Class 10 Hindi - ODISHA

Prose: Netaji ka Chashma

Netaji ka Chashma by Swayam Prakash is a thought-provoking story included in the Class 10 Hindi syllabus for Odisha BSE students. The chapter revolves around a marble statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in a small town and Captain, a patriotic eccentric who constantly replaces the missing spectacles on the statue. Through this narrative, the author highlights the true meaning of patriotism, the role of ordinary citizens in nation-building, and how even those on the margins contribute to the country's heritage. This chapter is very important for board exams as questions frequently test character analysis and thematic understanding.

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Key Concepts

The Statue of Netaji

A marble statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose installed in the town square by a municipal high school drawing teacher, missing only its spectacles.

Captain the Chashmewala

A physically handicapped vendor who sells spectacles on a pushcart and voluntarily replaces Netaji's missing glasses out of deep respect and patriotism.

Haldar Sahab

A company officer who passes through the town regularly, observes the changing spectacles on the statue, and gradually develops a deep admiration for the unknown patriot.

The Panwala

A local betel shop vendor who provides cynical yet insightful commentary about Captain and the townspeople's attitude toward patriotism.

Theme of Patriotism

The story emphasizes that patriotism is not limited to great soldiers alone; ordinary citizens, children, and marginalized people also contribute to the nation's honor.

Important Formulas

Patriotism = Respect for national icons + Contribution to nation-building by every citizen
Captain = Symbol of true national spirit and selfless devotion
Netaji's Spectacles = Symbol of vision, leadership, and remembrance

Board Exam Info

In the Odisha BSE Class 10 Hindi board exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions often include short answer questions about Captain's character, Haldar Sahab's observations, the significance of the changing spectacles, and long-form analytical questions on the theme of patriotism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Haldar Sahab cry at the end of the story?

Haldar Sahab cried seeing a young school boy wearing a makeshift spectacle made of wire on the statue, realizing that the spirit of patriotism is still alive in the younger generation.

Why was the spectacle on Netaji's statue changed frequently?

The original stone statue was sculpted without glasses. Captain the Chashmewala used to put one of his own spectacle frames on the statue and replaced it whenever a customer wanted that specific frame.

What message does the author want to convey through Captain's character?

The author wants to convey that true patriotism does not require a military uniform or high status; even poor, marginalized, or physically challenged individuals can possess the highest degree of love for their country.

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