7. A Visit to Cambridge - Class 8 - Honeydew

📘 A Visit to Cambridge

Author: Firdaus Kanga

Textbook: Honeydew

Genre: Autobiographical Narrative / Memoir

📝 Summary

“A Visit to Cambridge” is an inspiring account of Firdaus Kanga’s meeting with the world-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking. Both men are differently abled—Kanga has brittle bones and uses a wheelchair, while Hawking has a paralytic condition that confines him to a wheelchair and requires a voice synthesiser to speak. During his visit to Cambridge, Kanga learns that Hawking resides there and manages to secure a thirty-minute meeting with him. In their conversation, Kanga explores how disabled individuals are perceived and what it means to live with such limitations. Hawking candidly shares that he hasn’t been “brave”—he simply had no choice. Despite this, his achievements and dignity deeply move Kanga. The conversation is both serious and light, covering topics like patronising attitudes, creative living, and what brings fulfillment. Hawking advises disabled people to focus on their strengths and not waste time on what they cannot do. The meeting leaves a lasting impression on Kanga, reinforcing his own self-belief and resilience. The story ultimately celebrates inner strength, human dignity, and the light within, regardless of physical limitations.

👤 Character Sketch:

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking is portrayed as an incredibly intelligent, resilient, and dignified man. Despite his complete physical paralysis, his mind remains sharp and active. He communicates through a machine, and every response he gives is thoughtful, direct, and often humorous. His quiet courage and profound intellect leave a deep impression on the narrator. Hawking is also deeply human — aware of how people see the disabled, amused by some reactions, and uninterested in being seen as an object of pity or inspiration. He represents quiet strength and intellectual brilliance.

📚 Themes

✨ Literary Devices

📖 Title Justification

The title “A Visit to Cambridge” may appear simple, but it captures a profound and life-changing experience for the narrator. Cambridge symbolizes excellence, learning, and discovery. More importantly, the visit leads to a meaningful conversation with Stephen Hawking, transforming Kanga’s understanding of courage, identity, and purpose. The title reflects not just a geographical visit, but a deeper emotional and philosophical journey.

✅ One-Mark Questions

1. Where did Firdaus Kanga travel from to meet Stephen Hawking?

   → He came from India.

   
   

2. How did Stephen Hawking speak?

   → He used a computer-operated voice synthesiser.

   
   

3. What profession does Firdaus Kanga belong to?

   → He is a writer and journalist.

   
   

4. Why did the narrator feel guilty during the conversation?

   → Because he had to force Hawking to respond with difficulty.

5. What was the garden compared to?

   → It was as big as a park.

   
   

✅ Three-Mark Questions

1. What was Firdaus Kanga’s first impression of Stephen Hawking?

   → Kanga was initially shocked to see Hawking's physical condition — twisted body and shrunk torso. However, he quickly saw past the physical form and recognized the brilliance and light within him. Hawking's eyes conveyed depth and intelligence, leaving a deep impact.

   
   

2. What advice did Stephen Hawking give to disabled people?

   → Hawking advised them to concentrate on what they are good at and not waste time on things like the disabled Olympics. He emphasized focusing on one's strengths and capabilities rather than limitations.

   
   

3. How did Kanga describe his own feelings after the meeting?

   → Kanga felt a huge sense of gratitude and inner strength. The meeting affirmed his belief in his own potential and left him inspired. He felt that the journey he had been on—both literal and emotional—was now complete, at least for the moment.

   
   

🧠 Value-Based Question

Q: What can we learn from the meeting between Stephen Hawking and Firdaus Kanga about overcoming challenges in life?

→ The meeting teaches us that the human spirit can shine even through the most difficult circumstances. Both Hawking and Kanga represent strength, perseverance, and dignity. Instead of focusing on what they cannot do, they use their abilities to live meaningful lives. It shows us that with the right mindset, support, and self-belief, no challenge is too great to overcome.

End

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