Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Lesson Science and Spirituality Summary, Line by Line Explanation, along with difficult word meanings from English Kumarbharati Book
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Science and Spirituality Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English
Adapted from the ‘What Can I Give’ by Srijan Pal Singh
- Science and Spirituality Introduction
- Theme of the Lesson Science and Spirituality
- Science and Spirituality Summary
- Science and Spirituality Summary in Hindi
- Science and Spirituality Lesson Explanation
Science and Spirituality Introduction
The chapter “Science and Spirituality” is adapted from the ‘What Can I Give’ by Srijan Pal Singh. The chapter delves into the connection between two seemingly opposite ways of understanding the world: science, which relies on reason and evidence, and spirituality, which focuses on deeper meaning and connection.
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Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson Science and Spirituality
The importance themes that emerge in the chapter are-
The power of service and giving: The story of Father Pereira and the community highlights how selflessness and prioritizing the greater good can lead to positive outcomes. Dr. Kalam’s interactions with various figures all emphasize the importance of living a life dedicated to serving others.
Finding meaning through different paths: The passage showcases how science, religion, and acts of service can all contribute to a meaningful life. Dr. Sarabhai bridges the gap between science and religion, demonstrating that both seek to improve humanity. Similarly, Dr. Kalam finds inspiration from a scientist, a religious leader, and even his own father, suggesting that wisdom can come from various sources.
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Science and Spirituality Summary
Part I
This part argues that science and religion don’t have to conflict. It uses the example of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a scientist who believed both science and faith are important.
Dr. Kalam thought science provides focus and helps solve problems, while faith offers perspective on the impact of discoveries. He saw his father, a religious man who lived simply, as an example of how religion and a good life go together.
Dr. Kalam admired how different religious leaders (a Hindu priest, a Christian priest, and his Muslim father) could come together to solve problems in their community.
This highlights the importance of dialogue and cooperation between science and religion for the betterment of humanity.
Part II
This part tells a story about how Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a scientist, convinced the local people to relocate from their land to make way for a space research center.
The land was important to the community because it included a church, a school, and fishing grounds. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Kalam approached Father Pereira, the local bishop, who initially resisted the move as it meant giving up their homes and religious institutions. Father Pereira, explained how science can improve lives and compared their work to the good done by religion. The community, after a moment of silence, agreed to relocate, allowing the space center to be built. However, they were offered alternative accommodation.
Part III
This part explores the concept of giving as a source of strength and happiness, inspired by Dr. Kalam’s interactions with various people.
Dr. Kalam learned from Professor Dhawan that academic brilliance is meaningless without a pure and ethical life dedicated to serving humanity. He witnessed the immense strength and dedication of Shivakumara Swamiji, who ran a free education system for thousands of children.
Dr. Kalam reflects on the teachings of countless great men. He concludes that the spirit of “What can I give?” is the key to a happy life and a peaceful society. This contrasts with the destructive attitude of “What can I take?”.
Inspired by this idea, Dr. Kalam later launched the “What Can I Give?” movement to address social issues.
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Science and Spirituality Summary in Hindi
भाग एक
यह भाग इस बात का तर्क देता है कि विज्ञान और धर्म में टकराव नहीं होना चाहिए। यह उदाहरण के तौर पर वैज्ञानिक डॉ. ए.पी.जे. अब्दुल कलाम का उपयोग करता है, जो दोनों विज्ञान और आस्था को महत्वपूर्ण मानते थे।
डॉ. कलाम सोचते थे कि विज्ञान फोकस प्रदान करता है और समस्याओं को सुलझाने में मदद करता है, जबकि आस्था खोजों के प्रभाव के बारे में नजरिया देती है। उन्होंने अपने पिता, जो एक धार्मिक व्यक्ति थे और सादा जीवन जीते थे, को एक उदाहरण के रूप में देखा कि कैसे धर्म और एक अच्छा जीवन साथ चलते हैं।
डॉ. कलाम ने प्रशंसा की कि कैसे विभिन्न धर्मगुरु (एक हिंदू पुजारी, एक ईसाई पादरी और उनके मुस्लिम पिता) अपने समुदाय में समस्याओं को सुलझाने के लिए एक साथ आते थे।
यह मानवता की बेहतरी के लिए विज्ञान और धर्म के बीच संवाद और सहयोग के महत्व को रेखांकित करता है।
भाग दो
यह भाग वैज्ञानिक डॉ विक्रम साराभाई की कहानी बताता है कि कैसे उन्होंने अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान केंद्र बनाने के लिए स्थानीय लोगों को उनकी जमीन छोड़ने के लिए राज़ी किया।
यह जमीन समुदाय के लिए महत्वपूर्ण थी क्योंकि इसमें एक चर्च, एक स्कूल और मछली पकड़ने के लिए एरिया शामिल थे। स्थानीय बिशप फादर पेरेरा ने शुरू में इस कदम का विरोध किया क्योंकि इसका मतलब उनके घरों और धार्मिक संस्थानों को छोड़ना था। डॉ. साराभाई ने डॉ. कलाम के साथ मिलकर यह समझाया कि कैसे विज्ञान जीवन को बेहतर बना सकता है और उन्होंने अपने काम की तुलना धर्म द्वारा किए गए अच्छे कार्यों से की। समुदाय, एक पल की चुप्पी के बाद, स्थानांतरित होने के लिए सहमत हो गया, जिससे अंतरिक्ष केंद्र का निर्माण हो सका। हालांकि, उन्हें वैकल्पिक आवास की पेशकश की गई थी।
भाग तीन
यह भाग विभिन्न लोगों के साथ डॉ कलाम की बातचीत से प्रेरित होकर देने के सिद्धांत को शक्ति और खुशी के स्रोत के रूप में बताता है।
डॉ. कलाम ने प्रोफेसर धवन से सीखा कि मानवता की सेवा के लिए समर्पित शुद्ध और नैतिक जीवन के बिना शैक्षिक प्रतिभा निरर्थक है। उन्होंने शिवकुमार स्वामीजी की अपार शक्ति और समर्पण को देखा, जो हजारों बच्चों के लिए निःशुल्क शिक्षा प्रणाली चलाते थे।
डॉ. कलाम प्रमुख स्वामीजी (कार्यों की अच्छाई), फादर पेरेरा और डॉ. साराभाई (निस्वार्थ सेवा), स्वामी शिवानंद और उनके अपने पिता जैसे विभिन्न हस्तियों की शिक्षाओं पर विचार करते हैं। वह निष्कर्ष निकालते हैं कि “मैं क्या दे सकता हूँ?” की भावना सुखी जीवन और शांतिपूर्ण समाज की कुंजी है। यह “मैं क्या ले सकता हूँ?” के विनाशकारी रवैये के विपरीत है।
इस विचार से प्रेरित होकर, डॉ. कलाम ने बाद में सामाजिक मुद्दों को दूर करने के लिए “व्हाट कैन आई गिव?” आंदोलन की शुरुआत की।
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Science and Spirituality Lesson Explanation
Passage: We often witness conflict between two groups of people – one that believes in science and the other that believes in religion.
Word Meaning
Witness: To observe or see something happening.
Conflict: A disagreement or argument between people.
Explanation: Sometimes there are disagreements between people who trust science for answers and those who look to religion for answers.
Passage: Dr Kalam was a great scientist-this is indisputable. But he was also convinced that fact and faith can, together, create a better planet. He once told me, ‘Science and faith must coexist for the human good. Science provides focus-focus helps us solve questions, discover the truth and conceive inventions. Faith provides perspective – perspective helps us see how our creations and discoveries go on to impact a combination vital for the success of societies. Science accelerates progress and faith curbs it within reasonable limitations. If the two function true to their roles, they will work together for the betterment of humanity.’
Word Meaning
Indisputable: impossible to doubt or argue against
Coexist: exist together peacefully
Conceive: to form an idea or plan in the mind
Perspective: a particular way of considering something
Curbs: limits or controls something
Explanation: Dr. Kalam (an esteemed scientist and former President of India) believed that science and religion are both important for making the world a better place.
Science is all about asking questions, finding answers, and making new things. It helps us learn about the world around us.
Faith, on the other hand, gives us a bigger picture. It helps us understand how our actions and inventions affect the world and the people in it. It also keeps us grounded and makes sure that scientific progress is used for good.
Imagine science as a powerful car engine and faith as the steering wheel. The engine gives the car the power to move, but the steering wheel guides it in the right direction. When they work together, humanity can grow positively.
Passage: Dr Kalam’s own life was nourished by multiple faiths. His father, a boatman, also served as an imam at their local mosque, and his two best friends were from two different religions-one was a Hindu and the other was a Christian. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal was the head priest of the famous Rameswara temple and a Vedic scholar, and the Reverend Father Bodal had built the first church on Rameswara Island. Dr Kalam recalled how ‘All three of them, in the unique attire of their religion, used to sit and discuss the community’s problems and find solutions. Throughout the nation and the world, the need to have a frank dialogue among cultures, religions and civilizations is felt now more than ever.’
Word Meaning
Nourished: Sustained, nurtured, or fed.
Reverend Father: A title used to address a priest in the Christian Church.
Explanation: Dr. Kalam grew up around different religions. His dad, a Muslim, was a boatman and also a religious leader at the mosque. His two closest friends were from completely different religions – one Hindu and one Christian.
There was a respected Hindu priest named Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal and a Christian priest named Father Bodal who lived there too. Even though they all followed different faiths, Dr. Kalam remembered how they would sit together, wearing the unique clothing representing their religions, and talk about problems in their community and find ways to solve them.
This story shows how important it is for people of different religions to talk openly and honestly with each other, just like Dr. Kalam said, it is something everyone should do around the world.
Passage: When asked where he got his humility from Dr Kalam would always attribute it to his father. In him, he saw how simplicity and divinity could go together. Even though his father was a boatman and Dr Kalam went on to become the President of India, they shared the same values in life. Both believed that if one leads a spiritual life then that spirituality can lift them out of any kind of confusion, misery or failure.
Word Meaning
Humility: A modest view of one’s own importance; humbleness.
Attribute: To credit someone or something with something.
Simplicity: The state of being plain and uncomplicated.
Divinity: The state of being a god or goddess; sacredness.
Explanation: Whenever people asked Dr. Kalam about his modesty, he would credit his father. Dr. Kalam witnessed how his father, despite being a simple boatman, had both humility and a sense of deep spiritual connection. Even though Dr. Kalam achieved great success, his and his father’s social positions differed greatly. However, they shared core values. Both Dr. Kalam and his father believed that living a spiritual life could help overcome challenges and hardships.
Passage: In the 1960, when Dr Kalam joined ISRO, it was just a fledgling organization. His interactions with the great scientist Professor Vikram Sarabhai and the Reverend Peter Bernard Pereira, shaped his thoughts on religion. It was here that he learnt about the true meanning of religious service. Professor Sarabhai and his team had selected a site in Thumba, Kerala, to set up their space research facility. It was an ideal site due to its proximity to the magnetic equator. But there was a major roadblock in getting possession of the site as it was the fishing grounds of Thumba’s fishermen. Moreover, it had an old church of St Mary Magdalene, a bishop’s house and a school, which was under the administration of the church. Government officials predicted that it would be impossible to relocate so many people from the site and destroy religious institutions for the sake of a space research centre.
Word Meaning
Fledgling: Immature, young, or in the early stages of development.
Proximity: Nearness in space or distance.
Roadblock: A major obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress.
Possession: The act of having or controlling something.
Administration: The act or process of managing something.
Explanation: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the 1960s, when it was a new and developing organization.
Dr. Kalam’s interactions with two important persons shaped his views on religion, Professor Vikram Sarabhai, a leading Indian scientist and Reverend Peter Bernard Pereira.
Professor Sarabhai and his team chose Thumba, Kerala, to establish a space research facility. This location was ideal because of its closeness to the equator, which is beneficial for space launches due to its magnetic properties. The chosen site was visited by fishermen for fishing. There were also several religious structures present – an old church, a bishop’s house, and a school managed by the church.
Government officials believed acquiring this land would be extremely difficult. They thought it would be insensitive to displace the fishermen and demolish religious buildings for a space center.
Passage: But upon Dr Sarabhai’s persistence, it was suggested that they approach the only person who could help them in this situation- Father Pereira, the then bishop of the region.
Word Meaning
Persistence: continuing to do something despite difficulty or opposition
Explanation: Despite facing challenges in acquiring land for a scientific project, Dr. Sarabhai didn’t give up. As a last resort, someone suggested approaching a powerful figure in the region who could potentially help – Father Pereira, the bishop at that time.
Passage: Dr Sarabhai and Dr Kalam approached Father Pereira on a Saturday evening. The Reverend said, ‘Oh Vikram, you are asking me for my children’s abode, for my abode, and for God’s abode. How is it possible?’ Father Pereira then invited the party to visit the church on a Sunday morning. Dr Sarabhai, his team, and the forever-inquisitive disciple, Dr Kalam, took up the offer.
Word Meaning
Bishop: This is a high-ranking official in the Christian Church.
Reverend: It is a title of respect used before the name of a member of the clergy, particularly in Christian churches.
Explanation: Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Kalam went to see Father Pereira on a Saturday evening to talk to him about the land required for the Space station. Father Pereira describes the land as his home, his children’s home and God’s home. Father Pereira is expressing his doubt about giving up the land. He sees it as essential for the community’s life, his own role, and their faith. Despite his initial hesitation, Father Pereira invites Dr. Sarabhai and his team to visit the church on a Sunday morning. This suggests he might be open to finding a solution.
Passage: At church the next Sunday, the Reverend invited Dr Sarabhai up to the dais after the prayer service. Turning to everyone present, he said, ‘Dear children, here is a scientist, Dr Vikram Sarabhai. What does science do for us? We benefit from the devices that science has developed to light up our homes. I am able to talk to you using this mic, thanks to technological advancement. Medical science allows doctors to diagnose and treat patients. Science and technology enhance the overall comfort and quality of human life. And what do I do as a preacher? I pray for you, for your well-being, and for your peace. In short, Vikram and I are doing the same job. Both science and spirituality seek the Almighty’s blessings for the prosperity of the human mind and body.
Word Meaning
Dais: A raised platform at the front of a room or hall, often used by a speaker or other important person.
Diagnose: To identify the nature of an illness or condition.
Almighty: Having unlimited power; all-powerful.
Explanation: The next day at Church, Father invited Dr. Sarabhai to the platform after the prayer service. The Father emphasized the benefits of scientific advancements in our daily lives. He mentioned examples like light, communication and medicine. The Father emphasized the underlying unity between science and religion. He said that both Dr. Sarabhai (scientist) and himself (preacher) are working towards the same goal – the betterment of humanity. Both work with God’s blessings.
Passage: ‘Dear children, Dr Vikram says that, within a year, he wants to build scientific facilities near the sea coast, replacing all the settlements that now stand there. Now, can you give up your abode? Can I give up my abode? Can we give up God’s abode for such a great scientific mission?’ Dr Kalam recalled how he witnessed ‘a pindrop silence for a long moment’. Then everyone got up, and the whole church reverberated with the deafening noise of a collective ‘amen’.
Word Meaning
Abode: A dwelling place or home.
Reverberated: Echoed loudly or repeatedly.
Explanation: Dr. Vikram proposed building scientific facilities near the coast, moving the existing people out of the land. The Father questioned the idea of giving up people’s homes and a place of worship for the cause of science. There was a moment of silence where people thought about the question.
Everyone agreed to Dr. Vikram’s plan with a loud and clear “amen,” suggesting they prioritized scientific advancement over their homes and religious space.
Passage: And so work on the research centre was soon under way. But not without alternate accomodation being offered to the affected fishermen, the church and the Reverend Pereira.
Word Meaning
alternate : different or substitute.
accommodation : a place to live or stay.
Explanation: The construction of the research center began quickly.The people affected (fishermen, the church, and Reverend Pereira) were offered new, temporary places to stay as the research center construction had disturbed their usual homes and workplaces.
Passage: A few years later, in the early 1980s, Professor Satish Dhawan, the Director of ISRO, under whom Dr Kalam had made his first unsuccessful launch in 1970 and then a successful one in 1980, had provided him with more soul-shaping wisdom.
Word Meaning
Soul-shaping wisdom: knowledge, principles, or insights that have a profound and lasting impact on who you are as a person, shaping your core values and guiding your life choices.
Explanation: Professor Satish Dhawan was the Director of ISRO in the early 1980s and Dr. Kalam worked under his leadership. The team had a failed Satellite Vehicle launch in 1970 and had a successful Satellite Vehicle launch in 1980. Prof. Dhawan was a supportive leader who offered Dr. Kalam valuable advice after the initial failure. He offered Dr. Kalam valuable advice or guidance that had a deep impact on him, shaping Dr. Kalam’s approach to his work and even his life.
Passage: One day in 2012, we were discussing the number of Ph.Ds Dr Kalam had received. He said to me, ‘Srijan, Professor Dhawan had so many master’s degrees- all from the best institutions, no less-so I asked him how one can become so academically accomplished. He responded saying that academic brilliance is no different from the brilliance of a mirror, which can be diminished by a coating of dust. Only when the dust is removed, does the mirror shine and the reflection becomes clear. We can remove the impurities obscuring our souls by living pure and ethical lives, and by serving humanity. And then God will shine through us.’ These words took me back to my meeting with Dr Kalam after my graduation from IIMA, in 2009. At the time, he had advised me to use my degree and gold medal to transform the society I lived in. Back in the present moment, it suddenly struck me that Dr Kalam’s advice had, in fact, directly resonated from Professor Dhawan’s beliefs. The more I lived and worked with Dr Kalam, the more I realized that through his words of wisdom I was getting to learn from countless great minds.
Word Meaning
Accomplished: Having achieved a lot of success or skill.
Diminished: Reduced in strength, amount, or importance.
Impurities: Substances that make something dirty or impure.
Obscuring: Hiding or making something difficult to see or understand.
Ethical: Relating to moral principles, especially the correctness of one’s actions and attitudes.
Resonated: Had a strong and lasting effect on someone.
Explanation: The discussion starts with Dr. Kalam mentioning Professor Dhawan’s many master’s degrees from prestigious institutions. Srijan likely expressed admiration for Professor Dhawan’s academic achievements. Dr. Kalam then shared Professor Dhawan’s response to Srijan’s question about academic success. Professor Dhawan compared academic brilliance to a mirror – it can be impressive, but it’s true value is lessened if there is a layer of dust on it. He also says that academic achievements alone are not enough – a good character and service to others are more important.
The conversation triggered a memory for Srijan. He recalled Dr. Kalam’s earlier advice (in 2009) to use his academic achievements (degree and gold medal) to improve the society. Srijan connected Dr. Kalam’s advice with Professor Dhawan’s belief. He realized that Dr. Kalam’s wisdom is built upon the teachings of other great minds like Professor Dhawan.
Srijan reflected on how interaction with Dr. Kalam allowed him to learn from countless wise people.
Passage: In April 2009, Dr Kalam was invited to attend the 102nd birthday celebrations of His Holiness Dr Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. Mahaswamiji is a remarkable person, who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity. His greatest contribution is the establishment of a free residential education system for more than nine thousand children in the ashram. The most astonishing aspect of the entire event of his birthday was that the 102 year old Swamiji stood on his feet without any support! He looked as steady and alert as any other youngster present there. This display of inner strength touched Dr Kalam deeply.
Word Meaning
Astonishing: Extremely surprising and impressive.
Inner strength: Mental and emotional fortitude, resilience.
Explanation: The paragraph describes Dr. Kalam attending the 102nd birthday celebration of a revered Indian spiritual leader, His Holiness Dr Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji. It happened in April 2009 in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, India. It was the 102nd birthday celebration of His Holiness Dr Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji, who is addressed with titles denoting high respect – “His Holiness” and “Mahaswamiji.” He is described as a remarkable person dedicated to serving humanity. His greatest contribution was establishing a free residential education system for over 9,000 children in his ashram. The most surprising thing for Dr. Kalam was that the 102-year-old Mahaswamiji stood unsupported, appeared strong and alert like a young person. This display of inner strength deeply impressed Dr. Kalam.
Passage: A couple of days later, we were discussing this unusual birthday party. I said to him, ‘Sir, do you know, only four out of 1 lakh people cross the age of 100?’ I had googled the subject beforehand. He replied, ‘But how many of these four would be able to stand tall for half an hour, give a wise discourse, and then go on to feed thousands of children?’ Of course nobody could know the exact answer to his question but the question itself led to many other relevant queries. ‘I wonder what powers Mahaswamiji possesses that keep him so strong at such an advanced age ? Maybe it’s a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, or perhaps it’s genetics?’ I asked.
Word Meaning
Preceding: coming before something else in time.
Unusual: not typical or normal.
Discourse: a formal discussion on a particular subject.
Prehand: beforehand; in advance.
Advanced: far on in time, development, or skill.
Possesses: has or owns something.
Genetics: the branch of biology that deals with the hereditary characteristics of organisms.
Explanation: The conversation takes place a couple of days after attending a birthday party of Mahaswamiji. The author is impressed by Mahaswamiji’s longevity and says that only a very small percentage of people (4 out of 100,000) live past 100 years of age. Dr. Kalam added another layer to the impressive nature of Mahaswamiji’s age. He wondered how many of the fortunate few who lived to be one hundred could maintain the strength to stand for thirty minutes, deliver a wise speech, and then feed thousands of children.No one had the perfect answer to his question. He pointed out that not only is Mahaswamiji very old, but he’s also physically and mentally strong.The author thought of the reasons behind Mahaswamiji’s strength. He proposed two possible explanations: a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet or perhaps genetics.
Passage: Dr Kalam sat contemplating deeply. He recollected the tenet of goodness of action from Pramukh Swamiji. Then, perhaps swimming in silence to the shores of Mahapragyaji, he gathered the sands of conscience to be our guide, our best friend. Deeper down in the space-time of memory, he must have heard Professor Brahma Prakash’s words about the need of living a pure and ethical life, and Father Pereira’s and Dr Sarabhai’s lesson of selflessness in service. Eventually his thoughts would have settled on Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, in whom he saw great tranquility, and finally they must have come full circle with the memory of the life of simplicity of his father, who always espoused the value of giving back.
Word Meaning
contemplating deeply: thinking very seriously and thoughtfully.
recollected: remembered something from the past.
tenet: a principle or belief that is held to be important.
tranquility: a state of peace and calmness.
espoused: publicly supported or advocated for a belief or value.
Explanation: Dr. Kalam was lost in deep thought. He remembered a teaching from Pramukh Swamiji about the importance of doing good deeds. It was like a silent journey that led him to find the wisdom of a clear inner voice, a guiding force like a best friend. He also recalled Professor Brahma Prakash’s words about living honestly and with good moral values, as well as the lessons of selflessness in service from Father Pereira and Dr. Sarabhai. His thoughts then turned to Swami Sivananda, who spread calmness, and finally settled on the memory of his simple and giving father.
Passage: At long last, he spoke. ‘It is the very spirit of What Can I Give.’ He elaborated, ‘Mahaswamiji lives with the beliefs and ethos of our mission. He gives and gives – education to famished minds, food to famished bodies. In giving so much, he becomes strong. His munificence fuels his strength. That is what keeps him standing tall and active in life. The essence of a happy life and a peaceful society lies in one sentence -What can I give?’
Word Meaning
Ethos: The characteristic spirit of a culture, religion, or community.
Munificence: Extreme generosity or liberality.
Essence: The core nature or most important quality of something.
Explanation: Finally, Dr. Kalam said something important.He said that Mahaswamiji follows the idea of “What Can I Give?”. This means he focuses on helping others, not just taking things for himself. Mahaswamiji offered education to those who needed it and food to those who were hungry. By giving so much to others, Mahaswamiji himself gained strength. The more he gives (his generosity), the stronger he becomes. This is what kept him healthy and active.
The speaker concluded that the key to a happy life and a peaceful world is to focus on giving, not just getting.
Passage: ‘Turning to me, he asked, ‘What is the reverse of “What can I give?” Circumspectly I replied, ‘What can I…take?’ ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘and that is the thought which is responsible for all the wrong we see around us. We think that we can take from the environment and destroy it indiscriminately; we think of what we can take from other humans, leading us to corruption and inequity. This attitude of taking and taking even destroys families. To keep this planet liveable and the human race thriving, we have to replace this attitude of ‘what can I take’ with the goodness of ‘what can I give’.
Word Meaning
Circumspectly: In a cautious and prudent way.
Reverse: The opposite of something.
Indiscriminately: Without making a difference or distinction.
Inequity: Lack of fairness or justice.
Explanation: Dr. Kalam asked what the opposite of “What can I give?” is. The author answered “What can I take?” Dr. Kalam said this way of thinking (“What can I take?”) is responsible for a lot of bad things in the world. People take from the environment and ruin it. People take from others, which leads to corruption and unfairness. People take from their families, which can tear them apart. The solution is to switch our thinking to “What can I give?” This kindness is what will keep the world healthy and humans happy.
Passage: The gravity of the message struck me. This challenge became my silent motivation. Three years later, in 2012, this idea became a reality as our What Can I Give movement, through which Dr Kalam tried to combat corruption, environmental degradation and social evils.
Word Meaning
Gravity: In this context, it doesn’t refer to the physical force that pulls objects down. Instead, it means the seriousness or importance of the message.
Struck: Here, struck doesn’t mean physically hit. It means that the message had a deep impact on the author.
Explanation: The message stuck with the author. The message made him want to do something good. Three years later, in 2012, he was able to turn the idea into a reality.
This resulted in the “What Can I Give” movement, which worked on solving problems like corruption, pollution, and unfairness in society.
Passage: It is important that we ask ourselves this question for in the answer lies the truth of humanity. So go ahead and question yourself. What can I give? The answers will be astounding.
Word Meaning
Astounding: Extremely surprising and impressive.
Humanity: The qualities or characteristics that distinguish humans, especially the ability to reason.
Explanation: The author said that figuring out what you can give to others is a really important question. Instead of just thinking about what you want to get, take some time to ask yourself: “What can I offer others?” One might be surprised by the great things one can give.