1. Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised?
1. Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised?
Explanation:
The 'holy man' who blessed Santosh's mother was taken aback because he was surprised by the request of Santosh's grandmother, who asked him to bless Santosh's mother with a daughter instead of a son. Typically, people seek blessings for having a male child, so this unusual request caught him off guard.
2. Give an example to show that even as a young girl, Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable.
2. Give an example to show that even as a young girl, Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable.
Explanation:
As a young girl, Santosh displayed a strong sense of reason and was unwilling to accept anything that she deemed unreasonable. She was determined to live life on her own terms and refused to conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, while other girls in her community adhered to traditional dress codes, Santosh preferred to wear shorts, which was considered unconventional for girls in her culture.
3. Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
3. Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
Explanation:
Despite coming from a wealthy family, Santosh was sent to the local school as per the family's tradition. Although her parents could have afforded to send her to the best schools, it was customary in their family to attend the local school, and they didn't want to break that tradition.
4. When did she leave home for Delhi, and why?
4. When did she leave home for Delhi, and why?
Explanation:
Santosh left home at the age of sixteen with the goal of pursuing a proper education. She believed that education was the key to achieving her dreams and was determined to acquire knowledge and skills that would enable her to create a better life for herself.
5. Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought to light by this incident?
5. Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought to light by this incident?
Explanation:
Santosh's parents agreed to pay for her schooling in Delhi when she convinced them that she was willing to work part-time to pay for her education. They saw her determination and passion for education and recognized that she was willing to take responsibility for her future. This incident highlights Santosh's resilience, determination, and resourcefulness in achieving her goals. She was willing to work hard to achieve her dreams and didn't let anything stand in her way.
6. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
6. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
Explanation:
Santosh's interest in climbing mountains began during her college days when she was staying at Kasturba Hostel, which overlooked the Aravalli Hills. She observed the local villagers climbing up the hills and disappearing from sight. Curious, she asked the villagers if she could join them on their climbs, and they agreed. This was the beginning of Santosh's journey as a mountain climber.
7. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her team-mates?
7. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her team-mates?
Explanation:
Santosh displayed a great deal of concern for her team-mates during the Everest expedition in 1992. When one of the climbers fell ill and was dying at the South Col, Santosh provided special care to him, even though she could not save him. She also saved another team-mate, Mohan Singh, by sharing her oxygen with him, which allowed him to descend safely. These incidents demonstrate Santosh's selflessness and her willingness to help her team-mates, even in the most challenging circumstances.
8. What shows her concern for the environment?
8. What shows her concern for the environment?
Explanation:
Santosh's concern for the environment is evident in her actions. During her descent from the 1992 Everest expedition, she collected around 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas and brought it down with her. This act of cleaning up the mountain shows her deep concern for the environment and her dedication to preserving it for future generations.
9. How does she describe her feelings at the summit of Everest?
9. How does she describe her feelings at the summit of Everest?
Explanation:
Santosh has described her feelings at the summit of Everest as surreal. She recalls that it took some time for the moment to sink in and for her to realize that she had actually achieved her goal. She felt a sense of pride and patriotism as she unfurled the Indian tricolour and held it aloft on the roof of the world. The moment was both humbling and exhilarating for her, and it remains etched in her memory as a defining moment in her life.
10. Complete the following statements.
1. From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to _________________.
2. When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because _________________.
3. During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her _________________ while _________________ endeared her to fellow climbers.
10. Complete the following statements.
1. From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to _________________.
2. When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because _________________.
3. During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her _________________ while _________________ endeared her to fellow climbers.
Explanation:
From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to watch the villagers going up the nearby Aravalli Hills and disappearing after a while.
When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because she had left for Uttarkashi to pursue mountaineering without his permission.
During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental strength, while her selflessness and willingness to work together with others endeared her to fellow climbers.
11.
11.
Explanation:
12. Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised?
12. Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised?
Explanation:
The 'holy man' who blessed Santosh's mother was surprised because traditionally, people would seek blessings for a son, but Santosh's grandmother asked for blessings for a daughter instead.
13. Give an example to show that even as a young girl Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable.
13. Give an example to show that even as a young girl Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable.
Explanation:
As a young girl, Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable. For example, she used to wear shorts instead of traditional dresses meant for girls, showing her independence and willingness to challenge societal norms.
14. Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
14. Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
Explanation:
Santosh was sent to the local school because her parents felt that it was not necessary to send her to a faraway school, and they also could not afford to pay for her education elsewhere. Additionally, they believed that girls did not need an education beyond what was necessary to become a good wife and mother, and the local school would provide that level of education.
15. When did Santosh leave home for Delhi, and why?
15. When did Santosh leave home for Delhi, and why?
Explanation:
Santosh left her home for Delhi at the age of 16 to pursue her education and have better opportunities for her future.
