Vitamin-M
Chapter 4
Vitamin-M
Rejuvenation The
process of making something fresh, or active again
Compassionate Showing
sympathy and concern for others
Apprehensive Worried
or anxious about something that may happen
Resilience The ability to recover from
difficulties or hardships
Infirmity Physical weakness or illness, especially
due to old age
Indispensable Absolutely
necessary; something that cannot be done without
Nostalgia A sentimental feeling for the past
Perseverance Continued
effort despite difficulties or failure
Consolation Comfort received after disappointment,
sadness or loss
Affectionately In
a loving, caring or fond manner
Themes
1. Love and Affection for Grandparents: The chapter
highlights the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.
Grandparents provide love, emotional support and valuable guidance to younger
generations.
2. Importance of Family Relationships: The story shows that
family relationships become a source of strength and happiness. The presence of
caring family members can make life more meaningful.
5. Generation Gap: The chapter brings out differences between
the attitudes and lifestyles of different generations. It also shows that
understanding and affection can bridge these differences.
Character
Sketch of Grandfather
Grandfather is a loving, wise and affectionate character in
the chapter Vitamin-M. He represents the older generation and highlights the
importance of love, care and companionship in life. He is a warm-hearted person
who values family relationships and enjoys the affection of his loved ones. His
age and experience have made him mature, patient and thoughtful. He possesses
valuable wisdom gained from his experiences and serves as a source of guidance
for the younger members of the family. At the same time, he is emotionally
sensitive and appreciates attention and companionship. His character also
reflects the challenges faced by elderly people, who need emotional support
along with physical care. Grandfather's resilience and positive attitude make
him an inspiring figure. Through his character, the author conveys that elderly
people should be treated with love, dignity and respect. Overall, Grandfather
is a symbol of wisdom, affection, emotional strength and the enduring
importance of family bonds.
Check Your
Understanding
Q1. Why did Grandpa
dislike living in the city with his daughter?
Ans. Grandpa disliked living in the city with his daughter
because he found the flat small and the city crowded and noisy. He missed the
peaceful surroundings of his own house with the mango tree in the garden.
Q2. Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone?
Ans. Vidya did not
want her father to go out alone because he had become forgetful and physically
weak. He had once taken a double dose of medicine and had also got lost during
a walk. Moreover, he had slipped and fallen in his garden and remained outside
all night without help. She was worried about his safety.
Q3. Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a
child? How can you say so?
Ans. No, Ravi was not in favour of his mother treating
Grandpa like a child. He felt that Grandpa deserved respect and dignity despite
his old age.
Q4. Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother?
Ans. Ravi found it difficult to keep his promise because he
understood Grandpa’s need for freedom. His sympathy for Grandpa made him choose
understanding over strict obedience
Q5. Was Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi’s mother?
Ans. No, Grandpa was not lost. He returned home safely
before Ravi and had cleverly tricked him during the outing.
Q6. How would Ravi
feel after seeing Grandpa?
Ans. Ravi would feel
relaxed and happy when he sees his Grandpa back at home.
Q7. Do you think Ravi’s mother will get to know about what
had happened?
Ans. It is unlikely that Ravi’s mother will get to know what
really happened because Ravi decided not to question Grandpa, as that would
reveal he had followed him. Moreover, Grandpa cleverly told Ravi’s mother that
Ravi had disappeared instead, which suggests he wanted to keep the secret.
Q8. Describe how
Ravi’s emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings
towards his grandfather.
Ans. When Ravi saw Grandpa safe at home, he felt great
relief and joy. He knelt beside him, hugged him, and was suddenly overcome with
affection. This reaction shows that Ravi deeply loved and cared for his
grandfather. His worry and anxiety throughout the day prove that his concern
was genuine, not just a duty given by his mother.
Q9. What might be the significance of Grandpa’s habit of
giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them?
Ans. Grandpa giving gifts instead of receiving them shows
his generosity and dignity. It suggests that he does not see himself as weak or
dependent, but as someone capable of giving happiness to others. This act helps
him maintain his self-respect and proves that old age has not taken away his
confidence or sense of responsibility.
Q10. Why do you think Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story
book as a gift? What might this suggest about Grandpa’s awareness of Ravi’s
actions earlier in the day?
Ans. Grandpa gave Ravi a detective storybook as a playful
hint that he knew Ravi had followed him. The gift suggests Grandpa was aware of
Ravi’s spying and gently teased him. It shows Grandpa’s cleverness, sense of
humour, and that his forgetfulness was not as serious as others believed.
II. Answer
the following questions
Q1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in
the beginning of the story. Give two pieces of evidence to disprove the
statement.
Ans. Although Grandpa
is shown as forgetful in daily matters, there are clear instances that prove
his memory is not completely weak. Firstly, Grandpa displays a sharp memory
while playing chess. He remembers famous matches, players, and their moves
accurately, which surprises Ravi.
Q2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following
characters.
(i) Grandfather (ii)
Ravi
Ans.
Grandfather
Grandfather is a proud and dignified person who values his
independence. He dislikes being treated like a helpless child and wants to live
life on his own terms. At the same time, he is intelligent and mentally alert,
as seen in his love for chess and his awareness of his surroundings.
Ravi
Ravi is caring and sensitive towards his grandfather. He
understands Grandpa’s need for freedom and dignity. He is also responsible and
observant, as he secretly follows Grandpa to ensure his safety without hurting
his feelings.
Q3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the
tea stall?
Ans. Ravi was worried because Grandpa ate sugary tea,
bananas, and ice cream at the tea stall, which were strictly forbidden at home
for health reasons. Ravi feared these unhealthy treats could harm Grandpa’s
health and make his mother very upset if she found out.
Q4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his
Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Ans. No, it was not easy for Ravi. He had to hide behind
bushes, trees, and cars to avoid being seen. He was mistaken for a suspicious
person by vendors and even thrown out of a ladies’ salon. It was embarrassing
and physically tiring for him.
Q5. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How
do you know?
Ans. At first, it seemed that Ravi’s grandfather was unaware
that Ravi was following him. But in the end, when he gifted Ravi a detective
storybook and said, “Pick up some really good tips on how to be a detective,’
it showed that he knew Ravi had been following him.
Q 6. Some people believe society shows bias based on age
(being young or old). Give an example where you might have experienced or
observed such discrimination, when opinions were disregarded because of age.
Ans. An example of age bias can be seen when young students
suggest creative ideas in a discussion but are ignored because elders believe
they lack experience. Similarly, older people’s opinions may be dismissed
because others assume they are outdated or forgetful, just as Ravi’s mother
underestimated Grandpa’s abilities.
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