Chapter 7: Carrier of Words (0903CH07)

They are postmen/postal workers.

Yes, they face harsh weather, long distances, and heavy loads. In deserts or remote areas, they walk miles in extreme heat or cold, making their duty physically exhausting but still essential.

It connects families, delivers news, money orders, and builds trust.

Through letters, books, speeches, songs, and digital messages.

Postmen, writers, teachers, singers, and journalists.

Letters, phones, internet, social media, and face-to-face communication.

1. signals 2. dunes 3. hamlets 4. defying 5. slumped 6. devoid

Name → Khetaram Position → Gramin Dak Sewak (GDS) Employer → India Post Official address → Somarad Branch Post Office, Barmer district, Rajasthan Mode of transport → On foot (sometimes bus or BSF lift) Key responsibilities → Deliver letters, money orders, connect remote hamlets, read/write letters for villagers.

Because farming in the desert was insufficient. The job gave him assured income to support his family.

He feels proud yet exhausted. Despite extreme heat and long distances, he values his role as a trusted link for villagers. His dedication shows resilience and commitment to service.

Temperature 50°C → State holiday declared. Khetaram can dwell on thresholds → Because villagers ask him to read/write letters. BSF gave him a lift → Because he delivered their dak and was offered tea.

As a simple token of gratitude and celebration when he brought good news of births or weddings.

Phone lines would reduce his physical burden by allowing faster communication across the desert. He could serve as a Gramin Sanchar Sewak, carrying mobile phones along with post, making his work lighter and more efficient.

Because it cannot feed a family for long.

Because droughts are frequent in the desert.

To earn money for survival.

Other families: money orders :: Khetaram: GDS job.

Enough rain for one crop.

B. Sender of the letter.

To ensure clarity and respect for the family.

Bad news must be destroyed; he tore the letter after reading.

False — his action matched his belief.

Sensitive and compassionate.

Because they deliver letters and money orders to remote, inaccessible areas, connecting families and ensuring trust in the postal system.

The British system served administration; India Post serves the entire population, ensuring inclusivity and access.

Villagers entrusted savings to post offices; they asked GDS to read/write letters, showing confidence in their honesty.

Because the job gave him livelihood and dignity even in old age, ensuring survival for his family.

Because they serve tirelessly in extreme heat and isolation, connecting remote hamlets with the outside world. Their quiet dedication sustains social bonds and trust, making them the unsung heroes of India's communication system.

crumbles into sand → disappears in desert — The road crumbles into sand after the village. give a new lease of life → chance to continue living — This job gave him a new lease of life. turn into a trickle before drying out → lessen gradually then stop — The river turned into a trickle before drying out. bearing words across desolate geography → carrying letters to remote areas — He kept bearing words across desolate geography.

Alliteration → "scorching summer winds and swirling sandstorms." Metaphor → "walking sandman" (describing him covered in sand).

arid → farmland without much yield concessional → interest rate for farmers gaunt → farmer waiting for rains remote → corner of the world desolate → desert stretching far and wide

1. have got 2. has collected 3. have studied 4. have begun 5. has inspired

A. will be needed B. will be expected C. must be written D. will be asked E. should be worn (Full sentence sense: "...reading clearly A. will be needed, as you B. will be expected to read out the letters by some of the villagers. Words C. must be written neatly as you D. will be asked to draft replies by some villagers. Full-sleeved shirts and trousers E. should be worn to protect yourself from the heat.")

request (she says, "I request all the students to actively participate...").

1. Occasion: → (iii) Indian Postal Day. 2. India Post is famous for having the most extensive network → (ii) in the world. 3. Letter writing is being revived as this art form has been → (iii) forgotten. 4. Part of the letter writing carnival → (i) calligraphy and graphology. 5. What the postal department will add → (i) interactive demonstrations.

Model (envelope): "It seems to me that an envelope is most important because it offers privacy and enclosure space — I can seal letters, photos or documents inside, which a postcard cannot offer." (postcard counters): "That’s one way to look at it, but a postcard is far more cost-effective and needs no extra covering."

Dear Aunt, We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family in this hour of grief. May God grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give your family the courage to bear this loss. Yours sincerely, [Parents' names]

Model: the 'Daakroom' carnival is a unique event (likely a postal-themed exhibition or fair) that celebrates the postal service and stamp-collecting heritage. Students can read about it and share interesting facts with the class.

Model: study the given stamps and identify the personalities, events, or themes they depict. Then, in groups, research stamps in each category and create a class display board titled 'Philately — Upholding Our Heritage', showing how stamps preserve history, culture, and achievements.