Chapter- 1.7      Param Vir Chakra: Our Heroes


Question 1: What is the 'Param Vir Chakra'?
Answer: The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military award, given to soldiers for displaying exceptional bravery and courage in the face of the enemy.

Question 2: What does the obverse of the PVC medal show?
Answer: The obverse of the PVC medal shows a bronze state emblem of India surrounded by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra, the thunderbolt weapon of the gods.

Question 3: What is depicted on the reverse of the PVC medal?
Answer: The reverse side of the PVC medal is plain but usually has the name of the awardee engraved on it.

Question 4: Who designed the Param Vir Chakra medal?
Answer: The PVC medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar, a renowned artist.

Question 5: What makes Indra’s Vajra invincible?
Answer: Indra’s Vajra or weapon is considered invincible because it cannot be defeated and strikes its target with great power, symbolizing ultimate strength.

Question 6: What is the meaning of 'posthumously'?
Answer: ‘Posthumously’ means an award or recognition given after a person’s death.

Question 7: What does 'fitted with swivel mounting' mean in the context of the medal?
Answer: ‘Fitted with swivel mounting’ means the medal is fixed in a way that allows it to move freely when worn.

Question 8: What is the meaning of ‘emblem’?
Answer: An emblem is a symbol or object that represents something, such as courage or patriotism on the PVC medal.

Question 9: Who was Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon?
Answer: Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was a brave Indian Air Force officer who sacrificed his life defending the country.

Question 10: What does the word ‘gallant’ mean?
Answer: ‘Gallant’ means brave, courageous, and showing heroism in difficult situations.

Question 11: What does the word ‘inspiring’ mean?
Answer: ‘Inspiring’ means motivating others to do something courageous or admirable.

Question 12: What does the term ‘account’ refer to in the passage?
Answer: ‘Account’ refers to a detailed description or story of a particular event, such as the bravery of soldiers.

Question 13: What does the word ‘fatal’ mean?
Answer: ‘Fatal’ means causing death or leading to a deadly result.

Question 14: What is the significance of Sage Dadhichi’s sacrifice?
Answer: Sage Dadhichi sacrificed his life by giving his bones so that Indra’s Vajra could be made, which helped defeat powerful enemies, symbolizing selflessness and courage.

Question 15: How can one show love and respect to soldiers according to the passage?
Answer: One can show love and respect by sending greeting cards, expressing gratitude, and supporting soldiers in various ways with the help of teachers and schools.

Question 16: How are adjectives ordered when used together to describe a noun?
Answer: Adjectives expressing opinion come first, followed by size, age, shape, colour, origin, material, and use or purpose.

Question 17: Give an example of adjectives in the correct order.
Answer: A big red plastic bag – ‘big’ (size), ‘red’ (colour), ‘plastic’ (material).

Question 18: Give another example of adjectives in correct order.
Answer: A brave young woman – ‘brave’ (opinion), ‘young’ (age).

Question 19: Why is Flying Officer Sekhon remembered as a hero?
Answer: He is remembered as a hero because he showed exceptional bravery in defending India, even though he lost his life in the process.

Question 20: What is the main lesson from the story of Sage Dadhichi?
Answer: The main lesson is that selfless sacrifice and courage for a noble cause are the highest forms of bravery.

Question 21: How can you prepare a collage about Param Vir Chakra awardees?
Answer: You can collect photographs, pictures, and information about awardees, write their stories neatly, and display them on a chart or poster.

Question 22: What are the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces?
Answer: The three branches are the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

Question 23: What quality makes a soldier eligible for the Param Vir Chakra?
Answer: Exceptional bravery, courage, determination, and selflessness in the face of the enemy make a soldier eligible.

Question 24: How does the PVC medal inspire others?
Answer: The medal inspires others by honoring extraordinary courage, showing that true bravery is recognized and remembered.

Question 25: What is the symbolic importance of the thunderbolt on the medal?
Answer: The thunderbolt symbolizes power, invincibility, and the ability to strike down evil forces.

Question 26: What role does determination play in the lives of soldiers?
Answer: Determination helps soldiers persevere through dangerous situations and face challenges bravely for the protection of the country.

Question 27: How can students learn about bravery from the Param Vir Chakra awardees?
Answer: By reading their accounts, stories, and achievements, students can understand the value of courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation.

Question 28: What does the story of Sage Dadhichi tell about the use of knowledge and resources?
Answer: It teaches that knowledge and resources should be used selflessly for the greater good of society and protection from evil.

Question 29: How does the PVC medal honour both living and deceased heroes?
Answer: The medal is awarded to both living and posthumous heroes, ensuring that their bravery is recognized regardless of whether they survive.

Question 30: What adjectives describe the bravery of Param Vir Chakra awardees?
Answer: Brave, gallant, inspiring, determined, fearless, and courageous are adjectives that describe their bravery.

Question 31: What is the purpose of fitting the medal with swivel mounting?
Answer: It allows the medal to hang properly and move freely when worn on a uniform.

Question 32: How can one find more information about PVC awardees?
Answer: By researching online, reading books, or asking teachers, one can gather details about their stories, pictures, and achievements.

Question 33: How does bravery differ from recklessness?
Answer: Bravery involves courage with purpose and wisdom, while recklessness is taking risks without thinking of consequences.

Question 34: What lesson does Flying Officer Sekhon’s story teach about sacrifice?
Answer: It teaches that protecting one’s country may require risking or giving one’s life, showing ultimate dedication and patriotism.

Question 35: Why is it important to learn about the armed forces?
Answer: Learning about the armed forces helps students understand the sacrifices made for the nation, instills respect, and inspires patriotism.

Question 36: What is the importance of carefully using adjectives in writing?
Answer: Correct use of adjectives makes writing clear, descriptive, and meaningful, helping the reader visualize the subject accurately.

Question 37: How can students participate in activities supporting soldiers?
Answer: They can make greeting cards, write letters, prepare presentations, and participate in school programs honoring soldiers.

Question 38: How do the words ‘invincible’ and ‘gallant’ relate to soldiers?
Answer: Soldiers are called invincible in spirit and gallant because they face dangers courageously and cannot be defeated morally.

Question 39: How can knowledge of heroes inspire everyday life?
Answer: Learning about heroes teaches values like courage, sacrifice, determination, and responsibility, which can guide students in their own lives.

Question 40: Summarize the overall message of the passage.
Answer: The passage teaches the importance of courage, sacrifice, determination, and respect for heroes who serve the nation, showing that true bravery is recognized and celebrated.

Answer by Dimpee Bora