Lesson 1: A Tale of Valour – Major Somnath Sharma
Before the Text
Q1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
Ans. It is a grand celebration that showcases India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and unity.
Q2. What are the highlights of this parade?
Ans. Tableaux from states, school performances, bravery awards, and the display of armed forces.
Q3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Ans. Gallantry awards such as Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra are awarded to soldiers for acts of extraordinary bravery.
Q4. What qualities should a soldier have?
Ans. Courage, discipline, loyalty, patriotism, self-sacrifice, and determination.
Q5. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Ans. “We are safe because of your courage. Your sacrifice inspires us to serve the nation in our own way.”
Let Us Discuss (Pg. 59)
Q. Arrange the following events in chronological order:
-
Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
-
He trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
-
Commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
-
D Company, under his command, was flown into Srinagar.
-
Requested air strikes at Badgam.
-
Killed by a mortar shell in the battle.
-
Soldiers continued fighting even after his death to save Srinagar.
-
He was awarded the first Param Vir Chakra.
Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 60–61)
Extract 1
(i) Inference → B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
(ii) He continued to lead because → he wanted to inspire his men and protect Srinagar.
(iii) Assertion–Reason → A. Both are true, and (R) explains (A).
(iv) Fill word → injuries.
Extract 2
(i) Early influences → C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and duty.
(ii) True/False → False (not mentioned he was wealthy).
(iii) Phrase meaning → He performed duties with dedication, honour, and excellence.
(iv) Word for “visually charming” → picturesque.
Comprehension Questions
Q1. What is the significance of “forever alive, forever alive”?
Ans. The repetition emphasizes that Major Somnath’s courage will never be forgotten.
Q2. Why was his leadership critical during the Battle of Badgam?
Ans. His courage, planning, and orders motivated his men to resist until reinforcements arrived.
Q3. What were his last words? What do they show?
Ans. “I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.”
They reflect his unshakable duty, bravery, and sacrifice.
Q4. What might have happened if his company had not held ground?
Ans. The enemy would have captured Srinagar airport and Kashmir, changing history.
Q5. Why does his story inspire us even today?
Ans. Because it shows how selflessness and courage can save a nation.
Q6. How can his values apply to our lives?
Ans. By being brave in difficulties, performing our duty sincerely, and making sacrifices for others.
Lesson 2: Somebody’s Mother – Mary Dow Brine
Before the Text
Q1. What do you do when you see an old person struggling to cross the road?
Ans. I try to help them cross safely or stop vehicles until they cross.
Q2. Why should we show respect to elders?
Ans. Because they have experience, wisdom, and deserve care and dignity.
Q3. What values do we learn from helping elders?
Ans. Kindness, empathy, responsibility, and humanity.
Let Us Discuss (Pg. 67)
Q1. How did the woman look?
Ans. Old, poor, weak, with tattered clothes and anxious eyes.
Q2. Why was she afraid to cross?
Ans. Because the road was crowded and slippery, and she was too frail to walk quickly.
Q3. How did the schoolboy help her?
Ans. He offered his arm and carefully guided her across the busy road.
Q4. How did the crowd react?
Ans. They just watched but did not help; only the boy stepped forward.
Q5. What did the boy think after helping her?
Ans. That someone would help his own mother in her old age, just as he helped this woman.
Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 68–69)
Extract 1
Q1. Why did the old woman wait?
Ans. Because she was scared of falling or being hurt on the crowded road.
Q2. What was the crowd doing?
Ans. People were rushing by but nobody stopped to help her.
Q3. What qualities of the woman are shown here?
Ans. Patience, helplessness, and fear.
Q4. What do we learn from this situation?
Ans. That we should be aware of others’ needs and show kindness without waiting for others to act.
Extract 2
Q1. What did the boy do for the old woman?
Ans. He took her hand and led her safely across the road.
Q2. What thought comforted him?
Ans. That someone would show the same kindness to his own mother when she needed help.
Q3. What is the message of the poem?
Ans. That small acts of kindness can make a big difference and will come back to us in the future.
Q4. What quality of the boy do you admire?
Ans. His compassion, selflessness, and respect for elders.
Comprehension Questions
Q1. Why is the poem called “Somebody’s Mother”?
Ans. Because the old woman, though poor and unknown, was precious to someone as a mother.
Q2. Why did others ignore the old woman?
Ans. They were too busy and indifferent to notice her need.
Q3. How does the poem highlight the contrast between the crowd and the boy?
Ans. The crowd was indifferent, but the boy was kind and thoughtful.
Q4. What values does the poem teach us?
Ans. Compassion, respect for elders, empathy, and humanity.
Q5. How can we practice this lesson in our daily life?
Ans. By helping the needy, respecting elders, and offering kindness without expecting rewards.
Vocabulary & Language Work
Q1. Pick synonyms:
-
Poor → Needy, destitute
-
Afraid → Scared, fearful
-
Help → Assist, aid
-
Old → Aged, elderly
Q2. Write antonyms:
-
Kind × Cruel
-
Weak × Strong
-
Safe × Unsafe
-
Rich × Poor
Writing Task
Q. Write a paragraph on the importance of small acts of kindness.
Ans. Small acts of kindness make the world a better place. Helping an old person, comforting a friend, or sharing with the needy are simple actions but have deep impact. Kindness not only helps others but also brings peace and happiness to us. As shown in the poem, the boy’s small act of helping an old woman became a great lesson in humanity.
Summary of the Poem
Somebody’s Mother by Mary Dow Brine is about a poor old woman waiting to cross a busy road. The crowd ignores her, but one schoolboy helps her cross safely. The boy feels comforted, believing someone will help his own mother in the future. The poem conveys the values of compassion, empathy, and respect for elders, showing that even small acts of kindness are noble and timeless.
Lesson 3: I Too Had a Dream – Verghese Kurien
Before the Text
Q1. Do you drink milk every day? Why is it important?
Ans. Yes, milk gives us protein, calcium, and energy. It helps in growth and keeps our bones strong.
Q2. What do you know about “Operation Flood”?
Ans. It was a dairy development programme started in India to increase milk production and make India the largest producer of milk in the world.
Q3. What qualities are needed for a person to serve society?
Ans. Honesty, dedication, hard work, and a vision to improve people’s lives.
Let Us Discuss (Pg. 77–78)
Q1. What did Verghese Kurien study abroad?
Ans. He studied mechanical engineering and dairy engineering.
Q2. Why did he want to leave Anand at first?
Ans. Because he was sent there for a government job but didn’t like the small town.
Q3. Who convinced him to stay in Anand?
Ans. Tribhuvandas Patel, a freedom fighter and farmer leader.
Q4. What was the situation of farmers before the milk cooperative?
Ans. Farmers were exploited by middlemen and got very little money for their milk.
Q5. What change came after the cooperative movement?
Ans. Farmers began selling milk directly through cooperatives, earning fair prices and improving their lives.
Let Us Think and Reflect (Pg. 79–80)
Extract 1
Q1. What made Kurien stay back in Anand?
Ans. The trust of farmers and the chance to serve them motivated him to stay.
Q2. What values guided his decision?
Ans. Service, compassion, and social responsibility.
Q3. What does the phrase “white revolution” mean?
Ans. It refers to the increase in milk production and self-sufficiency in India’s dairy sector.
Extract 2
Q1. What was Kurien’s vision for India?
Ans. To empower farmers, make India self-sufficient in milk, and uplift rural communities.
Q2. What role did farmers play in this success?
Ans. Farmers united under cooperatives, worked together, and became owners of the dairy movement.
Q3. What is the tone of the passage?
Ans. Inspiring and hopeful.
Comprehension Questions
Q1. Why is Verghese Kurien called the “Father of the White Revolution”?
Ans. Because he led India’s milk cooperative movement and made India the world’s largest producer of milk.
Q2. How did Amul become successful?
Ans. By uniting farmers under cooperatives, eliminating middlemen, and ensuring quality milk products.
Q3. What values can we learn from Kurien’s life?
Ans. Dedication, service to society, leadership, and belief in the power of cooperation.
Q4. What might have happened if he had left Anand?
Ans. The cooperative movement would have failed, and farmers would have remained poor and exploited.
Q5. How can students apply Kurien’s example in their own lives?
Ans. By working hard, being honest, and using their knowledge to help society.
Vocabulary & Language Work
Q1. Synonyms:
-
Exploit → misuse, take advantage
-
Cooperative → teamwork, association
-
Vision → dream, goal
-
Empower → strengthen, enable
Q2. Antonyms:
-
Success × Failure
-
Unite × Divide
-
Rich × Poor
-
Rural × Urban
Writing Task
Q. Write a short paragraph on “Why cooperation is important in society.”
Ans. Cooperation is the key to progress. When people work together, they can solve bigger problems. Just like farmers in Amul united to fight exploitation, cooperation in families, schools, and communities helps achieve goals faster and better. It teaches teamwork, equality, and collective responsibility.
Summary of the Lesson
I Too Had a Dream is the story of Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution. After studying abroad, he came to Anand reluctantly but was persuaded to stay by Tribhuvandas Patel. Seeing the exploitation of farmers, Kurien devoted his life to building cooperatives like Amul. This brought fair prices, empowered farmers, and made India the world’s largest milk producer. His life teaches us that dedication, cooperation, and service to society can transform a nation.