# Bravehearts

## Overview

This chapter is a tribute to India's brave soldiers, capturing their sacrifices, valour, and dedication through a series of narratives, letters, poems, and a historical account of a warrior queen. It consists of three parts:

1. **A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers**
2. **My Dear Soldiers** (Poem by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)
3. **Rani Abbakka** (A dramatic script inspired by historical events)

It educates students about patriotism, the importance of national service, and inspires them to appreciate the courage and commitment of soldiers.

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## Key Topics Covered

### 1. A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

* **Theme**: Students exchange letters discussing their visit to the National War Memorial and their reflections on India’s military history.

* **National War Memorial**:

* Located near India Gate, spread over 40 acres.
* Inaugurated in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
* Dedicated to soldiers who sacrificed their lives post-Independence.
* More than 26,000 names engraved on 29,000 tablets.

* **Important War Conflicts Mentioned**:

* Indo-China Conflict (1962)
* Indo-Pak Wars (1965 & 1971)
* Kargil War (1999)

* **Gallantry Awards**:

* **Param Vir Chakra (PVC)** – highest wartime gallantry award
* **Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)**
* **Vir Chakra (VrC)**
* **Shaurya Chakra (SC)**
* **Kirti Chakra (KC)**

* **Stories of Bravery**:

* **Lance Naik Albert Ekka (PVC)**: Fought and died during 1971 war; displayed selfless courage.
* **Major Padmapani Acharya (MVC)**: Sacrificed life in Kargil War; known for leadership under fire.
* **Captain Anuj Nayyar (MVC)**: Killed in 1999 Kargil conflict; remembered through memoir by his mother.

* **Features of the Memorial**:

* **Amar Jawan Jyoti**: Eternal flame now merged into National War Memorial.
* **Four Circles**:

* **Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality)**
* **Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery)**
* **Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice)**
* **Raksha Chakra (Circle of Protection)**

* **Student Reflection**:

* Inspired to join the Armed Forces.
* Emotional responses to stories of bravery.
* Plans to spread awareness in school through presentations.

### 2. Poem: My Dear Soldiers (A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

* **Theme**: A poetic tribute to the tireless commitment of soldiers.
* **Imagery**: Soldiers enduring harsh weather, protecting borders in all terrains.
* **Tone**: Respectful, prayerful, admiring.
* **Key Lines**:

* "When we are all asleep, You still hold on to your deed."
* "Prime of your youth given to the nation!"
* **Devices**:

* **Imagery**, **Metaphor** ("wind chimes of my land"), **Alliteration**, **Simile**, **Repetition**

### 3. Rani Abbakka (Historical Drama)

* **Background**:

* Queen of Ullal (near Mangalore), known for resisting Portuguese invasions.
* **Conflict**:

* Refused to pay tribute to Portuguese; asserted sovereignty.
* Formed alliances, including with the Zamorin of Kozhikode.
* **Climax**:

* Defeated Portuguese forces with strategic attacks.
* **Legacy**:

* Symbol of resistance, determination, and patriotism.

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## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Definition |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------ |
| homage | a public act of respect |
| gallantry | brave and heroic behaviour, especially in battle |
| posthumously | after death |
| commemorate | to honour and remember someone officially |
| obelisk | a tall stone pillar |
| wreath | a circle of flowers laid to honour someone |
| interminable | endless |
| valiant | very brave |
| memoir | a book written about one's personal experiences |
| sovereign | a country that governs itself independently |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **Who inaugurated the National War Memorial?**
**Answer**: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
**Explanation**: He inaugurated it in February 2019 as a tribute to the brave soldiers of India.

2. **Which war hero received India’s first Param Vir Chakra?**
**Answer**: Major Somnath Sharma.
**Explanation**: He was posthumously awarded for bravery in the Battle of Badgam in 1947.

3. **Who wrote the poem "My Dear Soldiers"?**
**Answer**: Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
**Explanation**: The poem is a tribute to soldiers, showing his admiration and gratitude.

### Medium (2)

4. **Name the four circles of the National War Memorial and their meanings.**
**Answer**:

* Amar Chakra: Immortality
* Veerta Chakra: Bravery
* Tyag Chakra: Sacrifice
* Raksha Chakra: Protection
**Explanation**: These represent values the memorial embodies.

5. **What is the significance of Amar Jawan Jyoti?**
**Answer**: It is an eternal flame that honours fallen soldiers.
**Explanation**: Symbol of undying gratitude and remembrance.

### Difficult (3)

6. **What qualities did Lance Naik Albert Ekka display in the 1971 war?**
**Answer**: Valour, selflessness, and courage.
**Explanation**: He fought despite severe injuries and silenced enemy guns.

7. **Explain the message behind the line "Prime of your youth given to the nation".**
**Answer**: Soldiers dedicate their best years to protect the country.
**Explanation**: Emphasises sacrifice and dedication.

8. **How does the poem "My Dear Soldiers" use imagery to convey emotion?**
**Answer**: Through vivid descriptions like snowy days, scorching sun, guarding valleys.
**Explanation**: These images show the harsh life of soldiers and evoke respect.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **Why was Rani Abbakka's resistance to the Portuguese significant in Indian history?**
**Answer**: She challenged colonial rule and inspired future revolts.
**Explanation**: Her defiance showed the power of a sovereign local ruler.

10. **Discuss the emotional impact of Soumya's visit to the War Memorial as expressed in her letter.**
**Answer**: She felt humbled, inspired, and motivated to live a meaningful life.
**Explanation**: Her experience led her to reflect on sacrifice and patriotism.

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