Chapter – 07, Bharat Desh, Class VI, English Literature, DAV Board, The Best Solutions.

Working with your friends, list the names of any five national heroes and the reason for their fame.

Word Meaning

Summary in English

The poem is a patriotic call to the people of India to rise above fear and poverty by taking pride in their country, Bharat Desh. It inspires citizens to overcome sorrows and enemies and to take bold steps in nation-building—whether by exploring the Himalayas, sailing the seas, building schools, creating factories, or telling the truth. It emphasizes hard work, education in both scriptures and science, and dignity of labour. The poet dreams of a prosperous and strong India where everyone contributes with pride, truth, and generosity.

सारांश (Summary in Hindi)

यह कविता भारत देश के लोगों को डर और गरीबी से उबरने के लिए प्रेरित करती है। यह राष्ट्रभक्ति से भरपूर आह्वान है जिसमें सभी नागरिकों से हिमालय की ऊँचाइयों को छूने, समुद्रों को पार करने, विद्यालय और फैक्ट्रियाँ खोलने, और सच्चाई तथा मेहनत के साथ राष्ट्र निर्माण करने का आह्वान किया गया है। कवि सभी प्रकार के ज्ञान – धर्मग्रंथों और विज्ञान – को सीखने, चंद्रमा के रहस्यों को समझने और सभी प्रकार के कार्यों को सम्मानपूर्वक करने का संदेश देता है। यह कविता एक समृद्ध, शक्तिशाली और गौरवशाली भारत का सपना दर्शाती है।

Understanding the Poem

A. Now read the gist of the poem given below. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words or phrases:

Through the poem Bharat Desh, the speaker wants us to ____________ off our fears and ____________ and set up ____________ for the students.  He wants us to produce tools, ____________ and paper. He advises us not to be ____________ or ____________ and try to be ____________. He wants countrymen to know more about ____________. ____________ and ____________. Following all this, our country shall rise high and prosper.

Through the poem Bharat Desh, the speaker wants us to shake off our fears and poverty and set up schools for the students. He wants us to produce tools, weapons and paper. He advises us not to be lazy or weary and try to be generous. He wants countrymen to know more about scriptures, sciences and mysteries of the moon. Following all this, our country shall rise high and prosper.

B. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, match the following phrases appropriately (as done in the example):

A                                    B

shake off                        mysteries of moon

stroll on                         scriptures and sciences

sail across                      the truth

set up                            generous

thump                            heavens and oceans

make                              fears and poverty

produce                         lazy or weary

open                              tools and weapons

never                             be our shoulders

ever                               be the high seas

speak                             paper

learn                              snow-clad silvery heights

explore                          schools, all sacred temples

unravel                          factories and schools

C. Read the following extracts:

(a) We shall set up schools

all scared temples

(b) We shall set up schools

all as sacred as temples.

In extract (a) the comparison between schools and temples is not direct but implied. This implied comparison is called a metaphor.

In extract (b) the schools are being compared to temples directly. This direct comparison between two things is called a simile.

Explained

(a) “We shall set up schools / all sacred temples” – Metaphor (implied comparison)

(b) “We shall set up schools / all as sacred as temples” – Simile (direct comparison using “as”)

D. Given below are a few examples of metaphor. Complete these by filling in the blanks with appropriate words from the box given below. One has been done for you as an example.

monkey, lion, cheetah, rabbit

1. The baby has a soft skin. Her rabbit skin fascinated me.
2. Ravi is the bravest soldier in the army. He is a lion amongst others.
3. Shiv is a very swift child. He is the cheetah of his class.
4. Chintu imitates his elder brother. His brother gets irritated by this little monkey.

HOTS

What should be our priority-our personal growth or our motherland’s growth? Why?

Answer – Our priority should be the growth of our motherland because when the nation progresses, every individual benefits. A strong and developed country provides better opportunities, safety, and pride to its citizens. Personal growth is important, but it should go hand in hand with national development for a better future for all.

Life Skills

1. Some children of your class often speak about going abroad for further studies and their plans to settle there. You strongly feel that one should stay in one’s own country. How will you help them see your point of view?

Answer – I will explain to them that staying in our own country allows us to contribute to its growth and development. We can use our knowledge and skills to solve local problems, improve the economy, and inspire others. There is pride and responsibility in building our nation’s future, and no other place can give us the same sense of belonging as our motherland.

2. Why is it important to learn scriptures as well as sciences? Discuss with your partner.

Answer – Learning scriptures helps us understand moral values, traditions, and spiritual wisdom, while sciences develop our logical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills. A balance of both makes us well-rounded individuals who are ethical, knowledgeable, and capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

Writing Skills

Write a short paragraph: ‘I am proud to be an Indian.’

Answer – I am proud to be an Indian because my country has a rich heritage, diverse cultures, and a strong spirit of unity. India is known for its freedom struggle, great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, and its contributions to science, art, and philosophy. I feel proud when I see our flag waving high and when we achieve success in fields like space, sports, and technology. I love my country and will always work for its progress and honour.

Writing Skills

Imagine yourself to be a minister of the princess. Write a notice informing everyone about the strange condition laid down by the princess for her marriage.

Answer – NOTICE
Office of the Royal Palace
Date: 00.00.0000

Subject: Proclamation Regarding the Princess’s Marriage

All eligible young men are hereby informed that the Princess of the Strange Palace has declared a unique condition for her marriage. The suitor must successfully hide from her enchanted magic mirror for one entire night. If found, he shall be beheaded. If not, he will win her hand in marriage. Interested candidates may report to the palace gates by the next full moon.

By Order,
Minister of the Princess
Royal Seal

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does the poet urge the people to shake off?
   a) Laziness and disobedience
   b) Wealth and power
   c) Fears and poverty
   d) Pride and selfishness
   Answer: c) Fears and poverty
2. What are schools compared to in the poem?
   a) Fortresses
   b) Sacred temples
   c) Military camps
   d) Libraries
   Answer: b) Sacred temples
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an area of learning in the poem?
   a) Scriptures
   b) Astronomy
   c) Cooking
   d) Sciences
   Answer: c) Cooking
4. According to the poem, what should we NEVER be?
   a) Rich or famous
   b) Lazy or weary
   c) Brave or strong
   d) Honest or truthful
   Answer: b) Lazy or weary
5. The poet encourages citizens to explore:
   a) Deep forests
   b) Heavens and oceans
   c) Deserts and valleys
   d) Cities and towns
   Answer: b) Heavens and oceans

B. Short Questions and Answers

1. What is the central message of the poem “Bharat Desh”?
   Answer: The poem inspires citizens to rise above fear and poverty, work hard, embrace knowledge, and contribute to the progress of the nation.
2. What qualities does the poet want every citizen to possess?
   Answer: The poet wants citizens to be hardworking, honest, generous, knowledgeable, and patriotic.
3. Why does the poet compare schools to sacred temples?
   Answer: Because schools are centers of learning and growth, they are as sacred and important as temples in a developing nation.
4. What kinds of knowledge does the poet emphasize?
   Answer: The poet emphasizes both spiritual knowledge (scriptures) and scientific knowledge (sciences and space).
5. Which natural and technological aspects are mentioned in the poem?
   Answer: The poem refers to the Himalayas, high seas, heavens, moon, tools, weapons, paper, and factories.

C. Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): The poet urges people to open schools and factories.
   Reason (R): Schools and factories are essential for national development and self-reliance.
   a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true, but R is false.
   d) A is false, but R is true.
   Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Assertion (A): The poem promotes laziness and rest.
   Reason (R): Rest is essential for creativity and motivation.
   a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is false, but R is true.
   d) Both A and R are false.
   Answer: c) A is false, but R is true.

3. Assertion (A): The poem urges learning scriptures and sciences.
   Reason (R): A balanced education in both tradition and innovation helps build a strong nation.
   a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true, but R is false.
   d) A is false, but R is true.
   Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

D. Long Answer Questions (50–60 words)

1. Describe how the poem “Bharat Desh” inspires young citizens to contribute to the nation’s growth.
   Answer: The poem encourages citizens to shed fear and poverty and work actively in building the nation. It motivates the youth to pursue knowledge, be hardworking and truthful, and develop schools, factories, and technology. By being generous and curious, they can make India a strong and prosperous country, proud in its heritage and progress.

2. Why does the poet emphasize learning both scriptures and sciences?
   Answer: The poet believes that learning scriptures teaches values, while sciences provide practical knowledge and innovation. A citizen who knows both becomes wise, ethical, and capable of solving problems creatively. Such balanced learning ensures spiritual strength and technological advancement, both necessary for national development.

3. What role does education play in the poem “Bharat Desh”?
   Answer: Education is portrayed as sacred and vital for the progress of the nation. Schools are equated with temples, showing the importance of knowledge in shaping a responsible, skilled, and honest society. Learning scriptures, sciences, and even practical skills like sweeping reflects the poet’s vision of inclusive and empowering education for all.

4. Explain how the poem promotes dignity of labour and patriotism.
   Answer: The poet emphasizes that all forms of work—including street sweeping—are noble and essential. By promoting equality in labour and the value of hard work, the poem instills pride in contributing to the nation. It calls for unity, truth, and generosity, evoking deep patriotic feelings and responsibility towards the country’s future.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary theme of the poem “Bharat Desh”?
2. A) Fear and poverty
3. B) National pride and progress
4. C) Sorrow and defeat
5. D) Isolation and struggle

Answer: B) National pride and progress

2. According to the poem, where will the people of Bharat stroll?
3. A) Across the deserts
4. B) On the snow-clad Himalayas
5. C) Along the riverbanks
6. D) Through dense forests

Answer: B) On the snow-clad Himalayas

3. What does the poem suggest about schools?
4. A) They are unnecessary
5. B) They are sacred temples
6. C) They are places of fear
7. D) They are only for the wealthy

Answer: B) They are sacred temples

4. What will the people of Bharat produce according to the poem?
5. A) Only weapons
6. B) Tools, weapons, and paper
7. C) Only ships
8. D) Only food

Answer: B) Tools, weapons, and paper

5. What quality does the poem emphasize alongside truthfulness?
6. A) Laziness
7. B) Generosity
8. C) Fearfulness
9. D) Dishonesty

Answer: B) Generosity

6. What celestial body’s mysteries does the poem mention unraveling?
7. A) Sun
8. B) Moon
9. C) Stars
10. D) Planets

Answer: B) Moon

7. What does the poem encourage the people to shake off?
8. A) Pride and ambition
9. B) Fears and poverty
10. C) Knowledge and skills
11. D) Tradition and culture

Answer: B) Fears and poverty

8. What does the poem suggest about learning?
9. A) Learning only scriptures
10. B) Learning both scriptures and sciences
11. C) Avoiding sciences
12. D) Focusing only on street-sweeping

Answer: B) Learning both scriptures and sciences

Short Questions and Answers

1. Question: What is the repeated refrain in the poem?

Answer: “With the name of Bharat Desh on our lips, let us shake off our fears and poverty.”

2. Question: Where will the ships of Bharat sail according to the poem?

Answer: Across the high seas.

3. Question: How does the poem describe schools?

Answer: As sacred temples.

4. Question: What action does the poem suggest people take with pride?

Answer: Thump their shoulders and utter the name of Bharat.

5. Question: Name one practical skill mentioned in the poem.

Answer: Street-sweeping.

6. Question: What does the poem say about laziness?

Answer: The people shall never be lazy or weary.

7. Question: What celestial exploration is mentioned in the poem?

Answer: Unraveling the mysteries of the moon.

8. Question: What two things does the poem encourage learning?

Answer: Scriptures and sciences.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): The poem promotes a vision of a progressive and self-reliant Bharat. Reasoning (R): It emphasizes creating tools, weapons, paper, and schools while exploring sciences and overcoming fears.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Assertion (A): The poem only focuses on spiritual growth through scriptures. Reasoning (R): The poem mentions learning both scriptures and sciences, as well as practical skills like street-sweeping.

Answer: A is false, but R is true.

3. Assertion (A): The poem encourages a fearless and industrious spirit. Reasoning (R): It repeatedly urges shaking off fears and poverty and mentions never being lazy or weary.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

4. Assertion (A): The poem envisions Bharat as a land of exploration and ambition. Reasoning (R): It mentions sailing across seas, exploring the heavens, and unraveling the mysteries of the moon.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

5. Assertion (A): The poem ignores practical skills in favor of intellectual pursuits. Reasoning (R): The poem includes learning the art of street-sweeping alongside scriptures and sciences.

Answer: A is false, but R is true.

Long Questions and Answers (50-60 Words)

1. Question: How does the poem “Bharat Desh” inspire national pride and progress?

Answer: The poem inspires national pride by urging people to chant “Bharat Desh” while shaking off fears and poverty. It envisions progress through exploration of the Himalayas, seas, and moon, and by building schools, factories, and tools. It promotes hard work, truthfulness, and generosity, fostering a self-reliant, ambitious nation.

2. Question: What role do schools play in the vision of Bharat Desh as described in the poem?

Answer: In the poem, schools are depicted as sacred temples, symbolizing their importance in Bharat’s progress. They are centers for learning scriptures and sciences, fostering intellectual growth. By establishing schools, the poem envisions an educated society that overcomes ignorance, contributing to a prosperous and self-reliant nation.

3. Question: How does the poem balance intellectual and practical pursuits for Bharat’s development?

Answer: The poem balances intellectual and practical pursuits by advocating learning scriptures and sciences alongside practical skills like street-sweeping. It encourages exploring mysteries of the moon and heavens while producing tools, weapons, and paper. This holistic approach ensures Bharat’s development through both knowledge and tangible contributions.

4. Question: What qualities does the poem encourage the people of Bharat to embody?

Answer: The poem encourages the people of Bharat to embody fearlessness, diligence, generosity, and truthfulness. It urges them to shake off fears and poverty, avoid laziness, and work tirelessly to build a progressive nation. These qualities are reinforced through pride in chanting “Bharat Desh” and striving for excellence.

5. Question: How does the poem portray Bharat’s connection to exploration and ambition?

Answer: The poem portrays Bharat as a land of exploration and ambition by envisioning people strolling the Himalayas, sailing high seas, and unraveling the moon’s mysteries. It emphasizes overcoming fears and poverty to pursue intellectual and practical goals, reflecting a bold, forward-looking spirit for national progress.