KSEEB Class 10 · English (1st language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
The Elixir of Life
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 10 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 10 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015), scientist and former President of India. "The Elixir of Life" is an essay from his environmental writing urging students to treat water as sacred and conserve it for future generations.
Summary
Kalam opens by stating that water is the real elixir of life. Every living organism depends on it; without water there is no agriculture, industry or human survival.
Kalam opens by stating that water is the real elixir of life. Every living organism depends on it; without water there is no agriculture, industry or human survival.
Traditional Indian culture treated water as holy - rivers worshipped, wells maintained, monsoon welcomed. Kalam contrasts this reverence with careless modern use.
Traditional Indian culture treated water as holy - rivers worshipped, wells maintained, monsoon welcomed. Kalam contrasts this reverence with careless modern use.
He explains rainfall, groundwater and the water cycle in simple terms. Overuse, pollution and deforestation break the balance nature designed.
He explains rainfall, groundwater and the water cycle in simple terms. Overuse, pollution and deforestation break the balance nature designed.
Drying tanks, falling water tables and drought in rural India are warnings. Cities that waste water while villages walk miles for a pot show inequality as well as shortage.
Drying tanks, falling water tables and drought in rural India are warnings. Cities that waste water while villages walk miles for a pot show inequality as well as shortage.
Kalam addresses students directly: save every drop, harvest rain, plant trees, reject pollution. Small daily habits multiply into national change.
Kalam addresses students directly: save every drop, harvest rain, plant trees, reject pollution. Small daily habits multiply into national change.
The essay ends with hope that educated citizens will protect water as a shared treasure. Conservation is patriotism as well as science.
The essay ends with hope that educated citizens will protect water as a shared treasure. Conservation is patriotism as well as science.
Hard words & meanings
| elixir | something that gives life or health - here, water |
| scarcity | lack of enough supply |
| groundwater | water stored beneath the soil in aquifers |
| aquifer | layer of rock/soil holding groundwater |
| conservation | careful use and protection of natural resources |
| stewardship | looking after something that belongs to everyone |
| deforestation | removing trees that help rainfall and soil |
| drought | extended time with little or no rain |
| pollution | contaminating rivers, lakes and groundwater |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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