NCERT book Class 5 English - Up You Go

 Page 1


76 76 76 76 76 Looking Around
9. Up You Go!
2
nd
 February 1984
Mountaineering Camp
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
We were at the mountaineering camp
and were very excited. Twenty of us were
teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas.
There were other women from banks and
other institutions.
Today was the second day of the camp.
In the morning as I got out of bed and
put my foot down, I screamed in pain. I
remembered yesterday’s 26 kilometre walk with the heavy
rucksack on my back. I  was afraid to go back to that steep
climb and the rough narrow path.
With tears in my eyes I started walking slowly towards the
room of Brigadier Gyan Singh, the Director of our adventure
course. I was thinking of what I would say to excuse myself
from that day’s trek. Suddenly, I heard his deep voice
from behind.
“Madam, what are you doing here at breakfast
time? Hurry up! Otherwise you will have to trek
on an empty stomach.”
“Sir, Sir….,” I could not say any more.
“You have came to tell me that you have blisters
on your feet, that you cannot walk, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That is nothing new. Now get ready quickly.”
2024-25
Page 2


76 76 76 76 76 Looking Around
9. Up You Go!
2
nd
 February 1984
Mountaineering Camp
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
We were at the mountaineering camp
and were very excited. Twenty of us were
teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas.
There were other women from banks and
other institutions.
Today was the second day of the camp.
In the morning as I got out of bed and
put my foot down, I screamed in pain. I
remembered yesterday’s 26 kilometre walk with the heavy
rucksack on my back. I  was afraid to go back to that steep
climb and the rough narrow path.
With tears in my eyes I started walking slowly towards the
room of Brigadier Gyan Singh, the Director of our adventure
course. I was thinking of what I would say to excuse myself
from that day’s trek. Suddenly, I heard his deep voice
from behind.
“Madam, what are you doing here at breakfast
time? Hurry up! Otherwise you will have to trek
on an empty stomach.”
“Sir, Sir….,” I could not say any more.
“You have came to tell me that you have blisters
on your feet, that you cannot walk, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That is nothing new. Now get ready quickly.”
2024-25
Up You Go! 77
Tell
w Have you ever seen the mountains? Have you also climbed
a mountain? When and where?
w How far have you walked at one time? How far can you
walk?
Imagine
w What do you think about the paths on the mountains?
Draw a picture.
A big responsibility
I started thinking about what a leader must do:
– Help others in carrying their bags.
– Let the group go ahead and keep to the last.
– Help those who cannot climb properly.
– Find a good place to stop and rest.
– Look after those who are not well.
– Arrange for food for the group.
The most important thing is to be ready to be punished
even when some one else may have made a mistake.
I realised that there was a special kind of discipline here.
I wondered whether the camp will still be fun!
I hung my head and rushed back to get ready. I had just
turned when I heard his voice again, “Listen, madam. You
will lead group number 7. You will have to help any member
who has difficulty climbing the mountain. You have
already been told about the responsibilities of a group
leader in the mountains.”
2024-25
Page 3


76 76 76 76 76 Looking Around
9. Up You Go!
2
nd
 February 1984
Mountaineering Camp
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
We were at the mountaineering camp
and were very excited. Twenty of us were
teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas.
There were other women from banks and
other institutions.
Today was the second day of the camp.
In the morning as I got out of bed and
put my foot down, I screamed in pain. I
remembered yesterday’s 26 kilometre walk with the heavy
rucksack on my back. I  was afraid to go back to that steep
climb and the rough narrow path.
With tears in my eyes I started walking slowly towards the
room of Brigadier Gyan Singh, the Director of our adventure
course. I was thinking of what I would say to excuse myself
from that day’s trek. Suddenly, I heard his deep voice
from behind.
“Madam, what are you doing here at breakfast
time? Hurry up! Otherwise you will have to trek
on an empty stomach.”
“Sir, Sir….,” I could not say any more.
“You have came to tell me that you have blisters
on your feet, that you cannot walk, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That is nothing new. Now get ready quickly.”
2024-25
Up You Go! 77
Tell
w Have you ever seen the mountains? Have you also climbed
a mountain? When and where?
w How far have you walked at one time? How far can you
walk?
Imagine
w What do you think about the paths on the mountains?
Draw a picture.
A big responsibility
I started thinking about what a leader must do:
– Help others in carrying their bags.
– Let the group go ahead and keep to the last.
– Help those who cannot climb properly.
– Find a good place to stop and rest.
– Look after those who are not well.
– Arrange for food for the group.
The most important thing is to be ready to be punished
even when some one else may have made a mistake.
I realised that there was a special kind of discipline here.
I wondered whether the camp will still be fun!
I hung my head and rushed back to get ready. I had just
turned when I heard his voice again, “Listen, madam. You
will lead group number 7. You will have to help any member
who has difficulty climbing the mountain. You have
already been told about the responsibilities of a group
leader in the mountains.”
2024-25
78 Looking Around
Group no. 7
Group No. 7 included girls from Assam, Manipur, Mizoram,
Meghalaya and Nagaland. I was the only teacher from Kendriya
Vidyalaya in this group. I was happy to meet my new group
members. Most of them could not speak Hindi well. I still feel
bad that after being together for 21 days, I could not talk
even once with Khondonbi from Mizoram. She spoke only
Mizo. But in our hearts we grew close to each other.
5 February 1984
Crossing the river...
We got vitamin C, iron tablets and hot chocolate milk with
our breakfast. These were given for strength and to keep us
warm in the cold. Every morning there would
be a medical check up. We tied our bandages
and counted the days left!
After an eight kilometre trek we reached a
river. There was a thick rope tied across the
river, from one bank to the other. The rope
was tightly fixed to pegs or ‘pitons’ on both
the sides. I was feeling nervous. I started
thinking what would happen if the rope came
out. I was trying to estimate how wide the
river was.
Tell
w What do you think about the responsibilities of
a group leader?
w How would you feel if you were made a leader in
such a camp?
w What does a monitor in your class have to do?
w Would you like to be the class monitor? Why?
2024-25
Page 4


76 76 76 76 76 Looking Around
9. Up You Go!
2
nd
 February 1984
Mountaineering Camp
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
We were at the mountaineering camp
and were very excited. Twenty of us were
teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas.
There were other women from banks and
other institutions.
Today was the second day of the camp.
In the morning as I got out of bed and
put my foot down, I screamed in pain. I
remembered yesterday’s 26 kilometre walk with the heavy
rucksack on my back. I  was afraid to go back to that steep
climb and the rough narrow path.
With tears in my eyes I started walking slowly towards the
room of Brigadier Gyan Singh, the Director of our adventure
course. I was thinking of what I would say to excuse myself
from that day’s trek. Suddenly, I heard his deep voice
from behind.
“Madam, what are you doing here at breakfast
time? Hurry up! Otherwise you will have to trek
on an empty stomach.”
“Sir, Sir….,” I could not say any more.
“You have came to tell me that you have blisters
on your feet, that you cannot walk, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That is nothing new. Now get ready quickly.”
2024-25
Up You Go! 77
Tell
w Have you ever seen the mountains? Have you also climbed
a mountain? When and where?
w How far have you walked at one time? How far can you
walk?
Imagine
w What do you think about the paths on the mountains?
Draw a picture.
A big responsibility
I started thinking about what a leader must do:
– Help others in carrying their bags.
– Let the group go ahead and keep to the last.
– Help those who cannot climb properly.
– Find a good place to stop and rest.
– Look after those who are not well.
– Arrange for food for the group.
The most important thing is to be ready to be punished
even when some one else may have made a mistake.
I realised that there was a special kind of discipline here.
I wondered whether the camp will still be fun!
I hung my head and rushed back to get ready. I had just
turned when I heard his voice again, “Listen, madam. You
will lead group number 7. You will have to help any member
who has difficulty climbing the mountain. You have
already been told about the responsibilities of a group
leader in the mountains.”
2024-25
78 Looking Around
Group no. 7
Group No. 7 included girls from Assam, Manipur, Mizoram,
Meghalaya and Nagaland. I was the only teacher from Kendriya
Vidyalaya in this group. I was happy to meet my new group
members. Most of them could not speak Hindi well. I still feel
bad that after being together for 21 days, I could not talk
even once with Khondonbi from Mizoram. She spoke only
Mizo. But in our hearts we grew close to each other.
5 February 1984
Crossing the river...
We got vitamin C, iron tablets and hot chocolate milk with
our breakfast. These were given for strength and to keep us
warm in the cold. Every morning there would
be a medical check up. We tied our bandages
and counted the days left!
After an eight kilometre trek we reached a
river. There was a thick rope tied across the
river, from one bank to the other. The rope
was tightly fixed to pegs or ‘pitons’ on both
the sides. I was feeling nervous. I started
thinking what would happen if the rope came
out. I was trying to estimate how wide the
river was.
Tell
w What do you think about the responsibilities of
a group leader?
w How would you feel if you were made a leader in
such a camp?
w What does a monitor in your class have to do?
w Would you like to be the class monitor? Why?
2024-25
Up You Go! 79
Our instructor tied a rope around his waist and put a sling
(type of hook) in it. He then put the sling on the thick rope tied
across the river. Walking through the icy water, he went to the
other side. No one was ready to step into the fast flowing river.
Everyone was pushing each other to go first. I stood last in the
line hoping that no one would see me. Just then our instructor
came near me with the sling and rope in his hands. I knew
there was no escape now. I was ready, but did not have the
courage. Sir could guess my fears. He called out loudly, “Three
cheers for Sangeeta madam!” And before I knew it, someone
had gently pushed me into the water.
I felt as if my feet were frozen. I started shivering, my teeth
were chattering. I caught hold of the rope and started putting
my feet firmly on the river bed. As I walked further in, the river
got deeper and slowly the water reached upto my neck. In the
middle of the river I lost my balance and started slipping. I was
so scared and felt so cold, that the rope slipped from my hands.
I started shouting for help.
I was sure I would be carried away
by the river. But no, I found that I was
tied with the rope to the sling. “Hold
the rope! Hold the rope”, I could hear
the shouts. I somehow managed to get
hold of the rope and pull myself
forward. Slowly, with some courage, I
reached the river bank. I felt a special
kind of happiness as I came out of
the water. Happiness on finishing a
challenging task. Now, standing on
the bank, I was calling out to the others
to hold the rope tightly. I knew that this confidence was a result
of facing a challenge with courage.
Kalyani Raghunathan
2024-25
Page 5


76 76 76 76 76 Looking Around
9. Up You Go!
2
nd
 February 1984
Mountaineering Camp
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
We were at the mountaineering camp
and were very excited. Twenty of us were
teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas.
There were other women from banks and
other institutions.
Today was the second day of the camp.
In the morning as I got out of bed and
put my foot down, I screamed in pain. I
remembered yesterday’s 26 kilometre walk with the heavy
rucksack on my back. I  was afraid to go back to that steep
climb and the rough narrow path.
With tears in my eyes I started walking slowly towards the
room of Brigadier Gyan Singh, the Director of our adventure
course. I was thinking of what I would say to excuse myself
from that day’s trek. Suddenly, I heard his deep voice
from behind.
“Madam, what are you doing here at breakfast
time? Hurry up! Otherwise you will have to trek
on an empty stomach.”
“Sir, Sir….,” I could not say any more.
“You have came to tell me that you have blisters
on your feet, that you cannot walk, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That is nothing new. Now get ready quickly.”
2024-25
Up You Go! 77
Tell
w Have you ever seen the mountains? Have you also climbed
a mountain? When and where?
w How far have you walked at one time? How far can you
walk?
Imagine
w What do you think about the paths on the mountains?
Draw a picture.
A big responsibility
I started thinking about what a leader must do:
– Help others in carrying their bags.
– Let the group go ahead and keep to the last.
– Help those who cannot climb properly.
– Find a good place to stop and rest.
– Look after those who are not well.
– Arrange for food for the group.
The most important thing is to be ready to be punished
even when some one else may have made a mistake.
I realised that there was a special kind of discipline here.
I wondered whether the camp will still be fun!
I hung my head and rushed back to get ready. I had just
turned when I heard his voice again, “Listen, madam. You
will lead group number 7. You will have to help any member
who has difficulty climbing the mountain. You have
already been told about the responsibilities of a group
leader in the mountains.”
2024-25
78 Looking Around
Group no. 7
Group No. 7 included girls from Assam, Manipur, Mizoram,
Meghalaya and Nagaland. I was the only teacher from Kendriya
Vidyalaya in this group. I was happy to meet my new group
members. Most of them could not speak Hindi well. I still feel
bad that after being together for 21 days, I could not talk
even once with Khondonbi from Mizoram. She spoke only
Mizo. But in our hearts we grew close to each other.
5 February 1984
Crossing the river...
We got vitamin C, iron tablets and hot chocolate milk with
our breakfast. These were given for strength and to keep us
warm in the cold. Every morning there would
be a medical check up. We tied our bandages
and counted the days left!
After an eight kilometre trek we reached a
river. There was a thick rope tied across the
river, from one bank to the other. The rope
was tightly fixed to pegs or ‘pitons’ on both
the sides. I was feeling nervous. I started
thinking what would happen if the rope came
out. I was trying to estimate how wide the
river was.
Tell
w What do you think about the responsibilities of
a group leader?
w How would you feel if you were made a leader in
such a camp?
w What does a monitor in your class have to do?
w Would you like to be the class monitor? Why?
2024-25
Up You Go! 79
Our instructor tied a rope around his waist and put a sling
(type of hook) in it. He then put the sling on the thick rope tied
across the river. Walking through the icy water, he went to the
other side. No one was ready to step into the fast flowing river.
Everyone was pushing each other to go first. I stood last in the
line hoping that no one would see me. Just then our instructor
came near me with the sling and rope in his hands. I knew
there was no escape now. I was ready, but did not have the
courage. Sir could guess my fears. He called out loudly, “Three
cheers for Sangeeta madam!” And before I knew it, someone
had gently pushed me into the water.
I felt as if my feet were frozen. I started shivering, my teeth
were chattering. I caught hold of the rope and started putting
my feet firmly on the river bed. As I walked further in, the river
got deeper and slowly the water reached upto my neck. In the
middle of the river I lost my balance and started slipping. I was
so scared and felt so cold, that the rope slipped from my hands.
I started shouting for help.
I was sure I would be carried away
by the river. But no, I found that I was
tied with the rope to the sling. “Hold
the rope! Hold the rope”, I could hear
the shouts. I somehow managed to get
hold of the rope and pull myself
forward. Slowly, with some courage, I
reached the river bank. I felt a special
kind of happiness as I came out of
the water. Happiness on finishing a
challenging task. Now, standing on
the bank, I was calling out to the others
to hold the rope tightly. I knew that this confidence was a result
of facing a challenge with courage.
Kalyani Raghunathan
2024-25
80 Looking Around
10 February 1984
Find out and write
w What kinds of tools are needed for climbing mountains?
w Have you ever seen a hook and rope being used for anything
else? Where?
w What else can we use if we want to cross a river in the
mountains?
w Why do we need extra energy on the mountains?
w Have you ever heard of anyone who has done something
adventurous? What?
w Have you ever done anything adventurous? If yes, tell your
class. Write about it in your own words.
Rock climbing
We had to climb 15 km to reach Tekla village. It was at a
height of 1600 metres. Our rucksacks had all that we may
need – food packets, water bottle, rope, hook, plastic sheet,
diary, torch, towel, soap, windcheater, whistle, glucose,
jaggery, chana and some other snacks.
We could see fruits and
vegetables growing in the
step fields. We saw Colonel
Ram Singh standing on a
90 metres high flat rock
with pegs and ropes.
We had been told to first
observe the rock carefully
and identify holds – places
where we can put our hands
and feet. Today I was not
going to back out. I stood first
in the line. Our instructor tied
Kalyani Raghunathan
2024-25