3.6 The Concert - Class 10 - Kumarbharati

Author: Shanta Rao

Genre: Short Story (Based on a True Incident)

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

Summary

The story revolves around Smita, her brother Anant, and their deep love for music. While in Bombay for Anant’s cancer treatment, Smita reads that Pandit Ravi Shankar will perform at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium. Anant, a gifted sitar learner, longs to attend but is too ill. Smita, saddened yet determined, attends with her father and enjoys the mesmerising performance. She then approaches Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha, narrates her brother’s wish, and requests them to play for him. Touched, they agree and visit the next morning, filling Anant’s final moments with joy as life gently leaves him.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson emphasises compassion, empathy, and the power of fulfilling someone’s last wish. It also reflects the role of music in bringing peace and happiness even in times of sorrow.

Character Sketches

Smita

• Sixteen-year-old girl, loving sister

• Sensitive, emotional, and empathetic

• Shares a close bond with her brother Anant

• Courageous in approaching legendary musicians

• Selfless in prioritising her brother’s happiness

  
  

Anant

• Fifteen-year-old boy, talented in sitar and sports

• Diagnosed with terminal cancer

• Passionate about music, especially the sitar

• Dreams of attending Pandit Ravi Shankar’s concert

• Brave and appreciative despite illness

  
  

Aunt Sushila

• Supportive family member living in Bombay

• Provides shelter and comfort during their stay

• Caring and understanding towards Smita and Anant

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

Q1. Identify the infinitive:

I must hear him and see him.

→ Infinitive: to hear and to see – shows intention.

Q2. Change to indirect speech:

Her brother said, “Enjoy yourself. Lucky you!”

→ Her brother told her to enjoy herself and added that she was lucky.

Q3. Identify the modal:We mustn’t miss the chance.

→ Modal: mustn’t – expresses necessity or strong advice in negative form.

Q4. Rewrite in past perfect tense:

They came to Bombay for treatment.

→ They had come to Bombay for treatment.

Q5. Frame a Wh-question:

Smita attended the concert with her father.

→ With whom did Smita attend the concert?

Personal Response Questions

Q1. How does this story show the value of compassion?

→ The story shows the value of compassion through Smita’s determination to fulfil her brother’s last wish. Her courage in approaching world-famous musicians and their willingness to visit Anant reflect the power of kindness and empathy.

Q2. What role does music play in the story?

→ Music in the story serves as a source of joy, peace, and emotional comfort. For Anant, it becomes a treasured experience that brings happiness in his final moments, showing music’s healing power.

Q3. How do Smita’s actions inspire you?

→ Smita’s actions inspire by showing that love and courage can overcome fear. She demonstrates that one should act selflessly to bring happiness to others, especially in difficult times.

True or False

1. Smita and Anant were both learning to play the sitar. → True

2. Pandit Ravi Shankar refused to visit Anant. → False

3. Aunt Sushila lived in a large bungalow. → False

Probable Board Questions

Q1. Why was the concert called ‘the chance of a lifetime’ for Anant?

→ The concert was called ‘the chance of a lifetime’ for Anant because Pandit Ravi Shankar, the world-renowned sitar maestro, was performing live. As a passionate sitar learner, Anant greatly admired him and longed to witness his performance in person.

Q2. How did Smita manage to convey Anant’s wish to Pandit Ravi Shankar?

→ Smita managed to convey Anant’s wish by courageously making her way to the stage after the concert. She introduced herself, narrated her brother’s illness, and humbly requested the maestro to visit and play for him.

Q3. How did Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha respond to Smita’s request?→ Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha responded with kindness and agreed to visit the next morning. They fulfilled Anant’s wish by performing for him, bringing immense happiness to his final moments.

Q4. Describe the ending of the story.

→ The ending of the story is emotional and peaceful as the two legendary musicians perform for Anant at Aunt Sushila’s home. Surrounded by beautiful music, Anant passes away gently, his last wish fulfilled.

Reflection Paragraph

The Concert is a touching tale about love, music, and compassion. Smita’s selfless determination and the musicians’ generosity highlight the beauty of empathy. The story teaches that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact, and that music can heal and bring peace even in life’s most difficult moments.

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