NCERT Textbook: Wisdom Paves the Way | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

 Page 1


WISDOM PAVES THE WAY
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts
with your classmates and teacher.
	 II	 Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is
about using that knowledge with good judgement.
	 	 Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as
either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. One example has been done for you.
	 1.	 Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable
garden in her backyard.
	 2.	 Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
	 3.	 Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a
successful app.
	 4.	 Rohan understood the value of time management and created a
timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
	 5.	 Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
	 6.	 Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the
cultural festival.
Knowledge Wisdom
1.
	 III 	 Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened?
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Unit 1.indd   27 13-05-2025   12:04:37
Page 2


WISDOM PAVES THE WAY
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts
with your classmates and teacher.
	 II	 Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is
about using that knowledge with good judgement.
	 	 Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as
either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. One example has been done for you.
	 1.	 Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable
garden in her backyard.
	 2.	 Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
	 3.	 Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a
successful app.
	 4.	 Rohan understood the value of time management and created a
timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
	 5.	 Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
	 6.	 Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the
cultural festival.
Knowledge Wisdom
1.
	 III 	 Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened?
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Unit 1.indd   27 13-05-2025   12:04:37
Poorvi
28
Let us read
Characters
The King of Ujjain	 :	 a young King
Four Young Men	 	 :	 Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt
The Merchant	
Two Sentries	
Setting :	 A road leading to Ujjain, visible in the
distance. Later, the King’s court, adorned
with rich tapestries , tall pillars, and
regal decor. The time is midday.
Scene I: The Road to Ujjain
  (Four young men—Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and 
Dev Datt—are walking along a dusty road leading to 
Ujjain. They appear travel-worn but resolute, their 
eyes fixed on the city that looms ahead. The sun is 
high, and the distant noise of the bustling city faintly 
reaches them.)
adorned:
beautified
resolute:
determined
tapestries:
heavy
decorative
fabrics woven 
with pictures or 
patterns
bustling: busy
Unit 1.indd   28 13-05-2025   12:04:38
Page 3


WISDOM PAVES THE WAY
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts
with your classmates and teacher.
	 II	 Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is
about using that knowledge with good judgement.
	 	 Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as
either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. One example has been done for you.
	 1.	 Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable
garden in her backyard.
	 2.	 Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
	 3.	 Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a
successful app.
	 4.	 Rohan understood the value of time management and created a
timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
	 5.	 Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
	 6.	 Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the
cultural festival.
Knowledge Wisdom
1.
	 III 	 Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened?
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Unit 1.indd   27 13-05-2025   12:04:37
Poorvi
28
Let us read
Characters
The King of Ujjain	 :	 a young King
Four Young Men	 	 :	 Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt
The Merchant	
Two Sentries	
Setting :	 A road leading to Ujjain, visible in the
distance. Later, the King’s court, adorned
with rich tapestries , tall pillars, and
regal decor. The time is midday.
Scene I: The Road to Ujjain
  (Four young men—Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and 
Dev Datt—are walking along a dusty road leading to 
Ujjain. They appear travel-worn but resolute, their 
eyes fixed on the city that looms ahead. The sun is 
high, and the distant noise of the bustling city faintly 
reaches them.)
adorned:
beautified
resolute:
determined
tapestries:
heavy
decorative
fabrics woven 
with pictures or 
patterns
bustling: busy
Unit 1.indd   28 13-05-2025   12:04:38
Wit and Wisdom
29
eludes: difficult
to obtain
Ram Datt	 	 : (Wiping his brow) We have journeyed far from home,
yet the prospect of finding work still eludes us.
Har Datt	 	 : 	 How long has it been since we left our village?
Shiv Datt	 : I believe it has been over a week— perhaps even
longer.
Ram Datt	 : Ten days, to be precise. Every day feels longer than
the last.
Dev Datt	 : Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme
of things. We may still have many more roads to
wander before we find employment befitting all
four of us.
Ram Datt	 : If only we could secure an audience with the King
of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our
talents and appoint us to his service.
Shiv Datt	 : 	I share your belief.
Dev Datt	 	 : Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is
why we press on towards Ujjain.
Har Datt	 	 : (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the
King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.
Dev Datt	 	 : Let us reach the city gates first. We can deliberate 
once we are closer.
  (As they walk, Ram Datt notices something on the 
ground.)
devise: (here)
to think of
deliberate: to
think carefully
Unit 1.indd   29 13-05-2025   12:04:40
Page 4


WISDOM PAVES THE WAY
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts
with your classmates and teacher.
	 II	 Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is
about using that knowledge with good judgement.
	 	 Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as
either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. One example has been done for you.
	 1.	 Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable
garden in her backyard.
	 2.	 Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
	 3.	 Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a
successful app.
	 4.	 Rohan understood the value of time management and created a
timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
	 5.	 Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
	 6.	 Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the
cultural festival.
Knowledge Wisdom
1.
	 III 	 Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened?
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Unit 1.indd   27 13-05-2025   12:04:37
Poorvi
28
Let us read
Characters
The King of Ujjain	 :	 a young King
Four Young Men	 	 :	 Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt
The Merchant	
Two Sentries	
Setting :	 A road leading to Ujjain, visible in the
distance. Later, the King’s court, adorned
with rich tapestries , tall pillars, and
regal decor. The time is midday.
Scene I: The Road to Ujjain
  (Four young men—Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and 
Dev Datt—are walking along a dusty road leading to 
Ujjain. They appear travel-worn but resolute, their 
eyes fixed on the city that looms ahead. The sun is 
high, and the distant noise of the bustling city faintly 
reaches them.)
adorned:
beautified
resolute:
determined
tapestries:
heavy
decorative
fabrics woven 
with pictures or 
patterns
bustling: busy
Unit 1.indd   28 13-05-2025   12:04:38
Wit and Wisdom
29
eludes: difficult
to obtain
Ram Datt	 	 : (Wiping his brow) We have journeyed far from home,
yet the prospect of finding work still eludes us.
Har Datt	 	 : 	 How long has it been since we left our village?
Shiv Datt	 : I believe it has been over a week— perhaps even
longer.
Ram Datt	 : Ten days, to be precise. Every day feels longer than
the last.
Dev Datt	 : Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme
of things. We may still have many more roads to
wander before we find employment befitting all
four of us.
Ram Datt	 : If only we could secure an audience with the King
of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our
talents and appoint us to his service.
Shiv Datt	 : 	I share your belief.
Dev Datt	 	 : Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is
why we press on towards Ujjain.
Har Datt	 	 : (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the
King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.
Dev Datt	 	 : Let us reach the city gates first. We can deliberate 
once we are closer.
  (As they walk, Ram Datt notices something on the 
ground.)
devise: (here)
to think of
deliberate: to
think carefully
Unit 1.indd   29 13-05-2025   12:04:40
Poorvi
30
Shiv Datt	 : Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way.
The tracks are fresh.
Ram Datt	 : (Studying the tracks) Yes, let us observe them as we 
continue. They may tell us more than meets the eye.
    (The four men continue walking, occasionally 
stopping to examine the camel’s tracks. They 
scrutinise every detail, exchanging glances but 
saying little.)
Ram Datt	 : I have discovered something peculiar about
this camel.
Shiv Datt	 : 	 So have I.
Har Datt	 	 : 	 I, too, have noticed a strange detail.
Dev Datt	 	 : (Smiling) It seems each of us has learnt something 
unique, yet I believe my discovery is unlike any
of yours.
Har Datt	 	 : Let us rest beneath a large tree and share our
findings. But wait—someone approaches in haste!
Shiv Datt	 : (Peering ahead) It appears to be a merchant, 
running as if pursued by trouble.
Ram Datt	 : A merchant indeed, and judging by his
countenance, he has lost something of great 
value—perhaps his camel.
  (The Merchant, panting and distressed, reaches the 
group. He pauses to catch his breath, then addresses 
them anxiously.)
scrutinise: to 
look carefully at
in haste: in a 
hurry
pursued: (here)
chased
countenance: 
facial 
expression
distressed:
worried
Unit 1.indd   30 13-05-2025   12:04:41
Page 5


WISDOM PAVES THE WAY
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts
with your classmates and teacher.
	 II	 Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is
about using that knowledge with good judgement.
	 	 Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as
either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. One example has been done for you.
	 1.	 Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable
garden in her backyard.
	 2.	 Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
	 3.	 Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a
successful app.
	 4.	 Rohan understood the value of time management and created a
timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
	 5.	 Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
	 6.	 Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the
cultural festival.
Knowledge Wisdom
1.
	 III 	 Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened?
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Unit 1.indd   27 13-05-2025   12:04:37
Poorvi
28
Let us read
Characters
The King of Ujjain	 :	 a young King
Four Young Men	 	 :	 Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt
The Merchant	
Two Sentries	
Setting :	 A road leading to Ujjain, visible in the
distance. Later, the King’s court, adorned
with rich tapestries , tall pillars, and
regal decor. The time is midday.
Scene I: The Road to Ujjain
  (Four young men—Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and 
Dev Datt—are walking along a dusty road leading to 
Ujjain. They appear travel-worn but resolute, their 
eyes fixed on the city that looms ahead. The sun is 
high, and the distant noise of the bustling city faintly 
reaches them.)
adorned:
beautified
resolute:
determined
tapestries:
heavy
decorative
fabrics woven 
with pictures or 
patterns
bustling: busy
Unit 1.indd   28 13-05-2025   12:04:38
Wit and Wisdom
29
eludes: difficult
to obtain
Ram Datt	 	 : (Wiping his brow) We have journeyed far from home,
yet the prospect of finding work still eludes us.
Har Datt	 	 : 	 How long has it been since we left our village?
Shiv Datt	 : I believe it has been over a week— perhaps even
longer.
Ram Datt	 : Ten days, to be precise. Every day feels longer than
the last.
Dev Datt	 : Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme
of things. We may still have many more roads to
wander before we find employment befitting all
four of us.
Ram Datt	 : If only we could secure an audience with the King
of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our
talents and appoint us to his service.
Shiv Datt	 : 	I share your belief.
Dev Datt	 	 : Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is
why we press on towards Ujjain.
Har Datt	 	 : (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the
King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.
Dev Datt	 	 : Let us reach the city gates first. We can deliberate 
once we are closer.
  (As they walk, Ram Datt notices something on the 
ground.)
devise: (here)
to think of
deliberate: to
think carefully
Unit 1.indd   29 13-05-2025   12:04:40
Poorvi
30
Shiv Datt	 : Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way.
The tracks are fresh.
Ram Datt	 : (Studying the tracks) Yes, let us observe them as we 
continue. They may tell us more than meets the eye.
    (The four men continue walking, occasionally 
stopping to examine the camel’s tracks. They 
scrutinise every detail, exchanging glances but 
saying little.)
Ram Datt	 : I have discovered something peculiar about
this camel.
Shiv Datt	 : 	 So have I.
Har Datt	 	 : 	 I, too, have noticed a strange detail.
Dev Datt	 	 : (Smiling) It seems each of us has learnt something 
unique, yet I believe my discovery is unlike any
of yours.
Har Datt	 	 : Let us rest beneath a large tree and share our
findings. But wait—someone approaches in haste!
Shiv Datt	 : (Peering ahead) It appears to be a merchant, 
running as if pursued by trouble.
Ram Datt	 : A merchant indeed, and judging by his
countenance, he has lost something of great 
value—perhaps his camel.
  (The Merchant, panting and distressed, reaches the 
group. He pauses to catch his breath, then addresses 
them anxiously.)
scrutinise: to 
look carefully at
in haste: in a 
hurry
pursued: (here)
chased
countenance: 
facial 
expression
distressed:
worried
Unit 1.indd   30 13-05-2025   12:04:41
Wit and Wisdom
31
Merchant	 : (Breathlessly) Good day, kind sirs.
All Four	 	 : 	 Good day, brother.
Merchant	 : I seek your help. My camel has gone astray. Have 
you, by chance, seen it?
Ram Datt	 : 	 Is your camel lame in one leg, by any chance?
Merchant	 : (Surprised) Yes, yes, it is!
Shiv Datt	 : 	 Is it blind in the right eye?
Merchant	 : Precisely! It is blind in one eye—the right one, as
you say.
Har Datt	 	 : 	 And does it have a short tail?
Merchant	 : (Astonished) You describe it perfectly! Yes, it has a
short tail.
Dev Datt	 	 : Tell me, sir, has it not been suffering from a pain
in the stomach?
Merchant	 : (Taken aback) How could you possibly know that?
The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks 
now. Surely you are a healer! I will gladly pay
your fee if you can cure it. But tell me, where is my
camel?
Ram Datt	 : We regret to inform you that we do not know
where it is.
astray: away
from the 
correct path
Unit 1.indd   31 13-05-2025   12:04:42