NCERT Solutions Class 7 English (Honeycomb) Chapter 8 A Homage to our Brave Soldiers

Comprehension Check

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

The National War Memorial is located in New Delhi, India. It stands as a tribute to the soldiers who have laid down their lives in service of the nation. The memorial honours their bravery and sacrifices, serving as a place for citizens to pay their respects and remember the fallen heroes.

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

The nation’s highest gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.

3. What do the walls of Chakras portray? 

The walls of the Chakras at the National War Memorial portray the journey of a soldier. Each Chakra represents different aspects of a soldier's life, from the preparation for battle to the ultimate sacrifice made in service to the nation.

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

• (i) Feeling of wonder: Look for a paragraph that describes the magnificence or the grandness of the National War Memorial or the bravery of the soldiers, sparking a sense of awe.

• (ii) Heartening: A sentence that speaks about the courage and unity of the soldiers or how the nation stands together to honour them.

• (iii) Sense of motivation: Find a paragraph that highlights the determination of the soldiers, encouraging readers to be brave and committed in their own lives.

• (iv) Pride: A sentence or paragraph that discusses the achievements of the soldiers and their contribution to the nation's safety, filling the reader with a sense of national pride.

• (v) Visually inspiring: Look for a description of the memorial's architecture or design that paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

• (vi) Sadness: A paragraph that reflects on the sacrifices and the lives lost, evoking a sense of sorrow.

• (vii) Gratitude: A sentence that expresses thankfulness for the soldiers' sacrifices and dedication.

• (viii) Inspiration: Find a paragraph that inspires readers to honour the soldiers' legacy and strive for greatness in their own lives.

Comprehension Check II

1. Which book does Ananda want to read and why? 

Ananda wants to read the book "Param Vir: Our Heroes in Battle" because it tells the stories of bravery and sacrifices made by Param Vir Chakra awardees, which inspires her.

2. How did Ananda feel after reading about the National War Memorial? 

Ananda felt a deep sense of respect and admiration for the soldiers after reading about the National War Memorial. She was moved by the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers.

3. Why was she reminded of the poem Pushp Ki Abhilasha? Ananda was reminded of the poem Pushp Ki Abhilasha because it expresses the desire to be useful to the nation, just as the soldiers have been through their sacrifices.

4. Reading the letter from Soumya, Ananda is inspired to act. What actions does she intend to take up? 

Ananda intends to take up several actions to honour the soldiers and spread awareness about their sacrifices.

Fill in the table citing the sentences from the text

Answer:

Working with the Text

1. Why are war memorials built?

Answer: War memorials are built to honour and remember the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the safety and freedom of their country. They serve as a tribute to their courage and dedication, allowing people to pay their respects and acknowledge the immense contributions these soldiers have made. War memorials also educate future generations about the history and the sacrifices made to protect the nation.

2. Why is it our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers?

Answer: It is our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers because they put their lives at risk and often make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the security and sovereignty of our nation. By honouring them, we show our gratitude and respect for their selfless service and acknowledge the hardships they and their families endure. Paying homage also helps keep their memories alive and inspires us to uphold the values they fought for.

3. Why is it a good idea to make a presentation in front of the school?

Answer: Making a presentation in front of the school is a good idea because it helps raise awareness among students about the bravery and sacrifices of our soldiers. Such presentations can instil a sense of patriotism and respect for the armed forces. They also provide an opportunity for students to learn about important historical events and the significance of national security. Additionally, presentations can encourage discussions and inspire others to contribute positively to society.

4. Why were the students awestruck and humbled? Explain in your own words.

Answer: The students were awestruck and humbled after learning about the incredible bravery and selflessness of the soldiers who fought for their country. Hearing stories of soldiers facing immense dangers and making great sacrifices made the students realise the depth of courage and dedication required to serve in the armed forces. This understanding filled them with profound respect and gratitude, making them feel humble in the face of such extraordinary heroism.

5. Complete the table given below. You may have to find the information from the Internet.

Answer:

Working with Language

1. Find the odd one out from the words given in the box.

Answer: Peace is the odd one out.

Explanation: All the other words are directly related to commemorating soldiers and their sacrifices, while "Peace" represents the absence of war and conflict.

2. Fill in the blanks with 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.

Answer: 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. The replicas are flanked (flank). The decoration is suspended from a straight swivelling suspension bar and is held by a 32 mm purple ribbon.

3. Match the following words with their meanings.

Answer:

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

touched everyone’s heart, territorial integrity, inspired, fallen soldiers, posthumously, valour, exemplary courage, awestruck

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.

Answer: He was posted at the Indian border to safeguard our territorial integrity. He had been inspired by the hundreds of stories of the fallen soldiers who were celebrated posthumously for bravery.

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

He displayed exemplary courage and led from the front. All the fellow soldiers were awestruck at his valour, especially as he made the supreme sacrifice without any hesitation. He too was awarded posthumously after he died in the war. His action touched everyone’s heart.

Speaking and Writing

1. Class Discussion on "When there is no dialogue, war begins":

In this discussion, students can explore how communication and dialogue are essential for resolving conflicts. When dialogue stops, misunderstandings and tensions can escalate, potentially leading to conflict or war. The discussion can cover historical examples, the role of diplomacy, and how open communication can prevent wars.

2. Presentation on Poem or Story in Your Mother Tongue about Soldiers' Sacrifices:

Find a poem or story in your mother tongue that speaks about the bravery or sacrifices of soldiers. For instance, a famous poem like "Sarfaroshi ki Tamanna" in Hindi reflects the spirit of freedom fighters. Prepare a presentation that highlights the key messages and emotions conveyed through the poem/story, emphasizing the respect and admiration for soldiers' bravery.

3. Preferred Form of Communication (Emails vs. Letters):

In today's digital age, emails and WhatsApp have become the primary forms of communication due to their speed and convenience. However, writing letters has a personal touch and emotional value that digital communication often lacks. You might prefer emails for quick, professional communication and letters for heartfelt, personal messages. Share your reasons with classmates, considering the pros and cons of each method.

4. Paragraph on the Army’s Work During Peacetime:

During peacetime, the army plays a crucial role in ensuring national security, participating in disaster relief operations, and contributing to community service. They are involved in building infrastructure, helping with vaccinations during pandemics, and conducting training exercises to stay prepared. The army's work during peacetime is essential for maintaining peace, stability, and readiness for any potential threats.

5. Letter to a Friend on How you Propose to Serve Your Nation:

(Sample Letter)

Dear (Friend's Name),

I hope this letter finds you well. As citizens of our great nation, I believe we all have a duty to contribute to its well-being. I have been thinking about how I can serve our country, and I would like to share my thoughts with you.

I propose to serve the nation by focusing on saving the environment. Our natural resources are precious, and protecting them is crucial for the future of our planet. I plan to reduce my carbon footprint by using public transport, conserving water, and planting trees. Additionally, I will participate in community clean-up drives and spread awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.

Let me know what you think about these ideas. I would love to hear how you plan to contribute to our nation's growth and well-being.

Best regards,
(Your Name)

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English Chapter 8 A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

•  Through detailed answers, students gain a deeper appreciation of the chapter's themes, fostering a greater respect for the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers.

• Each questions are answered in simple and easy step-by-step solutions so that students can understand the solutions easily.

• The solutions are aligned with the CBSE syllabus and exam pattern, making them an excellent resource for effective exam preparation. 

• NCERT Solutions are designed to provide concise and accurate answers, which helps students save time during their study sessions and focus on revising important topics more efficiently.

• With comprehensive and accurate solutions, students can approach their exams with greater confidence, knowing that they have thoroughly prepared with reliable study materials.

Conclusion

In "A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers," we see an homage to our warriors' remarkable bravery and selflessness. Their dedication to protecting our country, even at tremendous personal risk, is extremely moving and deserves our admiration. This chapter emphasises their sacrifices and the critical role they play in protecting our nation. By recognising their bravery, we are reminded of the principles of devotion and sacrifice that are critical to our safety and freedom. This narrative inspires us to appreciate and recognise our warriors' valiant efforts.

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