Page 143 - Grammar Class 08

He has been honoured with the Honorary Doctorates by at least 30 universities as well as

three highest civilian awards of the country (Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhushan
in 1990, Bharat Ratna in 1997). He was a great personality and inspiration to the
youngsters of our country. He breathed his last at IIM, Shillong, Meghalaya on 27 July,
2015 because of sudden cardiac arrest. He is not present among us physically, however
his great works and contributions would be with us forever. He has mentioned his dream
of making India a developed country in his book- “India 2020-A Vision for the New

Millennium”. He has written many other books, like Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, Target
3 Billion, Turning Points, My Journey, etc.

4. My Favourite Hero in History

My favourite hero in history is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was an Indian warrior king
belonging to Maharashtra and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. He was born in
Pune in the year 1627. Quite early in age he came to know that Shiah rulers of Bijapur
and Golkonda were the enemies of the small state of Maratha. Shivaji by his courage and
bravery defeated the wicked designs of these enemies.

When Shivaji was a child, he came under the influence of his mother Jija Bai and Dada
Kondev. They told him stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. His mother inculcated in
Shivaji heroism and a selfless love for his motherland. He fought many wars. He waged a
war against the Mughals. Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor was his greatest rival, who

wanted to establish a complete Muslim state in India. Shivaji defeated the Mughal army
many times. He recaptured all the Mughal forts. They were forty in number. Very soon
the local rulers of Bijapur and Ahmednagar bowed before the unchallenged might of this
great Hindu warrior king.

He died on 3rd April 1680, leaving behind a great reputation and a well-established
Maratha State. Shivaji was a man of guiltless character. He had a great respect for Muslim
culture, the Quran and the mosque. Whereas, his adversary Aurangzeb was bent up
extinguishing Hinduism from this land.

5. Music

Music can be the most important and powerful thing in anyone’s life who loves to listen
or play music and knows its importance in life. One who listens or plays music never gets
irritated at any problem in life. It helps in relaxing the mind as well as motivates to do
something better in life. Many people love to listen and play music on many occasions or
events. Some people become used to listening to music in all their time such as in the
office, home, on the way, etc. It keeps our mind away from all the problems of life and
gives solace. Nowadays, there is a trend of playing slow music in the offices of big

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