Unit 7 Prose -A Birthday Letter -Jawaharlal Nehru

 

 

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 Unit 7 Prose -A Birthday Letter -Jawaharlal Nehru

A. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

1. From which prison did Nehru write this letter?
• Nehru wrote this letter from Central Prison, Naini.
2. Did Nehru send any presents to Indira?
• No, Nehru could not send any material presents to Indira, but he sent her words of wisdom as a gift.
3. Which historical character inspired young Indira?
• Young Indira was inspired by Joan of Arc.
4. What helps the ordinary men and women to become heroes?
• A great cause and the inspiration of great leaders help ordinary men and women become heroes.
5. Who is addressed as ‘Bapuji’?
• Mahatma Gandhi is addressed as ‘Bapuji’.
6. What should the soldiers of India respect?
• The soldiers of India should respect India's honor, which is a sacred trust.

B. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

1. Why could not Nehru send any presents to Indira?
• Nehru was in Naini prison and could not send material gifts to Indira, so he sent her words of wisdom instead.
2. What cannot be stopped even by the high walls of prisons?
• The thoughts, ideas, and teachings of the mind and spirit cannot be stopped even by the high walls of prisons.
3. Why did Nehru dislike sermonizing?
• Nehru disliked sermonizing because he believed that discussions and conversations helped in finding the truth rather than giving lectures.
4. What does history tell us?
• History tells us about great periods in the life of nations, great leaders, and the struggles of people.
5. What do ordinary men and women usually think of?
• Ordinary men and women usually think about their daily needs like bread, butter, children, and household worries.
6. When do ordinary men and women become heroes?
• Ordinary men and women become heroes when they are inspired by a great cause or a great leader.
7. What does the phrase ‘great drama’ refer to?
• The phrase ‘great drama’ refers to India’s struggle for freedom and the role people played in it.
8. Why are the freedom fighters under Gandhi not afraid of anything?
• The freedom fighters under Gandhi are not afraid because they have nothing to hide and believe in working openly for a just cause.

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C. Answer the following in about 80-100 words each.

1. Explain the important elements of Nehru’s letter.

In his letter, Nehru encourages Indira to be brave, truthful, and a responsible citizen. He explains that wisdom and ideas are more valuable than material gifts. He emphasizes the importance of open discussions and learning from history. Nehru speaks about great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired people to fight for freedom. He also advises Indira to never do anything in secret, as fear is unworthy of a true leader. His letter is filled with love, guidance, and motivation for Indira to become a strong and courageous person.

2. Imagine yourself as Indira and write a reply letter to your father, Nehru, for the letter you received on your birthday.

 

 Mussoorie
November 5, 1930

My dearest Papa,

I was overjoyed to receive your beautiful letter on my birthday. Though you could not send me a material gift, your words are far more precious to me than anything else. Your letter is full of wisdom and love, and it makes me feel as if you are right here with me, guiding me as always.

I understand now that true courage lies in honesty and fearlessness. I will always remember your advice never to hide anything and to walk in the light with truth and bravery. I feel so proud to be living in a time when India is making history, and I promise to be worthy of the honor of being one of her soldiers.

I miss you dearly, Papa, but your words give me strength. I will continue to learn and grow, keeping your teachings close to my heart.

With all my love,
Your loving daughter,
Indira

 

C. Match the words with correct Synonym and Antonym from the table.

S. No	Word	Synonym	Antonym
1.	wide	broad	narrow
2.	noble	valiant	ignoble
3.	oppress	subdue	freedom
4.	honour	privilege	dishonour
5.	worthy	valuable	unworthy
6.	private	personal	public
7.	brave	gentle	coward

 

D. Identify, whether the following statements are of OPINION or FACT

1.       On your birthday you have been in the habit of receiving presents and good wishes. → Fact
(This is a statement about a recurring event that can be verified.)

2.       I have liked my talks with you. → Opinion
(This expresses a personal feeling or preference.)

3.       The best way to find what is wrong and right is by discussing. → Opinion
(This is a belief or viewpoint rather than a proven fact.)

4.       A letter can hardly take the place of a talk. → Opinion
(This is a personal perspective rather than a verifiable fact.)

 

5.       For the desire to hide anything means that you are afraid. → Opinion
(This is an interpretation of human behavior, not a fact that can be universally proven.)

 

E. *Listen to the dialogue and answer the following questions

Raghav: Hi Aadhav! I need to discuss something important withyou.

Aadhav: Hi Raghav! I am free now. Come on. Let us discuss.

Raghav: Do you remember that coming April 2nd is our parents’ wedding anniversary?

Aadhav: Thank you for reminding me, Bro. I have almost forgotten that. How shall we celebrate it?

Raghav: Shall we plan for a surprise celebration?

Aadhav: Yes, of course, Bro.

Raghav: How about inviting our friends and close relatives for the party to surprise our parents?

Aadhav: Yeah. That would be a real surprise! Shall we also have cake cutting?

Raghav: Yes, we shall. But, we have to do something unique. What else shall we do then?

Aadhav: Why don't we make our parents plant a sapling as a part of the celebration?

Raghav: That’s a good one! I know a person who owns a nursery garden. I’ll buy mango sapling and we’ll make our parents plant it.

Aadhav: Great, it will be a memorable one. I have saved some money. Let’s make use of it for the arrangements.

Raghav: Let me also contribute my savings to make this celebration useful and memorable.

E. *Listen to the dialogue and answer the following questions.

1. Aadhav and Raghav are _____________.

a. brothers b. friends c. colleagues d. classmates

2. The brothers are planning to celebrate their ___________ wedding anniversary.

a. uncle’s b. parents’ c. grandparents’ d. sister’s

3. The wedding anniversary is on _____________.

a. March 2nd b. April 2nd c. May 2nd d. June 2nd

4. As part of the celebration, the brothers have planned to make their parents to ____________.

a. visit an orphanage b. donate some money c. plant a mango sapling d. conduct a game

5. State whether the statement is true or false.

The brothers have decided to borrow money for the wedding anniversary celebration.- - false.

F. Answer the following questions based on the given reading passage.

1.       What is the name of her diary?
→ Kitty

2.       Why did Anne want to exchange the book ‘Camera Obscura’?
→ Because her sister Margot already had it.

3.       Who baked the homemade cookies?
→ Anne Frank baked the cookies herself.

4.       What game did Anne choose to play?
→ Volleyball

5.       Which gift did Anne value the most?
→ Her diary (Kitty), as she considered it one of her nicest presents.

 

G. Imagine you are going to celebrate your forthcoming birthday at an orphanage/oldage home. Deliver a short speech about your birthday celebration by using the following hints.

 The reasons for choosing an orphanage/old-age home.

 The people who accompany you.

 The food which you are going to offer them.

 The useful gifts/articles which you are going to give them.

 Other events like cake cutting, conducting games etc.

A Memorable Birthday Celebration

Good morning everyone,

I am truly happy and excited to celebrate my birthday in a special way this year—by spending it with all of you at this wonderful orphanage/old-age home. Birthdays are a time of joy and gratitude, and I believe the best way to celebrate is by sharing happiness with others.

I have chosen to celebrate here because I want to bring smiles to those who may not always get the love and attention they deserve. Being with you all today makes my birthday more meaningful and fulfilling.

I am joined by my family and close friends, who have supported this idea wholeheartedly. Together, we have arranged a delicious meal that includes rice, vegetables, sweets, and juice, so everyone can enjoy a hearty meal.

We have also brought some useful gifts like clothes, books, and stationery for the children, as well as warm blankets and essential items for the elderly. We hope these small tokens bring you comfort and joy.

Of course, no birthday is complete without a cake! We will have a cake-cutting ceremony, followed by some fun activities like singing, games, and storytelling. I want everyone here to have a great time and feel loved.

Thank you all for being part of my special day. Your smiles and blessings are the best gift I could ever receive. Let’s make this a day to remember!

Thank you!

Developing Hints

H. Write a meaningful paragraph using the hints given below.

Mahesh – celebrates – 14th birthday – an old-age home – family, friends – informs home in advance – delegates tasks – friends buy things necessary – arrives home early – decorates place – balloons, colour papers – inmates gathered – cuts cake – sing song, claps – distributes cakes – expresses his feelings – gets blessings – offers things – bedsheets, footwear etc. needed – fun, entertainment – happy and content.

Mahesh’s Special Birthday Celebration

Mahesh decided to celebrate his 14th birthday in a unique and meaningful way—at an old-age home. Instead of a grand party, he wanted to spread joy among the elderly. He invited his family and friends and informed the home in advance to make the necessary arrangements. He also delegated tasks to his friends, who helped buy the required items.

On the special day, Mahesh and his friends arrived early and decorated the place with balloons and colorful papers. As the elderly residents gathered, Mahesh cut the birthday cake while everyone clapped and sang for him. He then distributed pieces of cake to all, expressing his happiness and gratitude for celebrating with them.

To make the occasion even more special, Mahesh and his friends offered useful gifts such as bedsheets, footwear, and other essential items. The event was filled with fun, entertainment, and heartfelt conversations. The elderly showered Mahesh with blessings, and he felt truly happy and content, knowing he had made a difference on his special day.

A. Choose the Correct Determiner

1.       Could you bring me those tools I left in the garden? (those)

2.       The Earth revolves around the sun. (the)

3.       I found a one rupee coin in the playground while playing. (a)

4.       There aren’t many students in the library. (many)

5.       It was an unforgettable experience. (an)

6.       I haven’t got any pictures in my bedroom. (any)

7.       He said that he wanted to become an engineer. (an)

8.       Kokila gave a pen to each child in the classroom on her birthday. (each)

9.       I’ve got to solve some math problems before I go to sleep. (some)

10.   India is the largest democracy in the world. (the)

11.   My father doesn’t drink much coffee. (much)

12.   I always keep some money in my wallet for emergencies. (some)

13.   This year we are celebrating my sister’s second birthday. (second)

14.   I have three pencils with me. (three)

15.   ‘What is that noise?’ I think it is an aeroplane. (an)

 

Reported Speech

C. Report the following sentences.

1.       Pushpa said not to spoil the ecosystem.

2.       Ebin asked if I/they had booked the tickets to Delhi.

3.       Rehman asked Tilak when they were leaving for their native place.

4.       Maha told Lakshan that he should get up early in the morning.

5.       Gladin asked his mother if she could buy him a hot chocolate.

6.       Sudha said that she had to take a test in English the next day.

7.       Amali told her sister that she needed her help to arrange the books on the shelf.

8.       Prabhu asked his son why he didn’t use crayons for colouring.