My Dear Soldiers

Look around and identify the people who contribute to your life selflessly with a risk to their own lives. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

Work in pairs. Discuss at least three questions that you would like to ask the people identified in I.

Complete the summary with an exact word from the poem. An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

The poem is a tribute to the soldiers of the 1. land who defend the 2. _____ of their country. It highlights their untiring commitment and sacrifices as they guard the nation. The soldiers remain vigilant and dedicated, whether it's windy, snowy, or hot. They walk on 4. _____ stretches of land like the yogis. Their duty takes them to different terrains, including mountains, valleys, 5. _____, and marshes. The poet acknowledges that they have given a major part of their 6. _____ to protect the nation. The poet says the wind chimes show their respect to the soldiers' 7. _____. The poet concludes with prayers for their well-being and blessings.

Select the correct option for the following questions.

Complete the following sentences by explaining why the poet has used the following poetic devices.

1. Imagery because ____.
2. Simile because the soldiers are likened to ____.
3. Metaphor because the poet uses wind chimes ____.
4. Repetition of the words 'you' and 'we' because ____.
5. Alliteration such as 'season or snowy' and ____ to create ____.

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

When we are all asleep You still hold on to your deed Windy season or snowy days Or scorching sun's sweltering rays You are there guarding all the time awake Treading the lonely expanses as yogis

Answer the following questions.

The poem mentions a few terrains (physical features of land)—valleys, deserts, and marshes. Identify the terrains from the box given below. There are two that you do not need.

ghats, river, plateau, delta, bay, peninsula, mountains

Study the following phrases from the poem.

• treading the lonely expanses
• climbing the heights
• scorching sun

Such phrases are word pairs that come together in combinations and are called collocations.

Collocations are specific word pairings in English. They refer to the way certain words frequently appear together with others.

Fill in the blanks by choosing the words given in the brackets that collocate appropriately.

1. The hikers reached the _____ (summit/peak) of the mountain after several days of trekking through challenging conditions.

2. The _____ (empty/barren) landscape of the desert made it nearly impossible to find any water sources.

3. In the rainforest, the _____ (heavy/dense) forest provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.

4. Chitra is a very _____ (heroic/adventurous) person and enjoys mountain climbing.

5. I'll try to get back in time, but I'm not _____ (doing/making) any promises.

Think and complete the poem titled 'A Soldier's Pride', given below.

In fields so vast, our soldiers stand, With hearts so brave, and firm 1. _____, They guard our land both night and 2. _____, To keep our fears and foes at bay.

With every dawn and setting 3. _____, Their duty calls, it must be done, Through 4. _____ skies and blazing heat, They 5. _____ along with steady feet.

For love of land, they 6. _____ and strive, To keep our hopes and 7. _____ alive, With pride and honour, they defend, Our beloved India, till the very 8. _____.

Now, listen to the poem and correct your answers wherever required.

Work in pairs and practise reciting the poem 'My Dear Soldiers'. Pause briefly at (/) and emphasise the highlighted words.

My/Dear/Soldiers/by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (pause and count 1-2-3 silently before reciting the poem)

Oh! Defenders / of borders / You are great sons / of my land / When we are all / asleep / You still hold on / to your deed / Windy season / or snowy days / Or scorching sun's / sweltering rays / You are there / guarding all the time / awake / Treading the lonely expanses / as yogis / Climbing the heights / or striding the valleys / Defending the deserts / or guarding the marshes / Surveillance in seas / and by securing the air / Prime of your youth / given to the nation!! / Wind chimes of my land / vibrate your feat / We pray for you / brave men!! / May the Lord bless you all!! /

2. Now, recite aloud in groups of 8–10. Remember—

• Use volume to add emotion to the poem. For instance, speak more softly for lines that express tenderness or solemnity and louder for lines that convey strength or pride.
• Maintain a steady pace. Don't rush through the lines.
• Use appropriate facial expressions to boost the meaning of the poem. Stand tall with a confident posture to reflect the pride and strength of the soldiers.

We cannot thank our soldiers enough. To express your admiration, draft a note of gratitude for their selfless service to the nation. (Word limit: 50 words)

You may begin this way:

Dear Bravehearts, I would like to...

Design a badge of honour for the soldiers. You may make it by hand, with cardboard, paper, and colours, or alternately, design it digitally and take a printout. Remember to include a self-designed logo and a slogan in the badge.

Find out any poem or story in your mother tongue or regional language about the sacrifices and bravery of soldiers. Make a presentation in the class.