NCERT Solution: A Homage to our Brave Soldiers

NCERT Textbook Page No. 126

Q1. Where is the National War Memorial located and what is its significance?

Ans: The National War Memorial is situated in New Delhi, India. It serves as a tribute to the bravery of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts since independence in 1947. The memorial honours those who fought for the nation’s freedom and security, reminding us of the high cost of liberty.

Q2. What is the nation’s highest gallantry award?

Ans: The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest award for gallantry. It is awarded for exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy. 

Q3. What do the walls of Chakras portray?

Ans: The walls of the Chakras represent the ancient battle formation known as Chakravyuh. This tactic was used to strategically defeat opposing soldiers. Each wall is a tribute to the fallen heroes, symbolising the honour and sacrifice of those who served.

Q4: Find in the lesson the paragraph/s and the sentence that evoke the feelings given below.

(i) feeling of wonder

(ii) heartening

(iii) sense of motivation

(iv) pride

(v) visually inspiring

(vi) sadness

(vii) gratitude

(viii) inspiration

Ans: 

(i) Feeling of wonder: This made me wonder, who were these brave Indian people? They fought to protect our country and sacrificed their lives so that we could lead our lives in peace.

(ii) Heartening: It was heartening to know that our government has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers.

(iii) Sense of motivation: Then the teacher shared with us the citation of Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka. It touched my heart and also motivated me. We were awestruck and humbled by his bravery. I aspire to be courageous like him when I join the army!

(iv) Pride: It truly is a majestic site that filled me with pride for our nation.

(v) Visually inspiring: The overall environment created an emotive experience that was visually

inspiring. I felt as if I had developed bond with the place.

(vi) Sadness: It was sad to think about the massive devastation and loss of life caused by wars.

(vii) Gratitude: They exchange letters and share their feelings of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy

because of the sacrifices made by the brave-hearts of the country.

(viii) Inspiration: Let me begin by asking you to guess the name of the monument that I found most

inspiring.

NCERT Textbook Page No. 133

Q1:  Which book does Ananda want to read and why?

Ans:  Ananda wants to read a memoir titled Tiger of Drass – Capt. Anuj Nayyar – 23 – Kargil Hero, written by his mother, Meena Nayyar. This book captures the life and experiences of Captain Anuj Nayyar, who was a hero during the Kargil War.

Q2: How did Ananda feel after reading about the National War Memorial?

Ans: After reading about the National War Memorial, Ananda felt very humble and inspired. He was deeply moved by the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, which left a lasting impression on him.

Q3: Why was he reminded of the poem Pushp ki Abhilasha?

Ans: He was reminded of the poem Pushp ki Abhilasha after visiting a garden in Chandigarh on National Martyrs Day. While observing the flowers, he envisioned offering them in tribute to the martyred soldiers.

Q4: Reading the letter from Soumya, Anada is inspired to act. What actions does she intend to take up. Fill in the table citing the sentences from the text.

(i) Visit

(ii) Mobile App

(iii) Sharing Ideas

(iv) Creating A collage

(v) Joining the army

(vi) Website

Ans: 

(i) Visit   – “I enjoyed reading your experience of the visit to the National War Memorial in Delhi.”

(ii) Mobile app –  “We have found out a mobile app ‘National War Memorial and Museum’.”

(iii) Sharing ideas –   “I really like to receive letters from you, not just because of the ideas that you share but also because the envelope of your letters often comes with beautiful stamps, that make me happy.”

(iv) Creating a collage –   “I think it would be great to create a collage capturing the lives and stories of people that can inspire us each day.”

(v) Joining the army-    “I feel motivated and I am seriously thinking of joining the Armed Forces for serving my motherland.”

(vi) Website-   “Here is the website link for National War https://nationalwarmemorial.gov.in/. Share it with your friends to learn more about it.”

NCERT Textbook Page No. 134

Q1: Why are war memorials built?
Ans: War memorials are constructed to remember and honour the soldiers who fought in conflicts. They express our gratitude for the bravery and sacrifices made by these individuals. Additionally, these memorials provide a space for reflection, allowing people to gather and contemplate the significance of peace and the true cost of war.

Q2: Why is it our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers?
Ans: We must pay homage to our brave soldiers because they protect us and our country. They risk their lives to keep us safe and ensure we can live in peace. Showing gratitude is a way of saying “thank you” for their courage and sacrifices. It helps us appreciate their hard work and encourages them to continue defending us.

Q3: Why is it a good idea to make a presentation in front of the whole school?
Ans: Making a presentation in front of the whole school is beneficial as it allows us to share interesting information with a large audience. This experience not only helps others learn something new but also boosts your confidence by speaking in front of a friendly crowd.

Q4: Why were the students awestruck and humbled— explain in your own words.
Ans: The students were awestruck and humbled by the story of Lance Naik Albert Ekka, a Param Vir Chakra awardee who lost his life during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. His remarkable bravery and sacrifice deeply touched their hearts, inspiring them to aspire to similar courage in their own lives.

Q5:Complete the table given below. You may have to find the information on the Internet.

Ans:

NCERT Textbook Page No. 134

Q1:Find the odd one out from the words given in the box.

Ans: Simple

Q2:  Fill in the blanks with an appropriate form of the word given in brackets.

The Param Vir Chakra signifies the “Wheel of the Ultimate Brave”, and the award is granted for “most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy”. The medal was__________(institute) as a Gallantry Medal with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India. The Medal was______ (design) by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar. The designer_________(draw) inspiration from Sage Dadhichi, a Vedic rishi who_________(make) the ultimate sacrifice by giving up his body so that the gods_______(can) make a deadly weapon________(call) Vajra or Thunderbolt from his spine.

The medal is cast in bronze. In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, _________(surround) by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra are ________(flank). The decoration is suspended from a straight swivelling suspension bar and is held by a 32 mm purple ribbon.

Ans: The Param Vir Chakra signifies the “Wheel of the Ultimate Brave”, and the award is granted for “most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy”. The medal was instituted (institute) as a Gallantry Medal with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India. The Medal was designed (design) by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar. The designer drew (draw) inspiration from Sage Dadhichi, a Vedic rishi who made (make) the ultimate sacrifice by giving up his body so that the gods could (can) make a deadly weapon called (call) Vajra or Thunderbolt from his spine.

The medal is cast in bronze. In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, surrounded (surround) by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra flanked (flank). The decoration is suspended from a straight swivelling suspension bar and is held by a 32 mm purple ribbon.

Q3: Match the following words in Column I with their meanings in Column II.

Ans: 

Q4: Complete the story of an unknown soldier. Replace the words from the box with the underlined words given in the text below.

He was posted at the Indian border to safeguard our national boundary. He had been motivated by the hundreds of stories of the soldiers who had died in action and were celebrated after their deaths for bravery.

One night as the war intensified, he was asked to take his platoon to the place of action.

He displayed outstanding bravery and led from the front. All the fellow soldiers were amazed at his courage, especially as he made the supreme sacrifice without any hesitation. He too was awarded after he died in the war. His action affected everyone very deeply.
Ans: He was posted at the Indian border to safeguard our territorial integrity. Inspired by the many stories of fallen soldiers, he knew they were celebrated for their valour after their deaths. 

One night, as the war intensified, he was ordered to lead his platoon into action. He showed exemplary courage and led from the front. His fellow soldiers were awestruck by his bravery, especially as he made the supreme sacrifice without hesitation. He too was awarded posthumously for his actions in the war. His bravery touched everyone’s heart.

NCERT Textbook Page No. 136

Q4:Write a paragraph on the army’s work during peacetime.
Ans: During peacetime, the role of the army extends beyond defense, encompassing various responsibilities aimed at safeguarding the well-being of the nation and its citizens. One significant aspect involves engaging in humanitarian efforts, where the army actively participates in disaster relief operations. Whether responding to floods, earthquakes, or other emergencies, the army plays a vital role in providing assistance and support to affected communities. Additionally, during periods of calm, the military focuses on continuous training and preparedness, ensuring they are ready to respond swiftly if the need for protection arises. Collaborative efforts with international partners further contribute to promoting global peace and fostering cooperative relationships between nations. Thus, the army’s contributions during peacetime extend far beyond traditional defense, encompassing a range of activities that contribute to the safety, well-being, and cooperation within and beyond national borders.

Q5:As the citizens of a nation, we all must fulfil our duty. Write a letter to your friend describing how you propose to serve your nation. You can choose from the themes given below:
(a) Save the Environment
(b) Health and Well-being
(c) Helping others
(d) Righteous Conduct
Ans: (a)

Dear Chitra,

I trust this message finds you well! I’ve been contemplating ways to contribute to our country, and my focus is on preserving the environment. I’m intending to participate in clean-up initiatives, engage in tree-planting activities, and advocate for the significance of caring for our planet. Perhaps we can collaborate on eco-friendly projects, such as establishing a community garden. Together, let’s strive to transform our nation into a greener and more sustainable place!

Eagerly awaiting your input,

Rohan

(b) Health and Well-being

Dear Ruhaan,

I hope this message finds you in good spirits! I’ve been pondering ways to make a positive impact on our country, and I’m keen on promoting health and well-being. I aim to encourage everyone to adopt an active lifestyle and make healthy dietary choices. Perhaps we could coordinate enjoyable activities like sports or initiate a small fitness club together. Let’s work towards creating a healthier and happier nation!

Anticipating your thoughts,

Sara