Gujarat Board GSEB Class 8 English Textbook Solutions Honeydew Chapter 5 The Summit Within Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers, Notes Pdf.
Gujarat Board Textbook Solutions Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 5 The Summit Within
GSEB Class 8 English The Summit Within Text Book Questions and Answers
Compression Check – I
Choose the correct options :
Question 1.
Standing on Everest, the writer was …………………. :
A. overjoyed.
B.very sad.
C.jubilant and sad.
Answer:
jubilant and sad.
Question 2.
The emotion that gripped him was one of …………….. .
A. victory over hurdles.
B. humility and a sense of smallness.
C. greatness and self-importance.
D. joy of discovery.
Answer:
humility and a sense of smallness.
Question 3.
The summit of the mind’ refers to …………….. (Mark the Item(s) not relevant.)
A. great Intellectual achievements.
B. the process of maturing mentally and spiritually,
C. overcoming personal ambition for common welfare.
D. living in the world of thought and imagination.
E. the triumph of mind over worldly pleasures for a noble cause.
F. a fuller knowledge of oneself.
Answer:
A, C, D and E are not relevant.
Working With The Text
Answer the following questions:
Question 1.
What are the three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb?
Answer:
The three qualities that played a major role In the author’s climb are endurance, persistence and willpower.
Question 2.
Why Is adventure, which L. risky, also pleasurable?
Answer:
People have natural urge for undertaking adventurous activities. They possess an internal love for adventure which is spiritual also. Climbing Is also one such activity. It gives the climber many challenges to win over. A true climber accepts all hurdles. Victory over them gives him joy and satisfaction. It encourages him to take risk and go on.
Question 3.
What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible?
Answer:
Everest, one of the highest and mightiest mountains, drew him towards itself! by its beauty, aloofness, ruggedness and the difficulties encountered on the way. Climbing it, would take the last ounce of one’s energy as it is a brutal struggle with rock and ice. Once taken up, it cannot be given up halfway even when one’s life is at stake. The passage back is as difficult as the passage onwards.
Once the summit is climbed, however, there is the feeling of exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle fought and won, a feeling of victory and of happiness. All these were reasons why he found it irresistible.
Question 4.
One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for; really?
Answer:
Climbing a peak means endurance, persistence and willpower. The demonstration of these physical qualities is exhilarating for a climber. The experience, apart from being merely physical, is also emotional and spiritual. It surely presents great difficulties. However, taught him to look within at the internal summit which is higher than the Everest. Write a sentence against each of the following statements. Your sentence should explain the statement. You can pick out sentences from the text and rewrite them. The first one has been done for you.
Question 1.
The experience changes you completely.
Answer:
One who has been to the mountains is never the same again.
Question 2.
Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles.
Answer:
The demonstration of endurance, persistence and willpower in overcoming great difficulties is delightful.
Question 3.
Mountains are nature at its best.
Answer:
The beauty and majesty of the mountains pose a great challenge for a climber and they are a means of communion with God.
Question 4.
The going was difficult but the after- l effects were satisfying.
Answer:
Climbing the mountains was difficult, but reaching the summit gives one a feeling of satisfaction and deep fulfilment.
Question 5.
The physical conquest of a mountain is really a spiritual experience.
Answer:
The physical act of climbing to the summit of a mountain is similar to the act of climbing the mountain within yourselves which is a spiritual and deeply satisfying experience and either climb will certainly change you giving you a sense of being in communion with God.
Working With Language
Question 1.
Look at the italicised phrases and their meanings given in brackets: :
Mountains are nature at its best.
(nature’s best form and appearance) Your life is at risk.
(in danger; You rim the risk of losing your life.) ! He was at his best/worst in the last meeting. (It was his best/worst performance.) !
Fill in the blanks in the following dialogues choosing suitable phrases from those given in the box:
at hand at once at all at a low ebb at first sight
(i) Teacher: You were away from school without permission. Go to the principal …………………………. and submit your explanation.
Pupil: Yes, Madam. But would you help me write it first?
(ii) Arun: Are you unwell?
Ila: No, not ………….. Why do you ask?
Arun: If you were unwell, I would send you to my uncle.
He is a doctor.
(iii) Mary: Almost every Indian film has an episode of love ……………… .
David: Is that what makes them so popular in foreign countries?
(iv) Asif: You look depressed. Why are your spirits …………. today? (Use such in the phrase)
Ashok: I have to write ten sentences using words that I never heard before.
(v) Shieba: Your big moment is close ……….
Jyoti: How should I welcome it?
Sheba: Get up and receive the trophy.
Answer:
(i) at once
(ii) at all
(iii) at first sight
(iv) at such a low ebb
(v) at hand
Question 2.
Write the noun forms of the following words adding ‘-ance’ or ‘once to each :
(i) endure
(ii) persist
(iii) signify
(iv) confide
(v) maintain
(vi) abhor
Answer:
(i) endurance
(ii) persistence
(iii) significance
(iv) confidence
(v) maintenance
(vi) abhorrence
Question 3.
(i) Match words under ‘A’ with their meanings under B:
| ‘A’ | ‘B’ |
| remote | difficult to overcome |
| means | most prominent |
| dominant | be overcome/overpowered |
| formidable | method(s) |
| overwhelmed | far away from |
Answer:
| ‘A’ | ‘B’ |
| remote | far away from |
| means | method(s) |
| dominant | most prominent |
| formidable | difficult to overcome |
| overwhelmed | be overcome/overpowered |
(ii) Fill in the blanks in the sentences below with appropriate words from under A:
1. There were ………………… obstacles on the way, but we reached our destination safely.
2. We have no ……………….. of finding out what happened there.
3. Why he lives in a house …………………… from any town or village is more than I can tell.
4. ………………….. by gratitude, we bowed to the speaker for his valuable advice.
5. The old castle stands in a ………………… position above the sleepy town.
Answer:
1. formidable
2. means
3. remote
4. Overwhelmed
5. dominant
Speaking And Writing
Write a composition describing a visit to the hills, or any place which you found beautiful and inspiring.
Before writing, work in small groups. Discuss the points given below and decide if you want to use some of these points in your composition. Consider this sentence mountains are a means of communion with God. Think of the act of worship or prayer.
You believe yourself to be in the presence of the divine power. In a way, you are in communion with that power. Imagine the climber on top of the summit – the height attained; limitless sky above; the climber’s last ounce of energy spent; feelings of gratitude, humility and peace. The majesty of the mountains does! bring you close to nature and the spirit and joy that lives there, if you have the ability to feel it. Some compositions may be read aloud to the entire class afterwards.
Answer:
My Visit to a Hill Station
Schools in Gujarat close for summer vacation in the first week of May. It is very: hot then. My parents, therefore, decided to go to Mussoorie. I accompanied them. It was thrilling-the very thought of going to the hills. Preparations were made in full swing. We packed our luggage and got ready for the journey. We went to Dehradun by trEdn. The railway journey was rather tiresome. From Dehradun, we went to Mussoorie by bus.
We reached there In the afternoon and !; put up at a hotel. Mussoorie is one of the s many hill stations in India. It is called the queen of hill stations. It has many beauty spots. Next day, after breakfast, we went to s see the town. We visited Kulri, Library and; Landour markets.
They were all crowded with ‘ tourists from different parts of the country. People were making all sorts of purchases. After lunch, we went for a walk along the Mall and the Camel Back Road. We enjoyed the scenery around us very much. These places are worth a visit. The skating hall, a place of fashion and colour is also worth seeing. We saw the Kempty Fall and had a view of the snowcapped mountain.
Climate In Mussoorie Is very healthy. It Is a beautiful summer resort. The mountain slopes are covered with tall, green trees which present a charming sight at sunset and look very grand. The morning and evening hours are also very pleasant. A cool breeze sets up and refreshes the mind. It makes one forget the oppressive heat of the plains.
I felt happy being so close to Mother Nature. The bright multi-coloured flowers, the clouds sailing across the sky and the snow-covered peaks of the high mountains In the distance filled my heart with joy. We stayed there for a week. I returned to Delhi reluctantly. The memory of my visit to Mussoorie Is still fresh In my mind.
Writing
Write a paragraph on ‘My Adventurous Journey’.
My Adventurous Journey
Travelling has always excited me and when it gets more adventurous it is more interesting. I love travelling and so do my parents. So whenever they get time, we set out for our great journeys that are filled with lots of adventures, fun and excitement. This time we thought we would go trekking. I was so excited that I could not sleep for days. I have; only seen in movies and read in books how difficult it is and how one does trekking.
My father told me that I would not be allowed great heights and no fuss at the location and so I had no choice, other than listen to him. We, along with our family friends, on our holidays planned our trip and started preparations for it. We used to do our daily s exercises so that it would strengthen our bones and muscles for the climb.
On the D-day, we were so excited that we kids could not control it. With lots of instructions and warnings, we started our journey and the much-awaited journey came to an end. We reached our destination. It was real fun. First, we kids were allowed to climb for a small height. It was really adventurous. Stepping on the foot of a mountain to climb it is really exciting.
We tried hard, but could not make it to a good height that we could. Then our parents went and they too had a tough time. Slipping and falling and then again retrying, it was all so much fun. We then took a break and tried climbing once again, this time getting better. We were briefed with the risks involved and so we were not ready to take so much of the risk. This was truly an adventurous journey that I’ve had so far.
Lots of excitement, dangers involved fun and on the whole, a great experience was what this journey gifted us. If given a chance, we would all go for a second time for this great expedition, with no second thoughts. For those who love adventures and challenges, trekking is a wonderful activity to be done.
GSEB Class 8 English The Summit Within Additional Important Questions and Answers
Select the most appropriate options as answers and complete the following sentences:
Question 1.
Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia ………………… .
A. climbed Mount Everest in 1965.
B. was a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest.
C. was a manager of a trekking camp.
D. Both ‘A’ and ‘B’
Answer:
D. Both ‘A’ and ‘B’
Question 2.
The most dominant emotion that Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia felt was …………..
A. jubilation.
B. sadness.
C. humility.
D. thankfulness.
Answer:
C. humility.
Question 3.
After climbing Everest, Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia felt that ………………. .
A. climbing the summit of mind is no less difficult.
B. climbing the summit of mind is easier than to climb Everest.
C. climbing the summit of Everest is no less difficult.
D. None of these three
Answer:
A. climbing the summit of mind is no less difficult.
Question 4.
For a climb to a summit …………………… is required.
A. endurance
B. willpower
C. persistence
D. All of these three
Answer:
D. All of these three
Question 5.
Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia says mountains are ………………………. .
A. source of inspiration.
B. nature at its best.
C. a means of communion with God.
D. Both ‘B’ and ‘C’
Answer:
D. Both ‘B’ and ‘C’
Question 6.
Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia calls the experience of ‘Glimpsing Everest’
A. mystical.
B. a brutal struggle.
C. exhilaration.
D. victory.
Answer:
A. mystical.
Question 7.
On reaching the summit, the surrounding peaks look like
A. silver ornaments.
B. jewelled necklace.
C. diamonds.
D. pearls.
Answer:
B. jewelled necklace.
Question 8.
What was left on Everest by Phu Dorji?
A. A picture of Guru Nanak.
B. A picture of Goddess Durga.
C. A relic of the Buddha.
D. A Cross.
Answer:
C. A relic of the Buddha.
Question 9.
Where is the other summit that Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia refers to?
A. Just below the Everest.
B. In one’s mind.
C. Just above the sky.
D. None of these three
Answer:
B. In one’s mind.
Question 10.
Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia’s experience as an Everest has provided him with ……………………………. .
A. great energy
B. encouragement.
C. inspiration to face life’s ordeals resolutely.
D. spirit for new exploration.
Answer:
C. inspiration to face life’s ordeals resolutely.
Say whether the following sentences are True or False:
Question 1.
On reaching the summit, Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia felt a tinge of sadness instead of being jubilant.
Answer:
True
Question 2.
According to Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia, the summit of the mind is easier to climb.
Answer:
False
Question 3.
The beauty and majesty of mountains pose a great challenge.
Answer:
True
Question 4.
The passage back from Everest is not as difficult as the passage onwards.
Answer:
False
Question 5.
Glimpsing a peak in the distance, Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia gets transported to another world.
Answer:
True
Question 6.
Climbing Everest is a challenge that is difficult to resist.
Answer:
True
Question 7.
The physical conquest of a mountain is only one part of the achievement.
Answer:
True
Question 8.
Famous climbers have not left any records of the help given by others.
Answer:
False
Question 9.
The experience of having climbed to the summit changes you completely.
Answer:
True
Question 10.
The physical act of climbing to the summit of a mountain is not exactly like the act of climbing the mountain within.
Answer:
False
Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:
Question 1.
What do you know about Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia ?
Answer:
Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia was a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest in 1965.
Question 2.
Which other summit has been talked to by the author?
Answer:
The other summit that has been talked to by the author is the summit of the mind. In the author’s opinion climbing this summit is as difficult as climbing the summit of Mount Everest.
Question 3.
Why do people climb mountains?
Answer:
People climb mountains because it is a difficult task. They take delight in over¬coming obstacles. The obstacles in climbing a mountain are physical. A climb to a summit means endurance, persistence and willpower. The demonstration of these qualities is exhilarating.
Question 4.
How does the author view mountains?
Answer:
The author finds great joy in the company of mountains. He feels miserable in the plains. Their beauty and majesty pose a great challenge. The author believes that mountains are a means of communion with God.
Question 5.
What features of Everest did draw the author to it?
Answer:
The beauty of Everest, its aloofness, might and ruggedness drew the author to it. The difficulties that the author encountered on the way also were taken by him as challenges which he couldn’t resist.
Answer the following questions in four to five sentences each:
Question 1.
Why did the author climb Mount Everest?
Answer:
The author climbed Mount Everest because it is the highest, the mightiest and has defied many previous attempts. It takes the last ounce of one’s energy. It is a brutal struggle with rock and ice. Once taken up, it cannot be given up halfway because the passage back is as difficult as the passage onwards. And then, when the summit is climbed, there is the exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle fought and won. There is a feeling of victory: and of happiness.
Question 2.
How does Ahluwalia explain the title of the lesson, ‘The Summit Within’?
Answer:
The writer was a member of the team that reached the summit of Mount Everest. It was a great achievement. But he did not feel vain or heroic. He felt that his conquest of Everest was merely a physical experience. There was another summit within every person. It was his own mind. One has to climb it also to get fuller knowledge of oneself. This exercise is difficult. It also changes one as does standing on the summit of Mount Everest.
Question 3.
How did Ahluwalia feel standing on the summit?
Answer:
Ahluwalia was overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and thankfulness. Looking round from the summit, Ahluwalia told himself that his adventure, though risky, was worthwhile. The surrounding peaks looked like a jewelled necklace. It was an ennobling and enriching experience. He was filled with humility. He thanked God and then left on Everest a picture of Guru Nanak.
Question 4.
How does Ahluwalia describe his achievement?
Answer:
Ahluwalia feels that Everest is not – just a physical climb. Standing on the; mountain’s top he felt how small he was in the big universe. He experienced a sense of fulfilment. It satisfied his love for adventure. ; The experience was not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual.
Question 5.
What problems do the climbers face as they climb a mountain?
Answer:
Breathing at great height is difficult. The climber has to cut the steps in the; hard ice and he has to strain every nerve as he takes every step. Sometimes he curses; himself for undertaking such a task. There; are moments when he feels like going back !; for relief. But there is something that does not let him give up the struggle.
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions given below them:
Question 1.
Of all the emotions which surged; through me as I stood on the summit of Everest, looking over miles of the panorama below us, the dominant one I think was humility. The physical in me seemed to say, ‘Thank God, it’s all over!” However, instead of being jubilant, there was a tinge of sadness.
Was it because I had already done the ‘ultimate’ in; climbing and there would be nothing higher: to climb and all roads hereafter would lead down? By climbing the summit of Everest you are overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and thankfulness. It is a joy which lasts a lifetime, The experience changes you completely. The man who has been to the mountains is never the same again.
Questions: :
(1) What made the writer say, “Thank God, it’s all over!”?
Answer:
The physical strain that the writer had till reaching the summit was over. That satisfaction made the writer say, “Thank God, it’s all over!”.
(2) Why did the writer feel ‘a tinge of sadness’?
Answer:
The writer felt that he had done the ultimate in climbing and then there would be nothing higher to climb and he had a tinge of sadness.
(3) What were the writer’s feelings by climbing the summit of Everest?
Answer:
By climbing the summit of Everest the writer was overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and thankfulness.
(4) What kind of change does a man feel after once having climbed Everest?
Answer:
After once having climbed Everest, a man feels himself completely changed. The man who has been to the mountains is never the same again.
Question 2.
Even when getting down from the summit, once the physical exhaustion had gone, I began asking myself the question why I had climbed Everest. Why did the act of reaching the summit have such a hold on my imagination? It was already a thing of the past, something done yesterday. With every passing day, it would become more remote. And then what would remain? Would my memories fade slowly away?
All these thoughts led me to question myself as to why people climb mountains. It is not easy to answer the question. The simplest answer would be, as others have said, “Because it is there.” It presents great difficulties. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. The obstacles in climbing a mountain are physical. A climb to a summit means endurance, persistence and willpower. The demonstration of these physical qualities is no doubt exhilarating, as it was for me also.
Questions :
(1) What question took hold of the writer’s mind?
Answer:
The question that took hold of the writer’s mind was ‘Why he had climbed Everest ?’
(2) What is the simplest answer to the question ‘Why people climb mountains?
Answer:
The simplest answer to the question ‘Why people climb mountains’ is: “Because it is there”. They also add that because ‘It presents great difficulties’.
(3) What does ‘a climb to a summit’ mean?
Answer:
A climb to a summit means endurance, persistence and willpower.
(4) What is exhilarating, according to the writer?
Answer:
According to the writer, the demonstration of the physical qualities that one exercises while climbing is exhilarating.
Question 3.
Consider a typical climb, towards the summit on the last heights. You are sharing a rope with another climber. You firm in. He cuts the steps in the hard ice. Then he belays and you inch your way up. The climb is grim. You strain every nerve as you take every step. Famous climbers have left records of the help given by others.
They have also recorded how they needed just that help. Else they might have given up. Breathing is difficult. You curse yourself for having let yourself in for this. You wonder why you ever undertook the ascent. There are moments when you feel like going back. It would be sheer relief to go down, instead of up.
But almost at once, you snap out of that mood. There is something in you that does not let you give up the struggle. And you go on. Your companion keeps up with you. Just another fifty feet. Or a hundred, maybe. You ask yourself: Is there no end? You look at your companion and he looks at you. You draw inspiration from each other. And then, without first being aware of it, you are at the summit.
Questions :
(1) How does a climber expedite a typical climb towards the summit on the last heights?
Answer:
While expediting a typical climb towards the summit on the last heights, a climber shares a rope with another climber. He firms in and cuts the steps in the hard ice. Then he belays and the other climber inches his way up.
(2) Why does a typical climb towards the summit on the last heights become discouraging?
Answer:
A typical climb towards the summit on the last heights becomes discouraging as the breathing becomes very difficult.
(3) When does a climber regain power not to give up?
Answer:
When the climber once snaps out of the discouraging mood, he regains power not to give up and continue the expedition.
(4) What keeps climbers up in tough time?
Answer:
The inspiration that the climbers draw from each other keeps them up in tough time.
Vocabulary
Replace the underlined words selecting the most appropriate options from the brackets :
(1) My leg was hurt, but I was able to keep up with the rest of the team during our run. (recover with, go ahead with, enjoy my journey with)
(2) The sound of the drums faded away into the distance. (diminished, grew louder, spread Jar)
(3) My presentation needs to go perfectly – the big promotion is at stake. (due, doubtful, at risk)
(4) He strained every nerve to help us but didn’t succeed. (made every possible effort, took great pains, tried to seek help)
(5) I was very depressed for a week, but this morning I snapped out of it. (was completely healed, went into great depression, suddenly recovered)
Answer:
(1) My leg was hurt, but I was able to go ahead with the rest of the team during our rim.
(2) The sound of the drums diminished into the distance.
(3) My presentation needs to go perfectly – the big promotion is at risk.
(4) He made every possible effort to help us, but didn’t succeed.
(5) I was very depressed for a week, but this morning I suddenly recovered it.
Choose the correct words from the brackets and complete the following passages:
Question 1.
(imagination, exhaustion, reaching, something, getting, climbed) Even when ……1……. down from the summit, once the physical …..2……. had gone, I began asking myself the question why I had ……..3…….. Everest. Why did the act of …….4……… the summit have such a hold on my …………5……… ? It was already a thing of the past, ………6………. done yesterday.
Answer:
1. getting
2. exhaustion
3. climbed
4. reaching
5. imagination
6. something
Question 2.
(mightiest, halfway, remains, brutal, granted, defied)
Once having …….1……… this, the question ……2………. Why Everest? Because it is the highest, the ………..3………. and has ……….4………… many previous attempts. It takes the last ounce of one’s energy. It is a ……….5………. struggle with rock and ice. Once taken up, it cannot be given up ……..6……….. even when one’s life is at stake.
Answer:
1. granted
2. remains
3. mightiest
4. defied
5. brutal
6. halfway
Grammar
Choose the correct Article(s), Conjunction (s) and Preposition (s) and complete the following passage:
Question 1.
……1………. climbing the summit ……..2…….. Everest, you are overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy ……..3…….. thankfulness. It is a joy ……….4…….. lasts a lifetime. The experience changes you completely. The man ……….5……… has been to the mountains is never ………6……… same again.
Answer:
1. By
2. of
3. and
4. which
5. who
6. the
Question 2.
Even ……..1……… getting down …….2…….. the summit, ……..3…….. the physical exhaustion had gone, I began asking myself the question ………..4……… I had climbed Everest. Why did the act of reaching the summit have such …….5….. hold ……..6…….. my imagination?
Answer:
1. when
2. from
3. once
4. why
5. a
6. on
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate forms of verbs given in the brackets and complete the texts:
Question 1.
Once having …..1…….. (grant) this, the question ………..2………. (remain): Why Everest? Because It Is the highest, the mightiest and ………3……… (defy) many previous attempts.
Answer:
1. granted
2. remains
3. has defied
Question 2.
………..1………. (glimpse) a peak in the distance, I get ………….2………… (transport) to another world. I experience a change within myself which can only ……….3…….. (call) mystical.
Answer:
1. GlimpsIng
2. transported
3. be called
Change the voice of the following:
(1) Why do you help your neighbour?
(2) The experience changes you completely.
(3) It presents great difficulties.
(4) It takes the last ounce of one’s energy.
(5) You are sharing a rope with another climber.
(6) You strain every nerve as you take every step.
(7) Your companion keeps up with you.
Answer:
(1) Why Is your neighbour helped by you?
(2) You are completely changed by the experience.
(3) Great difficulties are presented by It.
(4) The last ounce of one’s energy is taken by It.
(5 ) A rope Is being shared with another climber by you.
(6) Every nerve Is strained by you as you take every step.
(7)You are kept up wIth by your companion.
Rewrite as directed:
(1) Instead of being Jubilant, there was a tinge of sadness. (Use ‘but’.)
(2) By climbing the summit of Everest you are overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and thankfulness. (Use ‘when’.)
(3) Would my memories fade slowly away? (Turn into Assertive.)
(4) It is not easy to answer the question. (Turn into Affirmative.)
(5) The passage back is as difficult as the passage onwards. (Change the Degree.)
(6) It is a challenge that is difficult to resist. (Use ‘resistance’.)
( 7) The experience is not merely physical. It is emotional. (Join using ‘not only… but also.)
Answer:
(1) It was not being jubilant, but there was a tinge of sadness.
(2) When you climb the summit of Everest, you Eire overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and thankfulness.
(3) I doubt whether my memories would fade slowly away.
(4) It is difficult to answer the question.
(5) The passage onwards is not more difficult than the passage back.
(6) It is a challenge beyond resistance.
(7) The experience is not only merely physical but also emotional.
The Summit Within Summary in English
The Summit Within Summary:
This story is the experiences of Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia, a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest. Ahluwalia was full of humility when he stood on the summit of Everest. He thanked God for his physical success. It was the highest of the goals for him. While getting down from the summit he asked himself why he climbed Everest and what made him to do so.
The people climb mountains because they present great difficulties. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. A climb to a summit means the demonstration of climber’s endurance, persistence and willpower. Since childhood, the narrator has been attracted by mountains. For him mountains are nature at its best. They have a challenging beauty and majesty. They are a means of communion with God.
Everest is the highest and the mightiest peak and has defied many previous attempts. On climbing its summit, one has the sense of victory and of happiness. Its view brings; a spiritual change in his mind. It poses a challenge before him which was difficult to resist. One feels connected with the supernatural element on reaching the summit. One becomes conscious of one’s own smallness in this large Universe. It provides physical, emotional and spiritual fulfilment.
Climbing a mountain is a highly risky job and needs others’ help also. The fellow climbers prove to be a source o inspiration. They remember their Gods to feel confident. It is far more difficult to climb the summit within oneself than to climb the summit of a mountain. One can get a fuller knowledge of oneself merely by climbing one’s personal and internal mountain peaks.
It is fearful and unscalable like the climb to the summit of a mountain. Both the climbs teach one much about the world and about oneself. The Internal summits are much higher than Everest. The climber gets the Inspiration to face life’s ordeals with determination.