Chapter – 04, My Experiments with Truth, Class VI, English Literature, Dav Board, The Best Solutions.

Pre-reading Task

To err is human. All human beings make mistakes. But the best of the lot learns from their mistakes and improve.

1. Have you ever made any mistake?

Answer – Yes, I have made mistakes. (Or No, I try my best to avoid mistakes.)

2. What did you learn from it?

Answer – I learned to be more careful and to think before I act. Mistakes taught me how to improve myself and avoid repeating them.

3. What do you do when you find a drawback or weakness—

(i) try to improve yourself?

(ii) try to forget it and don’t care at all?

(iii) try to hide it from others?

(iv) try to lay the blame on others?

Answer – (i) try to improve myself.

Word Meaning –

English Summary:

This story describes Mahatma Gandhi’s early school days and the important lessons he learned from his experiences. From childhood, Gandhi was punctual, truthful, and shy. He was inspired by stories of devotion and truthfulness, especially from the plays Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka and Harishchandra. Though he initially disliked physical exercises, he later realized their importance. A significant incident was when he was wrongly accused of lying, teaching him the need to be careful even when truthful. He also regretted neglecting his handwriting, which he later tried to improve. At the age of fifteen, Gandhi committed theft to clear a debt but bravely confessed to his father through a written note. His father’s loving response taught Gandhi the value of honesty, repentance, and the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa).

Hindi में सारांश

यह अंश महात्मा गांधी के प्रारंभिक विद्यालय के दिनों और उनके अनुभवों से सीखे गए महत्त्वपूर्ण पाठों का वर्णन करता है। बचपन से ही गांधी punctual, सच्चे और शर्मीले थे। उन्हें श्रवण पितृभक्ति नाटक और हरिश्चन्द्र जैसे नाटकों से भक्ति और सत्यनिष्ठा की प्रेरणा मिली। प्रारंभ में उन्हें व्यायाम और खेल पसंद नहीं थे, पर बाद में उन्होंने इसकी महत्ता समझी। एक बार उन्हें झूठ बोलने का झूठा आरोप लगा, जिससे उन्होंने सच होते हुए भी सावधानी बरतने की जरूरत सीखी। उन्होंने अपने हैंडराइटिंग की उपेक्षा पर पछतावा जताया और उसे सुधारने की कोशिश की। पंद्रह वर्ष की उम्र में उन्होंने कर्ज चुकाने के लिए चोरी की, लेकिन साहस करके पिता को लिखित में अपनी गलती स्वीकार की। पिता की प्रेमपूर्ण प्रतिक्रिया ने उन्हें ईमानदारी, पश्चात्ताप और अहिंसा का महत्त्व सिखाया।

Understanding the Story

A. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. Which two books inspired Gandhiji a lot during his childhood?

Answer – Gandhiji was inspired by the play Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka, which showed Shravana’s devotion to his parents, and the play Harishchandra, known for its ideal of truthfulness.

2. Pick out the extract from the text which tells that Gandhiji was punctual.

Answer – “To be at school at the stroke of the hour and to run back home as soon as the school closed—that was my daily habit.”

3. Why did Gandhiji dislike games and gymnastics?

Answer – Gandhiji disliked games and gymnastics because he thought they had nothing to do with education and because he wanted to hurry home quickly to serve as a nurse to his father.

4. What made Gandhiji feel ashamed of himself during his visit to South Africa?

Answer – Gandhiji felt ashamed when he saw the beautiful handwriting of lawyers and young men in South Africa because he had neglected to improve his handwriting.

5. Why did Gandhiji steal gold from his brother’s armlet?

Answer – Gandhiji stole a bit of gold from his brother’s armlet to clear a debt of about twenty-five rupees.

6. Why did he confess his guilt to his father? How did he make the confession?

Answer – Gandhiji confessed his guilt because he could no longer bear the burden of his sin and wanted to repent. He wrote a confession note admitting his theft, asked for adequate punishment, and promised never to steal again.

7. What, according to Gandhiji, is the purest type of repentance?

Answer – According to Gandhiji, the purest type of repentance is a clean confession combined with a promise never to commit the sin again.

HOTS

1. Explain: He who is truthful will do no evil.

Answer – A truthful person speaks and acts honestly, so they do not harm others or engage in wrongdoing. Truthfulness prevents one from committing lies or harmful acts, which are considered evil.

1. Confessing one’s mistake to one’s parents needs great mental strength. Would you describe Gandhiji as a brave boy?

Answer – Yes, Gandhiji was brave because it takes courage to admit one’s mistake honestly, especially when it involves wrongdoing. His willingness to confess his theft shows his moral strength and bravery.

Life Skills

‘Physical training is as important as mental training.’ Discuss with your partner the importance of physical training in life.

Answer – Physical training keeps the body healthy, strong, and energetic, which helps improve concentration and mental performance. It also builds discipline, stamina, and reduces stress, making a balanced person capable of handling both physical and mental challenges.

Values

1. Every incident of Gandhiji’s life taught him something. Given below are some incidents from his life. Read these incidents and write the values that Gandhiji imbibed from them.

Answer –

1. ‘We become the books we read.’ How far is reading good books instrumental in building good character? Discuss.

Answer – Reading good books exposes us to positive values, moral lessons, and inspiring stories. It shapes our thoughts and behaviour by teaching us right from wrong and encouraging virtues like honesty, kindness, and courage. Therefore, good books help in building a strong and good character.

Writing Skills

1. The chapter ‘My Experiments with Truth’ is a collection of Gandhiji’s real-life incidents and experiences at school, which taught him what one should or should not do at school.

List at least five things that you think a student should do while at school. Also write at least five things that a student should not do at school.

1. A student should

Answer – Be honest in all work

Respect teachers and classmates

Be punctual and regular

Complete homework on time

Help others when needed

1. A student should not

Answer – Lie or cheat

Waste time during classes

Be rude or disrespectful

Skip school without permission

Engage in bullying or fighting

1. Gandhiji’s father experiences mixed feelings for his son on receiving the confession note. He pens down his feelings in the form of a diary entry. Imagine yourself in his place and write a diary entry in about 80-100 words.

Answer –

Date – 00.00.0000

Time 10.30 PM

Today, I received a confession note from my son, admitting that he stole gold to clear a debt. My heart is heavy, yet filled with love and forgiveness. The tears that fell on the paper were not of anger but of compassion. I see his remorse and determination never to repeat this mistake. This incident reminds me that true repentance and honesty are the foundation of a good character. I pray he continues to grow into a man of truth and integrity.

Signature.

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. At what age was Gandhiji put into primary school?
   a) 5
   b) 7
   c) 10
   d) 12
2. Which book left an “undying impression” on young Gandhi?
   a) Ramayana
   b) Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka
   c) Mahabharata
   d) Harishchandra
3. What was Gandhi’s attitude towards gymnastics and cricket before they became compulsory?
   a) He loved them
   b) He disliked them
   c) He was indifferent
   d) He was very good at them
4. Why did the headmaster convict Gandhi of lying?
   a) Because Gandhi stole something
   b) Because Gandhi was late for gymnastics without proof
   c) Because Gandhi didn’t submit homework
   d) Because Gandhi was absent from school
5. How did Gandhi confess his theft to his father?
   a) Verbally
   b) By writing a confession note
   c) Through his brother
   d) By ignoring it
6. What lesson did Gandhi learn from his father’s reaction to his confession?
   a) To avoid punishment
   b) That love can cleanse one’s sins
   c) To never steal again
   d) To be careful at school

Short Questions and Answers

1. Q: What was Gandhi’s habit regarding punctuality?
   A: He was always punctual, reaching school at the stroke of the hour and running back home immediately after school.
2. Q: Which character in the play Harishchandra inspired Gandhi?
   A: The truthfulness and endurance of Harishchandra inspired Gandhi.
3. Q: What mistake did Gandhi make in school related to gymnastics?
   A: He arrived late due to misjudging the time and was wrongly accused of lying.
4. Q: What was Gandhi’s attitude towards handwriting during his youth?
   A: He neglected handwriting and thought it was not necessary.
5. Q: How much debt did Gandhi have when he stole gold from his brother?
   A: About twenty-five rupees.
6. Q: Why did Gandhi hesitate to confess his theft initially?
   A: He feared hurting his father’s feelings.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion: Gandhi was never careless in school after the incident with the headmaster.
   Reason: Being accused of lying hurt him deeply and taught him to be careful.
   Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
2. Assertion: Gandhi did not think physical training was important when he was young.
   Reason: He preferred spending time helping his father rather than doing gymnastics.
   Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
3. Assertion: Writing a confession note showed Gandhi’s bravery.
   Reason: He feared his father’s anger and punishment.
   Answer: Assertion is true, but Reason is false. Gandhi was not afraid of punishment but feared causing pain to his father.
4. Assertion: Gandhi was always truthful in his school days.
   Reason: He never told lies to his teachers or classmates.
   Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.

Long Questions and Answers (50-60 words)

1. Q: Describe how Gandhi’s early reading influenced his character.
   A: Gandhi was deeply influenced by stories of devotion and truthfulness like Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka and Harishchandra. These inspired him to value truth and to live a life based on honesty and commitment, shaping his ideals from a young age.
2. Q: How did the incident with the headmaster affect Gandhi’s outlook on truth and care?
   A: When Gandhi was wrongly accused of lying, he felt deeply hurt. This incident taught him that being truthful is important, but one must also be careful to avoid misunderstandings. It was a turning point in his school life toward greater responsibility.
3. Q: What lesson did Gandhi learn from his neglect of handwriting, and how did he try to rectify it?
   A: Gandhi realized later in life that good handwriting was part of good education, which he had neglected in youth. He felt ashamed upon seeing others’ beautiful handwriting in South Africa and made efforts to improve his own, though he believed it was too late to completely fix.
4. Q: Explain the significance of Gandhi’s confession to his father after stealing gold.
   A: Gandhi’s confession was an act of courage and honesty. Despite fearing the emotional pain it would cause, he confessed in writing and promised never to steal again. His father’s loving response reaffirmed the power of truth, repentance, and forgiveness in his life.
5. Q: How does Gandhi’s early life reflect the values of honesty and repentance?
   A: Gandhi’s early life shows a commitment to truth, even when wrongly accused. His confession after theft demonstrates repentance and courage. These experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong principles of honesty, non-violence, and moral courage.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What was Gandhi’s primary reason for rushing home after school?
   a) To play with friends
   b) To nurse his father
   c) To avoid teachers
   d) To complete homework
   Answer: b) To nurse his father
2. Which play inspired Gandhi to pursue truthfulness?
   a) Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka
   b) Harishchandra
   c) Ramayana
   d) Bhagavad Gita
   Answer: b) Harishchandra
3. Why did Gandhi miss his gymnastics class on Saturday?
   a) He was sick
   b) He misjudged the time due to clouds
   c) He refused to attend
   d) He was helping a friend
   Answer: b) He misjudged the time due to clouds
4. What was the headmaster Dorabji Gimi known for?
   a) Being lenient
   b) Being a disciplinarian
   c) Ignoring students
   d) Avoiding sports
   Answer: b) Being a disciplinarian
5. What did Gandhi initially believe about physical training?
   a) It was essential for education
   b) It was unrelated to education
   c) It was only for athletes
   d) It was harmful
   Answer: b) It was unrelated to education
6. How much debt did Gandhi incur at age fifteen?
   a) Ten rupees
   b) Twenty-five rupees
   c) Fifty rupees
   d) One hundred rupees
   Answer: b) Twenty-five rupees
7. Why did Gandhi hesitate to confess his theft verbally?
   a) He feared physical punishment
   b) He was afraid of causing his father pain
   c) He was too shy to speak
   d) He didn’t think it was serious
   Answer: b) He was afraid of causing his father pain
8. What did Gandhi request in his confession note to his father?
   a) Forgiveness only
   b) Adequate punishment
   c) A reward
   d) No consequences
   Answer: b) Adequate punishment
9. Where did Gandhi realize the importance of good handwriting?
   a) In primary school
   b) In South Africa
   c) In England
   d) In India
   Answer: b) In South Africa
10. What was the outcome of Gandhi’s confession to his father?
    a) His father scolded him
    b) His father’s tears cleansed his heart
    c) His father ignored him
    d) His father sent him away
    Answer: b) His father’s tears cleansed his heart

Short Questions and Answers

1. Q: What was Gandhi’s age when he committed the theft?
   A: Fifteen.
2. Q: What did Gandhi steal from his brother’s armlet?
   A: A bit of gold.
3. Q: What inspired Gandhi to serve his parents?
   A: Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka.
4. Q: What was Gandhi’s false notion about gymnastics?
   A: It was unrelated to education.
5. Q: Who purchased the book about Shravana?
   A: Gandhi’s father.
6. Q: What pained Gandhi after being accused of lying?
   A: Being thought untruthful.
7. Q: What did Gandhi compare his father’s tears to?
   A: Pearl-drops.
8. Q: What did Gandhi resolve after stealing?
   A: Never to steal again.
9. Q: Why did Gandhi feel ashamed in South Africa?
   A: Due to his poor handwriting.
10. Q: What principle did Gandhi associate with his confession?
    A: Ahimsa.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): Gandhi’s commitment to truth was influenced by the play Harishchandra.
   Reasoning (R): He questioned why everyone could not be truthful like Harishchandra.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. The play inspired Gandhi’s lifelong pursuit of truth.
2. Assertion (A): Gandhi’s absence from gymnastics was due to intentional avoidance.
   Reasoning (R): He misjudged the time because he had no watch and was deceived by clouds.
   Answer: A is false, R is true. His absence was due to carelessness, not intentional avoidance.
3. Assertion (A): Gandhi’s confession of theft was an act of courage.
   Reasoning (R): He wrote the confession despite fearing the emotional pain it would cause his father.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. His fear of causing pain made the confession courageous.
4. Assertion (A): Gandhi’s poor handwriting had no impact on his life.
   Reasoning (R): He felt ashamed in South Africa, seeing it as a sign of imperfect education.
   Answer: A is false, R is true. His poor handwriting caused lasting regret and professional embarrassment.
5. Assertion (A): Gandhi learned the importance of physical training from his headmaster.
   Reasoning (R): Dorabji Gimi made gymnastics compulsory, leading Gandhi to later value physical training.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. Gimi’s rules helped Gandhi recognize its importance.

Long Questions and Answers

1. Q: How did the play Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka shape Gandhi’s sense of duty?
   A: The play Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka, depicting Shravana carrying his parents on a pilgrimage, deeply moved Gandhi at seven. It instilled a strong sense of filial duty, inspiring him to prioritize serving his parents. The image of Shravana’s devotion left an undying impression, guiding Gandhi to value family responsibility as a core principle throughout his life. (59 words)
2. Q: Why was Gandhi pained by the accusation of lying by his headmaster?
   A: Gandhi was pained by Mr. Gimi’s accusation of lying because he prided himself on his truthfulness. His absence from gymnastics was due to carelessness, not deceit, but he couldn’t prove his innocence. This incident taught him that truth requires carefulness to avoid misunderstandings, deeply affecting his commitment to integrity and precision. (56 words)
3. Q: How did Gandhi’s views on physical training evolve over time?
   A: Initially, Gandhi believed gymnastics was irrelevant to education, prioritizing nursing his father. However, after Mr. Gimi made it compulsory, he later recognized its importance, equating physical training to mental training. This shift, realized in adulthood, reflected his growth in understanding the holistic nature of education, despite his initial resistance due to familial duties. (57 words)
4. Q: How did Gandhi’s theft and confession reflect his moral development?
   A: At fifteen, Gandhi stole gold to clear a debt, but guilt led him to confess in writing to his father, requesting punishment. His father’s tearful response taught him that honest confession and love could cleanse sin. This experience, reinforcing Ahimsa and repentance, marked significant moral growth, shaping his commitment to truth and non-violence. (58 words)
5. Q: What impact did Gandhi’s father’s reaction to the confession have on him?
   A: Gandhi’s father’s tearful, loving response to his written confession of theft profoundly impacted him. Described as “pearl-drops,” these tears cleansed Gandhi’s heart without punishment, teaching him the power of Ahimsa and true repentance. This incident became a lifelong lesson in how love and forgiveness can purify, strengthening his moral and spiritual convictions. (55 words)