Summary of "The Adventure" - Class 11, English

"The Adventure" is a short story written by Jayant Narlikar. It revolves around the character of Professor Gaitonde, a renowned scientist who decides never to preside over meetings again. The story highlights the reasons behind this decision and the subsequent consequences.

Reasons for Professor Gaitonde's Decision
1. Unproductive Meetings: Professor Gaitonde had presided over numerous meetings throughout his career, but he often found them unproductive and time-consuming. The meetings were filled with repetitive discussions, personal agendas, and lack of focus on the main agenda. This led to frustration and a waste of valuable time.

2. Interrupted Research: The continuous involvement in meetings hampered Professor Gaitonde's research work. He realized that he was not able to devote enough time and energy to his scientific pursuits due to the demands of attending and presiding over meetings. This hindered his progress and affected his overall productivity.

3. Personal Disconnect: The constant engagement in meetings made Professor Gaitonde feel disconnected from his own work and scientific community. He longed for solitude and uninterrupted time to think deeply and engage in intellectual pursuits. The meetings were in conflict with his desire for personal growth and exploration.

Consequences of the Decision
1. Professional Isolation: Professor Gaitonde's decision to avoid presiding over meetings resulted in his professional isolation. He was no longer seen as an active participant in scientific discussions and decision-making processes. This created a gap between him and his colleagues, leading to a sense of detachment.

2. Loss of Influence: By stepping away from presiding over meetings, Professor Gaitonde lost the opportunity to influence and contribute to important decisions. His absence from the decision-making process reduced his impact on the scientific community and limited his ability to shape research directions.

3. Personal Fulfillment: Despite the professional consequences, Professor Gaitonde found personal fulfillment in his decision. He was able to focus on his research and scientific pursuits without distractions. This allowed him to make significant progress in his work and achieve a sense of satisfaction in his chosen field.

In conclusion, Professor Gaitonde decided never to preside over meetings again due to unproductive meetings, interrupted research, and a personal disconnect. While this decision resulted in professional isolation and loss of influence, it also brought personal fulfillment and the opportunity for significant progress in his scientific endeavors.

What do you think professor gaitonde decided never to preside over meeting again