1. The Portrait of a Lady

 Content: A nostalgic recount of the author’s relationship with his grandmother, highlighting her life, simplicity, and eventual death.

 Objective: Understand the theme of familial bonds, generational differences, and the passage of time.

 2. We’re Not Afraid to Die…if We Can All Be Together

 Content: The true story of a family’s adventurous and perilous voyage across the sea and their survival through courage and resilience.

 Objective: Learn about human endurance, family unity, and the will to survive in the face of danger.

 3. Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues

 Content: Chronicles the archaeological discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and the mystery surrounding his death, exploring ancient Egyptian culture.

 Objective: Understand the significance of historical discoveries and how science has helped unravel ancient mysteries.

 4. The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role

 Content: A commentary on the environmental degradation of the Earth and the role of the Green Movement in saving the planet.

 Objective: Raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainable development.

 5. The Browning Version

 Content: A one act play about a teacher facing retirement and his complex relationships with students and his wife.

 Objective: Understand themes of respect, regret, and interpersonal relationships in a professional and personal context.

 6. The Adventure

 Content: A science fiction narrative exploring an alternate reality experienced by a professor through a time space continuum during a historical event.

 Objective: Engage with the concept of alternate realities and the impact of historical events on the present.

 7. Silk Road

 Content: An account of a journey through the Silk Road, highlighting the cultural diversity and landscape of Tibet.

 Objective: Appreciate cultural differences and the significance of historic trade routes.

 8. A Photograph

 Content: A poem that reflects on loss and the passage of time through a photograph of the poet’s mother as a child.

 Objective: Explore themes of memory, loss, and nostalgia.

 9. Laburnum Top

 Content: A poem about the transformation of a tree when a goldfinch arrives, symbolizing the cycle of life.

 Objective: Understand nature imagery and explore themes of rejuvenation and life cycles.

 10. The Voice of the Rain

 Content: A poem that personifies rain, describing its journey from the earth to the clouds and back.

 Objective: Appreciate the cycle of nature and the interconnectedness of all elements.

 11. Childhood

 Content: A reflective poem that questions the moment a child loses innocence and gains understanding of the world’s complexities.

 Objective: Engage with the theme of lost innocence and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

 12. Father to Son

 Content: A poem about a father’s emotional struggle in understanding his distant son and the generational gap between them.

 Objective: Explore themes of familial relationships, communication, and generational conflict.

 13. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

 Content: A short story about two Armenian boys who “borrow” a horse, symbolizing trust and moral values in their community.

 Objective: Understand the themes of innocence, trust, and ethical dilemmas.

 14. The Address

 Content: A poignant story of a girl returning to retrieve her mother’s belongings after World War II, dealing with loss and memory.

 Objective: Explore themes of loss, memory, and the emotional impact of war.

 15. Ranga’s Marriage

 Content: A humorous story about Ranga, a young man who returns from the city, and the village’s traditional approach to his marriage.

 Objective: Understand the contrast between rural and urban values, and explore themes of tradition and modernity.

 16. Albert Einstein at School

 Content: An account of Albert Einstein’s early school days, highlighting his rebellious nature and dissatisfaction with the rigid education system.

 Objective: Understand Einstein’s personality and the critique of traditional education systems.

 17. Mother’s Day

 Content: A lighthearted play about how a mother in a typical family gains recognition and respect for her role.

 Objective: Engage with the theme of family dynamics and the unrecognized contributions of mothers.

 18. The Ghat of the Only World

 Content: A tribute by the author to his friend, Agha Shahid Ali, after his passing, reflecting on friendship, memory, and loss.

 Objective: Explore themes of friendship, death, and the power of memories.

 19. Birth

 Content: The story of a young doctor’s successful and difficult delivery of a child, symbolizing new life and professional responsibility.

 Objective: Understand themes of perseverance, duty, and the sanctity of life.

 20. The Tale of Melon City

 Content: A humorous poem about a king who makes an absurd decision that leads to his downfall, and how a melon is crowned king in his place.

 Objective: Explore the theme of absurdity in governance and critique of authority.