Class 10 Hindi - ICSE
Prose: Netaji Ka Chashma
Netaji Ka Chashma by Swayam Prakash is a thought-provoking short story in the ICSE Sahitya Sagar textbook that explores the true meaning of patriotism. The narrative revolves around Halder Sahab, a regular government employee who notices a peculiar thing during his town visits: the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose lacks a real pair of glasses, but a local, patriotic hawker named Captain replaces them daily. The story emphasizes that patriotism is not limited to grand soldiers at the border, but lives in the daily contributions of ordinary citizens. It is a high-yield chapter for board exams, frequently featuring in character sketches, value-based questions, and extract-based MCQs.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Captain Ka Chashmavala
A physically handicapped, patriotic hawker who sells frames and passionately replaces the missing glasses on Netaji's statue, earning deep respect despite his eccentric personality.
Halder Sahab
A observant company officer who visits the town regularly for work, symbolizes the modern citizen who initially fails to understand the Captain but eventually develops immense respect for his unseen patriotism.
The Panwala
A local paan seller who initially ridicules the Captain as a madman, representing the apathy and indifference of general society toward ordinary patriots.
Symbolism of the Chashma (Glasses)
The glasses represent vision, respect, and ideological clarity toward Netaji's ideals of freedom and sacrifice, which are constantly changing or missing in contemporary society.
True Patriotism
The story's core theme highlights that even marginalized and ordinary people who contribute in small ways to the nation's pride are true patriots.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the ICSE Class 10 Hindi Literature (Sahitya Sagar) board exam, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 10 marks. Questions usually include context-based questions (extracts from the story), short answer questions focusing on character traits of the Captain or Halder Sahab, and long-answer value-based questions discussing the central theme of patriotism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the hawker called 'Captain'?
Because of his patriotic zeal and deep respect for Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, even though he had no military background and was actually a poor, handicapped hawker.
What was Halder Sahab's initial reaction to the Captain?
Initially, Halder Sahab was curious and slightly amused by the idea of someone constantly changing the glasses on Netaji's stone statue without a proper frame.
What message does the story 'Netaji Ka Chashma' give to students?
It teaches that patriotism is not restricted to soldiers fighting at borders; every ordinary citizen who respects national icons and contributes to the country's spirit is a true patriot.
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