3.1 Neem Baba - Class 6 - Poorvi (New)

BhashaLab
4 hours ago
4 min read

Author: S. I. Farooqi (Adapted)

Textbook: Poorvi – Grade 6

Genre: Prose / Conversational Story

Summary (150–200 words)

The lesson Neem Baba is a conversation between Amber, a young girl, and the Neem tree, personified as Neem Baba. Amber sits under the neem tree in her courtyard and begins speaking with it. Neem Baba tells her that he is very old, born millions of years ago in North India or Myanmar, and later spread to Asia, Africa, and parts of America. Neem has many names in Sanskrit, Hindi, and other Indian languages. Scientists also call it the “magic tree,” “nature’s gift to man,” and “the tree of the twentieth century.”

Neem Baba explains that every part of the tree is useful. Neem twigs are used for cleaning teeth, neem leaves for curing measles, neem bark for cough, and neem flowers for eye problems. Farmers use neem seed powder to protect crops from locusts, termites, and mosquitoes. Neem also purifies air, protects stored grains, and provides termite-free wood for furniture. The story conveys that nature is a blessing to mankind, and trees like neem must be valued and preserved for their countless benefits.

Character Sketch

Neem Baba

Very old and wise, symbolizing nature’s knowledge.
Represents healing, protection, and usefulness to humans.
Known by many names across languages and cultures.
Revered as “magic tree” and “gift of nature.”

Amber

Curious and respectful young girl.
Eager to learn about neem and its qualities.
Represents the younger generation that must value and protect nature.

Themes

Theme	Description
Importance of Nature	The neem tree symbolizes the essential role of trees in human life.
Medicinal Value	Every part of neem has healing qualities useful for treating diseases.
Environmental Protection	Neem helps farmers, protects crops, stops insects, and purifies air.
Traditional Wisdom	Folk remedies and scientific knowledge meet in neem’s usefulness.

Literary Devices

Device	Example	Explanation
Personification	Neem tree speaking as “Neem Baba.”	Gives human qualities to the tree.
Dialogue	Conversation between Amber and Neem Baba.	Makes the lesson engaging and relatable.
Symbolism	Neem called “nature’s gift to man.”	Represents healing, protection, and wisdom.
Imagery	“Neem seed powder sprayed on crops stops insects.”	Creates a vivid picture of neem’s usefulness.

Title Justification

The title Neem Baba is appropriate because the neem tree is personified as a wise elder who shares his knowledge with Amber. The tree narrates its history, names, and numerous uses, reflecting its importance to society. The respectful title “Baba” highlights the reverence given to neem as a guardian of health, environment, and tradition.

One-Mark Questions

Where was the neem tree originally born? Answer: The neem tree was originally born millions of years ago in North India or Myanmar. Later, its family spread to Asian, African, and even some American countries.
Why do doctors advise neem leaves for measles patients? Answer: Neem leaves destroy germs and reduce itching caused by measles. They provide comfort and prevent the disease from spreading.
How is neem seed powder helpful for farmers? Answer: Neem seed powder, when mixed with water and sprayed, protects crops from locusts, termites, and mosquitoes. It also helps in increasing crop yield.
What are some household uses of neem? Answer: Neem oil is used in making soaps and toothpaste. Neem wood resists termites, neem powder protects grains, and neem purifies air.
Why is neem called the “magic tree”? Answer: Neem is called the “magic tree” because almost every part—leaves, bark, flowers, seeds, and roots—has medicinal or practical uses. Its benefits are countless.

Three-Mark Questions

What did Amber learn about the names of neem? Answer: Amber learned that neem is known by many names. In Sanskrit, it is called Arishta, Nimba, and Nimbaca. In Hindi, it is Nimb, while in other languages it is Nim, Leemba, Nimori, Nimbamond, Nimbe, and Nimo. Scientists also call it the “bitter grace of God” and “nature’s gift to man.”
Explain the medicinal uses of neem according to Neem Baba. Answer: Neem twigs are used for cleaning teeth, and neem leaves are used for measles. Neem bark helps cure cough, and neem flowers are used for eye infections. Neem’s bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots all serve as medicine to cure diseases.
How does neem help in controlling insects and protecting crops? Answer: Neem seed powder sprayed in fields prevents locusts from destroying crops. It stops mosquito breeding in stagnant water and prevents termites from eating roots. Thus, neem helps protect crops and improves yield.
Why does Neem Baba say people know him well? Answer: Neem Baba says people know him well because of his usefulness. His qualities in curing diseases, protecting crops, and improving life have earned him respect and many names.
What is the central message of the story Neem Baba? Answer: The central message is that nature is a blessing that must be respected and preserved. Neem, as a “magic tree,” shows the harmony of traditional wisdom and scientific recognition, reminding us to value trees for their countless contributions.

Value-Based Question

Why should humans respect and protect trees like Neem? Answer: Humans should respect and protect trees like Neem because they are nature’s gifts that improve health, environment, and life. Neem provides medicines, purifies air, protects crops, and offers countless benefits. Protecting such trees ensures ecological balance and secures resources for future generations. Respecting them reflects gratitude towards nature and responsibility towards the planet.

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