Comprehension I: A Great Martyr Ever Cherished

Question 1.
The writer speaks of the ‘smile’ that welcomes anyone who enters Haneef’s house. What more do we know about this ‘smile’?
Answer:
The smile belongs to Lieutenant Haneef Uddin, a young martyr who sacrificed his life for the nation. However, this smile is now just a memory, captured within the confines of a picture frame. It is both painful and brave, reminding visitors of his courage and sacrifice.

Question 2.
What did Haneef choose as his mission? Why did he do so?
Answer:
Haneef chose to serve in the Indian Army as his mission. Despite coming from a family of musicians, he opted for a military career, possibly because he felt a deep sense of duty toward the nation. His strong commitment to his purpose is reflected in a flashcard found among his belongings that read, “We change lives.”

Question 3.
Life for Haneef in the beginning was never a smooth sail. Why was it so?
Answer:
Haneef faced hardships from a young age. He lost his father at the age of eight, leaving his mother to raise three sons alone. His mother, being a performing artist, often had to travel for work, leaving the children to manage on their own. This situation made them responsible and independent at an early age.

Question 4.
The absence of a mother from home taught the children something. What was that?
Answer:
Haneef and his brothers learned to be responsible and independent in their mother’s absence. They understood the importance of duty and discipline. Haneef’s mother set an example by fulfilling her professional commitments without excuses, which instilled in them a strong sense of responsibility and dedication.

Question 5.
How does the writer describe the ‘introvert’ Haneef?
Answer:
The writer describes Haneef as someone who was initially an introvert but gradually started making friends at the age of 14. He had a deep sense of compassion and would go out of his way to help people. His seniors in the army later recalled this quality when they visited his family after his death.

Question 6.
Haneef was a young man with varied talents and interests. Illustrate this statement by drawing support from the text.
Answer:
Haneef was a multi-talented individual with a passion for music, art, and reading. He played the drums and often collaborated with his younger brother, who composed music. He was also skilled in sketching and making artistic greeting cards from waste materials. His love for music was recognized by the officers at the 11 Rajputana Rifles, who encouraged him to bring his instruments and form a music group, later named “Haneef” in his honor.

Comprehension II: A Great Martyr Ever Cherished

Question 1.
Share your thoughts and impressions of Haneef with your classmates.

Answer:
Lieutenant Haneef Uddin was a true patriot who sacrificed his life for the nation at a young age. His life story is an inspiration, showing resilience, determination, and a deep sense of duty.

Despite facing hardships from childhood, he remained committed to his goals. His passion for music, art, and helping others reveals his well-rounded personality. Naming a sub-sector after him is a testament to his bravery. His story teaches us that true heroes never die; they continue to live in the hearts of people forever.

Question 2.
Imagine you had the opportunity to interview Haneef. Prepare a suitable questionnaire. Write a probable reply from Haneef. Share your views with your group.
e.g., You may begin like this
You: Good evening, I’m…..I’m a journalist and I report for …… Would you mind sharing your experience with our readers, please? Here are a few questions. May I…..

Answer:
Haneef: Come on. It’s a pleasure talking to you people.  I mean reporters.  Well.  I’m ready…
You: Good evening, I’m [Your Name]. I’m a journalist and I report for [News Channel/Newspaper]. Would you mind sharing your experience with our readers, please? Here are a few questions. May I…
Haneef: Come on. It’s a pleasure talking to you people. I mean reporters. Well, I’m ready…
You: Haneef, could you tell us about your childhood and the challenges you faced growing up?
Haneef: Well, I lost my father when I was just eight years old. My mother, a singer, had a touring job, so my brothers and I learned to be independent early in life. It wasn’t easy, but it made us responsible.
You: Coming from a family of musicians, what made you choose the army?
Haneef: Good question! Music was always a part of my life, but I felt a strong sense of duty towards my country. I wanted to serve and make a difference. My motto was simple—“We change lives.”
You: What was your training experience like at the Indian Military Academy?
Haneef: Oh, it was tough! Six months in, I realized it was more challenging than I had imagined. I remember telling my mother about the ‘Mussoorie bath’—a cold-water bath at midnight. But every challenge only made me stronger.
You: You were posted at Kargil. Can you share some experiences from the battlefield?
Haneef: War is never easy, but every soldier knows the risk. We fought in extreme conditions, but we never lost our spirit. My only thought was to protect my nation and my fellow soldiers.|You: What do you think about the honor given to you, like naming a sub-sector after you?
Haneef: It’s not just about me. Every soldier who fights for the country deserves to be remembered. I feel proud that my sacrifice meant something.
You: If you could give a message to young Indians today, what would it be?
Haneef: Follow your passion, serve your nation in whatever way you can, and always remember that duty comes first.

Additional Question and Answer: A Great Martyr Ever Cherished

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):A Great Martyr Ever Cherished

Question 1.
What was the nickname given to Haneef by his friends?
a) Captain
b) Major
c) Khalifa
d) Warrior
Answer:
c) Khalifa

Question 2.
What was Haneef’s mother’s profession?
a) Doctor
b) Vocal artist
c) Army officer
d) Teacher
Answer:
b) Vocal artist

Question 3.
In which war did Haneef sacrifice his life?
a) Indo-China War
b) Kargil War
c) Indo-Pak War 1971
d) World War II
Answer:
b) Kargil War

Question 4.
Where was Haneef posted before the Kargil War?
a) Jaipur and Siachen
b) Delhi and Manali
c) Mumbai and Ladakh
d) Chennai and Kashmir
Answer:
a) Jaipur and Siachen

Question 5.
What was the name of the regiment Haneef served in?
a) 15 Punjab Regiment
b) 11 Rajputana Rifles
c) 21 Gorkha Rifles
d) 10 Sikh Regiment
Answer:
b) 11 Rajputana Rifles

Question 6.
What did Haneef’s family establish in his memory?
a) A hospital
b) A school and scholarship
c) A sports academy
d) A war memorial
Answer:
b) A school and scholarship

One-Word Answers: A Great Martyr Ever Cherished

Question 1.
What was the name of the sub-sector named after Haneef?
Answer:
Sub-sector Haneef

Question 2.
What was Haneef’s favorite musical instrument?
Answer:
Drums

Question 3.
What profession did Haneef’s elder brother take up?
Answer:
Teacher

Question 4.
From which college did Haneef apply for the army?
Answer:
Shivaji College

Question 5.
What message was written on the flashcard found among Haneef’s belongings?
Answer:
We change lives

Question 6.
Which organization was Haneef’s father associated with?
Answer:
National School of Drama

Short Question and Answer: A Great Martyr Ever Cherished

Question 1.
What message does Haneef’s life convey to the youth?
Answer:
Haneef’s life conveys the message of patriotism, responsibility, and dedication. He teaches us that hardships should not stop us from achieving our dreams. His story encourages young people to serve their nation selflessly and pursue their mission with determination.

Question 2.
How did Haneef’s artistic and musical talents influence his life in the army?
Answer:
Haneef was passionate about music and art. He played the drums, sketched well, and made greeting cards from waste materials. In the army, his talents were recognized, and he was encouraged to bring his instruments to form a music band, which was later named “Haneef” in his honour.

Question 3.
Why did Haneef’s mother decline the army’s compensation offer?
Answer:
Haneef’s mother, Hema Aziz, declined the Indian Army’s offer of a petrol pump as compensation for her son’s sacrifice. She believed that other families, who had lost their sole breadwinners, needed it more. This decision reflected her selflessness and pride in her son’s service to the nation.

Question 4.
What was the significance of the flashcard found among Haneef’s belongings?
Answer:
The flashcard with the words “We change lives” found among Haneef’s belongings symbolizes his strong commitment to making a difference. It reflects his deep sense of purpose and his belief in the power of service and sacrifice.

“A Great Martyr Ever Cherished”
Summary