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PLUS TWO-ENGLISH LESSON NOTES, UNIT-01LESSON-01THE 3LS OF EMPOWERMENT, Introduction:, “The 3Ls of Empowerment” is a short speech by Christine Lagarde (ക്രിസ്റ്റീൻ ലഗാഡ്). It is, about women’s empowerment (സ്്ക്രീശാക്തീരരണം). Empowering women helps economic growth, and development of a country., Christine Lagarde talks about the need of empowering women in the 21st century. She also, tells how we can do it. She says learning, labour and leadership can empower women. These are, the “3 Ls” of women’s empowerment., Our world is changing fast. The world economy is working hard to grow. Economic growth, helps us for a better life. Women can contribute much to economic growth. They are half the world’s, population. The contributions of women are important for family economy and national economy., But, the role of women in economic activity is much less now. Why is it so?, The Challenge (വെല്ലുെിളി) of the 21st Century:, In most societies, women do not have equal opportunities with men in the following fields:, Education, Economic activities, Leadership positions, An uneducated woman finds it difficult to get a good job. She has to do low-paying (രുച്ഛമായ, െരുമാനമുള്ള), low-status (രാവെക്കിടയിലുള്ള) and low-security (സ്ുരക്ഷിരരവം രുറഞ്ഞ) jobs, for an income. Moreover, “equal pay for equal work” is not always followed in the case of women., They are paid less than men for the same job., Globally (ആഗഗാളരലത്തിൽ), women earn (സ്മ്പാദിക്കുര) much less than men do. This is, because of the low participation (രുറഞ്ഞ പങ്കാളിത്തം) of women in economic activities., As a result, per capita income (ആഗളാഹരി െരുമാനം) goes down., In many societies, women have no right to inherit property (പിരൃസ്വത്തിലുള്ള, അെരാശം). Their healthcare (ആഗരാഗയപരിപാലനം) is often ignored (അെഗണിക്കവെടുര)., The 21st century challenge is to end these inequalities of women. It is to empower women, and make them equals in society., The First “L” is Learning:, Learning means education. It is the basis of every change. Women’s empowerment through, education is essential (ക്പധാനവെട്ട) in the developing world. “If you educate a boy, you train a man. If, you educate a girl, you train a village”. This is an African adage (ആക്രിക്കൻ പെവചാല്ല്). Educating, the girl child helps social progress., Learning is the first step of women’s empowerment. Learning helps women to help, themselves and prepare for their future. It helps them to become free, enter the world outside and, work. It opens the door of freedom for development., The Second “L” is Labour:, A source of income is necessary to improve the living conditions of a woman. It will bring an, increase in per capita income also. When more women work, economy grows.
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PAGE-02, We must encourage education and healthcare of women. We must create more job, opportunities for them. “Equal pay for equal work” should be ensured ( ഉറെുെരുത്തുര). Women, should have equal right (രുലയാെരാശം) to their parents’ property (സ്വത്ത്). Bank loans should be, made easily available to them., A change of laws (നിയമങ്ങളിൽ മാറ്റം െരുത്തൽ) is necessary for the economic, independence (സ്ാമ്പത്തിരസ്വാരക്്യം) of women., The Third “L” is Leadership:, Here, leadership means positions of power (അധിരാരസ്ഥാനങ്ങൾ). Women have the, potential (രെിെ്) to become good leaders. They have their own qualities suitable for leadership., Sometimes, they are better than men in leadership roles. They can take good decisions and guide a, team. But many of them do not rise (ഉയരുര) to top positions in government, business and politics., Women sometimes lack (ഇല്ലാരിരിക്കുര) confidence to match their competence, (രെിെിവനാത്ത ആത്മെിശവാസ്ം). But they need to change that mindset (മാനസ്ിരാെസ്ഥ). They, should think, speak and act differently. They should step up (മുഗനാട്ടുെരുര) and take risks., Christine Lagarde calls it “dare the difference” (മാറ്റത്തിനു രയ്യാറാെുര). Women must build, confidence to face challenges. It will change their life and the society., We must also know that even confident women face barriers (ക്പരിബന്ധങ്ങൾ ഗനരിടുര) on, their way to top positions., We must create a world of equal opportunities and support for women. The values, voice, and, contributions of women are important for the progress of the world., ===================================================================, , Additional Information:, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once said: “If you educate a man you educate an individual, however, if, you educate a woman you educate a whole family. Women empowered means mother India, empowered”., Education, income and healthcare are closely related., “If women ran the world, there would be no problems” is an old saying (പെവചാല്ല്). It means, women are more successful in positions of power than men., ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (Save the daughter, educate the daughter) is a scheme (പദ്ധരി) of, the Government of India. It began in 2015. It aims at welfare (ഗക്ഷമം) of the girl child., ========================================================================, , Activities, Question-01:, In her speech 'The 3Ls of Empowerment', Christine Lagarde speaks about the importance of, learning in empowering women. Do Indian women get an equal space in the society? Write a paragraph, of about 100 words on the social, cultural and economic status of Indian women., Question-02:, Imagine that a leading activist for women's rights is visiting your school. You are one of the, students who got an opportunity to interact with her. Frame four questions on the need of women, empowerment that you wish to ask., =====================================================================
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ANY WOMAN, Katharine Tynan, REVIEW OF THE POEM, Introduction:, Katharine Tynan is a poet from Ireland. The poem ‘Any Woman’ reflects (പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിക്കുക), Tynan’s view of motherhood (മാതൃതവത്തെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള കാഴ്ചപ്പാട്)., The poem is about the importance of mother in a family. Without mother, our house will be, lifeless. Mother is the symbol of love and sacrifice (തയാഗം). A house is a house only when there is a, mother. The poem is the voice of a mother., Theme of the Poem:, The theme of the poem is ‘mother’s love and sacrifice’. It is our mother who makes the house, our ‘sweet home’., Thoughts in the Poem:, Mother is the pillars and keystone of the house. She is the fire, light and heat of the family. She, is the light of love. Her love and care (പ്രദ്ധ) keep the family together. She cooks food for the family;, she does all the washing and cleaning; she makes the curtains for the windows; she prepares the bed, for her children to sleep. She is the house from floor to roof. She protects the children from all, dangers., The poem ends with a prayer (പ്രാർത്ഥന). Mother prays to Jesus Christ, ‘Take me not till the, children grow!’, This is the prayer of every mother. It shows the love of a mother. She lives for her children., Figure of Speech, Structure and Rhyme Scheme of the poem:, Metaphor is the figure of speech used in the poem. It is comparison without using ‘like’. The, mother in the poem says, ‘I am the pillars of the house, I am the fire, I am the light, I am the heat, I am, the house, etc. Mother is house itself., The poem has a four line stanza form. The first stanza has no rhyme. In other stanzas, the, rhyme scheme is ab ab, cd cd., Eg:, hearth-earth, sun-stone, hands-stands, alive-thrive, Mood of the Poem:, Mood of the poem means the type of the poem. ‘Any Woman’ is a metaphorical poem., Metaphor is a comparison. Mother is compared to house. The poet says mother and house are the, same., The Language and Tone of the Poem:, The poem communicates well to the reader. It is written in simple language in a serious tone., Message of the Poem:, The message of the poem is the value (മൂലയം) of motherhood. Her love and support hold the, family together (കുടുംബത്തെ നിലനിർെുക)., ================================================================
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UNIT-01: LESSON: 03, MATCHBOX, Ashapurna Debi, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------INTRODUCTION:, ‘Matchbox’ is a short story written by the Bengali writer, Ashapurna Debi. The writer, compares woman to a matchbox (തീപ്പെട്ടി). There is a reason for this comparison. A matchbox has, gunpowder in it. It can burn anything. But, it will not burn by itself (സ്വയം). So, it is harmless, (അപകടമില്ലാത്തത്). We can keep it anywhere in the house., Women are like matchboxes. They have the strength to react (പ്പതികരിക്കുക). But they are, silent. Women suffer from the bad behaviour of men in families and public places. But, very often, (പലപ്ൊഴും), they don’t react against it. They are meek (അടങ്ങി ഒതുങ്ങി കഴിയുന്ന) and silent., Men know this., When women begin to react, men will change their bad manners. In fact, man is afraid of, woman’s anger., The main characters in the story are Nomita and her husband, Ajit., STORY:, THE LETTER, Sunday morning., Nomita was in her room on the third floor of the house. She was checking the pockets of Ajit’s, dirty (അഴുക്കുപുരണ്ട ) clothes. The washerman (അലക്കുകാരൻ) was waiting outside to take the, clothes to wash., Then, Nomita found an envelope (തപാൽസ്റ്റാമ്പ് പതിച്ച് പ്മൽവിലാസ്പ്പമഴുതിയ കവർ) in, Ajit’s pocket. It was twisted (ചുരുട്ടിക്കൂട്ടിയ). Nomita dropped the clothes in her hands. She sat on, the bed and opened the letter. It was from her mother. It came three days ago. Ajit had opened the, letter and read it. Then he had twisted it and put it his pocket. He did not tell Nomita about the letter., Ajit’s nature was exactly (അങ്ങപ്പെതപ്പന്ന) like that. He had the key to the letter-box. He, always opened and read Nomita’s letter first. Then only he gave it to her., Sometimes, Ajit did not give the letter to her. Nomita had such a doubt., Many times, Nomita had asked Ajit not to open her letters. But, he laughed it away, (ചിരിച്ചുതള്ളുക) or scolded (ശകാരിക്കുക) her., Nomita got very angry at Ajit, angry about his ugly (വൃത്തിപ്പകട്ട) habit of opening her letters., Nomita read the letter. It was the usual (പതിവുപ്പാപ്പല) request for some money. Nomita’s, mother had written about the difficulties of her life again., Nomita’s mother was a poor widow (വിധവ). She had no son. Her only daughter Nomita was, very beautiful. Ajit is rich. He married Nomita because of her beauty., Nomita felt ashamed of her mother’s behavior. Her mother was always begging for money, from Ajit, her son-in-law. She was using Nomita to get money from Ajit., Nomita was now thinking of telling her mother to stop this begging., THE QUARREL (വഴക്ക്), Ajit stepped into the room after having a bath (കുളി കഴിഞ്ഞ്)., Nomita roared out (ഗർജ്ജിക്കുക) at him, “When did this letter arrive?”, Ajit said he just forgot (മറന്നുപ്പായി) to give it to her., “Liar!” (കള്ളം പറയുന്നവൻ) Nomita hissed (പ്കാപപ്ത്താപ്പട ചീറ്റുക) like a snake. “Why did, you open my letter?” she asked., “What if I opened it? My own wife’s letter—“, Ajit said.
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PAGE-02, , Ajit never thought of Nomita’s feelings. He had no respect for her mother. He wanted to hide, (ഒളിെിച്ചുപ്പവക്കുക) the letter from Nomita. It was the usual request for money and Ajit ignored, (അവഗണിക്കുക) it., Ajit said he had the right (അവകാശം) to open letters to his wife., “What if they are love letters from somebody?” Ajit asked., Nomita, in anger (പ്കാപപ്ത്താപ്പട), called Ajit ‘a common vulgar man’ (വൃത്തിപ്പകട്ടവൻ)., In return (തിരിച്ച്), Ajit called Nomita ‘a dung-picker’s daughter’ (ചാണകംവാരുന്നവളുപ്പട, മകൾ)., “Shut up!” Nomita yelled (അലറുക)., Ajit also roared out (ഗർജ്ജിക്കുക), “I will do what I want. Can you do anything?”, Nomita went out of control. She lighted a matchstick (തീപ്പെട്ടി ഉരയ്ക്കുക) and set fire (തീ, പ്പകാളുത്തുക) to her sari. The anchol (സ്ാരിയുപ്പട അറ്റം) of the sari burnt. Ajit jumped to Nomita’s, side, caught her sari anchol and put out the fire (തീ തട്ടിപ്പക്കടുത്തുക)., Ajit looked at Nomita’s face. He saw the fire in her face (പ്കാപാഗ്നി)., Ajit became a little afraid. He wanted to calm down Nomita. He tried to speak normally., “A woman, and such anger!” (ഒരു പ്പപണ്ണിെ് ഇപ്തയും പ്േഷ്യപ്മാ), Ajit asked., BACK TO NORMAL, Right then, Rini stepped into the room. She was the niece (ഭർത്താവിെ്പ്പറ സ്പ് ാേരെ്പ്പറ, അപ്പല്ലങ്കിൽ സ്പ് ാേരിയുപ്പട മകൾ) of Nomita., ‘The washerman is waiting”, Rini said., “Go tell him I am coming. I am bringing the clothes”, said Nomita in a calm tone, (ശാന്തസ്വരത്തിൽ)., The quarrel thus ended for the time being (തൽക്കാലപ്ത്തക്ക്)., Nomita went into the kitchen, to do the housework (വീട്ടുപ് ാലി) as usual (പതിവുപ്പാപ്പല)., Her sisters-in-law teased (കളിയാക്കുക) her., One of them said, “Why are you so late to come down from upstairs? You are always in love-talk, (പ്പണയസ്ംഭാഷ്ണം) with your husband”., Nomita smiled and said, “Oh No! Our talk is all angry talk.”, Her elder sister-in-law noticed (പ്ശദ്ധിക്കുക) the burnt sari anchol. Nomita laughed and told a, lie, “I used the sari anchol to lift a hot pot of water from the stove and it caught fire.”, Nomita joined others in cooking. She was trying to appear normal to others., In her mind, it was her mother, how to send some money to her mother., NOMITA-A MATCHBOX, Nomita came from a poor family. Ajit, her husband was rich. So, Nomita’s mother always, asked for money. This irritated Ajit and he insulted Nomita., Others thought Nomita was living like a queen with Ajit in the rich family., It was not so. Nomita was in pain (മപ്ൊപ്വേെ അെുഭവിക്കുക)., She was in pain because her poor mother was helpless., She was in pain because Ajit always abused (പ്മാശമായി പ്പപരുമാറുക) her., And there was nobody to share the pain., Nomita is like a matchbox., There is a fire within her. It is the fire of all her feelings and emotions. It is the fire of her pain and her, anger. However (എങ്കിലും), she is calm (ശാന്തമായ) in front of others., ======================================================
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Lesson 4: HOREGALLU by Sudha Murty, --------------------------------------Introduction:, ‘Horegallu’ is an anecdote (യാഥാർത്ഥസംഭവങ്ങളെ അടിസ്ഥാനളെടുത്തിയുള്ള കഥ) by Sudha, Murty. The writer tells us about the need to be a good listener ( മറ്റുള്ളവർ പറയുന്നത് ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചു, കകൾക്കാൻ താല്പര്യമുള്ളയാൾ ആയിര്ികക്കണ്ടതിന്ളറ ആവരയകത). Sudha Murty writes based on her, real life experiences. First she speaks about her grandfather. Then she speaks about Ratna, her, colleague (സഹശ്പവത്തക). Both were good listeners. People shared their problems with them. This, was a social service. It helped people to relax (ആരവസിക്കുക)., ‘Horegallu’ is a stone bench. They are found under banyan trees (ആൽമര്ങ്ങൾ) in Indian, villages. Drinking water is kept near the horegallu in earthen pot (മൺകുടം). Tired (ക്ഷീണിതര്ായ), travellers can sit on the horegallu, drink water from the pot and take rest. A horegallu helps travellers, to regain (വീളണ്ടടുക്കുക) their strength., ‘Horegallu’ is word in Kannada language., A horegallu is essential (അതയാവരയമായ) in any journey. Life is a journey. We face (കനര്ിടുക) a, lot of difficulties in our life. So, we need to stop and take rest. Sometimes we want to share our worries, (ദുുഃഖങ്ങൾ). Then somebody comes to listen to us. Such people are like the horegallu. They give us, emotional support (വവകാര്ികപിന്തുണ) and help us to relax., SUMMARY:, Childhood Days: Sudha Murty was born in 1950 at Shiggaon in North Karnataka. Shiggaon was a little, village. Sudha Murty spent her childhood there. In the middle of the village, there was a large banyan, tree. During holidays, Sudha Murty played under the banyan tree for hours. There was a horegallu, under the banyan tree. Drinking water was kept in earthen pots near the horegallu. Travellers and, villagers came to the horegallu when they became tired (ക്ഷീണിതര്ായ). They sat on the horegallu and, drank water. Thus after having some rest they started their journey ( യാശ്ത) or work again., Grandfather and Horegallu: The horgallu in the village is linked (ബന്ധളെട്ടിര്ിക്കുക) with Sudha, Murty’s grandfather. Her grandfather was retired (ക ാലിയിൽനിന്നും വിര്മിച്ച) schoolteacher. He, would sit under the banyan tree for hours. He would talk to the villagers resting (വിശ്രമിക്കുന്ന) under, the tree. The villagers shared their troubles (ശ്പയാസങ്ങൾ) with grandfather. Sudha Murty’s, grandfather just listened to them. It relaxed (ആരവാസം പകര്ുക) and refreshed (ഉകേഷം പകര്ുക) the, villagers., The horegallu helped the villagers to have some rest. Moreover, grandfather was always there, to listen to them. The villagers always said, ‘Thank God for this horegallu.”, Sudha Murty noticed all this. She was a child. She did not understand the importance of the, horegallu for the villagers. It was only a stone bench. Grandfather told her, “Child, a horegallu is, essential (അതയാവരയമായ) in any journey. Sometimes, we need to stop and rest in our journey. A, horegallu helps us for this. We can regain (വീളണ്ടടുക്കുക) our strength and start again.”, Ratna, the Colleague (സഹശ്പവത്തക): Later in life ( ീവിതത്തിൽ പിന്നീളടാര്ിക്കൽ), Sudha Murty met, another person. It was Ratna, her colleague. Ratna was like a horegallu for others., Sudha Murty was working in Mumbai. Ratna was a senior clerk in the company. She was, middle-aged and always smiling. She was a graduate (സർവ്വകലാരാലാബിര്ുദം ലഭിച്ചയാൾ). She was, with the company for twenty-five years. She enjoyed her job. She was always cheerful (സകന്താഷമുള്ള)., Every day, during lunch hours, Ratna would sit with some person in a room. They both would, talk for the whole lunch time (ഉച്ചഭക്ഷണസമയം മുഴുവൻ).
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PAGE-2, One day Sudha Murty asked Ratna about her long talk with others., Ratna smiled and said, “They share their troubles with me.”, “Do you solve (പര്ിഹര്ിക്കുക) their problems?” Sudha Murty asked., “No, I only listen,” Ratna said., Sudha Murty again asked, “How do you help them by listening to them?”, Ratna was very patient (ക്ഷമയുള്ള) and loving. She said “God has given me two ears to listen to, others. They tell me their worries. I hear them with sympathy ( മനസ്സലിവ്). It helps them to relax. And, they are ready to start their journey again.”, Sudha Murty thought of her grandfather. He had said the same thing., Ratna also said she never revealed (ളവെിളെടുത്തുക) what others told her., Grandfather and Ratna-a comparison: Both Sudha Murty’s grandfather and Ratna were doing social, service (സാമൂഹയകസവനം) in their own small ways (അവര്ുകടതായ ളെറിയ ര്ീതിയിൽ). They helped, others by listening to them with sympathy (സഹാനുഭൂതി). It was an act of kindness (കാര്ുണയശ്പവർത്തി). It gave them joy. Their joy was their reward (ശ്പതിഫലം). People shared their worries with, grandfather and Ratna. Such sharing gave much relief (ആരവാസം) to people. It was social service, without spending money (പണളച്ചലവില്ലാത്ത സാമൂഹയകസവനം)., The horegallu in the village was a stone bench. It gave physical support ( രാര്ീര്ികപിന്തുണ) to, the villagers. Grandfather and Ratna were human horegallus. They gave emotional support, (വവകാര്ികപിന്തുണ) to others. They had great patience (ക്ഷമ) and sympathy (സഹാനുഭൂതി). They, helped the world as good listeners., Our world needs (ആവരയമുണ്ടാവുക) more of such people., =========================================================, Additional material:, The following is a horegallu poem. It is not in the English text. Read it., Be a Horegallu, Be a horegallu of someoneWho needs your presence., Be kind to those peopleWho have a million problems., Just listen to them., It may not cost you anything., It may give thema relaxed state of mind., Let’s save our beloved ones from depressionWhich may lead to such suicide., Word meaning:, presence: സാമീപയം, beloved ones: ശ്പിയളെട്ടവർ, depression: വിഷാദം, മാനസികതെർച്ച, suicide: ആത്മഹതയ, ====================================================================================
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PAGE-01, UNIT-2: LESSON: 3, , THE HOUR OF TRUTH:, , One Act Play by Percival Wilde, , THE CHARACTERS:, 1. Robert Baldwin: Governor in the bank of John Gresham, 2. Martha: Wife of Robert Baldwin, 3. John: 27 year old son of Robert Baldwin, 4. Evie: Daughter of Robert Baldwin, 5. Mr. Marshal: President of the Third National Bank, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Robert Baldwin is the hero of the play. He is a very honest man. He works in a bank. His, salary is sixty dollars a week. John Gresham is the bank owner. Baldwin has been his secretary, for the last 20 years. He is also the governor of the bank. He works under Gresham right from the, start of the bank., Baldwin and Gresham are old friends. They have known each other for 35 years. Baldwin, had even named his son after Gresham, John Gresham Baldwin., Now Gresham is in police custody. He misappropriated ( തട്ടിയെടുത്തു) bank money and, his bank wrecked (തകർന്നു). His trial (വിചാരണ) is on the next day. Baldwin is to give, evidence (യതളിവ് നൽകുക) against him. He is the only witness. So, Gresham wants to meet, Baldwin., BALDWIN’S COTTAGE: SCENE BEFORE THE RETURN OF BALDWIN:, It is Sunday afternoon. Baldwin has gone to meet Gresham. His family is waiting for his, return. They are worried about why Gresham wanted to meet Baldwin. Evie has a doubt whether, Baldwin has any role in the bank wreck. The newspapers say so. But Martha knows Baldwin will, never do anything wrong in his life., John is angry at Gresham. Gresham has become rich in twenty years. But he gives Baldwin, a low salary. Now he has robbed the bank money. Baldwin will say the truth in the court., Gresham will go to jail. John is happy about it., BALDWIN’S ARRIVAL:, Baldwin comes back after meeting Gresham. John asks him about the bank wreck., Baldwin tells them something about it., Baldwin found out Gresham misappropriated the bank money. But he knew it only a day, before the bank wreck (തകർച്ച). Then he asked Gresham to close the bank. Gresham became, angry. But he had to obey Baldwin., Now Baldwin tells his family about his meeting with Gresham., Gresham asked Baldwin to save him from jail. Only Baldwin knows what Gresham has, done. Just say ‘I don’t remember’ to questions at the court. But Baldwin said to Gresham that he, would not tell lies., Martha, Evie and John are happy to hear it. They support Baldwin., THE MONEY MAGIC:, Then Baldwin tells another thing. Gresham offered him a hundred thousand dollars to lie, at the court (കകാടതിെിൽ കളവു പറെുക). This was only compensation (നഷ്ടപരിഹാരം) for, the low salary of Baldwin. But, Baldwin did not accept it. It was bribe ( കകക്കൂലി)., Baldwin was angry when Gresham offered him money. When he rejected it, Gresham was, not surprised. He knew no amount of money would change Baldwin., Baldwin says, ‘I’ve got only a few years to live, but I’ll live those as I’ve lived the rest of my, life. I’ll go to my grave (ശവക്കുഴി) clean!’
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PAGE-02, But the attitude (മകനാഭാവം) of Martha, Evie and John changes. They are attracted by the offer, of huge money. They want Baldwin to accept the bribe and save Gresham., Baldwin never thought his family would change like this. It makes him sad. He calls them, ‘shams, liars, hypocrites and thieves’. Still, the family persuades ( കരപരിപ്പിക്കുക) him to accept, the money., HONESTY IS REPAID:, By this time, Mr. Marshall comes to see Baldwin. He is the President of the Third National, Bank. He gives Baldwin some news. He saw Gresham that afternoon. Gresham told Marshall, about the money he offered Baldwin. But, Baldwin would never go for money. He would tell the, truth in the court. So, Gresham confessed ( കുറ്റം സമ്മതിച്ചു) his crime., Now Mr. Marshall offers Baldwin a job at the Third National Bank. It is a great surprise to, Baldwin. The new job is the reward ( രപതിഫലം) for his honesty., CHARACTER SKETCH OF ROBERT BALDWIN:, Baldwin is the hero of the play ‘Hour of Truth’. He is very honest and hardworking. He, works in Gresham’s bank for sixty dollars a week. It is a low salary. But he never complains about, it. Gresham offers him 100,000 dollars to tell lies in the court. Baldwin rejects (നിരസിക്കുക) it., His family wants him to accept the bribe. But, Baldwin believes in truth. His honesty is rewarded, in the end. He receives a job in the Third National Bank., REVIEW OF ‘HOUR OF TRUTH’:, Author: ‘Hour of Truth is a one act play by the American author, Percival Wilde., Theme: The theme is truth., Setting: The play is set in the cottage of Robert Baldwin. It is Sunday afternoon., Characters: Robert Baldwin is the hero of the play. The other characters are his wife, Martha, his son, John Baldwin, Evie, his daughter and Mr. Marshall, the president of the Third, National Bank., Plot: Mr. Robert Baldwin works in the bank of Gresham. Gresham misappropriates bank, money. Police arrests him. He offers Baldwin 100000 dollars to save him. Baldwin rejects the, offer. His family supports him in the beginning. Later they want him to accept the money. But,, Baldwin believes in truth. In the end Mr. Marshall offers him a job in the Third National Bank., Title: The title ‘Hour of Truth’ means ‘The time when truth is accepted’., Message: The message of the play is ‘honesty is the best policy’. Morals are more, important than money., =================================================================================
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UNIT: 3, LESSON: 1, A THREE WHEELED REVOLUTION:, Introduction: The lesson is an interview with Irfan Alam. It is also about social entrepreneurship, (സാമൂഹിക ഉന്നമനം ലക്ഷ്യമാക്കിയുള്ള ബിസ്നനസ്സ് സംരംഭം)., Irfan Alam is known as the ‘rickshaw man from Bihar’. His ‘SammaaN Foundation’ changed the lives of, rickshaw pullers in India., Irfan Alam as an Entrepreneur:, Irfan’s father had shares in stock market. He and his friends lost money in the stock market in, 1992. Due to Irfan’s advice, they were able to make profits. This helped him start a portfolio management, firm (ഓഹരികൾ കകകാരയം നെയ്യുന്ന സ്ഥാപനം). All this happened when Irfan was only 13., The Incident and the Idea of an Organisation for the Rickshaw Pullers:, Irfan was 17 years old then. He was travelling in a cycle rickshaw. He felt very thirsty and asked, the rickshaw puller for some water. But there were no water bottles in the rickshaw. The rickshaw puller, had no money for them. Immediately Irfan Alam knew that selling water bottles in rickshaws was an idea., Next day he talked to five rickshaw pullers. He gave them each eight water bottles. The profit, would be two rupees per bottle. One rupee would go to Irfan and one rupee, to the richshaw puller. The, very first day, Irfan made eight rupees., Irfan’s parents did not support his interest in the rickshaw sector. They asked him to think of his, studies. Irfan obeyed his parents. But, he made his reading and research on the rickshaw sector., The TV Show:, In 2006, Irfan won the Indian TV show ‘Business Baazigar’ for his new business idea. It was to, organize the rickshaw pullers. He was offered Rupees 150 lakhs to start it. But, he did not accept the, money. Irfan was thinking of a not-for-profit organization. Others did not agree with such an idea., The Life of Rickshaw Pullers: Irfan’s Findings:, There are about ten million (ഒരു കകാടി) rickshaw pullers in India. Most of them are not the, owners of their rickshaws. They pay a rent of Rs 30 to 40 a day for the rickshaw. Their daily income is, very low. They live in poverty. They cannot educate their children. They are considered, (പരിഗണിക്കനെടുക) menial labourers (ഏറ്റവും താനെക്കിടയിലുള്ള നതാെിലാളികൾ)., The SammaaN Foundation:, Irfan started ‘SammaaN Foundation’ in 2007 with money from family and friends. His aim was a, successful business by empowering the rickshaw pullers. It started in Bihar. Later it spread to some other, states., The Operation Model (പ്രവർത്തനരീതി) of SammaaN:, First, the rickshaw puller is registered with SammaaN after verification (പരിക ാധന). Then he is, given training in traffic rules and basic manners. SammaaN helps him get bank loans for a new rickshaw., Uniforms, id-cards and insurance are given to the rickshaw puller. Thus, he becomes a part of the, SammaaN family., Activities for more Income:, SammaaN rickshaws have space for advertisements and to keep water, juice, mobile cards,, newspapers etc. These are sold to passengers. The profit is equally divided between the rickshaw pullers, and SammaaN. The fare (യാത്തക്കൂലി) goes only to rickshaw puller., Benefits:, SammaaN improved the lives of rickshaw pullers. They became empowered. They began to live, with dignity (അന്തസ്സ്). Their women and children are given free evening classes by the Foundation., Moreover, SammaaN makes profit., The Future of Cycle Rickshaws:, Irfan thinks rickshaws are the vehicles of the future. They are eco-friendly; no pollution at all., SammaaN is now designing fiberglass rickshaws running on solar power. The number of rickshaws is, increasing in India. In cities, people choose rickshaws for short distance travel., Irfan’s Advice to Youth:, Youth must take up entrepreneurship as a career. It is a solution for unemployment. We must, have a dream and take risks to achieve the dream., ============================================================================
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UNIT 4: Lesson 2, , RICE- Poem by Chemmanam Chacko, , Introduction: ‘RICE’ is a poem written by Chemmanam Chacko in Malayalam. Prof. K Ayyappa Panicker, translated it into English. It is a satire because it uses humour (ഹാസ്യം) to criticize a social issue (സ്ാമൂ, ഹികപ്രശ്നം). The poet is the speaker of the poem. He is the son of farmer., Homecoming: The poet is returning home after 4 years in North India. He was in research there. It was, how to make toys (കളിപ്പാട്ടം) with husk (ഉമി). His native village (ജനിച്ച പ്രാമം) is in Kerala. In North, India, his food was only chapathies. He has become bored (മടുക്കുക) with it. He very much wants to eat, a meal (ഊണ്) of Athikira rice., Expectations: On the train, the poet was full of expectations. He thinks:, “It is planting season (ഞാറു നടുന്ന കാലം). My father will be working in our paddy fields, ploughing, (നിലം ഉഴുക) with oxen (കാളകൾ). His handloom dhoti (മുണ്ട്) will be full of yellow mud (ചെളി). The, Varangal canal will be full of water. Father will be excited about it. My little brother will be taking the, saplings (ഞാറ്) to the field. There will be baskets full of seed ( വിത്ത്) along the dyke (വരമ്പ്). My, mother will be in the kitchen, cooking rice.”, Reality: The poet got down from the bus. He became confused. The whole village has changed. There, are no palm-thatched (ഓല മമഞ്ഞ) houses. It is all rubber plants instead of modan and vallaran. There, are no shouts of ploughing. Deal wood trees grow along the canal. Arecanut trees are planted all over, the fields., Poet Meets Father: The poet entered his house. Some workers were fixing a machine for making, rubber sheets. His father was watching them, happy and contented ( സ്ംതൃപ്തിയുള്ള). He said with pride, (അഭിമാനം):, ‘Son, we've stopped working on all the rice., It was quite inconvenient. The farmer gained nothingonly fools turn to rice-farming for gain., This is better money--what good times!, The government gives rice to those who don't have paddy fields.’, The poet’s little brother returned from the ration shop with rations. The boy ran to his brother but fell, down. Wheat fell out from his bag., The Last Thoughts of the Poet: At that time, the poet saw a ‘ship of the sky’ (airplane) flying north. It, was the Chief Minister going to Delhi for more grains (ഭക്ഷ്യധാനയം). Here, no one promotes, (മപ്രാത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുക) rice farming. Farmers have turned to cash crops (നാണയവിള)., The poet asks himself, “Can we get some husk from the Centre, too, to make toys with it? I don’t know.”, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Review: ‘Rice’ by Chemmanam Chacko is a satire (ആമക്ഷ്രഹാസ്യം). It uses humour (ഹാസ്യം) to, criticize. The theme (പ്രധാന ആശയം) is the disappearing rice farming in Kerala. Rice farming has no, profits. Farmers turn to cash crops like rubber, arecanut and deal wood. It is a social issue, (സ്ാമൂഹികപ്രശ്നം)., The poem is a contrast (വയതയാസ്ം) between expectation and reality. The last four years the poet was in, North India, eating only chapathies. Now, he wanted to eat a full meal of athikira rice. The poet thought, he would see the beauty of his old village in Kerala. But the village has changed. His father has stopped, rice farming. Now, it’s all rubber plants. His research to make toys from husk will be of no use now. The, athikira rice meal has become only a dream. His father is happy with Government rations. It is wheat., The poet asks himself, “Can we get some husk from the Centre to make toys?” Thus the poem ends with, humour (ഹാസ്യം)., ====================================================================, , Prepared by: Sreenath Belay J Z, HSST English, Govt. Fisheries HSS, Puthiyappa, Kozhikode