Comprehension I: On Top of the World

Question 1.
Dicky Dolma’s hardship and challenges: Dicky Dolma faced significant hardships before qualifying for her mountaineering venture.
Answer:
She lost her mother when she was only 11, followed by the death of her elder brother, which had a profound impact on her. Despite these personal losses, she developed resilience and continued to pursue her passion for sports. Before taking up mountaineering, she had a deep interest in skiing and won several medals at the national and international levels. These challenges shaped her determination and prepared her for the tough journey ahead.

Question 2.
How has Dolma described her preparedness for the task of scaling Mount Everest?
Answer:
Dicky Dolma’s preparedness for the task of scaling Mount Everest: Dolma described her preparedness as a result of hard work, determination, and passion. She had always been fascinated by the Himalayas and, from a young age, dreamt of climbing the peaks. At 16, she took a mountaineering course in Manali, where she earned high grades and impressed everyone with her commitment. Her determination was evident when she was selected for an all-India expedition to Mount Everest. She also participated in expeditions to other mountains before her final climb. Her rigorous training, including four-hour daily practices, helped her build the physical and mental strength required to scale Mount Everest.

Comprehension II.On Top of the World

Question 1.
“With zeal and determination, there is nothing that one cannot achieve”. What else do you think is necessary to achieve, besides zeal and determination? Have a discussion in the class.

Answer:
Besides zeal and determination, other important qualities necessary to achieve success are:
• Hard work: Consistent and focused effort towards a goal is essential.
• Perseverance: The ability to keep going even when faced with obstacles.
• Adaptability: Being able to adjust plans or strategies when things don’t go as expected.
• Patience: Understanding that success may take time and requires continuous effort.
• Support system: Encouragement from family, friends, or mentors can provide the motivation needed.
These qualities, along with zeal and determination, can help one overcome challenges and reach their goals.

Question 2.
Narrate the adventurous story of Dicky Dolma in your own words.

Answer:
Dicky Dolma’s adventure is a remarkable tale of resilience and determination. Born in Palchan, Himachal Pradesh, she faced the hardship of losing both her mother and elder brother at a young age, which deeply impacted her. Despite these personal challenges, Dicky developed a passion for skiing and excelled at it, winning medals at national and international levels. Her love for the mountains and the snow-clad peaks around her home inspired her to pursue mountaineering. At just 16, she joined a mountaineering course in Manali, where her hard work paid off as she scored top grades. Her dream of scaling Mount Everest came true when she was selected for an all-India expedition. After three successful expeditions to different mountains, Dicky Dolma finally conquered Mount Everest on May 10, 1993, becoming the youngest woman to do so at the age of 19. The view from the top of the world was beyond anything she had imagined, and despite the tough physical and financial challenges, her unwavering determination helped her achieve this historic feat. Dicky’s story is one of overcoming adversity, embracing challenges, and realizing a lifelong dream.

Additional Question and Answer: On Top of the World

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

Question 1.
Where was Dicky Dolma born and brought up?
a) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
b) Palchan, Himachal Pradesh
c) Manali, Himachal Pradesh
d) Leh, Ladakh
Answer:
b) Palchan, Himachal Pradesh

Question 2.
At what age did Dicky Dolma lose her mother?
a) 10 years
b) 12 years
c) 11 years
d) 14 years
Answer:
c) 11 years

Question 3.
When did Dicky Dolma start participating in national skiing events?
a) 1985
b) 1987
c) 1989
d) 1991
Answer:
c) 1989

Question 4.
When did Dicky Dolma climb Mount Everest?
a) May 10, 1991
b) May 10, 1992
c) May 10, 1993
d) May 10, 1994
Answer:
c) May 10, 1993

Question 5.
What was Dicky Dolma’s greatest challenge apart from physical and mental training?
a) Harsh weather conditions
b) Financial difficulties
c) Lack of training facilities
d) No family support
Answer:
b) Financial difficulties

Question 6.
What did Dicky Dolma do after climbing Mount Everest?
a) Became a motivational speaker
b) Became a skiing coach
c) Became a mountaineering instructor
d) Started a mountaineering institute
Answer:
c) Became a mountaineering instructor

I. Short Answer Questions: On Top of the World

Question 1.
What inspired Dicky Dolma to take up mountaineering?
Answer:
Dicky Dolma was inspired by the grandeur of the snow-clad peaks surrounding her home in Palchan, Himachal Pradesh. Seeing these peaks every day fueled her desire to climb them and experience the breathtaking view from the top.

Question 2.
How did Dicky Dolma’s family and friends support her mountaineering dream?
Answer:
Dicky’s determination and one-track mind earned her the support of her family and friends. They encouraged her to take up the basic mountaineering course at Manali, which helped her get selected for the Everest expedition.

Question 3.
What were the major obstacles Dicky Dolma faced in her journey to Mount Everest?
Answer:
Dicky Dolma faced multiple challenges, including the personal loss of her mother and brother, financial difficulties, and the physical and mental demands of mountaineering. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined and trained rigorously for the climb.

Question 4.
How did Dicky Dolma describe the experience of reaching the summit?
Answer:
She described the view from the top as breathtaking and beyond imagination. She stated that no award or recognition could match the feeling of standing at the highest point on Earth.

Question 5.
What was Dicky Dolma’s profession after her successful Everest climb?
Answer:
After scaling Mount Everest, Dicky Dolma became a mountaineering instructor at the same institute in Manali where she had trained.

II. Long Answer Questions: On Top of the World

Question 1.
How did Dicky Dolma balance her personal hardships and her passion for mountaineering?

Answer:
Dicky Dolma faced emotional and financial hardships from a young age. Losing her mother at 11 and her elder brother soon after made life difficult for her. Despite these challenges, she did not let her circumstances hold her back. She channelled her pain into her passion for skiing and mountaineering, excelling in both fields. Financial struggles also posed a challenge when she was preparing for her Everest expedition, as her father was bedridden and needed treatment. However, her determination kept her going, and she never considered giving up. Her ability to stay focused, work hard, and overcome difficulties helped her achieve her dream of climbing Mount Everest.

Question 2.
What qualities of Dicky Dolma can be seen as a source of inspiration for young people?

Answer:
Dicky Dolma’s life is an inspiration for young people due to her:
• Determination: She never gave up despite facing personal losses and financial struggles.
• Hard work: She trained rigorously, practising for four hours daily to prepare for Everest.
• Courage: She faced the physical and mental challenges of mountaineering with confidence.
• Perseverance: She continued to push forward despite obstacles and setbacks.
• Passion: Her love for the mountains kept her motivated to achieve her dream.
Her story proves that with the right mindset, anyone can overcome difficulties and achieve great success.

On Top of the World Summary