Verghese Kurien — I Too Had A Dream NCERT Solutions | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Let us do these activities before we read (Page 82)

Ans: Carrier pigeons → Telegraph → Postcard → Telephone → Mobile phone → Email

II.  Work in pairs and discuss the following things. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. The reasons for the change in the means of communication over the years.
Ans: Over time, technology has improved, making communication faster and easier. People wanted quicker ways to connect, so old methods like pigeons and postcards were replaced by phones and emails.
2. The means of communication that you prefer to use and the reason for your choice.
Ans: I prefer mobile phones because they are fast, easy to use, and let me call or message anyone instantly.
3. Communication through social media: its benefits and precautions that one should take against its misuse.
Ans: Social media helps share ideas and stay connected. Precautions include not sharing personal information, avoiding strangers online, and checking facts to avoid misinformation.

Let us discuss (Page 85)

I. Identify which of the following statements are facts and which are opinions. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. But speaking on the telephone only gives us an immediate but fleeting joy.
Ans: Opinion (expresses a personal view)
2. I started my working life soon after our country became independent.
Ans: Fact (verifiable event)
3. To be quite honest, service to our nation’s farmers was not the career I had envisioned for myself.
Ans: Opinion (personal thought)
4. I knew I could make a more meaningful contribution by working here in Anand, Gujarat.
Ans: Opinion (personal belief)
5. … values that I saw in my mentor and supporter here in Anand—Tribhuvandas Patel.
Ans: Opinion (subjective observation)
6. Life is a privilege, and to waste it would be wrong.
Ans: Opinion (personal belief)
7. I hope that you, too, will discover, as I did, that failure is not about not succeeding.
Ans: Opinion (personal perspective)
8. … the magnificent ceremony in which the President awarded me the Padma Vibhushan in 1999?
Ans: Fact (verifiable event)

Let Us think and reflect (Page 86)

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions

Let us learn (Page 88) 

I. Replace the underlined words in each sentence with the correct synonym from the box. You may refer to a dictionary.

Ans: Reading books and listening to music can give lifelong pleasure that will last forever.

II. Match the expressions from the text in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Ans:

III. Make as many words as you can out of the following words. One example has been done for you
1. community — city, toy, tune, unity, mutiny, cot
2. important
3. magnificent
4. satisfied
5. generation
6. achievement
Ans: 
1. community — city, toy, tune, unity, mutiny, cot
2. important — part, port, ant, rant, tip, trap
3. magnificent — gift, neat, fan, cane, cent, game
4. satisfied — sad, fade, side, date, site, idea
5. generation — gate, rate, near, tone, rent, giant
6. achievement — achieve, name, time, heat, team, event

IV. Let us play a word game—antakshari.

1. Write the synonym of the word according to the clues given below.
2. For example, the synonym of the first word, ‘IMPORTANT’, ends with the letter ‘T’. The synonym of the second word begins with ‘T’, ‘TROUBLE’.Then write the synonym of the third word starting with the letter ‘E’.
3. Now, continue with the word game.

(i) major (synonym) 
(ii) problem (synonym)
(iii) uneven (antonym) 
(iv) related to post office
(v) our moral duty 
(vi) related to time
(vii) prosperous (synonym) 
(viii) related to being alive
Ans: 

V. Study the highlighted punctuation marks in the following sentences from the text.
1. … but that you should not be satisfied in merely keeping my awards—the challenge before you was to earn your rewards for the work that you did in your lifetime.
2. Writing—even if it is a letter—not only conveys our present concerns and views of the events taking place around us, but it becomes a possession. 
The highlighted punctuation is a long dash that can be used to link words or numbers or to create a pause in a sentence. There are two main types:the shorter en dash (–) and the longer em dash (—). Note: Do not add spaces around the dash and avoid overusing them. 
Read the sentences below and insert either an em dash (—) or an en dash (–) suitably.
(i) The conference will be held from March 15 March 20.
Ans: The conference will be held from March 15–March 20.
 (en dash for range)
(ii) I have lived in Kanpur Raipur for five years now.
Ans: I have lived in Kanpur—Raipur for five years now. 
(em dash for change in thought)
(iii) The artist known for her vibrant paintings will be showcasing herwork in Guwahati.
Ans: The artist—known for her vibrant paintings—will be showcasing her work. 
(em dash for extra information)
(iv) The scores for the final match were 2 3.
Ans:  The scores for the final match were 2–3. 
(en dash for scores)
(v) My favourite snacks samosas, pakoras, and jalebis are all from India.
Ans: My favourite snacks—samosas, pakoras, and jalebis—are all from India. 
(em dash for extra information)
(vi) The train journey from Belagavi Bengaluru takes less than tenhours.
Ans: The train journey from Belagavi—Bengaluru takes less than ten hours. 
(em dash for change in thought)
(vii) I just finished reading the book it was absolutely amazing!
Ans: I just finished reading the book—it was absolutely amazing!
(viii) The event will take place on September 1 September 5.
Ans: The event will take place on September 1–September 5. 
(en dash for range)

VI. Study the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.
1. We told you that, of course, this medal was yours as much as it was mine…
2. …who were trying to gain control over their lives.
3. I have always emphasised that it’s a recognition of the achievements of many people…
In the given sentences, ‘yours’ and ‘theirs’ indicate possession—something belonging to you and them, respectively. But, ‘it’s’ does not indicate possession rather is the contracted form of ‘it is’.Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct word from the options given in the brackets.(i) Please remember to bring ___________ (your/you’re) assignment book.
Ans: Please remember to bring your assignment book.
(ii) The team celebrated ___________ (their/they’re) victory after the match.
Ans: The team celebrated their victory after the match.
(iii) ___________ (its/it’s) important to stay hydrated during the hot summer days.
Ans:  It’s important to stay hydrated during the hot summer days.
(iv) I can’t believe ___________ (your/you’re) going to the mango festival today.
Ans: I can’t believe you’re going to the mango festival today.
(v) The students said ___________ (they’re/their) excited for the field trip tomorrow
Ans: The students said they’re excited for the field trip tomorrow.
(vi) The tree lost ___________ (its/it’s) leaves in the winter.
Ans: The tree lost its leaves in the winter.

VII. Read the following phrases from the text.
1. In today’s fast-paced world
2. On the telephone
3. With great, abiding pleasure
4. In the chapters that follow
5. At a certain time
6. With equal respect and love
The given phrases are Prepositional Phrases.Now, complete the following sentences with suitable prepositional phrases.

(i) The children played happily in ___________________________________.
Ans: The children played happily in the park.
(ii) Nisha placed the vase on ___________________________________.
Ans: Nisha placed the vase on the table.
(iii) We discussed the project in ___________________________________.
Ans: We discussed the project in the classroom.
(iv) Preethi found the lost book under ___________________________________.
Ans: Preethi found the lost book under the bed.
(v) The cat slept on ___________________________________.
Ans: The cat slept on the mat.

VIII. Rearrange the following jumbled words and phrases into meaningful sentences.
1. barked/at the strangers/the dog/loudly/the house/walking by
Ans: The dog barked loudly at the strangers walking by the house.
2. wrote/my classmate/during the/a story/summer vacations
Ans: My classmate wrote a story during the summer vacations.
3. enjoyed/under the trees/they/by the lake/a picnic
Ans: They enjoyed a picnic under the trees by the lake.
4. in his/grandfather’s room/hung/he/the painting
Ans:  He hung the painting in his grandfather’s room.
5. studied/with great determination/for/students/the/exam
Ans: The students studied with great determination for the exam.

Let us listen (Page 93)

Ans:

II. Listen to the passage once again and state whether the statements given below are true or false.
1. Evelyn Glennie became deaf suddenly.
Ans: False 
her hearing loss was gradual.
2. Her headmistress ignored the signs of her hearing loss.
Ans: False 
Teachers typically notice such signs.
3. Ron Forbes was a percussionist who helped Evelyn.
Ans: True
4. Evelyn used her skin and bones to sense music.
Ans: True
5. She gave up on music after her diagnosis.
Ans: False 
she continued her music career.

III. Answer the following questions in one or two words.
1. How did Evelyn turn her disability into a strength?
Ans:  Sensing vibrations
2. What role did Ron Forbes play in her life?
Ans: Mentor
3. What lessons can we learn from Evelyn’s story about how to treat others who have different abilities or challenges?
Ans: Empathy, support

Let us speak (Page 94)

I. Read the highlighted word in the following sentence from the text.
That common good will present itself to you in many forms every day.
The highlighted word is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. 
PreSENT (verb) the stress is on the second syllable. 
PREsent (noun), the stress is on the first syllable. 
Now, read aloud the given words with the correct syllable stress according to the part of speech given in the brackets.

Ans: Words with “Zhuh” sound (-sure ending):
measure, leisure, reassure, enclosure, exposure, composure

Words with “Shuh” sound (-sure but sharp ‘sh’):
pressure, fissure, ensure, unsure 

II. Read the highlighted words in the following sentence from the text.
…but it becomes a possession that can be treasured and re-read over the years, with great, abiding pleasure.
treasure [treh-Zhuh] 
pleasure [pleh-Zhuh] 
In the highlighted words, -sure has a ‘Zhuh’ sound. 
There are some words which end in -sure, but have a ‘shuh’ sound as in pressure [preh-shuh]. 
Now, read aloud the words given below with the ‘shuh’ or ‘zhuh’ sound.

1. Read aloud the following lines from the poem.Now, read the lines of the poem once again by taking a shorter pause (/)or a long pause (//). Notice which version is easier for a listener to follow and understand.Have you listened to this song in Hindi or in your language? Share with your classmates and teacher.
Ans: 
When things go wrong,/as they sometimes will,//
when the road you’re trudging/seems all uphill,//
when the funds are low/and the debts are high,//
and you want to smile/but you have to sigh,//
when care is pressing you down a bit/
—rest if you must,/
but don’t you quit.//

2. Chunk the stanzas with (/) or (//) and read it aloud.

I. Write a letter to your grandparents thanking them for the valuable lessons they have taught you. Include how their wisdom has shaped your values and behaviour in life.
1. Thank them for teaching you important lessons, sharing stories, or helping others in the neighbourhood.
2. Share how their actions inspire you to contribute to the betterment of the society.
Ans:
Your Address
[City, State, ZIP Code]
1 August 2025

Dear Grandparents,

I want to thank you for the wonderful lessons you’ve taught me. Your stories about honesty and hard work inspire me to be a better person. When you helped our neighbor with their garden, it showed me how to care for others. Your wisdom teaches me to be kind and work for the good of society, like helping clean our park. I promise to use these values to make a difference in my community.

With love,
[Your Name]

Let us explore (Page 96)

I. The White Revolution led to an increase in milk production in India primarily due to the efforts of Dr. Verghese Kurien. Therefore, he is known as ‘the Milkman of India’. 

The Green Revolution in India introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. It was initiated by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1967, Padma Bhushan in 1972, Padma Vibushan in 1989, and Bharat Ratna in 2024. 
The Blue Revolution focused on increasing fisheries production and productivity in India. This initiative was led by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri.
In groups of four, research more information about these revolutions. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher.
Ans: Green Revolution: Led by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, it introduced high-yielding wheat and rice to increase food production in India during the 1960s-70s.
Blue Revolution: Led by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri, it focused on increasing fish production through better farming techniques in the 1960s-80s.

II. Vocational training for people in rural regions is provided by the JanShikshan Sansthan (JSS), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The objective of JSS is to economically uplift the rural population by imparting essential skill-based training. This enables local trades to grow and creates new opportunities for the people in the region.
Find out more about JSS with the help of the link given: https://jss.gov.in/staticPage
Ans: JSS provides skill-based training to rural people to help them earn a living. It teaches skills like tailoring, farming, and crafts, creating job opportunities.

III Financial Literacy
Read the passage and discuss the questions given below. Financial literacy is an essential lifelong skill that should be taught to children from an early age. Preparing children with financial literacy skills is an investment in their future well-being. By imparting an understanding of money, saving, budgeting, and wise spending, we empower them to navigate the financial world with confidence as they grow up. Whether it is managing a cooperative society, a start-up, or a household budget, financial literacy is an ongoing learning process that evolves as children grow and their understanding deepens. An introduction to concepts of saving, budgeting, investing, and responsible spending equips them with essential life skills. Children learn best through practical examples. Real-life situations help them understand the value of money and the importance of making wise financial choices. Thinking critically before spending helps cultivate responsible habits. The concept of saving and investing can be explained through relatable examples, such as planting seeds that grow into trees bearing fruit. As children grow older, they will learn to differentiate between needs and wants, compare prices before making a purchase and understand the importance of financial literacy.
Discuss in groups. 
1. The importance of learning about money and saving from a young age. Share one example of it.
 2. Imagine you received some money as a gift. How would you decide whether to save it, spend it, or invest it? What factors would you consider? 
3. If you were in charge of planning a small event at school with a limited budget, how would you manage the money? 
4. Why is financial literacy important for everyone?
Ans:

1. Importance of learning about money: Learning about money helps kids save and spend wisely. Example: Saving pocket money for a toy teaches planning.
2. Deciding what to do with gift money: I’d save half for future needs, spend some on a book, and invest in a piggy bank. I’d consider my needs and goals.
3. Managing a school event budget: I’d list expenses like food and decorations, prioritize needs, and avoid overspending to stay within the budget.
4. Why financial literacy is important: It helps everyone make smart money choices, avoid debt, and plan for the future.