Nature, My English Reader, Class VIII, DAV Board, The Best Solutions – Introduction

Introduction

Summary In English: Nature And Human Life

The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature he observed on a visit to a university campus, appreciating the trees, grasses, and natural surroundings more than the buildings. He emphasizes that academics and exams are only a small part of life, while nature, with its eternal beauty and inspiration, plays the greatest role. Nature influences artists, scientists, and thinkers. He urges graduates to take inspiration from nature and not just focus on material needs. True education and life include appreciation for beauty, music, and art — not just basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

In Hindi:

वक्ता विश्वविद्यालय परिसर की यात्रा के दौरान देखी गई प्राकृतिक सुंदरता की सराहना करता है। वह पेड़ों, घासों और कांटों को देखकर रोमांचित होता है और इमारतों की तुलना में प्रकृति को अधिक महत्त्वपूर्ण मानता है। वह कहते हैं कि पढ़ाई और परीक्षा जीवन का केवल एक छोटा हिस्सा हैं, जबकि प्रकृति सबसे महान कलाकार है और सच्ची प्रेरणा का स्रोत है। वह छात्रों से आग्रह करता है कि वे केवल भौतिक आवश्यकताओं पर नहीं, बल्कि प्रकृति, कला, संगीत और सौंदर्य पर भी ध्यान दें, क्योंकि यही जीवन का असली सार है।

 

Word Meanings

Word/Phrase

Meaning (English)

Meaning (Hindi)

Joy ride

A ride for pleasure

आनंद की सवारी

Thrilling

Exciting, emotionally stirring

रोमांचक

As it ought to be

As it should be

जैसा होना चाहिए

Supreme artist

The highest or greatest creator

सर्वोच्च कलाकार

Unsurpassable

Incomparable, cannot be exceeded

अतुलनीय

Inspiration

Source of motivation or creativity

प्रेरणा

Sculptors

Artists who carve in stone, wood, etc.

मूर्तिकार

Luxor

A historical site in Egypt

मिस्र का ऐतिहासिक स्थल लक्सर

Papyrus

A plant used in ancient writing, symbol of nature

पेपिरस, एक प्राचीन पौधा

Squalour

Dirtiness, neglect

गंदगी, दुर्दशा

Abomination

Something hated or detested

घृणास्पद चीज

Imperfect

Incomplete, flawed

अपूर्ण

Aesthetic sense

Appreciation for beauty

सौंदर्यबोध

Derived

Gained or obtained

प्राप्त किया गया

 

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. What impressed the speaker during his campus tour?
    Modern buildings
    B. Computers
    C. Natural surroundings
    D. Library
    Correct Answer: C. Natural surroundings
  2. What does the speaker consider as the greatest feature of the world?
    Technology
    B. Education
    C. Nature
    D. Industry
    Correct Answer: C. Nature
  3. According to the speaker, what is the role of nature in human life?
    Provides shelter
    B. Inspires science and art
    C. Teaches discipline
    D. Helps in business
    Correct Answer: B. Inspires science and art
  4. What is meant by “Man does not live by bread alone”?
    Bread is unhealthy
    B. Man needs only bread
    C. Man needs art, beauty, and inspiration too
    D. Man should eat fruits
    Correct Answer: C. Man needs art, beauty, and inspiration too

 

Short Questions and Answers

  1. Q: What did the speaker find thrilling during his visit to the campus?
    A: The speaker found the natural beauty—banyan trees, wild grasses, and thorns—thrilling and inspiring.
  2. Q: How does the speaker describe nature?
    A: He calls nature the supreme artist, capable of creating unmatched beauty and inspiring all kinds of people including artists and scientists.
  3. Q: What examples does the speaker give from the temple of Luxor?
    A: He mentions the lotus and papyrus designs on the pillars, showing how nature inspired ancient art.
  4. Q: What does the speaker say about the role of education?
    A: He says education is incomplete if it does not teach the value of beauty, art, and aesthetic sense alongside material needs.
  5. Q: What message does the speaker convey to graduates?
    A: He urges them to seek inspiration from nature and not focus only on material achievements.

II. Work with your partner. Complete the following statements and find out why nature, according to Dr C.V. Raman, is the greatest feature of the world.

(a) Moving through natural scenes, enjoying the beauty of nature, is nothing less
Answerthan a thrilling and joyful experience.

(b) Nature is the supreme artist because
Answershe creates forms of beauty, loveliness, and colour that are unsurpassable and eternal.

(c) Nature has not only inspired
Answer –  artists, painters, sculptors, and engineers but  men of science also.

(d) Technology need not be
Answerassociated with squalor, dust, and ugliness. We should seek inspiration from nature and combine functionality with beauty.

 

III. In groups of four, discuss how nature is essential both for the basic and the finer things of life.

Topic: How is nature essential for both basic and finer things of life?

You can discuss the following points in your group of four:

Nature and Basic Needs:

  • Nature provides food, water, clothing materials, and shelter – essential for survival.
  • Agriculture, which feeds the world, relies directly on natural resources like soil, rain, and sunlight.

Nature and Finer Aspects of Life:

  • Nature is a source of inspiration for art, music, literature, architecture, and science.
  • It nurtures the aesthetic sense—the ability to appreciate beauty.
  • Natural surroundings bring mental peace, relaxation, and emotional well-being.

Balanced Perspective:

  • A truly educated and fulfilled life includes not only material success but also spiritual and artistic enrichment.
  • Nature helps us stay connected, grounded, and creative.

 

 

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