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1. Technology with a Human face. - E. F. Schumacher

German-born E. F. Schumacher (1911-1977) was a British economist and author. He was confined in
Britain during World War II, after which he served for twenty years as economic adviser on Britain's
National Coal Board and worked on theories for that country's welfare system. He contributed many
articles to the London Times, London Observer, and Economist, and has lectured at Columbia
University. One of his books, Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered, became a bestseller. In it, Schumacher encourages human fulfilment as the best economic booster and suggests
means of obtaining that goal.
According to Schumacher, the modern world has been shaped by technology and continues to
shaped looks sick. We wonder that technology has helped us in many ways, yet the underlying
factors of alleviation of poverty and unemployment have not been solved by technology at all. In
that case, we have to consider whether it is possible better a technology with human face. It very
strange to say the laws and principles of technology, the product of man, are generally very different
from those of human nature of living nature. There is measure in all natural things in their size,
speed of violence. The system of nature, which man is a part of it, tends to be self-balancing, selfadjusting, self-clearing. However, it is not so with technology. It recognizes no self-limit principle in
terms of its size, speed, or violence. It does not possess the virtues of being self-balanced, selfadjusting, self-cleansing. Somehow, man is dominated by technology and specialization. The
modern technology acts like a foreign body and it has become inhuman in the subtle system of
nature.
In his opinion, the modern technology was involved in three crises simultaneously. First, human
nature revolts against suffocating and debilitating inhuman technological patterns. Second, the
living environment is partially breakdown. In addition, the third, it is clear that the inroads of the
worlds non-renewable resources have become serious bottlenecks and virtual exhaustion loom
ahead in the future. It is the result of materialism and limitless expansionism in a finite environment.
It is a big question whether we could develop technology, which can solve all our problems, a
technology with a human face.
Schumacher says, The primary task of technology, it would seem, is to lighten the burden of work
man has to carry in order to stay alive and develop his potential. Technology that lightens our
burden would help give us had better time to relax and do what we would like, increase our
creativity, work things with our hands that give us joy as defined by Thomas Aquinas. Schumacher
explains it is not the actual production of total social time spent roughly one-fifth of one-third of
one half, that is 3.5 percent and the rest 96.5 percent of total social time is directly product less. It
pales into insignificance, that it carries no real weight, but alone prestige. Hence, virtually all-real
production has been turned into an inhuman chore which does not enrich a man but empties him.
Taking stock of our goals, everybody would take it a privilege to work usefully, creatively with his
own hands and brains can actually produce things and would benefit the society.
The modern industrial society is not romantic and certainly not utopian. It is in deep trouble and
holds no promise of survival. We must have the courage to dream if we want to survive and give our
children a chance to survive. We must develop a new lifestyle, which is compatible with the real
needs of human nature and living nature around us. In order to avoid the dire consequences, both
by rich and poor countries, we need a different kind of technology, a technology more productive
with a human face.
Schumacher suggests us small and beautiful thought about what he terms intermediate technology
production by the masses, rather than mass productions. The system of mass production based

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on sophisticated, highly capital intensive, high-energy input dependent, and human labour-saving
technology is inherently violent, ecologically damaging. The system of production by the masses
mobilizes the priceless resources, which are possessed by all human beings, their clever brains and
skilful hands, and supports them with first class tools. Schumacher never says that technology in
itself is bad. However, he urges us to utilize the scientific techniques that help us get to the truth of
the matter and increase our knowledge, to focus on technology that does not lead to gigantism,
speed, or violence and destruction of human-work enjoyment. What he instead suggests us is to
recapture simplicity in all that we do to produce a self-balancing system of nature.
1. Why does the writer say that modern technology has become inhuman?
A:-E.F.Schumacher was born in 1911 in Germany, a British economist and an author too. His
"Technology with a Human Face" is an extract collected from his famous book "Small Is Beautiful".
The author is apt in his words, when he opines 'modern technology has become inhuman'. It
is obviously fact that technology has helped us in many ways for development. While, technology
has also brought us a lot of problems. It is unable to win the acceptance of all the sectors of the
society.
If technology has become a boon for elite, sophisticated, educated sectors of the society, it
has also become a bane for mass, uneducated, technologicallyundevelopedsectors of it. With the
help of a tractor, a landlord can cultivate large area of land, but has it helped to feed the millions of
agriculture labours? No, not at all. Same is the case of industrial and other sectors also. In this way
technology, which has enabled to create some employment, has equally generated huge
unemployment in the society. This 'inhuman technology' has also unable alleviate poverty and
unemployment from the society. Ironically, technology itself has become responsible for these two
major problems. These two problems are not only apparent in the poor countries, but also in the socalled rich and developed countries. In this 21st century's advanced technological helm, people have
almost become servants of machines.
Hence it is apt to say that technology has become inhuman.
2. How would the alternative technology suggested by the Schumacher make things better?
A: - Schumacher identified three-fold crisis that affect the world, which are the results of modern
technology. Hence in the place of modern technology, he seeks a new life style based on what he
calls 'technology with a human face'. Instead of making human hands and brains redundant, this
alternative technology would help people to become far more productive than they ever have been
before. The technology offered by the author enables people's brains and skilful hands to support
the production with first class tools. It also nourishes the normal human pleasure and satisfaction,
they get, out of the time they spent on work by using their physical skills. It is compatible with the
laws of ecology, gentle in its use of non-renewable resources. More importantly, the technology
offered by the author designed to serve human being instead of making him as the servant of
machines.
3. How would society benefit if the percentage of the time people spend to actually produce
things is increased?
A: The author remarks that in the modern world the productive time has already been reduced
to about 3.5% of total social time. In his view, the social time means twenty four hours of a day each
and productive time means the time actually people engaged in real production.
The author asks people to have a goal to increase this total productive time as much as they
can. If we can do so, he says that there will lie a better future for us. When we put our efforts to
increase the productive time, we can employ skilful, creative and productive work of human hands

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and brains. Even children and old people would then be allowed to make themselves useful.
We can also have a lot of time for accomplishing any piece of work. If we can increase the
productive time, its therapeutic as well as educational value will also be in their abundance. No one
would then want to raise the school leaving age and no one would lower their retirement age.
With this method of increasing productive time, people do not find it difficult to work for
many hours but rather they do not even realize the difference between work and leisure. Except
during the time of sleeping or eating, they are always engaged in some productive work.
The author says that if can apply this method of increasing productive time, many of the 'oncost jobs' will simply disappear. There will be little need for mindless entertainment or other
comforts of technology.
4. What kind of lifestyle does the writer think we should adopt in order to survive and why
does he think this going to be difficult?
A: Schumacher wants us to adopt the lifestyle in which we can use our hands and brains
usefully, productively and creatively. In his view, we should adopt a lifestyle in which we can increase
the 'productive time' for the betterment of all the sectors of the society.
In fact, Schumacher never says that technology is bad. But he urges us to utilize the scientific
techniques to increase our knowledge. He urges to focus on technology that doesn't lead to the
destruction of human enjoyment. We should adopt a lifestyle by depending on the technology,
which Schumacher labelled as 'technology with a human face'. In his view, this new technology will
certainly lighten the burden of our work, make us to stay alive and enable us to develop our
potential.
While, Schumacher thinks that now-a-days the establishment of this new intermediate
technology is very difficult. He thinks so as the present 'consumer society' has totally addicted to
technological materials and in their absence, finds it extremely difficult to lead life. In fact, this
extreme dependence on material things is not the problem of the poor but of the rich societies.
5. What is the main difference between the system of mass production and production by the
masses as indicated in the passage?
A: Here Schumacher asks us to think about what he terms, intermediate technology"production by the masses, rather than mass production". In order to highlight the production by
the masses, Schumacher mentions the words of Gandhi, when he said "the poor of the world cannot
be helped by mass production (total production by a nation) but only by production by the masses".
The obvious difference between both of these is; the system of mass production is based on
sophisticated machinery, high capital investment and human labour-saving technology. While the
system of 'production by the masses' uses priceless resources that are possessed by human beings.
Their clever brains and skilful hands support the production with first class tools. The technology of
mass production is naturally violent, ecologically damaging and suffers from the scarcity of nonrenewable resources. On the other hand, the production by the masses is compatible with the laws
of ecology, gentle in its use of non-renewable resources. More importantly it is designed to serve
the people instead of making him the servant of machines.
Thus, after making this comparison, we can say that the production by the masses is obviously
very handy to all the sectors of the society.

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2.
Climate Change and Human Strategy - E. K. Federov
E. K. Federov is the former director of hydro-meteorological services in the Soviet Union and a
member of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. This article is a slightly abridged version of Dr.
Federov's opening address to the World Climate Conference held in Geneva, February 1223, 1979.
E.K. Federov says that human beings are increasingly concerned about irreversible changes taking
places in the natural environment, especially in regard to climate change. In the course of their
scientific and technological progress, human beings have transformed the environment. When
engaging in a large scale development, they tend to forget irreversible changes in the natural
environment. Despite these developments, the modern life requires balanced understanding and
adjustment to climate and other natural elements.
The present scale of human activity is measured both by its size and by the duration over which it
takes place comparable with natural occurring phenomena. Now a days we live on the planet which
has got neither infinite resilient environment nor its resources inexhaustible. In such circumstances,
any human error can lead to very large cumulative error. They are vulnerable to climate change. It is
both a consequence and a demonstration of the workings of complex process in atmosphere, the
oceans and on land. However, these complex factors do exhibit some continuity and permanence.
There are several atmospheric and oceanic parameters which are responsible for the overall stability
of climate in different parts of the world. They include manmade extreme temperatures, precipitation
amounts, seasonal river discharges etcthey vary from one part of the planet to another. Climate is
the sum of all these relatively stable characteristics of the atmosphere. The normal climate of the
earth as a whole was much more homogenous during the last several hundred million years than it is
at present. There were not the noticeable differences in climate between latitudes. Several tens of
millions of years ago this situation began to change.
The temperatures of high latitudes fell gradually. About two million years ago this process accelerated
and Arctic temperature dropped sharply. As a result a glacial period had taken place in which
repeated advances of ice sometimes reached mid-latitudes with intervening periods when the ice
moved back. The last glacial advances ended in northern hemisphere about ten thousand years ago.
According to E. K. Federov, there are two kinds of factors that cause the climate to change over long
periods of time. The external factors might include the variations in the quality of radiation emitted
by the Sun or changes in the Earths orbit around the Sun. The internal factors include the formation
and movement of continental areas, the growth of mountain ranges and volcanic activity of various
kinds that produces dust and gases which may alter transparency and other characteristics of the
Earths surface.
In his opinion, human existence would not have been possible without simultaneously transforming
various elements of the natural environment. Human existence and development has affected climate
patterns on the earth in many ways. The transformation land surface of the planet was by
deforestation, ploughing land reclamation, the construction of huge man-made lakes, reservoirs, and
the conversion of large areas to a built-up environment and so on. The water and energy balancing
have also significant elements led to climate change. These noticeable changes are so far local but
likely to become regional and global during the next 200years.
To mitigate these changes we should develop a clear strategy. We must plan set off long-term
actions which enables man to avoid the adverse consequences of climate changes. They will
inevitably occur in the future. It is a matter of urgency, we should find out what the critical values of
different meteorological parameters to avoid such irreversible changes. Finally, E. K. Federov believes
that it is possible with the international co-operation to access global problems and calls for Change
for the Better.

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3. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
3.1 Solar energy in Spain
Emerging Technologies is adapted from Technology Review, Inc. highlighting the new emerging
technologies in Spain. The opening paragraph of the extract shows that its subject is very much apt
to the theme emerging technologies. Spain is fast becoming a leader in innovation and generating
advanced solutions in the industries of aerospace, renewable energies, water treatment, rail,
biotechnology, industrial machinery and civil engineering. The country is determined to deepen and
intensify its productive specialization in industries that depend on technology and innovation.
Researchers are creating novel types of photovoltaic devices that could finally make solar power a
broadly practical source of renewable energy in Spain. At the Solucar solar plant outside Seville, the
light rays are coming out of a high tower and falling on tilted upturned mirrors. The truth of the
situation is that the upturned mirrors are tracking the sun and radiating its power onto a blindingly
white square at the top of the tower creating the equivalent of the power of 600suns. This tower uses
concentrating solar technology (CSP). Solar thermal energy is a technology which harnesses solar
energy for thermal energy requirement in industries, residential sector and commercial setup. It works
by utilizing heat of the sun.
Southern Spain, a region known the world over for its abundant sun and scarce rain, provides an ideal
landscape for solar thermal power. The tower outside Seville, operated by Solcar, an Abengoa
company, is the first of a number of solar thermal plants providing 10 megawatts of power.
Unlike those of traditional plants the fuel is free, unlike oil, gas, or coal, but the up-front development
expense is significantly higher. With gas costs rise and the world are sharpening its focus on global
warming, and governments around the world making an attempt to invest in alternative energy
sources on a larger scale.
Current Technologies:
1. Andasol 1 is based on a series of parabolic troughs, huge curved mirrors about 18 feet wide that
collects the suns energy and focuses it on a receiver pipe in the middle. Oil streams through that pipe
along a long loop of troughs. The mirrors track the sun from east to west during daytime hours, and
the oil reaches about 400 C. The heat transfer fluid then travels to a steam generator, where the heat
is transferred to water, immediately turning the water into steam. Curved mirrors called heliostats,
mounted on trackers that shift position with a slight mechanical groan every few seconds. The
heliostats direct the suns light to a central receiver at the top of the tower.
PS10, 624 heliostats, 120 square meters each (nearly 1,300 square feet), concentrate solar radiation
at the top of a115-meter tower (about 377 feet). A receiver at the top transfers the heat directly to
water, and the pressurized steam reaches 250 C. The tower is also supported by a small amount of
natural gas, used when a stretch of rainy or overcast weather prevents the plants full operation and
the stored energy cannot stretch far enough to compensate.

3.2 Cloud Computing

In cloud computing, Cloud refers to software, platforms and infrastructure that are sold "as a
service", remotely through the Internet.
Necessitate for cloud computing: Businessmen, governmental organizations, and people are
concerned about software updates, installation, email servers, anti-viruses, backups, web servers and
both physical and logical security of your data. Thus, cloud computing can help focus more on core
business competency.

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Three types of Cloud computing:

Public cloud- In public cloud system a third party data center provide both disk space and computing
power for all the application software. Amazon web and Google apps
Private cloud- unlike public cloud, you need to set up your own data center and also bear all the
installation & maintenance cost, and have complete control of all your data. This system provides
more security and privacy, but it is more expensive cloud solution to public cloud.
Hybrid cloud- this is a composition of one private cloud and one public cloud. A hybrid cloud is
typically offered in one of two ways- a vendor has a private cloud and forms a partnership with a
vendor who provides private cloud platforms.
Services from a cloud service provider:
1. Infrastructure as a service- service provider bears all the cost of servers, networking equipment,
storage, and back-ups.
2. Platform as a service-service provider only provide platform or a stack of solutions for your users
3. Software as a service- service provider will give your users the service of using their software,
especially any type of applications software
Problems with Cloud Computing: Two major concerns are associated with it -technical
developments, security and privacy. More sensitive data like banking and Governmental data can fall
into the hands of cyber criminals.
Advantages:
1. Easy implementation. Cloud hosting allows business to retain the same applications and
business processes without having to deal with the backend technicalities. Readily
manageable by the Internet, a cloud infrastructure can be accessed by enterprises easily and
quickly.
2. Accessibility. Access your data anywhere, anytime. An Internet cloud infrastructure
maximizes enterprise productivity and efficiency by ensuring your application is always
accessible. This allows for easy collaboration and sharing among users in multiple locations.
3. No hardware required. Since everything will be hosted in the cloud, a physical storage
center is no longer needed. However, a backup could be worth looking into in the event of a
disaster that could leave your company's productivity stagnant.
4. Cost per head. Overhead technology costs are kept at a minimum with cloud hosting
services, enabling businesses to use the extra time and resources for improving the company
infrastructure.
5. Flexibility for growth. The cloud is easily scalable so companies can add or subtract
resources based on their needs. As companies grow, their system will grow with them.
6. Efficient recovery. Cloud computing delivers faster and more accurate retrievals of
applications and data. With less downtime, it is the most efficient recovery plan.
Disadvantages:
1. No longer in control. When moving services to the cloud, you are handing over your data
and information. For companies who have an in-house IT staff, they will be unable to handle
issues on their own. However, Stratosphere Networks has a 24/7 live help desk that can
rectify any problems immediately.
2. May not get all the features. Not all cloud services are the same. Some cloud providers
tend to offer limited versions and enable the most popular features only, so you may not

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receive every feature or customization you want. Before signing up, make sure you know
what your cloud service provider offers.
3. Doesn't mean you should do away with servers. You may have fewer servers to handle
which means less for your IT staff to handle, but that doesn't mean you can let go of all your
servers and staff. While it may seem costly to have data centers and a cloud infrastructure,
redundancy is key for backup and recovery.
4. No Redundancy. A cloud server is not redundant nor is it backed up. As technology may fail
here and there, avoid getting burned by purchasing a redundancy plan. Although it is an
extra cost, in most cases it will be well worth it.
5. Bandwidth issues. For ideal performance, clients have to plan accordingly and not pack
large amounts of servers and storage devices into a small set of data centers
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.3 Nanotechnology
A basic definition: Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular
scale. This covers both current work and concepts that are more advanced.
In its original sense, 'nanotechnology' refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, using
techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products. When K. Eric Drexler (right)
popularized the word 'nanotechnology' in the 1980's, he was talking about building machines on the scale of molecules,
a few nanometres widemotors, robot arms, and even whole computers, far smaller than a cell.

Definition: Nanotechnology is the study and control of phenomena and materials at length scales
below 100 nm.
Current application:
a) Sunscreens and Cosmetics: Nanosized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are currently used in
some sunscreens, as they absorb and reflect ultraviolet (UV) rays and yet are transparent to
visible
b) Clays: Clays containing naturally occurring nanoparticles have long been important as
construction materials. Clay particle based composites containing plastics and Nano-sized
flakes of clay are also finding applications such as use in car bumpers.
c) Composites: Currently, carbon fibres and bundles of multi-walled CNTs are used in polymers
to control or enhance conductivity, with applications such as antistatic packaging.
d) Tougher and Harder Cutting Tools: Cutting tools made of nanocrystalline materials, such as
tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide and titanium carbide, are more wear and erosion-resistant,
Long term applications:
a)

b)

c)
d)
e)

Medical Implants: Nanocrystalline zirconium oxide (zirconia) is hard, wear resistant, biocorrosion resistant and bio-compatible. It therefore presents an attractive alternative
material for implants.
Machinable Ceramics: silicon nitride and silicon carbide, have been used in automotive
applications as high-strength springs, ball bearings and valve lifters, because they exhibit
excellent chemical and high-temperature properties.
Water Purification: Nano-engineered membranes could potentially lead to more energyefficient water purification processes, notably in desalination by reverse osmosis.
Military Battle Suits: energy absorbing material that will withstand blast waves that
incorporate sensors to detect or respond to chemical and biological weapons.
Magnetic material: it is used in computer hard disk devices to store information.

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4. WATER: THE ELIXIR OF LIFE

- C.V. Raman

Introduction:
Sir C.V. Raman is an Indian physicist and one of the greatest Indian scientists. He was awarded the
Nobel Prize in 1930 for his work on molecular scattering of light and for the discovery of the Raman
Effect. Prof. C.V.Raman, has tried to bring about the importance of water.
Since the time immemorial, man has sought in vain for an imaginary elixir of life, the divine Amrita.
A draught of amrita was thought to confer immortality. But in the words of Sir C.V. Raman, the true
elixir of life is the plain water. At the country side water is the most beautiful site. The rain fed tanks
play a vital role in South Indian agriculture. But these tanks are often neglected. Some of them are
large and it is beautiful to see sunrise and sunset in them.
Water has a unique power of maintaining animal and of plant life. Water is the commonest of all
liquids. Without water the land will be barren like the deserts in Egypt. Egypt is made by its river
Nile. On one side of Egypt we see sand and on the other side, densely populated area separated by
the river Nile. The ancient civilization of Egypt was created and sustained by the life giving waters
which comedown year after year with unfailing regularity. He gives this example to emphasize that
the common water is the most potent and the most wonderful thing on the face of our earth.
There is nothing which aids so much to the beauty of the country side as water. It may be just a little
stream trickling over the rocks or it may be a little pond by the way side where the cattle quench
their thirst of an evening. The rain fed tanks that are so common and play a vital role in south Indian
agriculture. It is a cheering sight to see the sun rise or sunset over one of them. Water in a
landscape may be compared to the eyes of a human face. It reflects the mood of an hour, being
bright and gay when the sun shines. It turns to dark and gloomy when the sky is overcast. Therefore,
C V Raman compares water in a landscape to the eyes in a human face.
One of the most remarkable facts about water is its power to carry silt in suspension. This is the
origin of the characteristic colour of the water in rain fed tanks. The soil formed by silt thus
deposited is very fertile. The flow of water can also play a destructive part and wash away the soil
which is the foundation of all agriculture. If it is allowed to proceed unchecked, it will show the most
disastrous effects on the life of our country. The problem of soil erosion is one of the serious
problems in various countries and especially in many parts of India. Soil erosion occurs in successive
steps. It gradually washes away the earth, making agriculture impossible. Sudden bursts of
excessively heavy rain resulting in a large run of surplus water are the principal factors in causing soil
erosion. It can be checked by terracing of the land, construction of bunds to check the flow of water,
the practice of contour cultivation and the planting of appropriate types of vegetation.
Water is the basis of all life. Every animal and plant contains water in its body. Water is essential for
the body, moisture in the soil is equally important for the life and growth of plants and trees. The
conservation and utilization of water is fundamental for human welfare. Much of Indian agriculture
depends on monsoon. It is clear that the adoption of techniques preventing soil erosion would help
to conserve and keep the water where it is wanted.
In India, where we depend on seasonal rainfall, an immense quantity of rain water runs off the
ground. The collection of rain water and utilizing them is very important. Vast areas of land which at
present are scrub jungle. By courageous and well-planned action, it could be turned into fertile and
prosperous country. The planning of trees in every possible way and the development of forest is
one of the most urgent needs of India. Such plantation would check soil erosion.

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Conclusion: In one sense, water is the commonest of liquids and on the other hand contains all
amazing properties which are responsible for its unique power of maintaining plant and animal life.
The investigation of the nature and properties of water is therefore should be of the highest
scientific field of interest.
Write brief answers to the following questions.
1. What makes water one of the most powerful and wonderful thing on the earth?
A: - Humankind always searches in vain for an imaginary elixir of life, the divine Amrita, which is
believed to give us eternal life. But the true elixir of life lies near our hands. It is nothing but the
commonest of all liquids, the plain water! The climatic and geographical difference between the
Libyan dessert (in which we find no signs of vegetation and living atmosphere) and the Valley of the
Nile in Egypt, in which we can notice the most fertile and densely populated areas. This remarkable
difference is responsible only due to the water of the river Nile! Geologists also tell us that the entire
soil of the Nile valley is the creation of the river itself. Egypt country, in fact was made by the Nile
river water.
Water has played a vital role in shaping the course of the earth's history and continues to play the
leading role on earth. There is, In fact, nothing which adds so much to the beauty of the countryside
as water. Hence it is apt to consider water as the most potent and wonderful thing on the face of
our earth.
2. How does water help in the formation of fertile land?
A: - Fertile lands can be made with the help of water as it has power to carry silt in suspension.
Swiftly flowing water can carry fairly large and heavy particles. The finest particles, however, remain
floating within the liquid in spite of their greater density and are carried to great distances. In this
manner, large areas of fertile land have been formed by the silt that was deposited. Such land,
consisting of fine soil is very fertile for agriculture.
3. How does soil erosion happen and what are its main causes?
A:-the transformation of a large amount of silt, soil from any particular area is called soil erosion.
Soil erosion is dangerous to agriculture. The problem of soil erosion is of major significance in
various countries and especially in many parts of India. Soil erosion occurs in successive steps. The
earliest of which may easily pass unnoticed. In the later stages, the cutting up and washing away of
the earth is apparent results in the formation of deep gullies and ravines, which make all agriculture
impossible. Excessively heavy rain in a large run of surplus water is the principal factor in causing soil
erosion. The slop of the land, removal of the natural protective coat of vegetation, the existence of
deep narrow marks made in the ground, and the absence of any checks of such flow are also causes
of soil erosion.
4. What are some measures that are used to prevent soil erosion?
A: - As soil erosion is very harmful to agriculture, we need to take strict measures to prevent it. The
terracing of the land, construction of bunds to check the flow of water, the practice of contour
cultivation, in which ploughing and planting across the slope is made, and the planting of
appropriate types of vegetation are the measures that can be used to check soil erosion. The
systematic plantation of trees in every possible place is also an important measure to prevent soil
erosion.
5. How, according to Sir C.V.Raman, can rainwater as well as the water of rivers be prevented
from going to waste?
A: - It is true that much of Indian agriculture depends on seasonal rainfall. So the conservation of

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rainwater is of utmost important for us. In the countries like India, much of the rainwater flows down
into the streams and the rivers and ultimately finds its way to the sea. Thus incredibly large
quantities of the precious fluid are lost to the country.
We need to harness our rivers and the waters of which now mostly run to waste. The
systematic planting of suitable trees in every possible place is one of the most urgent needs of India.
Such plantation would directly prove a source of untold wealth to the country. The trees would
check soil erosion and conserve the rainfall of the country from flowing away to waste. Vast areas of
land can be turned into fertile land by courageous and well-planned action.
6. Why does the writer say that the study of the nature and properties of water still has plenty
of scope for scientific research?
A: - Water is the basis of all life. It's a naked fact that without having water the existence of life is
impossible. So the conservation and appropriate utilization of water is thus fundamental to human
welfare. In one sense, water is the commonest of liquids. In another sense, it is the most uncommon
of liquids with amazing properties which are responsible for its unique power of maintaining flora
and fauna.
As we have innumerous advantages of water, the investigation of nature and properties of water is
of the highest scientific interest and is far from being an exhausted field of research.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. The Secret of Work

-Swami Vivekananda

Introduction: Swami Vivekananda is a great reformer, missionary and founder of the Ramakrishna
Mission. The Secret of Work is a learned discourse of Swami Vivekananda. It is based on the
philosophy of The Bhagwad Geeta.
Spiritual help: Helping others physically by removing their physical needs, is great, but Spiritual
knowledge is the only thing that can destroy our miseries forever. The only solution of this problem
is to make mankind pure. So helping man spiritually is the highest help that can be given.
Bhagavad Gita on nature of Work: Bhagavad Gita commands to work incessantly. All work is by
nature composed of good and evil. Good action will entail upon us good effect; bad action, bad.
But good and bad are both bondages of the soul. If we do not attach ourselves to the work we do,
it will not have any binding effect on our soul.
Samskara: Any wave (imprints) that rises in the mind does not die out completely, but leave a mark
and a future possibility of its reoccurrence. This is called Samskara. The sum total of the Samskaras
is Character.
Different levels of Character: As the tortoise tucks its feet and head inside the shell, and we may
kill it and break it in pieces, and yet it will not come out, even so the character of that man who has
control over his motives and organs (Indriyas) is unchangeably establishes his character.
The way to go about: Counteract bad tendencies with good ones. Then conquer the good
tendencies also. Thus attached becomes unattached. Work but not let the action or thought
produce a deep impression on the mind.
Attached-Unattached-Master-Slave: Work as if you were a stranger in this land, a sojourner; work
incessantly, but do not bind yourselves; bondage is terrible. When we are becoming attached to

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nature (work) there is the deep impression on the soul, which binds us down and makes us work
not from freedom but like slaves. The whole gist of this teaching is that you should work like a
master and not as a slave.
True love: God is unattached because He loves; that real love makes us unattached. Every act of
love brings happiness. Existence- becomes virtual we see the world. Knowledge of things of the
world and love for the work we do ultimately gives us Bliss.
Two ways of doing unattached work: To attain this unattachment is almost a life-work, but as
soon as we attain this point, we have attained the goal of love and become free. Attachment comes
only when we expect a return. There are two things which guide the conduct of men: might and
mercy. Look upon work as Worship.
Conclusion: Thus, Swami Vivekananda advises to believe in god and give up all fruits unto the Lord.
He proclaims that we have no right to expect anything from the mankind for the work we do
because that is worship.
1. How, according to Swami Vivekananda, can people be made completely free of misery?
A: - Swami Vivekananda is one of the greatest philosophers of India. In his essay, 'The Secret of
Work' he opines that miseries of the world cannot be cured by mundane (worldly) things. Our needs
in this world are unlimited and until man's character changes, one's physical needs will always arise,
and miseries will always be felt. No amount of physical help or worldly help will remove them
completely. The only solution that Vivekananda suggests to this problem is, to make mankind pure.
He suggests that mankind should have light in their hand. One should be spiritually strong and
educated. A spiritually strong man will be strong in every other thing he wishes. Then only miseries
of the world will come to an end. If we can do this, he says that we may even convert every house
into a charitable asylum.
2. What is the nature of work according to the writer? In what spirit should it be done?
A: - In order to explain the nature of work, Vivekananda quotes the words of the Bhagavad Gita,
which suggests to work incessantly (continuously). We cannot do any work which will not do some
good somewhere. Likewise, there cannot also be any work which will not cause some harm
somewhere. Hence, he says that every work necessarily is a mixture of good and evil. Yet we must
work incessantly. While good and evil both have their consequences. Good action will result in good
effect on us and bad action bad. But both good and bad actions bind us in chains.
Hence, he says that we should not have attachment with the works we do. He says we should
solve this problem as the Gita suggests, 'work incessantly but be not attached to it'.
3. How does the idea of 'Samskara' explained in the essay?
A: - The word 'Samskara' means 'inherent tendency'. Vivekananda opines that whatever action ever
do, either good or bad, leaves lasting (continuous) impressions in our mind and they don't die out
entirely. These actions leave a mark of impressions in our mind. By using a simile (making a
comparison) of a lake for the mind, he says that no wave of the lake that rises in it like our actions
dies out entirely, but it leaves a mark and there is every possibility of that wave or action coming out
again. This possibility of the reappearing of wave or actions is called 'Samskara'. Every work that we
do every movement of our body and every thought that we think leaves such an impression on the
mind stuff. Even these impressions are not obvious (appear) on the surface, they work in the
subconscious region of the mind. Vivekananda opines that each man's character is determined by
the sum total of these impressions. These impressions decide one's character too.

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4. What does Vivekananda want to convey by drawing a comparison between a human being
and a tortoise?
A: - Vivekananda opines that a man of character can be compared with a tortoise. As tortoise hides
its feet and head inside the shell and will not come out unless it wishes, even though we may break
the shell into pieces. Likewise, a man of character will never deviate from his ideal principles and
norms. He will totally have control over his motives, his thought process and over his physical
organs.
Vivekananda says that a man of character will commit evils or sins even in the moments of
extreme difficulties. Even when he is placed in any company, under any typical circumstance there is
no danger for him and he will not commit evil actions. He controls his inner forces and nothing can
deviate him from his right path, from his strong will. This is what Vivekananda wants to convey with
this comparison.
5. What does the essay tell us about being 'unattached' in all that we do?
A: - The essay tells us that we should work incessantly but we should not have any attachment with
it. We all should work incessantly but we should not let our actions produce a deep impression on
the mind, it should be unaffected with our works or thoughts of work. The essay also tells us that in
this world, most of the people work like slaves and their work is slaves work. We cannot find
happiness with this kind of tedious (boring; monotonous) work but can only misery. Vivekananda, in
this essay, opines that our work for the things of the world is also selfish work. That is why we are
unable to find any happiness in our work but only misery. If we have constant attachment with the
things of this world like slaves, there cannot be happiness in our life. 'Attachment comes only
where we expect something in return'.
Hence Vivekananda says to be unattached. Attachment is bondage. 'Bondage is terrible'. So
we should be free from this bondage, be unattached from all that we do. Moreover to this, in long
time, we can achieve this detachment by counteracting bad tendencies with good ones. Later good
ones too. Thus attached becomes completely unattached.
6. What are the two ways in which we can work without expecting anything in return?
A: - There are two effective ways which we can work without expecting anything in return. The first
one is 'love'. When we do some work having love in it, we will find happiness in it. Every act of love,
as Vivekananda opines, brings happiness. There is no act of love which does not bring peace and
blessedness in its result. We should love others like we love the members of our family, relatives and
beloved ones.
The second way in which we can work without expecting anything in return is to become
free. We should be free from the attachment with this world. We can attain (achieve) it only we do
not expect anything in return of whatever do for others. Vivekananda remarks that we do love our
children do anything for them without expecting anything in return. Likewise, we should
assume(have) the same attitude towards anybody we come across in our life as we have towards our
children- whatever we do for any person, a city or a state. Hence we should be free from attachment
with the things of the world. We should work like masters of our mind to make ourselves free from
the bondage of nature. Then we can see nature clearly as she (nature)

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6. Work Brings Solace

-A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

Author introduction: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (born 15 Oct. 1931) a scientist,
administrator, aerospace engineer and popularly known as Missile Man of India, also served as
President of India. The present extract Work Brings Solace is taken from his autobiography The
Wings of Fire.
Character of Prof. Wernher Von Braun : Wernher Von Braun was a German Scientist. In the 1920s
he was a member of the VFR in Germany. At first this society was a civilian unit, but soon it became
army unit. By dint of his genius Von Braun became the technical director at the German missile
Laboratory at Kummersdorf.
He was the man who made the lethal V-2 missile that devastated London in the World War II. Von
Barun was later captured by the Allied forces by the United States of America. In honour of his genius,
he was given top position in NASA. He made the rocket Jupiter which was used in the Apollo mission.
Von Barun was a scientist, designer, production engineer, administrator and technology manager.
Though he was the father of modern rocketry he very humble, receptive and encouraging.
Von Barun told Abdul Kalam that one would not just build on success but also on failures mere hard
work will not bring success and honour. One must have vision. There must be a goal. Abdul Kalam
saw something of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai in Werner Von Braun.
Grief in the context of work: Abdul Kalam was depressed by three deaths in the family with a short
span of time, those were his brother-in-law, Jallaluddin; father, Jainulabdeen; and mother, Ashimma.
In order to come out of this depression he needed total commitment to work. He wanted to throw all
his being into creating the SLV. Therefore he suspended Badminton in the evening, weekends and
holidays, and all relations with near and dear ones.
Being Workaholic: To succeed in life or in ones mission, one must have single-minded devotion
to ones goal. He states Total Commitment is the common denominator of all successful men.
The persons who would work towards a desire goal and derived happiness out of that work could be
called Workaholics. To be workaholic a person need to be charged with commitment, good health
and lot of energy.
Theory of FLOW/Attitude towards work: Flow is the joy that one would experience while working
with total commitment and involvement. During this joyous experience, that is, flow, action follows
action. One need not try to do anything consciously. There is no hurry and no distraction to the
workers attention.
Abdul Kalam and the members of his team experienced flow during SLV project that was the reason
why they were all relaxed, fresh and energetic despite working very hard. Abdul Kalam had to wait
sometime for an uninterrupted span of time to regain flow. To get into flow one has to put a much
hard work as one can and have availability of a considerable span of uninterrupted time.
Conclusion: Abdul Kalam through this extract explains his thoughts on work and his attitude towards
it. Kalam proclaims that getting completely involved in work helps to forget our sorrows and problems.
Q. According to Abdul Kalam what kind of a person was Wernher Von Braun ?
A. Wernher Von Braun was a German Scientist. He was a great scientist in the field of rocketry and
missiles. He was a scientist, designer, production engineer, administrator and technology manager,
all rolled into one. He worked as technical director of the German Missile Laboratory. He made the
lethal V-2 missiles that devastated London in World War II. Later Lethal V-2 missiles were the first
missiles to exceed the speed of the sound. At the end of the war Von Braun was captured by the
allied forces headed by the USA. He was not ill-treated but in honour of his genius he was given a

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top position in the rocketry programme at NASA. He worked for the American army and produced
the first IRBM, Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Jupiter missile with a 3000km range.
Abdul Kalam was awed to meet such a great man as Von Braun. He received Von Braun at the
Madras airport and was happy to travel with him in the Avro aircraft from Madras to Trivandrum.
During the 90min flight Von Braun asked Kalam about the progress of Indian Space research and
listened like a student. Kalam found the father of modern rocketry to be a very humble, receptive
and encouraging person. On Braun advised Abdul Kalam to do anything in rocketry on his own if he
wanted to do it. He cited the example of the Americans who looked at every alien product with
great mistrust. He also advised to take successes and failures equally as even failures can teach
more. Mere hard work would not bring honour. One must have vision and conception of the whole
and then work hard to make it a success. Finally he advised Kalam not to make rocketry his
profession or livelihood but make it his religion or mission of life.
Abdul Kalam saw Prof. Sarabhai in Von Braun. This speaks about Kalams admiration for Von Braun,
who had enhanced his wisdom and expanded his vision.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JAGADISH CHANDRA BOSE
What happens if you take a rich magistrate's son and make him learn in a village school sitting
besides the sons of servants and fishermen? He'll hear tales of birds and animals that make him
curious about Nature. And that makes him one of India's first scientists - Jagdish Chandra Bose.
Botanist and physicist Jagadish Chandra Bose was born in Mymensingh, India (now in Bangladesh)
on November 30, 1858. He was educated first at the village school in Faridpur, where his father was
a magistrate, Bhagwan Chandra Bose. Later he migrated to St. Xaviers College, Calcutta at the age
of thirteen. There he met Father Eugene Lafont, who was very interested in promoting modern
science in India. He later went to the UK, where he got degrees from the universities of Cambridge
and London. He also met Prafulla Chandra Ray, another pioneer of Indian science.
He came back and was made a Professor of Physics at Presidency College on the Viceroy's
recommendation. However, the principal and other faculty, who were White, were very racially
biased against him and gave only an acting appointment. He was offered one-third the salary of the
school's white professors, and in protest at this slight he took no salary at all for several years. They
denied him any laboratory facilities, but he carried on his research work, buying equipment with his
own salary.
He remained at Presidency for his entire career, where he assembled the first modern scientific
research facilities in Indian academia. He conducted landmark research of the response of plant and
animal life to stimuli including electricity, light, sound, and touch, and showed how water and sap in
plants and trees is elevated from roots due to capillary action. He invented the Crescograph, an early
oscillating recorder using clockwork gears to measure the growth and movements of plants in
increments as small as 1/100,000 of an inch. His 1902 paper "Responses in the Living and Nonliving" showed that plant and animal tissues share a similar electric-impulse response to all forms of
stimulation, a finding which challenged conventional science of the time, and also showed that even
inanimate objects certain rocks and metals have similar responses. In a 1907 paper Bose
established the electro transmission of excitation in plant and animal tissues, and showed that
plants respond to sound, by growing more quickly in an environment of gentle speech or soft
music, and growing more poorly when subjected to harsh speech or loud music.
Prior to his plant and animal experiments, Bose spent several years experimenting with
electromagnetic waves, and conducted successful wireless signalling experiments in Calcutta in

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1895. The invention of radio is usually credited to G. Marconi, but a comparison of their records
suggests that at certain points of Bose's radio research, he was about a year ahead of the Italian
scientist. In Marconi's first wireless trans-oceanic transmission in 1901 a mercury auto coherer was a
key component of the receiving device, and while Marconi made no acknowledgment of Bose at the
time, subsequent research has shown that Marconi's auto coherer was a near-exact replica of a
mechanism invented by Bose, who explained it in detail in a demonstration at the Royal Society of
London two years earlier.
Bose was the first Indian scientist to be widely respected as an equal in the halls of western science.
When he demonstrated his mechanisms for generating and detecting radio waves in a January 1897
lecture before the Royal Institution in London, it was the first such lecture given by an Indian. He
was elevated to knighthood in 1917, and in 1920 he became the first Indian elected to membership
in the prestigious Royal Society. Bose, who came from a fairly affluent family, had no particular
interest in the profit potential of his work, and refused to file patent claims. A patent was filed by
friends in Bose's name for his 1901 invention of a solid-state diode detector to detect
electromagnetic waves.
He founded the Bose Research Institute in Calcutta in 1917, which continues to conduct scientific
research. He was a contemporary and friend of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. In 1937, Dr. Jagdish
Chandra Bose breathed his last. In the pages of history are recorded the glorious achievements of
many great men whom the world recognises, loves and respects. Such men prove to be a true asset
not only to their own countries but also to the world. Their lives become a message and a source of
inspiration for generations to come.
Dr. Jagdish Chandra Bose was one such personality who became immortal in the field of science. He
was not only a scientist par excellence, but also a warm human being and a modest personality. Dr.
Jagdish Chandra Bose was worthy and illustrious son of our motherland whom the nation feels
proud of. He brought various laurels to our country. Immense hard working capacity, patience and
simplicity were hallmarks of his personality. Dr. Jagdish Chandra Bose was a creative and
imaginative scientist, a connoisseur of literature and a great lover of nature.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DR. HOMI JAHANGIR BHABHA
Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha was an all-time genius whose altruistic efforts actuated a meteoric
revolution in the scientific world. He brought the name of India in the list of seven nuclear powers of
the world. He was a true Indian who put the welfare of the country above personal aggrandizement.
His profound and relentless efforts in nuclear research will always be a source of inspiration. We can
imbibe many lessons from his life.
A visionary, a man of farsightedness and determination Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha was the
architect of Indian atomic energy programme. To be ignorant of the lives of the most celebrated men
of antiquity is to continue to live in a state of childhood all our lives.
Dr. Bhabhas life was an embodiment of noble ideas from which many a lesson can be imbibed.
Homi Bhabha was a man of integrity. He always puts service before self. All through his life he worked
for his country and succeeded in making India a forerunner in the field of nuclear energy.
Born on October 30, 1909 in a well to do Parsi family in Mumbai, he had his early education in
metropolis itself. He did his schooling in Bombays cathedral. After graduating from Elphinstone
College and the Royal Institute of Science, Mumbai, he went to Cambridge for further studies.

Page16of20

He earned his engineering degree in 1930. That was the decade when the world witnessed
numerous scientific advancements in the field of physics, from 1930 to 1934 by means of obtaining
scholarship.
He did significant work in identifying the elementary particles called mesons when the Second
World War broke out in Europe. Dr. Bhabha returned to India. In 1940 he was appointed Reader and
then Professor of physics in the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
It was on August 6, 1945 the first atom Bomb exploded in Hiroshima, Japan. All that remained
was a flattened devastated land. The world was shaken. The incident upset Bhabha. It was only a year
earlier he was contemplating the peaceful use of atomic energy.
In 1945 founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Apart from being an eminent
scientist he was also a skilled administrator; his scientific achievements personal reputation and
friendships with Nehru enabled him to take government finances for atomic programmes and
research.
He was the first chairman of Atomic Energy Commission of India. He led the team of scientists
in setting up Asias first atomic sector Apsara at Trombay. As the Chairman of this commission his
work involved two important areas. One of these was research and development the other was setting
up of reactors and training personnel in specialised work areas.
The nuclear plants at Tarapur, Rana Pratap Sagar and Kalapakkam are the fruition of his efforts.
He was bestowed the honour of being the chairman of the first United States Nation Conference on
the peaceful uses of Atomic Energy held in Geneva in 1955.
He advocated checks and balances on nuclear proliferation and outlawing of atomic bombs by
all countries. He firmly believed that atomic energy should be utilized for constructive purposes alone.
As recognition of his undoubtable efforts and service to the nation he was offered a place in the Union
Cabinet, Bhabha refused it.
Like Gandhiji he never clamoured for honour and recognition. However, he continued to be
the scientific advisor to Nehru and later to Lal Bahadur Shastri.
A talented individual Bhabha took keen interest in music and art. A bachelor all his life, Homi
Jahangir Bhabha dedicated his time and energy to scientific purposes. He played an important role in
scientific temper in the masses.
Instead of searching for employees and scientists for his institute he founded the institute in
order to bring out the vast potential in young scientists and budding talents. His work on atomic
energy brought him many honorary degrees of D.Sc. and Phd in India and abroad.
On Jan 24, 1966, Dr. Babha was going to attend the international conference in Geneva but
unfortunately the plane he was on board crashed on Mount Blanc in the Alps. His mantra work is
worship was so inspiring that when he died the employees of the Tata Institute of Fundamental
Research, worked extra hours to mourn his death.
Today when the world is divided on the issue of nuclear energy, with the super powers
adopting double standards and other countries pursuing policies with vested interests, Bhabhas life
should be a shining example and a token of peace and development in the present nuclear age. His
message can be summed up in the words of Long Fellow Let us then be up and doing with a heart
for any fate; still achieving, still pursuing learn to labour and to wait.
In fact, it was Dr. Bhabha who initiated the process of harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes. Hence, he can be called the architect of Pokhran I and II which too are meant for

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maintenance of peace in the subcontinent in view of nuclear threats from our Northern and Western
neighbours.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vikram Sarabhai
Introduction:
Vikram Sarabhai was one of the greatest scientists of India. He is considered as the Father of
the Indian space program. Apart from being a scientist, he was a rare combination of an innovator,
industrialist and visionary.
Biography:
Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919 at Ahmedabad in an affluent family of
progressive industrialists. He was one of eight children of Ambalal and Sarla Devi. He had his early
education in a private school. Some of the great men of India such as Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal
Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Maulana Azad, C. F. Andrews, Sir C. V. Raman used to stay with the Sarabhai
family when they visited Ahmedabad. Mahatma Gandhi also once stayed at their house while
recovering from an illness. Visits by such great men greatly influenced Vikram Sarabhai.
After his matriculation, Vikram Sarabhai proceeded to Cambridge for his college education and
took the tripos in Natural Sciences from St. John's college in 1940. When World War II began, he
returned home and joined as a research scholar under Sir C. V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore. His interest in solar physics and cosmic ray led him to set up many observation stations
around the country. He built the necessary equipment with which he took measurements at Bangalore,
Poona and the Himalayas. He returned to Cambridge in 1945 and completed his Ph.D in 1947.
Vikram Sarabhai was instrumental in establishing the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in
Ahmedabad in November 1947. The laboratory was established in a few rooms in M.G. Science
Institute of the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded by his parents. Subsequently, it
got support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of
Atomic Energy.
Vikram Sarabhai did research on the time variations of cosmic rays and concluded that
meteorological effects could not entirely affect the observed daily variations of cosmic rays; further,
the residual variations were wide and global and these were related to variations in solar activity.
Vikram Sarabhai visualized a new field of research opening up in solar and interplanetary Physics.
The year 1957-1958 was designated as International Geo-physical year (IGY). The Indian
program for the IGY had been one of the most significant ventures of Sarabhai. It exposed him to the
new vistas of space science with the launching in 1957 of Sputnik-I. Subsequently, the Indian National
Committee for Space Research was created, of which Vikram Sarabhai became Chairman.
With active support from Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, set up the first Rocket Launching
station (TERLS) in the country at Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram on the Arabian Coast, as Thumba
is very close to the Equator. The first rocket with sodium vapour payload was launched on November
21, 1963.
As a result of Dr. Sarabhai's dialogue with NASA in 1966, the Satellite Instructional Television
Experiment (SITE) was launched during July 1975 July 1976 (when Dr. Sarabhai was no more). Dr.
Sarabhai started a project for the fabrication and launch of an Indian satellite. As a result, the first
Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was put in orbit in 1975 from a Russian Cosmodrome.
After the sudden death of Homi Bhabha in an air crash, Vikram Sarabhai was appointed
Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission in May 1966. He wanted the practical application of science to
reach the common man. He decided to acquire competence in advance technology for the solution
of countrys problems based on technical and economic evaluation of its real resources. He initiated
Indias space programme, which today is renowned all over the world.

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To train efficient managers of factories, he started the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at
Ahmedabad. Of all the institutions, he established the most important were the Indian Space Research
Organization with Centers at Thumba, Ahmedabad, Shriharikota and Arvi. He established Rocket
Launching Stations at Thumba and Shrihatikota. Along with his work on the science front, he took
utmost interest and managed family business of Textiles and Pharmaceuticals. He died suddenly in
1971, aged fifty-two, at the height of his creative career.
Conclusion:
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was awarded with Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Medal in 1962 and Padma Bhushan
in 1966. Vikram Sarabhai passed away in his sleep on December 31, 1971. The Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre, (VSSC), which is the Indian Space Research Organization's lead facility for launch
vehicle development located in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), capital of Kerala state, is named
in his memory.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. A Shadow

-R.K.Narayan

Introduction:
R. K. Narayan (10 October 1906 13 May 2001), full name Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer
Narayanaswami, was an Indian writer, best known for his works set in the fictional South Indian
town of Malgudi. He is one of three leading figures of early Indian literature in English (alongside
Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao), and is credited with bringing the genre to the rest of the world.
"A Shadow" is about a young boy, Sambu who desires watching a movie because his father is the
main star of it. Before the movie comes out, his father dies. The story goes on to describe how
watching the movie, even to his mother's reluctance, makes him feel closer to his late father.
Summary: Sambu, the young son of his dead father begs four annas to see the film the next day.
But his mother feels fear in her heart because she does not want to see her husband again on film
screen because he was dead since six months ago. She fears that her husband may not be seen on
screen. She had a vague idea that the producers would not release the picture in which her husband
was acting.
Sambus mother could not tolerate the view shown by the young boys who holding the pictures of
her husband were moving across and along the road. The mass protest rose. But at last she came to
know that the picture was going to be shown and her husband was again going to speak, move, and
sing and so on.
Actually, Sambu was highly delighted as if his father had come back to life. He repeatedly asked his
mother to see the picture. But she explained that she could not tolerate to see her husband again
move and speak like alive. Sambu explained her that a mere photo was also no more different that
from film photo.
Sambu could not do his class properly. Getting a chance, he would speak up to his friends that his
father had been paid ten thousand rupees for the film acting. Sambu persuaded his friend to go to
cinema for observing the show acted and story written by his father. Previously his father had told
him the gist of the story. The story was about a young girl named Kumari who was forced to marry
at the age of fourteen and who refused and wanted to study in a university and earn an
independent living. Then after, she was away by her stern father who was not other than Sambus
father.
Sambu was seen sitting in the film hall eagerly waiting for the picture to begin. Since his fathers

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death he had not seen any film and the hall started to be darkened. After the show of trailers, the
real picture started. His father came on the screen. He was wearing the dhoti and shirt he used to
wear at home. Then Sambu saw a little girl on the screen to have been patted on her head by him.
The girl was with a slate on her knee and he started dictating to her. He asked her a little arithmetic
to which she accurately answered. Then his father was delighted. Sambu remembered how he once
committed mistake in solving a puzzle.
After the film ended, Sambu gazed at the aperture in the projection room as if his father had
vanished into it. The world seemed very lonely to him and he started running to his house where his
mother had been waiting for him. He told his mother that it was a lovely film show and he also
narrated how his father sang and acted. His mother listened to him in grim silence. He also asked
her why she did not say anything. He also requested her to give him four annas every day for film.
His mother warned him to be careful for his study.
Then she refused to go to film but Sambu went every day and at the end of every show, he felt
sorrow because his father was no more seen. Sambu was always longing for to have his fathers
company, but his mother felt sorrow at his neglect in study. His mother was unable to understand
his carvings for the film enacted by his father.
After a long persuasion, Sambus mother agreed to go to film. Both son and mother went to the
cinema at the night show. She sat in the womens row. She gathered all her courage to view the
picture. After trailer, the real show began and by the time, she had been ready and her heart started
beating faster. She could see her husband talking to her, singing and playing with children and
everything seemed as usual. She felt the show as an affliction to her and she shut her eyes several
times.
Then she came to saw her husband sitting in a chair reading newspaper. She remembered how he
had been reading the newspaper before he died. Now she could not control her. The scene was
really unbearable and she started sobbing.
Meanwhile Sambu was observing his father on screen and father was talking with a girl named
Kumari who was about to cry. Immediately Sambu heard a high-pitched sobbing from womens
class (row). People present there shouted for light to on, because there was an accident. Sambu
woke up and saw his mother was being lifted from the floor. So he impatiently rushed to the spot
and found his mother being faint. Coming back to her sense, she told Sambu to go away. They both
left the place ridding a small horse carriage. Sambu realized it was the last parting from his father.
1. Contrast Sambu's and his mother's responses to the film.
A: - A Shadow is one of the popular works of R.K.Narayan. The literal meaning of 'shadow' is simply,
the reflection of a person or things. While, in this lesson, the word 'shadow' has a symbolic meaning
which denotes the harrowing (unpleasant) past experiences of a widow's husband, following her like
a shadow.
Sambu likes the film a lot. In fact, he has been eagerly waiting for the release of the film as
he has been missed his father since his death. When he goes to the theatre to see it, he enjoys every
moment of the movie. He feels very happy to see his father walking, dressing, singing and
everything. When he sees the action between his father and a girl, Kumari, he recollects his past
experiences with his father at home. He even feels very disappointed when the movie ends and
looks at the projection room as if his father has vanished into it. He wants to see the movie every
day and he does so.
In contrast, Sambu's mother does not even want to see her husband again on the film screen

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as he died since six months ago. She does not hate her husband, in fact, but she does not want to
recollect her past experiences with her husband. Because of the persistent requests of her son,
Sambu, she goes to theatre. He feels very discomfort to sit, accumulate all her courage to sit down
in the hall. Her heart beats fast when he sees her husband walking, dressing, singing and playing
with children. She feels the show as an affliction (a cause of pain) to her. Unable to bear to watch the
movie, eventually (finally) she becomes fainted.
2. Why does Sambu's mother faint during the screening?
A: - Sambu's mother does not want to recall the past memories of her husband. Perhaps, she does
not want her husband commanding her for something. She does not also like to see her husband
reclining (bending back to take rest) in a chair and absorbing (deeply involve) in newspaper without
caring any family responsibility. Losing her temper for this behaviour of her husband, she, once in
her past life said, You and your newspaper!" of which he does not bother it. When she watches
the scene of her husband leaning back in a chair reading newspaper and shouting at Kumari, who
was about to cry, Sambu's mother unable to control herself. She feels the total movie as an affliction
to her. The scene is unbearable to her and that is why she sobs, eventually breakdowns and faints in
the hall.