*What is readily yielded to courtesy is never yielded to force- Mahatma Gandhi

Courteousness means being polite and well –mannered. If you interact with others in a pleasing, friendly manner it creates a good feeling and mutual respect. It reflects your good upbringing and people immensely like you.

Courteous behavior includes a simple `thank you,’ excuse me’, `Sorry’, `May I’, and proper conduct. It consists treating others as you would love to be treated yourself. True politenesses require humility, good sense and benevolence.

Two boys- Prasad and Ravi live in the same colony. Prasad talks respectfully to everyone, greets his elders and is affectionate towards the young. He is a polite a well –mannered boy.

One contrary, Ravi always shouts while talking and fights with his friends. He does not greet his elders.

Everyone praises Prasad while Ravis’ rude behavior is disliked by all. Even though Ravi is very good in studies, Prasad scores over him in everyone’s eyes due to his conduct.

What kind of a boy/ girl would you like to be?

Politeness is the hallmark of a good personality. The word courtesy’ comes from `court manner’, the way the elite behaved. Hence the saying, ``Politeness is the privilege of kings’’.

All of you are aware of the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi. He was kind and respected everyone alike.

When Mahatma Gandhi was in South Africa he once went to a hotel and ordered food. Since he was well-known for his struggle for justice for felloe Indian, the waiter recognized him. He was delighted and treated him with great respect. Gandhi noticed this. When he finished his meal, he paid the bill and then said smilingly; ``Thank you, young man. It was a pleasure to have food here as you took good care of me.’’

The waiter looked shocked, ``what did you say, sir?’’

``Well, thank you,’’ Gandhi replied. The waiter was overwhelmed. He said, ``Sir you are first one to thank me for doing my job. Everyone takes our services for granted as they pay for them. I shall never forget your kindness.’’ He then took Gandhi’s hand and kissed it.

Fighting injustice

Justice is truth in action- mahatma Gandhi

Whenever you come across an animal being ill-treated, an old lady being pushed around for fun, a boy being punished for what he has not done, how do you feel? Do you just walk away as it does not affect you or you resist/ show concern?

Well these are acts of injustice which should not be done and should not be tolerated.

Several great men throughout the history of India have set examples in their fight for justice. Their struggles inspire us not to accept injustice done either to us or others.

A fine example has been established by Mahatma Gandhi. In his earlier days Gandhi went to South Africa to practice law. Once, when he was t5here, he bought a ticket to travel by train. The Britishers disliked Indians and they were not allowed on the same train compartment with them. When Gandhi boarded the train, a Britishers asked Gandhi to move to another compartment which was reserved for Indians. Gandhi felt insulted and did not move from there. The Britishers pushed him. However, Gandhi resisted and remained in the same compartment despite his threats. All along he felt humiliated at the unjust treatment meted out to Indians in South Africa.

It was at that moment that Gandhi decided to fight for the equal rights of all human beings.