Short Answer Questions
Q1: Who is Khetaram and what is his role?
Ans: Khetaram is a Gramin Dak Sewak who works as a postman in a remote Rajasthani village. He carries letters and delivers mail to far-flung hamlets, acting as a vital link between people living in isolated desert areas and their distant families.
Q2: How was mail delivered before the internet became common?
Ans: Before the internet became common, people sent postcards, inland letters, and telegrams sent via the postal system and letters by dropping them into a post box. The postal system then transported the mail through various stages until it was finally delivered by a postman to the receiver’s letter box.
Q3: What difficulties does Khetaram face while delivering mail?
Ans: Khetaram faces extreme heat, sandstorms, and long walking distances in the desert. He often walks across sand dunes and remote areas where no transport is available. Carrying heavy mailbags and working in temperatures above forty-nine degrees makes his job very tiring.
Q4: Why is Khetaram considered the sole link for many people?
Ans: Khetaram is considered the sole link because he connects people living in remote desert areas with their families. These places lack proper transport and communication facilities, so he is often the only person who delivers letters and maintains contact between distant loved ones.
Q5: What does the torn corner of an envelope signify?
Ans: The torn corner of an envelope signifies that the letter contains news of death. It is a traditional sign used to indicate sad or unfortunate news. Khetaram recognises this and handles such letters with special care and seriousness.
Q6: Why does Khetaram read letters for villagers?
Ans: Khetaram reads letters for villagers because many of them are illiterate and depend on him for communication . People trust him and feel comfortable asking him to read letters aloud and write replies, making him an important part of their daily lives.
Q7: How does Khetaram protect himself from desert conditions?
Ans: Khetaram protects himself from harsh desert conditions by wearing a khaki turban and uniform, these help shield him from scorching winds and sandstorms . He also plans his routes, and uses his experience to cope with harsh desert conditions.. He manages water carefully and avoids wasting it, as it is very precious in the desert.
Q8: Why is the role of Gramin Dak Sewaks described as invaluable?
Ans: The role of Gramin Dak Sewaks is described as invaluable because they deliver mail in remote and inaccessible areas. They ensure communication where no other services are available, helping people stay connected despite difficult geographical conditions.
Q9: How has India Post expanded after independence?
Ans: After independence, India Post expanded its network greatly to include the entire population. The number of post offices increased from about twenty-five thousand in 1947 to more than one and a half lakh across the country.
Q10: Why do people trust the postal system in rural areas?
Ans: People trust the postal system because it reliably delivers letters and money orders. Many rural families depend on it for receiving money sent by relatives. This consistent service has built strong confidence and faith in the system over time.
Long Answer Questions
Q1: Describe the journey Khetaram takes to deliver mail.
Ans: Khetaram’s journey to deliver mail is long, difficult, and physically demanding, as described in the NCERT lesson. He travels through remote desert regions of Rajasthan where there are no proper roads, transport facilities, or communication networks. Walking for long distances across sand dunes, he carries a heavy mailbag on his shoulder and visits scattered villages and hamlets. The harsh desert climate, including extreme heat, dry winds, and frequent sandstorms, makes his work even more challenging. Despite these hardships, he performs his duty regularly and sincerely. His journey is significant because he connects isolated people with their families, ensuring that important messages reach even the most distant corners.
Q2: Explain how Khetaram’s job supports his family and others.
Ans: Khetaram’s job as a Gramin Dak Sewak is essential for both his family and the community. In a region where agriculture is uncertain and dependent on rainfall, with only one crop of bajra grown in good years, his steady income becomes the main source of financial support for his family. This ensures stability and helps them survive difficult conditions like drought or famine. At the same time, his work benefits the villagers, as he delivers letters, money orders, and important information. Many people depend on these services to stay connected with relatives and receive financial help. Thus, his job not only sustains his own household but also plays a crucial role in supporting the lives of others.
Q3: How does Khetaram handle sad news deliveries?
Ans: Khetaram handles the delivery of sad news with great sensitivity and understanding. In the story, a torn corner of an envelope indicates that it contains news of death. When he identifies such letters, he becomes aware of the emotional pain they carry. Instead of delivering them casually, he approaches the situation with care and seriousness. He often does not enter the house immediately but prepares himself and the family members for the difficult message. He ensures that the news is conveyed gently so that the shock is not too sudden. His behaviour reflects empathy and responsibility, showing that he is not just a messenger but also someone who shares the emotional burden of the people he serves.
Q4: What changes occurred in the postal system after independence?
Ans: After independence, the Indian postal system expanded greatly and became more inclusive. Earlier, it mainly served administrative purposes, but gradually it evolved into a system that connected the entire population. The number of post offices increased significantly, reaching even remote and rural areas. This expansion made communication easier for people living far from cities. In addition to delivering letters, the postal system introduced services like savings accounts, money orders, and other financial facilities, especially benefiting rural communities. These changes increased people’s trust in the postal system and made it an important institution for both communication and financial support across the country.
Q5: Why does the author pay tribute to people like Khetaram?
Ans: The author pays tribute to people like Khetaram because of their dedication, hard work, and important role in society. Khetaram works in extremely harsh conditions, walking long distances in the desert to deliver mail to remote villages. Despite facing physical challenges like heat, sandstorms, and lack of transport, he performs his duty sincerely and without complaint. He not only delivers letters but also carries emotions, news, and connections between people. His work helps maintain relationships and supports communities. Such individuals often go unnoticed, yet they play a vital role in everyday life. The author recognises their contribution and honours them as unsung heroes who serve society selflessly.