Comprehension
Read the passage carefully and answer the question given below by selecting the correct option:
On September 30, 2001, I (Dr APJ Abdul Kalam) found myself on a journey from Ranchi to Bokaro in Jharkhand. The helicopter carrying me crashed just before landing, its engine failing with a thud upon impact. Miraculously, all on board escaped unharmed. Grateful to God, I proceeded with my scheduled programme in Bokaro, unfazed by the incident. That night, doctors suggested a tranquilliser to ease perceived shock, leading to an early and disturbed sleep, filled with contemplation.
Amidst this intense dream, I stood in a moonlit desert with five revered figures: Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. Asoka’s reflection on the Kalinga war symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion, inspiring a doctrine of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma.
In this profound dream-conversation, these figures shared wisdom on humanity’s deep divisions caused by violence. They emphasised peace, equality, and the significance of ethical values in human consciousness. Asoka, having witnessed the consequences of his victories, highlighted the futility of causing suffering and the triumph of a peaceful kingdom.
Awakening from this vivid dream, I contemplated the contrasting forces of good and destruction in the world. The challenges faced by humanity, from conflicts to natural disasters and terrorism, prompted deep reflection. Yet, despite these challenges, I held a determined belief
in finding an everlasting solution.
Motivated by this dream and a desire to contribute to the greater good, I made a significant decision. Shifting focus from my scientific career, awards, and teams, I aimed to discover India’s true essence in its children. This marked a transcendence of personal achievements, emphasising the importance of nurturing enlightened individuals and fostering the inner, higher self in the youth. My commitment was to contribute to the enduring intelligence of India through meaningful interaction with joyous, young minds.
APJ Abdul Kalam ’Ignited Minds’
On September 30, 2001, I (Dr APJ Abdul Kalam) found myself on a journey from Ranchi to Bokaro in Jharkhand. The helicopter carrying me crashed just before landing, its engine failing with a thud upon impact. Miraculously, all on board escaped unharmed. Grateful to God, I proceeded with my scheduled programme in Bokaro, unfazed by the incident. That night, doctors suggested a tranquilliser to ease perceived shock, leading to an early and disturbed sleep, filled with contemplation.
Amidst this intense dream, I stood in a moonlit desert with five revered figures: Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. Asoka’s reflection on the Kalinga war symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion, inspiring a doctrine of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma.
In this profound dream-conversation, these figures shared wisdom on humanity’s deep divisions caused by violence. They emphasised peace, equality, and the significance of ethical values in human consciousness. Asoka, having witnessed the consequences of his victories, highlighted the futility of causing suffering and the triumph of a peaceful kingdom.
Awakening from this vivid dream, I contemplated the contrasting forces of good and destruction in the world. The challenges faced by humanity, from conflicts to natural disasters and terrorism, prompted deep reflection. Yet, despite these challenges, I held a determined belief
in finding an everlasting solution.
Motivated by this dream and a desire to contribute to the greater good, I made a significant decision. Shifting focus from my scientific career, awards, and teams, I aimed to discover India’s true essence in its children. This marked a transcendence of personal achievements, emphasising the importance of nurturing enlightened individuals and fostering the inner, higher self in the youth. My commitment was to contribute to the enduring intelligence of India through meaningful interaction with joyous, young minds.
APJ Abdul Kalam ’Ignited Minds’
Question: 1
What event prompted the author’s contemplation in the passage?
What event prompted the author’s contemplation in the passage?
Updated On: Oct 30, 2024
- Meeting the revered figures
- The helicopter crash
- The scheduled programme in Bokaro
- Doctors’ suggestions for a tranquilliser
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The helicopter crash prompted APJ Abdul Kalam's contemplation as mentioned in the passage, leading to reflection and a shift towards nurturing young minds.
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Question: 2
In Abdul Kalam’s dream, who among the historical figures symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion?
In Abdul Kalam’s dream, who among the historical figures symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion?
Updated On: Oct 30, 2024
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Albert Einstein
- Emperor Asoka
- Abraham Lincoln
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Emperor Asoka symbolized the shift from conquest to compassion after reflecting on the Kalinga war, leading to his embrace of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma.
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Question: 3
What concept was born in Asoka’s mind in the dream, according to Abdul Kalam?
What concept was born in Asoka’s mind in the dream, according to Abdul Kalam?
Updated On: Oct 30, 2024
- Karma
- Ahimsa Dharma
- Nirvana
- Moksha
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Asoka reflected on the Kalinga war in Abdul Kalam's dream, which led to the birth of Ahimsa Dharma (non-violence) in his mind.
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Question: 4
What significant decision did Abdul Kalam make after awakening from the dream?
What significant decision did Abdul Kalam make after awakening from the dream?
Updated On: Oct 30, 2024
- Shift focus from scientific career to nurturing enlightened individuals.
- Continue with his scheduled programme despite the incident.
- Pursue more awards and accolades in his scientific field.
- Explore the moonlit desert with the historical figures from the dream.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Kalam shifted his focus from scientific achievements to nurturing and enlightening young minds, emphasizing a commitment to future generations.
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Question: 5
Find a word from the passage that has a similar meaning to the word ‘Deep’
Find a word from the passage that has a similar meaning to the word ‘Deep’
Updated On: Oct 30, 2024
- Unfazed
- Profound
- Higher
- Vivid
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The word “profound” refers to deep thoughts or insights, which align with the depth of contemplation mentioned in Abdul Kalam's passage.
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Question: 6
Select an antonym for the word “tranquilliser”
Select an antonym for the word “tranquilliser”
Updated On: Oct 30, 2024
- Sedative
- Stimulant
- Calming
- Soothing
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The word “stimulant” is the opposite of “tranquilliser,” as a stimulant increases activity or alertness, while a tranquilliser induces calmness or reduces anxiety.
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