The lndomitable Spirit of Youth: NBSE class 9 Alternative English

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Get notes, questions, answers, solutions, Assam, pdf, and extras for the chapter The lndomitable Spirit of Youth (Speech by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam) which is a part of Class 9 Alternative English for students studying under the Nagaland Board of School Education. However, these notes should be used only for references and additions/modifications should be made as per the requirements.

Summary

In the speech, the former President of India and eminent scientist encourages the students by saying that the most important aspect that makes someone a successful or unsuccessful person in the world is the quality of the spirit that he/she carries. It doesn’t matter if someone is less fortunate in their physical well-being or circumstantial, but in the end, if one has an indomitable spirit that wants to soar high despite all hurdles, nothing can stop the soul from achieving success.

In the speech, he gives various examples of people who have had indomitable success. Dr Kalam conveys the message to the youth of India that education gives them opportunities to shape and mould their desired dreams, and it is through education that we can build inner strength, increase our knowledge, and develop our confidence. Knowledge leads to creativity, righteousness, and courage, which help us to fly high and enable us to achieve success.

Textual questions and answers

Explain with reference to context

1. Another unique achiever was a great lady of science who discovered radium. She won not one, but two Nobel Prizes…

a. Who is being mentioned here?
b. For what two categories did she receive the Nobel Prize?
c. How did she discover radium?

Answer: a. Madam Curie is being mentioned here.

b. The two categories for which she received two Nobel Prizes were physics and chemistry.

c. Madam Curie discovered radium while she was doing research on the effects of radiation on the human system.

2. I asked all of them one question. “What do you want to become?” Out of the several students who responded, there was one visually challenged boy studying in class IX who got up.

a. How did the boy answer this question?
b. What was Dr. Kalam’s reaction to his answer?
c. What is the boy currently doing?

Answer: a. The visually challenged boy answered that he would become the first visually challenged President of India.

b. Dr. Kalam was impressed by his confidence and ambition. He congratulated him on setting his goal and told him to work hard on his wings of fire.

c. The boy is currently pursuing his studies at MIT, Boston.

Answer these questions briefly

1. What battle must students fight to retain their uniqueness?

Answer: Students want to be unique, but the world wants them to be like everyone else. So, in order to reach and retain uniqueness, every student must keep fighting the hardest battle and never stop fighting.

2. Let not thy winged days, be spent in vain. What is Dr Kalam’s warning here?

Answer: Dr. Kalam warns us not to spend our days in vain but use time wisely as we don’t have control over time and it flies.

3. Why did Srikanth impress Dr Kalam?

Answer: Srikant was one among several students who would interact with Dr. Kalam. He was visually challenged but didn’t contain himself in small ambitions. He said he wanted to be the first visually challenged President of India. Dr. Kalam was very happy to hear that and found the boy’s confidence amidst the difficulties and challenges he must have faced commendable.

Answer these questions

1. Let your education shape your ‘wings of fire’. Discuss.

Answer: In The indomitable Spirit of Youth, Dr. Kalam conveys the message to the youth of India that education gives them opportunities to shape and mould their desired dreams, and it is through education that we can build inner strength, increase our knowledge, and develop our confidence. Knowledge leads to creativity, righteousness, and courage, which help us to fly high and enable us to achieve success.

2. Think to yourself, “I WILL win!” Comment on Dr Kalam’s purpose behind this statement.

Answer: The given statement, taken from a speech by APJ Abdul Kalam highlights the importance of having confidence in oneself equipped with education to achieve the desired goals. According to him, achievement comes from the fire of the strong subconscious mind that says “I WILL win!” He asked the students, therefore, to remember that education gives them wings to fly. Each one of them must let his/her education shape their ‘wings of fire.’ He said that this would lead them to great achievements and that if they think they can win, they will fly.

Think and answer

1. Analyse the four steps Dr Kalam suggests for achieving goals. How might these steps be adapted to fit different life goals and circumstances?

Answer: Dr Kalam’s four steps for achieving goals include having an aim in life before the age of twenty, working hard towards that aim, continuously acquiring knowledge during the quest, and persevering against the odds to succeed. These steps can be adapted to fit different life goals and circumstances by customizing the age to set an aim based on individual readiness and societal expectations, adjusting the intensity and methods of hard work according to the specific challenges of the goal, incorporating varied forms of knowledge acquisition such as mentorship or practical experience depending on the field, and defining perseverance in a way that recognizes personal and external limitations while encouraging resilience.

2. Reflect on the unique achievers mentioned in the passage, such as Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers and Srinivasa Ramanujan. What common qualities or characteristics do you think contributed to their success?

Answer: The unique achievers mentioned, Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, and Srinivasa Ramanujan, share common qualities such as immense persistence, innovative thinking, and a strong passion for their respective fields. Their success was largely driven by their ability to overcome setbacks and maintain focus on their goals, demonstrating creativity in solving problems and an undeterred spirit that enabled them to revolutionize their domains despite numerous challenges.

3. Why is Righteousness important in one’s life? Who according to you is the biggest influencer of Righteousness in our lives?

Answer: Righteousness is crucial in one’s life as it fosters moral integrity and guides ethical behavior, leading to a well-rounded character. This in turn contributes to harmony at home and order in society, ultimately promoting peace in the world. The biggest influencers of Righteousness in our lives are typically those closest to us during our formative years, such as parents and primary school teachers, who instill values and moral guidance.

4. Dr Kalam says “aiming small is a crime.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement, and why? Is there a balance between setting ambitious goals and being realistic? Explain.

Answer: Agreeing or disagreeing with Dr Kalam’s statement “aiming small is a crime” depends on one’s perspective on ambition and potential. Setting high goals can drive individuals to exceed their limits and achieve remarkable success, embodying the idea that aiming high motivates greater effort and innovation. However, it is crucial to balance ambition with realism to avoid setting unattainable goals that lead to disappointment. A balance can be achieved by setting ambitious, yet achievable, goals that stretch one’s capabilities but remain within the realm of possibility, encouraging growth without risking excessive strain or failure.

Going beyond

1. Is there a difference between a unique achiever and a unique YOU? Share your views in an essay of 150 words.

Answer: In exploring the concept of a “unique achiever” versus a “unique YOU,” it’s crucial to distinguish between external accomplishments and personal authenticity. A unique achiever is often recognized by society for tangible successes and innovations that have a broad impact, such as inventions or groundbreaking theories. This form of uniqueness is largely measured by societal standards and historical impact.

Conversely, being a “unique YOU” emphasises a more introspective journey, focusing on developing one’s intrinsic values, beliefs, and personal strengths. This form of uniqueness isn’t about public recognition but about being true to oneself and cultivating one’s own path regardless of external accolades.

The distinction lies in the external versus internal valuation of success. A unique achiever may not always align with being a unique YOU if their achievements compromise their personal authenticity. Therefore, the true challenge is integrating both aspects — achieving societal impact while staying true to personal values and individuality.

Extra MCQs

1. What is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s role in the development of India’s missile technology?

A. Scientist at ISRO B. President of India C. Missile Man of India D. Developer of ballistic missiles

Answer: C. Missile Man of India

2. Which year did Dr. Kalam visit the Gulf nations to give his speech to Indian school students?

A. 2013 B. 2002 C. 2007 D. 2020

Answer: A. 2013

3. What does Dr. Kalam describe as the first step towards achieving a goal?

A. Acquire knowledge B. Have an aim in life C. Work hard D. Persevere

Answer: B. Have an aim in life

4. Who is credited with the invention of the electric bulb?

A. Alexander Graham Bell B. Sir CV Raman C. Thomas Alva Edison D. The Wright Brothers

Answer: C. Thomas Alva Edison

5. What significant achievement is associated with the Wright Brothers?

A. Invention of the telephone B. Discovery of radium C. Development of the electric light bulb D. First successful airplane

Answer: D. First successful airplane

6. Which Indian scientist is known for the discovery of the Raman Effect?

A. Srinivasa Ramanujan B. Chandrasekhar Subramanian C. Sir CV Raman D. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Answer: C. Sir CV Raman

7. For what field did Srinivasa Ramanujan receive notable recognition?

A. Physics B. Chemistry C. Mathematics D. Aerospace engineering

Answer: C. Mathematics

8. What is the maximum mass described by the Chandra Limit?

A. 1.44 solar masses B. 2.0 solar masses C. 0.5 solar masses D. 3.0 solar masses

Answer: A. 1.44 solar masses

9. Which dual Nobel laureate is mentioned for their work with radioactivity?

A. Sir CV Raman B. Madam Curie C. Alexander Graham Bell D. Chandrasekhar Subramanian

Answer: B. Madam Curie

10. What does Dr. Kalam refer to when he speaks of the ‘wings of fire’?

A. His autobiography B. A missile project C. A novel D. An educational program

Answer: A. His autobiography

Extra questions and answers

1. Who was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and what were some of his significant contributions to India?

Answer: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the eleventh President of India from 2002 to 2007, was a distinguished scientist and aerospace engineer with significant contributions in Indian space programs through ISRO and defense via DRDO. Known as the ‘Missile Man of India’, he played a crucial role in the development of ballistic missiles, including the Agni series. Dr. Kalam was also celebrated for his inspirational interactions with the youth and received India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.

2. What is the ‘Knowledge Equation’ as described by Dr. Kalam?

Answer: The ‘Knowledge Equation’ described by Dr. Kalam is formulated as: Knowledge = Creativity + Righteousness + Courage. This equation emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity, maintaining ethical conduct, and demonstrating courage in one’s pursuits. It reflects his belief in the integral role these elements play in acquiring and applying knowledge effectively.

3. Describe the four steps towards achievement mentioned by Dr. Kalam in his speech.

Answer: Dr. Kalam outlined four steps towards achieving one’s goals: firstly, setting a clear aim in life before the age of twenty; secondly, working diligently towards this aim; thirdly, continuously acquiring knowledge related to one’s goals; and fourthly, learning to persevere against challenges and obstacles to ultimately succeed.

4. What did Dr. Kalam mean by ‘education gives you wings to fly’?

Answer: Dr. Kalam used the metaphor ‘education gives you wings to fly’ to express the idea that education empowers individuals by providing them with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to pursue their dreams and reach their potential. This education acts like ‘wings of fire’ that propel individuals towards great achievements in their personal and professional lives.

5. What qualities did Dr. Kalam believe every unique achiever possessed?

Answer: Dr. Kalam believed that unique achievers possessed qualities such as creativity, perseverance, courage, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These individuals often overcame significant challenges and used their unique talents and insights to contribute meaningfully to society and the world at large.

6. Who was Sir CV Raman and what discovery is he famous for?

Answer: Sir CV Raman was an eminent Indian physicist awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930 for his pioneering work on the scattering of light, known as ‘Raman Scattering.’ His discovery was a significant breakthrough in understanding the dynamic nature of light and its interaction with matter, which has vast applications in various scientific fields.

7. Explain the significance of ‘righteousness in the heart’ as per Dr. Kalam’s speech.

Answer: According to Dr. Kalam, righteousness in the heart leads to beauty in character, which in turn fosters harmony at home. This harmony is crucial for maintaining order at the national level and ultimately contributes to world peace. He emphasized that righteousness should be nurtured by influential figures in a person’s life, such as parents and teachers.

8. How did Dr. Kalam describe the role of youth in achieving unique success?

Answer: Dr. Kalam viewed youth as the driving force capable of achieving unique success through innovation and resilience. He encouraged young people to aspire to be unique rather than conforming to societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of fighting the hardest battles to maintain one’s distinctiveness and achieve personal goals.

9. What was Dr. Kalam’s perspective on the importance of aiming high in life?

Answer: Dr. Kalam believed that aiming small was a crime because it limits one’s potential and opportunities. He advocated for setting high goals and striving to achieve them as a way to unlock one’s full potential and make significant contributions to society. His perspective encourages a mindset of ambition and excellence.

10. Describe the impact of the ‘Lead India 2020’ movement as discussed by Dr. Kalam.

Answer: The ‘Lead India 2020’ movement, initiated by Dr. Kalam, aimed at training and nurturing the youth to become proactive change agents. This non-profit initiative focuses on empowering young Indians to take leadership roles and contribute to India’s progress, reflecting Dr. Kalam’s vision for a developed nation by 2020 through active youth participation.