1. Why does Kurien call writing a “possession”? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what can be kept in writing that a spoken conversation cannot preserve in the same way.
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Answer: Writing fixes a person’s thoughts, concerns and view of events at a particular time. Because the written words can be kept and returned to years later, they become a possession that carries memory across time.

2. How can a personal letter also become a record of history? 3 Marks
How to answer: Use Kurien’s reference to the time before the twenty-first century.
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Answer: The letter records Kurien’s memories, choices and the world in which he lived. When a later generation reads it, these personal memories also provide a glimpse of an earlier period, so private writing becomes a small historical record.

3. Why is the word “humility” important when Kurien speaks about choosing one life path? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what he accepts about choice and sacrifice.
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Answer: Kurien accepts that one person cannot pursue every possible path. Choosing a meaningful life requires giving up other attractive options. Calling this realisation an act of humility shows that he does not assume he can have every opportunity at once.

4. Why is the phrase “trying to gain control over their lives” important? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what it suggests about the farmers’ purpose.
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Answer: The phrase shows that the cooperative was not only about producing milk. The farmers wanted greater power over their livelihood and decisions. Kurien’s work therefore became connected with people’s independence and dignity.

5. Why does Kurien list the successful careers he did not choose? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what the alternatives tell us about his final decision.
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Answer: The alternatives show that Kurien was not forced into service to dairy farmers because he lacked other opportunities. He deliberately chose a path he believed would allow a more meaningful contribution.

6. What does Kurien’s choice of Anand reveal about his idea of success? 3 Marks
How to answer: Compare public prestige with usefulness.
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Answer: Kurien’s choice suggests that success is not measured only by salary, position or international opportunity. For him, work is more meaningful when it improves other people’s lives and contributes to a larger purpose.

7. Why does Kurien include his wife’s choice in a letter about his own life? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what it corrects about the idea of individual achievement.
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Answer: Kurien wants Siddharth to understand that his work was made possible by another person’s support and sacrifice. By crediting his wife, he shows that achievements often depend on people whose contribution may not receive public recognition.

8. What does Kurien’s attitude towards recognition reveal about him? 3 Marks
How to answer: Use both his credit to others and his reference to inherited values.
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Answer: It reveals humility and gratitude. He gives credit to colleagues, family elders and his mentor Tribhuvandas Patel instead of presenting himself as the sole creator of success.

9. How does honesty with oneself affect honesty with others, according to Kurien? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain the connection he makes.
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Answer: Kurien believes that when a person does not deceive himself or herself, there is less need to create false appearances for others. Inner honesty therefore makes outward honesty more natural.

10. What does Kurien mean when he says “Life is a privilege”? 3 Marks
How to answer: Connect privilege with responsibility and ability.
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Answer: He means that life should not be treated as something to waste. A person has a responsibility to develop and use his or her abilities well and to make some contribution to the common good.

11. How is Kurien’s definition of failure different from the usual result-based definition? 3 Marks
How to answer: Compare outcome with effort and contribution.
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Answer: A result-based definition calls a person a failure when the desired result is not achieved. Kurien focuses instead on effort and contribution. A person may not succeed in the usual sense and still not have failed if he or she worked sincerely and contributed.

12. What attitude towards happiness does Kurien recommend? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what we should focus on instead of comparison.
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Answer: He recommends looking closely at reality and appreciating what we already have. Happiness is not guaranteed by perfect circumstances, so constant comparison should be replaced by gratitude and perspective.

13. How does the medal incident distinguish an inherited award from an earned reward? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain the difference between possessing the object and deserving one’s own achievement.
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Answer: Siddharth can physically possess his grandfather’s medal, but the work behind that honour belongs to Kurien’s life. Kurien challenges him to create value through his own actions instead of relying on inherited prestige.

14. Why does rejoicing in another person’s happiness require strength? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain the value behind the statement.
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Answer: Genuine happiness for another person requires us to move beyond jealousy and comparison. Kurien treats this generosity of feeling as a form of inner strength and as part of living fully.

15. What are the “true rewards” of a life well-spent, according to the closing paragraph? 3 Marks
How to answer: Connect rewards with work for a larger good.
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Answer: True rewards are those that come from working sincerely in one’s chosen field for the larger good of the country and humanity. The reward has value because it grows out of meaningful contribution.

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CA Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant with 16+ years of practical experience and 20+ years of teaching experience. At Teachoo, he simplifies Accounts, Tax and GST with step-by-step examples so students can apply concepts confidently in exams and real life.

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