NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7 Carrier of Words & Words

Quick links:

• Kaveri Chapter 7 Question Answers
• Kaveri Chapter 7 Poem Answers
• Chapter 7 English to Hindi Translation
• Poem 7 English to Hindi Translation
• Kaveri Chapter 7 Summary in Hindi and English
• Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7 MCQ

Together, these two texts explore the power, significance and limitations of words and communication. The chapter makes students reflect on the unsung heroes of India’s postal system and also encourages deeper thinking about how we use language in our lives. This guide provides a clear, student-friendly summary of both the prose and the poem in English and Hindi, along with grammar – perfect for exam preparation for the 2026-27 academic session.

Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7 Carrier of Words Solutions

1. Which profession do they belong to?
See AnswerThe individuals in the images belong to the profession of postal services. Specifically, they are postmen (or mail carriers). The images show historical and modern stamps, as well as a postman in uniform delivering mail.

2. Do they face any difficulties while doing their duty?
See AnswerYes, postmen often face several challenges, including:
► They must deliver mail regardless of extreme heat, heavy rain or cold winters.
► The job involves a lot of walking or cycling long distances while carrying heavy bags of mail.
► In rural or remote areas, they may have to navigate through forests, hills or areas with poor road connectivity.
► They may encounter stray animals (like dogs) or face risks while traveling in isolated locations.

3. How does their profession affect the people they meet?
See AnswerTheir profession has a significant impact on people’s lives because:
► They bring news, letters and messages from loved ones, helping people stay emotionally connected.
► They deliver important documents, such as appointment letters, exam results or government notices.
In many communities, the postman is a trusted figure who is often welcomed as a friend or a vital link to the outside world.

1. How can ‘words’ be ‘carried’?
See AnswerWords’ can be carried through letters, postcards and airmail, which are physically transported from one place to another.

2. Who could be a carrier of words?
See AnswerA postman (or mail carrier) is a carrier of words, as they deliver the messages and letters written by people.

3. What are the means for people to stay connected?
See AnswerPeople stay connected through the postal system by sending and receiving letters, using postage stamps and communicating via airmail.

slumped      dunes       defying
hamlets       signals      devoid

We stepped out of the vehicle at the end of the road. Immediately, our body sent 1. ________ that our decision to visit the sand 2. ________ in the afternoon was insane. We had passed a few 3. ________ on our way to the desert. We could not find even a single soul outdoors, 4. ________ the blazing sun. Even the camels were 5. ________ in the little shade offered by the khejri trees. In this remote place people relied on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to connect to the world as the area was 6. ________ of any other network service.
See AnswerWe stepped out of the vehicle at the end of the road. Immediately, our body sent 1. Signals that our decision to visit the sand 2. Dunes in the afternoon was insane. We had passed a few 3. Hamlets on our way to the desert. We could not find even a single soul outdoors, 4. Defying the blazing sun. Even the camels were 5. Slumped in the little shade offered by the khejri trees. In this remote place people relied on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to connect to the world as the area was 6. Devoid of any other network service.

Answer:

See AnswerKhetaram has taken up this challenging job because he feels a deep sense of responsibility toward the villagers in the remote Thar Desert. He understands that for people living in these isolated hamlets, he is the only link to the outside world. He finds purpose in delivering not just letters and money orders, but also hope and connection to those who are waiting for news from their loved ones.

See AnswerKhetaram likely feels a sense of pride and satisfaction despite the physical hardships of walking 20 km through shifting sand dunes and extreme heat. The text suggests he is a dedicated and trusted individual who views his duty as a service to his community. While the task is exhausting, the trust and smiles of the people he serves probably give him the strength and motivation to continue every day.

Answer:

See AnswerIn the village, a piece of jaggery was offered to the postman when he brought news of a birth or a wedding because it was the only thing the villagers in that remote, arid land could offer to show their gratitude and celebrate the happy news.
The gesture reflects the deep connection and trust the villagers have with Khetaram, the Gramin Dak Sewak, who serves as their primary link to the outside world. Since the area is remote and often faces harsh conditions like famine, offering a simple piece of jaggery is a meaningful way to share their joy with the person who physically carried the happy “words” to their doorstep.

See AnswerPhone lines would help Khetaram in his job by allowing him to become a Gramin Sanchar Sewak. This shift in his role would involve:
• Expanded Duties: His responsibilities would include carrying a cell phone in addition to the post.
• Door-to-Door Connectivity: His work would entail carrying both communication technology and mail directly from home to home.
Currently, the phone lines are only 50 km away from his area. Khetaram has expressed that he is “ready” for this change to reach his remote district.

1. “Akaal or famine is a way of life here. In a good year, I get one crop of bajra. That cannot feed my family of five. We would starve without this job,” he says. And for each family which resides in this arid land, survival is partly dependent on money orders remitted by a relative.

(i) Complete the sentence given below with an appropriate reason.
One crop of bajra makes a little difference for people like Khetaram because __________.
See AnswerOne crop of bajra makes a little difference for people like Khetaram because it is not enough to feed his family of five for the entire year.

(ii) Why did Khetaram term famine as ‘a way of life’?
See AnswerKhetaram termed famine as ‘a way of life’ because it is a frequent and expected occurrence in the arid region where he lives, making it a constant struggle they have to live with.

(iii) Give one reason why Khetaram had to take up a job to help his family to survive.
See AnswerKhetaram had to take up a job because the single crop of bajra he gets in a good year is insufficient to sustain his family of five and they would starve without the additional income.

(iv) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract.
Other families : Money orders :: Khetaram : __________
See AnswerOther families : Money orders :: Khetaram : Job

(v) What would ‘a good year’ signify?
See AnswerIn this context, ‘a good year’ signifies a year with enough rainfall or favorable conditions to successfully harvest at least one crop of bajra.

2. There is one letter delivery he dreads. The envelope with the right corner torn off, which signifies that the missive bears news of death. “Ashubh Samachar cannot be carried into the house”, says Khetaram. So, he stands outside, reads out the letter twice, then tears it to bits. “Bad news must be destroyed”, he mutters philosophically.
(i) Choose the correct option for the following question.
Who could have torn the right corner of the envelope?
A. Khetaram
B. Sender of the letter
C. Receiver of the letter
D. The postmaster
See AnswerB. Sender of the letter
Reason: The torn corner is a predetermined signal sent from the source to warn the recipient/postman of the contents before the letter is even opened.

(ii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because __________.
See AnswerThe most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because he wants to ensure the family has clearly understood the news and has heard every detail before the physical letter is destroyed.

(iii) What was Khetaram’s philosophy regarding bad news, and how did he act upon it?
See AnswerKhetaram’s philosophy was that “Bad news must be destroyed” and that Ashubh Samachar (inauspicious news) should not be carried into a person’s home. He acted upon this by standing outside the house to read the letter aloud and then tearing the envelope to bits so the bad news could not remain in physical form.

(iv) State whether the following is true or false: Khetaram’s action of tearing the letter differed from his beliefs.
See AnswerFalse.
Reason: His action of tearing the letter was a direct reflection of his belief that bad news must be destroyed.

(v) Mention any one aspect of Khetaram’s temperament revealed through this extract.
See AnswerMention any one aspect of Khetaram’s temperament revealed through this extract.
The extract reveals that Khetaram is empathetic (or compassionate). He takes the emotional burden of the villagers seriously and performs rituals—like reading the news outside and destroying the paper—to protect them from “inauspicious” energy according to their local customs.

See AnswerThe role is ‘invaluable’ because a Gramin Dak Sewak (GDS) serves as the only link between remote, isolated hamlets and the outside world. In regions devoid of phone lines and internet, the GDS provides a lifeline by delivering essential money orders that families depend on for survival during famines and by acting as a scribe for those who cannot read or write.

See AnswerWhile the British postal system was primarily established to serve administrative and colonial interests, India Post evolved to serve a social and humanitarian purpose. Its goal is to provide universal access to communication and financial services (like money orders) to the farthest corners of the country, ensuring that even the most marginalized citizens remain connected.

See AnswerHandling Bad News: Villagers trust Khetaram to read their most private and sensitive “Ashubh Samachar” (news of death) outside their homes and then destroy it according to their beliefs.
Literacy Support: Villagers rely on him to read their letters and write their replies, essentially trusting him with their personal thoughts and family secrets.

See AnswerThe most likely reason is economic necessity mixed with a sense of duty. Khetaram mentions that the single crop of bajra cannot feed his family of five and they would “starve without this job”. Additionally, his deep bond with the villagers and his pride in being their “only link” likely makes him grateful to remain active and useful to his community.

See AnswerThe author pays tribute to Khetaram to highlight the unsung heroism of those who work in extreme conditions. Khetaram walks 20 km a day in 50°C heat across shifting sands, not for fame, but to perform a vital service. The tribute honors his resilience, his empathy and the quiet dignity with which he carries out a job that is physically grueling yet essential for human connection.

Answer:

Now, use the phrases from Column 1 in sentences of your own.
See AnswerCrumbles into sand: The old mud fortress in the desert is so weathered by the wind that it literally crumbles into sand at the slightest touch.
Give a new lease of life: The timely arrival of the relief funds helped give a new lease of life to the farmers who had lost everything in the drought.
Turn into a trickle before drying out: During the peak of summer, the massive river begins to turn into a trickle before drying out completely in the heat.
Bearing words across this desolate geography: Even in the age of the internet, the postman continues his journey, bearing words across this desolate geography to reach the loneliest homes in the mountains.

Khetaram’s khaki turban and uniform are his only protection against the desert’s furies, the scorching summer winds and swirling sandstorms which turn him into a walking sandman.
See AnswerAlliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in close proximity.
• Khetaram’s khaki…: Repetition of the ‘k’ sound.
• Scorching summer…: Repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
• Swirling sandstorms…: Repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
• Walking sandman: Repetition of the ‘s’ sound (within the phrase) and the soft ‘w’ sound.
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.
• Desert’s furies: This compares the harsh weather conditions (heat, wind, storms) to furies (wild or violent anger), suggesting the desert is a living, angry entity.
• Walking sandman: This directly compares Khetaram to a sandman. It suggests that he becomes so covered in dust and sand during his journey that he appears to be made of sand itself, rather than just being a man covered in it.

Answer:

Now use the words from Column 1 in sentences of your own.
See Answer► Arid: The arid soil of the region makes it nearly impossible for farmers to grow anything other than a single crop of hardy millet.
► Concessional: To support the local community during the drought, the bank offered loans at a concessional rate to help families buy essential supplies.
► Gaunt: After months of living through the famine, the gaunt faces of the villagers told the silent story of their long struggle for survival.
► Remote: Khetaram travels to the most remote hamlets of the desert, places so isolated that they don’t even appear on most modern maps.
► Desolate: Walking across the desolate landscape, with nothing but sand dunes for miles, the postman felt like the only living soul in a vast, empty world.

Now, fill in the blanks by using the present perfect form of the verbs given in the brackets to complete the following paragraph.
1. I ________ (has/have) just ________ (get) a collection of postage stamps from my grandfather. He 2. ________ (collect) these stamps over a period of 20 years. I 3. ________ (study) most of the stamps in his collection and loved all of them. I 4. ________ (begin) my own collection of postage stamps. Grandfather 5. ________ truly ________ (inspire) me.
See Answer1. I have just gotten (or got) a collection of postage stamps from my grandfather.
2. He has collected these stamps over a period of 20 years.
3. I have studied most of the stamps in his collection and loved all of them.
4. I have begun my own collection of postage stamps.
5. Grandfather has truly inspired me.

1. GDS delivers the mail at the border. When the subject does the action, the sentence is in active voice.
2. The mail is delivered by the GDS at the border. This implies that the ‘mail’ receives the action ‘deliver’.
This sentence is in passive voice because the subject is receiving the action.
3. Khetaram’s nephew wants to join the GDS. He asks khetaram how to prepare for it. Khetaram Gives him the following advice.
(i) You will need a lot of stamina for this job.
(ii) Practise reading clearly as some of the villagers will expect you to read out the letters.
(iii) Write words neatly as some villagers will ask you to draft replies.
(iv) Wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect yourself from the heat.
Now, Complete the following paragraph about the advice given by Khetaram. One example has been done for you.
“To begin with, a lot of stamina will be needed for this job. Next, reading clearly A. ________, as you B. ________ to read out the letters by some of the villagers. Words C. ________ neatly as you D. ________ to draft replies by some villagers. Full sleeved-shirts and trousers E. ________ to protect yourself from the heat.”
See Answer“To begin with, a lot of stamina will be needed for this job. Next, reading clearly A. should be practised, as you B. will be expected to read out the letters by some of the villagers. Words C. should be written neatly as you D. will be asked to draft replies by some villagers. Full-sleeved shirts and trousers E. should be worn to protect yourself from the heat.”

(Transcript for teacher on page 272)
The speaker concluded her talk with a __________. (suggestion/request/advice)
See AnswerThe speaker concluded her talk with a suggestion.

1. What was the occasion that the speaker was talking about?
(i) Letter writing carnival
(ii) Philately day
(iii) Indian Postal Day
See Answer(i) Letter writing carnival
Because the speaker is talking about a letter writing carnival – a special event organized to revive the art of handwritten letters among children and the general public. As mentioned in the the chapter, the unique ‘Daakroom’ carnival was conceptualized by the Ministry of Culture, supported by India Post, to re-introduce people to letter writing in innovative and creative ways. The occasion celebrated the tradition of writing letters at a time when digital communication has taken over, making handwritten correspondence a rare and special art form.

2. India Post is famous for having the most extensive network ________.
(i) in India
(ii) in the world
(iii) among design institutes
See Answer(ii) in the world.
Because with over 1,55,000 post offices, it is the most widely distributed postal network on the planet, ensuring that even the most remote areas, like the desert hamlets where Khetaram works, have access to communication and financial services.

3. Letter writing is being revived as this art form has been ________.
(i) celebrated
(ii) appreciated
(iii) forgotten
See Answer(iii) forgotten.
Because the speaker likely highlights that in the age of instant digital messaging, the traditional, personal touch of a handwritten letter is a skill or “art form” that has largely been lost or forgotten and efforts are now being made to bring it back.

4. Which of the following will be part of the letter writing carnival?
(i) calligraphy and graphology
(ii) origami and designing
(iii) letter posting and philately
See Answer(iii) letter posting and philately
Because the letter writing carnival will include letter posting and philately as key activities. Letter posting connects participants directly to the living tradition of the postal system – the same system that keeps people like Khetaram’s villagers connected to the world. Philately, which is the study and collection of postage stamps and postal history, adds an educational and heritage dimension to the carnival.

5. What will the postal department add to the event?
(i) interactive demonstrations
(ii) theatre and dance
(iii) workshop for letter writing
See Answer(iii) workshop for letter writing
Because the postal department will add a workshop for letter writing to the event. This is directly in line with the chapter’s emphasis on reviving the dying art of handwritten communication. The Daakroom carnival was specifically designed to give participants a digital detox and hands-on experience with writing letters. A workshop format allows children and adults to practise the skill of composing thoughtful, personal letters – the very kind of letters that postmen like Khetaram carry across burning deserts and frozen mountains to connect families separated by great distances.

Answer:

• The Postcard (Focus: Cost Effective & Utility)
  It seems to me that I am the most essential because I am the most cost effective way to communicate. My utility is simple – anyone can buy me for a few paisa and send a message instantly without needing glue or extra paper.
• The Inland Letter (Focus: Privacy & Space to write)
  That’s one way to look at it, but you offer no privacy at all! I would like to point out that an Inland Letter allows for a personal message to be sealed away from prying eyes. Plus, I provide much more space to write than a small card.
• The Envelope (Focus: Possibility of enclosures)
  Some people say that space is the most important, but they forget about the possibility of enclosures. You can’t send a photograph, a medical report or a Rakhi inside an Inland Letter. It seems to me that my ability to carry other items makes me the most useful.
• The Money Order Form (Focus: Utility)
  I totally agree that communication is important, but my utility is a matter of survival. As we see in the desert hamlets, I am the one who brings the money that helps families buy food. Without me, words on paper wouldn’t be enough to ‘give a new lease of life’.

A condolence message communicates your feelings to someone whose relative or a person close to them has just passed away . It mentions how sorry you feel for the loss and your prayers for strength to the family members.

Khetaram saw a letter with a torn corner . It had news about Bhawar Singh’s uncle passing away . Read the condolence message that Sawant Singh sent to his cousin as a reply to the letter.

Answer:
To,
Anju Sharma
Anju Villa near Tiwari Academy
Delhi, India
PIN: 110041

Dear Aunt,

We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden passing away of your dear father. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
He was a man of great wisdom and kindness and his absence will be felt by everyone who knew him. We share in your sorrow and extend our deepest sympathy to you and the entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
May God grant his soul eternal peace and give you all the strength and courage to bear this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With deepest sympathy,
Sanjay Sharma

Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7 Poem Question Answers

Answer:

• Words allow us to express our thoughts, feelings and ideas clearly to others.
• They help us stay connected with loved ones – as seen in the chapter, Khetaram walks 20 km daily across the Thar Desert just to carry words from one person to another.
• They build trust and relationships – the villagers trusted Khetaram so deeply that they asked him to read their private letters and write their replies.

Yes, we can communicate without words through non-verbal means such as:

• Facial expressions – a smile, a frown or tears convey happiness, disapproval or grief.
• Gestures – a wave, a nod or a thumbs-up carry clear messages without speaking.
• Body language – the way we stand or move reveals our inner feelings.
• Sign language – a complete communication system used by the hearing impaired community.

My mother summoned me to introduce her friends.

Answer:

In this poem, the poet reflects that words fail to truly satisfy what the heart wants to convey. Words are compared to summer birds who 1. ________, leaving nothing behind. The heart, is equated to a 2. ________ who finds that words are as worthless as 3. ________ when needed. He feels that a few sincere words can bring more 4. ________ than many meaningless ones. He adds that a voice that brings happiness to a 5. ________ place does not say much, but the few words it does, are very precious. Moreover, if words could satisfy us, the 6. ________ would celebrate but words often fail to do that. The poem ends on the note that empty words may look impressive with lots of flowers, but they cannot produce anything valuable, like a 7. ________.
Answer:
In this poem, the poet reflects that words fail to truly satisfy what the heart wants to convey. Words are compared to summer birds who 1. depart, leaving nothing behind. The heart is equated to a 2. pilgrim who finds that words are as worthless as 3. weeds when needed. He feels that a few sincere words can bring more 4. joy than many meaningless ones. He adds that a voice that brings happiness to a 5. lonely place does not say much, but the few words it does, are very precious. Moreover, if words could satisfy us, the 6. world would celebrate but words often fail to do that. The poem ends on the note that empty words may look impressive with lots of flowers, but they cannot produce anything valuable, like a 7. fruit.

1. Read the poem again. Find any four sets of rhyming words and also write the rhyme scheme of the poem.
Answer:
Rhyming Words
From the poem, four sets of rhyming words:
Heart — Depart (Stanza 1)
Care — Air (Stanza 1)
Earth — Worth (Stanza 2)
Way — Say (Stanza 4)
Cheer — Dear (Stanza 4)
Example from Stanza 1:
If words could satisfy the heart, (A)
The heart might find less care; (B)
But words, like summer birds, depart, (A)
And leave but empty air. (B)

2. Read the following phrases and sentences taken from the poem. Identify the poetic device in each of them and explain what the poet wants to communicate through their usage.
(i) But words, like summer birds, depart…
(ii) heart, a pilgrim upon earth…
(iii) words are of as little worth / As just so many weeds
(iv) If words could satisfy the chest … Oft satisfy the least!
(v) The world might hold a feast…
(vi) Like plants that make a gaudy show / All blossom to the root
(vii) But whose poor nature cannot grow / One particle of fruit!
Answer:
(i) “But words, like summer birds, depart…”
Poetic Device: Simile (Comparison using the word “like”).
Meaning: The poet compares words to birds that only stay during the pleasant summer. He wants to communicate that words are temporary and unreliable; they vanish quickly when the “winter” (hard times) of life arrives.

(ii) “heart, a pilgrim upon earth…”
Poetic Device: Metaphor (Direct comparison without using “like” or “as”).
Meaning: The heart is compared to a traveler or a pilgrim on a long, spiritual journey. This suggests that the heart is searching for something deep and meaningful, making shallow words feel even more useless.

(iii) “words are of as little worth / As just so many weeds”
Poetic Device: Simile (Comparison using “as”).
Meaning: Words are compared to weeds—wild plants that have no value and are often a nuisance. The poet is saying that plenty of words are easy to find, but they are useless and provide no real nourishment or comfort.

(iv) “If words could satisfy the chest … Oft satisfy the least!”
Poetic Device: Hyperbole / Irony.
Meaning: The poet uses this to emphasize the gap between what we say and what we feel. It communicates that even a massive amount of words usually fails to do the smallest job of comforting the heart.

(v) “The world might hold a feast…”
Poetic Device: Metaphor / Imagery.
Meaning: A “feast” represents a great celebration or a state of total satisfaction. The poet suggests that if words actually worked, life would be a constant celebration; however, since they don’t, the “feast” remains an unfulfilled possibility.

(vi) “Like plants that make a gaudy show / All blossom to the root”
Poetic Device: Simile.
Meaning: This refers to people who use “flowery” or fancy language. Just as a plant might be covered in bright flowers (the “gaudy show”) but have nothing else to offer, some people speak beautifully but have no depth or sincerity.

(vii) “But whose poor nature cannot grow / One particle of fruit!”
Poetic Device: Metaphor.
Meaning: “Fruit” represents the actual result, help or substance of a conversation. The poet is communicating that empty words are like a tree that flowers but never produces food; they look good but provide no real benefit to the hungry “pilgrim” (the heart).

3. Which words are repeated in the poem? Why does the poet use repetition?
Answer:
Repeated Words

• Heart: Mentioned in almost every stanza.
• Words: Repeated throughout to contrast with the “heart.”
• Satisfy: Used to question the effectiveness of speech.
• Little/Few: Used to describe the weight or value of what is being said.

The poet uses this technique for several strategic reasons:

• To Create a Contrast: By constantly repeating both “heart” and “words”, the poet highlights the conflict between them. He wants to show that while “words” are plentiful, they often fail to meet the “heart’s” deep needs.
• Emphasis on Theme: The central theme of the poem is the inadequacy of language. Repeating “words” serves to remind the reader that no matter how many we have, they can still be as “worthless as weeds”.
• Rhythm and Reinforcement: Repetition helps establish a steady, meditative pace. It reinforces the idea that the heart is a “pilgrim” – constantly searching and constantly finding that words are insufficient.
• Emotional Impact: By focusing on the word “heart”, the poet grounds the poem in emotion rather than logic. He wants the reader to feel the “loneliness” or “care” that words fail to cure.

4. The stanzas 4, 5, and 6 end with exclamation marks. Choose the option that displays the emotions being expressed through them.
(i) 4. disillusionment 5. admiration and 6. frustration
(ii) 4. frustration 5. admiration and 6. disillusionment
(iii) 4. admiration 5. frustration and 6. disillusionment
(iv) 4. frustration 5. disillusionment and 6. admiration
Answer:
(ii) 4. frustration 5. admiration and 6. disillusionment
Breakdown of Emotions

• Stanza 4 (Frustration): The poet emphasizes that while there are “hosts of words” that reach the head, they “never touch the heart”. The exclamation mark highlights the frustration of hearing a lot of talk that lacks emotional depth.
• Stanza 5 (Admiration): The poet describes the voice that “wins its sunny way” to cheer a “lonely home”. The exclamation mark here signals admiration for the person who says very little but provides great comfort.
• Stanza 6 (Disillusionment): The final stanza compares empty words to “gaudy” plants that blossom but never grow “one particle of fruit”. The exclamation mark underlines the disillusionment or disappointment when something that looks beautiful turns out to be useless.

If words could satisfy the chest,
The world might hold a feast.

Work in pairs. Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets.
1. I have ________ things to do on this weekend. (lots of/tonnes of)
2. The player missed the basket by ________. (a mile/an inch)
3. My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a ________. (night/decade)
4. I will be back in ________. (five minutes/two seconds)
Answer:
Examples of Hyperbole from the Poem: In the line “If words could satisfy the chest, The world might hold a feast”, the hyperbole is “The world might hold a feast”. The poet is using extreme exaggeration to make a point: words are so inadequate at comforting the heart that if they actually did work, it would be such a massive, impossible miracle that the entire world would celebrate with a giant banquet.
Hyperbole is used to add drama or emphasis by overstating the truth. Here are the sentences completed with the hyperbolic options:
1. I have tonnes of things to do on this weekend.
Explanation: You don’t literally have “tonnes” of tasks measured by weight, but it emphasizes how busy you feel.
2. The player missed the basket by a mile.
3. My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a decade.
Explanation: Sleeping for 10 years is impossible, but it perfectly describes extreme exhaustion.
4. I will be back in two seconds.
Explanation: While you will likely take a few minutes, “two seconds” is a common hyperbole to show you will be very quick.)

1. The heart, a pilgrim upon earth,
Finds often, when it needs,
That words are of as little worth
As just so many weeds.
(i) Why has the poet referred to the heart as ‘a pilgrim’?
Answer:
The poet refers to the heart as a ‘pilgrim’ because a pilgrim is a traveler on a long, serious and often difficult journey toward something sacred. By using this metaphor, the poet suggests that the heart is navigating the journey of life, searching for true meaning, deep connection and sincere comfort.

(ii) When would a heart ‘need’ words?
Answer:
A heart would ‘need’ words during moments of emotional significance, such as when experiencing deep sorrow, loneliness or a need for guidance. It is in these times of vulnerability that the heart seeks outward expression or comfort from others.

(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The words are like weeds because ____________.
Answer:
The words are like weeds because they are common, grow everywhere without effort and lack any real value or nourishment for the person receiving them.

(iv) Mention two emotions the heart might be experiencing when it finds words to be of ‘little worth’.
Answer:
The heart might experience:
Disappointment (or Disillusionment)
Loneliness (or Frustration)

(v) What do these lines suggest about the nature of communication?
Answer:
These lines suggest that quantity does not equal quality in communication. They imply that language is often shallow and inadequate; just because words are spoken does not mean they have provided any real substance or help to the listener’s internal struggle.

2. If words could satisfy the chest,
The world might hold a feast;
But words, when summoned to the test,
Oft satisfy the least!
(i) How can words ‘satisfy the chest’?
Answer:
Words can ‘satisfy the chest’ if they are sincere and deep enough to provide true emotional comfort or relief to the heart (the “chest”). The poet uses this phrase to describe a situation where speech actually meets the internal emotional needs of a person.

(ii) How can words be ‘summoned to the test’?
Answer:
Words are ‘summoned to the test’ during times of crisis, deep grief or intense need. This is the moment when we see if words actually have the power to heal or help, rather than just being empty sounds.

(iii) What does ‘the world’ holding ‘a feast’ imply?
Answer:
This is a hyperbole (exaggeration). It implies that if words actually had the power to fully satisfy our hearts, the world would be such a perfect, joyful place that it would feel like a grand, universal celebration or a “feast”.

(iv) Complete the sentence: The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because ________.
Answer:
The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because they are often shallow and fail to convey the true depth of human emotion when someone is actually suffering.

(v) Select the word that does not mean the same as ‘oft’.
A. always
B. usually
C. frequently
D. often
Answer:
A. always
‘Oft’ is an archaic or poetic form of ‘often’, which means frequently or usually. ‘Always’ implies every single time without exception, which is different.

Answer:
The poet compares words to “summer birds” that depart and leave behind “empty air”. This suggests that words are often fleeting and hollow. Just as birds fly away when the season changes, words tend to vanish when they are most needed, leaving the listener with nothing substantial to hold onto—only a sense of emptiness.

Answer:
The poet believes that “A little said and truly said” has much more value than a “host of words”. This is because sincere, heartfelt communication can provide “deeper joy” and real comfort. A long speech that only “reaches the head” (is intellectually clever) but “never touches the heart” is essentially worthless compared to a few honest words that provide genuine support.

Answer:
Yes, I agree. The poet contrasts the quantity of words with their quality.
On one hand, he describes words as “weeds”, “summer birds” and “gaudy blossoms”—things that are abundant, showy, but ultimately useless.
On the other hand, he presents the “fewest words” as being “dear” and “sunny” when they are sincere. He contrasts the head (logic/empty talk) with the heart (emotion/truth).

Answer:
The theme of loneliness is evident through the following examples:
The “Pilgrim” Metaphor: Describing the heart as a “pilgrim upon earth” suggests a lonely, solitary journey.
The “Lonely Home”: The poet explicitly mentions a “lonely home to cheer”, implying that there are people in isolation who need comfort.
The “Desert Place”: The earlier summary mentioned a voice in a “desert place”, which symbolizes emotional barrenness and the need for a companion’s voice.

Answer:
The poet conveys the superficiality of words by comparing them to:
Weeds: Common and value-less.
Gaudy Plants: They show off “all blossom to the root” (look beautiful on the outside) but cannot produce “one particle of fruit” (actual substance).
To address this, the poet suggests that we should speak sincerely rather than excessively. We ought to focus on words that “touch the heart” and prioritize truth over “hosts of words”. Communication should be used to provide “joy” and “cheer” to others, acting as a “fruitful” harvest rather than just an empty, flowery display.

Answer:

Answer:
DEPART

• Meaning: to go away or leave a place
• Synonym: leave, go, exit
• Antonym: arrive, return, stay
• Sentence: The train will depart from the station at 8 o’clock.
• Sketch: A plane taking off or an arrow pointing away from a door

PILGRIM

• Meaning: a person who travels a long distance to a holy or special place
• Synonym: traveller, wanderer, devotee
• Antonym: resident, settler, stay-at-home
• Sentence: The pilgrim walked many miles to reach the sacred temple.
• Sketch: A person with a walking stick and a bag on their back

CHEER

• Meaning: to give a loud shout of approval or encouragement
• Synonym: comfort, applaud, encourage
• Antonym: sadden, discourage, upset
• Sentence: The audience cheered her for her great performance.
• Sketch: Sunshine or a smiling face

WORD

• Meaning: a single unit of language that carries meaning
• Synonym: term, expression, utterance
• Antonym: silence, gesture, action
• Sentence: She could not find the right word to describe her feelings.
• Sketch: A speech bubble with letters inside

SUNNY

• Meaning: bright and full of sunshine; cheerful and warm
• Synonym: bright, radiant, cheerful
• Antonym: cloudy, gloomy, dark
• Sentence: We went for a picnic on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
• Sketch: A bright sun with rays spreading outward

SATISFY

• Meaning: to fulfil a need or wish and make someone feel content
• Synonym: fulfil, please, content
• Antonym: disappoint, displease, frustrate
• Sentence: Nothing could satisfy her hunger after the long trek.
• Sketch: A full plate of food with a smiling face beside it

HEART

• Meaning: the centre of feelings and emotions; also the organ that pumps blood
• Synonym: soul, feelings, emotions
• Antonym: mind, indifference, coldness
• Sentence: She put her heart and soul into painting the picture.
• Sketch: A heart shape with small lines radiating warmth.

1. The girl was excited to participate in the declamation contest.
Answer:
True
Reason: She says, “Of course, I am. I was among the first few students to register.

2. The boy was doubtful about the suitability of the topic chosen for the contest.
Answer:
True
Reason: He asks, “Do you think it is a topic that can lead to an engaging talk?”

3. The girl explained that people prefer to keep their personal experiences to themselves.
Answer:
False
Reason: The girl actually says that in daily life, we want to share information and relate our experiences with others; she does not say people prefer to keep them to themselves.

4. The boy was unaware of the role played by body language in reflecting the speaker’s confidence.
Answer:
True
Reason: He asks, “Body language? How?”

5. According to the girl, body language had an insignificant role to play in communication.
Answer:
False
Reason: The girl argues the opposite. She says communication takes place not only with words but also with gestures and postures, meaning body language is very significant.

6. The girl had issued the book on body language earlier from the library.
Answer:
True
Reason: She knows exactly where they are—the “reference section”—and tells him he can request the librarian to issue it, implying she is familiar with the process/book.

Answer:
My Choice: I settled for the quotation by Mahatma Gandhi. “It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart”, because it captures the core message of the poem we have been studying.
Explanation:
The quotation suggests that the sincerity and emotion behind our actions (our “heart”) are far more valuable than the outward sounds or “hosts of words” we use. In the poem, we saw that words can be like “weeds” or “empty air” if they don’t touch the heart. Gandhi’s thought elevates this by saying that even silence is better than empty, heartless speech.
Reason for my Choice
I selected this quotation since it emphasizes quality over quantity. In today’s world, we often focus on speaking more or using fancy language to sound smart, but we forget the impact of true feeling. I picked this specifically as it reminds us that “truthfully said” words are what provide “deeper joy”.
Personal Experience
I decided on this due to a time when I was trying to comfort a friend who had lost a pet. I tried to give a long explanation about life and nature, but it felt awkward and didn’t help at all. Later, I realized I was just using “words without a heart”. I went back, sat quietly with my friend and just held their hand. That silence was my “heart without words”. It was much more effective and truly cheered them up, just like the “sunny way” mentioned in the poem.
Summary of Phrases Used:

• I chose the quote by Gandhi because it is very powerful.
• I selected it since it matches the poem’s theme of sincerity.
• I decided on it due to a personal realization about comfort.
• I picked it as it shows that silence can be meaningful.
• I settled for this because it focuses on the internal rather than the external.

Answer:

The Silence of Sincerity

• 1. Introduction
  Mahatma Gandhi once famously said, “It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart”. This profound quotation appealed to me because it challenges the modern obsession with outward appearances and long-winded speeches. In a world where we often measure the value of communication by its length or complexity, Gandhi reminds us that the true essence of any connection – whether with the divine or with fellow humans – lies in its sincerity. The purpose of this essay is to explore how genuine emotion outweighs empty vocabulary and why “heart” is the most critical element of communication.
• 2. and 3. Body of the Essay
  The primary idea behind this quotation is that intention is the foundation of truth. When Gandhi speaks of “prayer”, he is not just talking about religious rituals, but about any moment of deep reflection or honest connection. For instance, a simple, silent apology often carries more weight than a long, scripted letter filled with sophisticated excuses. When the heart is involved, even silence becomes a powerful language that others can feel.
  In addition to personal honesty, this concept applies to how we comfort others. We often feel pressured to say the “right thing” when a friend is grieving, leading us to use “words without a heart” – clichés that feel hollow. However, simply being present and offering silent support – a “heart without words” – often provides the “sunny way” to cheer someone up that a poem might describe. This proves that the impact of our presence is defined by our emotional depth rather than our verbal fluency.
• 4. Counterargument
  Some might argue that words are necessary because, without them, our intentions can be misunderstood. They might criticize Gandhi’s view by saying that silence is ambiguous and can be mistaken for indifference. Consequently, one might think that “words without a heart” are at least better than no communication at all. However, this criticism is baseless because communication is not just verbal; it is reflected in our body language, our eyes and our actions. An insincere word often causes more “disillusionment” and harm than a meaningful silence ever could. True “heart” always finds a way to manifest itself, even without a vocabulary.
• 5. Conclusion
  To summarize, Gandhi’s quotation serves as a vital reminder that quality must always come before quantity in our expressions. We have seen that while “hosts of words” may reach the head, only the sincere “heart” can truly satisfy another soul. By prioritizing our internal sincerity over our external eloquence, we can build deeper, more meaningful connections. Let us strive to ensure that whenever we speak or pray, our words are not just “empty air”, but a true reflection of a heart that is fully present. After all, the most beautiful things in the world are often felt, not heard.

Kaveri Chapter 7 English to Hindi Translation:

Though we are just a click away from sending mail at present, can you imagine how it was before the internet became the way of life? The mail was dropped in the post box, then through the postal system finally it was delivered by the postman in our letter box. The areas beyond the last railheadRailhead (noun)
Meanings:
The end of a railway line or a point for transferring goods to other transport (रेलमार्ग का अंतिम स्टेशन या माल आगे भेजने का स्थान)
Examples:
1. The bus collected parcels from the railhead. (बस ने अंतिम रेलवे स्टेशन से पार्सल लिए।)
2. Their village lies beyond the railhead. (उनका गाँव रेलमार्ग के अंतिम स्टेशन से आगे है।)
3. Workers unloaded supplies at the railhead. (मज़दूरों ने रेलमार्ग के अंतिम पड़ाव पर सामान उतारा।) and after the road crumblesCrumbles (verb)
Meanings:
Breaks into small pieces or loses its firm form (टुकड़ों में बिखरता है, भुरभुरा होकर टूटता है)
Examples:
1. The dry soil crumbles in my hand. (सूखी मिट्टी मेरे हाथ में भुरभुरी होकर बिखरती है।)
2. The old wall crumbles at the edges. (पुरानी दीवार किनारों पर टूटकर बिखर रही है।)
3. Beyond the village, the road crumbles into sand. (गाँव के आगे सड़क रेत में बिखर जाती है।) into sand, Gramin Dak Sewaks still serve as the soleSole (adjective)
Meanings:
Only, single (एकमात्र, अकेला)
Examples:
1. He is the sole postman in the village. (वह गाँव का एकमात्र डाकिया है।)
2. She was the sole winner. (वह अकेली विजेता थी।)
3. The bridge is their sole link to town. (पुल शहर से उनका एकमात्र संपर्क है।) link between the oasesOases (plural noun)
Meanings:
Places with water in a desert; figuratively, small areas of comfort or life amid harsh surroundings (रेगिस्तान में पानी वाले स्थान, नखलिस्तान; कठिन परिवेश में जीवन या राहत के केंद्र)
Examples:
1. Travellers rested near the oases. (यात्रियों ने नखलिस्तानों के पास विश्राम किया।)
2. Small villages formed oases of life in the desert. (छोटे गाँव रेगिस्तान में जीवन के केंद्र बने।)
3. The gardens were peaceful oases in the busy city. (बगीचे व्यस्त शहर में शांति के नखलिस्तान थे।) of humanityHumanity (noun)
Meanings:
Human beings collectively; kindness towards others (मानव समुदाय, मानवता; मानवीय करुणा)
Examples:
1. The story celebrates humanity and service. (कहानी मानवता और सेवा का सम्मान करती है।)
2. Clean water is essential for humanity. (स्वच्छ पानी मानव समुदाय के लिए आवश्यक है।)
3. She showed humanity by helping a stranger. (उसने अजनबी की मदद करके मानवता दिखाई।) in India’s extremesExtremes (plural noun)
Meanings:
Farthest regions or very severe conditions (दूरस्थ छोर, अत्यंत कठिन परिस्थितियाँ)
Examples:
1. The workers serve in the country’s extremes. (कर्मचारी देश के दूरस्थ छोरों पर सेवा करते हैं।)
2. Desert plants survive extremes of temperature. (रेगिस्तानी पौधे तापमान की चरम स्थितियाँ सह लेते हैं।)
3. Their journey took them to geographical extremes. (उनकी यात्रा उन्हें भौगोलिक रूप से दूरस्थ छोरों तक ले गई।) and their faraway families.

Hindi Translationयद्यपि वर्तमान में हम संदेश भेजने से मात्र एक क्लिक की दूरी पर हैं, लेकिन क्या आप कल्पना कर सकते हैं कि इंटरनेट के जीवन का हिस्सा बनने से पहले यह सब कैसा था? पत्र को पोस्ट बॉक्स में डाला जाता था, फिर डाक प्रणाली के माध्यम से अंततः डाकिया उसे हमारे लेटर बॉक्स में पहुँचाता था। अंतिम रेलवे स्टेशन से आगे और जहाँ सड़कें रेत में बदल जाती हैं, वहाँ ग्रामीण डाक सेवक अभी भी भारत के दूरदराज के क्षेत्रों में मानवता के नखलिस्तानों और उनके दूर-दराज के परिवारों के बीच एकमात्र कड़ी के रूप में काम करते हैं।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (are, becomes, serve) to discuss current realities. It also uses the Simple Past (was dropped, was delivered) in a passive construction to describe the traditional process of mail delivery before the digital age.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
Sole: Describes the unique and singular role of the postal workers.
Faraway: Describes the great distance between families in remote regions.
Extreme: Describes the harsh or distant geographical locations in India.
Last: Identifies the final point of the railway line.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
Imagine: Imperative verb used to ask the reader to visualize the past.
Dropped: Simple Past (passive) showing how a letter started its journey.
Delivered: Simple Past (passive) showing the completion of the delivery.
Crumbles: Simple Present describing the natural end of paved roads.
Serve: Simple Present showing the ongoing duty of the Gramin Dak Sewaks.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
Finally: Shows the conclusion of the long postal process.
Still: Emphasizes that this traditional service continues even today.
Beyond: Prepositional adverb showing a location further than the railhead.

Khetaram is a Gramin Dak Sewak. His left shoulder slumpedSlumped (verb)
Meanings:
Sank, drooped, or bent down heavily (झुक गया, नीचे लटक गया)
Examples:
1. His shoulders slumped with tiredness. (थकान से उसके कंधे झुक गए।)
2. She slumped into a chair after work. (काम के बाद वह थककर कुर्सी पर बैठ गई।)
3. The heavy bag made his shoulder slump. (भारी थैले से उसका कंधा झुक गया।) from years of carrying a mailbag, he is the sole postman of Somarad Branch Post Office. For the last 15 years, he has been a trusted link between the people attached to this Rajasthani village post office and their families. DefyingDefying (verb)
Meanings:
Resisting or overcoming something difficult (चुनौती देना, डटकर सामना करना)
Examples:
1. Defying the heat, he continued walking. (गर्मी का सामना करते हुए वह चलता रहा।)
2. She kept training, defying all doubts. (सभी संदेहों को चुनौती देते हुए उसने प्रशिक्षण जारी रखा।)
3. The team was defying expectations with its success. (टीम अपनी सफलता से अपेक्षाओं को गलत साबित कर रही थी।) all elements of the harshest desert of India, the Thar, he is the lone face of the state who reaches the far-flungFar-flung (adjective)
Meanings:
Distant and widely scattered (दूर-दराज, दूर-दूर फैला हुआ)
Examples:
1. He delivers letters to far-flung villages. (वह दूर-दराज के गाँवों में पत्र पहुँचाता है।)
2. The family has relatives in far-flung places. (परिवार के रिश्तेदार दूर-दूर स्थानों में रहते हैं।)
3. The service connects far-flung communities. (यह सेवा दूर-दराज के समुदायों को जोड़ती है।) hamletsHamlets (plural noun)
Meanings:
Very small villages (छोटे गाँव, छोटी बस्तियाँ)
Examples:
1. Several hamlets lie beyond the hills. (पहाड़ियों के आगे कई छोटी बस्तियाँ हैं।)
2. The nurse visits nearby hamlets. (नर्स पास की छोटी बस्तियों में जाती है।)
3. The road links two hamlets. (सड़क दो छोटे गाँवों को जोड़ती है।), or dhaanis, of this remoteRemote (adjective)
Meanings:
Far away from towns or easily reached places (दूरस्थ, दूर-दराज)
Examples:
1. They live in a remote village. (वे दूरस्थ गाँव में रहते हैं।)
2. The school serves a remote area. (विद्यालय दूर-दराज के क्षेत्र में सेवा देता है।)
3. Mail connects remote homes with the world. (डाक दूरस्थ घरों को दुनिया से जोड़ती है।) area just 2.5 km short of the Indo-Pakistan border.

Hindi Translationखेताराम एक ग्रामीण डाक सेवक हैं। सालों तक डाक का थैला उठाने से उनका बायाँ कंधा झुक गया है, वे सोमराद शाखा डाकघर के एकमात्र डाकिया हैं। पिछले 15 वर्षों से, वे इस राजस्थानी गाँव के डाकघर से जुड़े लोगों और उनके परिवारों के बीच एक विश्वसनीय कड़ी रहे हैं। भारत के सबसे कठोर रेगिस्तान, थार, के सभी विषम परिस्थितियों को चुनौती देते हुए, वे राज्य के एकमात्र प्रतिनिधि हैं जो भारत-पाकिस्तान सीमा से मात्र 2.5 किमी पहले इस दूरदराज के क्षेत्र के बिखरे हुए गाँवों या ढाणियों तक पहुँचते हैं।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (is, reaches) to describe Khetaram’s current status and ongoing duties. It also uses the Present Perfect Continuous tense (has been) to show an action that started 15 years ago and is still continuing today.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Left: Specifies which shoulder has been affected by the weight.
• Trusted: Describes the strong relationship between the postman and the villagers.
• Lone: Emphasizes that he is the only representative of the state in that area.
• Remote: Describes the isolated nature of the location near the border.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Slumped: Past Participle used as an adjective to describe his physical appearance.
• Carrying: Present Participle describing the continuous action that caused the slumped shoulder.
• Defying: Present Participle showing his brave movement through the desert.
• Reaches: Simple Present showing his regular arrival at distant locations.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Just: Used to emphasize the small distance (2.5 km) from the international border.
• Finally: (Implied context) showing the end result of his long journey.

Some 120 km beyond the last railhead at Barmer, 50 km beyond the last phone and 10 km beyond where the Barmer–Chohtan road directionlessly crumbles into sand so soft that even bicycles can’t plyPly (verb)
Meanings:
Travel regularly along a route, especially as transport (किसी रास्ते पर नियमित चलना)
Examples:
1. Buses ply between the two towns. (दोनों नगरों के बीच बसें चलती हैं।)
2. Boats ply across the river. (नदी के आर-पार नावें चलती हैं।)
3. Cars cannot ply on this sandy track. (इस रेतीले रास्ते पर कारें नहीं चल सकतीं।), that’s where Khetaram’s footprints appear along sand beds and dunesDunes (plural noun)
Meanings:
Hills or ridges of sand formed by wind (हवा से बने रेत के टीले)
Examples:
1. The dunes changed shape in the wind. (हवा से रेत के टीलों का आकार बदला।)
2. We walked between the dunes. (हम रेत के टीलों के बीच चले।)
3. The sun set behind the dunes. (रेत के टीलों के पीछे सूरज ढल गया।). It is his bodily effort that ensuresEnsures (verb)
Meanings:
Makes certain that something happens (सुनिश्चित करता है)
Examples:
1. Careful planning ensures timely delivery. (सावधानी से योजना बनाना समय पर वितरण सुनिश्चित करता है।)
2. She ensures that every child receives a book. (वह सुनिश्चित करती है कि हर बच्चे को पुस्तक मिले।)
3. This lock ensures the door stays closed. (यह ताला सुनिश्चित करता है कि दरवाज़ा बंद रहे।) that the mail transferredTransferred (verb)
Meanings:
Moved from one place, person, or vehicle to another (एक स्थान या माध्यम से दूसरे में पहुँचाया गया)
Examples:
1. The bags were transferred to a bus. (थैले बस में पहुँचाए गए।)
2. She transferred the files to a new folder. (उसने फाइलें नए फोल्डर में स्थानांतरित कीं।)
3. The patient was transferred to another hospital. (रोगी को दूसरे अस्पताल भेजा गया।) from the mail train onto buses before being heftedHefted (verb)
Meanings:
Lifted or carried something heavy (भारी चीज़ को उठाया या ढोया)
Examples:
1. He hefted the mailbag onto his shoulder. (उसने भारी डाक का थैला कंधे पर उठाया।)
2. The worker hefted a large box. (मज़दूर ने बड़ा डिब्बा उठाया।)
3. She hefted the sack with both hands. (उसने दोनों हाथों से भारी बोरा उठाया।) onto his shoulders is delivered at the border, within 24 hours of dispatchDispatch (noun)
Meanings:
The act of sending something to a destination (भेजना, प्रेषण)
Examples:
1. The parcels are ready for dispatch. (पार्सल भेजने के लिए तैयार हैं।)
2. Delivery took one day after dispatch. (भेजने के बाद पहुँचाने में एक दिन लगा।)
3. We checked the date of dispatch. (हमने भेजने की तारीख जाँची।) from Jodhpur, around 330 km away.

Hindi Translationबाड़मेर के आखिरी रेलवे स्टेशन से लगभग 120 किलोमीटर आगे, आखिरी फोन सुविधा से 50 किलोमीटर आगे और उस बिंदु से 10 किलोमीटर दूर जहाँ बाड़मेर-चोहटन सड़क दिशाहीन होकर इतनी नरम रेत में तब्दील हो जाती है कि वहाँ साइकिल भी नहीं चल सकती, वहीं से रेत की क्यारियों और टीलों पर खेताराम के पैरों के निशान दिखने शुरू होते हैं। उनके शारीरिक परिश्रम की बदौलत ही मेल ट्रेन से बसों में स्थानांतरित होकर और फिर उनके कंधों पर लादा गया डाक, जोधपुर से लगभग 330 किलोमीटर दूर, भेजे जाने के 24 घंटों के भीतर सीमा पर पहुँचाया जाता है।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (appears, is, ensures) to describe the ongoing reality of Khetaram’s journey. It also uses the Present Passive voice (“is delivered”) to explain the final result of the long logisitical chain.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Last: Used repeatedly to emphasize the extreme edge of modern infrastructure (rail, phone, road).
• Soft: Describes the specific texture of the sand that prevents vehicles from moving.
• Bodily: Specifies that the effort is physical rather than mechanical.
• Swift: (Implied) describing the impressive 24-hour delivery time.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Crumbles: Simple Present showing where the paved road ends.
• Ply: Simple Present used in the negative to show what bicycles cannot do.
• Appear: Simple Present describing the visual evidence of Khetaram’s walk.
• Ensures: Simple Present showing how his work guarantees the result.
• Hefted: Past Participle used to describe the action of lifting the bag.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Beyond: Prepositional adverb used to mark distances past known landmarks.
• Directionlessly: Describes how the road disappears into the desert.
• Around: Used to give an approximate distance for the total journey.

Often, the impressionImpression (noun)
Meanings:
A mark left by pressure; also, an idea or feeling formed about something (दबाव से बना निशान; छाप या धारणा)
Examples:
1. His shoe left an impression in the sand. (उसके जूते ने रेत पर निशान छोड़ा।)
2. The heavy sack made a deep impression on the soft ground. (भारी बोरे ने नरम ज़मीन पर गहरा निशान बनाया।)
3. Her kindness left a good impression. (उसकी दयालुता ने अच्छी छाप छोड़ी।) of his footprints reveals the weight of his mailbag. RegulationsRegulations (plural noun)
Meanings:
Official rules governing an activity (आधिकारिक नियम, विनियम)
Examples:
1. The regulations limit the weight of each bag. (नियम हर थैले का वजन सीमित करते हैं।)
2. Drivers must follow traffic regulations. (चालकों को यातायात के नियम मानने चाहिए।)
3. We read the safety regulations carefully. (हमने सुरक्षा नियम ध्यान से पढ़े।) stipulateStipulate (verb)
Meanings:
State a condition or requirement clearly and formally (स्पष्ट शर्त रखना, निर्धारित करना)
Examples:
1. The rules stipulate a maximum weight. (नियम अधिकतम वजन निर्धारित करते हैं।)
2. The agreement stipulates payment by Friday. (समझौता शुक्रवार तक भुगतान की शर्त रखता है।)
3. The instructions stipulate that names must be written clearly. (निर्देशों में नाम स्पष्ट लिखना आवश्यक बताया गया है।) that his load cannot exceedExceed (verb)
Meanings:
Go beyond a limit or amount (सीमा से अधिक होना, पार करना)
Examples:
1. The bag must not exceed ten kilos. (थैले का वजन दस किलो से अधिक नहीं होना चाहिए।)
2. Do not exceed the speed limit. (गति सीमा पार मत करो।)
3. Her results exceeded our expectations. (उसके परिणाम हमारी अपेक्षाओं से बढ़कर थे।) 28 kilos. But in the summers, when the sands sizzleSizzle (verb)
Meanings:
Make a hissing sound from heat; figuratively, be extremely hot (गर्मी से सिसकारना; बहुत गर्म होना)
Examples:
1. The vegetables sizzle in the pan. (सब्ज़ियाँ कड़ाही में चटचटाती हैं।)
2. The sands seem to sizzle at noon. (दोपहर में रेत तपती हुई लगती है।)
3. We heard the oil sizzle. (हमने तेल की चटचटाहट सुनी।) under his mojri-clad feet, Khetaram says, “Even a single delivery is tiring, as I have to cover 20 km for it.” He delivers even on days when his body sends blazingBlazing (adjective)
Meanings:
Extremely hot, bright, or intense (तपता हुआ, प्रचंड, तीव्र)
Examples:
1. He walked under the blazing sun. (वह तपते सूरज के नीचे चला।)
2. A blazing fire warmed the room. (धधकती आग ने कमरे को गर्म किया।)
3. The blazing heat made travel difficult. (प्रचंड गर्मी ने यात्रा कठिन बना दी।) signals that the temperature has crossed 50 degrees celsius, but is recorded as 49.9 degrees celsius, since 50 degrees celsius would mean a state holiday. Sometimes severeSevere (adjective)
Meanings:
Very intense, harsh, or serious (तीव्र, कठोर, गंभीर)
Examples:
1. Severe heat delayed the journey. (तीव्र गर्मी से यात्रा में देरी हुई।)
2. The village faced a severe water shortage. (गाँव में पानी की गंभीर कमी थी।)
3. The storm caused severe damage. (तूफान से भारी नुकसान हुआ।) heat forces him to postponePostpone (verb)
Meanings:
Delay something until a later time (स्थगित करना, बाद के लिए टालना)
Examples:
1. We had to postpone the picnic. (हमें पिकनिक स्थगित करनी पड़ी।)
2. He postponed the delivery until evening. (उसने डिलीवरी शाम तक टाल दी।)
3. Do not postpone important work unnecessarily. (महत्वपूर्ण काम बिना कारण मत टालो।) deliveries till after sundownSundown (noun)
Meanings:
The time when the sun sets (सूर्यास्त, सूरज ढलने का समय)
Examples:
1. He returned before sundown. (वह सूर्यास्त से पहले लौटा।)
2. The air cooled after sundown. (सूर्यास्त के बाद हवा ठंडी हुई।)
3. We reached the village at sundown. (हम सूर्यास्त के समय गाँव पहुँचे।).

Hindi Translationअक्सर उनके पैरों के निशानों की गहराई उनके मेलबैग का वजन बता देती है। नियमों के अनुसार उनका भार 28 किलो से अधिक नहीं हो सकता। लेकिन गर्मियों में, जब उनके मोजरी पहने पैरों के नीचे रेत तपती है, खेताराम कहते हैं, “एक ही डिलीवरी थका देती है, क्योंकि उसके लिए मुझे 20 किलोमीटर चलना पड़ता है।” वे उन दिनों भी डिलीवरी करते हैं जब उनका शरीर संकेत देता है कि तापमान 50 डिग्री सेल्सियस पार कर चुका है, लेकिन उसे 49.9 डिग्री सेल्सियस दर्ज किया जाता है, क्योंकि 50 डिग्री सेल्सियस पर सरकारी छुट्टी होगी। कभी-कभी भीषण गर्मी उन्हें सूर्यास्त के बाद तक डिलीवरी स्थगित करने के लिए मजबूर कर देती है।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (reveals, stipulate, says, delivers) to describe the standard rules and daily struggles of the postman. It also uses the Present Perfect tense (“has crossed”) to refer to the intense temperatures reaching their peak.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Mojri-clad: Describes the postman’s feet as wearing traditional Rajasthani shoes.
• Tiring: Describes the exhausting nature of a 20 km walk in the sand.
• Blazing: Describes the intensity of the physical signals sent by his body.
• Severe: Describes the extreme level of heat that forces a change in schedule.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Reveals: Simple Present showing how the depth of the footprints indicates the bag’s weight.
• Exceed: Simple Present (with “cannot”) showing the legal limit of the load.
• Cover: Simple Present used to state the distance he must travel.
• Recorded: Simple Present (passive) describing how the temperature is officially noted.
• Postpone: Simple Present showing the action of delaying work due to weather.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Often: Adverb of frequency showing that his footprints regularly show the bag’s weight.
• Since: Used as a conjunction to explain the reason why the temperature is recorded differently.
• Till: Preposition of time showing the point when he restarts his deliveries.

On other days, his khaki turban and uniform are his only protection against the desert’s furiesFuries (plural noun)
Meanings:
Violent forces or fierce outbursts (प्रचंड प्रकोप, उग्र शक्तियाँ)
Examples:
1. The traveller faced the desert’s furies. (यात्री ने रेगिस्तान के प्रचंड प्रकोप का सामना किया।)
2. The boat survived the furies of the storm. (नाव तूफान के प्रचंड प्रकोप से बच गई।)
3. The shelter protected them from nature’s furies. (आश्रय ने उन्हें प्रकृति के प्रकोप से बचाया।), the scorchingScorching (adjective)
Meanings:
Extremely hot, burning (झुलसाने वाला, बहुत गर्म)
Examples:
1. The scorching wind dried the soil. (झुलसाने वाली हवा ने मिट्टी सुखा दी।)
2. We rested during the scorching afternoon. (हमने तपती दोपहर में विश्राम किया।)
3. The scorching sand hurt his feet. (गर्म रेत से उसके पैरों को तकलीफ हुई।) summer winds and swirlingSwirling (adjective)
Meanings:
Moving round and round rapidly (तेज़ी से घूमता हुआ)
Examples:
1. Swirling sand filled the air. (घूमती हुई रेत हवा में भर गई।)
2. We watched the swirling water. (हमने घूमते हुए पानी को देखा।)
3. Swirling leaves covered the path. (घूमते हुए पत्तों ने रास्ता ढक दिया।) sandstorms which turn him into a walking sandman. “Water is too preciousPrecious (adjective)
Meanings:
Very valuable or important (बहुमूल्य, कीमती)
Examples:
1. Water is precious in the desert. (रेगिस्तान में पानी बहुमूल्य है।)
2. This photograph is precious to me. (यह तस्वीर मेरे लिए अनमोल है।)
3. Do not waste precious time. (कीमती समय बर्बाद मत करो।) to waste on washing, so I can only wipeWipe (verb)
Meanings:
Clean or dry by rubbing a surface (पोंछना, रगड़कर साफ या सूखा करना)
Examples:
1. Wipe the dust from the table. (मेज से धूल पोंछो।)
2. He wiped his face with a cloth. (उसने कपड़े से अपना चेहरा पोंछा।)
3. Please wipe your shoes before entering. (कृपया अंदर आने से पहले जूते पोंछें।) my body. When I finish, there is a sand dune at my feet every evening,” he says.

Hindi Translationअन्य दिनों में, उनकी खाकी पगड़ी और वर्दी ही रेगिस्तान के प्रकोप, तपती गर्मियों की हवाओं और धूल भरी आंधियों से उनकी एकमात्र सुरक्षा होती है, जो उन्हें चलते-फिरते रेत के पुतले में बदल देती है। वे कहते हैं, “पानी इतना कीमती है कि धोने पर बर्बाद नहीं कर सकते, इसलिए मैं केवल अपना शरीर पोंछ सकता हूँ। जब मैं काम खत्म करता हूँ, तो हर शाम मेरे पैरों के पास एक रेत का टीला बन जाता है।”

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (are, turn, is, says) to describe the ongoing and repetitive nature of the harsh conditions. It also uses the Present Participle (walking, washing, swirling) to create a vivid image of the environment and the postman’s actions.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Khaki: Describes the specific color of the official postal uniform and turban.
• Only: Emphasizes the lack of any other protective gear.
• Scorching: Describes the intense heat of the desert winds.
• Precious: Highlights the scarcity of water in the Thar region.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Are: Simple Present linking the uniform to the concept of protection.
• Turn: Simple Present showing the effect of the sandstorm on his appearance.
• Waste: Simple Present (infinitive) showing what he avoids doing with water.
• Finish: Simple Present used to describe the completion of his daily routine.
• Wipe: Simple Present showing his alternative method of cleaning.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Too: Intensifier showing that the value of water is excessively high.
• Only: Limits the action of cleaning to just wiping.
• Every evening: Adverbial phrase of frequency showing the daily accumulation of sand.

Till 2001, Khetaram was known as a ‘delivery agent’, operating in ruralRural (adjective)
Meanings:
Related to villages and the countryside (ग्रामीण, गाँवों से संबंधित)
Examples:
1. The programme supports rural schools. (कार्यक्रम ग्रामीण विद्यालयों की सहायता करता है।)
2. She works in a rural health centre. (वह ग्रामीण स्वास्थ्य केंद्र में काम करती है।)
3. Postal services connect rural communities. (डाक सेवाएँ ग्रामीण समुदायों को जोड़ती हैं।) areas devoidDevoid (adjective; used with “of”)
Meanings:
Completely lacking something (से रहित, जिसका पूर्ण अभाव हो)
Examples:
1. The room was devoid of furniture. (कमरा फर्नीचर से रहित था।)
2. The dry field was devoid of grass. (सूखे खेत में घास का अभाव था।)
3. His reply was devoid of kindness. (उसके उत्तर में दयालुता नहीं थी।) of schools and primary healthcareHealthcare (noun)
Meanings:
Services that prevent and treat illness (स्वास्थ्य सेवाएँ, चिकित्सा देखभाल)
Examples:
1. The village needs better healthcare. (गाँव को बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं की आवश्यकता है।)
2. Nurses play an important role in healthcare. (स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं में नर्सों की महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका है।)
3. The mobile clinic brings healthcare to remote homes. (चलित चिकित्सालय दूरस्थ घरों तक स्वास्थ्य सेवाएँ पहुँचाता है।) centres. Since then, India’s three lakh plus delivery agents like Khetaram were accepted as Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS), who constituteConstitute (verb)
Meanings:
Make up or form a whole or part of something (मिलकर बनाना, भाग होना)
Examples:
1. Women constitute half the team. (टीम का आधा हिस्सा महिलाएँ हैं।)
2. These villages constitute the service area. (ये गाँव मिलकर सेवा क्षेत्र बनाते हैं।)
3. Volunteers constitute a large part of the workforce. (कार्यबल का बड़ा हिस्सा स्वयंसेवकों से बना है।) more than 50 per cent of the total workforceWorkforce (noun)
Meanings:
All the people working in an organisation or area (कार्यबल, काम करने वाले सभी लोग)
Examples:
1. The organisation has a large workforce. (संगठन में बड़ा कार्यबल है।)
2. Training benefits the whole workforce. (प्रशिक्षण से पूरे कार्यबल को लाभ होता है।)
3. The postal workforce serves many villages. (डाक विभाग का कार्यबल अनेक गाँवों को सेवा देता है।).

Hindi Translation2001 तक, खेताराम को ‘डिलीवरी एजेंट’ के रूप में जाना जाता था, जो स्कूलों और प्राथमिक स्वास्थ्य केंद्रों से वंचित ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में काम करते थे। तब से, खेताराम जैसे भारत के तीन लाख से अधिक डिलीवरी एजेंटों को ग्रामीण डाक सेवक (जीडीएस) के रूप में मान्यता मिली, जो कुल कार्यबल का 50 प्रतिशत से अधिक हिस्सा हैं।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past tense (“was known,” “were accepted”) to describe historical changes in the postal department. It also uses the Simple Present tense (“constitute”) to state a current fact about the proportion of GDS employees in the Indian postal system.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Rural: Describes the countryside areas away from cities.
• Primary: Specifies the basic level of healthcare services.
• Total: Describes the entire group of workers in the postal department.
• Plus: Used to indicate that the number of agents is more than three lakh.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Known: Past Participle used in a passive structure to show how he was identified.
• Operating: Present Participle describing his work in underserved areas.
• Accepted: Simple Past (passive) showing the change in their official status.
• Constitute: Simple Present showing that these workers make up a majority of the staff.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Till: Preposition of time showing the limit of his previous job title.
• Since then: Adverbial phrase marking the time from 2001 to the present.
• More than: Comparative phrase showing the scale of the GDS workforce.

The frozen desert of Ladakh, the islesIsles (plural noun)
Meanings:
Islands, areas of land surrounded by water (द्वीप, चारों ओर पानी से घिरे भूभाग)
Examples:
1. Boats connect the small isles. (नावें छोटे द्वीपों को जोड़ती हैं।)
2. The isles appeared on the horizon. (क्षितिज पर द्वीप दिखाई दिए।)
3. Mail reaches the distant isles by boat. (दूर के द्वीपों तक डाक नाव से पहुँचती है।) of Lakshadweep, and the riverineRiverine (adjective)
Meanings:
Related to or situated along rivers (नदी से संबंधित, नदी के किनारे स्थित)
Examples:
1. The riverine villages depend on boats. (नदी किनारे के गाँव नावों पर निर्भर हैं।)
2. Floods affect riverine communities. (बाढ़ नदी किनारे के समुदायों को प्रभावित करती है।)
3. We studied riverine habitats. (हमने नदी से जुड़े आवासों का अध्ययन किया।) communities of the northeast are all GDS territoriesTerritories (plural noun)
Meanings:
Areas of land or regions covered by an authority or service (क्षेत्र, कार्यक्षेत्र, भूभाग)
Examples:
1. The workers cover vast territories. (कर्मचारी विशाल क्षेत्रों में काम करते हैं।)
2. The map shows the different territories. (मानचित्र विभिन्न क्षेत्र दिखाता है।)
3. These islands are part of their delivery territories. (ये द्वीप उनके डाक वितरण क्षेत्रों का हिस्सा हैं।). “The role of GDS is invaluableInvaluable (adjective)
Meanings:
Extremely useful or valuable (अत्यंत उपयोगी, अमूल्य)
Examples:
1. Your advice was invaluable. (आपकी सलाह अमूल्य थी।)
2. The guide gave us invaluable help. (मार्गदर्शक ने हमें अत्यंत उपयोगी सहायता दी।)
3. Her experience is invaluable to the team. (उसका अनुभव टीम के लिए अमूल्य है।), since they deliver in interior areas that are often inaccessibleInaccessible (adjective)
Meanings:
Difficult or impossible to reach or enter (दुर्गम, जहाँ पहुँचना कठिन या असंभव हो)
Examples:
1. The village becomes inaccessible during floods. (बाढ़ में गाँव तक पहुँचना कठिन हो जाता है।)
2. The path led to an inaccessible cliff. (रास्ता एक दुर्गम चट्टान तक जाता था।)
3. Some homes are inaccessible by car. (कुछ घरों तक कार से नहीं पहुँचा जा सकता।) by any means besides foot,” explains the Postmaster-General of Rajasthan Western Region.

Hindi Translationलद्दाख का जमा हुआ रेगिस्तान, लक्षद्वीप के द्वीप और पूर्वोत्तर के नदी किनारे बसे समुदाय — सभी ग्रामीण डाक सेवकों के कार्यक्षेत्र हैं। राजस्थान पश्चिमी क्षेत्र के पोस्टमास्टर जनरल बताते हैं, “जीडीएस की भूमिका अमूल्य है, क्योंकि वे उन आंतरिक क्षेत्रों में डिलीवरी करते हैं जहाँ पैदल के अलावा किसी अन्य साधन से पहुँचना अक्सर असंभव होता है।”

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (are, is, deliver, explains) to state facts about the current geography and importance of the postal service. It uses a passive-sounding adjective (“inaccessible”) to describe the difficulty of the terrain.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Frozen: Describes the cold climate of the Ladakh desert.
• Riverine: Describes the specific nature of communities located near water in the northeast.
• Invaluable: Describes the extremely high importance of the GDS role.
• Interior: Specifies that the delivery areas are deep within the country or remote.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Are: Simple Present linking geographical regions to GDS territory.
• Is: Simple Present stating the quality of their role.
• Deliver: Simple Present showing the habitual action of the workers.
• Explains: Simple Present used to attribute the quote to the Postmaster-General.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Often: Adverb of frequency showing that these areas are frequently hard to reach.
• By foot: Adverbial phrase of manner describing how the postmen travel.

Unlike the British postal system set up in India to relayRelay (verb)
Meanings:
Pass information or items onwards (आगे पहुँचाना, एक स्थान से दूसरे तक भेजना)
Examples:
1. Please relay the message to your teacher. (कृपया संदेश अपने शिक्षक तक पहुँचाएँ।)
2. The workers relay supplies between camps. (कर्मचारी शिविरों के बीच सामान पहुँचाते हैं।)
3. She relayed the news to her family. (उसने खबर अपने परिवार तक पहुँचाई।) company dak between administrativeAdministrative (adjective)
Meanings:
Related to organising or managing an institution or area (प्रशासनिक, प्रबंधन से संबंधित)
Examples:
1. The town is an administrative centre. (नगर एक प्रशासनिक केंद्र है।)
2. She handles administrative work at school. (वह विद्यालय में प्रशासनिक काम सँभालती है।)
3. The office maintains administrative records. (कार्यालय प्रशासनिक अभिलेख रखता है।) centres, after independence, the mandateMandate (noun)
Meanings:
An official duty, instruction, or authority (आधिकारिक दायित्व, निर्देश या अधिकार)
Examples:
1. The agency’s mandate is to serve every village. (संस्था का दायित्व हर गाँव को सेवा देना है।)
2. The committee received a clear mandate. (समिति को स्पष्ट निर्देश मिला।)
3. Education is central to the organisation’s mandate. (शिक्षा संगठन के दायित्व का मुख्य हिस्सा है।) of India Post was to bring the entire populationPopulation (noun)
Meanings:
All the people living in a place (किसी स्थान की कुल जनसंख्या)
Examples:
1. The town’s population is growing. (नगर की जनसंख्या बढ़ रही है।)
2. The service benefits the entire population. (सेवा से पूरी आबादी को लाभ होता है।)
3. The island has a small population. (द्वीप की जनसंख्या कम है।) within the mailing ambitAmbit (noun)
Meanings:
The range or scope of an activity or responsibility (दायरा, कार्यक्षेत्र)
Examples:
1. The plan brings more villages within its ambit. (योजना अधिक गाँवों को अपने दायरे में लाती है।)
2. This matter falls within the committee’s ambit. (यह विषय समिति के कार्यक्षेत्र में आता है।)
3. The school expanded the ambit of its sports programme. (विद्यालय ने अपने खेल कार्यक्रम का दायरा बढ़ाया।). Compared to 25,000 post offices in 1947, today we have about more than a lakh and a half post offices throughout the country.

Hindi Translationभारत में ब्रिटिश डाक प्रणाली के विपरीत, जिसे प्रशासनिक केंद्रों के बीच कंपनी की डाक पहुँचाने के लिए स्थापित किया गया था, लेकिन स्वतंत्रता के बाद, भारतीय डाक का लक्ष्य पूरी आबादी को डाक सेवा के दायरे में लाना था। 1947 में 25,000 डाकघरों की तुलना में, आज देश भर में डेढ़ लाख से अधिक डाकघर हैं।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past tense (“set up,” “was”) to describe the historical origins and initial purpose of the postal system. It shifts to the Simple Present tense (“have”) to compare those historical figures with the current scale of the network.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• British: Describes the origin of the postal system before independence.
• Administrative: Specifies the type of centers used by the East India Company.
• Entire: Emphasizes that the goal was to include every person in the country.
• Mailing: Describes the specific type of reach or “ambit” being discussed.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Relay: Used in the infinitive “to relay” to show the original purpose of the British system.
• Bring: Used in the infinitive “to bring” to show the new post-independence goal.
• Have: Simple Present showing the current number of post offices.
• Compared: Past participle used to introduce a relationship between two different time periods.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Unlike: Used to show a contrast between the British system and the modern Indian system.
• Today: Adverb of time indicating the current era.
• Throughout: Prepositional adverb showing the geographical spread across the entire country.

Through the GDS, India Post has also been able to reach rural depositorsDepositors (plural noun)
Meanings:
People who place money in an account for safekeeping (खाते में धन जमा करने वाले लोग, जमाकर्ता)
Examples:
1. The depositors received account statements. (जमाकर्ताओं को खाते का विवरण मिला।)
2. Many depositors use the village post office. (कई जमाकर्ता गाँव के डाकघर का उपयोग करते हैं।)
3. The clerk helped the new depositors. (कर्मचारी ने नए जमाकर्ताओं की मदद की।), who entrustEntrust (verb)
Meanings:
Give someone responsibility for something because you trust them (भरोसा करके सौंपना)
Examples:
1. I entrust you with this important letter. (मैं भरोसा करके यह महत्वपूर्ण पत्र तुम्हें सौंपता हूँ।)
2. She entrusted her keys to her neighbour. (उसने पड़ोसी को भरोसे से अपनी चाबियाँ सौंपीं।)
3. Parents entrust teachers with their children’s learning. (माता-पिता शिक्षकों को बच्चों की पढ़ाई की जिम्मेदारी सौंपते हैं।) their monthly savingsSavings (plural noun)
Meanings:
Money kept instead of being spent (बचत, बचाया हुआ धन)
Examples:
1. She used her savings to buy books. (उसने अपनी बचत से किताबें खरीदीं।)
2. He keeps his savings in an account. (वह अपनी बचत खाते में रखता है।)
3. Small monthly savings can grow over time. (हर महीने की छोटी बचत समय के साथ बढ़ सकती है।) to the post office in their area. Every post office in the country has many operationalOperational (adjective)
Meanings:
Working, active, or ready for use (कार्यरत, सक्रिय, उपयोग के लिए तैयार)
Examples:
1. The new office is now operational. (नया कार्यालय अब कार्यरत है।)
2. Her account remains operational. (उसका खाता सक्रिय है।)
3. The system became operational on Monday. (व्यवस्था सोमवार को चालू हुई।) accounts of the people which reflectsReflects (verb)
Meanings:
Shows or expresses something; also, sends back light or an image (दर्शाता है, व्यक्त करता है; प्रतिबिंबित करता है)
Examples:
1. Her work reflects her dedication. (उसका काम उसका समर्पण दर्शाता है।)
2. The calm lake reflects the trees. (शांत झील पेड़ों का प्रतिबिंब दिखाती है।)
3. Their response reflects their trust. (उनकी प्रतिक्रिया उनका भरोसा दर्शाती है।) their trust in the postal system.

Hindi Translationजीडीएस के माध्यम से, इंडिया पोस्ट ग्रामीण जमाकर्ताओं तक भी पहुँचने में सक्षम हुआ है, जो अपनी मासिक बचत अपने क्षेत्र के डाकघर को सौंपते हैं। देश के हर डाकघर में लोगों के कई सक्रिय खाते हैं जो डाक प्रणाली में उनके विश्वास को दर्शाते हैं।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Perfect tense (“has been able”) to show an ongoing capability that started in the past. It also uses the Simple Present tense (“entrust,” “has,” “reflects”) to describe the current and permanent state of trust between the public and the postal system.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Rural: Describes the depositors living in villages or countryside areas.
• Monthly: Describes the frequency of the savings being deposited.
• Operational: Describes the accounts as being active and in use.
• Postal: Specifies the system being discussed.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Reach: Used in the infinitive “to reach” to show the goal achieved by the GDS.
• Entrust: Simple Present showing the habitual act of giving money for safekeeping.
• Has: Simple Present indicating possession or existence of accounts.
• Reflects: Simple Present showing how the existence of accounts serves as evidence of trust.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Also: Indicates that reaching depositors is an additional achievement of the GDS.

The essential criterionCriterion (noun)
Meanings:
A standard used to judge or decide something (निर्णय या मूल्यांकन का मानदंड)
Examples:
1. Honesty is an important selection criterion. (ईमानदारी चयन का महत्वपूर्ण मानदंड है।)
2. The main criterion is relevant experience. (मुख्य मानदंड संबंधित अनुभव है।)
3. We need a fair criterion for judging the entries. (प्रविष्टियाँ परखने के लिए हमें निष्पक्ष मानदंड चाहिए।) for GDS selection is access to another means of livelihoodLivelihood (noun)
Meanings:
A way of earning the money needed to live (आजीविका, जीविका का साधन)
Examples:
1. Farming is their main livelihood. (खेती उनकी मुख्य आजीविका है।)
2. The job provides a steady livelihood. (नौकरी नियमित जीविका देती है।)
3. Floods threatened the villagers’ livelihood. (बाढ़ से ग्रामीणों की आजीविका को खतरा हुआ।). They are required to work only five hours in a day and are also allowed to serve after the age of 60, till the age of 65. All this is so that they can be paid a salary to enable them to have an assuredAssured (adjective)
Meanings:
Certain or guaranteed (निश्चित, सुनिश्चित)
Examples:
1. The job gave him an assured income. (नौकरी ने उसे निश्चित आय दी।)
2. Success is not assured without effort. (बिना प्रयास सफलता सुनिश्चित नहीं होती।)
3. They needed an assured supply of water. (उन्हें पानी की सुनिश्चित आपूर्ति चाहिए थी।) incomeIncome (noun)
Meanings:
Money earned or received regularly (आय, नियमित मिलने वाला धन)
Examples:
1. The family depends on one income. (परिवार एक आय पर निर्भर है।)
2. She earns an income by teaching. (वह पढ़ाकर आय कमाती है।)
3. The extra income helped pay school fees. (अतिरिक्त आय से विद्यालय का शुल्क भरने में मदद मिली।). The salary of regular postmen gets revisedRevised (verb)
Meanings:
Changed after reviewing; updated (समीक्षा के बाद बदला, संशोधित किया)
Examples:
1. The timetable was revised. (समय-सारणी संशोधित की गई।)
2. They revised the payment rates. (उन्होंने भुगतान की दरें बदलीं।)
3. She revised her plan after receiving advice. (सलाह मिलने पर उसने अपनी योजना संशोधित की।) as the other government employees. “Only by applying such different conditions could we retain a large workforce of Gramin Dak Sewaks to serve remote outposts,” explains a postmaster.

Hindi Translationजीडीएस चयन की आवश्यक शर्त यह है कि उनके पास आजीविका का कोई अन्य साधन हो। उन्हें प्रतिदिन केवल पाँच घंटे काम करना होता है और उन्हें 60 वर्ष की आयु के बाद भी 65 वर्ष तक सेवा करने की अनुमति है। यह सब इसलिए है ताकि उन्हें वेतन दिया जा सके और उनकी सुनिश्चित आय हो सके। नियमित डाकियों के वेतन में अन्य सरकारी कर्मचारियों की तरह संशोधन होता है। एक पोस्टमास्टर बताते हैं, “ऐसी अलग-अलग शर्तें लागू करके ही हम दूरदराज के चौकियों पर सेवा देने के लिए ग्रामीण डाक सेवकों का बड़ा कार्यबल बनाए रख सके।”

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (is, are, gets, explains) to describe the current rules and procedures of the GDS system. It also uses the infinitive “to enable” and “to serve” to express the purpose behind these specific employment conditions.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Essential: Describes the most important requirement for selection.
• Another: Specifies that the GDS must have a different source of income.
• Regular: Distinguishes full-time postmen from the Gramin Dak Sewaks.
• Different: Describes the unique conditions applied to this specific workforce.
• Large: Indicates the scale of the GDS population.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Is: Simple Present linking the criterion to the requirement.
• Required: Simple Present (passive) showing the obligation to work specific hours.
• Allowed: Simple Present (passive) showing the permission to work until age 65.
• Gets: Simple Present describing the habitual process of salary updates.
• Retain: Used in the infinitive to show the goal of keeping the workers in their positions.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Only: Used to limit the work hours and the specific method used to keep the workforce.
• Also: Indicates an additional rule regarding the age limit.

Khetaram’s appointment more than a decade ago gave him a new lease of lifeA new lease of life (idiom)
Meanings:
Renewed energy, hope, or enthusiasm for living (जीवन में नई ऊर्जा, आशा या उत्साह)
Examples:
1. Joining the sports club gave her a new lease of life. (खेल क्लब में शामिल होने से उसके जीवन में नई ऊर्जा आई।)
2. The community garden gave the quiet neighbourhood a new lease of life. (सामुदायिक बगीचे ने शांत मोहल्ले में नई रौनक ला दी।)
3. After recovering, he felt that he had a new lease of life. (स्वस्थ होने के बाद उसे लगा कि उसके जीवन में नया उत्साह आ गया है।). “Akaal or famineFamine (noun)
Meanings:
A severe and widespread shortage of food (अकाल, भोजन की भीषण कमी)
Examples:
1. The famine caused great suffering. (अकाल से बहुत कष्ट हुआ।)
2. Relief teams brought food during the famine. (अकाल में राहत दल भोजन लाए।)
3. The story describes a village facing famine. (कहानी अकाल का सामना करते गाँव का वर्णन करती है।) is a way of life here. In a good year, I get one crop of bajra. That cannot feed my family of five. We would starveStarve (verb)
Meanings:
Suffer greatly or die from lack of food (भूख से पीड़ित होना या मरना)
Examples:
1. No child should have to starve. (किसी बच्चे को भूखा नहीं रहना चाहिए।)
2. The family feared it would starve without work. (परिवार को डर था कि काम के बिना वह भूख से पीड़ित होगा।)
3. Food supplies helped the animals avoid starving. (भोजन की आपूर्ति ने जानवरों को भुखमरी से बचाया।) without this job,” he says. And for each family which resides in this aridArid (adjective)
Meanings:
Extremely dry, with very little rain (शुष्क, बहुत कम वर्षा वाला)
Examples:
1. Few crops grow in this arid land. (इस शुष्क भूमि में कम फसलें उगती हैं।)
2. Camels can travel through arid regions. (ऊँट शुष्क क्षेत्रों में यात्रा कर सकते हैं।)
3. The arid soil needed water. (सूखी मिट्टी को पानी चाहिए था।) land, survivalSurvival (noun)
Meanings:
The act of staying alive despite difficulties (जीवित रहना, कठिनाइयों में जीवन बचाना)
Examples:
1. Water is essential for survival. (जीवित रहने के लिए पानी आवश्यक है।)
2. The job was vital to the family’s survival. (परिवार के जीवन-निर्वाह के लिए नौकरी महत्वपूर्ण थी।)
3. The story tells of survival in the desert. (कहानी रेगिस्तान में जीवित रहने की बात बताती है।) is partly dependent on money orders remittedRemitted (verb)
Meanings:
Sent money as payment or support (धन भेजा, भुगतान प्रेषित किया)
Examples:
1. He remitted money to his parents. (उसने अपने माता-पिता को धन भेजा।)
2. The payment was remitted by money order. (भुगतान मनीऑर्डर से भेजा गया।)
3. She remitted part of her earnings home. (उसने अपनी कमाई का कुछ हिस्सा घर भेजा।) by a relative.

Hindi Translationएक दशक से अधिक समय पहले खेताराम की नियुक्ति ने उन्हें जीवन का एक नया अवसर दिया। वे कहते हैं, “अकाल यहाँ जीवन का एक हिस्सा है। एक अच्छे वर्ष में मुझे बाजरे की एक फसल मिलती है। वह मेरे पाँच लोगों के परिवार का पेट नहीं भर सकती। इस नौकरी के बिना हम भूखे मर जाते।” और इस शुष्क भूमि में रहने वाले प्रत्येक परिवार का अस्तित्व आंशिक रूप से किसी रिश्तेदार द्वारा भेजे गए मनीऑर्डर पर निर्भर है।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past tense (“gave”) to describe the initial impact of his hiring. It then shifts to the Simple Present tense (“is,” “get,” “says,” “resides”) to emphasize the harsh, ongoing reality of life in the desert.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• New: Describes the fresh opportunity or “lease” on life Khetaram received.
• Good: Describes a rare year when rainfall allows for a crop.
• Arid: Describes the dry and difficult nature of the land.
• Dependent: Describes the reliance of families on external financial help.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Gave: Simple Past showing the historical start of his career.
• Feed: Simple Present (with “cannot”) showing the inability of the crop to sustain the family.
• Starve: Simple Present (with “would”) showing the certain result if the job didn’t exist.
• Resides: Simple Present describing the act of living in that specific area.
• Remitted: Past Participle used as an adjective to describe the money being sent.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• More than: Comparative phrase used to describe the duration of time (a decade).
• Partly: Adverb of degree showing that survival depends on multiple factors, money orders being one.

When writing about the social significanceSignificance (noun)
Meanings:
Importance or meaning (महत्व, अर्थ)
Examples:
1. The teacher explained the letter’s significance. (शिक्षक ने पत्र का महत्व समझाया।)
2. We understood the significance of his service. (हमने उसकी सेवा का महत्व समझा।)
3. The event has special significance for the village. (गाँव के लिए इस घटना का विशेष महत्व है।) of the money order in his book, Story of the Indian Post Office, Mulk Raj Anand says, “In no other country a person in remote villages is so dependent on the post office for transmissionTransmission (noun)
Meanings:
The sending or passing of something from one place to another (प्रेषण, एक स्थान से दूसरे तक पहुँचाना)
Examples:
1. The system allows quick transmission of messages. (व्यवस्था संदेशों को जल्दी भेजने देती है।)
2. The transmission of money supported the family. (धन के प्रेषण से परिवार को सहारा मिला।)
3. A fault interrupted the radio transmission. (खराबी से रेडियो प्रसारण बाधित हुआ।) of small sums of money … It reflects the absolute confidenceConfidence (noun)
Meanings:
Trust in someone or something; belief in one’s ability (भरोसा, विश्वास, आत्मविश्वास)
Examples:
1. The villagers have confidence in the postman. (ग्रामीणों को डाकिए पर भरोसा है।)
2. Practice increased her confidence. (अभ्यास से उसका आत्मविश्वास बढ़ा।)
3. He spoke with confidence. (उसने आत्मविश्वास से बात की।) which most Indians place in the post office.” In fact, a few years ago, a scheme to scrapScrap (verb)
Meanings:
Cancel or get rid of a plan or system (योजना या व्यवस्था रद्द करना, समाप्त करना)
Examples:
1. They decided to scrap the old plan. (उन्होंने पुरानी योजना रद्द करने का निर्णय लिया।)
2. The committee refused to scrap the useful service. (समिति ने उपयोगी सेवा बंद करने से इनकार किया।)
3. We scrapped the design and began again. (हमने डिज़ाइन छोड़ दिया और दोबारा शुरू किया।) the GDS and transfer the job to patwaris (village record keepers) was proposed and summarilySummarily (adverb)
Meanings:
Immediately, without a lengthy process or discussion (तुरंत, लंबी प्रक्रिया या चर्चा के बिना)
Examples:
1. The proposal was summarily rejected. (प्रस्ताव तुरंत खारिज कर दिया गया।)
2. The request was summarily dismissed. (अनुरोध बिना लंबी चर्चा के खारिज कर दिया गया।)
3. Their objections were summarily set aside. (उनकी आपत्तियाँ तुरंत दरकिनार कर दी गईं।) rejectedRejected (verb)
Meanings:
Refused to accept or approve (अस्वीकार किया, खारिज किया)
Examples:
1. The committee rejected the proposal. (समिति ने प्रस्ताव अस्वीकार किया।)
2. She rejected the unfair offer. (उसने अनुचित प्रस्ताव ठुकरा दिया।)
3. His suggestion was rejected after discussion. (चर्चा के बाद उसका सुझाव खारिज कर दिया गया।). “We knew they would not be able to do the job,” says Budh Singh, a village elder.

Hindi Translationअपनी पुस्तक, स्टोरी ऑफ द इंडियन पोस्ट ऑफिस में मनीऑर्डर के सामाजिक महत्व के बारे में लिखते हुए मुल्क राज आनंद कहते हैं कि किसी अन्य देश में दूरदराज के गाँवों का व्यक्ति छोटी-छोटी धनराशि भेजने के लिए डाकघर पर इतना निर्भर नहीं है — यह उस पूर्ण विश्वास को दर्शाता है जो अधिकांश भारतीय डाकघर पर रखते हैं। वास्तव में, कुछ साल पहले जीडीएस को समाप्त करके यह काम पटवारियों (गाँव के रिकॉर्ड रखने वालों) को सौंपने की एक योजना प्रस्तावित हुई थी, जिसे तुरंत अस्वीकार कर दिया गया। गाँव के बुजुर्ग बुध सिंह कहते हैं, “हम जानते थे कि वे यह काम नहीं कर पाएंगे।”

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (says, reflects, place) to discuss Mulk Raj Anand’s observations and general public sentiment. It also uses the Simple Past (was proposed, was rejected, knew) to describe the historical attempt to change the postal system.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
Social: Specifies the type of significance related to the community.
Remote: Describes the distant and isolated nature of the villages.
Small: Describes the nature of the money sums being sent.
Absolute: Describes the total and complete nature of the people’s trust.
Summarily: (Used here as an adverbial adjective) describing the quick rejection of the proposal.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
Dependent: (Adjective used with “is”) showing the reliance of villagers on the post office.
Reflects: Simple Present showing how the system acts as a mirror of public trust.
Scrap: Used as an infinitive “to scrap” to show the intent of the failed scheme.
Rejected: Simple Past (passive) showing the final outcome of the proposal.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
In no other: Comparative phrase used to emphasize the uniqueness of the Indian situation.
In fact: Used as a transition to introduce a supporting real-life example.
Summarily: Describes the quick and decisive manner in which the scheme was dismissed.

Such aspectsAspects (plural noun)
Meanings:
Particular parts, features, or sides of something (पहलू, विशेषताएँ)
Examples:
1. We discussed different aspects of the job. (हमने काम के विभिन्न पहलुओं पर चर्चा की।)
2. Trust is one of the important aspects of friendship. (भरोसा मित्रता के महत्वपूर्ण पहलुओं में से एक है।)
3. The report covers several aspects of village life. (रिपोर्ट ग्रामीण जीवन के कई पहलुओं को शामिल करती है।) of trust make Khetaram a warmly received man. He can dwellDwell (verb)
Meanings:
Live, stay, or linger in a place (रहना, ठहरना)
Examples:
1. They dwell in a small cottage. (वे एक छोटे मकान में रहते हैं।)
2. He would dwell briefly at the doorway to talk. (वह बात करने के लिए दरवाज़े पर थोड़ी देर ठहरता था।)
3. Many families dwell near the river. (कई परिवार नदी के पास रहते हैं।) on any thresholdThreshold (noun)
Meanings:
The entrance or doorway of a house or room (देहरी, दहलीज़)
Examples:
1. She waited at the threshold. (वह दहलीज़ पर रुकी।)
2. He stepped across the threshold. (उसने दहलीज़ पार की।)
3. The postman stood on the threshold with a letter. (डाकिया पत्र लेकर देहरी पर खड़ा था।), read out letters and write replies in his slightly shakyShaky (adjective)
Meanings:
Trembling or unsteady (काँपता हुआ, अस्थिर)
Examples:
1. He wrote with a shaky hand. (उसने काँपते हाथ से लिखा।)
2. Her voice sounded shaky. (उसकी आवाज़ काँपती हुई लगी।)
3. The old table had a shaky leg. (पुरानी मेज का एक पाया हिल रहा था।) hand. Everyone feels comfortable asking him to read the letters and draftDraft (verb)
Meanings:
Write an initial version of a document or message (मसौदा तैयार करना, प्रारूप लिखना)
Examples:
1. Please draft a reply to the letter. (कृपया पत्र के उत्तर का मसौदा लिखें।)
2. She drafted a short speech. (उसने छोटे भाषण का प्रारूप तैयार किया।)
3. We drafted the invitation together. (हमने मिलकर निमंत्रण का मसौदा बनाया।) the replies.
“People are kind to me; the BSF always gives me a liftGives me a lift (phrase)
Meanings:
Offers me a ride in a vehicle (मुझे वाहन में साथ ले जाता है, सवारी देता है)
Examples:
1. My neighbour gives me a lift to school. (मेरा पड़ोसी मुझे अपने वाहन से विद्यालय छोड़ता है।)
2. He gives me a lift when the bus is late. (बस देर से आने पर वह मुझे अपने वाहन में ले जाता है।)
3. My aunt gives me a lift to music class. (मेरी मौसी मुझे संगीत की कक्षा तक सवारी देती हैं।). Since their camp came here last year, when I distributeDistribute (verb)
Meanings:
Give or deliver things to several people or places (बाँटना, वितरण करना)
Examples:
1. The postman distributes letters. (डाकिया पत्र बाँटता है।)
2. We distributed books among the children. (हमने बच्चों में किताबें बाँटीं।)
3. Please distribute these notices. (कृपया ये सूचनाएँ बाँट दें।) their dak, I get a cup of tea.” In the village, a piece of jaggeryJaggery (noun)
Meanings:
A traditional unrefined sugar, usually made from sugarcane or palm juice (गुड़, गन्ने या ताड़ के रस से बनी अपरिष्कृत शर्करा)
Examples:
1. She offered him a piece of jaggery. (उसने उसे गुड़ का टुकड़ा दिया।)
2. My grandmother makes sweets with jaggery. (मेरी दादी गुड़ से मिठाइयाँ बनाती हैं।)
3. The shop sells fresh jaggery. (दुकान पर ताज़ा गुड़ बिकता है।) is all that can be offered when he brings news of a birth or weddings.

Hindi Translationविश्वास के ये पहलू खेतराम को एक ऐसा व्यक्ति बनाते हैं जिसका हर कोई स्वागत करता है। वे किसी भी दहलीज पर रुक सकते हैं, पत्र पढ़ सकते हैं और अपने थोड़े काँपते हाथों से जवाब लिख सकते हैं। हर कोई उनसे पत्र पढ़वाने और जवाब लिखवाने में सहज महसूस करता है।
“लोग मेरे प्रति दयालु हैं; बीएसएफ हमेशा मुझे लिफ्ट देती है। जब से उनका कैंप यहाँ पिछले साल आया है, जब मैं उनका डाक पहुँचाता हूँ, तो मुझे एक कप मिल जाती है।” गाँव में, जब वे किसी जन्म या शादी की खबर लाते हैं, तो उन्हें भेंट के रूप में गुड़ का एक टुकड़ा ही दिया जा पाता है।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (make, can, feel, are, gives) to describe the daily interactions and the deep-rooted trust in the village. It also uses the Present Continuous (“asking”) to show the ongoing habit of the villagers seeking help.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Warmly received: Describes how Khetaram is welcomed with kindness and respect.
• Shaky: Describes the physical quality of his handwriting, likely due to age or effort.
• Comfortable: Describes the emotional state of the villagers around him.
• Kind: Describes the nature of the people toward the postman.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Dwell: Simple Present showing he is allowed to linger at people’s homes.
• Read out: Phrasal verb showing the action of speaking the written words.
• Draft: Simple Present showing the act of composing replies.
• Distribute: Simple Present showing his official duty with the “dak.”
• Offered: Past Participle (passive) describing what is given as a gesture of thanks.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Slightly: Adverb of degree modifying “shaky.”
• Always: Adverb of frequency showing the consistent help from the BSF.
• When: Adverb of time linking the delivery of news to the gift of jaggery.

There is one letter delivery he dreadsDreads (verb)
Meanings:
Feels great fear or anxiety about something expected (आने वाली बात से बहुत डरता है)
Examples:
1. He dreads delivering sad news. (वह दुखद समाचार देने से डरता है।)
2. She dreads speaking before a crowd. (वह भीड़ के सामने बोलने से डरती है।)
3. The child dreads the long journey. (बच्चा लंबी यात्रा से घबराता है।). The envelope with the right corner torn off, which signifiesSignifies (verb)
Meanings:
Means, indicates, or is a sign of (अर्थ बताता है, संकेत देता है)
Examples:
1. A red light signifies that we must stop. (लाल बत्ती रुकने का संकेत देती है।)
2. Her smile signifies approval. (उसकी मुस्कान सहमति का संकेत देती है।)
3. The torn corner signifies sad news. (फटा कोना दुखद समाचार का संकेत देता है।) that the missiveMissive (noun)
Meanings:
A letter or written message (पत्र, लिखित संदेश)
Examples:
1. The missive arrived in the morning. (पत्र सुबह पहुँचा।)
2. He carefully opened the missive. (उसने सावधानी से पत्र खोला।)
3. The old box contained a treasured missive. (पुराने डिब्बे में एक प्रिय पत्र रखा था।) bears news of death. “Ashubh Samachar cannot be carried into the house,” says Khetaram. So, he stands outside, reads out the letter twice, then tears it to bits. “Bad news must be destroyed,” he muttersMutters (verb)
Meanings:
Speaks quietly and unclearly, often to oneself (धीरे-धीरे बुदबुदाता है)
Examples:
1. He mutters a few words to himself. (वह अपने आप से कुछ शब्द बुदबुदाता है।)
2. She mutters when she is worried. (चिंता में वह बुदबुदाती है।)
3. The old man mutters a brief reply. (बुज़ुर्ग धीमे स्वर में छोटा उत्तर देता है।) philosophicallyPhilosophically (adverb)
Meanings:
In a thoughtful way that reflects beliefs about life or accepts difficulties calmly (जीवन के बारे में विचारपूर्ण ढंग से, शांत स्वीकार भाव से)
Examples:
1. He spoke philosophically about loss. (उसने हानि के बारे में विचारपूर्ण ढंग से बात की।)
2. She accepted the setback philosophically. (उसने बाधा को शांत भाव से स्वीकार किया।)
3. The elder smiled philosophically at life’s surprises. (बुज़ुर्ग जीवन की अनपेक्षित घटनाओं पर समझदारी भरे शांत भाव से मुस्कराया।).

Hindi Translationएक ऐसी भी चिट्ठी है जिसे पहुँचाने से वे डरते हैं। वह लिफाफा जिसका दायाँ कोना फटा हो, जो यह संकेत देता है कि पत्र में मृत्यु की सूचना है। खेताराम कहते हैं, “अशुभ समाचार घर के अंदर नहीं ले जाया जा सकता।” इसलिए, वे बाहर खड़े होकर पत्र को दो बार पढ़ते हैं, फिर उसे टुकड़े-टुकड़े कर देते हैं। वे दार्शनिक भाव से बड़बड़ाते हैं, “बुरी खबरों को नष्ट कर देना चाहिए।”

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (dreads, signifies, says, stands, tears) to describe a recurring ritual or belief. It also uses the Modal Verb “must” (must be destroyed) to express a strong necessity or obligation based on traditional beliefs.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
Torn: Past Participle used to describe the state of the envelope’s corner.
Inauspicious / Ashubh: Describes news that is considered unlucky or bad.
Philosophical: Describes Khetaram’s calm and wise manner of speaking.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
Dreads: Simple Present showing his emotional reaction to certain letters.
Signifies: Simple Present explaining what the torn corner represents.
Carried: Past Participle (passive) used to show what is forbidden inside the house.
Stands: Simple Present showing his physical position during the ritual.
Destroyed: Past Participle (passive) used with “must be” to show the required action.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
Outside: Adverb of place showing where he remains to keep the “bad luck” away from the home.
Twice: Adverb of number showing how many times he reads the letter for clarity.
Philosophically: Adverb of manner describing how he speaks.

Today, after more than a decade and a half of bearing words across this desolateDesolate (adjective)
Meanings:
Empty, lonely, and often harsh or lifeless (सुनसान, निर्जन, वीरान)
Examples:
1. The road crossed a desolate plain. (सड़क एक वीरान मैदान से गुज़री।)
2. The house looked desolate after everyone left. (सबके चले जाने पर घर सुनसान लगा।)
3. He travelled across the desolate desert. (उसने निर्जन रेगिस्तान में यात्रा की।) geography, Khetaram says his spineSpine (noun)
Meanings:
The backbone; figuratively, courage or strength (रीढ़ की हड्डी; लाक्षणिक रूप में साहस या दृढ़ता)
Examples:
1. The heavy bag strained his spine. (भारी थैले से उसकी रीढ़ पर दबाव पड़ा।)
2. Good posture supports the spine. (सही मुद्रा रीढ़ को सहारा देती है।)
3. She showed spine by defending the truth. (उसने सच का पक्ष लेकर साहस दिखाया।) is strong. “I am gratefulGrateful (adjective)
Meanings:
Feeling thankful for help or kindness (आभारी, कृतज्ञ)
Examples:
1. I am grateful for your help. (मैं आपकी सहायता के लिए आभारी हूँ।)
2. She was grateful to her teacher. (वह अपने शिक्षक की कृतज्ञ थी।)
3. The villagers were grateful for his service. (ग्रामीण उसकी सेवा के लिए आभारी थे।) that as a Gramin Dak Sewak, I can serve the people even after 60.” He is waiting for the arrival of phone lines, now only 50 km away, for then he might become Gramin Sanchar Sewak, when his duty will entailEntail (verb)
Meanings:
Involve or require something as a necessary part (आवश्यक रूप से शामिल होना, ज़रूरी होना)
Examples:
1. The job will entail much walking. (इस काम में बहुत पैदल चलना होगा।)
2. The plan entails careful preparation. (इस योजना में सावधानी से तैयारी आवश्यक है।)
3. Caring for a pet entails responsibility. (पालतू जानवर की देखभाल में जिम्मेदारी शामिल होती है।) carrying a cell phone and the post, from home to home. “Main tayyar hoon” (I’m ready), he says, before stridingStriding (verb)
Meanings:
Walking with long, confident steps (लंबे और आत्मविश्वास भरे कदमों से चलना)
Examples:
1. He was striding towards the village. (वह लंबे कदमों से गाँव की ओर जा रहा था।)
2. She came striding across the field. (वह तेज लंबे कदमों से मैदान पार करके आई।)
3. The postman went striding down the road. (डाकिया लंबे कदमों से सड़क पर चला गया।) off with his sackSack (noun)
Meanings:
A large strong bag for carrying or storing things (बड़ा मजबूत थैला, बोरा)
Examples:
1. He carried a sack of mail. (उसने डाक का बड़ा थैला उठाया।)
2. The farmer filled a sack with grain. (किसान ने बोरे में अनाज भरा।)
3. She placed the sack near the door. (उसने बोरा दरवाज़े के पास रखा।) on his shoulder to deliver Panna Devi’s dak before sundownSundown (noun)
Meanings:
The time when the sun sets (सूर्यास्त, सूरज ढलने का समय)
Examples:
1. He returned before sundown. (वह सूर्यास्त से पहले लौटा।)
2. The air cooled after sundown. (सूर्यास्त के बाद हवा ठंडी हुई।)
3. We reached the village at sundown. (हम सूर्यास्त के समय गाँव पहुँचे।).
People like Khetaram are a part and parcel of our social fabric, and are a great support! Our salute to all the people like Khetaram!

Hindi Translationआज, इस वीरान इलाके में डेढ़ दशक से अधिक समय तक शब्दों को ढोने के बाद, खेताराम कहते हैं कि उनकी रीढ़ अभी भी मजबूत है। “मैं आभारी हूँ कि ग्रामीण डाक सेवक के रूप में, मैं 60 के बाद भी लोगों की सेवा कर सकता हूँ।” वे फोन लाइनों के आने का इंतजार कर रहे हैं, जो अब केवल 50 किमी दूर हैं, क्योंकि तब वे ग्रामीण संचार सेवक बन सकते हैं, जब उनका कर्तव्य घर-घर सेल फोन और डाक ले जाना होगा। “मैं तैयार हूँ,” वे कहते हैं, और फिर सूर्यास्त से पहले पन्ना देवी का डाक पहुँचाने के लिए अपने कंधे पर थैला लेकर लंबे-लंबे कदमों से चल पड़ते हैं।
खेताराम जैसे लोग हमारे सामाजिक ताने-बाने का एक अभिन्न हिस्सा हैं, और एक महान आधार हैं! खेताराम जैसे सभी लोगों को हमारा सलाम!

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (says, is, is waiting, says) to describe Khetaram’s current mindset and physical state. It also uses the Future tense (“will entail,” “might become”) to express his anticipation of technological changes and his new potential role.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Strong: Describes the condition of his spine despite years of heavy lifting.
• Desolate: Describes the harsh and empty nature of the desert landscape.
• Grateful: Describes his positive emotional state regarding his job.
• Ready / Tayyar: Describes his willingness to adapt to future changes.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Bearing: Present Participle describing the act of carrying words/messages.
• Serve: Simple Present used to express his ability to help the community.
• Waiting: Present Continuous showing his ongoing expectation for the phone lines.
• Entail: Simple Present showing what his future duty would involve.
• Striding off: Present Participle describing his confident way of walking away.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Even: Used to emphasize that he can still work past the typical retirement age.
• Now: Adverb of time showing how close the phone lines have currently reached.
• Only: Limits the distance to just 50 km.
• Before: Adverb of time marking the deadline for his delivery.

Kaveri Chapter 7 Poem – Hindi Translation

Reading for Appreciation

If words could satisfySatisfy (verb)
Meanings:
Meet a need or wish; make someone feel content (संतुष्ट करना, आवश्यकता पूरी करना)
Examples:
1. Kind actions can satisfy a need for support. (दयालु कार्य सहारे की आवश्यकता पूरी कर सकते हैं।)
2. The meal did not satisfy his hunger. (भोजन से उसकी भूख नहीं मिटी।)
3. Her explanation satisfied our curiosity. (उसकी व्याख्या ने हमारी जिज्ञासा शांत की।) the heart,
The heart might find less careCare (noun)
Meanings:
Worry, anxiety, or a troubling concern (चिंता, परेशानी, व्याकुलता)
Examples:
1. He wished for a life free from care. (वह चिंता से मुक्त जीवन चाहता था।)
2. The song eased her care. (गीत ने उसकी चिंता कम की।)
3. His face showed the marks of care. (उसके चेहरे पर चिंता के चिह्न दिखाई दिए।);
But words, like summer birds, departDepart (verb)
Meanings:
Leave or go away (चले जाना, प्रस्थान करना)
Examples:
1. The train will depart at noon. (रेलगाड़ी दोपहर में रवाना होगी।)
2. The birds depart when the season changes. (मौसम बदलने पर पक्षी चले जाते हैं।)
3. We departed before sunrise. (हमने सूर्योदय से पहले प्रस्थान किया।),
And leave but emptyEmpty (adjective)
Meanings:
Containing nothing; lacking substance or meaning (खाली, सार या अर्थ से रहित)
Examples:
1. The room was empty. (कमरा खाली था।)
2. Empty promises cannot replace action. (खोखले वादे काम की जगह नहीं ले सकते।)
3. The departing birds left an empty sky. (उड़ते पक्षी पीछे खाली आकाश छोड़ गए।) air.

Hindi Translationयदि शब्द हृदय को संतुष्ट कर सकते,
तो हृदय को कम चिंता होती;
पर शब्द, ग्रीष्म के पक्षियों की तरह, उड़ जाते हैं,
और पीछे छोड़ जाते हैं केवल खाली हवा।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Subjunctive mood (“If words could,” “heart might”) to explore a hypothetical situation—something that is not currently true. It also uses a Simile (“like summer birds”) to compare the temporary nature of words to birds that fly away when the season changes.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Less: A comparative adjective used to describe a reduced amount of worry.
• Summer: Describes the specific type of birds that are migratory and temporary.
• Empty: Describes the “air” or the feeling left behind as having no substance.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Satisfy: Used in a conditional sense (could satisfy).
• Find: Used to show the potential result for the heart (might find).
• Depart: Simple Present showing the habitual action of birds (and words) leaving.
• Leave: Simple Present showing the final result of their departure.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• But: Used here as an adverb meaning “only” (leave only empty air).

The heart, a pilgrimPilgrim (noun)
Meanings:
A person travelling to a sacred place; figuratively, a traveller through life (तीर्थयात्री; लाक्षणिक रूप में जीवन का यात्री)
Examples:
1. The pilgrim walked towards the temple. (तीर्थयात्री मंदिर की ओर चला।)
2. The poem presents the heart as a pilgrim. (कविता हृदय को तीर्थयात्री के रूप में प्रस्तुत करती है।)
3. A weary pilgrim rested under the tree. (थके तीर्थयात्री ने पेड़ के नीचे विश्राम किया।) upon earth,
Finds often, when it needs,
That words are of as little worthWorth (noun)
Meanings:
Value, merit, or importance (मूल्य, योग्यता, महत्व)
Examples:
1. Her work proved its worth. (उसके काम ने अपना महत्व सिद्ध किया।)
2. Kind actions have lasting worth. (दयालु कार्यों का स्थायी महत्व होता है।)
3. An artist of great worth deserves recognition. (बहुत योग्य कलाकार सम्मान का अधिकारी है।)
As just so many weedsWeeds (plural noun)
Meanings:
Unwanted plants growing among cultivated plants (अनचाहे पौधे, खरपतवार)
Examples:
1. We removed weeds from the garden. (हमने बगीचे से खरपतवार हटाए।)
2. Weeds were growing beside the path. (रास्ते के पास खरपतवार उग रहे थे।)
3. The farmer pulled out the weeds. (किसान ने खरपतवार उखाड़े।).

Hindi Translationहृदय, धरती पर एक तीर्थयात्री है,
अक्सर पाता है, जब उसे जरूरत होती है,
कि शब्दों का उतना ही मूल्य है
जितना कि कुछ खरपतवारों का।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (is, finds, needs, are) to state a universal truth about the human experience. It employs a Simile (“As just so many weeds”) to compare the low value of empty words to common, unwanted plants.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Little: Describes the minimal value or importance of words in times of real need.
• Many: Emphasizes the abundance of these “useless” words/weeds.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Finds: Simple Present showing the heart’s discovery of the truth during its journey.
• Needs: Simple Present indicating a state of wanting or requiring comfort.
• Are: Simple Present linking “words” to their lack of “worth.”
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Often: Adverb of frequency showing that this realization happens repeatedly.
• When: Adverb of time specifying the exact moment the heart realizes the worthlessness of words.
• Just: Used for emphasis to show how truly common and insignificant the words are.

A little said, and trulyTruly (adverb)
Meanings:
Really, genuinely, sincerely (वास्तव में, सचमुच, सच्चे मन से)
Examples:
1. I am truly grateful for your help. (मैं आपकी मदद के लिए सचमुच आभारी हूँ।)
2. Her courage is truly inspiring. (उसका साहस वास्तव में प्रेरणादायक है।)
3. He truly believes in equal opportunities. (वह समान अवसरों में सच्चे मन से विश्वास रखता है।) said,
Can deeper joy impartImpart (verb)
Meanings:
Give, communicate, or pass on a quality, feeling, or knowledge (प्रदान करना, ज्ञान या भाव देना)
Examples:
1. A kind word can impart joy. (दयालु शब्द खुशी दे सकता है।)
2. Teachers impart knowledge to students. (शिक्षक विद्यार्थियों को ज्ञान देते हैं।)
3. The story imparts a useful lesson. (कहानी उपयोगी सीख देती है।)
Than hostsHosts (plural noun)
Meanings:
Large numbers or groups (बड़ी संख्या, समूहों का समूह)
Examples:
1. Hosts of visitors arrived for the festival. (उत्सव में बड़ी संख्या में आगंतुक आए।)
2. Hosts of stars filled the sky. (आकाश असंख्य तारों से भर गया।)
3. Hosts of words may carry little meaning. (बहुत सारे शब्दों में भी बहुत कम अर्थ हो सकता है।) of words, which reach the head,
But never touch the heartTouch the heart (idiom)
Meanings:
Move someone deeply through feeling or kindness (दिल को छू लेना, गहराई से भावुक करना)
Examples:
1. Simple words can touch the heart. (सरल शब्द दिल को छू सकते हैं।)
2. Her kind act touched my heart. (उसके दयालु कार्य ने मेरा दिल छू लिया।)
3. The song was written to touch the heart. (गीत दिल को छूने के लिए लिखा गया था।).

Hindi Translationथोड़ा कहा, और सच्चाई से कहा,
गहरी खुशी दे सकता है
शब्दों की भीड़ से कहीं अधिक, जो केवल मस्तिष्क तक पहुँचती है,
पर कभी हृदय को नहीं छूती।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (can, impart, reach, touch) to express a timeless moral principle. It uses a Contrast (Comparison) between “a little said” and “hosts of words” to highlight the difference between quality and quantity in communication.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Little: Describes the small amount of speech that is actually necessary.
• Truly: (Adverbial use) describes the sincere quality of the speech.
• Deeper: Comparative adjective showing that sincere words provide more joy than many empty ones.
• Empty / Vain: (Implied) describing the “hosts of words” that fail to connect.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Said: Past Participle used to describe the nature of the words spoken.
• Impart: Used with the modal “can” to show the potential of sincere words to give joy.
• Reach: Simple Present showing that complex words often only stay at the level of the mind.
• Touch: Simple Present (with “never”) showing the failure of insincere words to affect the soul.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Truly: Describes the manner in which the words are spoken.
• Never: Adverb of frequency used to emphasize the absolute lack of emotional impact.

The voice that wins its sunny waySunny way (figurative phrase)
Meanings:
A warm, cheerful, and hopeful manner or path (उष्मा और प्रसन्नता से भरा तरीका या रास्ता)
Examples:
1. Her voice found a sunny way into our sad evening. (उसकी आवाज़ ने हमारी उदास शाम में खुशी भर दी।)
2. His sunny way of speaking cheered us. (उसके प्रसन्न ढंग से बोलने ने हमें खुश कर दिया।)
3. She faced problems in her own sunny way. (उसने अपने आशापूर्ण ढंग से समस्याओं का सामना किया।),
A lonelyLonely (adjective)
Meanings:
Feeling sad through lack of company; isolated (अकेलेपन से उदास, एकाकी)
Examples:
1. The lonely child welcomed a friend. (एकाकी बच्चे ने मित्र का स्वागत किया।)
2. She felt lonely in the new town. (नए नगर में उसे अकेलापन लगा।)
3. A kind visit brightened the lonely home. (स्नेहपूर्ण मुलाकात से सूने घर में खुशी आई।) home to cheerCheer (verb)
Meanings:
Make someone happier or more hopeful (प्रसन्न करना, हौसला बढ़ाना)
Examples:
1. Your letter will cheer her. (तुम्हारा पत्र उसे खुश करेगा।)
2. We tried to cheer our tired friend. (हमने अपने थके मित्र का हौसला बढ़ाने की कोशिश की।)
3. The music cheered everyone. (संगीत ने सबको प्रसन्न किया।),
HathHath (archaic verb)
Meanings:
Has; an old form used in poetry and older writing (है या रखता है; “has” का पुराना रूप)
Examples:
1. The poet writes, “Love hath no price.” (कवि लिखता है, “प्रेम का कोई मूल्य नहीं है।”)
2. The old verse says, “He hath a gentle heart.” (पुराने पद में लिखा है, “उसका हृदय कोमल है।”)
3. “She hath hope” means “She has hope.” (“She hath hope” का अर्थ है, “उसे आशा है।”) oftOft (poetic adverb)
Meanings:
Often, many times (अक्सर, बार-बार)
Examples:
1. Kind words are oft remembered. (दयालु शब्द अक्सर याद रहते हैं।)
2. The poet oft speaks of hope. (कवि अक्सर आशा की बात करता है।)
3. Small acts oft bring great comfort. (छोटे कार्य अक्सर बहुत सांत्वना देते हैं।) the fewest words to say;
But, oh! those few, how dearDear (adjective)
Meanings:
Loved, valued, or precious (प्रिय, प्यारा, मूल्यवान)
Examples:
1. Your words are dear to me. (तुम्हारे शब्द मेरे लिए प्रिय हैं।)
2. She kept a letter from a dear friend. (उसने प्रिय मित्र का पत्र सँभालकर रखा।)
3. These memories remain dear to us. (ये यादें हमें प्रिय हैं।)!

Hindi Translationवह आवाज जो अपना उज्ज्वल मार्ग बनाती है,
किसी एकाकी घर को खुश करने के लिए,
अक्सर सबसे कम शब्द कहती है;
पर, ओह! वे थोड़े शब्द, कितने प्रिय होते हैं!

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (wins, hath, say) to describe the lasting power of a kind voice. It uses an Exclamatory structure (“But, oh! those few, how dear!”) to emphasize the deep emotional value and intensity of those few sincere words.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Sunny: Describes the voice as something that brings light and warmth like the sun.
• Lonely: Describes the home as a place lacking companionship or joy before the voice arrives.
• Fewest: A superlative adjective highlighting that quantity is not important for impact.
• Dear: Describes the quality of the words as being extremely precious to the listener.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Wins: Simple Present showing how a kind voice successfully finds its way into someone’s heart.
• Cheer: Used in the infinitive “to cheer” to show the purpose of the visit.
• Hath (Has): Simple Present indicating that the most effective person possesses very few words.
• Say: Used in the infinitive “to say” to describe the act of speaking.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Oft: Adverb of frequency showing that this is a common occurrence in life.
• How: Used as an intensifier in the exclamation to show the degree of “dearness.”

If words could satisfy the chestChest (noun)
Meanings:
The upper front part of the body containing the heart and lungs; poetically, the heart and its feelings (सीना; काव्य में हृदय या मन की भावनाओं का संकेत)
Examples:
1. He held the letter against his chest. (उसने पत्र अपने सीने से लगाया।)
2. Her chest rose as she breathed. (साँस लेते समय उसका सीना उठा।)
3. In the poem, the chest stands for inner needs and feelings. (कविता में सीना आंतरिक आवश्यकताओं और भावनाओं का संकेत है।),
The world might hold a feastFeast (noun)
Meanings:
A large celebratory meal, banquet (दावत, भोज)
Examples:
1. The village arranged a feast. (गाँव ने भोज आयोजित किया।)
2. Everyone shared the feast after the wedding. (विवाह के बाद सबने भोज किया।)
3. The feast brought the families together. (भोज ने परिवारों को एक साथ मिलाया।);
But words, when summonedSummoned (verb)
Meanings:
Called to appear or be present, especially for a purpose (किसी उद्देश्य से बुलाया गया)
Examples:
1. The students were summoned to the hall. (विद्यार्थियों को हॉल में बुलाया गया।)
2. She summoned help immediately. (उसने तुरंत सहायता बुलाई।)
3. The witness was summoned to speak. (गवाह को बोलने के लिए बुलाया गया।) to the testTest (noun)
Meanings:
A trial that checks ability, truth, usefulness, or quality (परीक्षा, परख, कसौटी)
Examples:
1. A difficult task put his patience to the test. (कठिन काम ने उसके धैर्य की परीक्षा ली।)
2. Promises face a real test in hard times. (कठिन समय में वादों की असली परख होती है।)
3. The experiment was a test of the idea. (प्रयोग उस विचार की जाँच था।),
Oft satisfy the least!

Hindi Translationयदि शब्द हृदय को संतुष्ट कर सकते,
तो संसार एक उत्सव मना सकता था;
पर शब्द, जब परीक्षा के लिए बुलाए जाते हैं,
तो अक्सर सबसे कम संतुष्ट करते हैं!

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Subjunctive mood (“If words could,” “world might”) to imagine a world where words have the power to actually provide physical or emotional substance. It then shifts to a conditional reality to show that when words are actually needed (the test), they often fail to deliver.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Least: A superlative adjective used to show that words have the lowest possible value when action is required.
• Summoned: (Past Participle used as an adjective) describing words that have been called to prove themselves.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Satisfy: Used twice; once as a possibility (could satisfy) and once as a disappointing reality (satisfy the least).
• Hold: Used with “might” to show the potential for abundance if words were “real.”
• Summoned: Describes the act of challenging words to prove their worth.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Oft: (Poetic/Old English) Adverb of frequency showing that words regularly fail to meet expectations.
• When: Adverb of time specifying the moment of testing.

Like plants that make a gaudyGaudy (adjective)
Meanings:
Too brightly decorated or showy (भड़कीला, दिखावटी)
Examples:
1. The stage had gaudy decorations. (मंच पर भड़कीली सजावट थी।)
2. She preferred plain clothes to gaudy ones. (उसे भड़कीले कपड़ों से सादे कपड़े अधिक पसंद थे।)
3. The poster’s gaudy colours caught our attention. (पोस्टर के भड़कीले रंगों ने हमारा ध्यान खींचा।) show,
All blossomBlossom (noun)
Meanings:
Flowers on a plant or tree (फूल, पुष्प)
Examples:
1. The tree was covered in blossom. (पेड़ फूलों से ढका था।)
2. Pink blossom brightened the garden. (गुलाबी फूलों ने बगीचे की सुंदरता बढ़ाई।)
3. A breeze carried the scent of blossom. (हवा फूलों की सुगंध लेकर आई।) to the rootRoot (noun)
Meanings:
The part of a plant usually below ground that takes in water and holds it in place (जड़, पौधे का भूमि के भीतर का भाग)
Examples:
1. The root absorbed water. (जड़ ने पानी सोखा।)
2. Do not damage the young plant’s root. (छोटे पौधे की जड़ को नुकसान मत पहुँचाओ।)
3. The tree had a thick root. (पेड़ की जड़ मोटी थी।);
But whose poor nature cannot grow,
One particleParticle (noun)
Meanings:
A very small piece or amount (कण, बहुत छोटा अंश)
Examples:
1. A particle of dust floated in the light. (प्रकाश में धूल का एक कण तैर रहा था।)
2. Not a particle of food remained. (भोजन का एक कण भी नहीं बचा।)
3. The filter caught each tiny particle. (छन्नी ने हर छोटा कण रोक लिया।) of fruit!

Hindi Translationउन पौधों की तरह जो दिखावटी रूप से खिलते हैं,
जड़ तक सब फूल ही फूल;
पर जिनकी दुर्बल प्रकृति उगा नहीं सकती,
फल का एक कण भी!

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses a Simile (“Like plants”) to compare people who use many words to plants that look beautiful on the outside but are useless. It uses the Simple Present tense (make, cannot grow) to describe the permanent characteristics of such “hollow” individuals.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Gaudy: Describes a display that is too bright or flashy, lacking real value.
• Poor: Describes the “nature” of the plant (or person) as being weak, unproductive, or lacking quality.
• One: Specifies that not even a single small piece of fruit is produced.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Make: Simple Present showing the habitual act of putting on a show.
• Blossom: Used here to show that the plant is entirely covered in flowers, leaving no room for anything else.
• Grow: Used with “cannot” to show the inability to produce something useful.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Like: Used to establish the comparison between the plants and people who talk too much.

WEIGH YOUR WORDS (Poem by E. F. Hayward)

If we would “weighWeigh (verb)
Meanings:
Consider carefully before judging or deciding; literally, measure weight (सोच-समझकर परखना; शाब्दिक अर्थ में तौलना)
Examples:
1. We should weigh our words before speaking. (हमें बोलने से पहले अपने शब्द सोच-समझकर चुनने चाहिए।)
2. She weighed the advantages of each choice. (उसने हर विकल्प के लाभ पर विचार किया।)
3. Please weigh the parcel before sending it. (कृपया भेजने से पहले पार्सल तौल लें।)” the words we say,
And speak but those we meanMean (verb)
Meanings:
Intend to express something sincerely (किसी बात का सच्चा आशय रखना)
Examples:
1. Say only what you mean. (वही कहो जिसका तुम सच में आशय रखते हो।)
2. I mean every word of my thanks. (मेरे धन्यवाद का हर शब्द सच्चा है।)
3. Did you really mean that promise? (क्या तुमने सच में वह वादा निभाने के इरादे से किया था?),
We’d save a lot of talk each day,
And keep our conscienceConscience (noun)
Meanings:
The inner sense of right and wrong (अंतरात्मा, सही-गलत का आंतरिक बोध)
Examples:
1. His conscience told him to be honest. (उसकी अंतरात्मा ने उसे ईमानदार रहने को कहा।)
2. She could not ignore her conscience. (वह अपनी अंतरात्मा की बात अनदेखी नहीं कर सकी।)
3. A clear conscience helped him sleep peacefully. (निर्दोष अंतरात्मा ने उसे शांति से सोने दिया।) cleanClean (adjective)
Meanings:
Free from guilt or wrongdoing; literally, free from dirt (अपराधबोध या गलत आचरण से मुक्त; साफ)
Examples:
1. Honesty helps keep our conscience clean. (ईमानदारी हमारी अंतरात्मा को अपराधबोध से मुक्त रखती है।)
2. She left with a clean conscience. (वह निर्दोष अंतरात्मा के साथ गई।)
3. We kept the classroom clean. (हमने कक्षा साफ रखी।).

Hindi Translationयदि हम अपने कहे शब्दों को “तोलते”,
और केवल वही बोलते जो हम सोचते हैं,
तो हम प्रतिदिन बहुत सी बातें बचाते,
और अपनी अंतरात्मा को स्वच्छ रखते।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Conditional mood (“If we would,” “We’d save”) to present a hypothetical change in behavior and its positive result. It uses a Metaphor (“weigh the words”) to compare the act of speaking to measuring physical objects for their true value.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• A lot of: Describes the large, unnecessary amount of talk we currently engage in.
• Each: Specifies that this is a daily, recurring opportunity for improvement.
• Clean: Describes the state of the “conscience” when words match one’s true intentions.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Weigh: Used to suggest the deliberate act of evaluating one’s thoughts before speaking.
• Speak: Used to describe the selective act of only vocalizing sincere thoughts.
• Mean: Simple Present indicating the sincerity behind the words.
• Save: Used with “would” to show the benefit of being concise.
• Keep: Used with “would” to show the result of maintaining moral integrity.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• But: Used here to mean “only” (speak only those we mean).

The idleIdle (adjective)
Meanings:
Without useful purpose, seriousness, or sincerity (निरर्थक, खोखला, बिना गंभीर आशय का)
Examples:
1. Idle promises can hurt others. (खोखले वादे दूसरों को दुख पहुँचा सकते हैं।)
2. Do not spread idle rumours. (बेबुनियाद अफवाहें मत फैलाओ।)
3. Their idle talk wasted time. (उनकी निरर्थक बातों से समय बर्बाद हुआ।) words we often speak,
And promisesPromises (plural noun)
Meanings:
Assurances that someone will do or not do something (वचन, वादे)
Examples:
1. Keep the promises you make. (अपने किए वादे निभाओ।)
2. Their promises gave her hope. (उनके वादों ने उसे आशा दी।)
3. Empty promises soon lose their value. (खोखले वादे जल्दी अपना महत्व खो देते हैं।) we make,
If given credenceCredence (noun)
Meanings:
Belief that something is true (विश्वास, किसी बात को सच मानना)
Examples:
1. Do not give credence to every rumour. (हर अफवाह पर विश्वास मत करो।)
2. The evidence gave credence to her account. (प्रमाण ने उसकी बात को विश्वसनीय बनाया।)
3. He gave credence to the promise. (उसने वादे पर विश्वास किया।), by the weak,
May cause some heart to acheAche (verb)
Meanings:
Feel a continuing dull pain; suffer emotionally (दर्द करना, मन दुखना)
Examples:
1. My feet ache after the long walk. (लंबी पैदल यात्रा के बाद मेरे पैरों में दर्द होता है।)
2. Cruel words can make a heart ache. (कठोर शब्द दिल को दुखा सकते हैं।)
3. Her arms ached from carrying the bag. (थैला उठाने से उसकी बाँहों में दर्द था।).

Hindi Translationबेकार शब्द जो हम अक्सर बोलते हैं,
और वादे जो हम करते हैं,
यदि कमजोर लोग उन पर विश्वास करें,
तो वे किसी हृदय की पीड़ा का कारण बन सकते हैं।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (speak, make) to describe common human habits. It uses a Conditional structure (“If given credence”) to show the potential consequence of those actions when they affect others.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Idle: Describes words as being empty and lacking any serious intent.
• Weak: Used as a noun phrase (“the weak”) to describe vulnerable people who rely on others’ words.
• Some: An indefinite adjective referring to any heart that might be affected.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Speak: Simple Present showing the habitual nature of talking without thinking.
• Make: Simple Present describing the act of giving assurances or promises.
• Given: Past Participle used in a passive conditional sense (if those words are believed).
• Cause: Used with the modal “may” to show the possibility of creating pain.
• Ache: Used to describe the emotional result of broken trust.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Often: Adverb of frequency showing that thoughtless speech is a common mistake.

We never know the pain and stingSting (noun)
Meanings:
A sharp pain or hurtful emotional effect (चुभन, तीखी पीड़ा)
Examples:
1. He felt the sting of her harsh words. (उसे उसके कठोर शब्दों की चुभन महसूस हुई।)
2. The nettle left a sting on my hand. (बिच्छू-बूटी से मेरे हाथ में चुभन हुई।)
3. The sting of rejection soon faded. (अस्वीकृति की पीड़ा जल्दी कम हो गई।)
An idleIdle (adjective)
Meanings:
Without useful purpose, seriousness, or sincerity (निरर्थक, खोखला, बिना गंभीर आशय का)
Examples:
1. Idle promises can hurt others. (खोखले वादे दूसरों को दुख पहुँचा सकते हैं।)
2. Do not spread idle rumours. (बेबुनियाद अफवाहें मत फैलाओ।)
3. Their idle talk wasted time. (उनकी निरर्थक बातों से समय बर्बाद हुआ।) word may start;
We never can eraseErase (verb)
Meanings:
Remove a mark, memory, or effect (मिटाना, दूर करना)
Examples:
1. She erased the pencil mark. (उसने पेंसिल का निशान मिटाया।)
2. An apology cannot always erase the hurt. (माफ़ी हमेशा दुख नहीं मिटा सकती।)
3. Time did not erase his memory of kindness. (समय उसकी दयालुता की याद नहीं मिटा सका।) one thing,
We’ve written on a heart.

Hindi Translationहम कभी नहीं जानते वह दर्द और चुभन
जो एक बेकार शब्द शुरू कर सकता है;
हम कभी नहीं मिटा सकते वह बात,
जो हमने किसी के दिल पर लिख दी हो।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“know,” “is”) and the Modal Verbs “may” and “can” to express the unpredictable and permanent nature of our influence on others. It employs a powerful Metaphor of “writing on a heart” to emphasize that emotional impact is as difficult to undo as ink on paper.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
Idle: Describes words spoken without thought or serious purpose.
One: A numerical adjective used to emphasize that even a single mistake can be permanent.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
Know: Simple Present showing our frequent lack of awareness regarding the consequences of our speech.
Start: Used with “may” to show the potential for a small word to trigger a large amount of pain.
Erase: Used with “can” (in the negative “never can”) to highlight the impossibility of taking back a hurtful action.
Written: Past Participle used in the Present Perfect (“We’ve written”) to describe a completed action that has lasting effects.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
Never: Adverb of frequency used twice for strong emphasis, showing that these consequences are absolute and unavoidable.

‘Tis‘Tis (poetic contraction)
Meanings:
It is (यह है; “it is” का काव्यात्मक संक्षेप)
Examples:
1. ‘Tis wise to listen before speaking. (बोलने से पहले सुनना बुद्धिमानी है।)
2. ‘Tis a beautiful morning. (यह सुंदर सुबह है।)
3. ‘Tis never too late to apologise. (माफ़ी माँगने के लिए कभी बहुत देर नहीं होती।) best to “weighWeigh (verb)
Meanings:
Consider carefully before judging or deciding; literally, measure weight (सोच-समझकर परखना; शाब्दिक अर्थ में तौलना)
Examples:
1. We should weigh our words before speaking. (हमें बोलने से पहले अपने शब्द सोच-समझकर चुनने चाहिए।)
2. She weighed the advantages of each choice. (उसने हर विकल्प के लाभ पर विचार किया।)
3. Please weigh the parcel before sending it. (कृपया भेजने से पहले पार्सल तौल लें।)” each sentence well,
And as I’ve said before,
Tho’Tho’ (poetic conjunction)
Meanings:
Though, although (हालाँकि, भले ही; “though” का संक्षेप)
Examples:
1. Tho’ tired, she continued walking. (हालाँकि थकी थी, फिर भी वह चलती रही।)
2. Tho’ the words were few, they mattered. (भले ही शब्द कम थे, पर उनका महत्व था।)
3. Tho’ we disagree, we remain friends. (हालाँकि हम असहमत हैं, फिर भी मित्र हैं।) we’d not have so much to tell,
‘Twould‘Twould (poetic contraction)
Meanings:
It would (यह होता या होगा; “it would” का काव्यात्मक संक्षेप)
Examples:
1. ‘Twould be wise to wait. (इंतज़ार करना समझदारी होगी।)
2. ‘Twould mean much to hear from you. (तुम्हारी खबर मिलना बहुत मायने रखेगा।)
3. ‘Twould be kinder to speak gently. (कोमलता से बोलना अधिक दयालुता होगी।) mean a whole lot more.

Hindi Translationहर वाक्य को अच्छी तरह “तौलना” सबसे अच्छा है,
और जैसा मैंने पहले कहा है,
भले ही हमारे पास कहने के लिए इतना न हो,
पर उसका अर्थ बहुत अधिक होगा।

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Conditional mood (“we’d not have,” “‘twould mean”) to conclude the poem’s lesson on the value of quality over quantity. It utilizes archaic contractions (‘Tis, Tho’, ‘Twould) which were common in traditional English verse to maintain the rhythmic meter.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Best: A superlative adjective used to state the most ideal way to communicate.
• Much: Describes the large volume of unnecessary talk that would be reduced.
• Whole: Used as an intensifier for “lot more” to emphasize the massive increase in meaning.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Weigh: Used in the infinitive “to weigh” as the primary piece of advice in the poem.
• Said: Past Participle used in the Present Perfect (“I’ve said”) to refer back to the speaker’s previous points.
• Tell: Simple Present used to describe the act of sharing information or stories.
• Mean: Simple Present used to describe the underlying value or significance.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Well: Describes the thorough and careful manner in which sentences should be “weighed.”
• Before: Adverb of time indicating that this is a repeated or reinforced lesson.
• So: Used to intensify the amount of talk being discussed.

Kaveri Chapter 7 Summary in English and Hindi:

“Carrier of Words” tells the inspiring story of Khetaram, a Gramin Dak Sewak (GDS) who delivers mail in the remote villages of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, just 2.5 km from the Indo-Pakistan border. He is the sole postman of the Somarad Branch Post Office and has been serving the area for over 15 years.Khetaram walks 20 km on foot to deliver even a single letter, crossing soft sand dunes where even bicycles cannot move. He works in temperatures exceeding 50°C, through sandstorms and scorching winds. His only protection is his khaki turban and uniform.Beyond delivering letters, he reads them aloud for villagers and writes their replies. He also carries money orders that serve as lifelines for families in this drought-prone land. The only letter he dreads is one with its right corner torn — signalling a death. He reads it outside the house and destroys it, saying “Bad news must be destroyed.”The chapter also tells us that GDS workers like Khetaram were officially recognised in 2001 and today make up more than 50% of India Post’s workforce. The chapter ends with Khetaram saying “Main tayyar hoon” (I’m ready), eager to take on new responsibilities when phone lines reach his area. The author salutes such unsung heroes of India’s social fabric.
Summary in Hindi“Carrier of Words” (शब्दों का वाहक) एक प्रेरणादायक गद्य रचना है जो खेताराम नामक एक ग्रामीण डाक सेवक (GDS) की कहानी बताती है। यह पाठ खेताराम नामक एक ग्रामीण डाक सेवक की कहानी है जो राजस्थान के थार रेगिस्तान में, भारत-पाकिस्तान सीमा से मात्र 2.5 किमी दूर, डाक पहुँचाते हैं। वे सोमराड शाखा डाकघर के अकेले डाकिया हैं।
खेताराम रोज़ 20 किमी पैदल चलते हैं — रेत के टीलों पर, 50°C की गर्मी में, रेतीले तूफ़ानों के बीच। वे पत्र पढ़कर सुनाते हैं, जवाब लिखते हैं और मनीऑर्डर पहुँचाते हैं जो उन परिवारों की जीवन-रेखा है। जिस पत्र का दाहिना कोना फटा हो — मृत्यु की खबर — उसे वे घर के बाहर पढ़कर नष्ट कर देते हैं।
2001 से इन्हें ग्रामीण डाक सेवक की मान्यता मिली। पाठ के अंत में खेताराम कहते हैं — “मैं तैयार हूँ” — यह उनकी लगन और सेवाभावना को दर्शाता है।

The poem “Words” by Charles Swain reflects on how words often fail to satisfy the true needs of the human heart. The poet compares words to summer birds that come and go, leaving nothing behind. He calls the heart a pilgrim that finds words as useless as weeds in times of genuine need.
The poet believes that a few sincere words bring more joy than many hollow ones. A voice that cheers a lonely home says very little — yet those few words are precious. Using hyperbole, he says if words could truly satisfy, the world would celebrate — but when tested, they satisfy the least. Finally, he compares empty words to plants that blossom but bear no fruit.
The poem’s central message is simple — quality over quantity. Sincere, heartfelt words matter far more than an abundance of meaningless ones.
Summary in Hindiचार्ल्स स्वेन की कविता “Words” शब्दों की सीमाओं पर विचार करती है। कवि कहता है कि शब्द गर्मी के पक्षियों की तरह हैं — आते हैं और चले जाते हैं। दिल एक तीर्थयात्री की तरह है जिसे ज़रूरत के वक्त शब्द खरपतवार जैसे बेकार लगते हैं।
कवि का मानना है कि कम लेकिन सच्चे शब्द, बहुत सारे खोखले शब्दों से बेहतर हैं। खाली शब्द उन पौधों जैसे हैं जो फूलते तो हैं पर फल नहीं देते।
कविता का संदेश है — शब्दों की सच्चाई और गहराई ही उन्हें मूल्यवान बनाती है, न उनकी संख्या।