Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 233)
I. Work in pairs. What qualities do you associate with a scientist? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Complete the word web given below.
Answer:
Some qualities associated with a scientist may include:
II. Some pictures of women scientists are given below. What do you know about their work? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
ANswer-
- Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian descent to go to space. She worked for NASA as an astronaut and perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia crash in 2003.
- Dr. Tessy Thomas, also known as the “Missile Woman of India,” was a crucial figure in the Agni missile project at DRDO.
- Dr. Ritu Karidhal, also known as the “Rocket Woman of India,” was the Deputy Operations Director of ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission and the leader of Chandrayaan-2.
- Dr. Indira Hinduja was the first person in India to birth a test-tube baby. She was a pioneer in reproductive medicine.
Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 237)
I. Arrange the following events from Bibha Chowdhuri’s life in the correct order of occurrence. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) honoured her legacy by renaming a star in the constellation Leo—HD 86081—as ‘Bibha’.
2. She became the first woman faculty member at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
3. Bibha Chowdhuri was born in pre-independent India.
4. The Government of India declared a chair professorship in Bibha’s name.
5. She joined the University of Manchester under the guidance of the celebrated Nobel Laureate, Patrick M.S. Blackett.
6. She was nominated for a Nobel Prize by Erwin Schrodinger.
Answer:
3 → 5 → 6 → 2 → 1 → 4
Class 8 English Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Question Answer – Let us think and reflect (Pages 237-239)
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. In 1945, Bibha’s academic journey took her to the University of Manchester. Under the guidance of the celebrated Nobel Laureate, Patrick M.S. Blackett, she delved deeper into the field of cosmic rays. Her Ph.D. thesis on cosmic rays earned local recognition, with newspapers introducing her as ‘India’s New Woman Scientist—She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’.
(i) Why is the mention of Patrick M.S. Blackett, a Nobel Laureate, significant in this extract?
Answer:
It is important to mention Patrick M.S. Blackett because it shows that Bibha was working with one of the most recognized and well-known scientists of the period. This shows how good her research was and how much respect she had in the world of physics.
(ii) What can be inferred about the public perception of women scientists in the 1940s from the title given to her by the press ‘India’s New Woman Scientist’?
A. Women scientists were widely accepted and celebrated at that time.
B. The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.
C. Women scientists were as common and renowned as men in the 1940s.
D. Women were not allowed to study sciences or pursue scientific careers.
Answer:
B. The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.
(iii) In the phrase ‘celebrated Nobel Laureate,’ the word ‘celebrated’ refers to all of the following EXCEPT someone who is
A. famous and highly respected
B. frequently seen in public
C. renowned for their achievements
D. well-regarded in their field
Answer:
B. frequently seen in public
(iv) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase ‘She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’ suggests that ____________
Answer:
The phrase “She has an eye for Cosmic Rays” means that she knew a lot about cosmic rays and how to research them.
2. The journey from Bibha Chowdhuri’s era to today’s women scientists has been long and arduous, but it is also inspiring. The struggles Chowdhuri faced are a stark reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much Jiirther we have to go. But with every cosmic achievement— be it landing on the moon or reaching Mars—these women prove that the journey is well worth it. Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on. Her story continues to inspire young women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and leave their mark on the world. As the stars of Indian science shine brighter, Bibha Chowdhuri, the beacon-beam of light, ’ will always guide the way.
(i) What can be inferred about the challenges faced by women scientists today, as compared to Bibha Chowdhuri’s era?
A. Women scientists no longer face any barriers.
B. The challenges remain, but progress has been made.
C. The struggles have become more difficult over time.
D. The struggles are the same as they were for Chowdhuri.
Answer:
B. The challenges remain, but progress has been made.
(ii) The phrase ‘Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on’ suggests that ____________
Answer:
The statement “Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on” means that her work will continue to inspire and affect future generations.
(iii) Why is Bibha Chowdhuri referred to as a “beacon’ and a “beam of light’ in the extract?
Answer:
Because she was brave, dedicated, and a pioneer in her field, she gave hope and inspiration to other women in science.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is a fact or an opinion.
Bibha Chowdhuri was the beacon, the ‘beam of light’ whose story continues to inspire young women.
Answer:
Opinion – It shows the writer’s admiration and interpretation of her legacy.
II. Answer the following questions.
Question 1.
Why is Bibha Chowdhuri considered a pioneer in the field of science?
Answer:
Bibha Chowdhuri is a pioneer since she was the first Indian woman physicist to work in the very specialized field of high-energy particle physics. She broke down gender boundaries, did important research on cosmic rays and subatomic particles, and opened the door for other women in Indian science.
Question 2.
What does Bibha Chowdhuri’s nomination by Erwin Schrodinger tell us about her abilities?
Answer:
It reveals that Bibha Chowdhuri’s scientific work was very good and well-known around the world. A well-known physicist like Erwin Schrodinger nominating her for a Nobel Prize shows how talented and important her work is.
Question 3.
Bibha Chowdhuri never worked for awards or recognition. Support this statement with evidence from the text.
Answer:
Bibha Chowdhuri never won any prizes in her lifetime, even though she did revolutionary work. She kept doing her study without stopping, frequently in the background, because she loved science and did not want to be famous or recognized.
Question 4.
How does the renaming of a star as ‘Bibha’ serve as both a literal and symbolic recognition of her contributions to science?
Answer:
It literally makes her name live on in the universe, and symbolically, it shows the “beam of light” she was in science, lighting the way for future generations and remembering her long-lost brilliance.
Question 5.
How do the roles of women in ISRO today reflect broader changes in societal attitudes towards women in STEM in India?
Answer:
Women at ISRO are now in charge of important space missions, which shows that society has changed to acknowledge and promote women’s skills in science and technology. This advancement is based on the work of women like Bibha Chowdhuri, who were the first to do it.
Question 6.
What is the writer’s purpose of highlighting the contributions of Bibha Chowdhuri and other modern women scientists?
Answer:
The author wants to motivate readers, especially young girls, by showing how women have overcome problems to do well in science. It also wants to honor people who do not get enough credit and push for gender equality in STEM disciplines.
Question 7.
How might this text help shape people’s perception of the role of women in other traditionally male-dominated fields?
Answer:
This text goes against stereotypes and tells people to see women as just as capable as men in all areas, even those that are usually dominated by men. It encourages people to support and acknowledge the work that women do in all fields.
Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us learn (Pages 239-244)
I. Complete the crossword puzzle by filling in the antonyms from the clues given below in the table. You may refer to the text.
| Across: | Down: |
| 4. core, | 1. effortless, |
| 5. dependent, | 2. weakness, |
| 7. extinguish, | 3. neglect, |
| 8. terrestrial | 6. trivial |
Answer:
II. Substitute the underlined phrase in the sentences with the suitable words from the box given below.
1. They are considered to be the first people to start the online markets.
2. A scientist who studies matter, energy, light, etc.
3. Most of my friends are my classmates and are my age.
4. We first welcomed all the famous and important people in folk song for the award ceremony.
5. My brother finally succeeded in his business because of his continuous efforts and determination.
6. We should remove all the things that block our way in achieving success
Answer:
1. Pioneers
2. Physicist
3. Peers
4. Luminaries
5. Persistence
6. Barriers
III. The words ‘professorship’, ‘mentorship’, and ‘leadership’ are used in the text. These words are made by adding the suffix ‘-ship’ to the words ‘professor’, ‘mentor’ and ‘leader’. Similarly, we can make words by adding -ment and -hood to certain words.
Now, make words by adding suitable suffixes -ship, -ment, and -hood to the words given below. One example has been done for you.
achieve + ment = achievement
1. member + _______________ = _________________
2. govern + _______________ = _________________
3. partner + _______________ = _________________
4. child + _______________ = _________________
5. citizen + _______________ = _________________
6. entertain + _______________ = _________________
7. brother + _______________ = _________________
8. agree + _______________ = _________________
Answer:
1. member + ship = membership
2. govern + ment = government
3. partner + ship = partnership
4. child + hood = childhood
5. citizen + ship = citizenship
6. entertain + ment = entertainment
7. brother + hood = brotherhood
8. agree + ment = agreement
IV. The abbreviations—ISRO and STEM— used in the text are called acronyms because they are read or pronounced as full words.
The grid given below has acronyms for the following. Circle the acronyms in the grid.
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences
3. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy
4. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
5. World Health Organization
Clipping
The short form of laboratory is lab. In making this short form, the front part of the word is retained and the end part is removed or clipped.
Clipping is a method of making words from larger words in English. There are three clipping methods.
1. Back clipping: a word is made by removing the end part of a word and retaining the front part (exam—examination,
ad—advertisement, gas—gasoline, memo—memorandum, gym—gymnasium, photo—photograph, etc.).
2. Front clipping: a word is made by removing the front part of a word and retaining the end part (phone—telephone,net—internet, bike—motorbike, net—internet, etc.).
3. Middle clipping: a word is made by removing the front and the end parts of the word and retaining the middle part (flu—influenza, fridge—refrigerator, etc.).
Answer:
V. Read the following sentence from the text and the table that follows. …, the foundation was laid by early pioneers like Bibha Chowdhuri…
Here the verb is expressed in passive form.
Verbs can be expressed in either active voice or passive voice.
When the subject performs the action, the sentence is said to be in active voice. On the other hand, when the subject receives the action, the sentence is in passive voice.
| Subject | Verb | Object |
| The foundation | was laid | early pioneers like Bibha Chowdhuri… |
Generally, sentences written in active voice are considered effective.
However, passive voice is used when the
action is more important than the doer,
A cure for the disease was discovered.
(The focus is on the discovery, not on who discovered it.)
doer of the action (agent) is obvious,
The national anthem is sung at the beginning of the event.
(It is clear that people sing it, so mentioning the doer is unnecessary.)
doer of the action is unknown.
The car was stolen last night.
(The identity of the thief is unknown.)
Now, complete the following news report with the passive form of verbs given in the box below. (Remember that the verb must agree with the subject.)
Last year, significant advancements in medical science 1. __________ in leading medical journals when a new vaccine for malaria 2. __________. The vaccine 3. __________ through several clinical trials and results 4. _________ in those journals. During the trials, blood samples 5. __________ regularly from participants to monitor their immune response. The amount of antibodies produced 6. __________ carefully to assess the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Answer:
1. were published
2. was discovered
3. was tested
4. were recorded
5. were taken
6. was measured
VI. Read the following report of an experi¬ment. Rewrite the report using passive verbs wherever necessary.
I conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of light on plant growth. I placed various plants under different light conditions and measured their growth over several weeks. I recorded data daily to track the height of each plant. At the end of the experiment, I analysed the results and found that plants exposed to natural light grew significantly taller than those under artificial light. I concluded that sunlight plays a crucial role in plant development. I presented my findings to the class, highlighting the importance of light in enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health.
You may begin like this.
An experiment was conducted…
Answer:
An experiment was conducted by me to see how light affects the growth of plants. I put different plants in different light situations and measured how much they grew over the course of many weeks. I recorded data every day to keep track of how tall each plant was. I looked at the findings of the experiment when it was over and found that plants that got natural light grew a lot higher than plants that got artificial light. I came to the conclusion that sunshine is very important for the growth of plants. I told the class about the results and how important light is for photosynthesis and the health of plants in general.
VII. Read the instructions given in the box on landing of Chandrayaan. Complete the passage by choosing the correct answer from the options given.
Launch the spacecraft towards the Moon from Earth.
- Position the spacecraft to enter the Moon’s orbit.
- Adjust the spacecraft’s path for landing.
- Slow down the spacecraft as it nears the Moon’s surface.
- Release the rover to explore the surface and collect valuable data
Chandrayaan’s landing mission involves several key steps. First, the spacecraft 1.________ towards the Moon from the Earth. Then, it 2. ________ to enter the Moon’s orbit. After reaching the Moon’s orbit, the spacecraft’s path 3. ________ for landing. Next, the spacecraft 4. ________ as it nears the Moon’s surface. Finally, the rover 5.________ to explore the surface and collect valuable data.
(i) A. launched
B. were launched
C. was launched
D. is launched
Answer:
C. was launched
(ii) A. position
B. was positioned
C. is positioned
D. has positioned
Answer:
B. was positioned
(iii) A. adjusted
B. was adjusted
C. is adjusted
D. were adjusted
Answer:
B. was adjusted
(iv) A. slowed down
B. was slowed down
C. is slowed down
D. were slowed down
Answer:
B. was slowed down
(v) A. is released
B. has released
C. were released
D. was released
Answer:
D. was released
Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Question Answer Class 8 – Let us listen (Page 244)
I. You will listen to a podcast about Artificial Intelligence. As you listen, answer the following questions by selecting the correct options. Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page 251 for transcript.
1. What is one of the key benefits of AI in the healthcare sector?
(i) Helps doctors communicate faster with patients.
(ii) Provides personalised treatments and faster diagnoses.
(iii) Focuses on cosmetic surgeries to improve appearance.
Answer:
(ii) Provides personalised treatments and faster diagnoses.
2. How did AI play a crucial role during the global pandemic?
(i) AI robots monitored patient behaviour in hospitals.
(ii) AI assisted in speeding up the discovery of new medicines.
(iii) AI developed different types of vaccines by itself.
Answer:
(ii) AI assisted in speeding up the discovery of new medicines.
3. What example was given regarding AI’s role in renewable energy?
(i) AI is optimising the placement of wind turbines and solar panels in cities.
(ii) AI is promoting alternative energy from wind turbines and solar panels.
(iii) AI is improving the performance of wind turbines and solar panels.
Answer:
(iii) AI is improving the performance of wind turbines and solar panels.
4. What does AI offer to teachers in the field of education?
(i) Helps teachers assign grades more quickly.
(ii) Allows teachers to communicate better with students.
(iii) Helps teachers analyse student performance.
Answer:
(iii) Helps teachers analyse student performance.
5. What is one of the user-friendly features that AI is enhancing for people with disabilities?
(i) Helps them find better jobs in the mainstream.
(ii) Improves speech recognition and voice command technologies.
(iii) Trains individuals to interact with robots.
Answer:
(ii) Improves speech recognition and voice command technologies.
Class 8 English Chapter 15 Question Answer – Let us speak
I. Form a group of five. Conduct a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Evaluating the Impact of Mobile Phones—Beneficial or Harmful’. Each student will take on one of the following roles.
- Moderator (initiates and directs the flow of the discussion inviting the speakers to share their views on the subject; at the end sums up the points of discussion and thanks the members of the group)
- Principal (opposed to—focus on discipline in school)
- Teacher (in favour of—partially in favour, educational use with limitations)
- Parent (opposed to—concerned about health and social effects on children)
- Student (in favour of—highlighting the benefits like connectivity and learning)
You may use the cues given below and add your own ideas when speaking.
Principal
As a Principal, I strongly believe mobile phones are largely disruptive because…
Teacher
From an educator’s perspective, I think mobile phones can be valuable but…
Parent
As a parent, I’m concerned that mobile phones pose certain risks to children’s health and social development…
Student
As a student, I feel mobile phones are essential because…
Answer:
1. Moderator: Good morning everyone.
Welcome to today’s panel discussion on the subject of “Evaluating the Impact of Mobile Phones—Beneficial or Harmful.” A Principal, a Teacher, a Parent, and a Student are all here to give their thoughts. Let us start with the main person.
2. Principal (Opposed to mobile phones):
As a Principal, I think that cell phones are mostly bad for schools. They keep pupils from paying attention in class and make it harder to keep order. I have seen pupils use their phones for gaming and social media when they shouldn’t. I think that schools should not allow cell phones.
3. Teacher (Partially in favour): I understand both perspectives as a teacher. You can use your phone for educational apps, online research, and rapid communication. But pupils need to learn how to utilize them safely. I only accept their use when someone is watching and there are rules.
4. Parent (Opposed to mobile phones):
As a mom, I am worried about how cell phones affect health and social life. Kids spend too much time in front of screens, which can hurt their eyes, make them less active, and make them less likely to engage with others in real life. It is getting difficult to get children to do healthy things.
5. Student (In favour of mobile phones):
As a student, I think that cell phones are important tools for learning and staying in touch. We utilize them for online classes, getting study materials, and even asking questions on educational websites. They also help us keep in touch with friends and family. We only need to use them smartly.
Moderator (Conclusion): Thanks to everyone for your helpful comments. We learned from today’s talk that mobile phones can be good or bad, depending on how you use them. We can get the most out of this technology and prevent its problems by using it responsibly, following clear rules, and being aware of its pros and cons. Thanks for being a part of this important conversation!
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 15 Question Answer – Let us write
I. Your school recently hosted the Zonal Science Exhibition, in which teams of students from 25 schools participated enthusiastically. As the student editor, write a report on the exhibition to be published in your school magazine. Use the cues given below with your own ideas to compose this report.
- Who was the organiser and who hosted the exhibition?
- When (date and time) and where was it held?
- Why was it held?
- Who participated?
- Who was the Chief Guest?
- What were the competitions held? For example: Science Quiz, Science Models, etc.
- What were the topics of models exhibited? Give details.
- Which team got the trophy for best exhibit?
- What were the observations of the Chief Guest and other visitors?
Points to remember:
1. Write the report in past tense, passive voice, and third person.
2. Follow proper format with a headline, reporter’s name, and three paragraphs.
Answer:
Young Inventors Do Great Things at the Zonal Science Fair By: MANAV SINGH, Student Editor On August 14, 2025, MODERN Valley Public School held the Zonal Science Exhibition in the school auditorium. It was a success. The Science Department and the District Education Office worked together to plan the event. The goal of the display was to get school kids interested in science, make them think outside the box, and come up with new ideas. Events and Participation Twenty-five schools from all throughout the zone took part with a lot of excitement. Dr. ANIL SINGH, a well-known scientist from the Indian Institute of Science BANGALORE, opened the event as the Chief Guest. There were a number of competitions at the expo, including the Science Quiz, Model Display, and Poster Making Contest.
Students made models about things like renewable energy, space technology, water conservation, and artificial intelligence. The model called “Smart Irrigation System” by Springdale Public School earned the Best Exhibit Trophy because it was new and useful.
Observations and Conclusion The Chief Guest liked how creative and scientific the students were. Visitors were impressed by how much study went into the presentation. The event did a good job of getting people interested in science and encouraging pupils to think beyond the box. At the end of the display, the school principal thanked everyone and gave out certificates and other gifts.
Class 8th English Chapter 15 Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Question Answer – Let us explore (Pages 247-248)
I. In the recent times, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are changing the way students learn. Let us know more about them.
- Augmented reality (AR) enhances a person’s environment by adding digital elements to what can be seen in real time, usually through a smartphone camera.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers a fully immersive experience, replacing the real world with a simulated one.
- Through AR and VR, the students can see and interact with things that they could not interact with in real life. This enables younger students to understand difficult ideas easily.
- To keep up with the times, NCERT has developed the e-Pathshala AR (Augmented Reality) App under the aegis of MHRD, Government of India.
- This App aims to enable students to go beyond textbooks and four walls of the classrooms and learn concepts by directly experimenting rather than only through reading and memorisation.
- This revolutionary effort will change most students from passive listeners to active learners.
- This effort is in line with the Prime Minister’s Digital India vision to empower varied sectors using technology and addressing the triple need of skill, scale, and speed.
Gear up for the new age education!
https://ciet.ncert.gov.in/ar-vr
II. The Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation known as ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’.
The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to recognise the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
1. Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognise lifetime achievements and contributions made in any field of science and technology.
2. Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognise distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
3. Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognise and encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years, who have made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
4. Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators, who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959262
III. A glimpse of women pioneers from different fields.
