Let us think and reflect NCERT Poorvi pages 59–61

Last updated at August 26, 2026 by

I
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
The required extract is printed below each extract number. Read it fully before answering its subquestions.
1.
Vastly outnumbered and facing devastating fire, Major Somnath Sharma and his men stood resolute. The air was thick with the sound of gunfire and the cries of battle, but Major Somnath Sharma’s voice cut through the chaos, urging his men to fight with tenacity and valour.

Despite heavy casualties and his own injuries, Major Somnath Sharma displayed unparalleled bravery. He moved fearlessly through the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines for his gunners, and encouraging his men to hold their ground.
Question 7
(i) What can be inferred about the conditions from the line: ‘The air was thick with gunfire...’
A. The gunshots had stopped for a while.
B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
C. The invaders were retreating from the fight.
D. The Indian soldiers had achieved victory.
How to answer: Use only the evidence in the extract.
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There was intense fighting on the battlefield .

Therefore, the correct answer is B .

Reason: Continuous gunfire and cries of battle show heavy combat.

Question 8
(ii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because ________________________________________.
How to answer: Use only the evidence in the extract.
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Completed sentence: Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because he was determined to hold the position and keep his soldiers fighting .

Reason: His actions show that the mission and the morale of his men remained his priority.

Question 9
(iii) Select the correct option for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below:
(A): Major Somnath Sharma moved fearlessly through the battlefield, even though he was injured.
(R): He believed his courage was important to motivate the soldiers.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
How to answer: Use only the evidence in the extract.
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Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Therefore, the correct answer is A .

Reason: He kept moving and encouraging his men even while injured; his courage helped sustain their morale.

Question 10
(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from those given in the brackets:
Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite ___________________________. (injuries/worry)
How to answer: Use only the evidence in the extract.
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Completed sentence: Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite injuries .

Reason: The extract directly states that he continued despite his own injuries.

2.
Born on 31 January 1923, in the picturesque town of Dadh in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Somnath Sharma belonged to a family with a rich military legacy. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation with distinction, and young Somnath was deeply inspired by the valorous tales of the Mahabharata, imparted to him by his grandfather.
Question 11
(i) What can be inferred about Somnath Sharma’s early influences on his career?
A. He was primarily influenced by his father’s achievements in the military.
B. His inspiration came solely from the tales of the Mahabharata.
C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty.
D. He decided to join the military out of necessity rather than passion.
How to answer: Read the exact wording of the extract before answering.
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His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty .

Therefore, the correct answer is C .

Reason: His father’s military service and his grandfather’s valorous stories both influenced him.

Question 12
(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false:
Somnath Sharma belonged to a wealthy family.
How to answer: Read the exact wording of the extract before answering.
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The statement is False.

Reason: The extract says that he belonged to a family with a rich military legacy ; it does not say that the family was wealthy.

Question 13
(iii) What does the phrase ‘served the nation with distinction’ tell us about Major General Amar Nath Sharma?
(He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence./He was highly respected for his contributions to the country.)
How to answer: Read the exact wording of the extract before answering.
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Answer: It means that he performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour and excellence.

Question 14
(iv) Replace the underlined phrase with a word from the extract that has a similar meaning.
My family and I visited a popular hill station and stayed in an old but visually charming house surrounded by trees.
How to answer: Read the exact wording of the extract before answering.
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Answer: picturesque

Reason: “Picturesque” means visually attractive or charming.

II
Answer the following questions.
Question 15
1. ‘Major Somnath’s legacy of courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, forever alive…’ What is the significance of the repetition in this line?
How to answer: Answer directly, then support your point with one or two details from the chapter.
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Answer: The repetition emphasises that his courage and devotion will not be forgotten. His life continues to remain present in public memory and to inspire future generations.

Question 16
2. Why do you think Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam?
How to answer: Answer directly, then support your point with one or two details from the chapter.
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Answer: D Company was badly outnumbered and had to hold a strategically important area until reinforcements arrived. Major Sharma recognised the diversion, requested air support, guided aircraft, moved under fire, helped with ammunition and encouraged his men. His leadership helped the company continue resisting under extreme pressure.

Question 17
3. What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his sense of duty?
How to answer: Answer directly, then support your point with one or two details from the chapter.
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Answer: He said, “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.” These words show complete commitment to duty and the defence of his position, even when his own safety was at extreme risk.

Question 18
4. What might have been the outcome of the Battle of Badgam if Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground?
How to answer: Answer directly, then support your point with one or two details from the chapter.
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Answer: The attackers might have advanced towards Srinagar and the airfield before reinforcements arrived. This could have placed the town, the airport and the wider valley in much greater danger.

Question 19
5. Why do you think Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire soldiers and civilians today?
How to answer: Answer directly, then support your point with one or two details from the chapter.
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Answer: His story combines courage, loyalty to his men, discipline, duty and self-sacrifice. He remained committed despite injury and overwhelming odds, and his first Param Vir Chakra and place on the National War Memorial keep that example visible to later generations.

Question 20
6. How can the values demonstrated by Major Somnath Sharma—courage, duty, and self-sacrifice—be applied in our daily lives?
How to answer: Answer directly, then support your point with one or two details from the chapter.
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Answer: Courage can mean doing what is right even when it is difficult; duty means completing responsibilities sincerely; and self-sacrifice can mean giving time, effort or comfort to help others. We can practise these values through honest work, helping family and classmates, standing against unfairness and contributing to the common good.

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