Wealth and status do not matter here. Why does the writer say this? What is he
talking about?
. 'One fall and they'll break' Who says this? Why does he say this? What is he
referring to?
3. Hamid stops at the hardware shop because
a. none of the other boys wants to stop there.
b. he is tired from having walked a lot.
c. he has hardly any money left to buy anything.
d he wants to look at some tongs.
(Choose the correct option.)
4. The children now realize that Harid's tongs are undoubtedly far superior
to their toys. How does this realization come about?
Answers
Answer:
1. Ram Singh mentions two losses that he had suffered in the Kargil war. What are they?
Ans: The two losses that Ram Singh suffered were the loss of one of his legs and the death
of his mentor, Captain Ranjeet Verma.
2. Of the two losses he mentions, which one has affected him the most?
Ans: Of the two losses mentioned, the one that affected him more was the death of Captain
Ranjeet Verma. It was his death that compelled Ram Singh to give up his job and inspire
people in his village like his mentor had inspired him. He decided to bring awareness and
education in his village.
3. In which place and which unit did Ram Singh fight?
Ans: Ram Singh fought in the Medical corp at Kargil.
4. The phrase ‘stilled their tongue’ means
Ans: (b) Ram Singh and the Major were quiet because they were reminded of the war and
the losses they had suffered
5. When the Major made him the offer of the job, Ram Singh felt
Ans: (d) nervous
6. ‘I made a mistake at Kargil, Sir.’ What mistake is Ram Singh referring to?
Ans: The mistake Ram Singh was referring to was that of not rescuing Captain Verma first.
7. The Major describes Dr Ranjeet as a ‘promising young man.’ He means that
Ans: (b) Dr Ranjeet could have had a bright future in the army if he had survived the war.
8. Do you think Ram Singh’s village was a prosperous one? Give reasons for your
answer.
Ans: No, Ram Singh’s village was not a prosperous one because Major Rajan
mentioned that Ram Singh was the only employed person from his village and
the only person who knew something of life outside of the village. It is also
mentioned that his village had thatched huts bereft of any comforts, where people
slept on stony ground. There was no source of clean water so the women had to
walk miles to fetch water while the children just hung around listlessly instead of
going to schools.
9. The Major tells Ram Singh, ‘You have identified your enemy.’ Who or what is the
Major referring to?
Ans: Major Rajan is referring to the poverty, ignorance and injustice that is prevalent in
the villages of our country.
Explanation: