2.4 Three Visions for India - Std 8th - Balbharati

Author: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Genre: Speech / Reflective Prose

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Missile Man of India and former President, presents his three visions for India in this lesson. His first vision is Freedom. He says that throughout history, India has respected the freedom of others but has been invaded and looted many times. True progress comes only when freedom is protected and nurtured. His second vision is Development. Dr. Kalam believes that India must now see itself as a developed nation and not just a developing one. With achievements in GDP, agriculture, space technology, and self-reliance, India has the potential to become a world leader. His third vision is Standing Up to the World. He says that only strength respects strength, so India must be both economically and militarily strong. Dr. Kalam criticizes Indians for lacking confidence and being obsessed with foreign goods. He ends with the inspiring story of a 14-year-old girl who wanted to live in a developed India, urging citizens to work together for this dream.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson inspires patriotism and self-confidence. Dr. Kalam stresses that freedom, development, and self-respect are the pillars of a strong India. His message is that citizens must take pride in their achievements, work hard, and help the nation stand with dignity before the world.

Character Sketch (Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

• Great scientist, visionary, and former President of India.

• Known as the “Missile Man of India” for his contributions to defence technology.

• Deeply patriotic, he dedicated his life to India’s progress.

• Believed in self-reliance, confidence, and respect for freedom.

• Inspired people, especially youth, with his speeches and ideals.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “I want to live in a developed India.”

   Infinitive: to live

   Explanation: Used as the object of the verb “want.”

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Foreigners invaded India many times.

   Passive: India was invaded many times by foreigners.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “India must stand up to the world.”

   Must shows necessity and determination.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Dr. Kalam said, “India must stand up to the world.”

   Indirect: Dr. Kalam said that India must stand up to the world.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: India has many amazing success stories.

   Question: What amazing success stories does India have?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What do you learn from Dr. Kalam’s first vision of freedom?

   Dr. Kalam’s first vision of freedom teaches that liberty is the foundation of self-respect. A nation cannot progress if it remains under domination. True freedom means protecting our values while respecting others. It inspires us to cherish and safeguard independence.

   
   

2. How does Dr. Kalam inspire us through his vision of development?

   Dr. Kalam inspires us by showing that India already has great achievements in economy, agriculture, and science. Yet we fail to recognize our own strength. His words motivate us to think confidently and aim for developed-nation status. Development requires self-belief along with progress.

   
   

3. Why is ‘standing up to the world’ important for India?

   Standing up to the world is important because only strength commands respect. If India remains weak, its progress will be ignored. By becoming strong in both economy and defence, India can earn dignity and recognition. This vision gives citizens a sense of pride.

   
   

4. What do you think about the obsession with foreign goods in India?

   The obsession with foreign goods in India shows lack of self-confidence. It makes us forget the quality and achievements of our own industries. Depending too much on imports harms our economy. Dr. Kalam’s words remind us that real pride comes from valuing our own creations.

   
   

5. Why is the story of the 14-year-old girl inspiring?

   The story of the 14-year-old girl is inspiring because her dream was simple yet powerful – to live in a developed India. It shows that even young citizens have patriotic goals. Her vision represents the hopes of the next generation. It reminds us to work hard to make her dream real.

True or False (5)

1. India has invaded many other nations in history. → False (India respected the freedom of others.)

   
   

2. Dr. Kalam’s first vision for India was freedom. → True

   
   

3. India is the number one producer of wheat in the world. → False (It is the second largest.)

   
   

4. Dr. Kalam said that only strength respects strength. → True

   
   

5. The Israeli newspaper focused only on war and destruction. → False (It highlighted positive achievements.)

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. What is Dr. Kalam’s first vision for India and why is it important?

   Dr. Kalam’s first vision for India is freedom. He reminds us that India has always respected others’ freedom but was invaded many times in history. Protecting freedom is vital for self-respect. Without it, no nation can earn respect in the world.

   
   

2. Explain Dr. Kalam’s vision of development.

   Dr. Kalam’s second vision is development. He says that India should stop calling itself a developing nation and must aim for developed status. India’s progress in GDP, agriculture, and space research proves its potential. Development requires confidence and self-reliance.

   
   

3. Why did Dr. Kalam believe India must stand up to the world?

   Dr. Kalam believed India must stand up to the world because only strong nations are respected. He said strength should be both economic and military. Without this, India’s achievements would not be valued. His words encourage unity and pride.

   
   

4. What drawbacks of Indians does Dr. Kalam point out?

   Dr. Kalam points out that Indians lack self-confidence and are obsessed with foreign goods. They do not appreciate their own strengths and achievements. He urges Indians to value their own industries and innovations. This change in mindset is necessary for progress.

   
   

5. What message does this lesson give to youngsters?

   The lesson inspires youngsters to work for a strong, confident, and developed India. It teaches the importance of freedom, progress, and self-respect. The visions encourage youth to value their nation’s achievements. It motivates them to turn dreams into reality.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Three Visions for India by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is a motivational speech filled with patriotism. It stresses freedom, development, and self-respect as the foundations of national progress. Through historical references, achievements, and inspiring stories, Dr. Kalam reminds Indians of their strength. His words about self-reliance and confidence are timeless. The speech is memorable because it directly addresses citizens and urges them to act. It inspires every reader to dream of a developed India and contribute to making it real.

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