4.5 The Unbreakable Navdeep Singh
Complete textbook exercise solutions — Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Six English.
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About the chapter
This lesson is about Navdeep Singh, a para-athlete who was born with dwarfism. People often insulted him, but he did not give up. He turned their hurtful words into strength and won a gold medal in javelin at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. His story teaches us perseverance and self-belief.
Key points
- Navdeep received the National Child Award in 2012 from President Pranab Mukherjee.
- He faced rejection and harsh criticism because of dwarfism.
- He used the hurtful words as fuel to work harder.
- He won gold in the men’s javelin F41 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
- He also received the Arjuna Award.
- Message: self-belief and hard work can overcome any difficulty.
Words to remember
- perseverance – continuing to try in spite of difficulties
- resilience – the power to recover from hard times
- succumb – to give in
- pinnacle – the highest point
- adversity – a very difficult situation
(i) Who presented Navdeep with the National Child Award many years ago?
The then President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, presented him with the National Child Award in 2012.
(ii) What challenges did Navdeep Singh face in his life and how did he overcome them?
Navdeep was born with dwarfism. People rejected him and criticised him harshly. Some even said cruel things to him. But he did not give up. He turned their harsh words into strength. With hard work and determination, he won a gold medal in javelin at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. He also won the Arjuna Award.
(iii) How does Navdeep’s story inspire you to tackle challenges in your own life?
This is a personal-response question. Students should write their own answer.
(iv) What message do you think Navdeep’s story conveys about perseverance and self-belief?
Navdeep’s story shows that difficulties cannot stop a person who believes in himself. He could not stop people from insulting him. But he chose to work harder. His story teaches us to keep trying and never lose hope.
- How did you feel when people said hurtful things about you?
- Who supported you during your difficult years?
- Why did you choose javelin throw?
- How did you feel when you received the National Child Award in 2012?
- Can you describe the moment you won gold at the Paris Paralympics?
- What would you like to say to children who are teased for being different?
- (i) I left early because I felt sick.
- (ii) She danced but didn’t sing.
- (iii) Sakshi is studying since her exam is in the next month.
- (iv) Either you stay or you leave.
- (v) I am very hungry but the fridge is empty.
- (vi) She didn’t speak to anyone and nobody spoke to her.
- because — Navdeep kept practising because he believed in himself.
- since — Since it was raining heavily, the match was cancelled.
- so — The soil became weak, so a landslide occurred.
- and — He won a gold medal and the Arjuna Award.
- or — You may take the train or the bus to Mumbai.
- but — “But instead of succumbing to negativity, he channelled it…”
- and — “…his determination and resilience carried him…”
- yet — “Yet, his determination and resilience carried him…”
- when — “Navdeep’s journey began in 2012 when a young boy… received the National Child Award”
- I am determined. (given)
- I am unbreakable. (given)
- I am stronger than the words that hurt me.
- I am not afraid to try again.
- I am capable of great things.
- I am proud of who I am.
This is a craft activity. Students should make their own handprint cut-out and write one kind act on it.
Kind acts students may write: I bring groceries for my elderly neighbour. · I share my tiffin with a friend who forgets his. · I keep water out for the birds every morning. · I help my younger sister with her homework. · I pick up litter in our playground. · I read aloud to my grandmother.
This is a field activity. Students should conduct their own interview.
Questions students may use:
- Please tell us about your daily routine.
- Which activity do you find difficult, and how do you manage it?
- What kind of help from others is useful to you?
- Are roads, buses and buildings in our area easy for you to use?
- What has been your proudest achievement?
- What message would you like to give to students?
Ask permission before the interview and speak with respect.