Question

Read the following passage and do the activities.

A1. Fill in the web.  (2)

Air Force Marshal Atjan Singh, an icon of India's military history, will always be remembered as a war hero who had successfully led a young IAF during the 1965 Indo -Pak war. The only officer to attain the highest post of Marshal, the Air Force equivalent to the Army's five star field marshal, Singh was a fearless and exceptional pilot who had flown more than 60 different types of aircraft. He played a major role in transforming the IAF into one of the most potent air forces globally and the fourth biggest in the world. "His contribution to the Indian Air Force is monumental to the least. The IAF grew with him. He was the epitome of military leadership in a classical sense and it is, therefore, not surprising that he was honoured with the rank of Air Force Marshal," former Vice Chief of IAF Kapil Kak said. Singh was honoured with the rank of Marshal on Republic Day in 2002. Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw and K. M. Cariappa were the only two army generals honoured with the rank of field marshal. Known as a man of few words, Singh was not only a fearless pilot but also had profound knowledge about air power and applied it in a wide spectrum of areas. Singh had assiduously led the IAF during the 1965 war and denied success to Pakistani air force though it was better equipped with American support. "His most outstanding contribution was during that war," said Kak. Commending his role in the war, Y. B. Chavan, the then Defence Minister had written: "Air Marshal Atjan Singh is a jewel of a person, quite efficient and firm; unexcitable but a very able leader."

A2. State whether the following statements are True or False:  (2)

1. Marshal Arjan Singh successfully led a young IAF during the 1971 Kargil war.
2. Singh was honoured with the rank of Marshal on Republic Day in 2002.

A3. Solve the crossword, using the cues from the passage:  (2)

A4. Do as directed:  (2)

1. Find the words which mean the following from the text:
   1. of great importance
   2. perfect example
2. Convert the following sentences to indirect speech.
   Commending his role in the war, Y. B. Chavan, the then Defence Minister had written:
   'Air Marshal Arjan Singh is a jewel of a person, quite efficient and firm; unexcitable but a very able leader."

A5. What qualities do you think are necessary to become responsible military personnel?  (2)

Answer 1

A1.

A2.

1. False
2. True

A3.

A4. (i)

1. Of great importance - monumental
2. Perfect example - epitome

(ii) To commend Marshal Arjan Singh for his role in the war, Y. B. Chavan, the then Defence Minister had written that Air Marshall Arjan Singh was a jewel of a person, quite efficient and firm; unexcitable but a very able leader. 

A5. Being a military member requires extreme bravery and guts. The individual must have courage and be willing to accept the hardships and challenges that the circumstance demands. He or she should be courageous, strong, and knowledgeable about maintaining both physical and mental fitness. Military service requires not just a physically fit body but also a mind that is attentive and intelligent.