Bravehearts
Lesson 1: A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers
Before the Text
Q1. Whom should every Indian pay homage to?
Ans. Our brave soldiers who defend the nation.
Q2. Write ways to celebrate their victories and honour their sacrifices.
| Celebrating Victories | Honouring Sacrifices |
|---|---|
| Visiting war memorials | Observing Silence on Martyrs’ Day |
| Organising parades | Supporting families of martyrs |
| Singing patriotic songs | Building monuments/memorials |
Let Us Discuss
Q1. Complete the table of war heroes.
| Name of the War Hero | Contribution and Achievement | Award Given |
|---|---|---|
| Major Somnath Sharma | Battle of Badgam (1947) | First Param Vir Chakra (PVC) posthumously |
| Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla | Sacrificed his life in 1971 war as a Navy officer | Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) |
| Lance Naik Albert Ekka | Displayed courage in 1971 war at Gangasagar | Param Vir Chakra (PVC) posthumously |
| Major Padmapani Acharya | Kargil War (1999), showed leadership despite injury | Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) posthumously |
Q2. Sentences that evoke feelings:
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Wonder – “29,000 tablets with more than 26,000 names…”
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Heartening – “Government has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers…”
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Motivation – “I aspire to be courageous like him when I join the army!”
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Pride – “It truly is a majestic site that filled me with pride…”
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Visually inspiring – “Lighting design transforms the landscape from dawn to dusk.”
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Sadness – “The discourses brought tears to my eyes…”
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Gratitude – “Freedom and security we enjoy today is because of soldiers.”
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Inspiration – “It motivated me to live a life worthy of the sacrifices of our heroes.”
Q3. Which is India’s highest gallantry award?
Ans. The Param Vir Chakra (PVC).
Q4. How would Ananda feel after reading Soumya’s letter?
Ans. Inspired, proud, and motivated to serve the nation.
Q5. Did Soumya enjoy writing the letter? Why?
Ans. Yes, because she shared her heartfelt emotions and inspiring experience of the National War Memorial.
Think and Reflect (Extracts)
Extract 1:
(i) flame: valour :: wreath: respect
(ii) Lighting design changes the monument’s look and makes it visually appealing.
(iii) “It truly is a majestic site” → opinion.
(iv) Everlasting flame suggests eternal stories of courage.
(v) Tone → Admiring (C).
Extract 2:
(i) “I have heard a lot about it.”
(ii) Because memorials often look like monuments/statues.
(iii) commemorate
(iv) “In my view, it is also an expression of deep gratitude…”
(v) Because they sacrifice their lives to defend the country.
Comprehension Qs
Q1. What is the significance of the National War Memorial?
Ans. It honours fallen soldiers, reminds us of the cost of freedom, and inspires patriotism.
Q2. How did Lance Naik Albert Ekka display courage?
Ans. Despite being wounded, he attacked enemy bunkers, silenced machine guns, and sacrificed his life.
Q3. How is the War Memorial app useful?
Ans. It provides interactive information, murals, and stories in 21 languages to spread awareness.
Q4. Why is it our duty to pay homage to soldiers?
Ans. Because our freedom and safety exist due to their sacrifices.
Q5. How does the title “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” fit?
Ans. The text shows gratitude and respect for bravehearts through Soumya’s and Ananda’s letters.
Q6. Why were students awestruck and humbled?
Ans. They realised the courage of soldiers and the heavy sacrifices made for the nation.
✨ Lesson 2: My Dear Soldiers – Poem by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Let Us Discuss
Q1. Complete the summary.
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land
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borders
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scorching
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lonely
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deserts
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youth
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feat
Q2. Theme of poem?
Ans. (i) Patriotism & sacrifice.
Q3. Tone of poem?
Ans. Respectful, grateful, prayerful. (iv & v)
Q4. Poetic Devices:
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Imagery – Shows soldiers in deserts, marshes, seas.
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Simile – Soldiers compared to yogis.
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Metaphor – Wind chimes as symbols of respect.
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Repetition – Emphasises the bond between soldiers and people.
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Alliteration – “season or snowy,” creates musical effect.
Think and Reflect (Extract)
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Opposites – asleep/awake, windy/snowy, hot/cold.
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Refers to soldiers’ commitment to duty.
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True.
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“Windy season or snowy days or scorching sun’s sweltering rays.”
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Quality → Dedication.
Short Answers
Q1. Who is the speaker?
Ans. The poet, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Q2. How is theme conveyed through imagery?
Ans. Through pictures of soldiers in deserts, seas, marshes, mountains.
Q3. How does the poet highlight commitment?
Ans. By showing soldiers guarding in all terrains and weathers.
Q4. What does “prime of your youth” mean?
Ans. Soldiers sacrifice the best years of their life for the nation.
Q5. Why should we pray for soldiers?
Ans. For their safety, strength, and blessings as they protect the nation selflessly.
Lesson 3: Rani Abbakka (Play)
Let Us Discuss
Q1. Match words with meanings (Pg. 213):
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vassal → state under another
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coronation → ceremony of making king/queen
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successor → one who follows another
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rash → careless
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sovereign → independent country
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league → partnership
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wrath → anger
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seize → capture
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resolve → determination
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raged → happened violently
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decisive → effective in decision-making
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apprehended → caught
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dauntless → fearless
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avenge → take revenge
Q2. Cause–Effect Table
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Ullal captured → had to pay tribute.
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Rani’s marriage decision → husband thought it hasty.
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Veera Narsimha ordered soldiers → to stop Abbakka.
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Rajas refused support → feared Portuguese power.
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Portuguese attacked Ullal → Abbakka retaliated.
Think and Reflect
Extract
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Tribute = tax/payment.
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Because Ullal was independent.
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True.
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Replace defied → disobeyed.
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Qualities → Bold, capable, determined (i, iii, v).
Short Qs
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Mother felt proud and reassured by Abbakka’s courage.
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Support shows loyalty and faith in Abbakka’s leadership.
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People felt proud and relieved when Portuguese were defeated.
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Abbakka’s victory inspired others to resist foreign powers.
Unit 5 Summary
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A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers – Through Soumya’s and Ananda’s letters, students learn about the National War Memorial and gallant heroes like Major Somnath Sharma, Albert Ekka, and Padmapani Acharya.
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My Dear Soldiers – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s heartfelt poem praises soldiers’ sacrifices, dedication, and courage in every terrain and season.
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Rani Abbakka – The fearless queen of Ullal who fought the Portuguese, showing courage, leadership, and patriotism.
