2.2 A True Story of Sea Turtles - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Bhau Katdare

Genre: Biographical Sketch / Environmental Narrative

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

This lesson narrates the real-life journey of turtle conservation along the Konkan coast. It begins with a surprising discovery of turtle eggs on the beach and the harsh reality of egg theft and illegal killing of turtles. Recognizing the importance of turtle protection, Bhau Katdare and his organisation, Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra, launched a campaign starting in Velas. They worked with local people, trained them to protect turtle nests, and introduced the concept of homestays during the Turtle Festival. Over time, villages adopted eco-tourism and conservation hand-in-hand. Former egg thieves became protectors, and tourism created livelihood opportunities. The story ends with the successful handover of the project to the local community, showcasing the power of community-driven conservation.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson emphasizes conservation through community participation. It shows how nature protection, when connected with livelihood, can bring sustainable development and awareness.

Character Sketches

1. Bhau Katdare (Narrator)

• Passionate about wildlife and conservation

• Observant and quick to act on environmental threats

• Initiated and led the turtle protection campaign

• Believes in empowering locals for sustainable change

  
  

2. Local Villagers

• Initially unaware or involved in egg theft

• Slowly became protectors of turtle nests

• Participated actively in homestays and eco-tourism

• Showed transformation and commitment to conservation

  
  

3. Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra (Organisation)

• Environment-focused NGO

• Initiated large-scale turtle conservation

• Promoted education, awareness, and eco-tourism

• Used community involvement as the core approach

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

1. Infinitive/Gerund

   Sentence: They had to carefully remove the eggs from the nest.

   Question: Identify the infinitive.

   Answer: to carefully remove

   
   

2. Passive Voice / Indirect Speech

   Sentence: They stole the turtle eggs.

   Question: Change into passive voice.

   Answer: The turtle eggs were stolen by them.

   
   

3. Modal

   Sentence: The hatchlings should not come to any harm.

   Question: Identify the modal verb and its use.

   Answer: should – used for advice or necessity

   
   

4. Tense or Transformation

   Sentence: We started implementing the project.

   Question: Change into future tense.

   Answer: We will start implementing the project.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Sentence: Turtles nest along the coastline of Maharashtra.

   Question: Where do turtles nest?

   Answer: Along the coastline of Maharashtra.

   
   

Personal Response Questions

1. Do you think villagers should be included in conservation projects? Why?

   Yes, because they live close to nature and understand local practices. Their active involvement ensures long-term protection and builds responsibility.

   
   

2. What message does this lesson give about the role of common people in conservation?

   It shows that even ordinary people can become strong protectors of wildlife if given guidance and purpose. Real change begins at the grassroots level.

   
   

3. Would you like to attend a turtle festival like the one at Velas? Why or why not?Yes, because it would be a beautiful and educational experience to see hatchlings reach the sea. It would also support eco-tourism and local communities.

   
   

4. What did you learn about sea turtles from this lesson?I learned that sea turtles are endangered, vital to marine life, and return to the same place to lay eggs. Their protection is crucial for ocean health.

   
   

True or False

1. The Turtle Festival started in 2006.

   → True

   
   

2. The project discouraged tourist involvement

   → False

   
   

3. The Olive Ridley turtle is found in Maharashtra.

   → True

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. Why was the turtle protection project started at Velas?

   Because turtle eggs were discovered there unexpectedly, and it became clear that turtles were nesting but facing threats from egg thieves and hunters.

   
   

2. How did the project involve former egg stealers in protection work?

   The organisation trained them and gave them conservation responsibilities, helping them earn money legally and change their behaviour.

   
   

3. What role did eco-tourism play in turtle conservation?

   Tourists stayed in homestays and brought income to the villagers. This made locals realise that protecting turtles helped both nature and their livelihood.

   
   

4. What makes the return of turtles to the same nesting site remarkable?

   Turtles come back after nearly 15 years to the same beach where they were born to lay eggs, showing their strong biological connection to their birthplace.

   
   

Appreciation or Reflection Paragraph

The prose lesson “A True Story of Sea Turtles” by Bhau Katdare is a remarkable example of community-driven conservation. It highlights how ordinary villagers became heroes in saving the endangered sea turtles. The story not only teaches us about the biology and habits of turtles but also stresses the importance of involving people in protection efforts. The tone is informative and hopeful. What I liked most is how the idea of conservation was combined with livelihood through eco-tourism. The success story of Velas inspires us to care for nature and believe in people’s power to bring change.

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