Exploring Language and Culture

1. As you delve into the pages of this book, keep a vigilant eye out for unfamiliar phrases and words. Craft new sentences with these expressions to unravel their meanings and incorporate them into your vocabulary. Reflect on how many of these expressions bear a distinctly Indian essence.

Discovering India

2. Embark on a journey of learning about India. How many miles lie between the vibrant city of Calcutta and the serene vistas of Darjeeling? Are the majestic peaks of the Himalayas ancient or youthful in their grandeur? Do they reach higher than the towering mountains of America? Who calls the Himalayas home, and how do their days unfold amidst such splendor?

Nature and Divinity

3. Mukerji poetically observes, "Heights like that of Everest are symbols of the highest reality—God." Across many faiths, the wonders of nature often become intertwined with divine reverence. How does this intertwining manifest among religious groups in America? Provide vivid examples.

The Art of the Dervish

4. In part one, chapter 4, Mukerji draws a vivid parallel between the swirling descent of snowclouds and the frenetic dance of "fanatical dervishes." Delve into the meaning of "dervish" and the reasons behind their spirited dance. Engage five adults in conversation about the concept of a "whirling dervish." How accurate are their insights? Compile your findings in a detailed report.

Fascination with Pigeons

5. Dive deeper into the world of pigeons. What essentials are required for pigeon keeping? Is the tradition of carrier pigeons still alive and well? Who are the enthusiasts keeping this practice alive?

Birdwatching Adventures

6. As you journey through the book, you'll encounter a variety of birds. Take this opportunity to become an avid birdwatcher and spot five different types by week's end. What characteristics help in identifying these avian wonders? How do they differ from one another, and why might some be challenging to distinguish? Do they remain in your locality year-round? What kind of nests do they construct?

Confronting Fear

7. Pen a paragraph about a fear that shadows you. How does this fear evolve into anxiety and hatred? Examine how these emotions cast a shadow over your life. Drawing from the book's wisdom, detail ways to diminish fear, anxiety, and hatred.

A Pigeon's Perspective on War

8. In part two, chapter 4, we gain insight into the experience of war through the eyes of a pigeon. Contrast this unique viewpoint with a human perspective.

Unveiling World War I

9. Dive into the annals of World War I. When did this monumental conflict unfold, and which nations were embroiled in its turbulence? Why did Indians find themselves swept into its tides?

Carrier Pigeon Report

10. Compose a detailed report on carrier pigeons. How would you personally utilize a carrier pigeon if you had one as your companion?

Seeking Healing

11. In part two, chapter 8, Ghond reveals his quest to be freed from the shackles of fear and hatred, a malady born from witnessing the horrors of war. He seeks solace and healing through prayer and meditation at the lamasery. Who among us bears a similar affliction today, and how do they endeavor to heal? What connection does the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. have with this affliction?