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Carrier of Words Extra Question Answer
Carrier of Words Class 9 Extra Question Answer
Carrier of Words Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Why is Khetaram described as the ‘sole link’ between villagers and their families?
Answer:
Khetaram is described as the sole link because he connects remote desert villages with the outside world.
In areas where roads end and communication facilities are limited, he delivers letters and money orders, ensuring families remain connected despite geographical isolation.
Question 2.
What physical challenges does Khetaram face while delivering mail in the Thar Desert?
Answer:
Khetaram faces extreme heat, scorching winds, and swirling sandstorms while walking long distances across dunes. He carries heavy mailbags under temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius, often covering up to 20 kilometres for a single delivery in harsh desert conditions.
Question 3.
How does the imagery of footprints in the sand deepen the reader’s understanding of Khetaram’s labour?
Answer:
The imagery of footprints in the sand highlights the physical effort behind each delivery. The depth of his footprints reflects the weight of his mailbag and the strain on his body, helping readers visualise the silent, exhausting labour involved in his daily journey.
Question 4.
Why does Khetaram sometimes postpone deliveries till after sundown?
Answer:
Khetaram postpones deliveries till after sundown when the desert heat becomes unbearable. With temperatures rising close to 50 degrees Celsius, walking long distances across burning sand becomes dangerous and exhausting. Delivering mail later in the evening helps him continue his duty without risking severe heatstroke.
Question 5.
What does the slumped shoulder of Khetaram symbolise in the story?
Answer:
Khetaram’s slumped shoulder symbolises years of physical strain and dedicated service. It reflects the heavy mailbag he has carried across harsh terrain for decades. The detail quietly represents sacrifice, endurance, and the unnoticed burden borne by those who serve remote communities.
Question 6.
How does the behaviour of villagers towards Khetaram show their trust in him?
Answer:
Villagers trust Khetaram deeply, as they comfortably ask him to read their letters and write replies. They warmly welcome him, offer tea or jaggery, and depend on him for money orders. Their openness and respect show their confidence in his honesty and reliability.
Question 7.
Why are money orders important for families living in arid regions?
Answer:
Money orders are important because farming in arid regions often fails due to drought and famine. Many families depend on small sums of money sent by relatives for survival. These remittances help them meet daily needs and provide financial stability in harsh conditions.
Question 8.
How did the role of India Post change after independence?
Answer:
Before independence, the British postal system mainly served administrative centres. After independence, India Post aimed to include the entire population within its network. It expanded services to rural and remote areas, ensuring communication and financial facilities reached every citizen.
Question 9.
How does the presence of BSF camps influence Khetaram’s daily routine?
Answer:
The presence of BSF camps supports Khetaram’s work in remote border areas. The BSF personnel sometimes give him a lift and offer tea when he delivers their mail. Their presence provides him with occasional assistance and companionship during his long and exhausting journeys.
Question 10.
Why are Gramin Dak Sewaks allowed to work till the age of 65?
Answer:
Gramin Dak Sewaks are allowed to work till the age of 65 to provide them financial stability in rural areas where alternative income sources are limited. Flexible working hours and extended service ensure they have an assured income while continuing to serve remote communities.
Question 11.
What role does dignity play in shaping Khetaram’s identity as a Gramin Dak Sewak?
Answer:
Dignity gives meaning to Khetaram’s work beyond mere employment. Despite harsh conditions, he feels proud to serve people and remain useful even after sixty. His gratitude and readiness to continue reflect self-respect and a deep sense of honour in fulfilling his duty.
Question 12.
Why was the proposal to transfer GDS duties to patwaris rejected?
Answer:
The proposal was rejected because villagers believed patwaris would not perform the duties with the same dedication and reliability. Gramin Dak Sewaks had earned deep trust through consistent service, and people felt that transferring responsibilities might weaken the efficiency and personal connection.
Question 13.
What does the torn corner of the envelope signify, and how does Khetaram respond to it?
Answer:
The torn corner of the envelope signifies that the letter carries news of death. Khetaram handles it with sensitivity by standing outside the house, reading the message aloud twice, and then tearing it into pieces, following local belief that bad news should not enter the home.
Question 14.
How does the story highlight uneven development between urban and rural India?
Answer:
The story highlights uneven development by contrasting modern digital communication with the absence of basic infrastructure in remote villages. While cities enjoy instant connectivity, these desert regions lack proper roads and networks, relying entirely on a single postman to maintain communication and access.
Question 15.
How does Khetaram’s readiness to become a Gramin Sanchar Sewak reflect his adaptability?
Answer:
Khetaram’s readiness to become a Gramin Sanchar Sewak reflects his willingness to accept change and evolving responsibilities.
Even after years of traditional service, he is prepared to adopt new technology and carry a mobile phone along with mail, showing commitment to progress and continued service to his community.
Question 16.
What qualities make Khetaram an essential part of the nation’s ‘social fabric’?
Answer:
Khetaram’s dedication, reliability, resilience, and compassion make him an essential part of the nation’s social fabric.
He serves remote communities with sincerity despite hardship, earns people’s trust, and ensures communication continues. His quiet commitment strengthens social bonds and represents responsible public service.
Question 17.
In what way does the title ‘Carrier of Words’ extend beyond the literal meaning of delivering letters?
Answer:
The title goes beyond physical delivery of letters to symbolise the carrying of emotions, hopes, news and relationships. Khetaram transports not just written messages but human connections.
His role preserves communication, trust, and belonging, giving deeper meaning to the idea of carrying words.
Question 18.
How does the story present public service as both a personal livelihood and a national responsibility?
Answer:
The story shows that Khetaram’s job provides financial security for his family while also serving the nation.
By connecting remote communities and delivering essential communication, he fulfils a larger civic duty. His work supports both personal survival and the functioning of national systems.
Carrier of Words Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Khetaram tears letters bearing news of death after reading them aloud.
Examine how this act reflects both cultural sensitivity and emotional responsibility.
Answer:
Khetaram’s action reflects deep cultural sensitivity as he respects the local belief that ‘Ashubh Samachar’ (inauspicious news) should not be carried inside the house. By standing outside and reading the letter aloud twice, he ensures clarity while protecting the family from shock. His decision to tear the letter afterwards shows his understanding of traditional customs and emotional boundaries.
At the same time, this act reveals strong emotional responsibility. He does not treat the letter as mere paper; he recognises its emotional weight. His behaviour demonstrates compassion, empathy, and a sense of moral duty, proving that his role involves not only physical delivery but also careful handling of human emotions.
Question 2.
How does the story reflect the importance of ‘last-mile connectivity’ in nation-building?
Answer:
The story highlights last-mile connectivity as a crucial element of nation-building. Khetaram delivers mail to regions where roads end, networks fail, and infrastructure is limited. His work ensures that remote villages remain connected to the state, financial systems, and their families.
Through the Gramin Dak Sewak network, communication and money orders reach even the most isolated communities. This strengthens social inclusion and reduces geographical isolation. By linking distant citizens to national institutions, Khetaram represents the human effort behind development.
The story suggests that true progress is not measured by urban advancement alone but by ensuring that even the farthest corners are connected through dependable public service.
Question 3.
How does the passage highlight the human cost behind public services that are often taken for granted?
Answer:
The passage reveals the human cost behind public services by focusing on Khetaram’s physical and emotional struggles. Delivering mail is not shown as a simple routine task but as exhausting labour across scorching deserts, sandstorms, and extreme heat nearing fifty degrees Celsius. His slumped shoulder, deep footprints, and long walks under harsh conditions reflect the strain carried by individuals who keep systems functioning. Beyond physical hardship, he also bears emotional responsibility, especially when delivering letters containing tragic news.
The narrative reminds readers that services like communication and money transfers depend on real people who endure discomfort and sacrifice daily. By highlighting this unseen effort, the story urges readers to value the dedication behind ordinary public services.
Question 4.
‘People like Khetaram are a part and parcel of our social fabric.’
Justify this statement with reference to the story.
Answer:
Khetaram is an essential part of the nation’s social fabric because he sustains communication, trust, and community bonds in remote regions. By delivering letters and money orders, he connects isolated villages to families and national institutions. His reliability builds public confidence, as villagers trust him to read and write letters. He also represents the presence of the state in neglected areas, strengthening inclusion. Despite harsh conditions, he serves with commitment and dignity.
Through consistent public service, he supports emotional ties, financial stability-and social unity. The story suggests that individuals like Khetaram quietly uphold the structure of society through selfless dedication.
Question 5.
You are the Head Boy / Head Girl of your school. On National Post Day, you have been asked to deliver a speech highlighting the contribution of unsung heroes like Khetaram in strengthening the nation’s communication network.
Write a speech in about 150-200 words, referring to the story ‘Carrier of Words’.
Answer:
Good morning respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends,
Today, on National Post Day, I would like to speak about the unsung heroes who quietly keep our nation connected-people like Khetaram from the story ‘Carrier of Words’.
In an age where we send messages with a single click, it is easy to forget those who walk miles under the scorching sun to deliver letters. Khetaram, a Gramin Dak Sewak, crosses sand dunes, faces extreme heat, and carries heavy mailbags to ensure that even the remotest villages remain connected.
He is not just a postman; he is a lifeline. He delivers not only letters but also hope, news and financial support through money orders.
His dedication shows us that nation-building is not only done in big cities or offices, but also in distant deserts where duty is performed with sincerity and courage. Let us salute these silent heroes who strengthen our communication network and remind us that true service lies in commitment and compassion.
Thank you.
Question 6.
Both Khetaram from ‘Carrier of Words’ and Arenla (or Sentila) from ‘The Pot Maker’ are connected to traditional forms of livelihood in challenging conditions. Compare how both texts portray dignity in labour and resilience despite hardship.
Answer:
Both ‘Carrier of Words’ and ‘The Pot Maker’ present powerful portraits of dignity in labour and resilience despite hardship.
Khetaram, a Gramin Dak Sewak, works in the harsh desert, walking long distances under extreme heat to deliver letters and money orders. His work is physically exhausting, yet he performs it with commitment, self-respect and a deep sense of duty. Similarly, in ‘The Pot Maker’, Arenla’s craft involves intense physical effort, long hours and little financial reward.
Despite these challenges, pot making remains a symbol of cultural identity and inherited skill. While Arenla initially associates her craft with exhaustion, Sentila sees it as a source of pride and continuity.
Both texts emphasise that true honour lies not in wealth but in honest work, perseverance, and maintaining traditional livelihoods with courage and integrity.
Carrier of Words Extract Based Questions and Answers
Extract 1
Khetaram is a Gramin Dak Sewak. His left shoulder slumped from years of carrying a mailbag, he is the sole postman of Somarad Branch Post Office. For the last 15 years, he has been a trusted link between the people attached to this Rajasthani village post office and their families. Defying all elements of the harshest desert of India, the Thar, he is the lone face of the state who reaches the far-flung hamlets, or dhaanis, of this remote area just 2.5 km short of the Indo-Pakistan border.
I. Explain why Khetaram is described as a ‘trusted link’ between the village and their families.
Answer:
Khetaram is described as a trusted link because he connects isolated villagers with their families through letters and communication. For fifteen years, he has consistently delivered mail, earning the confidence and dependence of the people in the remote Rajasthani village.
II. State one reason why Khetaram’s role is considered significant in this remote desert region.
Answer:
Khetaram’s role is significant because he serves areas where roads end and modern communication facilities are absent, ensuring that even the most remote hamlets remain connected to the outside world.
III. What does the phrase ‘lone face of the state’ convey?
(i) He represents the government in remote areas.
(ii) He works completely alone without support.
(iii) He symbolises official presence in neglected regions.
(iv) He avoids interaction with villagers.
(v) He stands as a visible sign of connection and service.
Choose the correct option.
A. Only ii
B. i, iii and v
C. ii and iv
D. Only iv
Answer:
B. i, iii and v
IV. Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
The author describes the harsh desert conditions because he wants to _______.
A. show that Khetaram’s job is simple and ordinary.
B. highlight the dedication and endurance required to serve in extreme conditions.
Answer:
B. highlight the dedication and endurance required to serve in extreme conditions
Extract 2
Some 120 km beyond the last railhead at Barmer, 50 km beyond the last phone and 10 km beyond where the Barmer-Chohtan road directionlessly crumbles into sand so soft that even bicycles can’t ply, that’s where Khetaram’s footprints appear along sand beds and dunes. It is his bodily effort that ensures that the mail transferred from the mail train onto buses before being hefted onto his shoulders is delivered at the border, within 24 hours of dispatch from Jodhpur, around 330 km away.
Often, the impression of his footprints reveals the weight of his mailbag. Regulations stipulate that his load cannot exceed 28 kilos. But in the summers, when the sands sizzle under his mojri-clad feet, Khetaram says, “Even a single delivery is tiring, as I have to cover 20 km for it.”
I. Why does the author describe the long distances beyond the railhead and road in the extract?
Answer:
The author describes the long distances and harsh desert terrain to emphasise the difficulty of Khetaram’s work. It highlights how remote the region is.
II. Explain how Khetaram ensures that the mail reaches the border within 24 hours despite the harsh terrain.
Answer:
Khetaram ensures timely delivery through his physical endurance and dedication. After the mail is transferred from trains to buses, he carries it on his shoulders across sand dunes, walking long distances so that it reaches the border within 24 hours.
III. Which of the following statements best explains Khetaram’s attitude towards his duty?
A. Khetaram avoids difficult deliveries during extreme weather conditions.
B. Khetaram accepts physical hardship and walks long distances to fulfil his responsibility.
Answer:
B. Khetaram accepts physical hardship and walks long distances to fulfil his responsibility.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) sizzle
(ii) effort
(iii) tiring
(iv) hefted
(v) stipulate
Select the option that correctly categorises the words into Physical Condition/Experience and Action/Process.
| Options | Physical Condition/Experience | Action / Process |
| A | i, ii, iii | iv, v |
| B | ii, iii | i, iv, v |
| C | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| D | iii | i, ii, iv, v |
Answer:
A
Extract 3
He delivers even on days when his body sends blazing signals that the temperature has crossed 50 degrees celsius, but is recorded as 49.9 degrees celsius, since 50 degrees celsius would mean a state holiday. Sometimes, severe heat forces him to postpone deliveries till after sundown.
On other days, his khaki turban and uniform are his only protection against the desert’s furies, the scorching summer winds and swirling sandstorms which turn him into a walking sandman. “Water is too precious to waste on washing, so I can only wipe my body. When I finish, there is a sand dune at my feet every evening,” he says.
I. Contradict the view that Khetaram’s job is comfortable and free from hardship.
Answer:
Khetaram’s job is not comfortable because he works in temperatures nearing 50 degrees celsius, faces sandstorms and scorching winds. He often postpones deliveries until sundown due to severe heat. His uniform is his only protection against harsh desert conditions.
II. Which of the following statements best explains Khetaram’s attitude towards his duty?
A. Khetaram avoids work during extreme weather and waits for better conditions.
B. Khetaram continues his work despite extreme heat and harsh desert conditions.
Answer:
B. Khetaram continues his work despite extreme heat and harsh desert conditions.
III. What can be inferred about the impact of the desert environment on Khetaram’s daily life?
Answer:
It can be inferred that the desert environment makes Khetaram’s life physically exhausting and uncomfortable.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) blazing
(ii) protection
(iii) swirling
(iv) postpone
(v) precious
Select the option that correctly categorises the words into Physical Conditions/Environment and Actions/Response.
| Options | Physical Conditions/ Environment | Actions/Response |
| A | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| B | i, iii, v | ii, iv |
| C | ii, v | i, iii, iv |
| D | i, ii, iii | iv, v |
Answer:
B
Extract 4
Till 2001, Khetaram was known as a ‘delivery agent’ operating in rural areas devoid of schools and primary healthcare centres. Since then, India’s three lakh plus delivery agents like Khetaram were accepted as Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS), who constitute more than 50 per cent of the total workforce.
The frozen desert of Ladakh, the isles of Lakshadweep, and the riverine communities of the northeast are all GDS territories. “The role of GDS is invaluable, since they deliver in interior areas that are often inaccessible by any means besides foot’, explains the Postmaster-General of Rajasthan Western Region.
I. Explain why the role of Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS) is described as ‘invaluable’ in the extract.
Answer:
The role of GDS is described as invaluable because they deliver mail in remote and interior areas where transport facilities are limited or absent. They ensure communication reaches isolated communities, serving as an essential link between distant regions and the rest of the country.
II. State one reason why delivery agents like Khetaram were formally accepted as Gramin Dak Sewaks after 2001.
Answer:
Delivery agents like Khetaram were accepted as Gramin Dak Sewaks to formally recognise their service and retain a large workforce capable of delivering mail in remote and inaccessible regions.
III. What does the phrase ‘often inaccessible by any means besides foot’ convey?
(i) The extreme remoteness of certain regions
(ii) The availability of modern transport facilities
(iii) The physical effort required by GDS
(iv) The comfort of working in isolated places
(v) The dependence of interior communities on GDS
Choose the correct option.
A. Only ii
B. i, iii and v
C. ii and iv
D. Only iv
Answer:
B. i, iii and v
IV. Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
The author mentions regions like Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and the northeast because he wants to _______ .
A. show that GDS prefer adventurous locations for work
B. emphasise that GDS serve across diverse and challenging geographical regions of India
Answer:
B. emphasise that GDS serve across diverse and challenging geographical regions of India
Extract 5
Unlike the British postal system set up in India to relay company dak between administrative centres, after independence, the mandate of India Post was to bring the entire population within the mailing ambit. Compared to 25,000 post offices in 1947 , today we have about more than a lakh and a half post offices throughout the country. Through the GDS, India Post has also been able to reach rural depositors, who entrust their monthly savings to the post office in their area. Every post office in the country has many operational accounts of the people which reflects their trust in the postal system.
I. How was the objective of India Post different from that of the British postal system?
Answer:
The British postal system was mainly established to relay company dak between administrative centres. After independence, India Post aimed to include the entire population within its mailing network, ensuring that even rural and remote communities had access to postal services.
II. In what way does the passage highlight the trust people place in the postal system?
Answer:
The passage highlights trust by mentioning that rural depositors entrust their monthly savings to the post office. The existence of many operational accounts across the country reflects people’s confidence in the safety and reliability of the postal system.
III. What does the phrase ‘bring the entire population within the mailing ambit’ convey?
(i) The aim to make postal services accessible to every citizen
(ii) The intention to serve only urban administrative centres
(iii) The expansion of communication facilities across rural areas
(iv) The replacement of traditional mail with digital services
(v) The effort to include remote communities in the communication network
Choose the correct option.
A. Only ii
B. i, iii and v
C. ii and iv
D. Only iv
Answer:
B. i, iii and v
IV. Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
Rural depositors entrust their monthly savings to the post office because they _______ .
A. are forced by the government to open accounts there
B. have confidence in the safety and reliability of the postal system
Answer:
B. have confidence in the safety and reliability of the postal system
Extract 6
The essential criterion for GDS selection is access to another means of livelihood. They are required to work only five hours in a day and are also allowed to serve after the age of 60, till the age of 65. All this is so that they can be paid a salary to enable them to have an assured income. The salary of regular postmen gets revised as the other government employees. “Only by applying such different conditions could we retain a large workforce of Gramin Dak Sewaks to serve remote outposts,” explains a postmaster. Khetaram’s appointment more than a decade ago gave him a new lease of life. “Akaal or famine is a way of life here. In a good year, I get one crop of bajra. That cannot feed my family of five. We would starve without this job,” he says. And for each family which resides in this arid land, survival is partly dependent on money orders remitted by a relative.
I. Explain why Khetaram describes his appointment as giving him a ‘new lease of life’.
Answer:
Khetaram describes his appointment as a ‘new lease of life’ because the job provided him financial security in a famine-prone region where farming alone could not support his family. It ensured survival and stability for his household.
II. State one reason why Khetaram had to depend on this job for survival.
Answer:
Khetaram depended on this job because one crop of bajra was not enough to feed his family of five, and without the job, they would starve.
III. What does the statement ‘Akaal or famine is a way of life here’ convey?
(i) Frequent drought and food scarcity are common in the region.
(ii) Farming alone cannot fully support families in the area.
(iii) The region produces abundant crops every year.
(iv) People are accustomed to regular hardships.
(v) Famine is a rare and unexpected event there.
Choose the correct option.
A. Only iii
B. i, ii and iv
C. ii and v
D. Only v
Answer:
B. i, ii and iv
IV. Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
The postmaster mentions special working conditions for GDS because he wants to
A. show that the government discourages people from working in remote areas.
B. explain how flexible conditions help retain workers in difficult and remote regions.
Answer:
B. explain how flexible conditions help retain workers in difficult and remote regions.
Extract 7
When writing about the social significance of the money order in his book, Story of the Indian Post Office, Mulk Raj Anand says, “In no other country, a person in remote villages is so dependent on the post office for transmission of small sums of money… It reflects the absolute confidence which most Indians place in the post office.” In fact, a few years ago, a scheme to scrap the GDS and transfer the job to patwaris (village record keepers) was proposed and summarily rejected. “We knew they would not be able to do the job,” says Budh Singh, a village elder.
Such aspects of trust make Khetaram a warmly received man. He can dwell on any threshold, read out letters and write replies in his slightly shaky hand.
I. Why was the proposal to scrap the GDS and transfer their job to patwaris rejected?
Answer:
The proposal was rejected because villagers believed that patwaris would not be able to perform the duties effectively. The GDS were trusted for their reliability and dedication in delivering mail and handling financial transactions in remote areas.
II. Explain how the extract highlights the deep trust people place in Khetaram.
Answer:
The extract highlights trust by showing that villagers depend heavily on money orders sent through the post office. Khetaram is warmly welcomed, allowed to enter homes, and trusted to read letters and write replies, reflecting strong community confidence.
III. Which of the following statements best explains the role of money orders in remote villages?
A. Money orders are rarely used and have little importance in rural areas.
B. Money orders are essential for survival and reflect people’s strong confidence in the postal system.
Answer:
B. Money orders are essential for survival and reflect people’s strong confidence in the postal system.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) dependent
(ii) confidence
(iii) rejected
(iv) dwell
(v) reflects
Select the option that correctly categorises the words into Feelings/State of Mind and Action/Process.
| Options | Feelings/State of Mind | Action/ Process |
| A | i, ii | iii, iv, v |
| B | ii | i, ii, iv, v |
| C | i, v | ii, iii, iv |
| D | iii | i, ii, iv, v |
Answer:
A
Extract 8
Everyone feels comfortable asking him to read the letters and draft the replies.
“People are kind to me; the BSF always gives me a lift. Since their camp came here last year, when I distribute their dak, I get a cup of tea.” In the village, a piece of jaggery is all that can be offered when he brings news of a birth or weddings.
There is one letter delivery he dreads. The envelope with the right corner torn off, which signifies that the missive bears news of death. “Ashubh Samachar cannot be carried into the house,” says Khetaram. So, he stands outside, reads out the letter twice, then tears it to bits. “Bad news must be destroyed,” he mutters philosophically.
I. Why does the author describe how villagers and the BSF treat Khetaram with warmth and respect?
Answer:
The author describes the villagers’ and BSF’s warmth to highlight the deep trust and respect Khetaram has earned. Their gestures, like offering tea or jaggery, show appreciation for his service and his important role in their lives.
II. Explain how Khetaram handles the delivery of letters bearing sad news.
Answer:
Khetaram handles sad news carefully and respectfully. He stands outside the house, reads the letter twice to ensure clarity, and then tears it up according to local belief, showing sensitivity and emotional understanding.
III. Which of the following statements best explains Khetaram’s attitude towards delivering difficult messages?
A. Khetaram avoids delivering letters that contain bad news.
B. Khetaram delivers even painful news with sensitivity and follows local beliefs respectfully.
Answer:
B Khetaram delivers even painful news with sensitivity and follows local beliefs respectfully.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) comfortable
(ii) dreads
(iii) torn
(iv) draft
(v) destroyed
Select the option that correctly categorises the words into Feelings/Emotional State and Action/Process.
| Options | Feelings/ Emotional State | Action/ Process |
| A | i, ii | iii, iv, v |
| B | ii | i, iii, iv, v |
| C | i | ii, iii, iv, v |
| D | iii | i, ii, iv, v |
Answer:
A
Extract 9
Today, after more than a decade and a half of bearing words across this desolate geography, Khetaram says his spine is strong. “I am grateful that as a Gramin Dak Sewak, I can serve the people even after 60.” He is waiting for the arrival of phone lines, now only 50 km away, for then he might become Gramin Sanchar Sewak, when his duty will entail carrying a cell phone and the post, from home to home. “Main tayyar hoon” (I’m ready), he says, before striding off with his sack on his shoulder to deliver Panna Devi’s dak before sundown.
People like Khetaram are a part and parcel of our social fabric, and are a great support! Our salute to all the people like Khetaram!
I. Why does the author describe Khetaram as being ‘grateful’ even after more than a decade and a half of service?
Answer:
The author describes Khetaram as grateful to show his pride and satisfaction in serving people despite years of hardship. Even after working in harsh desert conditions for many years, he values his role and feels honoured to continue contributing to society.
II. Explain how Khetaram’s statement ‘Main tayyar hoon’ reflects his attitude towards change and responsibility.
Answer:
Khetaram’s statement shows his readiness to accept change and adapt to new responsibilities. He is willing to embrace technological advancement and continue serving people with dedication, proving that age has not reduced his enthusiasm or commitment.
III. Which of the following statements best explains Khetaram’s outlook towards his work in old age?
A. Khetaram feels burdened and wishes to retire as soon as possible.
B. Khetaram feels proud and ready to continue serving, even adapting to new responsibilities.
Answer:
B. Khetaram feels proud and ready to continue serving, even adapting to new responsibilities.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) grateful
(ii) desolate
(iii) entail
(iv) striding
(v) support
Select the option that correctly categorises the words into Positive Outlook and Challenging Context.
| Options | Positive Outlook | Challenging Context |
| A | i, iv, v | ii, iii |
| B | i, v | ii, iii, iv |
| C | ii | i, iii, iv, v |
| D | iii | i, ii, iv, v |
Answer:
A
Extra Questions of Carrier of Words for Practice
Extract-Based Questions
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Khetaram is a Gramin Dak Sewak. His left shoulder slumped from years of carrying a mailbag, he is the sole postman of Somarad Branch Post Office. For the last 15 years, he has been a trusted link between the people attached to this Rajasthani village post office and their families. Defying all elements of the harshest desert of India, the Thar, he is the lone face of the state who reaches the far-flung hamlets, or dhaanis, of this remote area just 2.5 km short of the Indo-Pakistan border. Some 120 km beyond the last railhead at Barmer, 50 km beyond the last phone and 10 km beyond where the Barmer-Chohtan road directionlessly crumbles into sand so soft that even bicycles can’t ply, that’s where Khetaram’s footprints appear along sand beds and dunes.
I. What does the phrase ‘lone face of the state’ convey about Khetaram’s role in the remote desert region?
(i) He represents government presence in neglected areas.
(ii) He works entirely without institutional support.
(iii) He symbolises official connection between citizens and the state.
(iv) He prefers isolation from society.
(v) He acts as a visible reminder of national responsibility.
Choose the correct option.
A. i, iii, v
B. Only ii
C. ii and iv
D. Only v
II. How does the detailed description of distances beyond the railhead and road strengthen the sense of remoteness in the extract?
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
The description of Khetaram’s slumped shoulder mainly serves to ………..
A. emphasise the long-term physical impact of dedicated service
B. show that he is physically weak and incapable of doing his duty
IV. What larger idea about public service is suggested through the image of Khetaram’s footprints appearing across sand beds and dunes?
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why can Khetaram be considered a symbol of invisible workers in society?
Question 2.
How does the passage present communication as a lifeline rather than merely a service in remote regions?
Question 3.
In what way does the story highlight the emotional labour involved in public service?
Question 4.
How does the narrative portray the desert not just as a setting, but as a force shaping human resilience?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Both Khetaram from ‘Carrier of Words’ and the grandmother in ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ understand the power of communication. Compare how access to reading and access to letters shape independence and dignity in the two texts.
Question 2.
Examine how the story presents time – through years of service, changing postal systems, and gradual technological advancement – to show continuity and transformation within rural India.