CBSE Class 10

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English

A Triumph of Surgery NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 1

A Triumph of Surgery  NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers

A Triumph of Surgery Read and Find out

Question 1.
Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he has become listless and weak. She feels that the condition of Tricki is very serious.

Question 2.
What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Answer:
She gives him malt and cod liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks to make him energetic. She gives him an extra diet of cream cakes and chocolates to make him feel better as he loves to eat all this. She is not giving him exercises as he is very weak and the gardener is not feeling well to take him for a long walk. She is not being wise in spoiling her greedy dog.

Question 3.
Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Answer:
‘I’ refers to the veterinary doctor who is the narrator of this story.

Question 4.
Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s Mistress?
Answer:
No, the narrator was not as rich as Tricky’s mistress because Mrs Pumphrey was spending lavishly even on her pet whereas the narrator could not afford luxuries like owning a big car.

Question 5.
How does he treat the dog?
Answer:
He wants to be very strict with the dog especially regarding the diet. He treats him by curtailing his food in the hospital and by keeping him under strict observation. For two days he is given only water and no food at all.

Question 6.
Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Answer:
The doctor was tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest because Mrs Pumphrey used to send two dozen fresh eggs and bottles of wine. The doctor did not want to lose the treat that he and his partners were relishing.

Question 7.
Why does Mrs Pumphrey think that the dog’s recovery is ‘a triumph of surgery’?
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey thought that the dog’s recovery was a triumph of surgery because according to Mrs Pumphrey the dog was very serious and needed an urgent surgery to save his life. But the different treatment given by the doctor saved the life of the dog.

A Triumph of Surgery Think About It

Question 1.
What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?
Answer:
The narrator, Mr Herriot, is a tactful doctor. He uses his practical wisdom in curing his patients. He does not want to give treatment to the dog if he could manage without going for the surgery. When he sees Tricki who is swollen like a ball, he at once concludes that he needs freedom from the love and care of Mrs Pumphrey to save the young one.

Instead of giving him medicine to be consumed at home, he advises Mrs Pumphrey to send the dog to the hospital. He frightens Mrs Pumphrey about the surgery and makes her leave Tricki with him. He is able to cure the dog by being strict with him ‘ regarding his diet.

Question 2.
Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Answer:
At home Tricki had no company, no friends to play with but in the hospital he knew the pleasures of sharing his food and things and he played with other animals. He even enjoyed catching rats. Naturally, he would not feel comfortable at Mrs Pumphrey’s house with no friends and no games at all.

Question 3.
Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
Answer:
The story seems to be quite real because rich people overfeed their children. As Mrs Pumphrey loved Tricki like her own child she overfed him. She was very emotional towards the cute puppy and could not bear the separation from her doting pet. There is nothing unusual in a wardrobe of dresses for the dog as rich people believe in showing the world that they are very rich to spoil even their pets.

A Triumph of Surgery Extra Questions and Answers

A Triumph of Surgery Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
How was Tricki treated in the first two days of his visit to the surgery?
Answer:
He was given a cozy bed in a warm loose box. He was kept under strict observation for first two days and given a plenty of water but no food was given to him. The cut down on his diet helped him improve a lot.

Question 2.
What made Tricki get well so soon?
Answer:
Tricki was not suffering from any disease indeed. His main ailment was his greed for overeating. When Mr Herriot gave him a controlled diet, he recovered from his lethargy caused by overeating and excessive fat.

Question 3.
Why did Mrs Pumphrey suffer in the absence of Tricki?
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey loved Tricki very much. She suffered thinking that Tricki was undergoing treatment and was to be operated on. She felt that he would not surive, if he did not see her daily.

Question 4.
What was the main cause of Tricki’s problem?
Answer:
Tricki was a greedy dog. He could never refuse to eat whatever and whenever it was given him. Only this was the main cause of Tricki’s problem.

Question 5.
Why could Tricki not be cured at home?
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey loved Tricki very much and could not be strict with him regarding his diet and exercise. Therefore, he could not be cured at home.

Question 6.
How did lunch become ‘a ceremonial occasion’ for Mr Herriot and his partners?
Answer:

• Mrs Pumphrey sent fresh eggs, two dozen at a time to build up Tricki’s strength.
• Mr Herriot and his partners began to take two eggs each in breakfast. They enjoyed it a lot.
  Then bottles of wine began to arrive to enrich Tricki’s blood. This way it became a ceremonial occasion for them, to have two glasses of wine before and during the meal.

Question 7.
‘You must harden your heart and help him on a strict diet.’ Why does Mr Herriot suggest this to Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey is very loving and caring mistress for Tricki. Her love and care do more harm than good to Tricki. She pampered him by giving him a luxurious life. She overfed him. The result was that Tricki became fat and lethargic. Overpampering and overfeeding were leading into disaster by spoiling his health. Cutting down his meals was much required to improve his health. Therefore, Mr Herriot suggests Mrs Pumphrey so.

Question 8.
Why was Mr Herriot shocked at Tricki’s appearance?
Answer:
Mr Herriot was shocked at Tricki’s appearance as he had become very obese. His eyes were red and watery and his tongue was lolling. All these symptoms made Mr Herriot feel that he was not feeling well.

Question 9.
(i) What was Mrs Pumphrey’s reaction when THcki showed little enthusiasm for exertion?
(ii) What did Mrs Pumphrey do to bring Tricki back to normal health? Was she wise?
Answer:
(i) Mrs Pumphrey loved Tricki very much, naturally she was anxious after noticing that he was no more an active and energetic dog. She felt that he should be given more nutrients through his food.
(ii) She gave him malt and cod liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks to make him energetic. She gave him an extra diet of cream cakes and chocolates to make him feel better as he loved to eat all this. She was not giving him exercises as he was very weak and the gardener was not feeling well to take him for a long walk. She was not being wise in spoiling her greedy dog.

Question 10.
How was Tricki greeted at the surgery by other dogs in the beginning?
Answer:
When the household dogs at the surgery came closer to Tricki and sniffed round him for a few seconds, they found him an uninteresting object. They got bored and left him alone thinking that he could not move. After a few days of strict diet, he recovered and enjoyed playing with them, being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes. Thus, he became an accepted member of the game.

Question 11.
Describe the ‘parting scene’ between Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey’s entire household staff.
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey treated Tricki like a young pampered child, naturally it was not easy for her to part with him. She made all the possible arrangements to see that Tricki had all the comforts in the hospital. All his belongings like day bed, night bed, favourite cushions, toys and rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl were sent with him. She cried pitiably at his departure and threw an armful of the little coats through window. Everyone bid him a tearful farewell.

Question 12.
How do you know that Tricki had an affluent life?
Answer:
Tricki was a pampered pet of an affluent mistress. He had a wardrobe of tweed coats with separate coats for the cold and rainy weather. He had separate beds for day and night with lovely cushions, toys, rubber rings, breakfast bowl, supper bowl and lunch bowl. All these luxury items show that he had an affluent living.

Question 13.
Why did Mrs Pumphrey make a frantic call to Mr Herriot? What immediate step did he take to save Tricki?
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey made a frantic call to Mr Herriot because her loving pet dog had stopped eating anything. He even refused to eat his favourite dishes and sweets. He became inactive and lay motionless all the time. He began panting and had bouts of vomiting. He took no interest in anything. Mr Herriot hospitalised Tricki for a fortnight and kept him on strict diet. By giving him a lot of water he was able to make Tricki active and energetic once again. Thus, he was able to save him from any kind of surgery or medicinal treatment.

Question 14.
“I think I know a cure for you.” What was the cure?
Answer:
The overeating and lack of exercise had made Tricki a very fat dog. The only cure for Tricki was to keep him on a very strict diet, that could never be done by Mrs Pumphrey. Therefore, he was to be removed from Mrs Pumphrey’s house.

Question 15.
Why was it tempting to keep Tricki in surgery as a permanent guest?
Answer:
As soon as Mrs Pumphrey came to know that Tricki was recovering rapidly, she started sending fresh eggs and brandy bottles to build up Tricki’s strength. The doctor and his friends were enjoying those eggs and brandy. Therefore, he felt the temptation to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest.

Question 16.
Why did Mrs Pumphrey keep Tricki on that extra diet? Did it help him?
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey kept Tricki on extra diet because she felt he was suffering from malnutrition and needed malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks. No, it didn’t help him. On the other hand, he had put on a lot of weight which made him lethargic.

Question 17.
Why was Mrs Pumphrey not able to control TVicki’s diet?
Answer:
She was not able to control his diet because according to her, he was very we^k. Secondly, he loved ice creams and chocolates. Being a very loving mistress, she could not refuse him all this.

Question 18.
Why did Mr Herriot expect a call from Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer:
On seeing the condition of Tricki, Mr Herriot was able to understand that he would be in trouble soon due to overeating and extra care in the form of his dresses and also because he was not doing any exercise. From his experience he could guess that Tricki would fall ill and he would get a call from Mrs Pumphrey.

A Triumph of Surgery Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Mrs Pumphrey is a very loving and caring mistress for Tricki. But excess of everything is bad. Elaborate with reference to Mrs Pumphery and IHcki.
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey was a rich lady with a lot of love for her pet dog Tricki. She loved to live comfortably in a luxurious way. She took an extra care of Tricki by overfeeding him. She was not able to make out that the excess of weight and the fur coats do not allow the dog to move and play. She was so fond of her dog that she had got a wardrobe separate for daytime and night time beds, and a number of lovely fur coats. She pampered Tricki by giving him the food, that should not be given to a dog.

She could not refuse delicious and favourite food to Tricki which made him overweight and inactive. Even in the hospital, she sent him eggs and brandy. Her fondness for the dog and care were in excess. She forgot that excess of every thing is bad. She fed him like anything and made him sick. No doubt, Mrs Pumphrey was a very loving and caring mistress but her excess pampering of Tricky proved otherwise.

Question 2.
Give a brief character sketch of Mrs Pumphrey.
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey was a rich lady with a lot of love for pet dog, Tricki. She loved to live comfortably in a luxurious way. She took an extra care of Tricki by overfeeding him. She was not very intelligent as she was not able to make out that the excess of weight and the fur coats do not allow the dog to move and play. She thought that her loving pet was serious.

She was so fond of her dog that she had got a wardrobe separate for daytime and night-time beds, and a number of lovely fur coats. She pampered Tricki by giving him the food, that should not be given to a dog. She was really a loving lady as the news about the surgery of her pet dog shocked her and her eyes brimmed with tears. She could not refuse delicious and favourite food to Tricki which made him overweight and inactive. Even in the hospital, she sent him eggs and brandy. Her fondness for the dog and extra care showed that she had motherly attitude towards Tricki.

Question 3.
Write a brief character sketch of Mr Herriot, the veterinary surgeon. What impresses you the most in him? Do you think he is a good judge of human nature?
Answer:
Mr Herriot was a genius veterinary surgeon and above that he was a good human being. Mr Herriot had a deep understanding of veterinary medical science and psychology. Mr Herriot was quick to analyse the factors responsible for lack of fitness and ill health of Pumphrey. Apart from being an expert veterinary surgeon, he also had a lighter side which is evident from what he did with the eggs and brandy sent for Tricki. Hence, we can say that Mr Herriot was a successful veterinary surgeon with a caring heart for animals as well as for human beings.

Question 4.
Dr Herriot was an intelligent doctor. He had sympathy and compassion for both the patient and his
owner. He had practical approach in his treatment. Do you think doctors should be compassionate and practical like Dr Herriot? ‘
Answer:
Mr Harriot was an intelligent doctor. He had the values of sympathy and compassion. He had practical approach in his treatment. He knew how to balance the professional life and social life. He knew the human psychology. He satisfied Mrs Pumphrey who was very possessive and obsessive about Tricky. He respected her love for her dog but treated Tricki tactfully.

Yes, I feel that a doctor must be sympathetic and full of compassion for his patients. Dr Herriot is an example for all the doctors to follow. He understood the cause of and the remedy for all the diseases. He makes Mrs Pumphrey understand how she should treat Tricki. He is very modest when he says ‘you must harden . your heart and help him on a strict diet’.

Question 5.
Animals also understand the language of love. They have loving attitude towards their masters. Elaborate with reference to the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
Answer:
Tricki was a very lucky dog to be looked after by a very sensitive lady Mrs Pumphrey, who looked after him like a pampered child. Tricki was fed on such delicacies and delicious food as might be a matter of jealousy for other dogs. Tricki also loved the heart that cared for him. After he had stayed with Mr Herriot for about a fortnight, he was eager to meet his mistress.

The moment he saw her come to pick him up, he rushed to her with a tremendous leap. He expressed his love for her by licking her face and barking. He was excited when he met her after sometime. He wanted to thank Mrs Pumphrey for giving him a lot of love. He was so loving and excited on meeting her that she could not hold back her tears. This behaviour of Tricki makes us realise that the animals are also grateful to their loving masters.

Question 6.
Obesity is a common problem nowadays. People live to eat and don’t eat to live. What should be our approach to our diet? Does being rich mean to eat and feed too much like Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer:
The lethargic life led by Tricki at home makes us feel that probably he lived to eat. Tricki had become very greedy. He would never refuse to eat whatever and whenever it was given to him. His mistress overfed him to increase his intake of nutrients in order to give him vigour. But that affected adversely and made him obese and a dull dog.He suffered from the sickness called obesity.

Obesity is a common problem nowadays. People live to eat and don’t eat to live. Junk food and fast food have become a status symbol. Even students in schools bring food from branded food chains to show off. Being rich does not mean to eat too much. We should eat balanced and natural food. We should eat to earn stamina and good health and not to gain weight. We should eat to improve our health and not to spoil it.

Question 7.
Over pampering is not only bad for humans but also for animals. Do you think overpampering by parents is in favour of the children? What are the negative things that a child imbibes from overprotection and over pampering. Elaborate with reference to the story ‘A THumph of Surgery’.
Answer:
Mrs Pumphrey pampered Tricki and made him sick. Her love for her dog was in excess. She overfed him. He became so fat that he was unable to move. Her love and care made him dull. It is an example of overpampering. Overpampering is not only bad for humans but also for animals. There are many parents who pamper their children in the name of love and care. It is not in the interest of the children. They get spoiled. They never learn to be self-dependent, self-confident. They become greedy, laggy and dull in future. They are unable to face the challenges of life. Sometimes they indulge in antisocial and illegal acts knowing that their parents would save them. Hence, overpampering by parents does not help a child in the long run.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English

The Book that Saved the Earth NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 10

The Book that Saved the Earth NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers

The Book that Saved the Earth Read and Find out

Question 1.
Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Books’?
Answer:
The twentieth country was called ‘the era of the books’ because the books were very important in people’s life. They were the sources of important information. They had everything from anteaters to Zulus.

Question 2.
Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
Answer:
The Martians tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first country.

Question 3.
What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on the earth?
Answer:
Think-Tank guessed that the books were sandwiches the earthlings loved to eat. He made another guess that the books were about some communication device used by the earthlings.

The Book that Saved the Earth Extra Questions and Answers

The Book that Saved the Earth Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the books? [Delhi 2016]
Answer:
Noodle tells Think-Tank that books are like sandwiches. They are means of communication. These sandwiches are not for ear communication but for eye communication. The Earthlings do not listen to the sandwiches. They open them and watch them. Noodle reads out the nursery rhymes to Think- Tank from Mother Goose.

Question 2.
How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the world from a Martian invasion?
Answer:
The Martians under the leadership of Think-Tank decided to invade the Earth. They found an old book of nursery rhymes Mother Goose. Think-Tank interpreted the rhymes in his own way. He got frightened. He concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and advanced than he was. He called his crew members back. Hence, the old book of nursery rhymes saved the world from a Martian invasion.

Question 3.
What is Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earth?
Answer:
Think-Tank was the mighty captain of Mars Space Control. He did not have good opinion about the Earth and its people. He considered the Earth a ridiculous little planet. He thought that it was an insignificant place where ugly earthlings, with their tiny heads dwell.

Question 4.
How did Think-Tank interpret the rhymes of the book ‘Mother Goose’?
Answer:
Think-Tank was an arrogant fool ruling the planet Mars. After taking the vitamins they were able to read the rhymes in the book Mother Goose. He interpreted the rhymes in his own way. He concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and more advanced than he was.

Question 5.
How did the people on the Earth help the Martian people?
Answer:
After the departure of Think-Tank from the Mars, Noodle was elected as the ruler of the Mars. He was an intelligent and wonderful person. The earthlings resumed contact with the Martians. They became friends and taught the Martians how to read. The people on both the planets exchanged their views and values. They established a model library in the capital city of Marsopolis.

Question 6.
How does Think-Tank compare the Martians with the people on the Earth? What does he call the Earth mockingly?
Answer:
Think-Tank compares the Martians with the people on the Earth. He calls Martians more handsome race than that of the people on the Earth. He calls the Earth ‘a ridiculous little planet’ and ‘a primitive ball of mud’.

Question 7.
What ‘high levels of civilisation’ have earthlings reached, according to Think-Tank?
Answer:
According to Think-Tank, the people of the Earth have made advancement in all the fields of life. They have reached the ‘high levels of civilisation’. They have taught their domesticated animals musical culture and space techniques.

Question 8.
What was Oop’s opinion about the ‘sandwiches’ he had eaten?
Answer:
Oop found a book in the library. He thought it to be a sandwich. He was ordered to eat it. He found it absolutely tasteless and useless. He could not understand how such things could be eaten by the earthlings without water. They were as dry as Martian dust.

Question 9.
What did Noodle suggest about the book?
Answer:
Noodle was an intelligent person but he did not want to offend Think-Tank. He suggested that the book was not a sandwich, it was some device used for communication. Later on, he suggested that the team should eat vitamins to increase their intelligence so that they would read them.

Question 10.
Which book saved the Earth from Martian invasion and how?
Answer:
Mother Goose, a nursery rhymes book, saved the Earth from the Martian invasion. Think-Tank interpreted the rhymes in his own way. He got frightened and decided to vacate the planet.

Question 11.
Who was Think-Tank? What did he want?
Answer:
Think-Tank was an arrogant ruler of the Martian Planet. He wanted to expand his kingdom and rule over the Earth. So he decided to invade the Earth. He was top confident of his abilities.

Question 12.
Who was Noodle? What type of a person was he?
Answer:
Noodle was an apprentice in the kindgom of Think-Tank. He was an intelligent attendant of Think- Tank. He was a person who knew how to communicate his idea without offending the king. It was he who described the so-called sandwich as a means of communication.

Question 13.
How did Noodle address Think-Tank?
Answer:
Think-Tank is the ruler of Mars. Noodle addressed him, ‘O Great and Mighty Think-Tank, Ruler of Mars and her two moons, most powerful and intelligent creature in the whole universe.’

Question 14.
Why did Think-Tank send his crew on the Earth?
Answer:
Think-Tank intended to invade the Earth. He wanted to control the Earth and put it under his rulership. He was an arrogant ruler who was hungry for power. So he sent his crew on the Earth.

Question 15.
Where was the crew on the Earth? What did they find there?
Answer:
The crew led by captain Omega landed on the Earth with his team. They found themselves in the Centerville Public Library amidst thousands of books. They thought the books to be sandwiches.

Question 16.
Who was Omega? Why did he try to eat the book?
Answer:
Omega was the captain of the crew which was sent by Think-Tank to invade the Earth. He tried to eat the book because he was ordered by Think-Tank to do so. They all thought the book to be a sandwich.

Question 17.
What was the book about? How did Think-Tank interpret its content?
Answer:
The book was a popular book of nursery rhymes, Mother Goose. Think-Tank interpreted the rhymes in his own unique way. He concluded that the people on the Earth were more advanced and powerful. He decided to call his crew back. He was so frightened that he vacated the planet Mars too.

Question 18.
Why did Think-Tank decide to call the crew back?
Answer:
When Think-Tank listened the nursery rhymes read out by Noodle, he concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and advanced. He called his crew back and gave up the idea of invading the planet.

Question 19.
Why did Think-Tank decide to evacuate the Martian Planet?
Answer:
Think-Tank was so frightened after the wrong interpretation of the rhymes book that he not only called the crew back but decided to leave the Martian planet too. He concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and advanced. He thought that they might attack his planet and kill him. So, he decided to leave the Martian planet forever and shift to some far away galaxy.

The Book that Saved the Earth Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Compare the contrast the characters of Think-Tank and Noodle.
Answer:
Think-Tank and Noodles are the two main characters in the play. Think-Tank is an arrogant fool ruling the planet. He is very strict and cannot hear anything against himself. He thinks that he is the most intelligent and powerful person in the universe. He is an arrogant and stupid person. He has little knowledge about the things.Noodle, on the other hand, is an intelligent and sensible character. He knows how to tackle Think- Tank intelligently. He corrects him tactfully without offending him. Noodle is better than arrogant Think-Tank.

Question 2.
Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Answer:
This is a fiction which is anticipated. Time has gone five centuries ahead and the twentieth century’s period is being taken as history. The place is Mars and the Martians are speaking about the life on the Earth. In this very funny and interesting play, the character of captain Think-Tank has been depicted as a dictator or almighty who thinks himself to be on the top. He never spares his subordinates and mentions their mistakes immediately.

Every time Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank, he corrects his mistakes also. There are many instances to highlight the same. When the team of Martians on the Earth is oblivious about the object ‘Books’, captain Think-Tank claims that the books are sandwiches. At this Noodle corrects Think’ Tank with utter humility by mentioning that they were not sandwiches but a means of communication. Later also, he mentions the fact that the Martians on the Earth will attain extra intelligence if they eat the vitamins provided by the chemical department but Noodle modestly corrects him and gives him the right information.

At one place when Think-Tank declares that he is never wrong and tells them to eat the sandwiches, with all humility and humbleness, Noodle tells him that sandwiches are some sort of communication device. Thus, with subtle modesty and utter humility, Noodle corrects captain Think-Tank, though he avoided his best to do the same.

Question 3.
If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you have handled Think-Tank’s mistakes?
Answer:
Think-Tank was a proud and mighty captain. He enjoyed to be honoured by other captains and does not like his mistakes to be corrected. Noodle also avoids correcting his mistakes but he does his work very nicely and gracefully. If I were in Noodle’s place, I would also have handled the situation in the same way he did.

It is said that humility can move mountains. By being most humble, modest and with full respect, I would correct captain Think-Tank’s mistakes so that he should not get annoyed or irritated as he becomes in the beginning when Noodle misses some part of his salutation but pacifies him with his modest manner.

Question 4.
Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
Answer:
This is an era of machines. Machines have occupied almost all the fields of life. Yes, books are also being replaced by electronic media to some extent. Mobile phones, computers and TVs are slowly eating away books. Not only children but even adults prefer electronic media. With the world developing at such a rapid rate, the use of electronic media has become indispensable and the young generation finds more fantasy in playing games than reading books.

Also the concept of electronic books (Books on Computer) makes matter easier for adults and professionals. Books cannot be done away with. Our rich cultural heritage lies in these books that can be preserved for generations ‘ to come. Books are a treasure of history and one can learn a lot by inculcating the habit of reading. Thus, books can never be done away with totally, though electronic media has replaced the traditional books to some extent.

Question 5.
Why are books referred to as man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.
Answer:
It is said that books are the treasure of knowledge and information. The experiences of great scholars are transferred to us through books. Reading is not only a pleasant hobby but an excellent diversion. Our leisure is utilised and we don’t fall into bad company or habit. Books provide us with intellectual feast of knowledge and improve quality of our mind. Thus, books are the best companion of man. I have read many books and I have liked them too.

But my favourite book is ‘Angels and Demons’. It is written by Dan Brown and was the first in the series of four bestsellers, including ‘The Da Vinci Code’. The plot is based on an anti-matter bomb ticking in the core of Vatican City amidst the elections for the Pope. It is a perfect blend of history and modern science. The research involved with the book is stupendous. The scene where the Camerlango stands upon the roof of the church is etched in my memory forever. It is a must-read masterpiece and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Question 6.
In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians? Can you think of any incidents where you misinterpreted a word or an action? How did you resolve the misunderstanding?
Answer:
Think-Tank misinterprets innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians. He interprets the rhymes in a complete verbal manner without understanding their contextual meanings. The rhyme mistress Mary makes him ponder over the discovery of the Earth. He understood that silver crops and high explosives could be grown on the Earth. When he listens to the rhyme “Hey diddle, diddle” The is alarmed and is surprised to find that the earthlings are more civilised.

He concluded that they had mastered space technique and were planning interplanetary attack. He screamed when heheard “Humpty Dumpty had a great fall” He interprets, “Had a great fall to the fall of Mars.”He was so scared that he changed his plan to capture the Earth planet. [The remaining part of the answer may differ from student to student as it is based on personal experience.]

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English

Glimpses of India NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 7

Glimpses of India NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers

I. A Baker from Goa

Glimpses of India Part 1 Oral Comprehension Check

Question 1.
What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Answer:
The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread.

Question 2.
Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer:
Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. It still exists as family profession there.

Question 3.
What is the baker called?
Answer:
The baker is called ‘pader’ in Goa.

Question 4.
When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him?
Answer:
The baker used to come at least twice a day. Once when he set out in the morning on his selling round and again when he returned. The children ran to meet him for bread-bangles which they chose carefully.

Question 5.
Match the following. What is a must
(i) as marriage gifts? — cakes and bolinhas
(ii) for a party or a feast? — sweet bread called bol
(iii) for a daughter’s engagement? — bread
(iv) for Christmas? — sandwiches
Answer:
(i) as marriage gifts — sweet bread called ‘bol’
(ii) for a party or a feast — bread
(iii) for a daughter’s engagement — sandwiches
(iv) for Christmas — cakes and bolinhas

Question 6.
What did the bakers wear:
(i) in the Portuguese days?
(ii) when the author was young?
Answer:
(i) The baker had a peculiar dress known as the ‘kabai’—a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees.
(ii) When the author was young, he had seen bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than half pants.

Question 7.
Who invites the comment—‘he is dressed like a pader’? Why?
Answer:
Anyone who wears half pants which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader because it was the baker who used to dress like that in the author’s childhood days.

Question 8.
Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?
Answer:
The baker’s monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil.

Question 9.
What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?
Answer:
A ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ refers to a plump physique.

II. Coorg

Glimpses of India Part 2 Thinking about the Text

Question 1.
Where is Coorg?
Answer:
Coorg is midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

Question 2.
What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent?
Answer:
The people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast, married amongst the locals and settled there.

Question 3.
What are some of the things you now know about
(i) the people of Coorg?
(ii) the main crop of Coorg?
(iii) the sports it offers to tourists?
(iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
(v) its distance from Bengaluru, and how to get there?
Answer:
(i) People — The people of Coorg are fiercely independent. They are of Greek or Arabic descent.
Their traditions and religious rites are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. Known as Kodagu, they are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license. It’s a proved race of martial men and beautiful women.
(ii) Crop — The main crop of Coorg is coffee.
(iii) Sports — Coorg offers sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking to a tourist.
(iv) Animals — Birds, bees, butterflies, macaques, squirrels, fish, langurs and wild elephants are . likely to be seen in Coorg.
(v) Distance — Coorg is 250-260 km from Bengaluru. One can get there by rail or road from Bengaluru or Mangalore. The nearest airports are Mangalore (135 km) and Bengaluru (260 km).

Glimpses of India Extra Questions and Answers

I. A Baker from Goa

Glimpses of India Part 1 Reference-to-Context Questions

Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1.
Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished.

(a) The elders are often heard reminiscing ………… about the good old Portuguese days.
Answer:
nostalgically

(b) The different stages of baking are mixing, moulding and ………….
Answer:
baking

(c) The eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still there. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the word ‘disappeared’ from the extract.
Answer:
vanished

Question 2.
The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places. Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. These bakers are, even today, known as pader in Goa.

(a) The baker heralds his arrival by the ……… of his bamboo staff.
Answer:
thud and jingle

(b) Maybe the father is not ………….. , but the son still carries on the family profession.
Answer:
alive

(c) The baker are, even today, known as pader in Goa. (iVue/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the word, “announcing” from the extract.
Answer:
heralding

Question 3.
During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide. He used to come at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in the morning on his selling round, and then again, when he returned after emptying his huge basket. The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from sleep and we ran to meet and greet him. Why was it so? Was it for the love of the loaf? Not at all. The loaves were bought by some Paskine or Bastine, the maid-servant of the house! What we longed for were those bread-bangles which we chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread of special make.

(a) The children regarded the baker as a friend, companion and
Answer:
guide

(b) The children longed for
Answer:
bread-bangles

(c) The loaves were bought by some Paskine or Bastine, the maid-servant of the house. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find a word in the extract which means the same as bvished for’.
Answer:
longed.

Question 4.
Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential. The baker or bread-seller of those days had a peculiar dress known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we saw bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants.

(a) The presence of the baker’s ………… in the village is absolutely essential.
Answer:
furnace

(b) The bakers of those days in Goa had a peculiar dress known as
Answer:
Kabai

(c) Kabai was a double-piece short frock reaching down to the knees. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the meaning of the word “strange” from the extract.
Answer:
peculiar

Question 5.
Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader!
The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days.

(a) Anyone who wears a half pant that reaches just below the knees is dressed like a
Answer:
Pader

(b) Baking was indeed a profession in the old days in Goa.
Answer:
profitable

(c) The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the year. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Pick out a word from the extract that is the opposite of ‘distributed’.
Answer:
collected

Glimpses of India Part 1 Short Answer Questions

Question  1.
Who are Paders and how did they herald their arrival?
Answer:
The bakers of Goa are known as ‘Paders’. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo are the signal of their arrival in the morning. When the writer was a child, the jingling thud of baker’s bamboo used to wake him up.

Question 2.
What role did the baker play in the childhood of the narrator?
Answer:
The baker played a very important role in the childhood of the narrator. He used to be a companion, friend and a guide for the narrator. Every day the narrator was woken up by him. He used to get sweet bread and delicious loaves from the baker.

Question 3.
How was the arrival of the baker special?
Answer:
The arrival of the baker was very special. He made his musical entry with the ‘Jhang jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo stick. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground. He wore a peculiar dress called ‘Kabai’. They also wore a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full length and longer than half pants.

Question 4.
What justification does the narrator give for not brushing his teeth?
Answer:
The narrator as a child did not brush his teeth or wash his face or mouth properly. He did not think it necessary. He justified his action by saying that a tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything nicely. So, there was no need for washing mouth or brushing teeth.

Question 5.
How did the baker attract the children?
Answer:
The jingling thud of bakers’ bamboo used to attract the children. They were fond of sweet bread bangles which were specially made for them. The typical fragrance of the sweet bread and cakes attracted the children and they never missed them.

Question 6.
What is the role of bread on the occasion of marriage?
Answer:
On the occasion of marriage, gifts are exchanged. Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the ‘bol’. Every mother in the family prepares bread, cake and loaves on the occasion of her-daughter’s engagement.

Question 7.
What is the role of a baker in a Goan village?
Answer:
A baker played a very important role in the lives of people of Goa. They are essential for a village. No function, no festival, no party was possible in the absence of a baker. The baker supplied loaves and cakes on these occasions. Some special breads and cakes are also prepared by them for some special occasion.

Question 8.
Describe ‘kabai’. What is its importance for a baker?
Answer:
‘Kabai’ is a unique peculiar dress of a baker. It is a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. It is the ‘kabai’ which distinguishes a baker from others.

Question 9.
How did the bakers maintain their accounts?
Answer:
The bakers used to collect their bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts were recorded on some wall in pencil.

Question 10.
Why is a jackfruit-like physical appearance compared to a baker?
Answer:
Baking was a profitable business. Most of the bakers were prosperous. Their servants and family members were healthy and happy. Their plump physique was an open testimony to their prosperity. They looked like a jack-fruit.

Question 11.
What do the elders in Goa still love to remember?
Answer:
The elders in Goa still love to remember about the good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. The Portuguese might have left but their art of baking is still carried as a tradition.

Glimpses of India Part 1 Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide’. What does this statement tell you about the character of the narrator? Are there some traits of the character of the narrator which need to be developed in you?
Answer:
The narrator Lucio Rodrigues becomes nostalgic as he talked about a traditional Goan village baker who occupied a special place in the society. He referred to the baker as his friend, companion and guide. It shows that the people of Goa are rich in human values. The narrator himself has respect for all the professions. He never looks down upon anybody. The baker with his disciplined routine and the most sought after loaves of bread teaches the children the value of being punctual. Certain, social values like love, compassion, empathy and a sense of cooperation are there that need to be developed. These qualities make a person a useful member of the society. Moreover, no profession should be looked down upon.

Question 2.
The Portuguese still remember their good old days, the traditional bakers and their loaves of breads. This fact reflected the deep-rooted love for their culture and traditions. What lesson do you learn from their life?
Answer:
The author enjoys listening to the stories of his elders about the Portuguese baker and their delicious loaves of bread. Time has changed now. Bakers are still remembered but metaphorically. If any person is seen wearing a half pant that reaches just below the knees or has a plump physique, he is called a baker. This reflects the Goan’s love and respect for their tradition and culture. Their life teaches us a valuable lesson to be connected to our roots. It helps us in maintaining our identity all over the world. We should not be influenced by Western culture. Indian tradition is well known for its unity in diversity. We have a rich legacy of culture and values. It is our duty to preserve our heritage and have love and respect for age-old traditions.

Question 3.
Why is the presence of baker’s furnace in the village absolutely necessary? What does this tell you about the social and family life of the Portuguese explaining the in content with the value system of the society.
Answer:
The presence of a baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely necessary.The baker with his fragrant and sweet loaves holds a special place in the lives of the Goans. Though the old bakers have died but their offsprings still continue the family profession. The sweet loaves of bread are very popular. Even in the marriage gift, it is of utmost importance to include the sweet bread, sandwiches, bolinhas and other bakery items.

These items are prepared in furnaces that still exist. It throws light on the family and social life of the people. The society has a rich value system. We must also live together with love and follow the rituals passed on to us through generations. Modernity must not be at the cost of forgetting our own traditions. The elders have a wisdom to enrich the younger generations’ radical views. There must be a balance between the traditional and social ethos and modern views.

Question 4.
India is known for its old traditions. There is unity in diversity. It is all because we the Indians never forget our culture and tradition. We always cherish the traditional practices. Do you agree? Give your views with reference to the lesson ‘A Baker from Goa’ where the author is nostalgic about the bakers and the traditional cakes of Goa.
Answer:
The author of ‘A Baker from Goa’ cherishes the traditional practices in Goa. He recalls his encounter with the traditional bakers of Goa. It is true that we, Indians, never forget our cultures and traditions. We are known for our traditional food. This keeps us rooted to our motherland. It gives us a sense of pride when we think about our practices. The baker in the story represents the class of traditional professionals who are still keeping the old practices alive. Lucio Rodrigues tells us that when he was . a child, he had a good companionship with a baker. He tells that the bread was baked in the furnace.

The bakers were called the paders. In Portuguese time, there were eaters of loaves who cherished . traditional bread making. The author does not live in Goa but he still remembers the old days. He might have forgotten so many things but he still remembers everything about the traditions of Goa.

II. Coorg

Glimpses of India Part 2 Reference-to-Context Questions

Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1.
Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.

(a) Coorg is inhabited by a proud race of men, beautiful women and wild creatures.
Answer:
martial

(b) Coorg is located between Mysore and the of Mangalore.
Answer:
coastal town

(c) Coorg is like a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the word “warlike or connected with war” from the extract.
Answer:
martial

Question 2.
Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March.

(a) Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka, home to forests, spices and coffee plantation.
Answer:
evergreen

(b) Evergreen rainforests of Coorg cover of the land of the district.
Answer:
thirty per cent

(c) The monsoon is the season of joy that commences from September and continues till March. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the words “rains heavily” from the extract.
Answer:
pours.

Question 3.
The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime comers.

(a) The weather is …………. , with some showers thrown in for good measure.
Answer:
perfect

(b) Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree in prime corners.
Answer:
canopies

(c) The weather is not perfect as there was no showers thrown in for good measure. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the meaning of the word “intensifying” from the extract.
Answer:
invigorating

Question 4.
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

(a) Coorgi homes have a tradition of
Answer:
hospitality

(b) The Coorg Regiment is one of the most Regiment in the Indian Army.
Answer:
decorated

(c) Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the words “courage and bravery in war” from the extract.
Answer:
Velour

Question 5.
The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure with river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favourite with trekkers.

(a) The most laidback individuals become to the life of high-energy adventure with river rafting, canoeing and mountain biking.
Answer:
converts

(b) Numerous walking trails in Coorg are a favourite with
Answer:
trekkers

(c) The sports that are open for the visitors in Coorg are rock climbing rappelling, canoeing and mountain biking. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the words “calm and relaxed” from the extract.
Answer:
laidback.

Question 6.
Birds, bees and butterflies are there to give you company. Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy. I do, however, prefer to step aside for wild elephants.

(a) Birds, bees and butterflies give the a good company.
Answer:
visitors

(b) From the tree canopy, macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris keep a
Answer:
watchful eye

(c) The narrator prefers to step aside for wild elephants. fitue/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the opposite of ‘domestic’ from the extract.
Answer:
Wild

Glimpses of India Part 2 Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Where is Coorg located? Why is Coorg called the land of the rolling hills?
Answer:
Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a land of rolling hills and picturesque landscape. Coorg is a coffee country famous for its hills, rainforests and spices. It is surrounded by hills and covered with rainforests. Because of numerous hills, the city is also called the land of rolling hills.

Question 2.
What is Kodagu? Why is it famous?
Answer:
odagu is another name of Coorg, the smallest district of Karnataka. It is famous for its coffee gardens, spices and rainforests. It is also famous for its brave people and culture.

Question 3.
What is the most suitable weather for the visitors to visit Coorg? Why?
Answer:
The most suitable weather for the visitors begins in the month of September and continues till March. Coorg is covered with rainforests which keep the visitors away during the monsoon. The weather is perfect during the months of September to May.

Question 4.
What is the origin of the people of Coorg?
Answer:
According to one story, the people of Coorg are the descent of Greek. The army of Alexander settled here and expanded their families by marrying the locals. According to other belief, the people of Coorg are the descent of the Arabs as their dress resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs.

Question 5.
What is the story regarding the Greek origin of the people of Coorg?
Answer:
According to one story, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and expanded their family. Hence, it is believed that the people of Coorg are possibly of Greek descent.

Question 6.
What is Kuppia? How does it make the Kodavus close to the Arabs?
Answer:
‘Kuppia’ is a long, black coat with embroidered waist belt worn by the people of Coorg. It is very similar to Kuffia worn by the Arabs.

Question 7.
What are the two contradictory traits of the character of the Kodavus?
Answer:
The people of Coorg are peace-loving people. They are known for their hospitality and tradition. On the other hand, they are also known for their bravery. They are the only people in India who are permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

Question 8.
Why are the Kodavus permitted to carry firearms without a licence?
Answer:
Kodavus, the people of Coorg, are known for their loyalty and bravery. The Coorg regiment is one of the most celebrated regiments in the Indian Army. The people of Coorg are the only one in India who are allowed to carry firearms without licence.

Glimpses of India Part 2 Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
The Coorgis are known for their hospitality. They are friendly and caring. Which of their qualities one must inculcate in one’s life? What makes them so loveable?
Answer:
Coorgis are well known for their courage, bravery and hospitality. They are very warm people who entertain and look after their guests as family members. They are always willing to recount numerous tales of valour when in the company of their guests. It shows that they want their guests to feel at home by sharing the tales from their lives. We learn to be friendly, caring and sensitive to the need of others. They follow the age-old Indian tradition of ‘Athithi Devo Bhav’. Guests are not considered as burden. They provide them with all the comforts, and make them feel at home. The warmth in their behaviour makes them loveable.

Question 2.
The Coorgis are happy because they are true lovers of nature. They have a great environmental sense. They never interfere with nature. What can we learn from them about the environmental issues?
Answer:
It is a fact that Coorgis live in harmony with nature. All kinds of aquatic as well as land animals and birds like fish, kingfisher, squirrels, langur, elephant, bees and butterflies, and many other arboreal animals live here fearlessly in the dense forests. It shows that Coorgis have a great environmental sense. They care for their surroundings and never interfere with nature resulting in the serene and lush green atmosphere. We should also protect nature by planting more and more trees. Cities are especially getting more and more polluted. In such a scenario, it is our foremost duty to take a step in the direction of preserving our flora and fauna. We can learn from them how to live in harmony with nature.

Question 3.
The Coorgis are religious and have deep faith in God. Justify the fact taking examples from the text. Give your opinion also on the importance of having faith in the Supreme Power.
Answer:
The world’s largest Tibetan settlement is situated in Coorg. The monks, in red, ochre and yellow – robes are described as being among many other surprises that await us. The monastery is considered to be the heart and soul of India. It is clearly revealed that Coorgis are highly religious people and have deep faith in the Supreme Power.

It is of utmost importance to perform all our duties with uninterrupted dedication without cribbing over results. Always have faith in God and think positively. Moulding our thoughts in the right direction does miracles and can bring about the desired change in the way we think or act. Always remember that there is a supreme power who controls the whole universe. We should also have faith in all the religions and not behave like a fanatic.

Question 4.
The Coorgis are said to be descendants of Greek Arabs. They have settled here and there but they have never given up their values and culture. Today many Indians have settled abroad but they are still Indians by heart. They still believe in Indian culture and keeping it alive. Do you think that when we settle abroad we must change our culture to adopt the culture of the country where we, settle? Does it help us?
Answer:
There is no doubt one is known by one’s culture. The Coorgis are the descendants of the Greeks or Arabs and scattered here and there but they have not lost their identity. They still have all the traditional values of their clan. The same is true in the case of Indians settled abroad. They are still Indians by heart. They still believe in Indian culture and keeping it alive.

We should never forget our traditions and customs. We should not forget our roots. Our culture gives us recognition. We should never change our values or culture when we are abroad. If we do this, we lose our originality and identity. The Coorgis give us a lesson that we should be proud of our traditions and should never give them up. If we stick to our culture, we always get recognition. It helps us.

III. Tea From Assam

Glimpses of India Part 3 Reference-to-Context Questions

Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1.
They sipped the steaming hot liquid. Almost everyone in their compartment was drinking tea too.
“Do you know that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?” Rajvir said.
“Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. “Tea really is very popular.”
The train pulled out of the station. Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again.

(a) Rajvir and Pranjol sipped the ………….. hot liquid.
Answer:
steaming

(b) Pranjol that tea was very popular.
Answer:
exclaimed

(c) Over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find a word from the extract similar in meaning to ‘drank very small quantity at a time’.
Answer:
sipped

Question 2.
The train pulled out of the station. Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again, Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery.
It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. Then the soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes.

(a) Rajvir was keener on looking at the beautiful of the tea estates in Assam.
Answer:
scenery

(b) Pranjol was reading a ………… book again.
Answer:
detective

(c) The soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the word “enthusiastic” from the extract.
Answer:
ardent

Question 3.
It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures. In the distance was an ugly building with smoke billowing out of tall chimneys.

(a) The greenery, wooded hills and tea-gardens made the outside scene
Answer:
magnificent

(b) Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall stardy
Answer:
shade trees

(c) The tea pluckers were all doll-like figures. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the words “extremely attractive” from the extract.
Answer:
‘magnificent’.

Question 4.
“Hey, a tea-garden!” Rajvir cried excitedly.
Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a plantation, didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement.
“Oh, this is tea country now,” he said. “Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world. You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!”

(a) Assam has the largest ……….. of plantations in the world.
Answer:
concentration

(b) Pranjol was born and brought up on a ………..
Answer:
plantation

(c) Rajvir was excited to see a paddy field for the first time. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the meaning of the words “a lot of something in one place” from the extract.
Answer:
concentration

Question 5.
“Well, there’s the one about the Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves.”
“Tell me another!” scoffed Pranjol.

(a) There are many ………. about the discovery of tea.
Answer:
legends

(b) One of the legends is the legend about tea.
Answer:
Chinese

(c) One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the word “having a very pleasant taste” from the extract.
Answer:
delicious

Question 6.
“We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because – he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants
when put in hot water and drunk vanished sleep.

(a) Bodhidharma cut his ………….. because he felt sleepy during meditation.
Answer:
eyelids

(b) Bodhidharma was an ancient Buddhist
Answer:
ascetic

(c) Twelve tea plants grew out of the eyelids. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the meaning of the word “disappeared” from the extract.
Answer:
Vanished

Question 7.
The train clattered into Mariani junction. The boys collected their luggage and pushed their way to the crowded platform.

(a) The train clattered into junction.
Answer:
Mariani

(b) The boys were going to
Answer:
Assam

(c) The boys lost their luggages and were running through the crowd. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the meaning of the word “entered” from the extract.
Answer:
clattered

Question 8.
Pranjol’s parents were waiting for them.
Soon they were driving towards Dhekiabari, the tea-garden managed by Pranjol’s father. An hour later the car veered sharply off the main road. They crossed a cattle-bridge and entered Dhekiabari Tea Estate.

(a) Dhekiabari is the Managed by Panjol’s father.
Answer:
tea-garden

(b) Pranjol and Rajvir crossed a and entered Dhekiabari.
Answer:
cattle bridge

(c) Pranjol and Rajvir lost the way to the Dhekiabari Tea Estate. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the meaning of the word “turned”.
Answer:
veered

Question 9.
On both sides of the gravel-road were acre upon acre of tea-bushes, all neatly pruned to the same height. Groups of tea-pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs, wearing plastic aprons, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.

(a) On both sides of the gravel road tea-bushes were neatly …………. to the same height.
Answer:
pruned

(b) The women were plucking the newly ………….. leaves.
Answer:
sprouted

(c) The women tea-pluckers had mango baskets on their back. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the meaning of the word “clothes” from the extract.
Answer:
aprons

Glimpses of India Part 3 Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement?
Answer: The sight of the vast sea of lush green tea bushes coupled with tall sturdy trees excited Rajvir. Pranjol
did not share Rajvir’s excitement as he had been born and brought up on a tea plantation.

Question 2.
What legends are associated with the origin of tea? [Delhi 2016]
Answer:
(a) There was one Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water, which gave it a delicious flavour. It is said that they were tree leaves.
(b) Bodhidharma, an ancient ‘Budhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during ‘ meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water drunk vanished sleep.

Question 3.
Why did Rajvir feel that the view outside the window was magnificent? –
Answer:
Rajvir had never seen such beautiful greenery in his life. He was fascinated to see the tea gardens and the wooded hills so he called it a magnificent view. The tea pluckers looked like dolls to him.

Question 4.
Why does Rajvir call the workers doll-like figures?
Answer:
The tea pluckers were the local women. They had covered themselves with clothes from top to bottom. They looked like moving dolls. Rajvir called them doll-like figures. They really looked very pretty.

Question 5.
Why was Pranjol not excited on seeing the tea garden?
Answer:
Pranjol was born and brought up in Assam. He had been watching the tea gardens since his childhood. There was nothing new for him. So he was not excited on seeing the tea gardens.

Question 6.
What is the Chinese legend about the discovery of tea?
Answer:
According to the Chinese legend, a Chinese emperor discovered tea accidentally. He used to boil water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of some twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is said that they were tea leaves.

Question 7.
What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?
Answer:
According to Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he -felt very sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put into hot water and drunk vanished sleep.

Question 8.
How are tea pluckers different from other farmers or labourers on the farms?
Answer:
The tea pluckers were different from other workers on the farm. They had bamboo baskets on their back. They were wearing plastic clothes. They looked like moving dolls.

Question 9.
Which tea is considered the best tea? Why?
Answer:
The tea prepared from the second flush on sprouting period which begins in the month of May and lasts till the end of July is considered the best tea. It is the best one because it is prepared from the new leaves.

Glimpses of India Part 3 Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Rajvir felt too excited on reaching Assam while Pranjol showed least interest in his excitement. What could be the reason behind this? Do you think it is appropriate on PranjoPs part to react like this? Justify your answer with reason.
Answer:
Pranjol invited his friend Rajvir to spend some days with him in his hometown Assam. On reaching there, Rajvir was stunned to see the beauty of tea plantations. It was an entirely new experience for him while for Pranjol, these were a common sight so he showed least interest in Rajvir’s excitement. I think it is not appropriate on Pranjol’s part to react thus. No doubt his indifference was natural but it might dampen Rajvir’s spirit. Sometimes we have to act according to the wishes of the person opposite us, especially when the person is very close to us. A true friend is one who understands the feelings of his friend and tries to make him happier. Although Pranjol and Rajvir were very close yet one should always try to strengthen the bond of friendship.

Question 2.
Pranjol invited Rajvir to his home in Assam during summer vacation. Express your views on the deep bond that they both shared. Do you also believe in the compatibility of two individuals? Why/ Why not?
Answer:
Rajvir and Pranjol both were good friends to the extent that they spent time with each other at their homes too. This is apparent from the fact that Rajvir was going to spend his summer vacation with Pranjol in Assam. They both indeed shared a deep bond. Their likes and dislikes were almost similar.

They both liked to read detective books. They enjoyed sipping hot steaming tea. True friendship is one in which a friend is always eager to listen to the other. The same is clearly seen when Pranjol listened to the legends associated with tea patiently as told by Rajvir. Compatibility and perseverance are the pillars that support true friendship. Yes, I also believe in the compatibility of two individuals for the relationship to sustain longer.

Question 3.
Does the statement – ‘Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees….’ remind you of an elder in the family who protects the younger ones with love and care? How should you behave with the elders of the family who do so much for you?
Answer:
The view outside the train was magnificent. The sentence ‘Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade trees.’ indicates to the nature’s way of protecting its off springs. The tall sturdy shady trees provide shade to the tiny tea plants which may otherwise get withered away in the heat of the sun. In the same manner, elders of a family protect the younger ones and take a great care of them with love and compassion. Particularly in Indian society, family plays a protective role in nurturing the children and taking care of all their needs.

It is the duty of the children also to listen to the elders and respect them. Nowadays family values are fast disappearing. Such a trend is very harmful to the society as well as the individual. Love, empathy, respect for each other, understanding, a sense of individual duties are the qualities that cement the relationships in a family.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Oral Comprehension Check

Question 1.
Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?
Answer:
The ceremonies took place in the Union Building amphitheater in Pretoria. Red Fort is made of sandstone.

Question 2.
Can you say how 10 May is ‘an autumn day’ in South Africa?
Answer:
On 10 May, which was a lovely day in South Africa, Nelson Mandela became the first Black President.

Question 3.
At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions ‘an extraordinary human disaster’. What does he mean by this? What is the ‘glorious … human achievement’ he speaks of at the end?
Answer:
By human disaster, Nelson Mandela means to say that the coloured people have suffered a lot due to discrimination at the hands of whites. He considers it a great glorious human achievement that a black person had become the president of a country where the blacks are not considered as human beings and are treated badly.

Question 4.
What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela thanks the international leaders for attending the ceremony in which a Black was being honoured to receive the highest post of the country.

Question 5.
What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Answer:
He wants Africa to be free in the true sense where all are equal. He wants the glorious land to be free from the discrimination of any sort.

Question 6.
What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?
Answer:
The Generals saluted Nelson Mandela. Their attitude towards Blacks had taken a great change. Instead of arresting a Black, they saluted him.

Question 7.
Why were two national anthems sung?
Answer:
There were two National Anthems in South Africa, one for Whites and the other one for Blacks.

Question 8.
How does Mandela describe the system of government in his country
(i) in the first decade, and
(ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela describes the system of government in his country as the most inhumane, and harshest. The white people dominated over the Black or dark-skinned people of their own country. Comparatively, the final decade of the twentieth century recognised the rights and freedoms of all people regardless of their colour.

Question 9.
What does courage mean to Mandela?
Answer:
To Mandela, courage is to risk and give one’s life for an idea. Courage is to stand up to attacks and tortures without breaking and to show strength and resilience that are unimaginable. In fact, courage is the triumph over fear. He learnt the meaning of the word ‘courage’ when he saw the cruel behaviour of the Whites towards Blacks. He knew he had to show courage to bring freedom to each one of them.

Question 10.
Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?
Answer:
According to Nelson Mandela, to love is natural because man is not born to hate others. He is taught to hate others for one reason or the other.

Question 11.
What ‘twin obligations’ does Mandela mention?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela mentions twin obligations in everybody’s life. The first obligation is towards his family, his parents, his wife and his children or the people to whom he is related by birth and emotions. The second obligation is towards his people, his society and his country.

Question 12.
What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these ‘transitory freedoms’ with ‘the basic and honourable freedoms’?
Answer:
As a boy, being free meant to be able to stay out at night, to be able to read what he pleased and freedom to go anywhere he liked. There is a contrast in these freedoms and the basic and honourable freedom which meant to achieve his potential. He wanted to be free to earn and marry. He wanted to be free to be able to have his own family.

Question 13.
Does Mandela think that the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela thinks that the oppressor is not free because he is the captive or slave of hatred. He is enslaved by the prejudice and narrow-mindedness because he is unable to think or act without prejudice and narrow-mindedness.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Thinking about the Text

Question 1.
Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?
Answer:
Such a large number of international leaders attended the inauguration because it was the first democratic election in the history of South Africa. Nelson Mandela became the first Black President with a great victory. It was the triumph of justice, peace and human dignity.

Question 2.
What does Mandela mean when he says he is ‘simply the sum of all those African patriots’ who had gone before him?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela wants to pay his tribute to all the people who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of their freedom. He feels that he is the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him because those heroes of yesteryears had paved the path of cooperation and unity for him. Therefore,he got the support and love of his people to be able to come to power to bring equality for his own people.

Question 3.
Would you agree that the ‘depths of oppression’ create ‘heights of character’? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own example to this argument?
Answer:
The depths of oppression create heights of character because the people who are oppressed by the mightier learn to cooperate with the other members of the group. They are not afraid of their death, naturally they do not fall a prey to greed of any type. The more they tolerate the more is the fire for liberation ignited.

The more they are oppressed, the more they tolerate. There are ample examples of such bravery and courage. Mahatma Gandhi resolved to send Britishers out of the country when he was oppressed by them. He felt that the greater the atrocities, the higher the resistance. The freedom fighters specially the revolutionaries were oppressed by the Britishers but they did not bend before them rather they preferred death to the humiliating life of a slave.

Question 4.
How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?
Answer:
With the changing of age, Nelson Mandela realised that he had a lot of responsibilities towards his people, his community and his country. Now when he was grown up, he was not going to be contented with his own freedom. He could not be happy till all the Blacks were free from the discrimination on the basis of their colour. He felt the chains on his people were the chains on him. As he grew in years, he started thinking more about his people and country. Now he did not want anything for him because he had learnt that he could not be happy till his own people were happy.

Question 5.
How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?
Answer:
The very desire to bring freedom for his people changed his life. From a frightened young boy, he was transformed into a bold one. In his young age, he loved his family but now he did not have any home. He was compelled to live like a monk though he was a life loving man. He felt that freedom is indivisible and he could not be free if his own people were not free. This very idea changed his life. He did not want to rest till he had achieved freedom for all the people of his own country.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Reference-to-Context Questions

Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1.
Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil.

(a) The tenth May was significant on the South African soil because it was the day by international leaders.
Answer:
Inauguration

(b) The world leaders were coming to South Africa to pay their ……………. before the inauguration.
Answer:
Respects

(c) It was the inauguration of South Africa’s first democratic, racial government. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the synonym of ‘launching a military operation’ from the extract.
Answer:
Besieged.

Question 2.
The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheater formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

(a) The ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Answer:
Amphitheater

(b) It was the site of a gathering of different colours and different nations.
Answer:
Rainbow

(c) For decades, the African soil had been the seat of White supremacy. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the synonym of ‘convention’ from the extract.
Answer:
Gathering.

Question 3.
On that lovely autumn day I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. ThenThabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the well- being of the Republic and its people.

(a) Zenani was the daughter of
Answer:
Nelson Mandela

(b) …….. was sworn in as the first Deputy President.
Answer:
Thabo Mbeki

(c) Mandela pledged to obey and uphold the constitution. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Give a synonym of ‘oath’ from the extract.
Answer:
pledge.

Question 4.
To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said:
Today, all of us do, by our presence here… confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

(a) The extraordinary human disaster that Mandela has mentioned in the extract is the policy of
Answer:
Apartheid

(b) The speaker wished to refer to the victory as a common victory for ………… for peace, for human dignity.
Answer:
justice

(c) The speaker called the victory as a common victory because the entire world was against the policy of Apartheid. (iVue/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Give an antonym of ‘common’ from the extract.
Answer:
‘Distinguished’.

Question 5.
We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.
Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!

(a) The African people have at least achieved their political
Answer:
Emancipation

(b) Mandela wished that let reign on this beautiful land.
Answer:
Freedom

(c) The people of South Africa have got freedom from the policy of apartheid. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the synonym of the word ‘subjugation’ from the extract.
Answer:
‘Emancipation’.

Question 6.
A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.

(a) There was a huge of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers over the Union Buildings.
Answer:
Demonstration

(b) It was a demonstration of the military’s to democracy.
Answer:
loyalty

(c) According to the speaker, it was the demonstration of the military’s bravery. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Give synonym of ‘glorious’ from the extract.
Answer:
Spectacular.

Question 7.
Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.

(a) The salute of the Generals signified loyalty to democracy and of the new government.
Answer:
Recognition

(b) Finally, a ……….. of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.
Answer:
Trail

(c) The Generals saluted Nelson Mandela and displayed their loyalty to the newly installed democratic government. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the words ‘a line or pattern in the shape of a V’.
Answer:
‘Chevron’.

Question 8.
The day was symbolised for me by the playing of our two national anthems, and the vision of whites singing ‘Nkosi Sikelel -iAfrika’ and blacks singing ‘Die Stem’, the old anthem of the Republic. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised, they would soon know the words by heart.

(a) The day was symbolized for me by the playing of the anthems.
Answer:
National

(b) The groups did not know the of the old anthem.
Answer:
lyrics

(c) The inauguration was special because a long era of suppression had come to an end. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Give a synonym of ‘perception’ from the extract.
Answer:
Vision

Question 9.
On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the twentieth century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land.

(a) The new government was based on a
Answer:
Democratic set-up

(b) The previous government of the Whites had racial over the Blacks of South Africa.
Answer:
Domination

(c) On the day of the inauguration, Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the words “a period of 10 years” from the extract.
Answer:
‘Decade’.

Question 10.
The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentieth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of the colour of their skin.

(a) The Whites had created such structure that formed the ……… of most harsh and inhumane societies.
Answer:
Basis

(b) In the last decade of the 20th century, the policy of was uprooted.
Answer:
Apartheid

(c) In the last decade of the 20th century, a new non-racial government was installed as a recognition of the rights and freedom of all people whether Blacks or the Whites. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the synonym of‘cruel’from the extract.
Answer:
‘Inhumane’.

Question 11.
That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and courage can never be counted or repaid. I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me. That long and noble line ended and now began again with me. I was pained that I was not able to thank them and that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had wrought.

(a) The day of installation of the democratic government in South Africa can never be counted
Answer:
Repaid

(b) The long and noble line referred to the African who sacrificed their lives for freedom before him.
Answer:
Patriots

(c) Mandela felt that he was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him.(True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the meaning of the words “caused to happen” from the extract.
Answer:
‘Wrought’.

Question 12.
The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. Ail of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended, effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time — men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

(a) The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting in the country and its people.
Answer:
Wound

(b) Mandela’s country is rich in minerals and that lie beneath its soil.
Answer:
gems

(c) According to Mandela, the greatest wealth of a country is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Find the antonym of “gentleness” from the extract.
Answer:
‘Brutality’.

Question 13.
It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

(a) Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from his ……………. like Oliver Tambos.
Answer:
comrades

(b) The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who …………… that fear.
Answer:
Conquers

(c) As a young man Mandela has never seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the antonym of‘rigid’from the extract.
Answer:
Resilience.

Question 14.
No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.

(a) Love comes more naturally to the …….. than its opposite.
Answer:
Human heart

(b) Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never
Answer:
Extinguished

(c) According to Mandela, one must learn to kill because he can be taught to save. (True/False)
Answer:
False

(d) Find the synonym of ‘twinkle’ from the extract.
Answer:
‘Glimmer’.

Question 15.
In life, every man has twin obligations — obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa, a man who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his family and his home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of secrecy and rebellion. I did not in the beginning choose to place my people above my family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.

(a) In life, every man has twin obligations—obligation to his family first, and secondly, obligation to his
Answer:
People

(b) In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a was punished and isolated.
Answer:
Human being

(c) In South Africa, it was impossible to fulfil the twin obligations because of an undemocratic
government. (True/False)
Answer:
True

(d) Give the synonym of ‘destined’ from the extract.
Answer:
‘Inevitable’.

Question 16.
It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family — the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.

(a) What did the speaker realize about his childhood freedom?
Answer:
The speaker realized that his childhood freedom was only an illusion.

(b) When did the speaker begin his hunger for freedom? ,
Answer:
When the speaker,as a young man, discovered that his freedom had already been taken from him, he began to hunger for freedom.

(c) What did the speaker want as a student?
Answer:
As a student, he wanted freedom only for himself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what he pleased and go where he chose.

(d) What did the speaker want as a young man?
Answer:
As a young man in Johannesburg, he yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving his potential, of earning his keep, of marrying and having a family. He wanted the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.

Question 17.
But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African National Congress, and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my people.

(a) With time what did the speaker see in his country?
Answer:
With time the speaker saw that no one was free in his country. Freedom of everybody was curtailed.

(b) When did his hunger become the greater hunger for freedom?
Answer:
When he joined the African National Congress, his hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom.

(c) Who is the speaker? What was his desire?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela is the speaker. He wanted freedom for his people who were leading an inhuman life under the undemocratic government in South Africa.

(d) What did he do to achieve his mission?
Answer:
Mandela joined the struggle for freedom by joining African National Congress.

Question 18.
It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self- respect that animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk. I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poor and limited freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on anyone of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.

(a) How was the life of the speaker animated?
Answer:
His desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect animated his life.

(b) How did his desire transform him?
Answer:
His desire for freedom transformed him from a frightened young man to bold one, from a law abiding attorney to a criminal.

(c) How did it affect his family?
Answer:
His struggle for freedom turned a family loving husband into a man without a home.

(d) Why could the speaker not enjoy the limited freedom?
Answer:
The speaker could not enjoy the limited freedom for himself because his own people were chained. He wanted equality and freedom for all.

Question 19.
I knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is looked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.

(a) Who are the oppressor and oppressed here?
Answer:
The white government of South Africa is the oppressor and the coloured people of the country are the oppressed.

(b) According to the speaker what should an oppressor be liberated from?
Answer:
According to the speaker, an oppressor should be liberated from hatred, prejudice and narrow-mindedness.

(c) According to the speaker when is a person truly free?
Answer:
According to the speaker a person is truly free if he does not take away someone else’s freedom.

(d) What is the common loss of both the oppressor and oppressed?
Answer:
According to the speaker, the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humility away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken away from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
When did Nelson Mandela become the President?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa on 10 May 1994.

Question 2.
Where did the inauguration ceremony take place?
Answer:
The inauguration ceremony took place at Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria.

Question 3.
What was the pledge taken by Nelson Mandela?
Answer:
To liberate all the black people from the continuing bondages of poverty, deprivation, suffering and racial discrimination.

Question 4.
Which colours were used in the new flag of South Africa?
Answer:
Black, red, green, blue and gold.

Question 5.
What were the two anthems sung on ‘that day’?
Answer:
‘Nikosi Sikelel Africa’ and ‘Die stem’.

Question 6.
Which party did Nelson Mandela join?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela joined African National Congress.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress as a young man. It transformed his life. What made him join it? What does it show about his character?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress because even the basic freedom was not available to blacks. They could not live as human beings. They were punished and isolated from the society. He brought a transformation by achieving freedom for his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect.

Nelson Mandela was a simple law abiding person but his people were not happy in a slave society. They were not given the basic rights of a citizen. They had to endure much pain and endure racial discrimination. They were not free on their own land. All these sufferings ignited the fire in Mandela. He left his home and began living like a monk. He taught boldly and fearlessly. Adherence to patriotism, self-respect and dignity transformed him completely. It shows that Mandela had a strong character. He was determined in his action. He had sympathy and compassion for his people.

Question 2.
Man is a social animal. He has some obligations to society. What twin obligations does Mandela mention? How can one fulfil these obligations?
Answer:
Man is a social animal and has some social obligations to society. Nelson Mandela understood the importance of being social. Mandela talks about twin obligations obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. This is the first and the most important obligation that every man has to fulfil in his life. Another obligation is to his people, to his community and to his nation.

He emphasises that in a civil society, each one of us should fulfil these obligations. It is the responsibility of the government to provide an atmosphere where a person can fulfil these obligations. But in a country like South Africa, it was not possible to fulfil these obligations because of discrimination. It was an era of oppression and torture for the black Africans in their own country. They were not allowed even the basic freedom of living a dignified life.

Question 3.
Nelson Mandela points out some human qualities in his speech. Which of these qualities impresses you the most? Do you think these qualities have become rare nowadays?
Answer:
In the truest sense, nowadays human qualities that Nelson Mandela points out in his speech are hardly found. Today, people almost lack qualities like love, compassion and truthfulness. According to Nelson Mandela, love, compassion and truthfulness are essential human qualities. He fought against the discrimination meted out to his people in South Africa and realised that those who are oppressors lack the qualities of a human being. Those who deny basic freedoms to all are not real human beings. The real human being is one who has love, kindness and respect for all.

Question 4.
How did Nelson Mandela pay a tribute to the black people who sacrificed their lives for attaining freedom for their country? How can we do it for our country?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela had to fight against the inhumane government in South Africa. He fought against the policy of aparthied. He was not the first leader to initiate this movement. He joined them and succeeded. But he did not take entire credit for his success. He recognised their contribution and paid them a befitting tribute. He called himself simply the sum of all those Africans patriots who had laid the path towards the achievement of success. He continued the movement started by them. On the day of installation of the government, he missed all of them and expressed his gratitude towards them.

Question 5.
Do you think there is colour or caste prejudice in our own country? How can we uproot it? What is your stand on it? Should we discriminate on the basis of caste or colour?
Answer:
We can also do such work for our country. Though we have got independence, all our people have not yet achieved the freedom of education. We should do whatever we can, to make education available to the poor and backward people. Also in many places, girls are not given all the basic rights. Our government should take initiatives to give all the rights to every citizen.

It is true that there is no colour or caste prejudice in our own country. Nevertheless, discrimination on the basis of caste and religion has not been rooted out from the minds of the people. So it is a burning question to uproot this discrimination.

Education, basically value education, is the most important tool to do away with such discrimination. Once people are properly educated, they can be conscious and aware of their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of India, and can face boldly such racial discrimination.

As a true citizen of India, we have to be conscious and aware of our fundamental rights. Accordingly, we will fight against any kind of discrimination like colour, religion or caste prejudices. No, we should not discriminate our people on the basis of caste or colour. We should give respect to all irrespective of caste, colour or religion and allow every one to live with dignity and self-respect.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English

Bholi NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 9

Bholi NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers

Bholi Read and Find out

Question 1.
Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?
Answer:
Bholi’s father was worried about her because she was a retarded child with pockmarks all over her  face. He was worried as it was not easy to marry her off. Moreover, she was not intelligent also.

Question 2.
For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?
Answer:
Bholi was sent to school to set an example for other villagers to send their daughters to school. Her mother was confident that due to her ugly face and lack of intelligence, there was no fear of the society as there was no chance of her getting married.

Question 3.
Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?
Answer:
Bholi was quite pleased to wear the new dress. She was excited as she met other girls of her age in the school. She expected to find a good friend among these girls.

Question 4.
Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?
Answer:
She finds her teacher different from the people at home as the teacher talked to her in a soft and soothing voice whereas at home, she was always ill-treated. The teacher showered her with great affection and encouraged her to talk comfortably.

Question 5.
Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?
Answer:
Bholi’s parents accepted Bishamber’s proposal because he was a well-to-do bridegroom and he was also not demanding any dowry from them.

Question 6.
Why does the marriage not take place?
Answer:
The marriage could not be solemnised because Bishamber started demanding a huge amount of five thousand rupees, which Ramlal was unable to pay and the marriage was cancelled. Finally, Bholi also refused to marry a greedy person who insulted her father for money.

Bholi Think About it

Question 1.
Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?
Answer:
Bholi was the youngest daughter of Ramlal. Her mental growth was slow because of a fall from the cot on her head. She had pock-marks on her face because of smallpox. She was not treated nicely at home. She was always given old dresses of her elder sisters to wear. Nobody cared to mend or wash her clothes.

When her parents decided to send her to school, she was very much scared because she had never seen a school, heard about a school. She remembered how their old cow Lakshmi had been turned out of the house and sold some days ago. She had the same thought for herself also.

But when she was going to school, she got a neat and clean dress to wear. She was bathed and oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. Only then she began to believe that she was being taken to a place better than home. All her apprehensions and fears about going to school were no more there and she started going to school.

Question 2.
How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?
Answer:
Bholi was a totally ignored and the youngest daughter of Ramlal. She was mentally a slow child, had pock-marks on the face, she stammered while speaking and everybody made fun of her. When she was taken to school for the first time, she was very much scared. But when she reached the school, all her fears went away because her teacher was a gem. She made Bholi comfortable and relaxed with her nice and affectionate behaviour. She fully sympathised with Bholi and tried to create some confidence in her. She encouraged Bholi and turned her into a bold and confident girl.

Her father fixed her marriage with Bishamber Nath, a neighbouring grocer who was already married and father of grown-up children. He was a shameless and mean fellow. When he saw Bholi at the marriage platform, found her pock-marks, he started asking for dowry of five thousand rupees. But Bholi showed her courage and spirit that had been imparted to her by her teacher only, refused straightforward to marry such a mean, greedy, worthless and contemptible fellow.

Everybody was – stunned to see this bold and daring face of Bholi as all of them had taken her to be a dumb silent cow which could be treated either way. Bholi promised to serve her parents in their old age and help other children in the school. It all happened because of her teacher’s love and support.

Question 3.
Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her?
Answer:
Bholi was the youngest daughter of Ramlal. Her elder sisters were married. But Bholi had a slow mental growth, had pock-marks of smallpox and she stammered while speaking. Parents were much worried about her marriage because of their daughter’s shortcomings. Bholi gave her consent to an unequal match when a proposal was offered by Bishamber Nath from a neighbouring village. Bishamber Nath was an aged greedy widower, businessman with a good bank balance and did not know the weaknesses of Bholi.

But later she rejected the marriage when she saw the hidden and real greedy face of Bishamber Nath for dowry. At the time of wedding when Bishamber Nath saw her face with pock-marks, he tried to encash the situation and asked for five thousand rupees. At this Bholi got annoyed and refused to marry such a greedy and contemptible fellow.

We come to know about Sulekha that she was a new-faced confident girl, who could not tolerate injustice to her and her parents and made her teacher proud by her brave and daring act.

Question 4.
Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We are told this right at the beginning. But in the last paragraph of the story Bholi is called Sulekha again. Why do you think she is called Sulekha at that point in the story?
Answer:
Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We come to know this at the beginning only but since her childhood everyone had called her Bholi — a simpleton. A pock-marked, stammering simple girl tolerated everything and never reacted. But only at the end in the last but one paragraph she has again been called as Sulekha that shows that she is no more a dumb cow by now which will never retaliate to the wrongs. With the impact of education and her teacher’s attempts, she has been turned into a rebel, confident and mature girl. She is no more a Bholi innocent lamb which will not react to the society. That is why she is called as Sulekha a new face of Bholi, a girl of substance at that point of story.

Bholi Extra Questions and Answers

Bholi Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
God created this world but teachers create human beings. How did Bholi’s teacher succeed in changing the course of her life?
Answer:
The teacher gives desired encouragement, inspires her with love. She changes her into a bold and confident girl. She protests at her marriage and refuses to get married with an aged, greedy, coward and mindless person. It transforms her life.

Question 2.
Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match?
Answer:
Bholi agreed for the sake of her parents. Their honour was at stake.

Question 3.
Why did Bholi later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her?
Answer:
She rejected the groom because the bridegroom proved greedy, mean and hateful coward. He had demanded dowry because she had pock-marks on her face. She remained no longer a dumb cow, but became an independent girl of great confidence due to the efforts of her teachers.

Question 4.
Why did Bholi’s parents think her ‘a dumb cow’?
Answer:
Bholi’s real name was Sulekha. She was a simple girl. Everyone called her Bholi, the simpleton. She was a slow learner. She was not a good looking girl. She stammered also.

Question 5.
How did Bholi turn out to be an outspoken and a fearless girl?
Answer:
Bholi was sent to the village school which transformed her into a bold girl. Her teacher’s encouragement and affection gave her a new hope and new life. She became a sharp outspoken and fearless girl.

Question 6.
What was Bholi’s experience at school on the first day? Did she enjoy it? Give a suitable answer.
Answer:
On her first day in the school, Bholi felt alone and fearful in the new surroundings. She was happy to see many girls of her age. The coloured pictures made her happy on this very day. The soft and soothing voice of her teacher calling her ‘Bholi’ touched her heart.

Question 7.
What kind of treatment is given to Bholi by her parents? Is it justified?
Answer:
Bholi was the fourth child in her family. She was different from her other siblings. She had a disfigured face. She had black pock-marks. She was a slow learner. She used to stammer also. She was not given proper treatment at home. The treatment given to Bholi cannot be justified. There should not be any discrimination against handicapped in the family.

Question 8.
Why did Bishamber refuse to marry Bholi?
Answer:
Bholi was a simpleton. She was not a good looking girl. She had pock-marks on her body and face. When Bishamber was about to garland Bholi, the silken veil from her face was slipped back. When Bishamber saw the pock-marks on her face, he refused to marry her.

Question 9.
When did Bholi realize that she was going to a better place than her home?
Answer:
Bholi was given a new dress to wear. Earlier she used to wear the used clothes of her sisters. She was given a bath. Her hair were oiled. These unusual things made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home.

Question 10.
How did Bholi react when her father caught her by the hand to take her to school? Why?
Answer:
Bholi was a simpleton. When her father held her hand and told her that they were going to school, she got frightened. She recalled how a cow was taken out of house for sale. She thought that she was being dragged out of the house.

Question 11.
What were Ramlal and his wife’s plans regarding Bholi’s marriage?
Answer:
Bholi was not a normal child. Her parents knew that they would not be able to get her married. They got a proposal from Bishamber for Bholi. They readily agreed saying that Bholi would be lucky to get such a well-to-do bridegroom. Bishamber was as old as Ramlal and had children from his first wife.

Question 12.
Why did the Tehsildar come to Ramlal’s village? What did he ask Ramlal to do?
Answer:
He came to Randal’s village to inaugurate the newly opened primary school. The Tehsildar told Ramlal that he was the revenue officer and the representative of the government, therefore, he should be the first one to send his daughters to school.

Question 13.
Why did Bholi talk very little as a child?
Answer:
Bholi was a simpleton. She was unable to speak till the age of five. When she learnt to speak, she used to stammer. All the children of her age made fun of her. As a result, she talked very little. She was an introvert child.

Question 14.
Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi?
Answer:
Sulekha was a slow child from the very beginning. She was a simpleton. Her brain was also damaged in her childhood resulting in her being slow, that is why she was called “Bholi”, a simpleton.

Question 15.
Why did Bholi look at Bishamber with cold contempt?
Answer:
Bholi’s parents arranged her marriage with Bishamber who was a 45-50 year-old widower. At the time of marriage, Bishamber demanded five thousand rupees as dowry as a compensation for Bholi’s ugly looks. Bholi refused to marry him and looked at him with cold contempt.

Question 16.
Why was Bholi reluctant to go to school with her father?
Answer:
Bholi did not know what a school was like. She remembered how their old cow had been turned out of the house and sold. Therefore, she was frightened and was reluctant to go to school with her father.

Question 17.
What happened to Bholi (Sulekha) when she was ten months old?
Answer:
When Bholi was ten months old, she (Sulekha) had fallen off the cot on her head and it had damaged some part of her brain.

Question 18.
Why did the other children make fun of Bholi?
Answer:
All the children of her age made fun of Bholi as she was a simpleton and different from others. Her speech was not clear. She used to stammer. Her introvert nature and stammering were the source of fun and entertainment for the children of her age. They always made fun of Bholi.

Question 19.
Why had Ramlal agreed to send his daughter to school?
Answer:
Ramlal was the revenue official of his village. The Tehsildar had inaugurated the school and he had told Ramlal to send his daughters to school. And Ramlal could not disobey the Tehsildar.

Question 20.
How did Bholi feel when the teacher asked her name?
Answer:
Bholi was very nervous when the teacher asked her name. She started sweating and stammering. But the teacher’s loving and kind attitude made her feel comfortable.

Question 21.
Why did Ramlal not send all his daughters to school?
Answer:
Ramlal had four daughters. Ramlal was not in favour of girls’ education. He thought that it would not help his daughters in their life. The first three daughters were already married. Bholi was the fourth daughter. She was the only one left who could be sent to school.

Bholi Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. How did Bholi, an educated girl, face the
challenge posed by Bishambar’s greed? [2017]
Answer:
Education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. It is one of the most critical areas of empowerment for women. Bholi, an educated girl at first agreed to marry an old man because her father’s honour was at stake; thereby she placed her family’s interest over her own. However, later she refused to marry him because she saw how greedy and contemptible he was.

By demanding a hefty dowry, Bishamber took advantage of her bad looks and the desperateness of her father to get her married. That’s the reason why he rejected the marriage and shut the mouth of her detractors who called her shameless. All these were possible because education gave her the confidence needed to face a situation boldly.

Question 2.
“Don’t you worry, Pitaji! In your old age I will serve you and mother”. Through this statement the narrator wants to highlight the moral qualities Bholi was imbued with. Based on the reading of the lesson, what made Bholi aware of her rights and how did she use them?
Answer:
Bholi was an ignorant daughter of Ramlal. Her father fixed her marriage with Bishamber Nath, an aged fellow and father of grown-up children. Bishamber asked for heavy dowry. Bholi showed courage not to marry such a mean and greedy fellow. Bholi promised to serve her parents in their old age.

With the impact of education and her teacher’s endeavour, she became mature and confident. She became aware of her rights. It was education that made Bholi aware of her rights to raise the voice against dowry.

Question 3.
“Dowry is a negation of a girl’s dignity.” Prove this statement in the light of the story ‘Bholi’. How can this evil be eradicated from our society?
Answer:
Dowry is a curse on our society. It has become a monster now. Dowry, no doubt, is a negation of a girl’s dignity. Bishamber refused to accept Bholi because of her looks. The moment he saw her face full of pock-marks, he refused to marry her. He did not care for her dignity. But he was ready to marry that ugly girl if her father would give him five thousand rupees as dowry. He was ready to compromise with her looks in exchange of money. It was a sheer negation of Bholi’s dignity. Education of girls is the most powerful weapon against this evil.

Question 4.
On the basis of your understanding of the story, describe the role of the teacher, in Bholi’s life. What does it talk about her character?
Answer:
Bholi was a slow child from the beginning. Due to smallpox, her face had pock-marks which made her look different from other students. Her speech was not clear and she used to stammer. That is why, she was slower than other children. Even her parents called her dumb and witless. However, she was sent to school where her teacher changed her life.

Bholi’s teacher played a significant role in her life. She gave her encouragement and confidence to learn. She became an educated and a bold girl. Due to Bholi’s teacher, she was able to take charge of her life. It was love, compassion and sympathy in the teacher that transformed the life of Bholi. Every teacher must be like her to bring a change in society.

Question 5.
Bholi has multiple handicaps she is a girl. She has pock-marks, she stammers. How can we change the social attitudes towards the differently abled?
Answer:
Bholi is physically challenged. She is a slow girl. She has pock-marks and also stammers. What difference does it make? She is a human being and she should also be treated and honoured like other human beings. If a person lacks something on the one hand, he or she is compensated on the other by God. We see so many examples and instances in the society which prove that disability of any kind is not an obstacle in one’s life. Helen Keller was blind but proved to be a successful writer at the end.

Sudha Chandran is an example of indomitable will, who, despite losing one leg, became a dancer of world-fame. The social attitude towards these people should not be one of pity. They should be appreciated that in spite of their weakness, they are struggling hard to survive. The society will have to change its attitude towards differently abled people.

Question 6.
Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers by encouraging and motivating her. A teacher can transform a student by encouragement and motivation. Do you agree? What do you expect from your teacher?
Answer:
Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barrier. Bholi was a differently abled girl. She lacked confidence. She had an inferiority complex. When she was sent to school, her teacher transformed her from a dumb cow to a bold girl. No doubt it was the encouragement and motivation by her teacher that helped her. A teacher can transform a slow learner, dumb student to a confident person.

It is not only the knowledge that a teacher should impart, but he/she must boost confidence among his/her students. A word of appreciation by the teacher motivates a student and boosts up his/her morale and confidence. We expect that our teachers treat the children with compassion and sympathy. Their love for their students is a source of inspiration for them.

Question 7.
Most of the women in our society suffer silently because they dont’ know their rights. How does awareness help us? What would you suggest to bring awareness about the rights of women?
Answer:
Yes, it is true that most of the women in our society suffer because they don’t know their rights. We all are born equal with equal rights and duties. There should not be any discrimination between boys and girls. Our constitution has given us equal rights. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness and women don’t know their rights.

Those women who are aware of their rights have courage to oppose injustice. An educated woman is free from any such exploitation. Bholi in the story was ready to compromise with her fate because she did not know her rights. But when she was educated, she raised her voice against the evil of dowry and refused to marry Bishamber. In my opinion, awareness about the rights can be spread through education only.