1.4 Revathi’s Musical Plants - Std 8th - Balbharati

Author: C. V. Vishveshwara (Adapted story)

Genre: Short Story / Inspirational Prose

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

Revathi was a music student who loved playing the violin. One day, she noticed that her balsam plants were unhealthy, so she shifted them into sunlight and began playing her favourite raga Mohanam. She soon discovered that the plants responded to her music by bending towards her and growing healthier. She kept this discovery secret and decided to participate in a “Best Plant” contest in her colony. Just before the competition, her plants were stolen by a neighbour. Revathi was heartbroken but regained confidence when she saw her plants at the contest under another name. To prove ownership, she played her violin and the plants bent towards her, amazing everyone. The organisers punished the dishonest neighbour and awarded Revathi the first prize. Revathi’s discovery showed the bond between music and nature, and her honesty and determination earned her respect.

Theme / Central Idea

The story highlights the powerful connection between music and nature. It teaches us that dedication, honesty, and self-belief help overcome obstacles. It also shows that truth ultimately triumphs over dishonesty.

Character Sketches

Revathi

• A young music student, passionate about playing the violin.

• Observant and intelligent, she discovered her plants responded to music.

• Honest and determined, she proved her ownership without giving up.

• Won respect for her talent, hard work, and truthfulness.

  
  

The Neighbour

• Dishonest and greedy competitor.

• Stole Revathi’s plants to win the prize.

• Initially deceived organisers but was later exposed.

• Represents dishonesty and selfishness.

  
  

The Organisers

• Sceptical and doubtful at first.

• Refused to believe plants could respond to music.

• Later stunned by Revathi’s proof and gave her justice.

• Represent fairness once truth was revealed.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “She decided to participate in the contest.”

   Infinitive: to participate

   Explanation: “to participate” is used as the object of the verb “decided.”

2. Passive Voice

   Active: The neighbour stole Revathi’s plants.

   Passive: Revathi’s plants were stolen by the neighbour.

   Explanation: Object “plants” becomes subject in passive voice.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “Music can have an impact on plants.”

   Can shows ability or possibility.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Revathi said, “I will prove that these plants are mine.”

   Indirect: Revathi said that she would prove that those plants were hers.

   Explanation: Future tense changes to conditional tense.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Revathi played her favourite raga.

   Question: Which raga did Revathi play?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What do you learn from Revathi’s love for music?

   Revathi’s love for music teaches us that passion can create miracles. She not only enjoyed her art but also discovered its effect on plants. Her dedication to practice regularly brought unexpected results. This shows that deep love for any skill always yields positive outcomes.

   
   

2. Do you think music has power to affect living beings? Why?

   Music has the power to affect living beings because it influences emotions and energy. Just as humans feel joy or sadness with different tunes, plants and animals may also respond to vibrations. Revathi’s story proves this unique connection. Music can thus be seen as a universal language of nature.

   
   

3. What quality of Revathi do you admire the most?

   The quality I admire most in Revathi is her determination. Even when mocked and disbelieved, she did not give up. She trusted her discovery and patiently proved it before everyone. Her courage to stand for truth makes her a role model.

   
   

4. Why do you think the neighbour stole Revathi’s plants?

   The neighbour stole Revathi’s plants out of jealousy and greed. Seeing their beauty and health, she wanted to win the competition unfairly. Instead of working hard, she chose dishonesty. The act shows how selfishness can destroy one’s dignity and respect.

   
   

5. What message does this story give to youngsters?

   The story gives youngsters the message that truth and honesty always win in the end. Hard work, patience, and self-belief are necessary for success. Dishonesty may bring temporary advantage but never real respect. Revathi’s example inspires us to remain honest and confident.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Revathi was a student of painting.

   → False (She was a student of music.)

   
   

2. The plants turned away when she played a quick rhythmic tune.

   → True

   
   

3. Revathi shared her discovery with all her neighbours immediately.

   → False (She kept it a secret.)

   
   

4. The neighbour accepted her theft only after proof was shown.

   → True

   
   

5. Revathi finally won the prize for the Best Plant.

   → True

Probable Exam Questions (5)

1. Why did Revathi’s plants start looking healthier than the other plants?

   Revathi’s plants looked healthier because she shifted them into sunlight and played music for them. The combination of care and music made them respond positively. They bent towards her tunes and grew stronger. This unique reaction gave them beauty and energy.

   
   

2. How did Revathi discover that her plants loved music?

   Revathi discovered the fact by observing their movement during her violin practice. The plants bent towards her whenever she played her favourite raga. When she played a quick tune, they turned away. This repeated behaviour confirmed her discovery.

   
   

3. What happened on the day of the competition?

   On the competition day, Revathi found her plants stolen and registered under her neighbour’s name. She felt disappointed but decided to prove the truth. By playing her violin, she made the plants bend towards her. The organisers were convinced and gave her the prize.

   
   

4. Why did the organisers not believe Revathi at first?

   The organisers did not believe her because they had never heard of plants responding to music. They mocked her and thought her claim was impossible. However, after watching the plants react to her violin, they were stunned. This changed their opinion completely.

   
   

5. What moral do you learn from Revathi’s Musical Plants?

   The moral of the story is that truth, honesty, and conviction always succeed. Revathi’s courage and patience helped her win back her plants. Dishonesty was exposed and punished. The story motivates us to combine talent with sincerity and remain confident in our beliefs.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Revathi’s Musical Plants is a delightful story that combines science, music, and honesty. It shows how dedication to one’s passion can lead to amazing discoveries. Revathi’s determination to prove her truth despite ridicule makes her admirable. The neighbour’s dishonesty highlights the dangers of greed. The story is memorable because it shows music as a force that connects humans and nature. It inspires youngsters to trust their abilities, stay honest, and value hard work. The happy ending reinforces that truth and perseverance always win.

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