For effective revision, students can use BSE Odisha Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 10 The Tunnel Question Answer to practice textbook exercises.
Class 7 English The Tunnel Question Answer
Class 7 English Chapter 10 Question Answer Odia Medium
Let us do these activities before we read
(ଆସ ପଢ଼ିବା ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଏହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ କରିବା)
I. What kind of an adventure activity would you like to be a part of? Now, choose the option(s) that best applies to you.
(ତୁମେ କେଉଁ ପ୍ରକାର ଦୁଃସାହସିକ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟର ଅଂଶହେବାକୁ ଇଚ୍ଛା କରୁଛ ? ଏବଂ ତୁମ ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରଯୁଜ୍ୟ ବିକଳ୍ପଟିକୁ ବାଛ ।)
Question 1.
How would you like to spend your weekends?
(ତୁମେ ତୁମର ସପ୍ତାହ ଶେଷ କିମ୍ବା ଛୁଟିଦିନ କିପରି କାଟିବାକୁ ଚାହୁଁଛ ?
(i) Trying new activities
(ii) Reading a book
(iii) Spending time with friends
(iv) Learning something new
Answer:
(iv) Learning something new
Question 2.
Which of these places would you prefer to explore?
(ଏହି ସ୍ଥାନମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁଠାରେ ତୁମେ ଅନ୍ଵେଷଣ କରିବାକୁ ପସନ୍ଦ କରିବ ?)
(i) Dense forests and clear streams
(ii) Magical lands with fairies
(iii) Busy cities with interesting people
(iv) Quiet places to think and create
Answer:
(iv) Quiet places to think and create
Question 3.
Which one of these activities would you prefer to do? (ଏହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ତୁମେ କେଉଁଟି କରିବାକୁ ପସନ୍ଦ କରିବ ?)
(i) Climbing a mountain
(ii) Finding a hidden treasure
(iii) Discovering a secret world
(iv) Exploring a jungle
Answer:
(iv) Exploring a jungle
Question 4.
What do you think about teamwork?
(ତୁମେ ଦଳଗତ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ବିଷୟରେ କ’ଣ ଭାବୁଛ ?)
(i) I love leading the team.
(ii) I enjoy working with others.
(iii) I prefer sharing ideas with friends.
(iv) I like working alone.
Answer:
(i) I love leading the team.
(Note: These are suggestive answers. Students will write about their thoughts.) Based on your choices, which of the following do you think applies the best to you? Discuss with your classmates.
(ତୁମ ପସନ୍ଦ ଆଧାରରେ ଏଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁଟି ତୁମ ପାଇଁ ଅଧ୍ୟକ ପ୍ରଯୁଜ୍ୟ । ତୁମ ଶ୍ରେଣୀ ସାଥୀଙ୍କ ସହ ଆଲୋଚନା କର ।)
Bold Explorer Energetic Planner
You may add to the list as per your choices.
Imaginative Dreamer Thoughtful Creator
Answer:
I think I am a mixture of a bold explorer, an energetic planner, and a thoughtful creator. I embrace challenges with curiosity, organise ideas with enthusiasm and express creativity with depth. This blend allows me to navigate new experiences, turn visions into reality and craft meaningful contributions to the world.
Let us discuss
(ଚାଲ ଆଲୋଚନା କରିବା) :
Question 1.
Suraj compares the train to a magical creature. Pick the phrases that convey the meaning.
(ସୁରଜ ଟ୍ରେନ୍କୁ ଏକ କୁହୁକ ପ୍ରାଣୀ ସହ ତୁଳନା କରିଛି । ଏହି ଅର୍ଥ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରୁଥିବା ବାକ୍ୟାଶଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ବାଛ ।)
Answer:
The phrases that convey the meaning of Suraj comparing the train to a magical
creature are:
(a) The railway lines were two straight black serpents disappearing into the tunnel in the hill side.
(b) The steam engine shot out of the tunnel, snorting and puffing like some green, black and gold dragon.
(c) It charged straight at the tunnel, and into it thundering past Suraj like the beautiful dragon of his dreams.
Question 2.
Suraj knew that the train was close by because _____.
(ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ପାଖେଇ ଆସିବା ସୂରଜ ଜାଣିପାରିଲା, କାରଣ _________)
Answer:
he had heard, in the distance, the sharp whistle of the engine.
Question 3.
What did Suraj see inside the tunnel?
(ସୂରଜ ଟନେଲ ଭିତରେ କ’ଣ ଦେଖୁଲା ?)
Answer:
Inside the tunnel, it was too dark, the walls were damp and sticky, a bat flew past and a lizard scuttled between the lines.
Question 4.
Select the correct option.
(ଠିକ୍ ଉତ୍ତରଟି ବାଛ ।)
What does Sunder Singh convey about the tunnel?
(ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ ଟନେଲ୍ ବିଷୟରେ କ’ଣ କହିଲା
He says that ______ (it is damp and sticky inside/he has lent it to the Government).
Answer:
he has lent it to the Government.
Question 5.
The watchman has created a system through which he informs the locomotive driver about any danger in the tunnel. The following flow chart shows this system. Refer to the text and complete the flow chart.
(ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ କୌଣସି ବିପଦ ଅଛି କି ନାହିଁ ଇଞ୍ଜିନ୍ ଡ୍ରାଇଭରକୁ ଜଣାଇବାକୁ ଜଗୁଆଳୀଟି ଏକ ପଦ୍ଧତି ତିଆରି କରିଥିଲା । ନିମ୍ନ ଫ୍ଲୋଚାର୍ଟଟି ସେହି ପଦ୍ଧତିଟି ଦର୍ଶାଉଛି । ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟକୁ ଅନୁସରଣ କରି ଫ୍ଲୋ ଚାର୍ଟଟି ସଂପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କର ।)
(Question with Answer)
Answer:
Let us discuss
(ଆସ ଆଲୋଚନା କରିବା) :
Question 1.
Sunder Singh knew that the leopard was in the tunnel because _____.
(ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ ଜାଣିଥୁଲା ଯେ ଚିତାବାଘଟି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ ଅଛି କାରଣ _______।)
Answer:
he could hear padded footfall of the leopard and rustle of dry leaves.
Question 2.
Why do you think Suraj was unable to do any shouting in the tunnel in the beginning?
(ତୁମେ କାହିଁକି ଭାବୁଛ, ସୁରଜ ପ୍ରଥମରୁ ଟନେଲରେ କୌଣସି ଚିତ୍କାର କରିବାପାଇଁ ଅସମର୍ଥ ଥିଲା?)
(i) He was afraid of the leopard.
(ii) He didn’t want to disturb the leopard,
(iii) He was trying to listen for the leopard.
(iv) He didn’t really believe Sunder Singh.
Answer:
(iii) He was trying to listen for the leopard.
Question 3.
What made the leopard disappear into the darkness?
(କେଉଁଥ ପାଇଁ ଚିତାବାଘଟି ଅଦୃଶ୍ୟ ହୋଇଯିବାକୁ ବାଧ୍ୟ ହେଲା ?)
Answer:
The leopard disappeared into the darkness because, when both Suraj and Sunder Singh shouted in the tunnel, their voices echoed. Hearing their shouts, the leopard became terrified, thinking that many humans were following it.
Question 4.
How did Suraj know Sunder Singh was at the tunnel?
(ସୂରଜ କିପରି ଜାଣିଲା ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ନିକଟରେ ଥିଲା ବୋଲି)
Answer:
Suraj knew that Sunder Singh was at the tunnel because, he saw a lamp glowing inside it while travelling with his father to Delhi. Even though he couldn’t see Sunder Singh’s face, he was sure that it was his friend Sunder who was there.
Question 5.
Why did Suraj’s father take him along to Delhi?
(ସୁରଜର ବାପା ତାକୁ ସାଙ୍ଗରେ ଦିଲ୍ଲୀ ନେଇଥଲେ କାହିଁକି ?)
Answer:
Suraj’s father took him to Delhi because he felt it was time for Suraj to learn about the business he does.
Let us think and reflect
(ଆସ ଚିନ୍ତା କରିବା ଓ ବିଚାର କରିବା) :
I. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow:
(ନିମ୍ନ ଧାଡ଼ିଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ପଢ଼ ଓ ପରବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଅ ।)
1. Suraj had to turn and look back at the opening to reassure himself that there was still daylight outside. Ahead of him, the tunnel’s other opening was just a small round circle of light.
The tunnel was still full of smoke from the train, but it would be several hours before another train came through. Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again.
Suraj didn’t stop, because there was nothing to do in the tunnel and nothing to see. He had simply wanted to walk through, so that he would know what the inside of a tunnel was really like.
(i) Write whether the following statement is true or false.
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ଠିକ୍ ନା ଭୁଲ ଲେଖ ।)
Suraj looked back at the opening of the tunnel to check if the train was coming.
Answer:
False (He looked back to see whether it is day or evening outside the tunnel.)
(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence given below.
(ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସଂପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କରିବାପାଇଁ ସଠିକ୍ ବିକଳ୍ପଟି ବାଛ ।)
Suraj did not stop anywhere in the tunnel because ______.
(ସୁରଜ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ କୌଣସିଠାରେ ଅଟକିଗଲା ନାହିଁ କାରଣ ________।)
A. there was nothing to see in the tunnel
B. the tunnel was damp and sticky
C. he was in a hurry to get out of the tunnel
D. it was time for another train to come
Answer:
A. there was nothing to see in the tunnel
(iii) What does the sentence Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again’ mean?
(‘ସେ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ, କଟା ସ୍ଥାନଟି ପୁଣିଥରେ ଜଙ୍ଗଲର ଅଧିକାରଭୁକ୍ତ ହେଲା’’ ବାକ୍ୟଟି କ’ଣ ବୁଝାଇଛି ?)
Answer:
It means that the cleared path through which the train travelled would return to its normal state, becoming part of the jungle once more.
(iv) Suraj wanted to know the inside of the tunnel. What character trait of Suraj is highlighted here?
(ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରଟା ଜାଣିବାପାଇଁ ସୂରଜ ଇଚ୍ଛା କଲା । ଏଠାରେ ସୁରଜର କେଉଁ ଚାରିତ୍ରିକ ଗୁଣାବଳୀ ଉଲ୍ଲେଖ କରାଯାଇଛି ?)
Answer:
The character trait of Suraj being highlighted here is that he is bold and curious. “The train will soon be here,” said Suraj.
“Yes, my friend. And if we don’t drive the leopard out of the tunnel it will be run over and killed. I can’t let that happen.
“But won’t it attack us if we try to drive it out?” asked Suraj, beginning to share the watchman’s concern.
“Not this leopard. It knows me well. We have seen each other many times. It has a weakness for goats and stray dogs, but it will not harm us. Even so, I’ll take my axe with me. You stay here; Suraj.”
(i) What was the watchman’s concern?
(ଜଗୁଆଳୀର ଚିନ୍ତା କ’ଣ ଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
The watchman heard the noise of the leopard in the tunnel. His concern was that if he did not drive the leopard out, it would be run over by the train.
(ii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
(ବାକ୍ୟଟିକୁ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ କାରଣ ସହ ସଂପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କର ।)
Sunder Singh was sure that the leopard in the tunnel would not attack him and Suraj because _____.
Answer:
it had weakness for goats and stray dogs.
(iii) Select the sentences that are true from those given below.
(ନିମ୍ନସ୍ଥ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଠିକ୍ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ବାଛ ।)
A. Suraj wants to see leopards in the jungle.
B. Suraj is concerned about Sunder Singh’s safety.
C. The leopard in the tunnel attacks goats and stray dogs.
D. Sunder Singh wants to protect Suraj.
E. Sunder Singh knows all about the animals in the jungle.
Answer:
Sentences B, C, D and E are true.
(iv) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
(ବାକ୍ୟଟିକୁ ପୂରଣ କରିବାପାଇଁ ସଠିକ୍ ବିକଳ୍ପ ବାଛ ।)
Sunder Singh decides to take his axe with him. This tells us that he was _____.
A. violent
B. cautious
C. bold
D. afraid
Answer:
B. cautious
II. Answer the following questions.
(ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଅ ।)
Question 1.
What does Sunder Singh convey by saying that he has lent his tunnel to the Government?
(ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ ତା’ର ଟନେଲ୍ ସରକାରଙ୍କୁ ଧାର ଦେଇଛି କହି କ’ଣ ଜଣେଇ ଦେଇଛି ?)
Answer:
By saying so he wants to convey that since the tunnel is in the middle of the jungle and no one wants to visit or inspect it, he is the only one who takes care of it. He feels that the tunnel belongs to him, though he acknowledges that it belongs to the government.
Question 2.
According to Sunder Singh, “It is safer in the forest than in the town”. What example does Sunder Singh give to support his opinion? What does this tell us about him?
(ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହର କଥା ଅନୁସାରେ ‘ଜଙ୍ଗଲରେ ସହର ଅପେକ୍ଷା ଅଧୁକ ନିରାପଦ’’ । ତା’ର ମତାମତକୁ ସମର୍ଥନ କରିବାପାଇଁ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ କ’ଣ ଉଦାହରଣ ଦେଇଛି । ଏହା ତା’ବିଷୟରେ କ’ଣ କହିଛି ?)
Answer:
Sunder Singh supported his statement, “It is safer in the forest than in the town”, by giving an example–he was almost run over by a bus when he went to the town last month.
This shows that Sunder Singh is content with his simple life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and cherishes his peaceful existence in the forest, close to nature.
Question 3.
Sunder Singh has become part of the jungle life. Support the view with a suitable reason.
(ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ଜଙ୍ଗଲ ଜୀବନର ଏକ ଅଂଶ ପାଲଟି ଯାଇଥିଲା । ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ କାରଣ ଦେଇ ମତାମତକୁ ସମର୍ଥନ କର ।)
Answer:
Sunder Singh has become a part of the jungle, as shown by his deep understanding of its complexities. He knows the traits of all the animals in the jungle. For example, he is aware that the leopard is not aggressive towards humans, as it prefers to hunt goats and stray dogs for food. He entered the tunnel to drive the leopard out and took an axe for protection only after Suraj warned him that the leopard might harm them.
Question 4.
Sunder Singh and Suraj form an unlikely friendship. What draws them together?
(ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ ଓ ସୁରଜ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଅସାମାନ୍ୟ ବନ୍ଧୁତ୍ଵ ଗଢ଼ି ଉଠିଥିଲା, କ’ଣ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ଏକାଠି କରିଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
Suraj and Sunder Singh form an unlikely friendship, brought together by their shared love for nature and the peace of forest life.
Suraj, curious and adventurous, comes from the city to visit the tunnel and explore the jungle. Sunder Singh, on the other hand, prefers the calm and simplicity of the forest over the chaos of city life. Their common appreciation for the natural world, along with their respect for the jungle and its creatures creates a bond between them despite their different backgrounds.
Question 5.
Why is Sunder Singh referred to as a ‘firefly’?
(ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହଙ୍କୁ କାହିଁକି ଏକ ଜୁଳୁକୁଳିଆ ପୋକ ରୂପେ ଅଭିହିତ କରାଯାଇଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
Sunder Singh is referred to as a firefly because, like a firefly that provides light in the darkness, he serves as a guiding presence to the train driver in the lonely and mysterious jungle. He is a watchman with a lamp, always present to help and reassure travellers passing through the night. Sunder Singh’s presence brings a sense of safety and familiarity to those journeying through the dark and unknown terrain.
Question 6.
Do you think Suraj is an adventure-loving boy? Give reasons.
(ତୁମେ ଭାବୁଛ କି ସୁରଜ ଜଣେ ଦୁଃସାହସ-ପ୍ରେମୀ ବାଳକ ?)
Answer:
Yes, we can say that Suraj is an adventure-loving boy. He travelled from the city to a village on a bicycle, left it there and walked all the way to explore the jungle and the tunnel. He experienced the train leaving a cloud of smoke, cinders flying in all directions, tree leaves rustling, bats flying and a lizard crawling between the tracks in the tunnel. He also observed the dark and damp tunnel walls, encountered a leopard in the jungle, sipped tea with the watchman, and even helped drive the leopard out of the tunnel to prevent it from being run over by the train.
All these incidents clearly show how adventurous he is.
Let us learn
(ଆସ ଶିଖୁବା):
Complete the following sentences using the suitable phrases from the text given in the box below :
(ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ କୋଠରିରେ ଦିଆଯାଇଥିବା ବାକ୍ୟଶଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ନିମ୍ନଲିଖୁତ ବାକ୍ୟାଶଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସଂପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କର ।)
1. We could hear the _______ of the train long before it came into view at the station.
Answer:
We could hear the approaching engine of the train long before it came into view at the station.
2. The street was completely dark but the little boy walked to his house guided by the _____ from the houses.
Answer:
The street was completely dark but the little boy walked to his house guided by the flickering lights from the houses.
3. The _____ from the carpenter’s workshop grew louder every hour.
Answer:
The sawing sound from the carpenter’s workshop grew louder every hour.
4. From the balcony, she watched the _____ from her neighbour’s chimney float across the backyard.
Answer:
From the balcony, she watched the drifting smoke from her neighbour’s chimney float across the backyard.
II. The text has many ‘sound words’. Some of these words are given in Column 1 and their meanings are given in column 2. Match the words with their meanings. You can use a dictionary.
(ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟରେ ଅନେକ ଧ୍ଵନାତ୍ମକ ଶବ୍ଦ ଅଛି । ସେଥୁମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେତେକ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘1’ ରେ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି ଏବଂ ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଅର୍ଥ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘2’ ରେ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି । ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଅର୍ଥ ସହିତ ମିଳାଅ । ତୁମେ ଏକ ଅଭିଧାନ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିପାର ।)
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. creaking | (ii) making a long low sound when a door or wooden object moves or is moved |
| 2. chatter | (iii) repeated series of short high sounds made by birds or monkeys |
| 3. hissing | (i) making a noise like a long’s’ sound |
| 4. rustle | (v) a soft low, dry sound made by the movement of things such as leaves, paper, etc. |
| 5. puffing | (iv) blowing with short, quick blasts, as the wind |
Now, complete the sentences given below by filing in the blanks with the correct form of the sound words given in Column 1.
ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ରେ ଦିଆଯାଇଥିବା ଧ୍ଵନାତ୍ମକ ଶବ୍ଦର ସଠିକ ରୂପ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ନିମ୍ନପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।
1. The steam engine reached the station ______ black smoke into the sky.
Answer:
The steam engine reached the station, puffing black smoke into the sky.
2. Suddenly the snake raised its hood and made a ______ noise.
Answer:
Suddenly the snake raised its hood and made a hissing noise.
3. When the wind blew, I heard the ______ of the wooden roof.
Answer:
When the wind blew, I heard the creaking of the wooden roof.
4. He heard a ______ of leaves behind him when he was walking in the woods.
Answer:
He heard a rustling of leaves behind him when he was walking in the woods.
5. I get disturbed by the continuous ______ of the monkeys in the neighbourhood.
Answer:
I get disturbed by the continuous chattering of the monkeys in the neighbourhood.
III. Read what the watchman Sunder Singh did regularly at the tunnel as part of his duty. Notice the use of ‘would’.
(ଜଗୁଆଳ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ ତା’ର କର୍ତ୍ତବ୍ୟ ଅଂଶଭାବେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗରେ ନିୟମିତ ଭାବେ ଯେଉଁ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ କରୁଥିଲା ପଢ଼ି । ‘would’ ର ବ୍ୟବହାରକୁ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ କର ।)
Every day, before the train came through, he would walk the length of the tunnel. If all was .well,, he would return to his hut and take a nap. If something was wrong, he would walk back up the line and wave a red flag and the engine driver would slow down. At night, the watchman lit an oil lamp and made a similar inspection of the tunnel
1. Why is the word ‘would’ used here?
(i) to make a polite request
(ii) to express a desire
(iii) to talk about habitual action in the past
In these sentences, the word ‘would’ is used to speak about a past habit.
Would’ and ‘used to’ are both used to describe repeated past activities/actions. We call them ‘habitual or routine actions in the past’.
Example : When we were children, we used to /would go scatting evening winter. ‘Used to’ is generally used to talk about past habitual actions as well as states. ‘Would’ can only be used in past habitual action & Not for past habitual state. I used to have a Robin Hood bicyle when I was young. But Not I would have a Robin Hood bicyle…..(unacceptable)
2. Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets with the correct form of ‘used to’ or ‘would’. An example has been done for you.
(ବନ୍ଧନୀ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ କ୍ରିୟାର ‘used to’ କିମ୍ବା ‘would’ ର ସଠିକ୍ ରୂପ ବ୍ୟବହାର ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସଂପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କର । ଗୋଟିଏ ଉଦାହରଣ ତୁମ ପାଇଁ କରି ଦିଆଯାଇଛି ।)
When I was a child we used to live in a village near a forest. We
(i) _____ (grow) vegetables in our back garden. Every day we
(ii) _____ (get up) early and go for a walk. The weather in summer
(iii) _____ (be) really nice. There was a lake near the house and we
(iv) _____ (go) there every Sunday for a picnic. Winters
(v) _____ (be) rather cold. In the evenings, my father
(vi) _____ (tell) us incredible stories and we
(vii) _____ (listen) with admiration.
Answer:
When I was a child we used to live in a village near a forest. We (i) used to grow vegetables in our back garden. Every day we (ii) would get up early and go for a walk. The weather in summer (iii) used to be really nice. There was a lake near the house and we (iv) would go there every Sunday for a picnic. Winters (v) used to be rather cold. In the evenings, my father (vi) would tell us incredible stories and we (vii) would listen with admiration.
IV. A lot of symbols marks are used in the text. We call them Punctuation marks. Now mark their functions :
(ଅନେକ ପ୍ରତୀକ ଚିହ୍ନ ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇଛି । ଆମେ ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ବିରାମ ଚିହ୍ନ କହୁ । ଏବେ ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକର କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ କର ।)
(i) Full stop (.) is used at the end of a sentence.
(ii) A capital letter: is used at the beginning of a sentence and a proper noun.
(iii) Comma (,) is used to separate items in a series or list.
(iv) Colon (:) is generally used before explanations.
(v) Semi-colon (;) is often used instead of full-stops, incase where sentences are grammatically independent.
(vi) Dashes (-) is used especially in informal writing.
(vii) Question Marks (inverted commas) are often used when we talk (a) single quotation (“) a word, or when we use it in an unusual way, (b) Double Quotation (“When we quote speech, we can use either single or double quotation marks.
(viii) Mark of Interrogation: (?) when an auxiliary verb or a word with an auxiliary is used at the beginning of a sentence, we use a mark of interrogation / a question mark at the end of a sentence.
(ix) Apostrophe (6) is used in short forms like can’t, won’t etc. It can also be used after nouns (both singular and plural) i.e. sister’s marriage, children’s park etc. 1 Read the conversation between Mother and Daughter. Put punctuation marks in the boxes. The first one has been done for you.
(ମା’ ଓ ଝିଅ ମଧ୍ୟରେ କଥୋପକଥନକୁ ପଢ଼ । କୋଠରି ମଧ୍ୟରେ ବିରାମ ଚିହ୍ନ ଦିଅ । ପ୍ରଥମଟି ତୁମ ପାଇଁ କରିଦିଆଯାଇଛି ।)
THREE EGGS
Siya: Look here, Mother [ ]
There are two eggs on the plate [ ] I can show you there are three.
Mother: How
Siya: This is number one [ ] that is number two [ ] one and two make three.
Answer:
Siya Look here, Mother!
There are two eggs on the plate. I can show you there are three.
Mother: How?
Siya: This is number one, that is number two. One and two make three.
We use punctuation marks to make our writing clear meaningful. You already know how to use full stops and commas. Let us look at three more punctuation marks- brackets, semicolon, and colon.
Colon (:) is used to introduce a list or an explanation.
You need the following ingredients to make Ela Ada: ghee, coconut, jaggery, and rice flour.
He has one goal: to win the championship.
Semicolon (;) is used to connect two clauses which are closely related without a conjunction.
She loves reading; he prefers watching movies.
Suraj followed close behind; but he found he was unable to do any shouting.
Now, use semicolons and colons to punctuate the following paragraph.
(ନିମ୍ନ ଅନୁଚ୍ଛେଦଟିକୁ ସେମିକୋଲନ (;) ଓ କୋଲନ (:) ବିରାମ ଚିହ୍ନ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ଲେଖ ।
We explored the busy by-lanes of Unit 1 market, the heart of Bhubaneswar it was an exciting day. We wanted to do a few things buy korakhai, taste Pahala rasagolla, and buy Pipili chandua, which are special to this area. As we walked through the lanes, we saw stalls selling spices, clothes, and jewellery the market was full of colours. We visited some famous spots of Dhauligiri, Khandgiri, State Museum and Nandankanan each place was beautiful.
Answer:
We explored the busy by-lanes of Unit 1 market: the heart of Bhubaneswar; it was an exciting day. We wanted to do a few things: buy korakhai, taste Pahala rasagolla, and buy Pipili chandua, which are special to this area. As we walked through the lanes, we saw stalls selling spices, clothes, and jewellery; the market was full of colours. We visited some famous spots of Dhauligiri, Khandgiri, State Museum and Nandankanan each place was beautiful.
Let us listen
(ଆସ ଶୁଣିବା)
A famous museum in your town is organising a treasure hunt in the museum premises. You and your friends decide to participate in it. Upon arrival, you find that there are many other teams. Each team is given an audio guide (recorded information) and a map to the museum. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 176)
(ତୁମ ସହରର ଏକ ପ୍ରସିଦ୍ଧ ସଂଗ୍ରାହାଳୟ ଖଜଣ ଅନ୍ଵେଷଣ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ସଂଗ୍ରହାଳୟ ପରିସରରେ ଆୟୋଜନ କରୁଛି । ତୁମେ ଓ ତୁମର ସାଙ୍ଗମାନେ ସେଥିରେ ଅଂଶଗ୍ରହଣ କରିବାକୁ ସ୍ଥିର କରିଛ । ସେଠାରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିବା ପରେ ଅନ୍ୟାନ୍ୟ ଦଳଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ତୁମେ ଦେଖିବାକୁ ପାଉଛ । ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଦଳକୁ ଏକ audio guide (ରେକର୍ଡ଼ ହୋଇଥିବା ତଥ୍ୟ ଏବଂ ସଂଗ୍ରହାଳୟକୁ ଏକ ମାନଚିତ୍ର ଦିଆଯାଇଛି । (ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ transcript ପୃଷ୍ଠା – ୧୭୬ ରେ ଅଛି ।)
Listen to the audio recording and as you listen, mark your map with the route to take to find the treasure. To help you, the names of a few rooms in the museum are given below. Now listen to the audio and mark the various rooms.
(If audio recording is not available the teacher may read it out.)
(ଅଡ଼ିଓ ରୋକଙ୍କୁ ଶୁଣ ଏବଂ ଶୁଣିବା ସମୟରେ ତୁମ ମାନଚିତ୍ରରେ ଖଜଣା ଖୋଜିବା ପାଇଁ ରାସ୍ତା ଚିହ୍ନିତ କର । ତୁମକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବାପାଇଁ ସଂଗ୍ରହାଳୟର କେତେକ ନାମ ନିମ୍ନ କୋଠରିରେ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି । ଏବେ ଅଡ଼ିଓଟିକୁ ଶୁଣ ଏବଂ ବିଭିନ୍ନ କୋଠରି ଚିହ୍ନଟ କର । ଅଡ଼ିଓ ରେକର୍ଡିଂ ଉପଲବ୍ଧ ନଥୁଲେ ଶିକ୍ଷକ ଏହାକୁ ପଢ଼ିପାରିବେ ।)
(Question with Answer)
Fig. ମଧ୍ୟରେ
Answer:
ଲେଖାଯାଇଛି ।
Let us write
(ଚାଲ ଲେଖୁ)
Write a descriptive paragraph about your experience of a train journey. Describe the sights, sounds, and feelings you experienced during the journey. Include details about the people around you, the scenery outside, and the atmosphere inside the train to make your paragraph vivid and engaging.
(ତୁମର ଏକ ରେଳଯାତ୍ରାର ଅନୁଭୂତି ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ ଏକ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନାତ୍ମକ ଅନୁଚ୍ଛେଦ ଲେଖ । ତୁମେ ଅନୁଭବ କରିଥିବା ଦୃଶ୍ୟ, ଶବ୍ଦ ଏବଂ ଅନୁଭୂତିକୁ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର । ତୁମ ଚାରିପାଖର ଲୋକ, ବାହାରର ଦୃଶ୍ୟ, ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଭିତରର ପରିବେଶ ଇତ୍ୟାଦିକୁ ତୁମ ଅନୁଚ୍ଛେଦଟିକୁ ସୁସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ଓ ଆକର୍ଷଣୀୟ କରିବାପାଇଁ ଅନ୍ତର୍ଭୁକ୍ତ କର ।)
You may use the following guidelines to help you create the paragraph.
(ତୁମ ଅନୁଚ୍ଛେଦ ଲିଖନରେ ସହାୟତା ପାଇଁ ନିମ୍ନ ନିର୍ଦ୍ଦେଶାବଳୀକୁ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିପାର ।)
Start with how the journey began: boarding the train, finding your seat, and the initial impressions.
Describe the sounds: the whistle of the train, the chatter of passengers, and the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the tracks.
Mention the sights: the changing scenery outside the window, the hustle and bustle inside the train, and any interesting moments.
Reflect on your feelings: Were you excited, relaxed, or curious? How did the journey make you feel overall?
Answer:
A Memorable Train Journey
My train journey began on a bright morning as I boarded the train with excitement bubbling inside me. After finding my window seat, I settled in and looked around. The station was buzzing with the hustle and bustle of passengers, hawkers, and announcements blaring over the loudspeaker. As the train started moving, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the track filled my ears. The whistle of the engine echoed like a song of adventure.
Looking out the window, I saw the scenery change from crowded cities to peaceful villages and lush green fields. Children waved at the train as it sped past, and cattle grazed lazily in the distance. Inside, the coach was alive with chatter-families sharing snacks, children playing games, and friendly co-passengers exchanging stories.
The journey made me feel relaxed and joyful. There was something magical about watching the world pass by from a moving train. It wasn’t just a ride-it was an experience filled with sights, sounds, and emotions I’ll always remember.
Let us explore
(ଆସ ଅନ୍ଵେଷଣ କରିବା) :
The Nation’s pride Atal Tunnel is 9.02 kilometres long. It runs under the Rohtang Pass. It was constructed on the Manali-Leh Highway under the challenging conditions of freezing temperatures in extremely difficult terrain. The Atal Tunnel has offially been certified by World Book of Records as the ‘World’s Longest Highway Tunnel above 10,000 Feet’!
(ଦେଶର ଗର୍ବ ଅଟଳ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ୯.୦୨ କି.ମି. ଲମ୍ବା । ଏହା ରୋହତାଙ୍ଗ ଗିରିପଥର ତଳେ ଗତି କରୁଛି । ଏହା ମନାଲୀ -ଲେହ ରାଜପଥରେ ଘନୀଭବନ ତାପମାତ୍ରା ଓ କଷ୍ଟସାଧ୍ୟ ଭୂମିରୂପ ଭଳି ଆହ୍ଵାନପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିରେ ନିର୍ମିତ ହୋଇଥିଲା । ଅଟଳ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ପୃଥିବୀର ଦୀର୍ଘତମ ରାଜପଥ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭାବେ World Bank of Records କାର୍ଯ୍ୟାଳୟ ଦ୍ଵାରା ସ୍ଵୀକୃତି ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ହୋଇଛି ।)
II. The Maliguda Tunnel of Odisha is the 4th biggest broad- gauge railway tunnel in India. The tunnel is 13 KM east of Jeypore, 26 KM from Koraput. The tunnel on which the entire route of 430 KM was built by Japan engineers in between (1961-66) with Japanese collaboration for the supply of Iron Ore from Kirandul to Vizag Port via Dantewada, Jagdalpur, Jeypore, Koraput, Padua, Araka and Kottavalasa.
(ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ମାଲିଗୁଡ଼ା ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭାରତର ଚତୁର୍ଥ ବୃହତ୍ତମ ବ୍ରଡ଼ଗେଜ୍ ରେଳପଥ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଅଟେ । ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗଟି ଜୟପୁରର ୧୩ କି.ମି. ପୂର୍ବରେ, କୋରାପୁଟଠାରୁ ୨୬ କି.ମି. ଦୂରରେ ଅବସ୍ଥିତ । ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଥିବା ସମୁଦାୟ ପଥ ଯାହାକି ୪୩୦ କି.ମି. ୧୯୬୧-୬୬ ମସିହା ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଜାପାନର ଇଞ୍ଜିନିୟରମାନଙ୍କ ଦ୍ଵାରା ଜାପାନ ସହାୟତାରେ ନିର୍ମାଣ କରାଯାଇଥିଲା । ଏହା କିରାଣ୍ଡୁଲରୁ ଦାନ୍ତେୱାଡ଼ା, ଜଗଦଲପୁର, ଜୟପୁର, କୋରାପୁଟ, ପଣ୍ଡୁଆ, ଆରକା ଓ କୋଟାଭାଲସା ଦେଇ ଭାଇଜାଗ ବନ୍ଦର ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଲୁହାପଥର ଯୋଗାଣ ପାଇଁ ନିର୍ମିତ ହୋଇଥିଲା ।)
The Tunnel Class 7 Summary
Let us read
(ଆସ ପଢ଼ିବା) :
It was almost noon, and the jungle was very still, very silent. The railway lines were two straight black serpents disappearing into the tunnel in the hillside Suraj stood near the cutting, waiting for the midday train. It wasn’t a station, and he wasn’t catching a train. He was waiting so that he could watch the steam engine come roaring out of the tunnel.
He had cycled out of the town and taken the jungle path until he had come to a small village. He had left the cycle there, and walked over a low scrub-covered hill and down to the tunnel exit.
Now he looked up. He had heard, in the distance, the sharp whistle of the engine. He couldn’t see anything, because the train was approaching from the other side of the hill. Presently a sound like distant thunder issued from the tunnel, and he knew the train was coming through.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ଏହା ପ୍ରାୟ ମଧ୍ୟାହ୍ନ ଥିଲା ଏବଂ ଜଙ୍ଗଲଟି ପୂରା ନୀରବ, ନିଶ୍ଚଳ ଥିଲା । ‘‘ରେଳ ଧାରଣା ଦୁଇଟି ପାହାଡ଼ର ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରକୁ ପଶି ଯାଉଥିବା ଦୁଇଟି ସିଧା କଳାସାପ ପରି ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲେ ।
ସୁରଜ ପାହାଡ଼ କଟା ବାଟ ପାଖରେ ଠିଆହୋଇ ଦିପହର ଟ୍ରେନକୁ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରିଥିଲେ । ଏହା ଏକ ଷ୍ଟେସନ ନଥିଲା ଏବଂ ସେ ଏକ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ରେ ଚଢ଼ିବା ପାଇଁ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରିନଥିଲା । ସେ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରିଥିଲା ଦେଖିବା ପାଇଁ କିପରି ବାଷ୍ପଚାଳିତ ରେଳଇଞ୍ଜିନଟି ଧୂଆଁ ଛାଡ଼ି ଶବ୍ଦକରି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରୁ ବାହାରୁଛି ।
ସେ ସାଇକେଲରେ ସହରରୁ ବାହାରି ଜଙ୍ଗଲ ରାସ୍ତାରେ ଯାଇ ଏକ ଛୋଟ ଗାଁକୁ ଆସିଥିଲା । ସେଠାରେ ସେ ସାଇକେଲକୁ ଛାଡ଼ିଦେଇ ଛୋଟ ଛୋଟ ଗୁଳ୍ମ ଥିବା ପାହାଡ଼ ଉପରେ ଚାଲିଚାଲି ସେହି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗର ବାହାରିବା ମୁହଁ ପାଖରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିଗଲା
ସେ ଉପରକୁ ଅନାଇଲେ । ଦୂରରୁ ଇଞ୍ଜିନ୍ର ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ ଶବ୍ଦ ସେ ଶୁଣିଲା । ସେ କିଛି ଦେଖି ପାରୁନଥିଲା କାରଣ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ପାହାଡ଼ ଆରପଟୁ ଆସୁଥିଲା । କିଛି ସମୟପରେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରୁ ଦୂରରେ ହେଉଥିବା ବଜ୍ରପାତର ଶବ୍ଦପରି ଏକ ଶବ୍ଦ ଶୁଭିଲା ଏବଂ ସେ ଜାଣିଲା ଯେ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ମଧ୍ୟ ଦେଇ ଆସୁଛି ।
A second or two later, the steam engine shot out of the tunnel, snorting and puffing like some green, black, and gold dragon,some beautiful monster out of Suraj’s dreams. Showering sparks left and right, it roared a challenge to the jungle.
Instinctively, Suraj stepped back a few paces. Waves of hot steam struck him in the face. Even the trees seemed to flinch from the noise and heat. And then the train had gone, leaving only a plume of smoke to drift lazily over the tall shisham trees.
The jungle was still again. No one moved.
Suraj turned and began walking along the embankment towards the tunnel.
The tunnel grew darker as he walked further into it. When he had gone about twenty yards, it became pitch dark. Suraj had to turn and look back at the opening to reassure himself that there was still daylight outside. Ahead of him, the tunnel’s other opening was just a small round circle of light.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ଏକ ସେକେଣ୍ଡ ବା ଦୁଇ ସେକେଣ୍ଡ ପରେ ବାଷ୍ପୀୟ ଇଞ୍ଜିନଟା ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରୁ ବାହାରି ଏକ ସବୁଜ କିମ୍ବା କଳା କିମ୍ବା ସୁନେଲି ରଙ୍ଗର ଡ୍ରାଗନ ଭଳି ଧଇ ସଇଁ ଶବ୍ଦକରି ମାଡ଼ିଚାଲିଲା । ସୂରଜର ସ୍ଵପ୍ନରୁ ବାହାରିଥିବା
କେତେକ ସୁନ୍ଦର ଦାନବ ପରି ଏପଟ ସେପଟ ଅଗ୍ନି ସ୍କୁଲିଙ୍ଗ ବିଚ୍ଛୁରିତ କରି ଜଙ୍ଗଲକୁ ଏକ ଆହ୍ୱାନ ଦେଇ ଗର୍ଜନ କରି ମାଡ଼ି ଚାଲିଲା ।
ସ୍ଵାଭାବିକ ଭାବେ, ସୂରଜ କିଛି ପାଦ ପଛକୁ ହଟିଆସିଲା । ତା’ ମୁହଁରେ ଗରମ ବାଷ୍ପର ଏକ ଢେଉ ବାଜିଲା ଏପରିକି ଗଛଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଶବ୍ଦ ଏବଂ ଗରମରେ ଥରି ଉଠୁଥୁଲେ । ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଯାଇସାରିଥିଲା । ଏହା ଛାଡ଼ି ଯାଇଥିବା ଧୁଆଁର କୁଣ୍ଡଳୀରେ ଡେଙ୍ଗା ଶିଶୁ ଗଛ ଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଅଗ୍ର ଭିଜି ଯାଇଥିଲା ।
ଜଙ୍ଗଲ ପୁନଃଶ୍ଚ ନିସ୍ତବ୍ଧ ହୋଇଗଲା । କେହି କୁଆଡ଼େ ଯାଉନଥିଲେ ।
ସୁରଜ ବୁଲିପଡ଼ିଲା ଏବଂ ବନ୍ଧରେ ଚାଲିଚାଲି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ (ଟନେଲ) ପାଖକୁ ଗଲା ।
ସେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ ପଶି ଆଗକୁ ଯିବାରୁ ଅନ୍ଧକାର ବଢ଼ି ବଢ଼ି ଚାଲିଲା । ବାହାରେ ଏବେ ଦିନର ଆଲୁଅ ଅଛି କି ନାହିଁ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ହେବାପାଇଁ ସୂରଜ ପଛକୁ ବୁଲି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗର ପ୍ରବେଶ ପଥକୁ ଚାହିଁଲା । ତା’ଆଗରେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗର ଅନ୍ୟପଟ ଦ୍ଵାରଟି ଆଲୋକର ଏକ ବୃତ୍ତାକାର ବିନ୍ଦୁପରି ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲା ।
The tunnel was still full of smoke from the train, but it would be several hours before another train came through. Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again.
Suraj didn’t stop, because there was nothing to do in the tunnel and nothing to see. He had simply wanted to walk through, so that he would know what the inside of a tunnel was really like. The walls were damp and sticky. A bat flew past. A lizard scuttled between the lines.
Coming straight from the darkness into the light, Suraj was dazzled by the sudden glare and put a hand up to shade his eyes. He looked up at the tree-covered hillside and thought he saw something moving between the trees.
It was just a flash of orange and gold, and a long swishing tail. It was there between the trees for a second or two, and then it was gone.
About fifteen metres from the entrance to the tunnel stood the watchman’s hut. Marigolds grew in front of the hut, and at the back there was a small vegetable patch. It was the watchman’s duty to inspect the tunnel and keep it clear of obstacles.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗଟି ଏବେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ରୁ ବାହରିଥିବା ଧୂଆଁରେ ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣଥୁଲା, ଅନ୍ୟ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଆସିବାପାଇଁ ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଘଣ୍ଟା ବାକି ଥିଲା । ସେତେବେଳ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ସେହି ଜଙ୍ଗଲିଆ ରାସ୍ତାଟି ପୁଣି ଥରେ ଜଙ୍ଗଲର ଅଂଶବିଶେଷ ହୋଇଗଲା ।
ସୂରଜ ଅଟକିଲା ନାହିଁ କାରଣ ତା’ର ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗରେ କିଛି କରିବାର ନଥୁଲା ବା କିଛି ଦେଖୁବାର୍ ନଥିଲା । ସେ କେବଳ ତା’ଭିତର ଦେଇ ଯିବାକୁ ଚାହୁଁଥୁଲା ଜାଣିବାପାଇଁ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗଟାର ଭିତର ପ୍ରକୃତରେ କିପରି ଜାଣିବାପାଇଁ । କାନ୍ଥଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସନ୍ତସନ୍ତିଆ ଏବଂ ଅଠାଳିଆ ଥିଲା । ଗୋଟିଏ ବାଦୁଡ଼ି ଉଡ଼ିଗଲା । ଏଣ୍ଡୁଅଟିଏ ରେଳଧାରଣାର ଦୁଇ ଧାରର ମଝିରେ ଦ୍ରୁତଗତିରେ ଚାଲିଗଲା ।
ଅନ୍ଧାରରୁ ସିଧାସଳଖ ଆଲୋକକୁ ଆସିବାରୁ ଉଜ୍ଜ୍ଵଳ ଆଲୋକରେ ତା’ର ଆଖୁ ଝଲସି ଉଠିଲା ଏବଂ ସେ ‘ହାତକୁ ପାପୁଲିରେ ମୁହଁ ଲୁଚାଇଦେଲା । ଆଖୁକୁ ଛାଇ ଦେବାପାଇଁ ଗଛ ବୃକ୍ଷରେ ପରିପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପାହାଡ଼କୁ ସେ ଅନାଇଲା ଏବଂ ସେ ଅନୁଭବ କଲା କିଛି ଗୋଟାଏ ଗଛଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଝିରେ ଗତି କରୁଛି ।
ଏହା କେବଳ କମଳା ଏବଂ ସୁନେଲି ରଙ୍ଗର ଏକ ଝଲକ ଥିଲା ଏବଂ ସୁ ସୁ ଶବ୍ଦ କରୁଥିବା ଏକ ଲମ୍ବା ଲାଞ୍ଜ ।’’ ଏହା ଗଛ ମଝିରେ ମାତ୍ର ଏକ ସେକେଣ୍ଡ କିମ୍ବା ଦୁଇ ସେକେଣ୍ଡ ଥିଲା, ତା’ପରେ କୁଆଡ଼େ ଚାଲିଗଲା ।
ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗର ପ୍ରବେଶପଥ ଠାରୁ ପ୍ରାୟ ପନ୍ଦର ମିଟର ଦୂରରେ ଜଗୁଆଳୀର କୁଡ଼ିଆଟି ଥିଲା । କୁଡ଼ିଆ ଆଗରେ ଗେଣ୍ଡୁଫୁଲ ଗଛ ବଢ଼ିଥିଲା ଏବଂ ତା’ର ପଛପଟେ ଏକ ପନିପରିବା ବଗିଚା ଥଲା । ଜଗୁଆଳୀର କାମ ହେଲା ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗକୁ ତଦାରଖ କରିବା ଏବଂ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିବା ପ୍ରତିବନ୍ଧକକୁ ଦୂର କରିବା ।
ତା
Every day, before the train came through, he would walk the length of the tunnel. If all was well, he would return to his hut and take a nap. If something was wrong, he would walk back up the line and wave a red flag, and the engine driver would slow down. At night, the watchman lit an oil lamp and made a similar inspection of the tunnel. Of course, he would not stop the train if there was a porcupine on the line. But if there was any danger to the train, he’d go back up the line and wave his lamp to the approaching engine. If all was well, he’d hang his lamp at the door of his hut and go to sleep.
He was just settling down on his cot for an afternoon nap when he saw the boy emerge from the tunnel. He waited until Suraj was only a metre or so away and then said, “Welcome, welcome. I don’t often have visitors. Sit down for a while, and tell me why you were inspecting my tunnel.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଦିନ ଟ୍ରେନ ତା’ ମଧ୍ୟଦେଇ ଯିବା ପୂର୍ବରୁ ସେ ପୂରା ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ ଚାଲି ଚାଲି ବୁଲୁଥିଲା । ଯଦି ସବୁ କିଛି ଠିକ୍ ଅଛି, ତେବେ କୁଡ଼ିଆକୁ ଫେରିଆସି ଅଳ୍ପ ବିଶ୍ରାମ ନେଉଥିଲା । ଯଦି କିଛି ଅସୁବିଧା ହୋଇଥାଏ ସେ ଫେରିଆସି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଦ୍ଵାରଦେଶରେ ଏକ ନାଲିପତାକା ହଲାଉଥୁଲା ଯାହାକୁ ଦେଖୁ ଟ୍ରେନଚାଳକ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ଟିକୁ ଧୀର କରିଦେଉଥିଲା । ରାତିରେ ଜଗୁଆଳୀଟି ଏକ ତୈଳ ବତୀ ଲଗାଇ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗକୁ ସେହିପରି ତଦାରଖ କରୁଥିଲା । ଅବଶ୍ୟ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ରେଳପଥରେ ଝିଙ୍କ ଥୁଲେ ସେ ଟ୍ରେନ୍କୁ ଅଟକାଇ ନଥିଲା । ଯଦି କିଛି ଟ୍ରେନ୍କୁ ବିପଦ ସୃଷ୍ଟି କଲାଭଳି ଜିନିଷ ଥାଏ, ତେବେ ସେ ଫେରିଆସି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ନିକଟତର ହେଉଥିବା ରେଳଇଞ୍ଜିନ୍ ଆଗରେ ତୈଳ ବତୀ ହଲାଉଥିଲା । ଆଉ ଯଦି ସବୁ ଠିକ୍ ଥାଏ, ସେ ତା’ର ବତୀକୁ କୁଡ଼ିଆ ଦୁଆର ମୁହଁରେ ଟାଙ୍ଗିଦେଇ ଭିତରେ ଶୋଇବାକୁ ଚାଲିଯାଉଥିଲା ।
ସେଦିନ ଉପରବେଳା ସେ ତାଙ୍କ ଖଟରେ ଟିକିଏ ଗଡ଼ିପଡ଼ିବାକୁ ଯାଉଥିଲେ, ସେତିକିବେଳେ ବାଳକଟି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗରୁ ବାହାରୁଥିବାର ଦେଖିଲେ । ସେ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କଲେ ସୂରଜ ତାଙ୍କ ପାଖାପାଖ୍ ଏକ ମିଟର କିମ୍ବା ଦୁଇ ମିଟର ହେବା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଏବଂ ତା’ପରେ ତାକୁ ସ୍ଵାଗତ କରି କହିଲେ, ମୁଁ ପ୍ରାୟ ପରିଦର୍ଶନକାରୀଙ୍କୁ ପାଏ ନାହିଁ । ଟିକିଏ ସମୟ ବସିପଡ଼ ଏବଂ ମୋତେ କୁହ ତୁମେ କାହିଁକି ମୋ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗକୁ ତଦାରଖ କରୁଛ ?
“Is it your tunnel?” asked Suraj.
“It is,” said the watchman. “It is truly my tunnel, since no one else will have anything to do with it. I have only lent it to the Government:”
Suraj sat down on the edge of the cot.
“I wanted to see the train come through,” he said. “And then, when it had gone, i thought I’d walk through the tunnel :’
“And what did you find in it?”
“Nothing. It was very dark. But when I came out, I thought I saw an animal-up on the hill-but I’m not sure, it moved off very quickly.”
It was a leopard you saw:” said the watchman. ‘My leopard.” “Do you own a leopard
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
‘ଏହା ତୁମ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ’’ ? ସୂରଜ ପଚାରିଲା ।
ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ମୋ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ । ଏଠାରେ ଅନ୍ୟ କାହାର କିଛି
ଜଗୁଆଳୀ କହିଲା, ‘‘ହଁ, ଏଇଟା ମୋର । ଏହା କରିବାର ନାହିଁ । ମୁଁ ଏହାକୁ କେବଳ ସରକାରଙ୍କୁ ଧାର ଦେଇଛି ।’’ ସୂରଜ ଖଟର ଧାରରେ ବସି ପଡ଼ିଲା ।
ସେ କହିଲା, ‘ମୁଁ ଟ୍ରେନ୍କୁ ଏହା ମଧ୍ୟ ଦେଇ ଯିବା ଦେଖିବାକୁ ଚାହୁଁଥୁଲି । ଯେତେବେଳେ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଚାଲିଗଲା, ମୁଁ ଏହା ମଧ୍ୟ ଦେଇ ଚାଲି ଆସିବାକୁ ଭାବିଲି ।’’
‘ ଆଉ ତୁମେ ଏହା ମଧ୍ୟରେ କିଛି ପାଇଲ ?’’
“ କିଛି ନାହିଁ । ଏହା ପୂରା ଅନ୍ଧାର । କିନ୍ତୁ ମୁଁ ଯେତେବେଳେ ବାହାରକୁ ଆସିଲି, ମୁଁ ଭାବୁଛି ଗୋଟାଏ ପଶୁ ପାହାଡ଼ ଉପରେ ଦେଖୁଲି; କିନ୍ତୁ ମୁଁ ପୂରା ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ନୁହେଁ, ଏହା ଖୁବ୍ ଶୀଘ୍ର ପଳାଇଗଲା ।’’
ଜଗୁଆଳୀ କହିଲା, ‘‘ତୁମେ ଏକ ଚିତାବାଘ ଦେଖିଲ । ସେଇଟା ମୋ ଚିତାବାଘ । ତୁମେ ମଧ୍ଯ ଏକ ଚିତାବାଘ ରଖୁଛି କି ?’’
“I do:”
“And do you lend it to the Government?” “I do not:” “Is it dangerous?”
“No, it’s a leopard that minds its own business. It comes to this range for a few days every month:’
“Have you been here a long time?” asked Suraj. “Many years. My name is Sunder Singh:”
“My name’s Suraj’.
“There is one train during the day. And there is one train during the night. Have you seen the night mail come through the tunnel?”
“No. At what time does it come?”
‘About nine o’clock, if it isn’t late. You could come and sit here with me, if you like. And after it has gone, instead of going to sleep I will take you home”
‘T’ll ask my parents,” said Suraj. ‘“Will it be safe?”
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
“ ‘ହଁ, ରଖୁଛି ।’’
‘‘ତୁମେ ତାକୁ ସରକାରଙ୍କୁ ଧାର ଦେଇଛ କି ?”’ ‘‘ମୁଁ ଦେଇନାହିଁ ।’’ ‘ଏହା କ’ଣ ବିପଜ୍ଜନକ ?”’ ‘ନା, ଏ ଚିତାବାଘ ସବୁବେଳେ ତା’ ନିଜ କାମରେ ବ୍ୟସ୍ତଥାଏ । ପ୍ରତିମାସରେ କେବଳ ଅଳ୍ପ କେତେ ଦିନ ପାଇଁ ଏହା ଏ ଅଞ୍ଚଳକୁ ଆସେ ।’’
ସୂରଜ ପଚାରିଲା, ‘ତୁମେ ଏହିଠାରେ ବହୁତ ଦିନ ହେବ ଅଛ ବହୁତ ବର୍ଷ ହେବ’’ ।
‘ମୋର ନାମ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ’’ ‘ମୋର ନାମ ସୂରଜ ।’’ ଏହି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗରେ ଦିନରେ ଗୋଟିଏ ଟ୍ରେନ ଏବଂ ରାତିରେ ଗୋଟିଏ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଯାଏ । ତୁମେ ଦେଖୁଛ ରାତ୍ରି ଟେନକୁ ଏହି ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଦେଇଯିବାର ?’’ ଏହା କେତେବେଳେ ଆସେ ?””
ଯଦି ବିଳମ୍ବ ହୋଇନଥାଏ, ତେବେ ସବୁଦିନ ରାତି ୯ଟାରେ ଆସେ । ଯଦି ତୁମେ ଚାହୁଁଛ, ଆସ ଏଠାରେ ଆସି ମୋ ସହିତ ବସିପାର । ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଯାଇସାରିବା ପରେ, ମୁଁ ଶୋଇବାକୁ ନଯାଇ ତୁମକୁ ତୁମ ଘରକୁ ନେଇଯିବି ।’’ ସୂରଜ କହିଲ, ‘ମୁଁ ମୋ ବାପା ମାଙ୍କୁ ପଚାରିବି ? ଏହା କ’ଣ ନିରାପଦ ହେବ ?”’
“Of course. It is safer in the jungle than in the town. Nothing happens to me out here. But last month, when I went into town, I was almost run over by a bus.”
Sunder Singh yawned and stretched himself out on the cot. “And now I am going to take a nap, my friend. It is too hot to be up and about in the afternoon.”
“Everyone goes to sleep in the afternoon:” complained Suraj. “My father lies down as soon as he’s had his lunch.”
“Well, the animals also rest in the heat of the day. It is only the tribe of boys who cannot, or will not, rest:”
Sunder Singh placed a large banana leaf over his face to keep away the flies, and was soon snoring gently. Suraj stood up, looking up and down the railway tracks. Then he began walking back to the village.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ଅବଶ୍ୟ, ସହର ଅପେକ୍ଷା ଜଙ୍ଗଲ ଅଧ୍ଵକ ନିରାପଦ । ମୋର ଏହିଠାରେ କିଛି ହୁଏ ନାହିଁ । କିନ୍ତୁ ଗତ ମାସରେ ମୁଁ ଯେତେବେଳେ ସହରକୁ ଯାଇଥିଲି, ଗୋଟିଏ ବସ୍ ପ୍ରାୟ ମୋ ଉପରେ ଚଢ଼ି ଯାଇଥା’ନ୍ତା । ତା’ପରେ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ ହାଇ ମାରିଲା ଏବଂ ନିଜକୁ ଖଟ ଉପରେ ଟିକିଏ ଲମ୍ବାଇଦେଲା । ‘ମୁଁ ବର୍ତ୍ତମାନ ଟିକିଏ ବିଶ୍ରାମ ନେବାକୁ ଯାଉଛି, ମୋର ସାଙ୍ଗ । ବାହାରେ ବୁଲିବା ପାଇଁ ଏହି ଉପର ଓଳି ବଡ଼ ଗରମ ହେଉଛି ।’’ ସୂରଜ ଅଭିଯୋଗ କରି କହିଲା, ‘‘ସମସ୍ତେ ଉପରଓଳି ଶୁଅନ୍ତି । ମୋ ବାପା ମଧ୍ୟାହ୍ନ ଭୋଜନ ଖାଇବା ପରେ ସଙ୍ଗେ ସଙ୍ଗେ ଶୋଇବାକୁ ଯାଆନ୍ତି ।’’ ଆଚ୍ଛା, ପଶୁମାନେ ବି ଦିନର ଖରା ଉତ୍ତାପ ଯୋଗୁ ବିଶ୍ରାମ ନିଅନ୍ତି । କେବଳ ଆଦିବାସୀ ବାଳକମାନେ କେବେହେଲେ ଦିନରେ ଶୁଅନ୍ତି ନାହିଁ କି ବିଶ୍ରାମ ନିଅନ୍ତି ନାହିଁ ।’’
ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂହ ଗୋଟିଏ ବଡ଼ କଦଳୀପତ୍ରକୁ ତା ମୁହଁରେ ଘୋଡ଼ାଇଦେଲା, ମାଛିମାନେ ନ ବସିବା ପାଇଁ ଏବଂ ଆସ୍ତେ ଆସ୍ତେ ଘୁଙ୍ଗୁଡ଼ି ମାରିବା ଆରମ୍ଭ କରିଦେଲା । ସୂରଜ ଛିଡ଼ା ହେଲା, ରେଳଧାରଣାର ଉପର ଓ ତଳକୁ ଅନାଇଲା । ତା’ପରେ ସେ ତା’ର ନିଜ ଗ୍ରାମକୁ ଯିବାପାଇଁ ଆସ୍ତେ ଆସ୍ତେ ଚାଲିବା ଆରମ୍ଭ କଲା ।
II.
The following evening, towards dusk, as the flying foxes swooped silently out of the trees, Suraj made his way to the watchman’s hut.
It had been a long hot day, but now the earth was cooling, and a light breeze was moving through the trees. It carried with it the scent of mango blossoms, the promise of rain.
Sunder Singh was waiting for Suraj. He had watered his small garden, and the flowers looked cool and fresh. A kettle was boiling on a small oil stove. “I am making tea: he said. “There is nothing like a glass of hot tea while waiting for a train:’
They drank their tea, listening to the sharp notes of the tailorbird and the noisy chatter of the seven sisters.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ପରଦିନ ସନ୍ଧ୍ୟା ସମୟରେ, ଯେତେବେଳେ ବାଦୁଡ଼ିମାନେ ଗଛରୁ ଚୁପଚାପ୍ ଉଡ଼ି ଆସୁଥିଲେ, ସୂରଜ ଜଗୁଆଳିର କୁଡ଼ିଆ ଆଡ଼କୁ ଗଲା ।
ଦିନଟି ବହୁତ ଗରମ ଥିଲା, କିନ୍ତୁ ଏବେ ପୃଥିବୀ ଧୀରେ ଧୀରେ ଥଣ୍ଡା ହେଉଥିଲା ଏବଂ ଗଛଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଧ୍ୟ ଦେଇ ଏକ ମୃଦୁ ପବନ ବହୁଥିଲା । ଏହା ନିଜ ସହିତ ଆମ୍ବ ବଉଳର ବାସ୍ନା ଏବଂ ବିଷାର ସଂକେତ ନେଇ ଆସୁଥିଲା ।
ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ସୂରଜକୁ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରିଥିଲେ । ସେ ନିଜର ଛୋଟ ବଗିଚାରେ ପାଣି ଦେଇଥିଲେ, ଏବଂ ଫୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଶୀତଳ ଓ ସତେଜ ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲା । ଏକ ଛୋଟ ତେଲ ଚୁଲି ଉପରେ କେଟଲିରେ ପାଣି ଫୁଟୁଥିଲା । ‘ମୁଁ ଚା’ ତିଆରି କରୁଛି,’’ ସେ କହିଲେ । ‘ଟେନ୍ ପାଇଁ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କଲାବେଳେ ଗୋଟିଏ ଗ୍ଲାସ ଗରମ ଚା’ ଭଳି ଆଉ କିଛି ନାହିଁ ।’’
ସେମାନେ ଟେଲର୍-ବାର୍ଡ଼ (ଟୁଣଟୁଣୀ)ର ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ ସ୍ଵର ଏବଂ ସାତଭାୟା
ପିଇଲେ ।
ଚଢ଼େଇଙ୍କ କଳରବ ଶୁଣି ଶୁଣି ଚା’
As the brief twilight faded, most of the birds fell silent. Sunder Singh lit his oil lamp and said it was time for him to inspect the tunnel. He moved off towards the tunnel, while Suraj sat on the cot, sipping his tea. In the dark, the trees seemed to move closer to him.
And the joy of the forest was conveyed on the breeze-the sharp call of a barking deer, the cry of a fox, the quaint tonk-tonk of a nightjar. There were some sounds that Suraj didn’t recognise- sounds that came from the trees, creakings and whisperings, as though the trees were coming to life, stretching their limbs in the dark, shifting a little, flexing their fingers.
Sunder Singh stood inside the tunnel, trimming his lamp. The night sounds were familiar to him and he did not give them much thought; but something else-a padded footfall, a rustle of dry leaves-made him stand still for a few seconds, peering into the darkness. Then, humming softly to himself, he returned to where Suraj was waiting. Ten minutes remained for the night mail to arrive.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ସନ୍ଧ୍ୟାର ସେହି ଅଳ୍ପ ସମୟର ଆଲୁଅ ମଳିନ ପଡ଼ିବା ପରେ, ଅଧିକାଂଶ ପକ୍ଷୀ ନିରବ ହୋଇଗଲେ । ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ତାଙ୍କ ଲଣ୍ଡନ ଜାଳିଲେ ଏବଂ କହିଲେ ଯେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଯାଞ୍ଚ କରିବାର ସମୟ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି । ସେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ
ଆଡ଼କୁ ଗଲେ, ଯେତେବେଳେ କି ସୂରଜ ଖଟ ଉପରେ ବସି ଚା’ ପିଉଥିଲା । ଅନ୍ଧାରରେ ଗଛଗୁଡ଼ିକ ତା’ ପାଖକୁ ମାଡ଼ି ଆସୁଥୁଲା ପରି ମନେ ହେଉଥିଲା । ଜଙ୍ଗଲର ଆନନ୍ଦ ପବନରେ ଭାସି ଆସୁଥୁଲା – କୁଟୁରାର ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ ଡାକ, କୋକିଶିଆଳିର ରଡ଼ି ଏବଂ ନାଇଟ୍ର ପକ୍ଷୀର ସେହି ବିଚିତ୍ର ଟକ୍-ଟକ୍ ଶବ୍ଦ । ସୁରଜ କିଛି ଏମିତି ଶବ୍ଦ ଶୁଣିଲା ଯାହାକୁ ସେ ଚିହ୍ନିପାରିଲାନି – ସେହି ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଗଛରୁ ଆସୁଥୁଲା, କଟମଟ ଏବଂ ଫୁସ୍ଫୁସ୍ ଶବ୍ଦ ଯେମିତି କି ଗଛଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଜୀବନ୍ତ ହୋଇଉଠୁଛନ୍ତି, ଅନ୍ଧାରରେ ନିଜ ହାତଗୋଡ଼ ପ୍ରସାର କରୁଛନ୍ତି, ଟିକେ ହଲୁଛନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ନିଜ ଆଙ୍ଗୁଠିଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ମୋଡୁଛନ୍ତି ।
ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ ଠିଆ ହୋଇ ନିଜ ଲଣ୍ଡନର ଶିଖାକୁ ସଜାଡୁଥିଲେ । ରାତିର ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକ ତାଙ୍କପାଇଁ ପରିଚିତ ଥିଲା ଏବଂ ସେ ସେଥ୍ୟପ୍ରତି ସେତେଟା ଧ୍ୟାନ ଦେଉନଥିଲେ, କିନ୍ତୁ ଅନ୍ୟ କିଛି ଶବ୍ଦ- କାହାର ପାଦଶବ୍ଦ ଏବଂ ଶୁଖୁଲା ପତ୍ରର ମଡ଼ମଡ଼ ଶବ୍ଦ ତାଙ୍କୁ କିଛି ସେକେଣ୍ଡ ପାଇଁ ସ୍ଥିର କରିଦେଲା, ସେ ଅନ୍ଧାର ଭିତରକୁ ନିରୀକ୍ଷଣ କରି ଚାହିଁଲେ । ତା’ପରେ, ନିଜ ମନକୁ ମନ ଧୀରେ ଗୁଣୁଗୁଣୁ ହୋଇ, ସେ ସୂରଜ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରିଥିବା ସ୍ଥାନକୁ ଫେରିଆସିଲେ । ନାଇଟ୍ ମେଲ୍ ଆସିବାକୁ ଆଉ ଦଶ ମିନିଟ୍ ବାକି ଥିଲା ।
As Sunder Singh sat down on the cot beside Suraj, a new sound reached both of them quite distinctly-a rhythmic sawing sound, as if someone cutting through the branch of a tree.
“What’s that?” whispered Suraj.
“It’s the leopard:’ said Sunder Singh. “I think it’s in the tunnel.” “The train will soon be here,” said Suraj.
“Yes, my friend. And if we don’t drive the leopard out of the tunnel, it will be run over and killed. I can’t let that happen:”
“But won’t it attack us if we try to drive it out?” asked Suraj, beginning to share the watchman’s concern.
“Not this leopard. It knows me well. We have seen each other many times. It has a weakness for goats and stray dogs, but it will not harm us. Even so, I’ll take my axe with me. You stay here, Suraj.”
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ଯେତେବେଳେ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ସୂରତ ପାଖରେ ଖଟ ଉପରେ ବସିଲେ, ଏକ ନୂଆ ଶବ୍ଦ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ପାଖରେ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ଭାବରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିଲା ଏକ ଲୟବଦ୍ଧ ଶବ୍ଦ ଯେମିତି କି କେହି ଜଣେ ଗଛର ଏକ ଡାଳକୁ କାଟୁଛି ।
‘ସେଇଟା କ’ଣ ?’’ ସୁରଜ ଧୀରେ ଫୁସ୍ଫୁସ୍ ହୋଇ ପଚାରିଲା ।
‘‘ସେଇଟା ଚିତାବାଘ’’ଏ ସୂନ୍ଦର ସିଂ କହିଲେ । ‘ମୋତେ ଲାଗୁଛି ସିଏ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ ଅଛି ।’’ ‘ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଖୁବ୍ ଶୀଘ୍ର ଏଠାରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିଯିବ,’’ ସୂରଜ କହିଲା ।
“‘ହଁ ବନ୍ଧୁ । ଏବଂ ଯଦି ଆମେ ଚିତାବାଘକୁ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗରୁ ବାହାର ନକରିବା, ତେବେ ସେ ଗାଡ଼ି ତଳେ ପଡ଼ି ମରିଯିବ । ମୁଁ ସେମିତି ହେବାକୁ ଦେଇପାରିବି ନାହିଁ ।’’
‘‘କିନ୍ତୁ ଆମେ ଯଦି ତାକୁ ବାହାର କରିବାକୁ ଚେଷ୍ଟା କରିବା, ସେ କ’ଣ ଆମକୁ ଆକ୍ରମଣ କରିବନି ?’’ ସୁରଜ ଜଗୁଆଳିର ଚିନ୍ତାରେ ସହଭାଗୀ ହୋଇ ପଚାରିଲା ।
“ ଏହି ଚିତାବାଘଟି ନୁହେଁ । ସେ ମୋତେ ଭଲ ଭାବରେ ଜାଣେ । ଆମେ ପରସ୍ପରକୁ ଅନେକ ଥର ଦେଖୁଛୁ । ଛେଳି ଏବଂ ବୁଲା କୁକୁରମାନେ ତା’ର ଦୁର୍ବଳତା, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେ ଆମର କୌଣସି କ୍ଷତି କରିବ ନାହିଁ । ତଥାପି, ମୁଁ ମୋ କୁରାଡ଼ିଟିକୁ ସାଙ୍ଗରେ ନେଇଯିବି । ତୁ ଏଠି ରହ, ସୂରଜ ।’
“No, I’m coming with you. It will be better than sitting here alone in the dark!” “All right, but stay close behind me. And remember, there is nothing to fear:
They had gone about twenty steps into the tunnel when the light from the lamp fell upon the
leopard. It was crouching between the tracks, only five metres away from them. It was not a very big leopard, but it looked lithe and sinewy. Baring its teeth and snarling, it went down on its belly, tail twitching.
Suraj and Sunder Singh both shouted together. Their voices rang through the tunnel. And the leopard, uncertain as to how many terrifying humans were there in the tunnel with him, turned swiftly and disappeared into the darkness.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ନିଜ ଲଣ୍ଠନକୁ ଉପରକୁ ଟେକି, ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ପାର୍ଟି କରିବା ସହ ସେହି ପଶୁଟିକୁ ଡରାଇବା ପାଇଁ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରୁ ଆଗେଇଲେ । ସୂରଜ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାଙ୍କ ପଛେ ପଛେ ଗଲା, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେ ଅନୁଭବ କଲା ଯେ ସେ ପାଟି କରିପାରୁନାହିଁ । ତା’ ଗଳା ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଶୁଣ୍ଢ ଯାଇଥିଲା ।
ସେମାନେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରକୁ ପ୍ରାୟ କୋଡ଼ିଏ ପାଦ ଯାଇଥିଲା ବେଳେ ଲଣ୍ଡନର ଆଲୋକ ଚିତାବାଘ ଉପରେ ପଡ଼ିଲା । ଏହା ରେଳ ଧାରଣା ମଝିରେ, ସେମାନଙ୍କଠାରୁ ମାତ୍ର ପାଞ୍ଚ ମିଟର ଦୂରରେ ବସି ରହିଥିଲା । ଏହା ବହୁତ ବଡ଼ ଚିତାବାଡ଼ ନଥୁଲା, କିନ୍ତୁ ବେଶ୍ ଚପଳ ଏବଂ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲା । ନିଜ ଦାନ୍ତ ଦେଖାଇ ଏବଂ ଗର୍ଜନ କରି ସେ ତା’ର ପେଟ ମାଡ଼ି ଶୋଇପଡ଼ିଲା ଏବଂ ତା’ ଲାଞ୍ଜ ହଲାଇବାକୁ ଲାଗିଲା ।
ସୁରଜ ଏବଂ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ଉଭୟ ଏକାସାଙ୍ଗରେ ପାଟି କଲେ । ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସ୍ଵର ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ପ୍ରତିଧ୍ଵନିତ ହେଲା । ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ କେତେ ଜଣ ଭୟଙ୍କର ମଣିଷ ଅଛନ୍ତି ସେ ବିଷୟରେ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ହୋଇନପାରି, ଚିତାବାଘଟି ତୁରନ୍ତ ବୁଲି ପଡ଼ିଲା ଏବଂ ଅନ୍ଧାର ମଧ୍ଯରେ ଅଦୃଶ୍ୟ ହୋଇଗଲା ।
To make sure that it had gone, Sunder Singh and Suraj walked the length of the tunnel. When they returned to the entrance, the rails were beginning to hum. They knew the train was coming.
Suraj put his hand to one of the rails and felt its shake. He heard the distant rumble of the train. And then the engine came round the bend, hissing at them, scattering sparks into the darkness, defying the jungle as it roared through the steep sides of the cutting. It charged straight at the tunnel, and into it, thundering past Suraj like the beautiful dragon of his dreams.
And when it had gone, the silence returned and the forest seemed to breathe, to live again. Only the rails still trembled with the passing of the train.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ବାଘଟି ଚାଲିଯାଇଛି ବୋଲି ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ହେବାପାଇଁ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂ ଏକ ସୂରଜ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରେ ଚାଲି ଚାଲି ଗଲେ । ଯେତେବେଳେ ସେମାନେ ପ୍ରବେଶ ପଥକୁ ଫେରିଲେ, ରେଳ ଧାରଣାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଗୁଣୁଗୁଣୁ ହେବାକୁ (କମ୍ବିବାକୁ) ଆରମ୍ଭ କଲା । ସେମାନେ ଜାଣିଗଲେ ଯେ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଆସୁଛି ।
ସୂରତ ରେଳ ଧାରଣା ଉପରେ ହାତ ରଖୁଲା ଏବଂ ସେଥିରେ ହେଉଥିବା କମ୍ପନ ଅନୁଭବ କଲା । ସେ ଦୂରରୁ ଟ୍ରେନର ଗର୍ଜନ ଶୁଣିବାକୁ ପାଇଲା । ଏବଂ ତା’ପରେ ଇଞ୍ଜିନ୍ ବୁଲାଣି ଦେଇ ଆସିଲା, ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଆଡ଼କୁ ମୁଁ -ମୁଁ ଶବ୍ଦ କରି ଏବଂ ଅନ୍ଧାରରେ ନିଆଁର ସ୍କୁଲିଙ୍ଗ ବିଛାଇ, ଜଙ୍ଗଲକୁ ଖାତିର ନକରି ପାହାଡ଼ କଟା ପଥ ଦେଇ ଗର୍ଜନ କରି ମାଡ଼ି ଆସିଲା । ଏହା ସିଧା ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଆଡ଼କୁ ଧାଇଁଲା ଏବଂ ତା’ ଭିତରକୁ ପଶିଗଲା, ସୂରତ ପାଖ ଦେଇ ତା’ର ସ୍ଵପ୍ନର ସେହି ସୁନ୍ଦର ଡ୍ରାଗନ ପରି ଗର୍ଜନ କରି ଚାଲିଗଲା ।
ଏବଂ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଚାଲିଗଲା ପରେ, ପୁଣି ସେହି ନିରବତା ଫେରିଆସିଲା ଏବଂ ଜଙ୍ଗଲ ପୁଣି ଥରେ ନିଃଶ୍ଵାସ ନେଲା ପରି ଓ ଜୀବନ୍ତ ହେଲା ପରି ମନେ ହେଲା । କେବଳ ରେଳ ଧାରଣାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଚାଲିଯାଇଥିବାରୁ ଏବେ ବି ଥରୁଥିଲା ।
They trembled again to the passing of the same train, almost a week later, when Suraj and his father were both travelling in it.
Suraj’s father was scribbling in a notebook, doing his accounts. Suraj sat at an open window staring out at the darkness. His father was going to Delhin a business trip and had decided to take the boy along. (“I don’t know where he gets to, most of the time,” he’d complained. “I think it’s time he learnt sor ething about my business.”)
The night mail rushed through the forest with its hundreds of passengers. The carriage wheels beat out a steady rhythm on the rails. Tiny flickering lights came and went, as they passed small villages on the fringe of the jungle.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ପ୍ରାୟ ଏକ ସପ୍ତାହ ପରେ, ସେହି ସମାନ ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଯିବା ସମୟରେ ଧାରଣାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ପୁଣି ଥରି ଉଠିଲା, ଯେତେବେଳେ ସୂରତ ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ଉଭୟ ସେହି ଟ୍ରେନ୍ରେ ଯାତ୍ରା କରୁଥିଲେ ।
ସୂରଜର ବାପା ଏକ ନୋଟବୁକ୍ରେ ନିଜର ହିସାବପତ୍ର ଲେଖୁଥିଲେ । ସୂରତ ଏକ ଖୋଲା ଝରକା ପାଖରେ ବସି ବାହାରର ଅନ୍ଧାରକୁ ଚାହିଁ ରହିଥିଲା । ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ବ୍ୟବସାୟିକ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟରେ ଦିଲ୍ଲୀ ଯାଉଥିଲେ ଏବଂ ସୁରଜକୁ ନିଜ ସାଙ୍ଗରେ ନେବାକୁ ସ୍ଥିର କରିଥିଲେ । (ସେ ଅଭିଯୋଗ କରି କହିଥିଲେ, ‘ମୁଁ ଜାଣିନି ସେ ଅଧ୍ଵଂକାଂଶ ସମୟରେ କୁଆଡ଼େ ଚାଲିଯାଏ । ମୋତେ ଲାଗୁଛି ଏବଂ ସମୟ ଆସିଛି ସେ ମୋ ବ୍ୟବସାୟ ଭିତରେ କିଛି ଶିଖୁବା ଦରକାର ।’’)
ନାଇଟ୍ ମେଲ୍ ଶତାଧିକ ଯାତ୍ରୀଙ୍କୁ ନେଇ ଜଙ୍ଗଲ ମଧ୍ୟ ଦେଇ ଦ୍ରୁତ ଗତିରେ ଧାଇଁଲା । ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଚକଗୁଡ଼ିକ ରେଳ ଧାରଣା ଉପରେ ଏକ ସ୍ଥିର ଛନ୍ଦରେ ଶବ୍ଦ କରି ଚାଲିଥିଲା । ଜଙ୍ଗଲର ସୀମାରେ ଥିବା ଛୋଟ ଛୋଟ ଗାଁଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଅତିକ୍ରମ କରିବା ସମୟରେ ଛୋଟ ଛୋଟ କ୍ଷୀଣ ଆଲୋକ ଦେଖାଯାଇ ପୁଣି ଅଦୃଶ୍ୟ ହୋଇଯାଇଥିଲା ।
Suraj heard the rumble as the train passed over a small bridge. It was too dark to see the but near the cutting, but he knew they must be approaching the tunnel. He strained his eyes looking out into the night; and then, just as the
engine let out a shrill whistle, Suraj saw the lamp.
He couldn’t see Sunder Singh, but he saw the lamp, and he knew that his friend was out there.
ଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ଛୋଟ ପୋଲ ଉପରେ ଯିବା ସମୟରେ ସୂରଜ ଗଡ଼ଗଡ଼ ଶବ୍ଦ ଶୁଣିଲା । ପାହାଡ଼ କଟା ପଥ ପାଖରେ ଥିବା କୁଡ଼ିଆଟିକୁ ଦେଖିବାପାଇଁ ବହୁତ ଅନ୍ଧାର ଥିଲା, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେ ଜାଣିଥିଲା ଯେ ସେମାନେ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ପାଖାପାଖୁ ପହଞ୍ଚି ଯାଇଥିବେ । ସେ ରାତିରେ ଅନ୍ଧାର ଭିତରେ ବାହାରକୁ ଚାହିଁ ରହିଲା ଏବଂ ତା’ପରେ ଯେତେବେଳେ ଇଞ୍ଜିନ୍ ଏକ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ ହୁଇସିଲ୍ ମାରିଲା, ସୂରତ ସେହି ଲଣ୍ଡନଟିକୁ ଦେଖିବାକୁ ପାଇଲା ।
ସେ ସୁନ୍ଦର ସିଂଙ୍କୁ ଦେଖୁପାରୁନଥିଲେ, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେ ସେହି ଦୀପଟିକୁ ଦେଖିଲେ ଏବଂ ସେ ଜାଣିଥିଲେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ସାଙ୍ଗ ସେଠାରେ ବାହାରେ ଅଛନ୍ତି ।
The train went into the tunnel and out again; it left the jungle behind and thundered across the endless plains.
Suraj stared out at the darkness, thinking of the lonely cutting in the forest and the watchman with the lamp, who would always remain a firefly for those travelling thousands as he lit up the darkness for steam engines and leopards.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ :
ଟ୍ରେନ୍ ସୁଡ଼ଙ୍ଗ ଭିତରକୁ ଯାଇ ପୁଣି ବାହାରକୁ ଆସିଲା, ଏହା ଭୂମି ଉପରେ ଗର୍ଜନ କରି ମାଡ଼ି ଚାଲିଲା ।
Ruskin Bond
ଜଙ୍ଗଲକୁ ପଛରେ ଛାଡ଼ି ଅସରନ୍ତି ସମତଳ
ସୂରଜ ଅନ୍ଧାରକୁ ଚାହିଁ ରହିଥିଲା ଏବଂ ଜଙ୍ଗଲ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିବା ସେହି ନିଛାଟିଆ ରେଳପଥ (କଟିଂ) ଏବଂ ସେହି ଲଣ୍ଠନ ଧରିଥିବା ଜଗୁଆଳିଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ ଭାବୁଥିଲା, ଯିଏ କି ସେହି ହଜାର ହଜାର ଯାତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ସଦାସର୍ବଦା ଏକ ଜୁଳୁଜୁଳିଆ ପୋକ ସଦୃଶ ହୋଇ ରହିବେ, କାରଣ ସେ ବାଷ୍ପ ଚାଳିତ ଇଞ୍ଜିନ ଏବଂ କଲରାପତରିଆ ବାଘମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ଅନ୍ଧକାରକୁ ଆଲୋକିତ କରୁଥିଲେ (
Summary of Text
(ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟର ସଂକ୍ଷିପ୍ତ ସାରକଥା) :
The following evening Suraj came to the watchman’s hurt during dusk. It had been a long hot day but in the evening it was cooling. Sundar Singh was also waiting for Suraj. He had watered his garden and was about to prepare tea. They drank tea together listening to the sharp notes of the birds.
Suraj was taking his tea when Sunder Singh with a lamp went out to inspect the tunnel. Sitting there, Suraj heard the sounds of different animals but failed to recognise them. Sunder cam back after inspection. Both of them heard some sound and Sundar understood, that was sound of the leopard. He immediately ran towards the tunnel shouting loduly to drive out the leopard and save it from running under the train. Suraj followed him. They bothh shouted to drive away the leopard. The leopard disappeared into darkness. Just then the train passed by making loud noise.
A weak later, Suraj and his father travelled in the train. His father was going on a business trip and took Suraj with him thinking that he would understand the business. The train passed through the tunnel, forests and villages carrying hundreds of passengers. As the train entered the tunnel, Suraj saw the light of a lamp. He could understand it was Sundar Singh though he didn’t see him. Suraj realised the dedication of Sundar Singh, a watchman, working tirelessly for safety of the train, passengers and animals, putting his own life in danger without any hesitation.
Notes & Glossary (ଶବ୍ଦାର୍ଥ):
The Tunnel Class 7 MCQ
Question 1.
The tunnel was located in the
(a) city
(b) desert
(c) jungle
(d) village school
Answer:
(c) jungle
Question 2.
Suraj compared the train to a
(a) tiger
(b) dragon
(c) horse
(d) bus
Answer:
(b) dragon
Question 3.
Suraj saw a flash or orange and gold which was a
(a) fox
(b) leopard
(c) dear
(d) bird
Answer:
(b) leopard
Question 4.
During the day, he warned the driver by waving a
(a) green flag
(b) red flag
(c) cloth
(d) stick
Answer:
(b) red flag
Question 5.
The leopard was inside the tunnel when
(a) no train was coming
(b) the night train was coming
(c) Suraj was sleeping
(d) morning began
Answer:
(b) the night train was coming
Question 6.
The leopard ran away because
(a) it saw goats
(b) they shouted loudly
(c) it fell asleep
(d) it was hungry
Answer:
(b) they shouted loudly
Question 7.
Sunder Singh called the tunnel his own because
(a) Government gave it
(b) he looked after it alone
(c) he built it
(d) Suraj owned it
Answer:
(b) he looked after it alone
Question 8.
The jungle became silent after
(a) birds sang
(b) train passed
(c) tea boiled
(d) sun rose
Answer:
(b) train passed
Question 9.
The watchman’s lamp is compared to a
(a) moon
(b) firefly
(c) star
(d) torch
Answer:
(b) firefly
Question 10.
The train scattered
(a) water
(b) sparks
(c) leaves
(d) stones
Answer:
(b) sparks
Question 11.
The leopard was
(a) very huge
(b) small and sinewy
(c) sleeping
(d) dead
Answer:
(b) small and sinewy
Question 12.
The watchman carried an axe because he was
(a) violent
(b) cautions
(c) lazy
(d) funny
Answer:
(b) cautions
The Tunnel Class 7 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Who was Sunder Singh?
Answer:
He was the watchman of the tunnel.
Question 2.
Why did Sunder Singh say the tunnel was his?
Answer:
Because he alone took care of it,
Question 3.
Why do you think Suraj admired the watchman?
Answer:
Because he was brave, kind, and responsible.
Question 4.
Do you think Suraj was courageous? Give a reason.
Answer:
Yes, he is courageous as he entered the tunnel and helped drive away the leopard.
Question 5.
How does the story show friendship?
Answer:
Suraj and Sunder Singh support each other and trust each other.
Question 6.
Describe the night mail scene.
Answer:
The train rushed through the forest with any passengers. Suraj saw the lamp glowing, showing Sunder Singh was there.
Question 7.
What made the leopard run away?
Answer:
The loud shouting of Suraj and Sunder Singh made the leopard run away.
Question 8.
Why was Sunder Singh called a firefly?
Answer:
His lamp shone in darkness like a firefly guiding others.
Question 9.
What values does Sunder Singh show?
Answer:
Sunder Singh shows the values like responsibility, kindness, courage
Question 10.
What would happen if no watchman was there?
Answer:
Trains and animals could face accidents.
The Tunnel Class 7 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What did Suraj and Sundar do to make sure that the leopard left the tunnel?
Answer:
Suraj and Sundar walked through the tunnel to make sure that the leopard was not inside the tunnel.
Question 2.
What did Suraj see inside the tunnel?
Answer:
Suraj saw the damp and sticky walls, a bat and a lizard inside the tunnel.
Question 3.
Why is the watchman Sundar Singh compared with a firefly?
Answer:
Like a firefly, the watchman Sundar Singh lit up the darkness for steam engine and leopards.