Chapter 11

                                                 A Great Day in Indian History


1. What was Suresh doing at the beginning of the lesson and why?

Answer: At the beginning of the lesson, Suresh was busy drawing and colouring the national flag of India. He was doing this because the next day was Independence Day, celebrated on 15th August. He wanted the flag to be ready for the school function where it would be unfurled with respect and pride.


2. Why was Usha surprised to see Suresh so busy?

Answer: Usha was surprised because Suresh did not even look up when she came to ask him about a problem in arithmetic. She noticed that he was very busy and fully involved in his work, which made her curious to know what he was doing.


3. How did Suresh explain that he was making the national flag?

Answer: Suresh explained that he was making the national flag by pointing out the three colours on it. He also showed Usha the wheel in the middle of the flag, which represents the Ashoka Chakra. His explanation helped Usha understand what he was making.


4. What important feature of the national flag did Suresh show to Usha?

Answer: Suresh showed Usha the wheel in the middle of the national flag. This wheel is called the Ashoka Chakra. It is an important symbol that stands for progress, truth, and righteousness.


5. Why is the wheel placed in the middle of the national flag?

Answer: The wheel is placed in the middle of the national flag because it represents movement, justice, and continuous progress. It reminds the citizens of India to always move forward on the path of truth and duty.


6. What is the importance of 15th August according to Suresh?

Answer: According to Suresh, 15th August is very important because it is the day when India became free from British rule in the year 1947. It is celebrated every year as Independence Day to remember our freedom struggle.


7. Why does India celebrate Independence Day every year?

Answer: India celebrates Independence Day every year to remember the long struggle and sacrifices made by great leaders and freedom fighters. It reminds people of the value of freedom and the responsibility to protect and improve the country.


8. Which great leaders are mentioned in the lesson?

Answer: The lesson mentions great leaders like Tilak, Gokhale, Lajpat Rai, Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Pandit Nehru. These leaders fought bravely for the freedom of India.


9. How did these leaders contribute to India’s freedom?

Answer: These leaders contributed by fighting against British rule, spreading awareness among people, leading movements, and making sacrifices. Many of them were sent to prison, but they never gave up their struggle for freedom.


10. Why were many freedom fighters sent to prison?

Answer: Many freedom fighters were sent to prison because they protested against British rule and demanded freedom for India. The British government tried to stop them by arresting and punishing them.


11. Why does Suresh say that we must remember these great men?

Answer: Suresh says that we must remember these great men because they sacrificed their comfort and freedom for the country. Remembering them inspires us to become responsible and honest citizens of India.


12. What activities were planned at Suresh’s school on Independence Day?

Answer: At Suresh’s school, they planned to unfurl the national flag, sing the National Anthem, and march past the flag like soldiers. A parade was also arranged in the field.


13. What does unfurling the flag mean?

Answer: Unfurling the flag means hoisting and opening the national flag in a respectful manner. It is done on special national days like Independence Day and Republic Day.


14. Why is singing the National Anthem important?

Answer: Singing the National Anthem is important because it shows respect and love for the country. It brings a feeling of unity and patriotism among the people.


15. What social work was planned after the parade?

Answer: After the parade, Suresh and others planned to plant 100 new saplings near the school and along the road. This was done to help nature and make the environment better.


16. How do saplings help the environment?

Answer: Saplings grow into big trees that give shade, fruits, and fresh air. They also help in bringing rain and keeping the environment clean and healthy.


17. What social service did Suresh’s mother do?

Answer: Suresh’s mother gathered neighbourhood children, taught them, and helped them by combing their hair. She did this as a part of social service to help others.


18. Why is social service important according to the lesson?

Answer: Social service is important because it helps people in need and improves society. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the country.


19. How did Usha want to help her mother?

Answer: Usha wanted to help her mother by joining her in social service. She was eager to help the neighbourhood children and do useful work for society.


20. What work did Suresh plan to do in Rajpura village?

Answer: Suresh planned to go to Rajpura village with his friends to repair a well. This would help villagers get clean water easily.


21. Why is repairing a well important?

Answer: Repairing a well is important because it provides clean drinking water to people. Water is essential for life, and helping others get water is a noble act.


22. How does Suresh explain the idea of helping the country?

Answer: Suresh explains that everyone must do his or her bit. Even small efforts like cleanliness, helping others, and doing duties honestly help the country grow.


23. Why does Suresh say that talking is not enough?

Answer: Suresh says that talking is not enough because real help comes from action. Celebrating national days without doing good work does not truly help the country.


24. What advice does Suresh give to Usha?

Answer: Suresh advises Usha to clean and tidy her room, help her mother, study well, and tell people not to spit on roads. These small actions help the nation.


25. How does cleanliness help the country?

Answer: Cleanliness helps the country by keeping surroundings healthy and beautiful. It prevents diseases and shows respect for public places.


26. What lesson does Usha learn from her teacher?

Answer: Usha learns from her teacher that one should always be helpful to others. Helping others makes society peaceful and strong.


27. Why does Usha want to attend the parade?

Answer: Usha wants to attend the parade because she feels proud of her country and wants to be a part of the Independence Day celebration.


28. How does Suresh respond to Usha’s request?

Answer: Suresh happily welcomes Usha and allows her to come to the parade. He encourages her interest in national activities.


29. How does Usha help Suresh with the flag?

Answer: Usha helps Suresh by holding the tin of paint while he paints the wheel on the flag. She wants to assist him carefully.


30. Why does Suresh warn Usha to be careful?

Answer: Suresh warns Usha because spilling paint would spoil the flag. The flag must be clean and neat for the parade.


31. Why should the national flag be kept clean?

Answer: The national flag should be kept clean because it is a symbol of the country’s pride and honour. Respecting the flag shows love for the nation.


32. What does the lesson teach about patriotism?

Answer: The lesson teaches that patriotism is not only celebrating national days but also helping others, keeping surroundings clean, and working honestly.


33. How does the lesson encourage children to serve the nation?

Answer: The lesson encourages children by showing simple ways to help, like studying well, helping parents, doing social work, and caring for nature.


34. What role do children play in nation-building?

Answer: Children play an important role by learning good habits, being disciplined, helping others, and becoming responsible citizens in the future.


35. Why is planting trees linked with Independence Day?

Answer: Planting trees shows responsibility towards the future of the country. It helps in development and reflects true love for the nation.


36. What message does the lesson give about unity?

Answer: The lesson gives the message that everyone must work together. When people unite and do small good deeds, the country becomes strong.


37. How does the lesson show respect for freedom fighters?

Answer: The lesson shows respect by remembering their names, sacrifices, and struggles. It reminds readers to follow their ideals.


38. Why should citizens avoid spitting on roads?

Answer: Spitting on roads makes places dirty and unhealthy. Avoiding such acts shows civic sense and responsibility.


39. How does the lesson connect independence with responsibility?

Answer: The lesson shows that freedom comes with responsibility. Citizens must work hard, be disciplined, and care for society.


40. What is the main message of the lesson “A Great Day in Indian History”?

Answer: The main message of the lesson is that Independence Day should not be only a celebration. True patriotism lies in good actions, social service, cleanliness, and helping the nation grow.

Answer by  Mrinmoee