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    5.1. Glimpses of India - A Baker from Goa- Part 1- Class 10 - First Flight



    Chapter :A Baker from Goa

    Author:By Lucio Rodrigues

    Textbook: First Flight

    Genre: Prose / Pen-Portrait / Memoir


    📝 Summary

    The chapter is a nostalgic account of a traditional Goan village baker, called pader. The narrator recalls how bakers held an essential place in Goan society, both culturally and economically. Bread was an integral part of Goan life—used in meals, festivals, and marriage ceremonies. The baker, dressed in his typical knee-length frock or kabai, would arrive each morning with a jingling bamboo staff, carrying a basket full of loaves and bread-bangles. Children eagerly waited for him, not for the loaves but for the tasty bread-bangles. The baker would collect payment monthly, writing accounts on the house wall. The author highlights how, even though Portuguese rule has ended, traditional baking practices still survive in Goa. Bakers were never poor; their families were always well-fed and plump, a visible sign of prosperity. Through vivid personal memories, the author emphasizes the strong cultural connection between Goans and their bread.


    👤 Character Sketch –

    The Traditional Goan Baker (Pader)

    The pader is shown as a friendly, respected, and essential figure in Goan village life. He is hardworking and punctual, visiting homes every morning with bread. He is known for his unique attire (kabai) and cheerful greetings. Though humble, he played an important cultural and social role, and his physical appearance (plump and content) reflects his success.


    📚 Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Nostalgia and Heritage

    The author fondly recalls his childhood and the traditional ways of Goan life.

    Cultural Importance of Bread

    Bread is not just food but a vital part of Goan rituals and festivals.

    Continuity of Traditions

    Despite changing times, the baker’s craft has survived across generations.

    Community & Simplicity

    The baker is shown as a friendly figure who connects with villagers daily.

    ✨ Literary Devices

    Device

    Example

    Effect

    Imagery

    "The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo..."

    Creates sensory memory and evokes nostalgia

    Simile

    "Jackfruit-like appearance"

    Adds humor and visual comparison

    Alliteration

    "Mixers, moulders and those who bake the loaves"

    Enhances rhythm and focus on traditional craft

    Anecdote

    Description of childhood mornings with the baker

    Makes the narrative personal and relatable

    📖 Title Justification

    The title “A Baker from Goa” is fitting as the entire narrative centers on the life, role, and importance of a traditional Goan baker. Through a nostalgic lens, the author not only describes the baker's routine but also highlights his social significance. The baker symbolizes Goan heritage and the enduring influence of Portuguese culture through the tradition of bread-making.


    ✅ One-Mark Questions

    1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

      They are nostalgic about the Portuguese days and the traditional loaves of bread.


    2. What is the baker called in Goa?

      He is called a pader.


    3. When would the baker come each day?

      He would come in the morning and again after selling all the bread.


    4. Why did children run to meet the baker?

      They were excited to receive bread-bangles and sweet bread.


    5. How were the baker’s monthly accounts recorded?

      They were recorded on house walls using a pencil.


    ✅ Three-Mark Questions

    1. Why was the baker an essential part of Goan life?

      Bread was needed for every major Goan occasion—weddings, festivals, and daily meals. The baker ensured this supply and thus held a special place in the village community.


    2. Describe the attire of the baker during Portuguese times and later.

      In Portuguese times, bakers wore a kabai—a knee-length single-piece frock. Later, they wore shirts and trousers shorter than full pants, earning them the nickname "pader dressers".


    3. How does the author use humor in describing childhood habits?The author humorously recalls how children didn’t brush their teeth but believed hot tea could clean everything, comparing themselves to tigers who didn’t need toothbrushes.


    🧠 Value-Based Question

    Q: The narrator describes the baker as a symbol of tradition, culture, and community bonding. What lesson can we draw from this portrayal?

    A:The chapter teaches us the importance of respecting traditional professions and preserving cultural heritage. The baker, though simple in his role, played a vital part in social and emotional life. It reminds us that even small jobs can have deep value, and such community bonds must be cherished in a rapidly modernizing world.


    End


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