Chapters
(A Baker from Goa |Coorg |Tea from Assam)|The Trees
1- A Baker from Goa
Summary
In Goa, elders often reminisce about the nostalgic "Portuguese days" and the famous loaves of bread. Although the original bread eaters may have disappeared, the bakers, known as "pader," still carry on the tradition. These bakers, who continue to use age-old furnaces, can still be heard arriving in the morning with the familiar thud and jingle of their bamboo staff.
In the past, the baker was a significant figure in the community, visiting homes twice daily. Children eagerly awaited the bread-bangles he brought, even before brushing their teeth, as hot tea was considered sufficient for cleaning up. Bread played a crucial role in various celebrations, such as weddings, engagements, and festivals, where items like sweet bread (bol), cakes, and were indispensable.
The bakers had a distinctive appearance, wearing a long frock called "kabai" or later, a shirt and trousers that were longer than shorts but shorter than full-length pants. Baking was a profitable profession, and bakers were known for their happy and prosperous lives, evident from their plump physiques. Even today, a person with a robust build is often compared to a baker.
NCERT Class 10 English | Ch-5| Glimpses of India (A Baker from Goa |Coorg |Tea from Assam)|The Trees
Coorg ! -Summary
Nestled between Mysore and Mangalore lies Coorg, or Kodagu, a picturesque district in Karnataka, often described as a piece of heaven. Known for its rolling hills, lush evergreen rainforests, and coffee plantations, Coorg is home to a proud and independent people with a rich martial heritage. The region’s unique culture, believed to have Greek or Arabic roots, is reflected in their traditions, dress, and customs.
Coorg's natural beauty is captivating, with thirty percent of the district covered by evergreen forests. While the monsoons bring heavy rains that deter many visitors, the best time to visit is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the air is filled with the invigorating aroma of coffee. The area is dotted with coffee estates and colonial bungalows, offering a serene retreat under the tree canopies.
The people of Coorg are known for their hospitality and their tales of valor. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and Coorgis are the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a license. The district's connection to the river Kaveri adds to its charm, with abundant wildlife, including the Mahaseer fish, kingfishers, squirrels, and langurs. Elephants are a common sight, enjoying baths in the river under the care of their mahouts.
Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Trekkers will find numerous trails, while wildlife, including macaques, Malabar squirrels, and slender loris, adds to the region’s allure. The panoramic views from the Brahmagiri hills, a walk across the rope bridge to Nisargadhama island, and encounters with Buddhist monks from the nearby Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe offer visitors a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of India.
Tea from Assam ! -Summary
Rajvir, a schoolmate of Pranjol from Delhi, visits Pranjol's hometown in Assam during summer vacation. Pranjol's father manages a tea plantation called Dhekiabari Tea Estate, and Rajvir is eager to learn about the world of tea. During their train journey, they sip hot tea while Rajvir shares fascinating facts, including that over eighty crore cups of tea are consumed daily worldwide. He also recounts various legends about the discovery of tea, such as the Chinese emperor who accidentally brewed tea leaves and the Indian Buddhist ascetic Bodhidharma whose eyelids sprouted tea plants.
As they approach Assam, Rajvir is captivated by the vast expanses of lush green tea gardens, a sight familiar to Pranjol but mesmerizing to Rajvir. Upon arriving at Mariani Junction, they are received by Pranjol's parents and drive through the picturesque landscape to reach the plantation. Rajvir observes the neatly pruned tea bushes and groups of workers plucking fresh tea leaves, noting that it is the second-flush period from May to July, which yields the best quality tea.
Impressed by Rajvir's knowledge, Pranjol's father looks forward to sharing more insights about tea cultivation and processing. Eager and enthusiastic, Rajvir anticipates learning extensively about the tea industry during his stay at the plantation.
Trees ! -Summary
The poem describes a powerful, symbolic scene where the trees, previously confined indoors, are breaking free and moving out into the forest. The forest, once empty and lifeless, will be full of trees by morning. Throughout the night, the roots and branches strain and struggle to free themselves, likened to patients being discharged from a clinic. As this transformation unfolds, the speaker sits inside, writing letters that barely acknowledge the trees' departure. The night is filled with fresh air, moonlight, and the scent of nature, as the trees stumble into the night, and the winds welcome them. The breaking glass and shattered moon symbolize the dramatic and inevitable release of the trees into their natural habitat.
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