Page 41 - Real English 2024 Book 8

IDGAH

seeing others buying toys and sweets! Even at the fair he thought
of only his grandmother. She broke down. The old woman Amina
became Amina the little girl. Large tears fell from her eyes while

Hamid comforted her. Hamid the child was playing the role of
Hamid the old man.
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Amina beseeched Allah’s blessings for her grandchild. How
would Hamid understand what was going on inside her? 22. asked in an anxious way
Premchand

Munshi Premchand (1880–1936) is one of the best known writers of Hindi literature.
Most of his writing consists of stories about the lives of peasants, narrated in the simple
language used by the common people. Premchand wrote about three hundred short stories
and several novels, as well as many essays and plays. His novel Godaan is considered one of the
finest Hindi novels.

A Reflect

A1 Based on your reading of the text, think carefully about the points given below and form your
own views.

1. Premchand’s ‘Idgah’ describes the happy occasion of Id and all the excitement
associated with it. The young and the old look forward to the festivities and participate
heartily.

 Which is your favourite festival? How do you celebrate it?
 Have you ever had a chance to celebrate a festival observed by friends or neighbours
from a different country, state, faith or community? What did you do and how did it
make you feel?

2. Hamid is tempted by the treats his friends buy, but he is determined to buy the iron tongs
for his grandmother.
 How can you discipline yourself to put aside some of your temptations?
 Have you ever had to sacrifice something which you wanted desperately for a greater
cause? How did you do it?
3. Amina never asked her grandson to buy the tongs for her. Hamid knew that his
grandmother was in need of them.
 How can we be more mindful of or empathetic towards others’ needs?

 Has any wish of yours been fulfilled by someone even before you asked for it? Have
you had a chance to do this for someone?

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