The Day the River Spoke Class 7 English Poorvi Summary
Chapter 1 The Day the River Spoke Summary Class 7 English
About the Story
- The story is written by Kamala Nair and tells the story of a young girl named Jahnavi who lives in a coastal village in India.
- Jahnavi has a big dream of going to school, but her family does not allow her because she is a girl and has to take care of her younger siblings.
- One day, she talks to a magical river, which encourages her to follow her dream.
- The story teaches us about courage, determination, and the importance of education, especially for girls.
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The Day the River Spoke Comic |
Explanation of the Story The Day the River Spoke
Life in the Village
Jahnavi, a bright and curious girl, lives in a coastal village with her parents and four brothers — Gopi (whom she calls Ettan), Meena, Ramu, and Appu. Her parents work on a farm, and Jahnavi often spends time near a nearby river. She dreams of going to school like her brothers, but her mother keeps postponing it, saying she is either too young or needed at home to care for her siblings.
A Cry by the River
One day, feeling hopeless, Jahnavi cries by the river, thinking she will never go to school. To her surprise, the river speaks to her in a sleepy, kind voice. Scared at first, Jahnavi soon shares her wish to learn about the world — about spiders, bamboo, and the moon — and her fear of being too old to start school. The river listens patiently and encourages her, telling her that girls are just as capable as boys. It advises her to simply walk into the classroom and listen quietly, believing the teacher might let her stay. The river also talks about ships and suggests that Chandu, a fisherman, could someday take her to see one.
Jahnavi’s Brave Step
The next day, carrying her youngest brother Appu, Jahnavi stands shyly by the classroom door, listening to a story about King Ashoka. Gradually, she moves inside and sits at the back. The teacher notices her, learns she is Gopi’s sister, and decides to talk to her family.
A Dream Comes True
That evening, the teacher visits Jahnavi’s home. Though her father worries, her mother supports Jahnavi’s wish, recalling her own childhood dream of studying. They agree to let Jahnavi join school. The next morning, Jahnavi runs excitedly to the river and shares the good news. She dreams of learning to read, write, and someday become a teacher to help other girls. The river chuckles and invites her back to learn even more, including the secrets of the ships beyond the sea.
Summary of The Day the River Spoke in Hindi
यह कहानी जान्हवी नाम की एक लड़की की है, जो नदी के किनारे बैठकर प्रकृति की सुंदरता को निहारती है। वह देखती है कि एक किंगफिशर नदी में मछली पकड़ने के लिए झपटता है और एक हरी छिपकली धीरे-धीरे नदी के किनारे धूप सेंकने के लिए सरकती है। अचानक, जान्हवी को एक धीमी और उन्नीदी आवाज सुनाई देती है, जिससे वह चौंक जाती है, क्योंकि उसे लगता है कि वह अकेली है। वह चारों ओर देखती हैं लेकिन कोई नहीं दिखता। फिर पता चलता है कि वह आवाज नदी की खुद की थी। जान्हवी अपनी उदासी नदी को बताती है। वह स्कूल जाना चाहती है, लेकिन उसकी माँ हमेशा उसे मना कर देती है और छोटे भाई-बहनों की देखभाल करने को कहती है। अब वह दस साल की हो चुकी है और उसे डर है कि अब उसे कभी स्कूल जाने को नहीं मिलेगा। उसे पढ़ना-लिखना सीखना है और यह जानना है कि फूलों पर मकड़ियाँ पीली क्यों होती हैं, बांस के पेड़ सरसराते क्यों हैं, और चावल के खेतों में छोटी मछलियाँ मेंढक क्यों बन जाती हैं।
नदी उसे प्रोत्साहित करती है और कहती है कि लड़कियाँ लड़कों जितना ही कर सकती हैं। वह जान्हवी को हिम्मत देती है कि एक दिन बस स्कूल चली जाए और देखे कि क्या होता है। अगले दिन, जान्हवी डरते हुए भी हिम्मत जुटाकर स्कूल चली जाती है। वह पीछे बैठकर कक्षा में पढ़ाई सुनती है। शिक्षक उसे देख लेता है और उसे रहने की अनुमति देने की बात करता है। शिक्षक उसके पिता और माँ से बात करता है, और माँ मान जाती है। माँ कहती है कि जब वह छोटी थी, तब उसकी दादी ने उसे स्कूल जाने नहीं दिया था, लेकिन अब वह खुश है कि जान्हवी पढ़ेगी । जान्हवी खुशी से नदी को अपनी सफलता के बारे में बताती है। वह कहती है कि जब वह बड़ी होगी, तो एक शिक्षिका बनेगी और गाँव की सभी लड़कियों को स्कूल बुलाएगी। यह कहानी हमें शिक्षा के महत्व, साहस और आत्मनिर्भरता का पाठ पढ़ाती है।
Moral of the Story
- The story teaches us that courage and determination can help us achieve our dreams, even when things seem difficult.
- It also shows that education is important for everyone, especially girls, who may face challenges in getting it.
- The river’s encouragement reminds us to believe in ourselves and take small steps toward our goals.
- The story highlights the value of support from others, like the teacher and Jahnavi’s mother, in making dreams come true.
Difficult Words
Here are the meanings of some difficult words from the story, explained simply:
- Splashed: Water or liquid falling in drops with a sound (e.g., tears splashed down her face).
- Slithered: Moved smoothly by sliding, like a snake or lizard.
- Murmuring: Speaking in a soft, low voice, almost like a whisper.
- Startled: Suddenly surprised or shocked.
- Thicket: A group of bushes or trees growing close together.
- Shrieked: Made a loud, high-pitched sound, like a scream.
- Conspiratorially: Speaking secretly, as if sharing a special plan.
- Catamaran: A small boat made of logs tied together, used by fishermen.
- Panting: Breathing heavily because of running or being tired.
- Rustle: A soft sound made by leaves or paper moving.