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

✨ Literary Devices

📖 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?

   The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the Portuguese days and the traditional loaves of bread that were an essential part of life.

   
   

2. What is the baker called in Goa?

   In Goa, the village baker is locally known as a "pader."

   
   

3. When would the baker come each day?

   The baker would visit twice a day — once early in the morning and again after selling all the bread.

   
   

4. Why did children run to meet the baker?

   Children eagerly ran to meet the baker to receive sweet bread and bread-bangles, which were a delightful treat.

   
   

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

   The baker’s monthly accounts were recorded on the walls of the house using a pencil.

   
   

✅ Three-Mark Questions

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

   The baker played a vital role in Goan life as bread was a necessary item for all important occasions like weddings, festivals, and daily meals. Every household depended on the baker for fresh bread. His visits were eagerly awaited, and his presence was a sign of prosperity and celebration in the village. This made the baker an indispensable figure in Goan culture.

   
   

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

   During the Portuguese era, the baker wore a traditional dress called a kabai — a knee-length, single-piece frock. Over time, his attire changed to a shirt and trousers that were shorter than full-length pants. This unique style became associated with bakers and was humorously referred to as the "pader’s dress."

   
   

3. How does the author use humor in describing childhood habits?

   The author uses light-hearted humor to describe how, as children, they would rush out without brushing their teeth to get bread from the baker. He amusingly recalls their belief that hot tea could clean their mouths just as well as a toothbrush. He likens themselves to tigers who didn’t need to brush, adding a playful tone to the narrative.

   
   

🧠 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?

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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