A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers – Class 7 English Poorvi Question Answer (NCERT 2026–27)

Complete NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English Poorvi Unit 5 (Bravehearts) – “A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers”: summary, theme, word meanings and every textbook exercise (Let us discuss, Let us think and reflect, Let us learn) answered in full. The questions are reproduced exactly as in the NCERT book, and every table, fill-in and matching task is written out as readable text.

Class: 7 Subject: English Book: Poorvi Unit: 5 – Bravehearts Type: Prose (Letters) Session: 2026–27
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About the chapter

“A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” is the opening prose piece of Unit 5, ‘Bravehearts’. It is written as an exchange of two letters between two friends, Soumya (from Bengaluru) and Ananda (from Chandigarh). Soumya writes to share her experience of an educational trip to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, describing the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the four Chakras and the citations of war heroes such as Lance Naik Albert Ekka and Major Padmapani Acharya. Ananda replies with her own reflections, recalling a war memorial in Chandigarh and the poem ‘Pushp ki Abhilasha’. Through their letters the chapter pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.

About the text

This chapter carries no single named author; it is an original prose text composed for the NCERT Class 7 Poorvi textbook in the form of two friendly letters. The first letter is signed by the fictional student Soumya and the second by her friend Ananda. The piece weaves in real facts about the National War Memorial (built 2018–2019 near India Gate), genuine gallantry-award citations issued by the Government of India, and a quotation from the Hindi poem ‘Pushp ki Abhilasha’ by Makhanlal Chaturvedi. Because it is informational and patriotic in tone, it teaches readers about India’s war memorials and bravehearts rather than telling a fictional story.

Summary

In her letter, Soumya tells Ananda about a school trip to New Delhi. She describes the National War Memorial, spread over forty acres near India Gate, which was envisioned and inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in February 2019. She explains that even after Independence in 1947 India had to fight several wars to protect her borders, and that the memorial honours soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in conflicts such as the 1962 Indo-China war, the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and the 1999 Kargil war. Each ‘tablet’ bears a fallen soldier’s name; there are 29,000 tablets carrying more than 26,000 names.

Soumya writes about the gallantry awards – the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra – and shares the citation of Lance Naik Albert Ekka (PVC), who silenced enemy machine guns at Gangasagar in 1971 and made the supreme sacrifice. She describes the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame in the obelisk, and the four concentric circles – Amar Chakra (Immortality), Veerta Chakra (Bravery), Tyag Chakra (Sacrifice) and Raksha Chakra (Protection). She also mentions her class presentation on Major Padmapani Acharya (MVC) of the Kargil war, who quoted the Bhagavad Gita before battle.

In her reply, Ananda says she was moved by Soumya’s letter. She agrees that a war memorial is an expression of deep gratitude for soldiers’ supreme sacrifice and admits she is thinking of joining the Armed Forces. She recalls visiting a war memorial in a Chandigarh garden and the poem ‘Pushp ki Abhilasha’, mentions the ‘National War Memorial and Museum’ mobile app and a memoir on Captain Anuj Nayyar (MVC), and shares her hobby of philately (stamp-collecting). The two letters together honour India’s bravehearts.

Theme & message

The central theme is gratitude, patriotism and remembrance – honouring the courage and supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers who protect the nation’s freedom. Through the National War Memorial, the citations and the heroes’ stories, the text reminds us of “the cost of freedom”. Its message is that the peace and liberty we enjoy are gifts of the bravehearts, and that it is our duty to remember, respect and pay homage to them – and perhaps even to serve the nation ourselves.

Word meanings

WordEnglish meaningHindi meaning
homagerespect shown publicly for someoneश्रद्धांजलि
territorial integritysafeguarding a nation’s bordersअखंडता (सीमाओं की रक्षा)
envisionedvisualised; imagined as a planकल्पना / दूरदर्शिता
iconiccelebrated; widely admiredप्रतीकात्मक / प्रसिद्ध
tributeshowing respect and gratitudeश्रद्धांजलि / आभार
etchedengraved; cut into a surfaceउत्कीर्ण / खुदा हुआ
gallantryexceptional courage, especially in battleशौर्य / वीरता
posthumouslyafter a person’s deathमृत्यु के बाद
citationofficial record of meritorious serviceप्रशस्ति-पत्र
awestruckfilled with wonder and amazementअभिभूत / स्तब्ध
commemoratesremembers officially and shows respectस्मृति में सम्मानित करना
obeliska tall, tapering stone pillarस्तम्भ / स्मारक स्तंभ
wreathscircular arrangements of flowers placed in remembranceपु୹प चक्र / माला
interminableeverlasting; never-endingअनंत / सतत
muralslarge paintings made on a wallभित्तिचित्र
discoursesserious discussions on different topicsगंभीर चर्चा / प्रवचन
edificea large, impressive buildingभव्य / विशाल इमारत
valiantvery braveवीर / साहसी
memoiran account of one’s personal life and experiencesसंस्मरण / आत्मकथा
philatelythe hobby of collecting postage stampsडाक-टिकट संग्रह

Let us discuss (after Letter I)

I. Complete the table of war heroes

I. Complete the table given below. An example has been done for you. (Columns: Name of the War Hero | Contribution and Achievement | Award Given)

Name of the War HeroContribution and AchievementAward Given
Major Somnath SharmaBattle of Badgam in 1947 (given)First Param Vir Chakra awarded posthumously (given)
Captain Mahendra Nath MullaNavy personnel who showed exemplary courage and leadership during the 1971 war.Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
Lance Naik Albert EkkaIn the 1971 war he charged an enemy bunker at Gangasagar, silenced the machine guns and made the supreme sacrifice.Param Vir Chakra (PVC), posthumously
Major Padmapani AcharyaFought for India in the 1999 Kargil War (Operation Vijay), captured a heavily fortified enemy position and succumbed to his injuries.Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), posthumously

II. Find the paragraph(s) and sentences in the text that evoke the feelings given below. 1. feeling of wonder 2. heartening 3. sense of motivation 4. pride 5. visually inspiring 6. sadness 7. gratitude 8. inspiration

ANSWER (sample lines from the text) 1. Wonder: “The National War Memorial … consists of four concentric circles … It also houses bronze and stone murals and graphic panels. Isn’t it amazing!” 2. Heartening: “It was heartening to know that our government has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers.” 3. Motivation: “It touched my heart and also motivated me … I aspire to be courageous like him when I join the Army!” 4. Pride: “It truly is a majestic site that filled me with pride for our nation.” 5. Visually inspiring: “The lighting design is planned in such a way that it transforms the monument’s landscape as sunlight changes from dawn to dusk … an emotive experience that was visually inspiring.” 6. Sadness: “The various discourses during the day brought tears to my eyes. It was sad to think about the massive devastation and loss of life caused by wars.” 7. Gratitude: “They exchange letters and share their feelings of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy because of the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country.” 8. Inspiration: “It motivated me to live a life worthy of the sacrifices of our heroes.”

III. Which is India’s highest gallantry award?

ANSWERIndia’s highest wartime gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). It is given for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. The first PVC was awarded posthumously to Major Somnath Sharma in 1947.

IV. How would Ananda feel after reading this letter?

ANSWERAfter reading Soumya’s letter, Ananda would feel deeply moved, inspired and grateful. She would be proud of India’s soldiers and touched by their sacrifices. The vivid description of the National War Memorial would fill her with patriotism and even make her think of serving the nation by joining the Armed Forces, as her reply shows.

V. Do you think Soumya enjoyed writing this letter? Why or why not?

ANSWERYes, Soumya clearly enjoyed writing the letter. She herself says she “could not help sharing this inspiring experience” with her friend. Her excitement, the rich detail she includes and her eagerness to describe everything she learnt show that the visit had a deep impact on her and that she took great pleasure in sharing it with Ananda.

Let us discuss (after Letter II)

I. Why was Ananda reminded of the poem ‘Pushp ki Abhilasha’?

ANSWERAnanda was reminded of the poem when she thought back to her visit to the Chandigarh war memorial, where people were dedicating flowers as a mark of respect to the soldiers. The poem ‘Pushp ki Abhilasha’ expresses a flower’s wish to be offered on the path taken by brave soldiers going to lay down their lives for the motherland – so the sight of flowers being offered to fallen heroes naturally brought the poem to her mind.

II. How does Soumya’s letter help Ananda in pursuing her hobby?

ANSWERAnanda’s hobby is philately – collecting postage stamps. Soumya’s letters often arrive in envelopes with beautiful stamps, which Ananda loves. With this particular letter she received a stamp celebrating India’s independence, a theme that matched the letter’s subject. So Soumya’s letter adds a meaningful new stamp to Ananda’s collection and supports her hobby.

III. Ananda is inspired to act after reading the letter from Soumya. What actions does she intend to take up? Fill in the table citing the sentences from the text. (1. visit 2. mobile app 3. sharing ideas 4. creating a collage 5. joining the army 6. website)

ActionSentence / intention from the text
1. visit“We all wish to visit the National War Memorial, Delhi.”
2. mobile app“We have found out a mobile app ‘National War Memorial and Museum’… provides answers to our queries in 21 languages.”
3. sharing ideas“Next week, I am going to share this idea with my classmates and my teacher.”
4. creating a collage“I think it would be great to create a collage capturing the lives and stories of people that can inspire us each day.”
5. joining the army“I feel motivated and I am seriously thinking of joining the Armed Forces to serve my motherland.”
6. websiteShe intends to read more using the website link Soumya shared – “https://www.mygov.in/campaigns/national-war-memorial” – to learn more about the memorial.

Let us think and reflect

I.1. Extract – “You can see the obelisk surrounded by wreaths that have been placed as a mark of respect. The lighting design is planned in such a way that it transforms the monument’s landscape as sunlight changes from dawn to dusk. It truly is a majestic site that filled me with pride for our nation. I was also overwhelmed by the interminable flame as a metaphor for eternal stories of courage and valour.”

ANSWER (i) Complete the analogy: flame : valour :: wreath : respect. (The flame stands for valour; the wreath stands for respect.) (ii) The lighting design makes the monument visually appealing because it is planned so that it transforms the monument’s landscape as the sunlight changes from dawn to dusk, giving the site a constantly changing, majestic and emotive appearance. (iii) “It truly is a majestic site…” is an opinion (it expresses the writer’s personal feeling, not a verifiable fact). (iv) The everlasting (interminable) flame suggests the immortality of the spirit of the fallen soldiers – an eternal reminder of their courage and valour and an assurance that the nation will never forget their sacrifice. (v) The tone of the writer in this extract is C. admiring.

I.2. Extract – “I was happy to hear that you got an opportunity to visit the National War Memorial. I have heard a lot about it. Some people might see a war memorial as just a monument, statue, an edifice to celebrate a war or victory and commemorate those who sacrificed their lives or got injured in the war. In my view, it is also an expression of deep gratitude for the supreme sacrifice made by our brave soldiers defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country.”

ANSWER (i) The line that shows Ananda was aware about the National War Memorial is: “I have heard a lot about it.” (ii) The most likely reason for people to consider a war memorial merely as a monument is that they see only its physical structure – a statue or edifice built to celebrate a victory – without thinking deeply about the human sacrifice and gratitude it represents. (iii) Fill in the blank with a word from the extract: “We conduct special competitions at school to commemorate our Independence day.” (iv) A phrase showing Ananda is expressing an opinion: “In my view…” (v) Ananda refers to the sacrifice of soldiers as ‘supreme’ because the soldiers give up their very lives – the greatest thing anyone can give – while defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

II. Answer the following questions.

ANSWER 1. What is the significance of the National War Memorial? The National War Memorial honours the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for India in various wars since 1947. Spread over forty acres near India Gate, its tablets carry the names of fallen heroes, and the Amar Jawan Jyoti keeps their memory alive. It reminds the nation of the cost of freedom and inspires citizens with gratitude and patriotism. 2. Lance Naik Albert Ekka is an example of selflessness, determination, and exceptional courage. Elaborate. During the 1971 war at Gangasagar, Albert Ekka charged an enemy bunker with complete disregard for his own safety and silenced a machine gun. Though seriously wounded, he kept fighting, clearing bunker after bunker, and finally scaled a wall to silence another machine gun, ensuring the attack’s success. He succumbed to his injuries – a true example of selflessness, grim determination and supreme courage. 3. Explain how the National War Memorial and Museum app will be helpful in spreading awareness about war heroes. The app is highly interactive and answers users’ queries in as many as 21 languages, so people across India can learn about it in their own language. It lets users explore the memorial, its murals and the stories of war heroes from anywhere, even without visiting Delhi, thus spreading awareness about the bravehearts widely. 4. Why is it our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers? Our soldiers sacrifice their lives so that we can live in freedom, peace and security without fear of enemy threats. The liberty and comfort we enjoy are gifts of their sacrifice. It is therefore our moral duty to remember them, visit such memorials, and pay homage by living lives worthy of their courage. 5. What is the main idea of this text? How does it justify the title, ‘A Homage to our Brave Soldiers’? The main idea is to honour and express gratitude to Indian soldiers for their courage and supreme sacrifice. Through the National War Memorial, the citations and the heroes’ stories, the text pays public respect to the bravehearts – which is exactly what ‘homage’ means. The whole letter exchange is a tribute, so the title is fully justified. 6. Why were the students awestruck and humbled? Explain in your own words. The students were awestruck and humbled when their teacher read out the citation of Lance Naik Albert Ekka. His extraordinary bravery – charging enemy guns despite serious wounds and giving his life for the success of the attack – filled them with wonder and a deep sense of respect, making their own troubles seem small.

Let us learn

I. Prefixes – match and complete

I. Match the prefixes with their meanings and the root words to create a new word. (Prefixes: re-, mal-, un-, anti-, extra-, ex-, de-; an example: extra- + ordinary = Extraordinary)

ANSWER – matching extra- (beyond, outside) + ordinary → extraordinary (example) de- (remove) + activate → deactivate mal- (badly, wrongly) + functioning → malfunctioning anti- (opposed to; against) + social → antisocial un- (lacking; not) + questionable → unquestionable ex- (former) + service → ex-service (member) re- (do again) + define → redefine

Now complete the paragraph using the new words. “Soldiers undergo (i) extraordinary training… They learn to (ii) ___ explosives and handle (iii) ___ equipment… They stand as a powerful force against (iv) ___ elements, displaying (v) ___ bravery. (vi) ___ members often share their experiences… Their service can continually (vii) ___ the essence of commitment and sacrifice.”

ANSWER (i) extraordinary (given) (ii) deactivate (iii) malfunctioning (iv) antisocial (v) unquestionable (vi) Ex-service (vii) redefine

II. Words associated with ‘brave’ (fill in the missing vowels)

II. Find words associated with ‘brave’ by filling in the missing vowels.

ANSWER V_L__NT → VALIANT  •  C__R_G_ → COURAGE  •  V_L__R → VALOUR G_LL_NT → GALLANT  •  H_R__C → HEROIC  •  F__RL_SS → FEARLESS B_LD → BOLD  •  D_R_NG → DARING  •  _ND__NT_D → UNDAUNTED

III. Opposites of ‘brave’

III. Fill in the blanks with the correct opposite words of ‘brave’ from the box (fear, cowardly, timid, afraid).

ANSWER 1. Ajay’s cowardly refusal to stand up for his friend was disappointing to everyone. 2. The timid child hid behind his mother, too scared to meet the new teacher. 3. Anjali’s fear of heights prevented her from climbing the tall ladder. 4. Sushma felt afraid as she entered the dark, abandoned building alone.

IV. Main clause and subordinate clause

IV. Divide the sentences into two parts (main clause | subordinate clause). (Example 1 done: “I aspire to be courageous like him” | “when I join the army!”)

ANSWER 1. Part 1 (main): I aspire to be courageous like him | Part 2 (subordinate): when I join the army! (given) 2. Part 1 (main): They exchange letters and share their feelings of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy | Part 2 (subordinate): because of the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country. 3. Part 2 (subordinate): Though seriously wounded in this encounter, | Part 1 (main): he continued to fight alongside his comrades. 4. Part 1 (main): The sacrifices of the soldiers make monuments like the National War Memorial extremely important | Part 2 (subordinate): so that we should never forget the cost of freedom.

V. Combine using subordinating conjunctions

V. Combine the pairs using suitable subordinating conjunctions (because, unless, when, where, though).

ANSWER 1. Wasi burst into tears when he heard the good news. 2. Though Himani was very nervous, she delivered a great presentation. 3. This is the place where I was born. 4. The students performed very well because they studied diligently. 5. Unless you water the plants, they will die.

VI. Complete the sentences with a suitable clause

VI. Complete the following sentences with a suitable main clause or subordinate clause. (Sample answers given.)

ANSWER (sample) 1. Farheen was late to work because her car broke down on the way. 2. The dog started barking when a stranger approached the gate. 3. She completed the marathon although she had hurt her ankle. 4. They saw a beautiful waterfall while they were hiking in the mountains. 5. Abhishek received a promotion after he completed the project successfully. 6. The team submitted the report before the deadline approached. 7. We waited in the car until the rain finally stopped. 8. The children built sandcastles on the beach as the waves rushed to the shore.

Let us listen / speak / write / explore

These are listening, speaking, writing and project tasks meant to be done in class with your teacher and partners. Guided sample responses are given below; do the spoken and project parts aloud / in groups.

Let us listen (Gunjan speaks about joining the Armed Forces; answer in two–three exact words you hear): 1. the most honourable job   2. wearing the uniform   3. keeps (mind and) body active   4. new experiences and adventures   5. loyalty, duty (service, and honesty).

Let us speak: Work in pairs to name the professions in the picture, then take turns saying which you would like to pursue, why, and what preparation it needs. Use the prompts, e.g. “I would like to become a soldier because I wish to serve my country. For this I would have to stay disciplined, study hard and keep myself physically fit.”

Let us write (letter on how the Armed Forces help in peacetime): Write to a friend describing how soldiers help during natural calamities (rescuing people in floods and earthquakes), build infrastructure (roads and bridges in remote areas) and run welfare initiatives (medical camps and libraries) – showing they serve the nation both in war and in peace.

Let us explore: Read the mottos – Indian Army: Sevā Paramo Dharmaḥ (Service Before Self); Indian Air Force: Nabhaḥ Spṛśaṃ Dīptam (Touch the Sky with Glory); Indian Navy: Sham No Varunah (Be Auspicious Unto Us Oh Varuna). Find out about other forces such as the CRPF, make a collage of inspiring people, and discuss women in the Armed Forces with examples.

Extra questions

Short answer (30–40 words)

1. When was the National War Memorial built and inaugurated, and by whom?

ANSWERConstruction of the National War Memorial started in April 2018 and was completed in February 2019. It was envisioned and inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in February 2019, near the iconic India Gate.

2. What is the Amar Jawan Jyoti and what does it symbolise?

ANSWERThe Amar Jawan Jyoti is an immortal flame kept ablaze day and night to revere the sacrifices of our soldiers. Now placed in the obelisk of the National War Memorial, it symbolises the immortality of the spirit of the fallen heroes.

3. Name the four Chakras of the National War Memorial and what each represents.

ANSWERThe four concentric circles are the Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality), Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery), Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) and Raksha Chakra (Circle of Protection), surrounding the central obelisk with the eternal flame.

4. What did Major Padmapani Acharya write before going into battle?

ANSWERBefore battle, Major Padmapani Acharya wrote a letter to his father saying he was not afraid of losing his life while protecting the motherland. He quoted the Bhagavad Gita, saying a warrior either attains heaven or wins the kingdom on earth.

5. What is ‘philately’, and how is it connected to Ananda?

ANSWERPhilately is the hobby of collecting postage stamps. Ananda has pursued it for years. She loves the beautiful stamps on Soumya’s envelopes; with this letter she received a stamp celebrating India’s independence, which matched the letter’s theme.

Long answer (100–120 words)

6. Describe the structure and significance of the National War Memorial as explained in the chapter.

ANSWERThe National War Memorial, spread over forty acres near India Gate, honours soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice since 1947. It has 29,000 tablets bearing more than 26,000 names of fallen heroes. At its heart stands a fifteen-metre-tall obelisk with the eternal Amar Jawan Jyoti, surrounded by four concentric circles – the Amar Chakra (Immortality) with the flame, the Veerta Chakra (Bravery) with bronze murals of battle actions, the Tyag Chakra (Sacrifice) with granite tablets for each hero, and the Raksha Chakra (Protection) with rows of trees. The memorial reminds the nation of the cost of freedom, expresses deep gratitude to the bravehearts, and inspires citizens with patriotism and respect.

7. How do the two letters in this chapter pay homage to India’s brave soldiers?

ANSWERIn her letter, Soumya shares her trip to the National War Memorial, describing the tablets, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the four Chakras and the citations of heroes like Lance Naik Albert Ekka and Major Padmapani Acharya. She is moved to tears and inspired to live worthy of their sacrifice. In her reply, Ananda agrees that a war memorial expresses deep gratitude for the soldiers’ supreme sacrifice, recalls a Chandigarh memorial and the poem ‘Pushp ki Abhilasha’, and resolves to visit the memorial and even join the Armed Forces. Through their gratitude, admiration and resolve, both girls pay heartfelt homage to the bravehearts who protect the nation.

MCQs & Assertion–Reason

1. Where is the National War Memorial located?

(a) near the Red Fort   (b) near India Gate   (c) in Chandigarh   (d) in Bengaluru

ANSWER(b) near India Gate.

2. Who inaugurated the National War Memorial in February 2019?

(a) the President   (b) the Defence Minister   (c) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi   (d) the Army Chief

ANSWER(c) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

3. What is India’s highest wartime gallantry award?

(a) Maha Vir Chakra   (b) Kirti Chakra   (c) Param Vir Chakra   (d) Shaurya Chakra

ANSWER(c) Param Vir Chakra.

4. Who was awarded India’s first Param Vir Chakra (posthumously)?

(a) Lance Naik Albert Ekka   (b) Major Somnath Sharma   (c) Major Hoshiar Singh   (d) Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla

ANSWER(b) Major Somnath Sharma (in the Battle of Badgam, 1947).

5. In which war did Lance Naik Albert Ekka win the Param Vir Chakra?

(a) 1962 Indo-China   (b) 1965 Indo-Pak   (c) 1971 Indo-Pak   (d) 1999 Kargil

ANSWER(c) 1971 Indo-Pak War (at Gangasagar).

6. What is the eternal flame at the memorial called?

(a) Veer Jyoti   (b) Amar Jawan Jyoti   (c) Raksha Jyoti   (d) Shanti Jyoti

ANSWER(b) Amar Jawan Jyoti.

7. The innermost circle of the memorial, the Amar Chakra, is also known as the –

(a) Circle of Bravery   (b) Circle of Sacrifice   (c) Circle of Immortality   (d) Circle of Protection

ANSWER(c) Circle of Immortality.

8. Major Padmapani Acharya was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his role in –

(a) the 1962 war   (b) the 1965 war   (c) the 1971 war   (d) the 1999 Kargil War

ANSWER(d) the 1999 Kargil War (Operation Vijay).

9. Which hobby of Ananda’s is mentioned in her letter?

(a) painting   (b) philately (stamp-collecting)   (c) photography   (d) coin-collecting

ANSWER(b) philately (stamp-collecting).

10. The poem ‘Pushp ki Abhilasha’, quoted by Ananda, was written by –

(a) Rabindranath Tagore   (b) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam   (c) Makhanlal Chaturvedi   (d) Subhadra Kumari Chauhan

ANSWER(c) Makhanlal Chaturvedi.
MCQ Answer Key: 1-(b), 2-(c), 3-(c), 4-(b), 5-(c), 6-(b), 7-(c), 8-(d), 9-(b), 10-(c)

Assertion–Reason – choose: (a) A and R true, R explains A; (b) A and R true, R does not explain A; (c) A true, R false; (d) A false, R true.

1. Assertion (A): The National War Memorial is extremely important to us.

Reason (R): It reminds the nation never to forget the cost of freedom and the sacrifices of its soldiers.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

2. Assertion (A): Lance Naik Albert Ekka was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.

Reason (R): He silenced enemy machine guns at Gangasagar but succumbed to his injuries after the objective was captured.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

3. Assertion (A): Soumya felt sad during parts of her visit to the memorial.

Reason (R): The discourses made her think about the massive devastation and loss of life caused by wars.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

4. Assertion (A): Ananda is uninterested in serving the nation.

Reason (R): She writes that she is seriously thinking of joining the Armed Forces to serve her motherland.

ANSWER(d) A is false (Ananda is keen to serve), while R is true.

5. Assertion (A): The Amar Jawan Jyoti is kept burning all the time.

Reason (R): The everlasting flame symbolises the immortality of the spirit of the fallen soldiers.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

Exam tips & common mistakes

Exam tips

• Remember key facts: memorial built 2018–2019, near India Gate, 40 acres, 29,000 tablets / 26,000+ names. Numbers earn marks.
• Learn the four Chakras in order: Amar (Immortality) → Veerta (Bravery) → Tyag (Sacrifice) → Raksha (Protection).
• Match heroes to awards and wars: Somnath Sharma (first PVC, 1947), Albert Ekka (PVC, 1971), Padmapani Acharya (MVC, Kargil 1999).
• For value questions, stress gratitude, patriotism, sacrifice and the duty to pay homage.

Common mistakes

• Do not confuse the awards: the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is the highest, the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) the second highest.
• Major Somnath Sharma won the first PVC in 1947, not in the Kargil War.
• ‘It truly is a majestic site’ is an opinion, not a fact – do not mix the two in fact/opinion questions.
• The two friends are Soumya (Bengaluru) and Ananda (Chandigarh) – do not swap their cities or letters.

FAQs

Who are the two friends writing letters in ‘A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers’?

The two friends are Soumya, who lives in Bengaluru, and Ananda, who lives in Chandigarh. Soumya writes about her visit to the National War Memorial, and Ananda replies with her own reflections.

What is the main message of this chapter?

The chapter pays homage to India’s brave soldiers, teaching gratitude, patriotism and remembrance for the courage and supreme sacrifice of those who protect the nation’s freedom.

What is the National War Memorial?

It is a memorial near India Gate, built in 2018–2019, honouring soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice since 1947. It has the Amar Jawan Jyoti and four Chakras, with tablets bearing the names of fallen heroes.

Which is India’s highest gallantry award mentioned in the chapter?

India’s highest wartime gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). The first PVC was awarded posthumously to Major Somnath Sharma in 1947.

Questions are taken verbatim from the NCERT Poorvi textbook; the summary, notes and all answers are written originally by ClearStudy.

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