Reach for the Top (Part I: Santosh Yadav)
Page 101 – Thinking about the Text
Q1. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.
(i) Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised?
Because he blessed her with a son, but she gave birth to a daughter. This went against the social preference for boys at the time.
(ii) Give an example to show that even as a young girl, Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable.
She refused to wear traditional clothes expected of village girls and instead chose shorts, defying local custom.
(iii) Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
Because her parents could afford only that and were following village tradition.
(iv) When did she leave home for Delhi, and why?
At sixteen, Santosh left home to join a school in Delhi because she wanted to get a proper education and did not want to remain confined by traditional norms.
(v) Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought into light by this incident?
Her parents agreed after she threatened not to marry early. This shows her determination, independence, and courage to stand for her rights.
Q2. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).
(i) How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
She used to watch village boys climb the Aravalli Hills. Later, she joined them, gradually developing interest and skills. Finally, she enrolled in the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.
(ii) What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her team-mates?
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She saved a fellow climber, Mohan Singh, from death by sharing her oxygen.
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She also helped in bringing down climbers killed on the mountain.
(iii) What shows her concern for the environment?
She collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas, showing responsibility toward keeping the mountains clean.
(iv) How does she describe her feelings at the summit of the Everest?
She felt proud, deeply moved, and grateful to God. She hoisted the national flag and called it the happiest moment of her life.
(v) Santosh Yadav got into the record books both times she scaled Mt. Everest. What were the reasons for this?
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She was the youngest woman to scale Mt. Everest (1992).
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She became the only woman to climb Everest twice (1993).
Q3. Complete the following statements.
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From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to … see villagers climbing the Aravalli Hills, which inspired her interest in mountaineering.
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When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because … she joined the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering without his permission.
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During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her … climbing skills, determination, and team spirit.
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Santosh collected and brought down … 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
Q4. Pick out words from the text that mean the same as the following words or expressions.
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Took to be true without proof → Assumed
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Based on reason; sensible; reasonable → Rational
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The usual way of doing things → Custom
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Short trousers → Shorts
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Showed no disapproval → Endorsed
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Was filled with pride and satisfaction; used a phrase symbolising this → Felt on top of the world
Extra Questions – Santosh Yadav
Short Answer
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Why did Santosh dislike the traditional way of life for girls in her village?
Because it restricted freedom and education, focusing only on marriage at an early age. -
How did her family react to her mountaineering?
Initially hesitant, but later proud of her achievements and supportive of her career. -
What national honour did she receive?
She was awarded the Padma Shri for her achievements in mountaineering.
Long Answer
Q. What qualities of Santosh Yadav make her an inspiring role model?
Santosh Yadav’s life reflects courage, determination, and independence. From childhood, she refused to accept outdated customs. She insisted on wearing comfortable clothes, pursued education in Delhi against her parents’ wishes, and later chose mountaineering, a male-dominated field. Her record of scaling Mt. Everest twice — the youngest woman to do so — demonstrates her courage and determination. She was not only ambitious but also compassionate, saving a fellow climber’s life and bringing down the bodies of others. Her concern for the environment was shown when she collected 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas. Santosh combined rational thinking, boldness, and humility, making her achievements remarkable. She is a true role model for young people, especially girls, showing that with persistence, one can break barriers and reach the top.
Summary of Santosh Yadav’s Life
Santosh Yadav’s inspiring journey, as presented in Reach for the Top, shows how determination can break barriers of tradition and gender.
Born in 1969 in a small village of Haryana, Santosh defied social norms from a young age. While girls were expected to wear traditional clothes and marry early, she preferred shorts and dreamt of studying. At sixteen, she left her home to study in Delhi, defying her parents’ wishes. Eventually, they gave in and supported her education.
Her passion for mountaineering began when she watched villagers climb the Aravalli Hills. She joined them, developed skills, and later joined the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. This marked the beginning of her historic achievements.
In 1992, at just 20 years old, Santosh became the youngest woman in the world to scale Mt. Everest. A year later, in 1993, she scaled Everest again, becoming the only woman to do so twice. Her record-breaking feats brought pride to the nation.
But her achievements went beyond records. During expeditions, she displayed courage and compassion. She saved a fellow climber, Mohan Singh, from death by sharing her oxygen. She also helped bring down the bodies of climbers killed on the mountain, showing humanity amidst danger.
Santosh also cared deeply about the environment. She collected and brought down nearly 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas, proving her responsibility toward nature.
She described her feelings on Everest as the happiest moment of her life, when she hoisted the Indian tricolour and felt “on top of the world.” She received the Padma Shri and other honours for her contribution.
Santosh Yadav’s story is not only about physical achievement but also about breaking gender stereotypes and overcoming obstacles with courage. She showed that women, too, can conquer the highest peaks. Her determination, independence, and social concern make her a role model for generations.
Biography – Santosh Yadav
Santosh Yadav (b. 1969) is a renowned Indian mountaineer, best known as the first woman in the world to climb Mt. Everest twice.
She was born on 10 October 1969 in Joniyawas village, Rewari district, Haryana. From childhood, she displayed courage and defiance of tradition. Unlike other girls, she wore shorts, preferred outdoor activities, and questioned social customs such as early marriage.
At sixteen, she left her home to pursue education in Delhi, despite opposition. Later, she joined the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi, where her mountaineering career began.
In 1992, Santosh Yadav created history by becoming the youngest woman to scale Mt. Everest. In 1993, she climbed Everest again, becoming the first woman to achieve the feat twice. These achievements earned her worldwide recognition.
She was also noted for her compassion. On expeditions, she saved fellow climber Mohan Singh’s life by sharing her oxygen and helped bring down the bodies of other climbers. Her environmental concern was evident when she collected 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
For her achievements, Santosh Yadav was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2000. She also served in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and contributed to promoting mountaineering among Indian youth.
Santosh Yadav’s life is an inspiring story of courage, perseverance, and breaking stereotypes. She remains a role model, especially for young women, proving that determination can help anyone reach the top.
Reach for the Top (Part II: Maria Sharapova)
Page 104 – Thinking about the Text
Q1. Working in small groups of three or four, discuss the following:
(i) What are your impressions of Maria Sharapova as a tennis player and as a person?
Maria Sharapova is a determined and disciplined tennis player who rose to world No. 1 despite hardships. As a person, she is ambitious, hardworking, independent, and yet warm and modest.
Q2. Here are words that you will find in the text. Match them with their meanings.
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Unflagging → Tireless, not becoming weaker
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Aspiration → Strong desire to achieve something
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Exaltation → A state of extreme happiness
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Poised → Calm, confident, and balanced
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Monotonous → Boring, lacking variety
Q3. Answer the following questions.
(i) Why was Maria brought to the United States?
She was brought to the U.S. at the age of nine by her father so she could receive professional tennis training.
(ii) Why didn’t her mother go with her?
Her mother could not accompany her due to visa restrictions at that time.
(iii) What are her hobbies? What does she like?
Her hobbies include fashion, singing, dancing, and reading. She also enjoys designing clothes and interiors.
(iv) What motivates her to keep going despite hardships?
Her dream of becoming the world’s number one tennis player and her determination to succeed motivate her.
(v) Maria’s motto in life: “I consider myself lucky… Opportunity comes to those who have the vision and the courage to go after it.” What does this reveal about her?
It shows her belief in hard work, self-confidence, and the idea that success comes to those who are willing to seize opportunities with courage and determination.
Extra Questions – Maria Sharapova
Short Answer
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What sacrifices did Maria make for her career?
She endured separation from her mother, lived in tough conditions at training academies, and faced bullying from older players. -
What does Maria say about her Russian identity?
She feels proud of being Russian and retains her national identity, even though she trained in the USA. -
What helped Maria reach the top?
Her grit, determination, self-discipline, and the support of her father helped her become world No. 1.
Long Answer
Q. How did Maria Sharapova achieve success in spite of hardships?
Maria Sharapova’s journey to success was marked by struggles and sacrifices. At just nine years old, she left Russia with her father to train in the United States. Her mother could not join them due to visa restrictions, so Maria endured loneliness and separation. At the training academy, she faced bullying from older players, had to work extremely hard, and lived in difficult conditions. Yet she never gave up. Instead, she channelled her hardships into motivation. Her determination, strict work discipline, and resilience made her stronger. Her father worked hard to support her, and Maria matched his dedication with her own willpower. By 2005, she became the world’s No. 1 tennis player, an extraordinary achievement. Her story is proof that success comes to those who are ready to sacrifice, stay disciplined, and never lose sight of their dreams.
Summary of Maria Sharapova’s Life
Maria Sharapova’s rise to the top of world tennis is a story of determination, sacrifice, and ambition.
Born on 19 April 1987 in Siberia, Russia, Maria showed talent in tennis at a young age. To nurture her potential, her father took her to Florida, USA, when she was just nine years old. Her mother could not join them due to visa restrictions. This separation was very painful, but Maria accepted it as part of her struggle.
In the United States, Maria trained at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Life there was tough. She had to adapt to a new culture, endure bullying from older players, and face the loneliness of being away from her family. However, she never let hardships defeat her. Instead, she developed toughness, discipline, and determination.
Her father worked tirelessly to support her, while Maria focused entirely on her training. She had few comforts but great ambition. She once said she considered herself lucky because she had the vision and courage to seize opportunities.
Maria’s efforts bore fruit when, in 2004, at the age of 17, she defeated Serena Williams to win Wimbledon. In 2005, she became the world’s No. 1 tennis player. Her success was not just due to talent but to her relentless hard work, sacrifice, and mental strength.
Off the court, Maria Sharapova enjoys fashion, singing, dancing, and designing clothes and interiors. Despite her global fame, she identifies strongly as Russian and values her cultural roots.
Her story conveys that dreams demand sacrifice and perseverance. Maria Sharapova overcame separation, hardship, and challenges with courage and emerged as one of the greatest women tennis players in the world.
Biography – Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova (b. 1987) is a Russian former professional tennis player, regarded as one of the greatest of her era.
She was born on 19 April 1987 in Nyagan, Siberia, Russia. Showing early promise, she began training in tennis at age four. Recognising her potential, her father took her to Florida, USA, when she was just nine, so she could train at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Her mother could not accompany her due to visa issues, so Maria endured separation and loneliness.
At the academy, Maria faced hardships, including bullying from older players and demanding schedules. Yet her grit and determination helped her overcome them. By 17, she achieved global fame by winning Wimbledon in 2004, defeating Serena Williams. In 2005, she reached the world No. 1 ranking, making history as one of the youngest women to achieve it.
Throughout her career, Sharapova won five Grand Slam titles: two French Opens, one Australian Open, one Wimbledon, and one US Open. She was admired for her powerful game, resilience, and mental toughness.
Off the court, Maria pursued interests in fashion, business, and philanthropy. She launched her own candy company, Sugarpova, and supported various charitable causes.
Maria Sharapova retired in 2020 after a career marked by both triumphs and injuries. She remains a role model for her courage, ambition, and perseverance, symbolising the rewards of hard work and sacrifice.
On Killing a Tree
By Gieve Patel
Page 109 – Thinking about the Poem
Q1. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?
No. A simple jab of the knife cannot kill a tree because it is deeply rooted in the earth and has grown strong by absorbing nutrients from the soil and sunlight.
Q2. Why does it take much time to kill a tree?
Because a tree has deep roots, branches, leaves, and bark. Even if it is cut, new shoots and branches grow again. It has the power to regenerate, so it takes much time to kill it completely.
Q3. “It has grown slowly consuming the earth, rising out of it, feeding upon its crust, absorbing years of sunlight, air and water.” In the light of this statement, trace the life of a tree.
A tree grows slowly, absorbing nutrients from the earth, water, and air. Over the years, it becomes strong, develops branches, leaves, bark, and a deep root system that firmly anchors it to the ground.
Q4. What finally kills a tree?
The roots must be pulled out completely from the earth, dried, scorched, and choked by sunlight and air. Only then does the tree die.
Extra Questions – On Killing a Tree
Short Answer
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What does the poem suggest about the resilience of trees?
It suggests that trees are strong and resilient. Even when cut, they grow back unless the roots are destroyed. -
What is the central theme of the poem?
The poem highlights the cruelty of destroying nature and the strength of trees that resist death until their very roots are uprooted. -
Why does the poet describe the killing of a tree in such detail?
To make readers realise the violence involved in killing a tree and to emphasise respect for nature.
Long Answer
Q. How does the poem symbolise human destruction of nature?
The poem is a metaphor for the exploitation of nature by humans. Patel describes in detail how a tree resists death: even when cut, it regenerates through shoots and leaves. But man persists in destroying it by uprooting its roots, drying, scorching, and choking it until it dies. This mirrors how humans exploit and destroy the environment for selfish purposes. The imagery of pain, bleeding bark, and uprooted roots reflects violence against nature. Patel reminds us that nature is resilient but not invincible. Continuous destruction eventually leads to ecological imbalance. The poem urges us to respect nature’s life force and stop treating it with cruelty.
Summary of On Killing a Tree
Gieve Patel’s poem On Killing a Tree vividly describes the destruction of a tree and symbolises the violence humans inflict on nature.
The poet begins by stating that a tree cannot be killed by a “simple jab of the knife.” A tree grows slowly, feeding on the earth, absorbing sunlight, air, and water for years. Its roots are deep, and its trunk and branches are strong. Even when hacked and chopped, the tree is not easily destroyed. The bark may bleed, but new shoots and twigs sprout again, regaining strength.
To kill a tree completely, one must pull out its roots. The roots are the most vital part of the tree, hidden beneath the soil, giving it life and nourishment. Once uprooted, the roots must be dried, scorched, and exposed to the sun and air until they wither away. Only then does the tree finally die.
Through this process, Patel highlights not only the physical resilience of trees but also the cruelty involved in their destruction. The detailed imagery of bleeding bark and uprooted roots conveys the violence against nature. The poem becomes a reminder of the ecological harm caused by human actions.
Ultimately, the poem conveys a strong message: trees, like life, are resilient, but continuous human cruelty can destroy even the strongest elements of nature. It urges respect for the environment and warns against the consequences of reckless exploitation.
Biography – Gieve Patel
Gieve Patel (b. 1940) is an Indian poet, playwright, painter, and physician, celebrated for his works that explore human life and its relationship with nature.
He was born on 18 August 1940 in Mumbai, India. Patel studied medicine and became a practicing doctor, but alongside his medical career, he developed a passion for literature and art.
Patel’s poetry often reflects themes of violence, human suffering, and ecological awareness. His famous poem On Killing a Tree criticises the destructive attitude of humans toward nature and highlights the resilience of life. Other poems such as From Bombay Central and Evening also reveal his sensitivity to human experiences.
As a playwright, Patel wrote socially conscious plays like Princes and Savaksa, exploring themes of morality, politics, and human struggle. He was part of the modern Indian English literary movement, often dealing with urban realities and ethical dilemmas.
He was also an accomplished painter, exhibiting his works nationally and internationally. His art often complements his literary vision, combining sensitivity with social critique.
Patel’s contribution as a poet, doctor, and artist shows his multi-dimensional personality. His poetry, especially On Killing a Tree, remains part of school and college curricula, continuing to inspire environmental awareness among students.