2.2 The Souvenir – Class 7 – Balbharati

Author: Lakshman Londhe (translated story ‘Bhet’)

Genre: Science Fiction / Futuristic Story

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The Souvenir is a futuristic science fiction story about a schoolgirl, Sayali, who travels to the moon on a space trip. She enjoys breathtaking views of Earth from space and visits dome-shaped human settlements at the Neil Armstrong base. The children witness bright starlit skies, circuses on the moon, and even Neil Armstrong’s preserved footprint with his statue. They also wear spacesuits and experience the moon’s gravity. Sayali is reminded to buy souvenirs only from authorised shops inside the settlements, but she ignores the instruction and purchases a pair of earrings from roadside vendors outside. On returning to Earth, she realises her mistake: the earrings, which seemed light on the moon, became very heavy under Earth’s gravity. The story ends with the moral that rules and instructions must be followed carefully, especially in unfamiliar situations.

Theme / Central Idea

The story highlights human progress in space travel and settlements. It also warns against ignoring scientific facts and instructions. The central message is responsibility, awareness, and learning from mistakes.

Character Sketches

Sayali

• Curious and enthusiastic schoolgirl.

• Excited about her moon trip and eager to explore.

• Careless at times, ignores instructions while shopping.

• Learns a valuable lesson about gravity and responsibility.

Sayali’s Mother

• Supportive and encouraging.

• Reminds Sayali to make the most of the trip.

• Represents the wisdom of experience and tradition.

Teacher

• Guides the students and ensures their safety.

• Reminds them about precautions and gives tasks like essays.

• Symbol of discipline and responsibility.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Sayali wanted to buy earrings.”

   Infinitive: to buy – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Sayali bought earrings from a shopkeeper.Passive: Earrings were bought by Sayali from a shopkeeper.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We must follow instructions carefully.”

   Must shows necessity.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: The teacher said, “Be careful when you walk.”Indirect: The teacher told them to be careful when they walked.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: The shuttle landed at the Neil Armstrong base.Question: Where did the shuttle land?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What would you feel if you landed on the moon like Sayali?

   If I landed on the moon, I would feel amazed and excited. Watching Earth from the moon would be breathtaking. The experience would make me realise the greatness of science and human progress.

   
   

2. Why do you think Sayali made a mistake while buying the earrings?

   Sayali made a mistake because she ignored instructions to buy only from authorised shops. She acted quickly without thinking. Her mistake shows the importance of caution.

   
   

3. What lesson does this story give students?

   The story teaches that rules and instructions must be followed carefully. It also shows the importance of being aware of science, like gravity, in new environments. Responsibility is a key lesson.

   
   

4. Do you think human settlements on the moon will be possible in the future?Human settlements on the moon may be possible because of growing space technology. Scientists are already working on life-support systems. With effort, it can become reality in the future.

   
   

5. Would you like to go on a space trip? Why?

   I would love to go on a space trip to experience the wonders of space. Seeing Earth from space, walking on another planet, and exploring new worlds would be unforgettable.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Sayali’s trip to the moon was cheap and easy. → False (It was expensive.)

2. The settlements on the moon looked like igloos. → True

3. The teacher allowed children to run and jump freely outside. → False (She warned them to be careful.)

4. Sayali bought earrings from an unauthorised shop. → True

5. The earrings became heavy on Earth due to stronger gravity. → True

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. What instructions were given to the children at the Neil Armstrong base?

   They were told to be careful outside settlements due to gravity and to buy souvenirs only from authorised shops inside the domes. These rules ensured safety and authenticity.

   
   

2. What was special about Sky Watch on the moon?

   Sky Watch was special because the absence of atmosphere made the stars shine brightly. The Earth looked thirteen times bigger and seventy times brighter than the moon seen from Earth.

   
   

3. Why did Sayali’s teacher ask students to write an essay?

   The teacher asked students to write an essay to record their experiences. It helped them describe what they saw, learned, and felt during the moon trip.

   
   

4. Why did Sayali’s earrings become heavy on Earth?

   The earrings became heavy because the moon’s gravity is only 1/6th of Earth’s. What felt light on the moon became very heavy under Earth’s gravity.

   
   

5. What message does the story The Souvenir give?

   The story gives the message that scientific facts must be respected. Instructions are for safety and must not be ignored. It inspires responsibility, awareness, and caution.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The Souvenir by Lakshman Londhe is a fascinating science fiction story. It combines the excitement of space travel with a practical moral lesson. The imagery of Earth from the moon, settlements, and Neil Armstrong’s footprint makes the story vivid. Sayali’s mistake with the earrings adds humour as well as a serious warning. The story is memorable because it mixes imagination, science, and values like responsibility and caution. It inspires students to dream of space while reminding them of discipline.

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