Textbook Solution: Children at Work | Class 6 English Alive PDF Download

B. Answer these questions briefly.

Q1: How did Velu feel when he arrived at Chennai Central?

Ans: Velu felt wobbly and exhausted when he arrived at Chennai Central. His legs were shaky as if he was still on a moving train, showing how tired and unsteady he felt after his journey.
Explanation:

The description of Velu's physical sensations highlights his exhaustion and the disorientation from traveling, indicating how challenging the journey and his situation were.

Q2: Who did Velu meet at the railway station?

Ans: Velu met a girl around his own age who was picking up dirty plastic cups and stuffing them into her sack.

Explanation:

This meeting introduces the character of the girl who plays a significant role in Velu's new life in the city, guiding him and teaching him how to survive.

Q3: Why did Velu decide to follow the girl?

Ans: Velu decided to follow the girl because she offered to find him some food and he was unsure of what to do alone in a new city.
Explanation:

Velu's decision to follow the girl shows his reliance on someone seemingly more experienced and his urgent need for food and guidance in an unfamiliar environment.

Where did the girl take Velu at first?

Ans: The girl first took Velu to Sri Raja Rajeshwari Prasanna Kalyana Mandapam, where they searched for food near a big garbage bin.
Explanation:

This location was significant because it demonstrated the harsh reality of Velu's new life, where he had to rely on leftovers found in garbage for food.

Q4: Where did the girl finally take Velu?

Ans: The girl finally took Velu to her home in Triplicane, where they were near the Buckingham Canal and lived in makeshift huts.

Explanation:

This area is where Velu begins to understand the depth of his new life's challenges, surrounded by poverty and a community of people living similarly tough lives.

Q5: Why do you think Jaya gave Velu a stick and a pair of shoes?

Ans: Jaya gave Velu a stick and a pair of shoes because they were necessary tools for the work of ragpicking that she was teaching him to do.
Explanation:

The stick would be used to sift through garbage safely, and the shoes were to protect his feet, which indicates that Jaya was preparing him to adapt to his new work environment.

Q6: Who was Jam Bazaar Jaggu? What did he do?

Ans: Jam Bazaar Jaggu was a man who bought collected recyclable materials like paper, plastic, and glass, and then sold them to a factory.
Explanation:

This information about Jam Bazaar Jaggu explains the economic ecosystem of the ragpickers, where the collection and sale of recyclables form a source of income.

C. Think and answer the questions.

Q1: Velu plans to be a ragpicker until he gets a better job. Do you think Velu will ever get a new job? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: It might be difficult for Velu to find a better job soon because he is in a challenging situation without education or support in a new city. However, his willingness to work and adapt might help him find new opportunities eventually.

Explanation:

Velu's situation is precarious, and while his current determination is admirable, his lack of resources and support makes it uncertain when or if he will be able to find a better job.

Q2: What do you think were Velu's fears when he arrived in the new city?

Ans: Velu likely feared being alone and helpless in a large, unfamiliar city without food, shelter, or a known person to rely on.

Explanation:

His immediate concern for food and his hesitant interactions with Jaya highlight his vulnerability and the daunting reality of surviving in a new environment.

Q3: Jaya proudly says that she eats only untouched food, though it is from the dustbin. Share your thoughts on how her idea of hygiene and safety is different from yours.

Ans: Jaya's idea of hygiene, choosing untouched food from the garbage, is based on necessity rather than choice, which is different from conventional standards where safety and cleanliness are prioritized.

Explanation:

This contrast illustrates how poverty can redefine norms and survival strategies, where even minimal levels of cleanliness become a compromise.

Q4: Jaya, a little girl herself, decides to share her food and work with Velu. What does this tell you about her?

Ans: This shows that Jaya is compassionate, resourceful, and responsible. Despite her own difficult circumstances, she is willing to help someone else in need.

Explanation:

Jaya's actions reflect maturity and kindness, highlighting her as a crucial support for Velu in his new life, illustrating how adversity often breeds empathy and solidarity among those in similar situations.