The story is about two boys - Nakul, who is gloomy and pessimistic, and Akash, who is cheerful and optimistic despite having a disability. Nakul struggles in an exam because he started with difficult questions. Akash consoles him and offers study tips. Later, Nakul overhears teachers praising Akash's positive attitude, which helps Nakul appreciate Akash's influence. With Akash's encouragement and help, Nakul performs well in a play. Nakul realizes he should adopt Akash's cheerful outlook to lead a happier life.

1. B.J.P.S Samiti’s
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM HIGH SCHOOL
A LESSON FOR NAKUL, STD: 8TH
Subject: English
Ppt by P.S.JOSHI 1

2. A LESSON FOR NAKUL
NEELA SUBRAMANIAN

3. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL 3

4. •The story”A lesson for Nakul”revolves around an
unhappy, gloomy boy, Nakul, who always had a negative
outlook towards the world and his life. He always looked
at the darker side of the world. On the contrary, there is
another boy in the story named Akash, who was always
cheerful and brave in facing challenges of life. He was
optimistic and wanted to spread joy in his own way.
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL 4

5. M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL 5
The story begins with the students of class six coming out of
their examination hall after completing their Mathematics
paper. Akash asked Tarun how he had written the mathematics
paper to which Tarun replied that it was difficult but he had
answered all the questions. Nakul on the other side was quite
stressed as he could not answer all the questions in his
mathematics exam because he began with tough questions and
left the easy ones to solve them at the last moment but
unfortunately, he could not complete his paper. Akash consoled
him saying it was not the final exam. He suggested Nakul to
write faster the next time or set his watch ten minutes ahead
so that he could solve all the problems.

6. • Pessimism and Confusion
•Nakul panics after realising that he had not even written his
name or roll number on his answer paper. That night Akash
woke up and found Nakul sitting on his bed and asked what
was wrong with him. Nakul was worried thinking that he had
forgotten to write his name or the roll number on his answer
paper. Akash took him to their teacher Mr. Verghese and gets
the doubt cleared. The teacher took out the answer papers,
checked them and informed Nakul that he had written his
name and roll number. He also said that there was no need for
him to panic.

7. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL 7

8. Nakul was hiding behind some rocks,where he overheard his teachers
talking about Akash. Mr. Verghese admired Akash because he was
always cheerful despite his lame leg. The Games teacher agreed with
him and said he liked Akash for his courage. Akash’s parents did not
want to admit him into a boarding school and expose him to the
difficulties of boarding school life. But, Akash had insisted that he
would join the boarding school. The teachers thought that Akash with
his cheerful attitude was a good example to the other students. This
conversation made Nakul realise his mistake and appreciate Akash’s
optimistic attitude. He recalled the instances when Akash had helped
him. He understood that it was Akash’s cheerful and positive outlook
was like a bracing tonic which influenced his own way of thinking.
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL 8

9. A few days later the boys were getting ready to celebrate the annual
function day. Nakul was given an important role in a drama. Nakul was
discouraged because he had to learn a number of lines. Akash promised
to help him, and with Akash’s help Nakul learned all the lines. Nakul
acted well in the drama and thanked Akash for his support.
• The next day they went to a picnic. Nakul thought it was going to rain
but Akash replied that it was going to be a fresh and sunny day. He
further asked Nakul why he always looked at things with a negative
attitude and advised him not to be a wet blanket all the times. Nakul
was annoyed at his comment and left the place to join other friends.
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL 9

10. Nakul also admitted to himself that his constant grumbling must be
irritating others. He decided to develop a positive outlook towards all
things. He went and apologised to Akash for his rude behaviour. Nakul
asked Akash how he remained cheerful despite his disability, which did
not allow him to join others and play.
• Akash confessed that he felt hurt at first but when his grandmother
advised him that no one would weep with him if he was always sad, he
would not be lonely if he was brave and happy, he would always find a
silver lining and even if the day was grim and grey there would always
be a brighter tomorrow with a fresh morning everyday.
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL 10

11. In this way, Nakul realised his mistakes and learnt a lesson
that a positive and cheerful attitude would definitely help
him to lead a happy life and he should celebrate everyday
in being alive.
M.V.HERWADKAR ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL
11