A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers — NCERT Solutions

Answer: It is our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers for the following reasons:

1. Supreme Sacrifice: The soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice — they have given up their lives — to protect the sovereignty, integrity, and freedom of our nation. Such a sacrifice deserves the highest respect and gratitude.

2. Our Freedom: The freedom we enjoy today — to walk freely in our country without fear of enemy threats — is a direct result of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers. We owe our peaceful lives to them.

3. Keeping Their Memory Alive: By paying homage, we ensure that the memory of these heroes is never forgotten. It is our responsibility to honour their legacy and pass it on to future generations.

4. Inspiration: Paying homage to soldiers inspires us and the younger generation to be patriotic, courageous, and selfless in service of the nation.

5. Moral Obligation: As citizens who benefit from the safety and security provided by the Armed Forces, we have a moral obligation to acknowledge and honour their service and sacrifice.

As Ananda rightly says in her letter: 'I also feel it is our duty to periodically visit such places to honour our valiant soldiers, who have made great sacrifices for us.'

Answer:

Main Idea: The main idea of the text is to pay tribute to the brave soldiers of India who sacrificed their lives defending the nation, and to inspire citizens — especially the youth — to honour, remember, and be grateful for their sacrifices. The text also highlights the importance of the National War Memorial as a symbol of national gratitude and pride.

Justification of the Title:

The title 'A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers' is perfectly justified by the content of the text:

1. The text, written in the form of letters between two friends (Soumya and Ananda), is itself an act of homage — it discusses, remembers, and honours the brave soldiers of India.

2. The detailed accounts of war heroes like Major Somnath Sharma, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, Lance Naik Albert Ekka, and Major Padmapani Acharya — all of whom received the Param Vir Chakra posthumously — are a direct homage to their courage and sacrifice.

3. The description of the National War Memorial — the eternal flame, the engraved names, the wreaths — represents the nation's homage to its fallen soldiers.

4. Both Soumya and Ananda express deep gratitude and respect for the soldiers, which is the essence of paying homage.

Thus, the entire text is a heartfelt tribute — a homage — to the brave soldiers of India.

Answer: The students were awestruck and humbled during their visit to the National War Memorial for the following reasons:

1. Grandeur of the Memorial: The sheer scale and beauty of the National War Memorial — with its four concentric circles, the majestic obelisk, the eternal flame, and the thoughtfully designed lighting — left the students in awe.

2. Names of Soldiers: Seeing the names of over 25,000 soldiers engraved on the walls of the memorial made the students realise the enormous number of lives lost in service of the nation. This was both overwhelming and humbling.

3. Stories of Bravery: Learning about the extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness of soldiers like Major Somnath Sharma, Lance Naik Albert Ekka, and others — who gave up their lives without hesitation — filled the students with deep respect and admiration.

4. Realisation of Sacrifice: The students were humbled when they realised that the comfortable, free lives they lead are possible because of the supreme sacrifices made by these brave soldiers. This sense of debt and gratitude was humbling.

5. Eternal Flame: The interminable flame, symbolising the eternal stories of courage and valour, was a powerful and moving sight that left a deep impression on the students.

In short, the combination of the memorial's grandeur and the profound stories of sacrifice it represents made the students feel both awestruck by the bravery of the soldiers and humbled by the realisation of what those soldiers had given up for them.

Concept: Prefixes are word beginnings added to root words to create new words with different meanings.

Completed Table:

Note: Matching based on context of the paragraph:

• re- + define = redefine
• mal- + functioning = malfunctioning
• un- + questionable = unquestionable
• anti- + social = antisocial
• extra- + ordinary = extraordinary (example given)
• ex- + service = ex-service
• de- + activate = deactivate

Completed Paragraph:

Soldiers undergo (i) extraordinary training to prepare for their challenging duties. They learn to (ii) deactivate explosives and handle (iii) malfunctioning equipment with precision. They stand as a powerful force against (iv) antisocial elements, displaying (v) unquestionable bravery. (vi) Ex-service members often share their experiences to inspire new recruits. Their service can continually (vii) redefine the essence of commitment and sacrifice.

Note: The image showing the word puzzle is not visible. However, based on common words associated with 'brave', the answers are likely:

1. v a l i a n t (valiant)
2. b o l d (bold)
3. c o u r a g e o u s (courageous)
4. d a r i n g (daring)
5. f e a r l e s s (fearless)
6. h e r o i c (heroic)
7. i n t r e p i d (intrepid)
8. g a l l a n t (gallant)

(Students should refer to the actual puzzle in their textbook to fill in the correct vowels in the given boxes.)

Concept: The words in the box — fear, cowardly, timid, afraid — are all antonyms (opposites) of 'brave'.

Answers:

1. Ajay's cowardly refusal to stand up for his friend was disappointing to everyone.

(Cowardly = lacking courage; used to describe a shameful or dishonourable act.)

2. The timid child hid behind his mother, too scared to meet the new teacher.

(Timid = showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.)

3. Anjali's fear of heights prevented her from climbing the tall ladder.

(Fear = an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger; used as a noun here.)

4. Sushma felt afraid as she entered the dark, abandoned building alone.

(Afraid = feeling fear or anxiety; used as a predicate adjective.)

Concept:

• Main Clause: The part of a sentence that conveys complete meaning and is independent.
• Subordinate Clause: The part that is dependent on the main clause to make complete sense.
• Subordinating Conjunctions: when, because, though, so that — connect the two parts.

Answers:

Note on Sentence 3: 'Though seriously wounded in this encounter' is the subordinate clause (showing contrast), and 'he continued to fight alongside his comrades' is the main clause.

Concept: Subordinating conjunctions join a main clause with a subordinate clause. Each conjunction conveys a specific meaning:

• when = time
• though = contrast
• where = place
• because = reason
• unless = condition (negative)

Answers:

1. Wasi burst into tears when he heard the good news.

(Conjunction: when — shows time)

2. Though Himani was very nervous, she delivered a great presentation.

(Conjunction: though — shows contrast)

3. This is the place where I was born.

(Conjunction: where — shows place)

4. The students performed very well because they studied diligently.

(Conjunction: because — shows reason)

5. Water the plants, unless they will die.

(Conjunction: unless — shows condition)
OR (more natural): Water the plants, or they will die. / Unless you water the plants, they will die.

Concept: A main clause is independent and makes complete sense on its own. A subordinate clause depends on the main clause. The task requires completing sentences with either a main clause or a subordinate clause as appropriate.

Sample Answers: (These are open-ended; students may write their own suitable clauses.)

1. Farheen was late to work because she missed the morning bus.

2. The dog started barking when a stranger entered the gate.

3. She completed the marathon although she was exhausted and her legs were aching.

4. They spotted a beautiful waterfall while they were hiking in the mountains.

5. Abhishek received a promotion after he successfully completed the challenging project.

6. The team worked tirelessly to finish the report before the deadline approached.

7. We waited in the car until the heavy rain stopped.

8. The children played joyfully on the beach as the waves rushed to the shore.

Answer: Gunjan thinks the Armed Forces is a noble and honourable job (a job that involves serving and protecting the nation with dedication and pride).

(Note: Students should listen to the audio transcript carefully and write the exact words used by Gunjan. The teacher's transcript is on page 223 of the textbook.)

Answer: The unity, discipline, and the spirit of serving the nation that is characteristic of the Armed Forces fills Gunjan with pride.

(Note: Students should refer to the exact words from the audio transcript provided by the teacher on page 223.)

Answer: According to Gunjan, the disciplined life of the Armed Forces makes both the body and mind strong, fit, and focused. The rigorous training and structured routine help soldiers develop physical strength and mental resilience.

(Note: Students should use the exact words from the audio transcript for the board exam.)

Answer: One aspect about a job in the Armed Forces that Gunjan feels helps someone grow is the opportunity to face challenges and overcome them, which builds character, confidence, and leadership skills.

(Note: Students should refer to the exact words from the audio transcript provided by the teacher.)

Answer: According to Gunjan, life in the Armed Forces teaches:

1. Discipline and a sense of duty towards the nation and fellow citizens.
2. Teamwork, selflessness, and the importance of putting others before oneself.

(Note: Students should use the exact words from the audio transcript for accurate answers.)

Note: The image (img_9.png) is not visible in the OCR. However, based on the context of the chapter and common professions shown in NCERT textbooks, the picture likely displays professions such as:

1. Soldier / Army Officer
2. Doctor / Nurse
3. Teacher
4. Engineer
5. Pilot
6. Police Officer
7. Farmer
8. Scientist

(Students should look at the actual picture in their textbook and identify the professions shown.)

Sample Responses using the given prompts:

1. Army Officer:
'I would like to become an Army Officer because I want to serve and protect my country. For this I would have to first maintain excellent physical fitness, study hard, and clear the NDA (National Defence Academy) entrance examination.'

2. Doctor:
'I dream of working as a doctor as I want to help people and save lives. This would involve studying Biology and Chemistry thoroughly in school, clearing the NEET entrance exam, and completing an MBBS degree.'

3. Teacher:
'To become a teacher has been a childhood dream. This is so because I love sharing knowledge and inspiring young minds. In order to become a teacher, I would have to complete my graduation in my chosen subject and then pursue a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) degree.'

4. Pilot:
'One day, I hope to become a pilot. Then I would be able to fly aircraft and travel the world. However, first I would need to study Physics and Mathematics, clear the required entrance exams, and undergo rigorous flying training.'

5. Scientist:
'It would be great if I could work as a scientist as it would let me make new discoveries and contribute to human knowledge. For this I would have to study Science deeply, pursue research, and complete a PhD in my area of interest.'

(Students should speak about all professions shown in the picture using these or similar prompts.)

Sample Letter:

House No. 12, Sector 7,
Rohini,
New Delhi – 110085

15 July 20XX

Dear Priya,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to share something that I have been reading and thinking about a lot lately — the incredible role our Armed Forces play not just during wars, but also during peacetime.

We often think of soldiers only as warriors who fight on the battlefield. However, their contribution to our nation goes far beyond that. Let me share some of the amazing things they do for us every day.

During natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones, the Armed Forces are always the first to respond. I recently read about how the Army and Air Force rescued thousands of people stranded in floods in Assam and Kerala. They use helicopters to airlift people from flooded areas, set up relief camps, and distribute food and medicines. During the devastating earthquakes in Uttarakhand and Gujarat, soldiers worked tirelessly day and night to rescue survivors from the rubble, often risking their own lives.

The Armed Forces also play a vital role in infrastructure development, especially in remote and difficult areas where civilian agencies cannot easily reach. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is part of the Armed Forces, has built hundreds of roads, bridges, and tunnels in the Himalayas and other remote regions. These roads connect isolated villages to the rest of the country, enabling people to access education, healthcare, and markets. The Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, built by the BRO, is a wonderful example of this.

Beyond disaster relief and infrastructure, the Armed Forces also run numerous welfare initiatives for the communities they serve. They organise free medical camps in remote villages, providing healthcare to people who have no access to hospitals. They establish libraries and schools in border areas, helping children get an education. The Army's 'Operation Sadbhavana' in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast is a beautiful example of how soldiers build bridges of friendship and trust with local communities through such welfare activities.

I feel deeply proud and grateful for our Armed Forces. They truly are the backbone of our nation — protecting us not just from external threats, but also serving us with compassion and dedication in times of need.

I hope you will share this with your family too. Let us always respect and honour our brave soldiers.

With warm regards,
Your friend,
[Your Name]

Answer:

1. Indian Army — 'Sevā Paramo Dharmah' (Service Before Self): This motto reflects the Army's core value of selfless service. It tells us that for an Army soldier, serving the nation and its people is the highest duty — more important than personal comfort, safety, or gain. It embodies the spirit of sacrifice that defines every soldier.

2. Indian Air Force — 'Nabhah Sprṣam Diptam' (Touch the Sky with Glory): This motto, taken from the Bhagavad Gita, reflects the Air Force's values of excellence, ambition, and glory. It inspires Air Force personnel to reach the highest levels of achievement in their service, to soar above limitations, and to bring honour to the nation through their skill and courage in the skies.

3. Indian Navy — 'Sham No Varunah' (Be Auspicious Unto Us Oh Varuna): This motto is a prayer to Varuna, the Vedic god of the seas and oceans. It reflects the Navy's deep connection with the sea and its values of humility, reverence, and seeking divine protection for safe and successful voyages. It also reflects the ancient maritime heritage of India.

Answer: India has several paramilitary and central armed police forces that serve the nation alongside the three main branches of the Armed Forces. Here are some important ones:

1. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): India's largest central armed police force, primarily responsible for internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and assisting state police forces in maintaining law and order.

2. Border Security Force (BSF): Guards India's land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, and is the world's largest border guarding force.

3. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Provides security to important government infrastructure like airports, nuclear plants, space installations, and heritage monuments.

4. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Guards India's borders with China (Tibet) in the Himalayan region and is also deployed for disaster management.

5. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Guards India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan.

6. National Security Guard (NSG): An elite counter-terrorism force, also known as the 'Black Cats', deployed for anti-terrorist operations.

7. Coast Guard: Protects India's maritime borders, conducts search and rescue operations at sea, and prevents smuggling.

(Students should research further and discuss with their teacher for more detailed information.)

Guidelines for the Activity:

Step 1 — Choose a Person: As a group, decide on an inspiring person — it could be a war hero (like Major Somnath Sharma or Lance Naik Albert Ekka), a freedom fighter, a scientist, a sportsperson, or any other inspiring figure.

Step 2 — Research: Gather information about the person's life, achievements, challenges they overcame, and their contribution to society or the nation.

Step 3 — Collect Materials: Gather photographs, newspaper clippings, quotes, and drawings related to the person.

Step 4 — Create the Collage:

• Use a large chart paper.
• Place a central photograph or portrait of the person.
• Arrange key facts, achievements, and quotes around it.
• Add images related to their work and life.
• Use colours, borders, and headings to make it visually appealing.

Step 5 — Present: Each group member should speak about one aspect of the person's life during the class presentation.

Sample Topic: Lance Naik Albert Ekka — A Hero of the 1971 War

• Include his photograph, birth details, the Battle of Gangasagar, his act of bravery, the Param Vir Chakra, and an inspiring quote.

Answer — Points for Discussion:

Women have been making remarkable contributions to India's Armed Forces, breaking barriers and serving the nation with distinction:

1. Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi: In 2018, she became one of the first women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force to fly a MiG-21 solo, making history.

2. Captain Priya Jhingan: She was the first woman to join the Indian Army in 1993, paving the way for thousands of women who followed.

3. Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi: She led an all-women crew that circumnavigated the globe on the INSV Tarini in 2017-18, representing the Indian Navy.

4. Wing Commander Pooja Thakur: She was the first woman officer to command a tri-services guard of honour for a foreign dignitary.

5. Women in the Indian Army Medical Corps: Women have served as doctors, nurses, and medical officers in the Army for decades.

Key Points for Discussion:

• Women now serve in all three branches of the Armed Forces — Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• In 2020, the Supreme Court of India granted permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Army.
• Women officers have served in challenging roles including combat support, intelligence, engineering, and law.
• Their inclusion has strengthened the Armed Forces and inspired millions of young women across India.

(Students should research more examples and share them during the class discussion.)