SYBCom Sem 4 ACSE Passage 2 Youth and the Tasks Ahead

 Passage 2

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

Youth and the Tasks Ahead     - Karan Singh

Our freedom was won with great struggle and sacrifice after centuries of servitude to foreign rule. It is essential that those of us who belong to the post-independence generation should not fall into the error of taking our freedom for granted. The maintenance and strengthening of freedom is a task even more onerous(difficult) than its attainment.

In any nation, the youth necessarily forms the vanguard (forerunner) in most spheres of activity. It is essential that at this critical juncture, its power must be mobilized(activate) further to strengthen our integrity and our capacity to resist aggression. What is required is an immense burst of idealism and energy among our youth, who must be deeply committed to the task of safeguarding this great nation of ours founded on the twin ideals of secularism and democracy. In particular, our young men and women studying in schools, colleges, and universities have a special responsibility, for While they are no longer children, they have not yet got fully involved in the routine of adult life. They constitute an immense reservoir of strength which, if properly canalised(guided), can prove to be a source of great power to the nation.

Indeed, it is these young Indians who will soon be called upon to provide leadership in all walks of national life and they must train themselves to fulfil their future responsibilities with distinction(excellence).

I would like to address a few words in particular to our young men and women. If they are to be effective in the service of the nation, it is essential that they must fit themselves in every way for this task. The building up of a vast and pulsating(throbbing) democratic nation is no mean undertaking, and a mere desire to be of service is not enough; it must be accompanied by the ability to do so effectively. There are several distinct dimensions in which our youth must equip itself. The first is the physical. Building a great democracy and defending it from predatory(destructive) aggressors requires a young generation that is physically strong, with muscles of iron and nerves of steel, and for this, it must equip itself by undertaking physical training and developing fitness to the maximum extent possible.

Questions

1. State the message given to the post-independence generation in the first paragraph?

The message is that the post-independence generation should not take freedom for granted. They must understand that maintaining and strengthening freedom is a difficult task that requires continuous effort, even more than the struggle to attain it.

2. What is the meaning of the word 'reservoir' in the phrase "reservoir of strength"? Is this a literal or metaphorical use? Give an example of another use of the word.

The word "reservoir" in this phrase means a large supply or store of strength. This is a metaphorical use of the word, not literal.

An example of a literal use of "reservoir" could be "The town gets its water from the reservoir."

3. List two qualities required in today's youth so that we can keep our freedom.

Two qualities required in today's youth to keep our freedom are :

1.    Immense idealism and energy.

2.        A deep commitment to safeguarding the nation.

4. Describe in your own words the responsibilities that are conveyed to the young men and women.

The young men and women have a special responsibility to safeguard the nation, especially those studying in schools, colleges, and universities. They must train themselves to take on leadership roles in the future and equip themselves in every way to serve the nation effectively.

5. Why do the young need to be physically strong?

The young need to be physically fit to build and defend our great democracy. They have to be physically strong with strong muscles and nerves of steel, to protect the nation from external threats.

6. Add prefixes to the following words:

a. generate – degenerate / re-generate

b. important - unimportant

c. activity – inactivity

d. responsible - irresponsible

7. Make sentences of your own with the phrases given below:

a. Take for granted: We should not take our health for granted, as it can be affected at any time.

b. To mobilise: The organization is trying to mobilize people to vote.

c. At this critical juncture: At this critical juncture in the project, we need to make some tough decisions.

d. To be called upon: The volunteers will be called upon to help during the emergency.

e. In all walks of life: The impact of climate change is being felt in all walks of life, from agriculture to urban planning.

f. To fit in: She worked hard to fit in with the new team and make a positive impact.

8. Give synonyms of the following words:

a. onerous → difficult / burdensome

b. aggression → anger / hostility / antagonism

c. predatory → destructive

d. spheres → domains / areas

9. Find one word for the following from the passage:

a. the state of being a slave → servitude

b. part of a leadership group/pathfinder → vanguard

c. achievement → attainment

d. throbbing → pulsating

10. Rewrite the sentence "There are several distinct dimensions in which our youth must equip itself." beginning with "Our youth...."

Our youth must equip itself in several distinct dimensions.

11. There are some collocations in the passage, like "great struggle". Point out two more and make sentences of your own using them.

Collocations and sentences:

Great struggle:  The workers fought a great struggle for their rights.

National life: The country's youth play an important role in shaping the national life.

Twin ideals: Our nation is built on the twin ideals of freedom and equality.

Special responsibility: As team leaders, we have a special responsibility to guide and mentor our members effectively.

12. How do you want to repay the debt to society?

I want to repay the debt to society by using my energy and skills to strengthen our country. I will help others, work hard, and stay committed to the values of democracy and secularism.

13. What is the role of youth today in developing a strong country?

The youth must be full of idealism, energy, and commitment. They should focus on education, physical fitness, and serving the country. By taking on leadership roles and protecting the nation’s values, they can help build a strong and united country.

14. Write your opinions on your duties to your country.

My duty is to be a responsible citizen who respects the country’s values and laws. I must stay physically and mentally fit, work hard, and prepare myself to protect the freedom that was won through great struggle. It is also important to help others and contribute to the country’s growth in every way I can.