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Weathering the Storm - Moments - Class 9 - CBSE English
Weathering the Storm, Class 9, Moments, Experience courage & resilience in Harsh Mander's "Weathering the Storm in Ersama," as Prashant leads his village through a devastating cyclone.
About the Author - Weathering the Storm | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
Harsh Mander is an Indian author, human rights activist, and social worker known for his dedication to marginalized and vulnerable populations. Born on April 17, 1955, Mander has had a diverse career that includes working as a civil servant, an academic, and an activist.
He has served in the Indian Administrative Service for over two decades and held various positions in the government, including working on poverty alleviation and rural development programs. Mander eventually resigned from the civil service in 2002 following the Gujarat riots, citing the government's inadequate response to the violence.
As an author, Harsh Mander has written numerous articles, essays, and books on topics related to social justice, human rights, and the plight of the underprivileged. "Weathering the Storm in Ersama" is one of his works, which tells the story of a young man's leadership and resilience in the face of a devastating natural disaster.
Mander's writings often emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in addressing social issues and inequalities. His work continues to inspire many to engage in social activism and to seek solutions to pressing social problems.
Summary - Weathering the Storm | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
In "Weathering the Storm in Ersama," Harsh Mander narrates the story of Prashant, a young man who demonstrates resilience and leadership in the face of a massive natural disaster. When a super cyclone hits the coastal village of Orissa, Prashant is initially separated from his family and uncertain about their fate. When he finally reunites with them, he discovers that the village has been severely impacted, with many lives lost and homes destroyed.
Recognizing the desperate situation and the need for immediate action, Prashant takes on a leadership role within his community. He starts by organizing a group of youths and elders to pressure a local merchant to provide rice for the survivors. Although the rice is rotting, it serves as the first proper meal for the people in days.
In addition to securing food, Prashant focuses on cleaning the shelter, tending to the injured, and coordinating with military helicopters for regular supply drops. He also takes care of the orphaned children by setting up a shelter for them and enlisting the help of women to look after them.
As time goes on, Prashant realizes the importance of helping the community heal emotionally as well. He encourages women to participate in a food-for-work program initiated by an NGO and organizes sports events for the children to keep them engaged.
Prashant's efforts extend beyond immediate relief, as he and his group of volunteers work towards a sustainable solution for the community's orphans and widows. Instead of sending them to institutions, they advocate for resettling them within the community itself, forming new foster families made up of childless widows and children without adult care.
Through his actions, Prashant's leadership helps the village rebuild and recover from the tragedy. The story highlights the power of community, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in overcoming adversity.

Themes - Weathering the Storm | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
- Resilience and Perseverance:
In "Weathering the Storm in Ersama," the theme of resilience and perseverance is evident through Prashant's determination to face the calamity and its aftermath. Despite the loss of his home and the uncertainty of his family's fate, Prashant takes charge and leads his community to recovery. This theme emphasizes the importance of staying strong and adapting to challenges that life throws at us. - Leadership and Community-building:
Prashant's role as a leader in his village during the crisis is another significant theme. He takes the initiative to organize a group of volunteers, ..
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Important Lines - Weathering the Storm | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
Here are some important lines from the chapter "Weathering the Storm in Ersama" and an explanation of their significance:
- "Winds beat against the houses with a speed and fury that Prashant had never witnessed before."
This line sets the stage for the intensity of the storm and the unprecedented destruction it will bring. It helps the reader understand the magnitude of the cyclone and its impact on the people of Ersama. - "Bloated animal carcasses and human corpses floated in every direction."
This line conveys...
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Vocabulary - Weathering the Storm | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
- Devastation (noun) - widespread destruction or damage caused by a disastrous event like a storm, flood, or earthquake.
Example: The hurricane caused devastation throughout the coastal town. - Incessant (adjective) - continuing without stopping, often in an annoying or unpleasant way.
Example: The incessant ..
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Weathering the Storm - Questions and Answers | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
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In the evening, a dark and menacing storm quickly gathered. Winds beat against the houses with a speed and fury that Prashant had never witnessed before. a. On which date did the storm mention here rise? b. Where was Prashant on that day? c. How was this storm so menacing? d. How were the people of the area affected by the storm?
a. On 27 October 1999 the storm rose. b. Prashant had gone to the block headquarters of Ersama a small town in coastal Orissa some 18 km from his village c. The storm was menacing as wind beat against houses with the speed and fury that Prashant had never witnessed before. There were incessant rains ancient trees were uprooted and crashed to earth. d. Screams rent the air as people and houses were swiftly washed away.
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Weak with hunger, she rushed to him, her hands outstretched, her eyes brimming. It was a miracle. a. Who is 'she' in these lines? b. Why was she weak with hunger? c. Who did she rush to and why? d. What was the 'miracle'?
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Branches from fallen trees were gathered to light a reluctant and slow fire, on which to cook the rice. For the first time in four days, the survivors at the cyclone shelter were able to fill their bellies. a. Why was the fire 'reluctant and slow'? b. How was the rice procured? c. What did the survivors eat before they got rice? d. Where was the cyclone shelter situated?
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When and why did Prashant go to Ersama, a small town in coastal Orissa?
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What havoc have the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa? OR What unusual experience did Prashant have on 27 October 1999?
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What scene of devastation did Prashant see a day after the cyclone?
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Why did Prashant and his friend's family take refuge on the roof of the house?
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What was both 'devastating' and 'a blessing in disguise' at the same time for Prashant and his friend?
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Why did two days seem like two years to Prashant while he was at Ersama?
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What made Prashant's journey back home difficult?
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What scene of destruction did Prashant and two friends of his uncle see on their way back to their village?
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What were the disastrous effects of the cyclone on Prashant's village?
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Why did Prashant go to the Red Cross shelter? Which relative did he first see on his arrival there? What was his/her condition?
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How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village? OR On becoming the village leader, what was the first thing that Prashant did?
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How did the villagers draw the attention of relief and rescue helicopters?
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How did Prashant help the village orphans?
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How did Prashant help the women and children to get over their grief?
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How was Prashant's wounded spirit healed?
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Why do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows? what alternatives do they consider? OR How did the Government plan to rehabilitate orphans and widows? Why did the villagers oppose this plan?
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Describe in your own words how things started improving after Prashant returned to his village.
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Why was the Orissa cyclone termed as a 'super cyclone'? Discuss in the light of the account "Weathering the Storm in Ersama".
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Do you think Prashant is a good leader? do you think young people can b=get together to help people during natural calamities?
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How have the people of the community helped one another? what role do the women of Kalikuda during these days?
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Quiz - Weathering the Storm | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
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