Glimpses of India

Glimpses of India Summary

A Baker from Goa Summary

In this nostalgic story, the narrator fondly remembers his childhood days in Goa and the integral role the local baker played in their lives. The baker would visit twice a day, once in the morning with fresh loaves of bread and then later after selling all his goods. As children, the narrator and his friends eagerly anticipated the baker’s arrival, especially for the sweet bread and bread bangles he would bring. Breads and cakes were a crucial part of Goan life, essential for various occasions such as weddings, Christmas, and other festivals. The baker had a distinctive attire known as the kabai, which was a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. Baking was a lucrative profession in the old days, and the baker’s family was happy and prosperous, as evident from their plump physique. The author’s vivid descriptions transport the reader to a simpler time when the baker was a central figure in the village, and his presence was vital for the community’s culinary needs.

Coorg Summary

Coorg, a small district nestled midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore in Karnataka, is a heavenly place that boasts evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations. The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent and are famous for their warm hospitality and bravery. Many Kodavus join the Indian Army, and the Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the country. The river Kaveri, which flows through Coorg, is home to the magnificent Mahaseer fish and is a popular spot for fishing and other water activities.

Coorg is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts, offering a range of exciting sports such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The region is also a haven for nature lovers, with its diverse flora and fauna, including various species of birds, bees, butterflies, macaques, Malabar squirrels, and even wild elephants. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm people, Coorg is indeed a piece of heaven on earth.

Tea from Assam Summary

Rajvir, a student from Delhi, embarks on an exciting summer vacation to visit his classmate Pranjol’s tea plantation in Assam. During the train journey, the two friends engage in a fascinating discussion about the history and legends surrounding tea. Pranjol informs Rajvir that Assam boasts the world’s largest concentration of tea plantations. Upon arriving at the tea estate, Rajvir is awestruck by the vast expanse of tea bushes stretching as far as the eye can see. He observes the skilled tea-pluckers at work and learns about the tea production process in the factory.

Pranjol’s father, the manager of the tea estate, is surprised by Rajvir’s knowledge about tea, which he had acquired through his pre-visit research. Rajvir learns about the second flush season, which yields the best quality tea, and is eager to expand his understanding of the tea industry during his stay. This visit not only strengthens the bond between the two friends but also provides Rajvir with a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and history associated with tea production in Assam.

A Baker from Goa Word Meanings

Reminiscing (verb): Recollecting past experiences or events.

Nostalgically (adverb): With a sentimental longing for the past.

Heralding (verb): Signaling the approach of something.

Rebuke (noun): An expression of strong disapproval or criticism.

Fragrance (noun): A pleasant, sweet smell.

Plump physique (noun phrase): A pleasantly fat body.

Open testimony (noun phrase): A public statement about a character or quality.

Vanished (verb): Disappeared suddenly and completely.

Extinguished (verb): Put out, quenched, or ended.

Disengage (verb): Separate or release (someone or something) from something to which they are attached or connected.

Exertion (noun): Physical or mental effort.

Discharged (verb): Released from confinement, especially from a hospital or other place where one has been receiving treatment.

Scarcely (adverb): Hardly, barely.

Lichen (noun): A composite organism consisting of a fungus and an alga living in symbiotic association.

Coorg Word Meanings

Drifted (verb): Moved slowly, carried along by currents of water or air.

Martial (adjective): Having to do with war or soldiers.

Canopies (noun): Roof-like coverings that form shelters.

Invigorating (adjective): Refreshing, stimulating, or energizing.

Rafting (noun): Traveling in a river on a raft (a flat structure for support or transportation on water).

Canoeing (noun): Traveling in a river in a canoe (a narrow, keelless boat with pointed ends).

Rappelling (verb): Descending a vertical surface, especially by rope.

Misty (adjective): Covered with or accompanied by mist; hazy.

Valour (noun): Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.

Laidback (adjective): Relaxed and easy-going.

Panoramic (adjective): With a wide view surrounding the observer.

Confluence (noun): The junction of two rivers, especially rivers of approximately equal width.

Seclusion (noun): The state of being private and away from other people.

Salubrious (adjective): Health-giving; healthy.

Tea from Assam Word Meanings

Vendor (noun): A person or company offering something for sale, especially a trader in the street.

Ardent (adjective): Very enthusiastic or passionate.

Dwarfing (verb): Causing to seem small or insignificant in comparison.

Billowing (verb): Moving or flowing outward with an undulating motion.

Ascetic (noun): A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence.

Umpteen (adjective): Numerous, many.

Brew (noun): A drink made by steeping or boiling a substance (such as tea) in water.

Sprouting (verb): Beginning to grow or develop.

Concentration (noun): The action or power of focusing all one’s attention.

Banished (verb): Sent someone away from a country or place as an official punishment.

Clattered (verb): Made a continuous rattling sound.

Veered (verb): Changed direction suddenly.

Intertwined (verb): Twisted or linked together.

Shunned (verb): Persistently avoided, ignored, or rejected through antipathy or caution.

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