Written by: Pritha Khanal - 30022, Grade VI
Posted on: 22 February, 2024
In the month of Falgun, I read a book called “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.” The book was so inspiring and had a sad ending. I almost cried while reading it.
Sadako was a Japanese girl who was just a baby when the US dropped a bomb on Hiroshima, killing millions and causing many injuries. This also led to a disease called leukaemia, often referred to as the atom bomb disease. Sadako was 11 years old when she was diagnosed with leukaemia. Her story of never giving up has inspired many people. She believed in good luck signs and legends. When she fell ill, her best friend Chizuko told her about a legend: if you fold 1,000 paper cranes, you'll be granted a wish, and a sick person will become healthy again. Sadako folded more than 1000 cranes, but sadly, her wish never came true.
Sadako passed away at the age of 12. Her story continues to inspire us to never lose hope. Although she's no longer with us, she remains a Japanese heroine, living on in the hearts of many. When she died, her classmates engraved this message on her statue: “This is our cry, this is our prayer, peace in the world,” hoping for global peace. Sadako had dreams of being a great runner and wanted to join the relay team. She died on October 25, 1955.
