Life Unfolded

Description

Life Unfolded is a rich and engaging anthology that brings together timeless prose essays, evocative short stories, and essential language tools to inspire young minds and nurture thoughtful expression. Carefully curated and edited by V.K. Khanna and Meenakshi F. Paul, this volume offers a multidimensional learning experience that blends literary appreciation with practical language skills.

The essays, penned by iconic thinkers like Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, S. Radhakrishnan, and G. Venkataraman, explore themes ranging from the beauty of nature and the power of silence to the harmony between science and spirituality. Each piece encourages reflection and critical thinking, making abstract ideas accessible and relevant to young readers.

The short stories, written by literary stalwarts such as Mulk Raj Anand, Bhisham Sahni, and S.R. Harnot, delve into the emotional and social fabric of everyday life. Through vivid characters and compelling narratives, they highlight universal values like compassion, resilience, and familial love.

Beyond literature, Life Unfolded includes practical sections on grammar, paragraph writing, précis, and translation—designed to strengthen students’ command of English and enhance their writing skills. A contextual glossary supports vocabulary development, while brief author introductions and thematic overviews provide valuable literary context.

Whether used in the classroom or for self-study, Life Unfolded is both a literary journey and a language companion—ideal for students, educators, and anyone seeking to explore the richness of life through words.

About the editors

V.K. Khanna and Meenakshi F. Paul

Table of contents

Part I – Prose Essays

1. At the Himalayas – Rabindranath Tagore

2. The Value of Silence – M.K. Gandhi

3. Science and Religion – S. Radhakrishnan

4. Why is the Sea Blue? – G. Venkataraman

Part II – Short Stories

5. The Parrot in the Cage – Mulk Raj Anand

6. Dinner for the Boss – Bhisham Sahni

7. The Reddening Tree – S.R. Harnot

Part III – Grammar

8. Parts of Speech

   • Using Words as Different Parts of Speech

   • Usage of Articles and Prepositions

9. Sentence Structure

   • Agreement of the Subject and the Verb

   • Complex and Compound Sentences

   • Common Errors of Syntax

10. Punctuation

    • Exercises

    • Answers to Exercises

Part IV – Composition and Translation

11. Précis

12. Paragraph Writing

13. Translation

Appendices

• Syllabus for the Session 2013–14

• Sample Question Papers