Waiting for the Rain

Have you ever waited for the rains? Why?
Yes. In May, it is very hot. I wait for the rains to bring relief from the heat.

How do you feel when it rains after a long time?
I feel fresh and happy. The smell of wet earth is lovely.

Why do you think the farmers wait for the rains?
Farmers need rain to plough the land, sow seeds and grow crops. Most farms in India depend on rain for water.

(i) What does the first line of the extract tell us about Velu’s beliefs?
Velu is practical. He does not believe in superstitions. He believes in facts and reason.

(ii) Velu is determined to seek information about the rain because ______.
he wants to find a practical solution to the drought affecting his farm

(iii) Complete the table with reference to Velu’s weather office visit.

(iv) The absence of rain despite favourable conditions shows ______.
D. unpredictability of nature

(i) The old woman’s advice was accompanied with a soft tone and a smile. What does that tell us about her?
She is kind, gentle and patient. She is also wise and calm.

(ii) The old woman’s advice ______ Velu, at that moment.
B. confused

(iii) State one thing about the old woman when she referred to Velu as ‘my son’.
She is caring and affectionate. She speaks to him like a loving mother.

(iv) The ‘difficulty’ that the old woman mentions is due to the fact that ______.
Velu does not realise that the earth is old and needs rest.

1. How does the old woman convey Nature’s wisdom to Velu?
She tells him that the earth has worked for thousands of years. Nature is a mother to all and gives her children the rest they need. When the rains do not come, the land rests. When the rains come, it will be fresh and ready for crops.

2. Why couldn’t the farmers tend to their fields in the absence of rain?
Without rain, the earth became hard, crusted and cracked. The farmers could not plough or sow such dry land. So, the fields lay untended.

3. Support the old woman’s perspective that the land needs rest just like people do.
People become tired after working continuously. In the same way, the land loses its nutrients after ceaseless cultivation. When the land rests, it gets back its nutrients and moisture. Then it gives better crops.

4. What can be inferred about Velu’s character based on his reaction to the drought?
Velu is hard-working and honest. He is practical and does not believe in superstitions. He worries about his family and becomes a little bitter. But he is willing to listen and learn.

5. What does the story suggest about the life of farmers and their relationship with nature?
Farmers work very hard and depend fully on nature. Their life is full of hope and worry. They must respect the ways of nature and work with it.

6. How might the rest and care of land contribute to a balanced and sustainable ecosystem?
Resting the land restores its nutrients and moisture. It reduces pests and diseases, so fewer chemicals are needed. Healthy soil supports plants, insects and other living things. This keeps the ecosystem balanced for a long time.