I am very fond of going on a morning walk. I never miss it. I prefer to go alone on my walk and my thoughts are my best companions. I wake up at 5:00 am and usually go to the riverside for a walk.

The peace and quiet brings peace to my soul. The morning time is the freshest time. I pass through fields and gardens. The air is full of fragrance.

The chirping of birds give great joy. The green crops wave in the cool morning breeze. The farmers are already up. They are either ploughing the fields or working the wells.

The vegetable-sellers are carrying baskets of fresh vegetables to the city. Milk vendors

are carrying milk cans to the city.

Washermen with their donkey loads of dirty linen go to the river for washing. Carts loaded with grain crawl along the road. The leaves of trees rustle in the air. Everything looks fresh and gay.

In half an hour, I reach the river. It flows majestically. Ripples dance on its bosom. I wash my hands and face. Then I brush my teeth. I do light exercise. After a few minutes’ rest, I enjoy a dip and a swim in the canal. In summer, it keeps me cool and in winter it keeps me warm the whole day.

A morning walk is the lightest form of exercise. It is suited to all. It sharpens appetite, improves health and prolongs life. Great men like Mahatma Gandi never missed it.

— Rakshak

Bajracharya,

Class VII, Future Star High School