NCERT solutions for इंग्लिश पूर्वी कक्षा ८ chapter * - A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam [Latest edition]

Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
2. What are the highlights of this parade?
3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?

Work in groups of four and discuss.

1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?

Arrange the following events in chronological order. The first and the last events have been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
2. Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India.
3. The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar.
4. Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
5. Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam.
6. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
7. Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him.
8. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

(i) What can be inferred about the conditions from the line: ‘The air was thick with gunfire...’

1. The gunshots had stopped for a while.
2. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
3. The invaders were retreating from the fight.
4. The Indian soldiers had achieved victory.

(ii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.

Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because ______.

(iii) Select the correct option for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below:

(A): Major Somnath Sharma moved fearlessly through the battlefield, even though he was injured.

(R): He believed his courage was important to motivate the soldiers.

1. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from those given in the brackets:

Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite ______. (injuries/worry)

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

(i) What can be inferred about Somnath Sharma’s early influences on his career?

1. He was primarily influenced by his father’s achievements in the military.
2. His inspiration came solely from the tales of the Mahabharata.
3. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty.
4. He decided to join the military out of necessity rather than passion.

(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false:

Somnath Sharma belonged to a wealthy family.

(iii) What does the phrase ‘served the nation with distinction’ tell us about Major General Amar Nath Sharma?

(He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence./He was highly respected for his contributions to the country.)

(iv) Replace the underlined phrase with a word from the extract that has a similar meaning.

My family and I visited a popular hill station and stayed in an old but visually charming house surrounded by trees.

‘Major Somnath’s legacy of courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, forever alive...’ What is the significance of the repetition in this line?

Why do you think Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam?

What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his sense of duty?

What might have been the outcome of the Battle of Badgam if Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground?

Why do you think Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire soldiers and civilians today?

How can the values demonstrated by Major Somnath Sharma – courage, duty, and self-sacrifice – be applied in our daily lives?

Match the expressions from the text in Column 1 with the most suitable situations given in Column 2.

Now, complete the following sentences using the expressions from Column 1.

1. The detective managed to ______ by finding the hidden evidence before the culprit could get rid of it.
2. The company’s new advertising campaign was meant to ______ to their competitors’ sales.
3. The hikers chose to ______ despite the heavy rain, refusing to turn back on their journey.
4. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the soldiers vowed to defend their homeland and ______, refusing to surrender to the enemy forces.

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

A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and Kashmir was air-lifted into Srinagar...

There are many such collective nouns used in the context of armed forces.

Match the collective nouns in Column 1 to their meanings in Column 2.

You may refer to a dictionary.

Now, fill in the blanks suitably with words from Column 1 in the table.

1. The commanding officer addressed the entire ______ of soldiers during the morning assembly.
2. The admiral ordered the entire ______ to set sail for battle.
3. The ______ of infantry advanced slowly through the dense forest.
4. A ______ of fighter jets was sent to intercept the enemy planes.

Read the following words from the text and fill in the blanks with the correct words by taking clues from the meanings given below in the box.

Meanings:

1. To take and seize control: ______
2. To invade or occupy an area in large numbers: ______
3. To flood or overpower someone or something emotionally: ______

Now, create a list of at least five other verbs that begin with ‘over’ and frame sentences of your own.

Fill in the blanks correctly with the words given in the bracket.

The teacher’s (i) ______ is always helpful, and she continues to (ii) ______ students on their career choices. (advice/advise)

Fill in the blanks correctly with the words given in the bracket.

The musician believes that daily (i) ______ helps a lot, so she is always ready to (ii) ______ her harmonium lessons. (practice/practise)

Fill in the blanks correctly with the words given in the bracket.

The scientist uses a strange (i) ______ for experiments and plans to (ii) ______ new methods for his analysis. (device/devise)

Fill in the blanks correctly with the words given in the bracket.

The village (i) ______ met to discuss issues and decided to (ii) ______ the villagers on important matters. (council/counsel)

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

The bouquet of flowers ______ (is/are) beautiful.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within a bracket.

Neither the teacher nor the students ______ (was/were) aware of the change in the schedule.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within a bracket.

Each of the participants ______ (has/have) submitted their projects on time.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

The data collected by the researchers ______ (shows/show) significant trends.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

One of the players ______ (was/were) injured during the match.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

Either the children or their guardian ______ (has/have) to attend the meeting.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

A pair of shoes ______ (is/are) missing from the rack.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

Neither of the statements ______ (is/are) true.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

The members of the jury ______ (has deliver/have delivered) their verdict to the court.

Fill in the blank for the following sentence by choosing the correct verb given within bracket.

Mathematics ______ (is/are) an interesting subject for many students.

Read the following passage and correct the incorrect usage of verbs. One example has been done for you.

A battalion of soldiers stand at attention as the National flag are raised.

A battalion of soldiers stands at attention as the National flag is raised.

Each soldier salute with pride while the commander and his assistants inspects the parade. The sound of marching feet echo through the air as a group of cadets prepare for their drill. Meanwhile, a convoy of military vehicles pass by, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd.

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

The Param Vir Chakra signifies the ‘Wheel of the Ultimate ______’.

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

The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to someone who shows exemplary bravery while fighting with the ______.

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

The Param Vir Chakra was introduced as a Gallantry Medal in 1947 by the ______.

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

The design of the Param Vir Chakra is inspired by Sage Dadhichi, who was a ______.

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

The state emblem in the centre of the Param Vir Chakra is surrounded by the Vajra and ______.

As the citizens of a nation, we all must fulfil our duty. In groups of 4–5, speak about how you propose to serve your nation.

You can choose from the themes given below:

You may use the sentence prompts given below to organise what you speak about.

• I believe one of the best ways to serve the nation is by...
• A small change we can make is... and it will have a big impact because...
• If everyone contributes by... it can lead to...
• One of the biggest challenges we face is... and I propose we address it by...
• We can make a difference by working together as a team, if we...
• Serving the nation is not just about big actions; even small efforts like... matter.

Write a letter of enquiry. Your school wishes to organise a visit to a Memorial in your state/region. Write the letter to the incharge of that memorial requesting for information regarding available dates for visits, the duration of the tour, any entry fees, and guidelines for student groups.

• Follow the given layout.
• Use the cues given below to draft the letter.

Out of twenty-one PVC awardees, Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the PVC, and Captain Vikram Batra was the last recipient of the PVC, the highest gallantry award.

Captain Vikram Batra, is popularly remembered as the “Shershah of Kargil”. His iconic success signal was ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’. Captain Vikram Batra, the D Company commander was tasked to capture Point 5140 on 20 June 1999, which he did with exemplary courage. After Point 5140 was captured, 13 JAK RIF was tasked to capture Point 4875. On 07 July 1999, Captain Batra led the assault from the front and engaged in a physical fight with the enemy. He killed five enemy soldiers at point blank range and himself sustained serious injuries. Despite his injuries, his dauntless determination inspired his men to clear the enemy from a dominating position. Later, he succumbed to his injuries. His fearless determination and leadership encouraged his company men to avenge his death and finally captured Point 4875.

His inspiring leadership, dedication to duty, and steadfast love for his country continue to be an inspiration for the younger generation. He attended the call of duty with absolute disregard for his personal safety. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, (Posthumously).

Gallantry awards in India are given to military personnel and others for displaying extraordinary courage in the line of duty.

Some of the gallantry awards in India are:

• Param Vir Chakra: The highest military award in India, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
• Maha Vir Chakra: The second-highest military award in India, awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
• Vir Chakra: Awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.

Find out more about gallantry awards.

The Indian government has been steadfast in its initiatives to boost the representation of women in the Indian Armed Forces. These women have been serving the nation selflessly and with pride. Find out the key roles of women in the Indian Army. Share the information with your classmates and teacher.

Birsa Munda: A Saga of Courage and Sacrifice

Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter, spiritual leader, and folk hero, belonged to the Munda tribe. Celebrated as a valiant warrior and a charismatic figure, he emerged as a powerful symbol of tribal resistance against British colonial rule. Among the people of Jharkhand, he is affectionately known as Dharti Aaba,Father of the Land,and is honoured as a divine figure for his selfless dedication to his people.

A commemorative stamp designed by Shri Sankha Samanta captures his powerful presence. It features Birsa Munda addressing his followers, with a determined expression that reflects his unwavering vision of tribal unity, empowerment, and self-governance. This stamp serves as a lasting tribute to his pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and his relentless commitment to protecting tribal rights.

Make a list of the patriotic songs in any language, including songs from your region. Share the songs with your classmates and teacher.