ପଞ୍ଚପଦୀTEACHER

VERGHESE KURIEN — I TOO HAD A DREAM

Let us do these activities before we read.

I Arrange the worldwide means of communication given below in the timeline provided. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

[Image Description: An illustration of a red vintage rotary dial telephone.]

  1. telephone

[Image Description: An illustration of a laptop screen displaying an opened yellow envelope with an email icon.] 2. email

[Image Description: An illustration of a blank yellow vintage postcard with stamp and postmark lines.] 3. postcard

[Image Description: An illustration of a brass telegraph key transmitter on a wooden base.] 4. telegraph

[Image Description: An illustration of a modern smartphone.] 5. mobile phone

[Image Description: An illustration of a white carrier pigeon flying with a scroll attached to its collar.] 6. carrier pigeons

[Image Description: A horizontal timeline bar with arrows labeled 'old' on the left and 'new' on the right.] old new

II Work in pairs and discuss the following things. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

  1. The reasons for change in the means of communication over the years.

  2. The means of communication that you prefer to use and the reason for your choice.

  3. Communication through social media: its benefits and precautions that one should take against its misuse.

Let us read

V KURIEN ANAND 388001 INDIA

TO MY GRANDSON

Anand, 2005

[Image Description: A portrait photograph of Dr. Verghese Kurien smiling with crossed arms.]

My dear Siddharth,

When did I write to you last? I have trouble even remembering! In today's fast-paced world we have become so addicted to instant communication that we prefer to use a telephone. But speaking on the telephone only gives us an immediate but fleeting joy. Writing is different. Writing—even if it is a letter—not only conveys our present concerns and views of the events taking place around us but it becomes a possession that can be treasured and re-read over the years, with great, abiding pleasure.

You may not wish to read it all right away but, perhaps, a couple of decades or more from now, you will pick up these jottings of mine again and they will give you a deeper understanding of what I have done, and the reasons I pursued a life of service to our nation's farmers. You will then discover in them a valuable reminder of the days just before the world entered the twenty-first century. And you may want to share my memories with those of your generation, or even younger, to provide a glimpse of the world your grandparents lived in and knew.

I started my working life soon after our country became independent. The noblest task in those days was to contribute in whatever way we could towards building an India of our dreams—a nation where our people would not only hold their heads high in freedom but would be free from hunger and poverty. A nation where our people could live with equal respect and love for one another. A nation that would eventually be counted among the foremost nations of the world. It was then that I realised, in humility, that choosing to lead one kind of life means putting aside the desire to pursue other options. This transformation took place within me fifty years ago, when I agreed to work for a small cooperative of dairy farmers who were trying to gain control over their lives.

To be quite honest, service to our nation's farmers was not the career I had envisioned for myself. But somehow, a series of events swept me along and put me in a certain time with a choice that would transform my life. I could have pursued a career in metallurgy and become the chief executive of a large company. Or, opted for a commission in the Indian Army and maybe retired as a general. Or, I could have left for the US and gone on to become a highly successful NRI. Yet, I chose none of these because somewhere, deep down, I knew I could make a more meaningful contribution by working here in Anand, Gujarat.

Word Meanings:

  • addicted: dependent on something

  • fleeting: momentary or short-lived

  • abiding pleasure: a feeling of happiness that continues for a long time

  • jottings: brief notes

  • foremost: leading

  • humility: modesty/quality of being humble

  • pursue: follow

  • envisioned: imagined or expected something to happen in a particular way

V KURIEN ANAND 388001 INDIA

ardently: In a way that shows strong feelings poise: in a calm and confident manner adhered: to continue to support integrity: honest and strong moral principles correlation: a connection between two or more things.

Your grandmother too made an important choice. She knew, in those days, life in Anand could not offer even the simple comforts that we take for granted today. However, she ardently supported my choice to live and work in Anand. That choice of your grandmother to stand by me has given me an everlasting strength, always ensuring that I shouldered my responsibilities with poise.

Whenever I have received any recognition for my contributions towards the progress of our country, I always emphasised that it is a recognition of the achievements of many people with whom I had a privilege to be associated with. I would like to stress even more strongly that my contributions have been possible only because I have consistently adhered to certain values. Values that I have inherited from my parents and other family elders; values that I saw in my mentor and supporter here in Anand—Tribhuvandas Patel. I have often spoken of integrity as the most important of these values, realising that integrity—and personal integrity, at that—is being honest to yourself. If you are always honest to yourself, it does not take much effort in always being honest with others.

I have also learnt what I am sure you, too, will find out some day. Life is a privilege and to waste it would be wrong. In living this privilege called 'life', you must accept responsibility for yourself, always use your talents to the best of your ability and contribute somehow to the common good. That common good will present itself to you in many forms every day. If you look around you, you will find there is a lot waiting to be done: your friend may need some help, your teacher could be looking for a volunteer, or the community you live in will need you to make a contribution. I hope that you, too, will discover, as I did, that failure is not about not succeeding. Rather, it is about not putting in your best effort and not contributing, however modestly, to the common good.

In life you, too, will discover as I did, that anything can go wrong at any time and mostly does. Yet, there is little correlation between the circumstances of people's lives and how happy they are. Most of us compare ourselves with someone we think is happier—a relative, an acquaintance, or often, someone we barely know. But when we start looking closely we realise that what we saw were only images of perfection. And that will help us understand and cherish what we have, rather than what we don't have.

Do you remember when you accompanied me at the magnificent ceremony in Delhi where our President awarded me the Padma Vibhushan in 1999?

V KURIEN ANAND 388001 INDIA

With great pride, you slipped the medal around your neck, looked at it in awe and asked me very innocently if you could keep it. Do you remember the answer your grandmother and I gave you? We told you that of course, this medal was yours as much as it was mine but that you should not be satisfied in merely keeping my award—the challenge before you was to earn your own reward for the work that you did in your lifetime.

And in the end, if we are brave enough to love, strong enough to rejoice in another’s happiness and wise enough to know that there is enough to go around for all, then we would have lived our lives to the fullest.

I would like to dedicate these musings to you, Siddharth, and to the millions of other children of your generation in our country, in the hope that upon reading them you will be inspired enough to go bravely out into the world and work tirelessly in your chosen field for the larger good of the country, for the larger good of humanity. Remember, rewards that come to you then are the only true rewards for a life well-spent.

With my fondest love,

(V KURIEN)

[Image Description: A graphic montage showing Dr. Verghese Kurien in the background, with village women carrying milk containers on their heads walking towards a dairy cooperative collection center, and the caption reading "Who says one man cannot make a change?"]

musings: thoughts on something one has been thinking about carefully for a long time

Let us discuss

A fact is something that can be proven true or false. A fact is not based on people’s beliefs. An opinion on the other hand is a belief, feeling or judgement, and can vary from one person to another. An opinion cannot be proven.

I Identify which of the following statements are facts and which are opinions. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

  1. But speaking on the telephone only gives us an immediate but fleeting joy.

  2. I started my working life soon after our country became independent.

  3. To be quite honest, service to our nation's farmers was not the career I had envisioned for myself.

  4. I knew I could make a more meaningful contribution by working here in Anand, Gujarat.

  5. ... values that I saw in my mentor and supporter here in Anand—Tribhuvandas Patel.

  6. Life is a privilege, and to waste it would be wrong.

  7. I hope that you, too, will discover, as I did, that failure is not about not succeeding.

  8. ... the magnificent ceremony in which the President awarded me the Padma Vibhushan in 1999?

Let us think and reflect

I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

  1. In today's fast-paced world we have become so addicted to instant communication that we prefer to use a telephone. But speaking on the telephone only gives us an immediate but fleeting joy.

Writing is different. Writing—even if it is a letter—not only conveys our present concerns and views of the events taking place around us but it becomes a possession that can be treasured and re-read over the years, with great, abiding pleasure.

(i) Fill in the blank given below by selecting the correct option from the brackets.

When the writer refers to a 'fast-paced world', he is speaking of a world where ________. (communication happens quickly but lacks depth/people have more time to write and reflect)

(ii) Select the option that applies correctly to both Assertion (A) and Reason (R). (A): Writing letters can be treasured and re-read over the years. (R): Speaking on the telephone provides long lasting joy.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). C. (A) is true, but (R) is false. D. Both (A) and (R) are false.

(iii) Identify whether the statement given below is true or false.

The writer feels that letter-writing is a class apart from other kinds of writing.

(iv) Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the given extract?

A. The Rise of Instant Communication B. The Fleeting Delight of Phone Calls C. The Lasting Joy of Written Words D. Living in a Fast-paced World

  1. Your grandmother too made an important choice. She knew, in those early days, life in Anand could not offer even the simple comforts that we take for granted today. However, she ardently supported my choice to live and work in Anand. That choice of your grandmother to stand by me has given me an everlasting strength, always ensuring that I shouldered my responsibilities with poise.

(i) Pick out the line that tells you the grandmother shared her husband's dedication to a greater cause? (ii) Complete the following with the correct option from the two given in brackets.

The fact that the writer (grandfather) praises his wife tells us that he _______________ (truly values/quietly accepts) her role in his life.

(iii) Complete the following sentence with the correct option from those given below.

Based on the information in the extract, we can infer that the grandmother had all of the following traits EXCEPT

A. encouraging B. understanding C. comforting D. thoughtful

(iv) Select the phrase that conveys— ‘showed grace under pressure and carried out my duties with dignity and confidence’.

II Answer the following questions.

  1. What event does Dr. Kurien give to his grandson Sidharth receiving the Padma Vibhushan?

  2. How did Dr. Kurien's decision to join the cooperative in Anand affect his life?

  3. Dr. Kurien's decision to work in Anand reveals his values and sense of duty. Explain.

  4. Why did Dr. Kurien write the letter to his grandson?

  5. According to Dr. Kurien "life is a privilege and it is wrong to waste it". What is your opinion on this?

  6. What message does Dr. Kurien want to convey about selfless service and its long-term impact on the society?

Let us learn

I Replace the underlined words in each sentence with the correct synonym from the box. You may refer to a dictionary.

| essential | swift | lifelong | | momentary | useful | splendid |

  1. He received the award in a magnificent ceremony.

  2. I felt a fleeting joy when I received the appreciation for my song.

  3. With today's instant communication, we can share information across the world in seconds.

  4. Our school focuses on the core values—collaboration, innovation, and unity.

  5. My teacher's advice on time management is a valuable reminder of the importance of planning.

  6. Reading books and listening to music can give abiding pleasure that will last forever.

II Match the expressions from the text in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Column 1Column 2
1. in all humility(iv) being humble and having no feeling of self-importance
2. hold their heads high(vi) be confident and have a positive feeling
3. to be quite honest(i) to speak in a truthful way
4. to the best of your ability(ii) doing something using all your skills, talents, and knowledge
5. looked at in awe(iii) observed with great respect and wonder
6. somewhere deep down(v) in the innermost part of the self

III Make as many words as you can out of the following words. One example has been done for you.

  1. community - city, toy, tune, unity, mutiny, cot

  2. important

  3. magnificent

  4. satisfied

  5. generation

  6. achievement

IV Let us play a word game—antakshari.

  1. Write the synonym of the word according to the clues given below.

  2. For example, the synonym of the first word, 'IMPORTANT' ends with the letter 'T'. The synonym of the second word begins with 'T', 'TROUBLE'. Then write the synonym of the third word starting with the letter 'E'.

  3. Now, continue with the word game.

IMPORTANTROUBLE
LR
YSE

(i) major (synonym) (ii) problem (synonym) (iii) uneven (antonym) (iv) related to post office (v) our moral duty (vi) related to time (vii) prosperous (synonym) (viii) related to being alive

V Study the highlighted punctuation marks in the following sentences from the text.

  1. ... but that you should not be satisfied in merely keeping my awards—the challenge before you was to earn your own rewards for the work that you did in your lifetime.

  2. Writing—even if it is a letter—not only conveys our present concerns and views of the events taking place around us, but it becomes a possession.

The highlighted punctuation is a long dash that can be used to link words or numbers or to create a pause in a sentence. There are two main types: the shorter en dash (–) and the longer em dash (—).

The en dash (–) represents a span or range in numbers or dates.

For example, it can indicate time periods, like 'train operates June–September' or page numbers, such as 'refer to pages 50–75' or to show scores, 'India won the series 2–1'.

The em dash (—) is used to add extra information or to show a change in thought within a sentence. For example, 'The exhibition—held in the main hall—features local artists.' Or 'I bumped into someone unexpected—my old teacher.'

Note: Do not add spaces around the dash and avoid overusing them.

Read the sentences below and insert either an em dash (—) or an en dash (–) suitably.

  1. The conference will be held from March 15 March 20.

  2. I have lived in Kanpur Raipur for five years now.

  3. The artist known for her vibrant paintings will be showcasing her work in Guwahati.

  4. The scores for the final match were 2 3.

  5. My favourite snacks samosas, pakoras, and jalebis are all from India.

  6. The train journey from Belagavi Bengaluru takes less than ten hours.

  7. I just finished reading the book it was absolutely amazing!

  8. The event will take place on September 1 September 5.

VI Study the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.

  1. We told you that of course, this medal was yours as much as it was mine...

  2. ...who were trying to gain control over their lives.

  3. I have always emphasised that it's a recognition of the achievements of many people...

In the given sentences, ‘yours’ and ‘theirs’ indicate possession—something belonging to you and them, respectively. But, ‘it’s’ does not indicate possession rather is the contracted form of ‘it is’.

Note the following differences

  • It’s: is the contraction of ‘it is’ or ‘it has’

It’s getting dark outside.

  • Its: indicates that something belongs to you. The dog wagged its tail.

  • You’re: is the contraction of ‘you are’

You’re going to love this book.

  • Your: indicates that something belongs to you.

Can I have one of your books?

  • They’re: is the contraction of ‘they are’

They’re coming to the field trip.

  • Their: indicates possession

We should contact their manager.

Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct word from the options given in the brackets.

(i) Please remember to bring (your/you're) assignment book. (ii) The team celebrated (their/they're) victory after the match. (iii) (its/it's) important to stay hydrated during the hot summer days. (iv) I can't believe (your/you're) going to the mango festival today. (v) The students said (they're/their) excited for the field trip tomorrow. (vi) The tree lost (its/it's) leaves in the winter.

VII Read the following phrases from the text.

  1. In today's fast-paced world

  2. On the telephone

  3. With great, abiding pleasure

  4. In the chapters that follow

  5. At a certain time

  6. With equal respect and love

The given phrases are Prepositional Phrases.

Prepositional phrases are groups of words that begin with a preposition and include a noun or pronoun as the object of the preposition. These phrases provide additional information about time, place, manner, cause, direction, or relationship.

Now, complete the following sentences with suitable prepositional phrases.

[Image Description: Decorative graphic containing illustrations of small classroom and desk items.]

(i) The children played happily in (ii) Nisha placed the vase on (iii) We discussed the project in (iv) Preethi found the lost book under (v) The cat slept on

VIII Rearrange the following jumbled words and phrases into meaningful sentences.

  1. barked/at the strangers/the dog/loudly/the house/walking by

  2. wrote/my classmate/during the/a story/summer vacations

  3. enjoyed/under the trees/they/by the lake/a picnic

  4. in his/grandfather's room/hung/he/the painting

  5. studied/with great determination/for/students/the/exam

Let us listen

I You will listen to the passage about Evelyn Glennie's journey in overcoming her hearing loss through music and turning a physical disability into a success story. (Transcript for teacher on page 100)

After listening, match the words given in Column 1 with their meanings given in Column 2.

Column 1Column 2
1. percussionist(i) a person who plays drums and similar instruments
2. impaired(v) damaged or weakened
3. vibrations(iv) physical sensations caused by sound
4. determination(ii) the ability to keep going despite difficulties
5. gradual(iii) slow and steady over time

II Listen to the passage once again and state whether the statements given below are true or false.

  1. Evelyn Glennie became deaf suddenly.

  2. Her headmistress ignored the signs of her hearing loss.

  3. Ron Forbes was a percussionist who helped Evelyn.

  4. Evelyn used her skin and bones to sense music.

  5. She gave up on music after her diagnosis.

III Answer the following questions in one or two words.

  1. How did Evelyn turn her disability into strength?

  2. What role did Ron Forbes play in her life?

  3. What lessons can we learn from Evelyn's story about how to treat others who have different abilities or challenges?

Let us speak

I Read the highlighted word in the following sentence from the text.

That common good will present itself to you in many forms every day.

The highlighted word is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable.

PreSENT (verb) the stress is on the second syllable.

PREsent (noun) the stress is on the first syllable.

Now, read aloud the given words with the correct syllable stress according to the part of speech given in the brackets.

Word (Noun/Verb)Word (Noun/Verb)
PROduce (noun)proDUCE (verb)
conTRACT (verb)CONtract (noun)
PROject (noun)proJECT (verb)
conTENT (verb)CONtent (noun)
REfuse (noun)reFUSE (verb)

II Read the highlighted words in the following sentence from the text.

...but it becomes a possession that can be treasured and re-read over the years, with great, abiding pleasure.

treasure [treh-Zhuh]

pleasure [pleh-Zhuh]

In the highlighted words, -sure has a ‘Zhuh’ sound.

There are some words which end in -sure, but have a ‘shuh’ sound as in pressure [preh-shuh].

Now, read aloud the words given below with the ‘shuh’ or ‘zhuh’ sound.

measureleisurereassureenclosureexposure
ensureseizurefissurecomposureunsure

III Pausing and chunking are techniques used when speaking, to organise information for the listener. Speakers can split what they say into smaller segments—either individual words or groups of words—to convey ideas or emphasise key points clearly.

  1. Read aloud the following lines from the poem.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit—rest if you must, but don't you quit.

EDGAR ALBERT GUEST

Now, read the lines of the poem once again by taking a shorter pause (/) or a long pause (//). Notice which version is easier for a listener to follow and understand.

When things go wrong,/as they sometimes will,// when the road you're trudging/seems all uphill,// when the funds are low/and the debts are high,// and you want to smile/but you have to sigh,// when care is pressing you down a bit/—rest if you must,/ but don't you quit.//

Have you listened to this song in Hindi or in your language? Share with your classmates and teacher.

  1. Chunk the stanzas with (/) or (//) and read it aloud.

Life is queer with its twists and turns. As everyone of us sometimes learns. And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow— you may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man.

Let us write

I Here is a letter of a grandson to his grandparents. Read this letter and try to make necessary changes wherever needed. (Mind you. A letter to grandparents is an informal letter.)

Rohan Samantray, Pratapur, Badasahi

12 August 2025

Respected Grandparents,

My heartfelt congratulations to both of you for receiving the Best Grandparents Award from the collector of our district on 15th of August this year. Really, you are my heroes for what you have been doing for me from my early childhood days.

Thank you for being the guiding force in my life, for teaching me to be brave and kind. The stories that you have been telling me from the Ramayan and the Mohabharat is of much help to me now as I face some challenges in the hostel and also in my study. You have referred once the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri crossing the flooded river as a child. This episode has taught me the power of hard work and courage. I am really grateful for all these lessons that you have taught.

Grandfather, I am serious as you are not keeping good health these days. It is my request and also order to both of you to take care of your health. Before I close, thank you for sharing your wisdom and for being a source of inspiration and guidance. I am forever grateful to you.

Yours faithfully

Rohan Samantray

Let us explore

I The White Revolution led to an increase in milk production in India primarily due to the efforts of Dr. Verghese Kurien. Therefore, he is known as 'the Milkman of India'.

[Image Description: An illustration showing two white dairy cows resting in a green field alongside bottles and a glass of fresh milk.]

[Image Description: An illustration of golden ripening wheat and rice crops in a field representing the Green Revolution.]

The Green Revolution in India introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. It was initiated by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1967, Padma Bhushan in 1972, Padma Vibushan in 1989, and Bharat Ratna in 2024.

The Blue Revolution focused on increasing fisheries production and productivity in India. This initiative was led by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri.

[Image Description: An illustration of circular fish farming net pens in open water representing aquaculture and the Blue Revolution.]

In groups of four, research more information about these revolutions. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher.

II Vocational training for people in rural regions is provided by the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The objective of JSS is to economically uplift the rural population by imparting essential skill-based training. This enables local trades to grow and creates new opportunities for the people in the region.

Find out more about JSS with the help of the link given below.

https://jss.gov.in/staticPages

III Financial Literacy

Read the passage and discuss the questions given below.

Financial literacy is an essential lifelong skill that should be taught to children from an early age. Preparing children with financial literacy skills is an investment for their future well-being. By imparting an understanding of money, saving, budgeting, and wise spending, we empower them to navigate the financial world with confidence as they grow up.

Whether it is managing a cooperative society, a start-up, or a household budget, financial literacy is an ongoing learning process that evolves as children grow and their understanding deepens. An introduction to concepts of saving, budgeting, investing, and responsible spending equips them with essential life skills.

Children learn best through practical examples. Real-life situations help them understand the value of money and the importance of making wise financial choices. Thinking critically before spending helps cultivate responsible habits. The concept of saving and investing can be explained through relatable examples, such as planting seeds that grow into trees bearing fruit.

As children grow older, they will learn to differentiate between needs and wants, compare prices before making a purchase and understand importance of financial literacy.

Discuss in groups

.

  1. The importance of learning about money and saving from a young age. Share one example of it.

  2. Imagine you received some money as a gift. How would you decide whether to save it, spend it, or invest it? What factors would you consider?

  3. If you were in charge of planning a small event at school with a limited budget, how would you manage the money?

  4. Why is financial literacy important for everyone?

[Image Description: A diagram of financial literacy topics surrounding a piggy bank and coins, including tags: Investment, Tax payment, Financial literacy, Bill payment, E-wallet, Budgeting, Net banking, Mobile banking, Saving, Loans, and Wise spending.]

TRANSCRIPTS

A TALE OF VALOUR

MAJOR SOMNATH SHARMA AND THE BATTLE OF BADGAM

Let us listen (refer to page 66)

I You will listen to a talk about the Param Vir Chakra. As you listen, complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with one or two exact words or phrases you hear.

Hello, everyone!

Let me tell you about the Param Vir Chakra. It is one of the most prestigious awards in India and signifies the 'Wheel of the Ultimate Brave.' This award is granted for 'exemplary bravery in the presence of the enemy.' This means that this award is given to someone who shows extraordinary courage and bravery while fighting the enemy.

The medal was instituted as a Gallantry Medal with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India. The medal was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar, who drew inspiration from Sage Dadhichi, a Vedic rishi, who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving up his body so that the gods could create a deadly weapon called Vajra, or Thunderbolt, from his spine.

The Param Vir Chakra is cast in bronze. At its centre, on a raised circle, is the State Emblem of India. Surrounding it are four replicas of Indra's Vajra, lined with lotus flowers.

That, my dear friends, is the Param Vir Chakra, a true symbol of bravery.

Thank you.

SOMEBODY'S MOTHER

Let us listen (refer to page 78)

I You will listen to a woman read a special broadcast of the news. As you listen, arrange the pictures in the correct sequence of events that took place.

Now, for the special broadcast, we bring you the story of a young hero whose courage has captured the nation's heart.

On a fateful morning in Rajouri, young Rohan Ramchandra Bahir, a 15-year-old student, became a local hero when he fearlessly saved the life of a woman who had fallen into the Domri River while washing clothes. The 43-year-old woman was struggling to stay afloat in the strong currents, when Rohan, without a moment's hesitation, leapt into the river, putting his own life at risk. With great determination and courage, Rohan managed to reach the woman and pull her to safety, despite the dangerous conditions of the river. Onlookers who witnessed the incident were in awe of the young boy's bravery.

Rohan's selfless act did not go unnoticed. His incredible courage was recognised at Vigyan Bhawan, where he was honoured with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This remarkable young boy is now a symbol of heroism in his community, and his story is an inspiration to all. We commend Rohan for his bravery and for showing that age is no barrier when it comes to saving lives.

(Adapted)

Courtesy: Times of India

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/they-know-nofear-childrens-acts-of-bravery-innovative-ideas-honoured/articleshow/97261236.cms

II You will once again listen to a special broadcast of the news. As you listen, complete the following sentences in one to three exact words.

VERGHESE KURIEN – I TOO HAD A DREAM

Let us listen (refer to page 93)

I You will listen to the passage about Evelyn Glennie’s journey in overcoming her hearing loss through music and turning a physical disability into a success story.

Evelyn Glennie’s loss of hearing had been gradual. By the time she was 11 her performance in school had deteriorated and her headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist. It was then discovered that her hearing was severely impaired as a result of gradual nerve damage. “Everything suddenly looked black,” says Evelyn. But Evelyn was not going to give up. She was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her interest in music. One day she noticed a girl playing a xylophone and decided that she wanted to play it too. Most of the teachers discouraged her but percussionist Ron Forbes spotted her potential. He began by tuning two large drums to different notes. “Don’t listen through your ears,” he would say, “try to sense it some other way.” Says Evelyn, “Suddenly I realised I could feel the higher drum from the waist up and the lower one from the waist down.” Forbes repeated the exercise, and soon Evelyn discovered that she could sense certain notes in different parts of her body. “I had learnt to open my mind and body to sounds and vibrations.” She explains, “It pours in through every part of my body. It tingles in the skin, my cheekbones and even in my hair.” The rest was sheer determination and hard work. She never looked back from that point onwards. And she got right to the top, the world’s most sought-after multi percussionist with a mastery of some thousand instruments.