Class-8, English (It So Happened), Chapter - 10 (The Comet - II ) Summary, Word Meanings, NCERT Solutions & Frequently Asked Questions

 English

(It So Happened)

Class - 8, Chapter - 10

(The Comet - II )

Summary, Word Meanings, NCERT Solutions & Frequently Asked Questions  

-- Summary --

⭐ Summary In English:- 

• James’s Doubt:- Sir John Macpherson and James Forsyth had finished their discussions. It was 1 a.m. when Sir John dropped James at his hotel. There was hardly any crowd on the street. The sky was covered with stars. James started thinking of Comet Dutta. It was heading for a collision with the earth. Looking at the peaceful sky, no one could believe this would happen. So James wondered if he had made his calculations right.

• The Conference:- Sir John had organised a conference of scientists. James found all the experts listed by him were there. Besides, Sir John’s special invitee, Manoj Dutta, was also present. The conference lasted one week. It continued in total secrecy. First the experts checked again and again James’s calculation. Latest observations of Comet Dutta were made. The scientists came to the conclusion that there was no escape from the comet’s direct hit at the earth. There was a small chance that the comet may only graze the atmosphere of the earth. In that case, loss of life and property won’t be total.

• The Course of Action:- The scientists rejected defensive measures. They decided to take offensive action. The comet could be deflected from its path by giving it a push. This can be done with the help of nuclear power. But a huge amount of nuclear power would be needed for this purpose. The nuclear payload placed in a spacecraft should be taken near the comet. There it should be exploded by a remote control. Finally a time-table was drawn up for operation.

• Sir John’s Doubt:- Duttada asked Sir John if he thought the project would be successful. He (Sir John) was in doubt. So he replied by saying that he would buy Christmas presents after December 15 only. By that time it would have been known whether the calamity had been averted.

• Duttada’s Return:- Duttada paid a visit to British Isles for two weeks after the conference. He visited observatories and exchanged views with astronomers. Thus he had a pleasant time. Then he returned to Calcutta. He was greeted by a large crowd of friends, social leaders, students and hangers-on. He was garlanded and the press asked him many questions.

• Duttada’s Arriving Home:- There was another crowd waiting for him under a pandal when he reached home. Indrani Debi, his wife, had arranged a yajna. She had called the priests to bless him. Duttada asked her if she had done so because he had come from a foreign country. But going abroad was no longer a taboo. He told her she knew that he didn’t believe in these meaningless rituals. His younger brother said that they were very disturbed since he had discovered the comet. They were all waiting for him to perform the yajna. Duttada found no advantage in such a religious ceremony.

• Duttada’s Views on the Comet:- Sibaji said that the comet will not cause any bad effects on the earth because of the yajna. At this Duttada lost his temper. He told his brother that it was superstition. Such a belief could be forgiven in the olden times. This is because people did not know what comets were. But it is not so in modern times. The movements of comets are forecast exactly. It has also been proved that their visits have no connection with disasters on the earth.

• Duttada’s Relation with Sir John:- Duttada had regular correspondence with Sir John after his return from London. They appreciated each other’s qualities. So they became good friends. Sir John admired Duttada’s scientific outlook. The latter admired Sir John’s discipline and efficiency. They never mentioned the Project Light Brigade in their letters. However, Sir John gave sufficient hints about it for Duttada to understand.

• Project Light Brigade:- Comet Dutta was heading for the earth. It had neither broken up nor evaporated. The scientists of the Light Brigade knew that threat of collision was real. In the middle of October, Duttada got a letter from Sir John. Among other things, Sir John had said that the charge of the Light Brigade had begun. But there were many unanswered questions.

• Duttada’s Anxiety:- Duttada could not share his anxiety about the comet with anybody. He had to take part in puja ceremonies. He had to celebrate Diwali and other festivals. His only relaxation was in the company of his grandson, Khoka. He spent his nights looking at the stars through ‘Dibya’. He was regularly following the course of the comet. It was now clearly visible even to the naked eye.

• Sir John’s Messenger:- On November 18, a special messenger came from the British Council. He had brought a message from Sir John. When Duttada read it he lost all his laziness. He rushed to his favourite rasgoolla shop. Sir John’s message was “I am confident now of buying my Christmas presents on December 15.” On December 15, Comet Dutta came nearest the earth. It was 80,000 kilometres away. Many people saw and admired it. But only a few knew that they had been quite close to total destruction.

• Duttada’s and Indrani Debi’s Different Attitudes:- Duttada told his wife that the comet had come and gone. But there was no disaster on the earth because of this. She replied that she agreed with this. But he should know how it was averted. Duttada was surprised as to how she could know it. He had never mentioned Project Light Brigade to her. On being asked, she said that there was no disaster because of the yajna in their house. Duttada remarked that he never performed the yajna. Indrani Debi told him that she had found a way out. Khoka, their grandson, became his representative at the yajna. Indrani Debi was feeling very happy.

• The Contemporary Society:- Duttada thought of Khoka performing the yajna uttering mantras. Then he thought of the scientists at the conference. It seemed difficult to believe that both pictures were different aspects of contemporary society. There is a gulf that separates the rich from the poor ; the educated from the illiterate. But the gap between the rational and the superstitious seemed to him far wider.

⭐ Summary In hindi:- 

• James का शक:- Sir John Macpherson site James Forsyth # अपना विचार-विमर्श समाप्त कर लिया था। रात का एक बजा था जब Sir John ने James को उसके होटल में छोड़ा। गली में कोई भीड़ नहीं थी। आसमान सितारों से ढका हुआ था। James ने धूमकेतु दत्ता के बारे में सोचना शुरू कर दिया। यह जमीन से टकराने के लिए आगे बढ़ रहा था। शान्त आसमान को देखकर कोई यह विश्वास नहीं कर सकता था कि ऐसा होगा। इसलिए James को आश्चर्य हुआ कि क्या उसने अपना हिसाब ठीक लगाया है।

• सम्मेलन:- Sir John ने वैज्ञानिकों को सम्मेलन आयोजित किया था। James ने सूची में रखे गए सभी विशेषज्ञों को वहाँ पाया। इसके अलावा, Sir John के विशेष अतिथि, Manoj Dutta, भी वहाँ उपस्थित थे। सम्मेलन एक सप्ताह चला। यह पूर्ण रूप से गुप्त जारी रहा। सबसे पहले विशेषज्ञों ने बार-बार James की गणना को जाँचा। धूमकेतु दत्ता के बारे में ताजा से ताजा अवलोकन किया गया। वैज्ञानिक इस नतीजे पर पहुँचे कि धूमकेतु के जमीन से सीधी टक्कर से नहीं बचा जा सकता। बहुत कम ऐसी सम्भावना थी कि धूमकेतु केवल जमीन के वायुमण्डल को खरोंच कर निकल जाए। ऐसी हालत में जान माल का पूरा-पूरा नुकसान नहीं होगा।

• कार्यवाही का रास्ता:- वैज्ञानिकों ने रक्षात्मक कदमों को अस्वीकार कर दिया। उन्होंने आक्रामक कार्यवाही करने का फैसला किया। धूमकेतु को धकेल कर इसके रास्ते से हटाया जा सकता था। यह नाभिकीय शक्ति से किया जा सकता था। परन्तु इस उद्देश्य के लिए बहुत अधिक नाभिकीय शक्ति की आवश्यकता होगी। नाभिकीय अर्जक भार को एक अन्तरिक्ष यान में रखकर धूमकेतु के पास ले जाना चाहिए। वहाँ एक दूर संचालित नियन्त्रक से इसका विस्फोट कर देना चाहिए। अन्त में इस कार्यवाही के लिए एक समय-सारणी तैयार की गई।

• Sir John की शंका:- दत्तादा ने Sir John से पूछा कि क्या उसके विचार में यह परियोजना सफल होगी। उसे (Sir John को) शक था। इसलिए उन्होंने यह कहकर जवाब दिया कि वे 15 दिसम्बर के बाद ही Christmas के उपहार खरीदेंगे। उस समय तक यह पता लग जाएगा कि क्या यह दुर्घटना टल गई है।

• दत्तादा की वापसी:- सम्मेलन के बाद दो सप्ताह तक दत्तादा British Isles में घूमने गए। वह वेधशालाओं में गया और खगोलशास्त्रियों से विचारों का आदान-प्रदान किया। इस प्रकार उनका समय अच्छी तरह गुजरा। इसके बाद वह कलकत्ता वापस आ गया। दोस्तों, सामाजिक नेताओं, विद्यार्थियों और पिछलग्गुओं की भारी भीड़ ने उसका स्वागत किया। उनको मालाएँ पहनाई गईं और पत्रकारों ने उनसे बहुत से सवाल पूछे।

• दत्तादा का घर पहुँचना:- जब वह घर पहुँचा तो पण्डाल के नीचे एक और भारी भीड़ उसका इन्तजार करती हुई मिली। उसकी पत्नी, इन्द्राणी देवी, ने यज्ञ की व्यवस्था कर रखी थी। उसने पुजारियों को उसे आशीर्वाद देने के लिए बुलाया था। दत्तादा ने उससे पूछा कि क्या यह उसने इसलिए किया है क्योंकि वह विदेश से आया है। परन्तु विदेश जाना अब वर्जित नहीं है। उसने कहा कि उसको पता है कि वह उस प्रकार की बेकार की रस्मों में विश्वास नहीं करता। उसके छोटे भाई ने कहा कि वे तब से बहुत परेशान थे जबसे उसने धूमकेतु की खोज की। वे सब यज्ञ करने के लिए उसका इन्तजार कर रहे थे। दत्तादा को ऐसे धर्मानुष्ठान में विश्वास नहीं था।

• दत्तादा के धूमकेतु पर विचार:- शिवजी ने कहा कि यज्ञ के कारण धूमकेतु जमीन पर कोई बुरा प्रभाव नहीं डालेगा। इस पर दत्तादा को गुस्सा आ गया। उसने अपने भाई को बताया कि यह अन्धविश्वास है। ऐसा विश्वास पुराने जमाने में माफ किया जा सकता था। क्योंकि लोग नहीं जानते थे कि धूमकेतु क्या होते हैं। परन्तु आधुनिक समय में ऐसा नहीं है। धूमकेतुओं के संचलन को सही ढंग से पहले ही जान लिया जाता है। यह भी साबित हो चुका है कि उनके आने से जमीन पर होने वाली दुर्घटनाओं का कोई सम्बन्ध नहीं है।

• दत्तादा का Sir John के साथ सम्बन्ध:- दत्तादा लन्दन से आने के बाद Sir John के साथ नियमित रूप से पत्र-व्यवहार करते रहे। वे एक-दूसरे के गुणों की प्रशंसा करते थे। इसलिए वे अच्छे मित्र बन गये। Sir John दत्तादा के वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण की प्रशंसा करते थे। दत्तादा Sir John के अनुशासन और कार्यकुशलता की प्रशंसा करते थे। अपने पत्रों में उन्होंने Project Light Brigade को कभी जिकर नहीं किया। फिर भी, Sir John दत्तादा के समझने के लिए इसके बारे में काफी संकेत दे देते थे।

• Project Light Brigade:- धूमकेतु दत्ता जमीन की तरफ बढ़ रहा था। यह न तो टूटा था और न ही वाष्प बनकर गायब हुआ था। Light Brigade के वैज्ञानिक जानते थे कि टकराव का खतरा वास्तविक था। अक्टूबर के बीच में, दत्तादा को Sir John से चिट्ठी मिली। दूसरी बातों के साथ-साथ Sir John ने कहा था कि Light Brigade का हमला शुरू हो चुका था। परन्तु बहुत से अनसुलझे सवाल थे।

• दत्तादा की चिन्ता:- दत्तादा धूमकेतु के बारे में अपनी चिन्ता किसी से नहीं बता सकते थे। उसको पूजा की रस्मों में हिस्सा लेना था। उसको दिवाली और दूसरे त्योहार मनाने थे। एक मात्र अपने पोते, Khoka के साथ उसे राहत मिलती थी। रात का समय दिब्या’ के द्वारा सितारे देखने में बीत जाता था। वह नियमित रूप से धूमकेतु की प्रगति का अवलोकन कर रहा था। अब वह नंगी आँख से भी साफ-साफ नजर आता था।

• Sir John का संदेशवाहक:- 18 नवम्बर को British Council से एक विशेष संदेशवाहक आया। वह Sir John का संदेश लेकर आया था। जब दत्तादा ने इसे पढ़ा तो उनकी सारी सुस्ती दूर हो गई। वह तेजी से दौड़ता हुआ अपनी मनपसन्द रसगुल्ले की दुकान पर गया। Sir John का संदेश था, “मैं अब 15 दिसम्बर को Christmas के तोहफे खरीदने के लिए आश्वस्त हूँ।” 15 दिसम्बर को धूमकेतु दत्ता जमीन के सबसे नजदीक था। यह 80,000 किलोमीटर दूर था। बहुत से लोगों ने इसे देखा और प्रशंसा की। परन्तु बहुत कम लोगों को यह पता था कि वे पूर्ण सर्वनाश के काफी समीप थे।

• दत्तादा और इन्द्राणी देबी के अलग-अलग दृष्टिकोण:- दत्तादा ने अपनी पत्नी को बताया कि धूमकेतु आया और चला गया। परन्तु इसके कारण जमीन पर कोई दुर्घटना नहीं हुई। उसने कहा कि वह उससे सहमत है। परन्तु उसको पता होना चाहिए कि दुर्घटना कैसे टली। दत्तादा को आश्चर्य हुआ कि उसको वह कैसे पता लगा। उसने कभी भी Project Light Brigade की चर्चा उससे नहीं की थी। पूछने पर उसने बताया कि उनके घर में यज्ञ करने के कारण दुर्घटना नहीं हुई। दत्तादा ने कहा कि उसने कभी भी यज्ञ नहीं किया था। इन्द्राणी देबी ने उसे बताया कि उन्होंने रास्ता निकाल लिया था। उनका पोता खोका यज्ञ में उनका प्रतिनिधि बन गया था। इन्द्राणी देबी बहुत खुशी महसूस कर रही थी।

• समकालीन समाज:- दत्तादा के दिमाग में खोका को मंत्रोच्चारण करते हुए यज्ञ करने का खयाल आया। फिर उनको सम्मेलन में वैज्ञानिकों का खयाल आया। यह विश्वास करना मुश्किल था कि दोनों तस्वीरें समकालीन समाज के भिन्न पहलू थे। एक ऐसी खाई है जो अमीर को गरीब से, पढ़े लिखे को अनपढ़ से अलग करती है। परन्तु तार्किक और अन्धविश्वासी के बीच का अन्तर उसे काफी बड़ा लगता था।

-- Word Meanings -- 

• Deliberation - विचार-विमर्श 

• Calamity - दुर्घटना 

• Dispel - दूर हो जाना

• Secrecy - गोपनीयता 

• Collide - टकराना

• Reassuring - आश्वस्त करना 

• Dismisss - खत्म करना 

• Deflect - अपने रास्ते से भटक जाना 

• Destructive - विनाशकारी 

• Detonating - फटनेवाला

• Inevitable - आवश्यक / जरूरी

• Glance - देखना 

• Futile - बेकार 

• Evaporate - भाप हो जाना

• Unseasonably - बिना किसी कारण के 

• Rendezvous - मिलन स्थल

• Annihilation - विनाश

• Descendants - वंशज

• Triumph - विजय / जीत 

• Illiterate - अनपढ़ 

-- NCERT Solutions --

Comprehension Check (Page 83)

Question 1.- “For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?

Answer:- James reached his hotel at 1 pm. He looked up from his window and saw the star- studded sky. He couldn’t believe that any untoward event could happen on such a peaceful night. He became doubtful about his calculations.

Question 2.- What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums?

Answer:- The scientists attending the conference came to the conclusion that James Forsyth’s calculations were correct. The new comet would collide with the earth.

Question 3.- Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.

Answer:- The approaching comet needed immediate action. The scientists had two options. The defensive measure was that the people should live in bunkers. The offensive action was to do something to deflect the comet from its path. This could be done by exploding a nuclear payload near the comet.

Question 4.- “I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15”. What did Sir John mean by that?

Answer:- Sir John was not quite sure about the safety of the earth. So he deferred the buying of Christmas presents till December 15. By that time the situation was sure to become clear.

Comprehension Check (Page 87)

Question 1.- What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?

Answer:- Duttada on the return was expected to take part in a Shanti yajna to pacify evil spirit behind the comet.

Question 2.- What is his reaction to the proposal?

Answer:- Duttada was very angry. He called it just a silly superstition to think that comets have ill-effects.

Question 3.-

i) What does “Project Light Brigade’ refer to?

Answer:- “Project Light Brigade’ refers to the plan to divert the comet from its path. The plan was to launch a spacecraft and explode the nuclear device near the comet.

ii) What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?

Answer:- The charge of the light Brigade has begun. Let us hope for the best.

Question 4:- Did Sir John Buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?

Answer:- Duttada got to know from the letter that Sir John had bought Christmas presents on Dec 15. It indicated that the Project Light Brigade was successful.

Question 5:- Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?

Answer:- Indrani Debi thought that Comet Dutta could not harm the earth because of the Yajna performed at their house. I don’t agree with this.

Question 6:- Is Duttada’s general outlook

i) rational?

ii) moral?

iii) traditional?

Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.

Answer:- Duttada’s general outlook is rational because he had a scientific temper. He went by reason, not by custom or morality.

Exercise (Page 88)

Discuss the following topics in small groups. Write your answers afterwards.

Question 1:- Should a scientist’s findings be suppressed if they seem disturbing? Give reasons for and against the topic.

Answer:- No, the scientist tries to discover the truth, the factual position. His findings are based on thorough research. Hence, these should not be suppressed or ignored. Copernicus put forward the theory that the earth moves round the sun. He disproved the belief that the earth was the centre of universe. And he was right. But Galileo had to pay the price of telling a truth with his life. Let truth come to light.

Question 2:- Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are some of the things we do to be called traditional? Do you find these things useless or useful?

Answer:- Ours is a traditional and conservative society. It is because of ignorance of the people. Our priests have full traditional beliefs in rites and rituals. We try to pacify the evil spirits and please God with offerings. These are futile and foolish practices.

Question 3:- Give two or three examples to show how science has been useful to us.

Answer:- Science is pure knowledge, a ceaseless search to know the truth and to make new discoveries. The research is a never ending process. Science has made life comfortable and protected us from fire, floods and diseases. If we misuse the discovery of atomic energy, it is our fault.

Question 4:- Give one example to show how science has been misused, and has as a result been harmful to us.

Answer:- Science discovered gun powder and hydrogen bombs, lethal gases and other weapons of mass destruction. Instead of generating power from atomic reactors, we try to produce a bomb. Such misuse of science involves enormous loss of life and property.

-- Frequently Asked Questions -- 

Question 1.- Duttada was invited to a secret conference. Why was he called?

Answer:- Manoj Dutta was Sir John’s special invitee to the conference. It was attended by astronomers, biologists and nuclear/space scientists. It lasted for one week. The hidden agenda was to check James Forsyth’s findings about Comet Dutta.

Question 2.- “I am confident now of buying my Christmas presents on December 15 – John Macpherson.’ Why had John not been buying presents?

Answer:- On December 15, Comet Dutta came closest to the earth-at a distance of 80,000 km. Millions saw it and admired it but very few people knew how close the earth was to total destruction. When the comet passed off, John Macpherson heaved a sigh of relief.

His operation had been successful. So he decided to celebrate Christmas

Question 3:- What is the contrast in the character of Duttada’s wife. Do you agree to her orthodoxy?

Answer:- Duttada’s wife is an educated lady with masters degree. Still she believes in superstitions. She gets a yajna performed for the safety and peace. She wants to purify her husband because he had travelled abroad. I don’t agree to her orthodoxy. It hampers our progress.

Question 4:- How was Duttada received after he returned from London?

Answer:- On his return from London Duttada was greeted by the inevitable vast crowd of friends, students and the usual hampers-on. He was loaded with garlands. The media people were also around him with their questions.

Question 5:- Duttada and the Defence Advisor became close friends and shared a secret. Elaborate.

Answer:- Sir John Macpherson was the Britain’s defense advisor. He was shaken by the predictions of James Forsyth about Comet Dutta. The two were confident in each other. They became friends, waiting for the success of “Project Light Brigade’. It was a secret operation. Sir John did not want the people to know about the approaching comet and its consequences.

Question 2:- What action was needed to be taken to meet the challenge of the new comet?

Answer:- The experts at the conference discussed two ways to save human lives. One was defensive measure, and the other was offensive measure. The people could be told to live in underground bunkers until the comet passed by. The other step was to push the comet from its course with the help of nuclear power. This operation was code-named “Project Light Brigade’.

-- By Durgesh Pandey

(Eklavya Coaching Institute)