school rules. Mobile phones can distract students, disturb classes, and affect discipline. The school authorities have decided to take strict action against students who violate this rule.
Any student found using a mobile phone inside the school campus will have the device confiscated. Parents will be called to meet the principal, and further disciplinary action may follow. Students are reminded to follow school rules and maintain a positive learning environment.
This notice serves as a final warning. Let us work together to keep our school disciplined and focused on learning.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
NOTICE
Holiday – School Closed for Festival
Dear students, teachers, and parents,
This is to inform you that the school will remain closed on 20 March 2025 on account of the Spring Festival celebrated across the state. The holiday is declared to allow students and families to participate in cultural activities and spend time together. Regular classes will resume on 21 March 2025 as usual.
Students are advised to use the holiday wisely. Those who have upcoming exams may revise their lessons. Others may complete pending assignments or engage in creative activities. Teachers are requested to plan their lessons accordingly.
We wish all students and parents a joyful and peaceful festival.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
NOTICE
Admission Open for Class 11
Dear parents and students,
Admissions for Class 11 for the academic year 2025–26 will begin on 1 April 2025. Application forms will be available at the school office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on all working days. Students may apply for Science, Commerce, or Humanities streams based on their Class 10 results.
Parents are requested to bring a copy of the Class 10 mark sheet, transfer certificate, passport-size photographs, and Aadhaar card for verification. Admission will be granted based on merit and seat availability. The final list of selected students will be displayed on the notice board on 15 April 2025.
For more details, please contact the school office.
| Malgudi 5 January 2025 | Seal | Principal |
Experiment Writing
- Floating egg experiment
First, take a glass and fill it half with water. Then, gently place an egg in the water. You will see that the egg sinks to the bottom. Next, take out the egg and add three to four spoons of salt to the water. Stir well until the salt dissolves. After that, carefully place the egg back into the salty water. Now, you will notice a change. This time, the egg starts to float. Finally, you can explain that salt water is denser than plain water. So, to sum up, the egg floats in salty water because the salty water can hold it up better than normal water. - Walking water experiment
To start with, take three cups and place them in a row. Fill the first and third cups with water and leave the middle one empty. Then, add red food colour to the first cup and blue to the third cup. Next, roll two tissue paper strips and place one end in the first cup and the other end in the middle cup. Do the same between the middle and third cups. After some time, you will see the coloured water “walking” into the empty cup. Finally, the middle cup will have mixed colour water. In conclusion, water moves up the tissue by a process called capillary action. - Balloon and static electricity
First, blow up a balloon and tie the end. Then, rub the balloon on your dry hair or on a woollen cloth for about 20–30 seconds. After that, slowly bring the balloon close to small bits of paper or to a wall. You will notice that the paper pieces jump up and stick to the balloon. The balloon may also stick to the wall for some time. Finally, you can explain the reason. Rubbing the balloon gives it static electricity. So, to sum up, objects with static charge can attract light things like paper and make them move. - Paper towel seed germination
To start with, take a clean glass jar or a transparent cup. Then, place a few wet paper towels inside the jar, pressed against the side. Next, put two or three bean seeds between the glass and the paper towel so that you can see them from outside. After that, keep the jar near a window where it gets light but not strong heat. Keep the paper towel moist by adding a little water every day. Finally, after a few days, you will see roots growing down and shoots growing up. In conclusion, this experiment shows how seeds germinate and grow into plants. - Simple lava lamp
First, take a clear bottle or glass and fill it three-fourths with cooking oil. Then, add water to fill the rest of the space. You will see that the water settles at the bottom. Next, add a few drops of food colour; it will mix with the water. After that, drop a small piece of effervescent tablet (like an antacid tablet) into the glass. Soon, coloured bubbles will start moving up and down like a lava lamp. Finally, you can explain that the tablet releases gas, which carries the coloured water upward. When the gas escapes, the drops fall back. To sum up, this shows differences in density and gas formation.
Questions and Answers
- “Books remain a source of reliable information unlike most of what we get online.” Do you agree? Give reasons.
Yes, I agree with this idea. Books are usually written by people who have deep knowledge and experience in a subject. Before a book is published, it is checked by editors and experts, so the information is usually correct. Books do not change every minute, so the facts stay stable. But online information can be confusing. Anyone can post anything on the internet, even if it is wrong. Sometimes online content is written to get attention, not to share truth. Books encourage slow, careful reading, while online reading is often quick and shallow. So, when we want trustworthy information, books are still one of the best sources. - How does asking questions help in developing our understanding?
Asking questions helps us learn better because it makes us think more deeply. When we ask a question, we try to understand why something happens or how something works. This curiosity pushes us to explore new ideas. Children ask many questions, and that is why they learn so fast. Adults sometimes stop asking questions because they fear looking ignorant, but scientists continue to ask because they want to discover the truth. Questions open the door to new knowledge. They help us clear doubts, correct mistakes, and understand things more clearly. Without questions, learning becomes passive. With questions, learning becomes active, exciting, and meaningful. - Why does Dr Ajith Parameswaran say that anyone can become a scientist?
Dr Ajith says that anyone can become a scientist because great scientists can come from any place or background. A person does not need to be born in a big city or in a rich family to become a scientist. What matters is curiosity, interest, and hard work. He himself grew up in a small village in Kerala, but he became an astrophysicist through dedication and learning. Not everyone may become a great scientist, but anyone who is willing to learn, ask questions, and work sincerely can enter the world of science. His message is that science is open to all, and talent can appear anywhere. - What, in your opinion, are the essential qualities of a good scientist? Mention any two.
A good scientist needs many qualities, but two very important ones are curiosity and critical thinking. Curiosity helps a scientist stay interested in the world and ask meaningful questions. Without curiosity, no one would feel the desire to explore or discover new things. Critical thinking helps a scientist examine facts carefully. It allows them to check evidence, avoid bias, and reach correct conclusions. A scientist must also be patient, honest, and hardworking, but curiosity and critical thinking are the foundation. These qualities help scientists make new discoveries and understand the world more clearly. - Do you now agree that science is entirely different from mere opinion? Why?
Yes, science is very different from opinion. An opinion is simply what someone thinks or feels, and it may not be based on facts. But science depends on evidence and careful study. Scientists do experiments, collect data, and check results many times before accepting something as true. Science is open to questioning and correction. If new evidence appears, scientists change their conclusions. Opinions, however, do not need proof and may remain the same even when they are wrong. Science aims to discover truth, while opinions are personal views. This makes science reliable and trustworthy.
