Kids Org. An Interesting Safari

Kids Org.
An Interesting Safari
By Upadhi Gulati

I was going to Australia for my holidays. After some time, I dozed off to drop off to sleep. When I got up, I was shocked to find myself lying on a road. I quickly got up, looked around, but couldn'tsee anybody. I found myself walking down unknown roads that appeared strange to me. The land was bestowed with immense natural beauty. I was totally mesmerised by such scenic beauty.

Suddenly somebody called out to ask, ?Who are you? Can I be of some help to you, sir??

I was happy to hear a human voice but when I looked back, I was totally horrified. I saw an ant sitting on an elephant. For some time, I couldn'tutter a word. The ant again spoke, ?Who are you? What are you doing here? Where have you come from??

I answered, ?I am from a place called India and I don'tknow how I came here. Also, this land is totally new to me, so I don'teven know what to do and where to go. I am really confused. Can you help me out and reveal the facts about this land please??

The ant agreed to my request. I asked, ?Which land is this? What kind of population it has? Who can help me out to return to my country??

The ant replied, ?This is a place called Antinio. Ants are the basic population of the country but other minority populations too exist here, i.e. elephants, peacocks, etc.?

I was shocked to learn that the minority problem was an issue of concern not only in India but also in this strange land. This really ignited my curiosity to know more about the land. I immediately asked, ?What other problems exist in this country??

The ant replied, ?There are many problems faced by the population of the country?such as alleviation of problems like poverty, caste system, illiteracy and many others.?

The ant then told me that the tourism ministry could help me. So this took me to the tourism ministry office. I narrated my problem to officials there. Since my case was rare, I was asked to meet the tourism minister. In due time, the minister listened to my problem and promised to help me. He also asked me to accompany him for dinner. I was overwhelmed by his hospitality. At the end of the dinner, I was asked by the minister to attend a press conference and say a few good words about his ministry as the election time was round the corner. I understood clearly the motive behind his help. I agreed to the request because I had no other option.

One day, I was called by an organisation chief who wanted me to judge a beauty contest. I refused, but he persisted and somehow was able to convince me.

The day before the competition was to be held, I received many calls from the contestants who were prepared to dole out large amounts of money if I only revealed to them the questions that would be asked in the contest. So the menace of corruption was also present in this country.

On the day of the competition, my name was announced for the panel of judges. My name was repeatedly announced but I realised that actually it was my mother who was calling me. Though it was an interesting safari, it turned out to be only a dream. This dream of mine made me realise that we, being the citizens of this country, have responsibilities towards it and we ought to eradicate all forms of malpractices and make a pledge that we can and will make a difference.