Verghese Kurien—I Too Had A Dream
Class 8 English (Poorvi) – Unit 2, Lesson 3
Video Presentation
Revision Summary
- The Letter Format: Written in 2005 to his grandson Siddharth, emphasizing that letters are permanent “possessions” unlike phone calls.
- The Big Choice: Kurien could have been a metallurgist, a General in the Army, or a successful NRI in the USA.
- The Mission: He chose to work for a dairy cooperative in Anand, Gujarat to help farmers gain control of their lives.
- Core Value: Integrity. Defined as “being honest to yourself.”
- Definition of Success: Putting in your best effort for the “common good.”
Comprehension Check
Vocabulary Master (12 Words)
Printable 4-Page Worksheet
Complete with RTC, Subjective Qs, and Teacher’s Key.
Smart English Resources Academy
Chapter: Verghese Kurien—I Too Had A Dream
The Big Picture: This lesson is a reflective letter by Dr. Verghese Kurien (the Milkman of India) to his grandson. It explores the themes of national service, the integrity of character, and the importance of choosing a meaningful life over a comfortable one.
Career Paths Rejected by Kurien:
- Metallurgy: Could have been a Chief Executive of a large firm.
- Army: Could have retired as a General.
- USA (NRI): Could have been a highly successful person abroad.
Core Values for Success:
| Value | Kurien’s Perspective |
|---|---|
| Integrity | Being honest to yourself first; if you can’t lie to yourself, you won’t lie to others. |
| Responsibility | Accepting responsibility for your talents and using them for the common good. |
| Success/Failure | Failure is not about not winning; it’s about not putting in your best effort. |
Worksheet: Part A
1. Why does the author prefer writing over using a telephone? (1M)
2. Who is the author addressing, and in which year was this letter written? (1M)
3. What does “fleeting joy” mean in the context of the passage? (1M)
4. Find a word from the text that means ‘lasting for a long time’. (1M)
5. Why did the author reject these successful career options? (1M)
6. Where did the author finally choose to work? (1M)
7. Who supported the author “ardently” in this difficult choice? (1M)
8. What was the author’s “dream” for India? (1M)
9. Short Answer (30-40 words): Why does Kurien describe life as a “privilege”? (2M)
10. Short Answer (30-40 words): What did Kurien say to Siddharth when the boy wanted to keep the Padma Vibhushan medal? (2M)
11. Long Answer (100-120 words): Explain Dr. Kurien’s philosophy on ‘Integrity’ and ‘Failure’. How can these values inspire a student today? (6M)
12. HOTS/Writing: Imagine you are Siddharth. Write a diary entry describing how you feel after reading your grandfather’s letter 20 years later. (5M)