The Treasure Within Summary Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 4

Introduction

The chapter introduces Hafeez Contractor, one of India’s most renowned architects, through an interview with Bela Raja, editor of the Sparsh newsletter from The Valley School, Bangalore. The conversation explores Hafeez’s early struggles in school, his dislike for traditional education, and the turning points that led to his remarkable career. It provides insights into how Hafeez discovered his passion for architecture and highlights his unique journey of self-discovery, emphasizing that success can be achieved by following one’s interests and talents.

Key Points of the Chapter

Introduction: Bela Raja interviews Hafeez Contractor, a famous Indian architect, discussing his life and career.

School Life Struggles:

• Hafeez disliked rote learning and feared mathematics.
• Lost interest in studies by the third standard; spent time playing games and pranks.

Turning Point:

• In the eleventh standard, his Principal’s motivational talk inspired him to study seriously.
• Passed SSC exams with a second-class grade.

Challenges:

• Frequently punished for mischief and unfinished homework but later changed his attitude.

Accidental Architecture Career:

• Wanted to join the Army or police but plans changed due to family intervention.
• Discovered his talent for architecture while visiting an architect’s office.

Unique Learning Style:

• Excelled in visual and practical tasks, remembered things as images, and enjoyed creative activities like designing forts.

Professional Success:

• Designs using observation, intuition, and spontaneous creativity.
• Mathematics became essential in his architectural work.

Conclusion:

• Hafeez’s journey shows success doesn’t rely on academics alone.
• Highlights the importance of nurturing talents, creativity, and practical knowledge.

Detailed Summary 

The chapter opens with an interview between Bela Raja, editor of the Sparsh newsletter from The Valley School, Bangalore, and Hafeez Contractor, a renowned Indian architect. The discussion focuses on Hafeez’s childhood, his school experiences, and his unusual journey to becoming an architect.

Hafeez’s Struggles in School: Hafeez’s school life was far from ideal. He disliked memorizing lessons (rote learning), especially mathematics, which gave him nightmares. Although he performed well during his first two years in school, he lost interest by the third standard. Instead of studying, Hafeez spent his time playing games, running around, and pulling pranks. He struggled to remember lessons and often resorted to copying in exams or trying to get the exam papers beforehand due to his poor memory.

The Turning Point: A Talk with the Principal: A turning point came in the eleventh standard. Hafeez’s Principal noticed his poor performance and called him for a serious talk. He reminded Hafeez of his mother’s hard work and sacrifices, encouraging him to take his education seriously. This conversation deeply moved Hafeez, leading him to focus on his studies. He stopped playing games and worked hard, eventually passing his SSC exams with a second-class grade—a significant improvement that impressed his Principal.

Transformation Through Realization: Despite frequent punishments for bad behavior and unfinished homework, Hafeez remained cheerful and carefree during his early school years. However, his Principal’s words sparked a transformation, helping Hafeez realize the importance of education.

An Accidental Entry into Architecture: Hafeez’s path to architecture was purely accidental. Initially, he aspired to join the Army and later considered the police force. However, unexpected events changed his plans. His aunt tore up his Army admission letter, and his mother insisted that he complete college. While studying at Jaihind College in Bombay, Hafeez struggled with French and switched to German. When his German teacher passed away, he had to go back to French and learned it with the help of his cousin’s husband, who was an architect.

The Discovery of a Natural Talent: During his visits to the architect’s office, Hafeez noticed an error in a window drawing and pointed it out accurately. This observation surprised everyone and revealed his natural talent. Encouraged by his cousin’s husband, Hafeez decided to pursue architecture. Although he had only 50% marks, Hafeez excelled in the architecture entrance exam, earning an ‘A’ grade and beginning his successful career.

The Role of Creativity and Practical Learning: Hafeez’s success can be attributed to his unique learning style and creative interests. Unlike traditional academic methods, Hafeez excelled in visual and practical tasks. As a child, he enjoyed designing forts and guns, which helped him develop his architectural skills. One of his teachers, Mrs. Gupta, had even predicted his future as an architect after seeing his sketches in the second or third standard. Her prediction proved true when Hafeez became a renowned architect.

A Blend of Observation and Intuition: In his professional career, Hafeez relies on his ability to connect with clients through careful observation and intuition. He designs spontaneously, integrating elements of design, construction, psychology, and sociology. Hafeez compares his creative approach to solving mathematical problems, even though he once disliked math. Ironically, mathematics has become an essential part of his architectural work.

Conclusion: Success Beyond Academics: Hafeez Contractor’s story demonstrates that academic success is not the only path to achievement. His journey from a playful, uninterested student to a celebrated architect highlights the importance of recognizing individual talents and nurturing them. Hafeez’s story emphasizes the value of practical skills, creativity, and thinking beyond conventional boundaries.

Theme/Message

• The story highlights the journey of self-discovery and finding one’s true passion. Hafeez’s life shows that traditional education doesn’t work for everyone, and following individual interests can lead to success.
• Another key message is the power of mentorship and guidance. The Principal’s advice played a crucial role in Hafeez’s life, showing how supportive words can inspire change.
• The story also emphasizes that learning happens in different ways, not just through formal education. Hafeez’s transformation in how he viewed mathematics—from fear to a valuable skill—shows that interests can change and grow over time.

Difficult Words with Meanings

• Detested - Strongly disliked.
• Nightmare - A terrifying dream.
• Psyche - The human mind or soul.
• Incurred - Brought upon oneself.
• Wrath - Intense anger.
• Caning - Punishment by beating with a cane.
• Gang fights - Conflicts between groups.
• Architect - A person who designs buildings.
• Cakewalk - Something easy to achieve.
• Photographic memory - The ability to remember things in great detail.
• Street smart - Practical intelligence acquired through experience.
• Contention - A point argued in a debate.
• Instinctively - Naturally or automatically.
• Arithmetic - The branch of mathematics dealing with numbers and calculations.
• Defied - Openly resisted or refused to obey.

FAQs for "The Treasure Within"

Q1. Who is Hafeez Contractor, and why is he featured in this chapter?
Ans. Hafeez Contractor is a renowned Indian architect. The chapter explores his unique journey, highlighting how he overcame his struggles in traditional education to find success in architecture.

Q2. What challenges did Hafeez face during his school years?
Ans. Hafeez disliked rote learning and mathematics. By the third standard, he had lost interest in studies and spent his time playing games and pulling pranks. He often struggled with poor memory and resorted to copying in exams.

Q3. How did Hafeez discover his passion for architecture?
Ans. While visiting an architect’s office, Hafeez accurately pointed out an error in a drawing. This incident revealed his natural talent and encouraged him to pursue architecture.

Q4. What advice does Hafeez’s story offer to students struggling in academics?
Ans. The story emphasizes that success is not limited to academics. It encourages students to explore their talents and interests and highlights the importance of creativity and practical learning.

Q5. How does Hafeez’s journey reflect the importance of mentorship?
Ans. Hafeez’s Principal played a key role in motivating him, showing how mentorship and supportive words can inspire positive change.