A LETTER TO GOD Part: 1

 A LETTER TO GOD

Part: 1

THE house — the only one in the entire valley — sat on the crest of a low hill. From this height one could see the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with the flowers that always promised a good harvest. The only thing the earth needed was a downpour or at least a shower. Throughout the morning Lencho — who knew his fields intimately — had done nothing else but see the sky towards the north-east.

“Now we’re really going to get some water, woman.” The woman who was preparing supper, replied, “Yes, God willing”. The older boys were working in the field, while the smaller ones were playing near the house until the woman called to them all, “Come for dinner”. It was during the meal that, just as Lencho had predicted, big drops of rain began to fall. In the north-east huge mountains of clouds could be seen approaching. The air was fresh and sweet. The man went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body, and when he returned, he exclaimed, ‘‘These aren’t raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins. The big drops are ten cent pieces and the little ones are fives.’’

With a satisfied expression he regarded the field of ripe corn with its flowers, draped in a curtain of rain. But suddenly a strong wind began to blow and along with the rain very large hailstones began to fall. These truly did resemble new silver coins. The boys, exposing themselves to the rain, ran out to collect the frozen pearls. ‘‘It’s really getting bad now,’’ exclaimed the man. “I hope it passes quickly.” It did not pass quickly. For an hour the hail rained on the house, the garden, the hillside, the cornfield, on the whole valley. The field was white, as if covered with salt. Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed. The flowers were gone from the plants. Lencho’s soul was filled with sadness. When the storm had passed, he stood in the middle of the field and said to his sons, “A plague of locusts would have left more than this. The hail has left nothing. This year we will have no corn.’’ That night was a sorrowful one. “All our work, for nothing.” ‘‘There’s no one who can help us.” “We’ll all go hungry this year.”

Glossary (English – Odia)

Entire – whole; complete – ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ, ସାରା
Valley – a low area between hills or mountains – ଉପତ୍ୟକା
Crest – the top or highest point of a hill – ଶିଖର, ଚୂଡ଼ା
Height – elevation above the ground – ଉଚ୍ଚତା
Ripe – fully grown and ready to be harvested – ପାଚିଥିବା, ପକ୍କ
Dotted – covered or scattered with small spots or objects – ଛିଟିଏ ଛିଟିଏ ଥିବା
Promised – gave hope or assurance of – ଆଶା ଦେଇଥିଲା, ସୂଚନା ଦେଇଥିଲା
Harvest – the gathering of crops – ଅମଳ, ଫସଲ କାଟିବା
Downpour – a heavy fall of rain – ମୁଷଳଧାରା ବର୍ଷା
Shower – a short period of rain – ହାଲୁକା ବର୍ଷା
Throughout – during the whole period – ସାରା ସମୟ ଧରି
Intimately – very closely and thoroughly – ଭଲଭାବେ, ନିବିଡ଼ ଭାବରେ
Preparing – getting something ready – ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ କରୁଥିବା
Predicted – said beforehand that something would happen – ପୂର୍ବାନୁମାନ କରିଥିଲା
Approaching – coming nearer – ନିକଟକୁ ଆସୁଥିବା
Fresh – cool and pleasant – ସତେଜ, ଶୀତଳ
Exclaimed – cried out suddenly with feeling – ଉତ୍ସାହରେ କହିଉଠିଲା
Raindrops – drops of rain – ବର୍ଷା ବିନ୍ଦୁ
Coins – pieces of metal money – ମୁଦ୍ରା
Cent pieces – coins worth one hundredth of a dollar – ସେଣ୍ଟ ମୂଲ୍ୟର ମୁଦ୍ରା
Satisfied – pleased and content – ସନ୍ତୁଷ୍ଟ
Expression – the look on a person's face – ମୁହଁର ଭାବ
Regarded – looked at carefully – ଚାହିଁ ଦେଖିଲା
Draped – covered or wrapped – ଆଚ୍ଛାଦିତ, ଢାଙ୍କାଯାଇଥିବା
Curtain (of rain) – a thick sheet of rain – ବର୍ଷାର ପରଦା
Suddenly – all at once – ହଠାତ୍
Hailstones – balls of ice falling from the sky – କୁଆପଥର
Resemble – to look like – ସଦୃଶ ହେବା, ପରି ଦେଖାଯିବା
Silver – a white precious metal – ରୂପା
Exposing – leaving without protection – ଅସୁରକ୍ଷିତ ଭାବେ ଛାଡ଼ିଦେବା, ଖୋଲାରେ ରଖିବା
Collect – gather together – ସଂଗ୍ରହ କରିବା
Frozen – turned into ice – ବରଫ ହୋଇଯାଇଥିବା
Pearls – small round shining objects; here, hailstones – ମୋତି; ଏଠାରେ କୁଆପଥର
Exclaimed – cried out in fear or surprise – ଆଶ୍ଚର୍ଯ୍ୟ କିମ୍ବା ଚିନ୍ତାରେ କହିଉଠିଲା
Hillside – the sloping side of a hill – ପାହାଡ଼ର ଢାଳ
Cornfield – a field where corn is grown – ମକା କ୍ଷେତ୍ର
Valley – land between hills – ଉପତ୍ୟକା
Covered – spread over completely – ଆଚ୍ଛାଦିତ
Totally – completely – ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭାବେ
Destroyed – ruined completely – ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ନଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯାଇଥିବା
Soul – the inner feelings or spirit – ଆତ୍ମା, ଅନ୍ତରମନ
Sadness – great unhappiness – ଦୁଃଖ
Storm – violent weather with rain, wind, etc. – ଝଡ଼
Plague – a large number causing great damage; here, a swarm – ବିପଦ, ବିନାଶକାରୀ ଆକ୍ରମଣ
Locusts – insects that destroy crops in large numbers – ପଙ୍ଗପାଳ
Sorrowful – full of sorrow or grief – ଶୋକାକୁଳ, ଦୁଃଖଭରା
Hungry – needing food; without enough to eat – ଭୋକିଲା, ଭୋକରେ କଷ୍ଟ ପାଉଥିବା

Line-wise Analysis

1. The story opens by presenting the lonely location of Lencho's house. Its isolated position on a hill suggests that the family lives away from society and depends entirely on farming for survival.

2. The fertile fields, the nearby river, and the ripe corn indicate that nature has blessed Lencho with favourable conditions. The flowers are symbols of a rich and abundant harvest.

3. Although the crops have matured well, timely rainfall is still essential. This sentence emphasizes the farmer's complete dependence on nature.

4. Lencho's continuous observation of the sky shows that he is an experienced and hardworking farmer who understands weather signs through years of practical experience.

5. Lencho confidently predicts rainfall. His certainty reflects both his agricultural knowledge and his hope for a successful harvest.

6. Lencho's wife expresses faith in God's will. Her response introduces the theme of religious faith that dominates the entire story.

7. This description presents a simple, hardworking rural family where every member has a role. The elder sons help with farming while the younger children enjoy their childhood.

8. Lencho's prediction comes true, proving his deep understanding of nature and increasing his confidence.

9. The approaching dark clouds create an atmosphere of expectation. They appear to be bringing the long-awaited rain.

10. The pleasant weather after the first rainfall creates a peaceful and joyful mood. Nature appears kind and generous.

11. Lencho's love for rain reflects the feelings of every farmer. To him, rain is not merely pleasant weather but the source of life and livelihood.

12. Lencho compares the raindrops to money because he believes the rain will produce an excellent crop and bring financial prosperity.

13. His imaginative comparison of large and small raindrops to coins shows his happiness and optimism. He mentally calculates the wealth that the harvest will bring.

14. Looking at the rain-covered field fills Lencho with satisfaction because he believes all his hard work will soon be rewarded.

15. The story suddenly takes a dramatic turn. The pleasant rain changes into a destructive hailstorm, showing how quickly nature can change.

16. The shining hailstones appear beautiful like silver coins, but unlike the rain, these "coins" will bring loss instead of profit. The irony becomes evident.

17. The children innocently enjoy collecting the hailstones because they fail to understand the danger they pose to the crops.

18. Lencho immediately realizes the seriousness of the situation. His happiness changes into anxiety as he fears for his crops.

19. This brief statement heightens suspense and disappointment because Lencho's hope is not fulfilled.

20. The long duration of the hailstorm ensures complete destruction. Nothing in the valley escapes its devastating effect.

21. The comparison of the field to one covered with salt vividly highlights the extent of the hailstorm and creates a striking visual image.

22. The complete loss of leaves shows that the storm has destroyed not only the crops but also the surrounding vegetation.

23. The total destruction of the corn means the family's only source of income has disappeared.

24. The disappearance of the flowers symbolises the end of all hopes for a good harvest.

25. Lencho experiences deep emotional pain because months of hard work have been ruined within a short time.

26. By comparing the damage to a plague of locusts, Lencho emphasizes that the hailstorm has caused even greater destruction than one of nature's worst disasters.

27. Lencho accepts the harsh reality that there will be no harvest. The family now faces severe financial hardship.

28. The entire family spends the night in grief, reflecting the emotional impact of losing everything they had worked for.

29. The family feels that all their labour and sacrifices have become meaningless because they have received no reward.

30. Their helplessness becomes clear as they believe there is no human being who can rescue them from their suffering.

31. The fear of starvation becomes their greatest concern. This hopeless situation prepares the background for Lencho's extraordinary faith in God, which unfolds in the next part of the story.

ଈଶ୍ୱରଙ୍କୁ ଏକ ଚିଠି, ବିଶ୍ଳେଷଣ

୧. କାହାଣୀର ଆରମ୍ଭରେ ଲେଖକ ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଘରର ନିର୍ଜନ ଅବସ୍ଥାନକୁ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି। ଉପତ୍ୟକାରେ ଏକମାତ୍ର ଘର ହେବାରୁ ଜଣାପଡ଼େ ଯେ ପରିବାରଟି ସମାଜଠାରୁ ଦୂରରେ ରହୁଥିଲା ଏବଂ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭାବେ କୃଷି ଉପରେ ନିର୍ଭରଶୀଳ ଥିଲା।

୨. ନଦୀ, ପାଚିଥିବା ମକା କ୍ଷେତ ଓ ଫୁଲରେ ଭରିଥିବା ଜମି ଦେଖାଏ ଯେ ପ୍ରକୃତି ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ଅନୁକୂଳ ଥିଲା। ଫୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଏକ ଭଲ ଅମଳର ଶୁଭ ସଙ୍କେତ ଥିଲା।

୩. ଫସଲ ପ୍ରାୟ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ ଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଭଲ ଅମଳ ପାଇଁ ବର୍ଷା ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ ଥିଲା। ଏହା କୃଷକର ପ୍ରକୃତି ଉପରେ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ନିର୍ଭରଶୀଳତାକୁ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ।

୪. ଲେନଚୋ ସକାଳ ସାରା ଆକାଶକୁ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ କରି ରହିବାରୁ ଜଣାପଡ଼େ ଯେ ସେ ଜଣେ ଅଭିଜ୍ଞ ଓ ପରିଶ୍ରମୀ କୃଷକ। ବର୍ଷର ଅଭିଜ୍ଞତା ବଳରେ ସେ ପାଣିପାଗର ଲକ୍ଷଣ ବୁଝିପାରୁଥିଲେ।

୫. ଲେନଚୋ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ଭାବରେ ବର୍ଷା ହେବ ବୋଲି କହିଥିଲେ। ଏହା ତାଙ୍କର ଆତ୍ମବିଶ୍ୱାସ, ଅଭିଜ୍ଞତା ଓ ଭଲ ଫସଲ ପ୍ରତି ଆଶାକୁ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ।

୬. ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ “ଭଗବାନଙ୍କ ଇଚ୍ଛା ହେଲେ” ବୋଲି କହି ଈଶ୍ୱରଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ତାଙ୍କର ଅଟୁଟ ବିଶ୍ୱାସକୁ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରିଛନ୍ତି। ଏହି ବିଶ୍ୱାସ ହିଁ ସମଗ୍ର କାହାଣୀର ମୂଳ ବିଷୟବସ୍ତୁ।

୭. ଏହି ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା ଗ୍ରାମୀଣ ଜୀବନର ସରଳତା ଓ ପରିଶ୍ରମକୁ ଦର୍ଶାଏ। ବଡ଼ ପୁଅମାନେ କୃଷିକାର୍ଯ୍ୟରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରୁଥିବା ବେଳେ ଛୋଟ ପିଲାମାନେ ଖେଳୁଥିଲେ।

୮. ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପୂର୍ବାନୁମାନ ସତ୍ୟ ପ୍ରମାଣିତ ହେଲା। ଏହା ତାଙ୍କର କୃଷି ଜ୍ଞାନ ଓ ପ୍ରକୃତି ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ ଅଭିଜ୍ଞତାକୁ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ କରେ।

୯. ଉତ୍ତର-ପୂର୍ବ ଦିଗରୁ ଆସୁଥିବା କଳା ମେଘ ବର୍ଷାର ଆଗମନ ସୂଚନା ଦେଇ ପାଠକଙ୍କ ମନରେ ଉତ୍ସୁକତା ସୃଷ୍ଟି କରେ।

୧୦. ପ୍ରଥମ ବର୍ଷା ପରେ ପରିବେଶ ଥଣ୍ଡା, ସତେଜ ଓ ମନୋରମ ହୋଇଯାଏ। ପ୍ରକୃତି ସେତେବେଳେ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉଦାର ଓ ଶାନ୍ତ ମନେହୁଏ।

୧୧. ଲେନଚୋ କେବଳ ବର୍ଷାର ସ୍ପର୍ଶକୁ ଉପଭୋଗ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ବାହାରକୁ ଯାଆନ୍ତି। ଏହା ଦର୍ଶାଏ ଯେ ଜଣେ କୃଷକ ପାଇଁ ବର୍ଷା ହେଉଛି ଜୀବନ ଓ ଜୀବିକାର ଆଧାର।

୧୨. ଲେନଚୋ ବର୍ଷା ବିନ୍ଦୁକୁ ନୂଆ ମୁଦ୍ରା ସହିତ ତୁଳନା କରିଛନ୍ତି, କାରଣ ସେ ବିଶ୍ୱାସ କରୁଥିଲେ ଯେ ଏହି ବର୍ଷା ତାଙ୍କୁ ଧନ-ସମ୍ପଦ ଆଣିଦେବ।

୧୩. ବଡ଼ ଓ ଛୋଟ ବର୍ଷା ବିନ୍ଦୁକୁ ଭିନ୍ନ ଭିନ୍ନ ମୂଲ୍ୟର ମୁଦ୍ରା ସହିତ ତୁଳନା କରିବା ତାଙ୍କର ଆନନ୍ଦ ଓ ଆଶାବାଦୀ ମନୋଭାବକୁ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ।

୧୪. ବର୍ଷାରେ ଭିଜୁଥିବା କ୍ଷେତକୁ ଦେଖି ଲେନଚୋ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ସନ୍ତୁଷ୍ଟ ହୁଅନ୍ତି। ସେ ଭାବନ୍ତି ତାଙ୍କର ପରିଶ୍ରମର ଫଳ ମିଳିବାକୁ ଯାଉଛି।

୧୫. ହଠାତ୍ ପ୍ରବଳ ପବନ ଓ କୁଆପଥର ପଡ଼ିବା ସହିତ କାହାଣୀରେ ନାଟକୀୟ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ଆସେ। ପ୍ରକୃତିର ଅନିଶ୍ଚିତ ସ୍ୱଭାବ ଏଠାରେ ପ୍ରକାଶ ପାଏ।

୧୬. କୁଆପଥର ରୂପା ମୁଦ୍ରା ପରି ଚମକୁଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଆଶୀର୍ବାଦ ନୁହେଁ, ବରଂ ବିନାଶର ପ୍ରତୀକ। ଏଠାରେ ଲେଖକ ସୁନ୍ଦର ବିଡମ୍ବନା (Irony) ସୃଷ୍ଟି କରିଛନ୍ତି।

୧୭. ପିଲାମାନେ ନିରୀହ ଭାବରେ କୁଆପଥର ସଂଗ୍ରହ କରୁଥିଲେ। ସେମାନେ ଏହାର ଭୟଙ୍କର ପରିଣାମ ବିଷୟରେ ସଚେତନ ନଥିଲେ।

୧୮. ଲେନଚୋ ତୁରନ୍ତ ବିପଦର ଗମ୍ଭୀରତା ବୁଝିପାରନ୍ତି। ତାଙ୍କର ଆନନ୍ଦ ମୁହୂର୍ତ୍ତକ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଚିନ୍ତାରେ ପରିଣତ ହୋଇଯାଏ।

୧୯. ଏହି ଛୋଟ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଆଶା ଭଙ୍ଗ ହେବାକୁ ଦର୍ଶାଇ କାହାଣୀରେ ଉତ୍କଣ୍ଠା ବଢ଼ାଏ।

୨୦. ପ୍ରାୟ ଏକ ଘଣ୍ଟା ଧରି କୁଆପଥର ପଡ଼ିବାରୁ ସମଗ୍ର ଉପତ୍ୟକାରେ ଭୟଙ୍କର କ୍ଷତି ହୁଏ। କୌଣସି ଜିନିଷ ଏହାରୁ ରକ୍ଷା ପାଏ ନାହିଁ।

୨୧. ଜମିକୁ ଲୁଣରେ ଢାଙ୍କି ଦିଆଯାଇଥିବା ପରି ଦେଖାଯିବାର ଉପମା କୁଆପଥରର ଭୟାବହତାକୁ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ସଜୀବ ଭାବରେ ଚିତ୍ରଣ କରିଛି।

୨୨. ଗଛରେ ଗୋଟିଏ ମଧ୍ୟ ପତ୍ର ନ ରହିବା ପ୍ରମାଣ କରେ ଯେ ଝଡ଼ କେବଳ ଫସଲ ନୁହେଁ, ସମଗ୍ର ପ୍ରକୃତିକୁ ଧ୍ୱଂସ କରିଦେଇଛି।

୨୩. ମକା ଫସଲ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ନଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯିବାର ଅର୍ଥ ହେଉଛି ପରିବାରର ଏକମାତ୍ର ଆୟର ଉତ୍ସ ନଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯିବା।

୨୪. ଫୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକର ବିନାଶ ସହିତ ଭଲ ଅମଳର ସମସ୍ତ ଆଶା ମଧ୍ୟ ଶେଷ ହୋଇଯାଏ।

୨୫. ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ମନ ଗଭୀର ଦୁଃଖରେ ଭରିଯାଏ, କାରଣ ତାଙ୍କର ଦୀର୍ଘଦିନର ପରିଶ୍ରମ କିଛି ସମୟ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ନଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି।

୨୬. କୁଆପଥରର କ୍ଷତିକୁ ପଙ୍ଗପାଳର ଆକ୍ରମଣଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ ଭୟଙ୍କର ବୋଲି କହି ଲେନଚୋ ତାହାର ବିନାଶକାରୀ ପ୍ରଭାବକୁ ଅତି ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ଭାବେ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରିଛନ୍ତି।

୨୭. ଲେନଚୋ କଠୋର ବାସ୍ତବତାକୁ ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରନ୍ତି ଯେ ସେହି ବର୍ଷ କୌଣସି ଫସଲ ମିଳିବ ନାହିଁ। ପରିବାର ଆର୍ଥିକ ସଙ୍କଟରେ ପଡ଼ିଯାଏ।

୨୮. ସେହି ରାତି ସମଗ୍ର ପରିବାର ଦୁଃଖ ଓ ନିରାଶାରେ କଟାଏ। ସେମାନଙ୍କର ସମସ୍ତ ସ୍ୱପ୍ନ ଭାଙ୍ଗିଯାଏ।

୨୯. ପରିବାରର ସମସ୍ତ ସଦସ୍ୟ ଅନୁଭବ କରନ୍ତି ଯେ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଦୀର୍ଘଦିନର ପରିଶ୍ରମ ବ୍ୟର୍ଥ ହୋଇଗଲା।

୩୦. ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଅସହାୟତା ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯାଏ, କାରଣ ସେମାନେ ଭାବନ୍ତି ଯେ ଏପରି ବିପଦରୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ବଞ୍ଚାଇବାକୁ କୌଣସି ମଣିଷ ନାହିଁ।

୩୧. ଭୋକରେ ରହିବାର ଭୟ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ସବୁଠାରୁ ବଡ଼ ଚିନ୍ତା ହୋଇଯାଏ। ଏହି ନିରାଶାଜନକ ପରିସ୍ଥିତି ପରବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ଭାଗରେ ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଅସାଧାରଣ ଈଶ୍ୱରବିଶ୍ୱାସର ପୃଷ୍ଠଭୂମି ସୃଷ୍ଟି କରେ।

MCQs

1. Which of the following best describes the location of Lencho's house?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଘରର ଅବସ୍ଥାନକୁ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁଟି ସର୍ବୋତ୍ତମ ଭାବେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରେ?
A. In the middle of a town
B. On the crest of a low hill in a valley
C. Near a busy market
D. Beside a railway station
Answer: B

2. How many houses were there in the entire valley?
ସମଗ୍ର ଉପତ୍ୟକାରେ କେତୋଟି ଘର ଥିଲା?
A. Two
B. Three
C. One
D. Five
Answer: C

3. What could be seen from the top of the hill?
ପାହାଡ଼ର ଶିଖରରୁ କ'ଣ ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲା?
A. A lake and a forest
B. A river and a field of ripe corn
C. A village and a road
D. A school and a playground
Answer: B

4. What was dotted among the ripe corn?
ପାଚିଥିବା ମକା ଫସଲ ମଧ୍ୟରେ କ'ଣ ଛିଟିଏ ଛିଟିଏ ଥିଲା?
A. Stones
B. Dry leaves
C. Flowers
D. Small trees
Answer: C

5. According to the passage, what was the only thing the earth needed?
ପାଠ୍ୟାଂଶ ଅନୁସାରେ ପୃଥିବୀର କେବଳ କେଉଁ ଜିନିଷର ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ଥିଲା?
A. Fertiliser
B. Sunshine
C. A downpour or at least a shower
D. More labourers
Answer: C

6. Towards which direction did Lencho keep looking throughout the morning?
ସକାଳ ସାରା ଲେନଚୋ କେଉଁ ଦିଗକୁ ଚାହିଁ ରହିଥିଲେ?
A. North-West
B. South-East
C. North-East
D. South-West
Answer: C

7. Why did Lencho keep watching the sky?
ଲେନଚୋ ବାରମ୍ବାର ଆକାଶକୁ କାହିଁକି ଚାହୁଁଥିଲେ?
A. To see birds
B. To watch an aeroplane
C. To know whether rain was coming
D. To enjoy the weather
Answer: C

8. What was Lencho's wife doing when he spoke about the rain?
ଲେନଚୋ ବର୍ଷା ବିଷୟରେ କହିବା ବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ କ'ଣ କରୁଥିଲେ?
A. Working in the field
B. Preparing supper
C. Fetching water
D. Feeding the cattle
Answer: B

9. What did Lencho's wife reply to him?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ କଥାରେ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ କ'ଣ ଉତ୍ତର ଦେଇଥିଲେ?
A. "It may not rain."
B. "Let's wait."
C. "Yes, God willing."
D. "I don't believe you."
Answer: C

10. What were the older boys doing?
ବଡ଼ ପୁଅମାନେ କ'ଣ କରୁଥିଲେ?
A. Playing near the house
B. Studying in school
C. Working in the field
D. Sleeping inside the house
Answer: C

51. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. Lencho's house was in the middle of a city.
B. Lencho's house was the only house in the entire valley.
C. There were many houses near Lencho's house.
D. Lencho lived near a railway station.
Answer: B

52. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. The earth needed more sunshine.
B. The earth needed more labourers.
C. The earth needed a downpour or at least a shower.
D. The earth needed more seeds.
Answer: C

53. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. Lencho knew nothing about farming.
B. Lencho never looked at the sky.
C. Lencho knew his fields very well.
D. Lencho depended on his neighbours for farming.
Answer: C

54. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. The older boys were sleeping.
B. The older boys were working in the field.
C. The older boys were playing near the house.
D. The older boys were fishing in the river.
Answer: B

55. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. The rain began after everyone had gone to bed.
B. The rain began during the meal.
C. The rain began before sunrise.
D. The rain never came.
Answer: B

56. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. Lencho compared the raindrops to flowers.
B. Lencho compared the raindrops to pearls.
C. Lencho compared the raindrops to new coins.
D. Lencho compared the raindrops to stars.
Answer: C

57. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. The hailstorm lasted only a few minutes.
B. The hailstorm lasted for one hour.
C. The hailstorm lasted the whole week.
D. There was no hailstorm.
Answer: B

58. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. The hailstorm improved the crop.
B. The hailstorm had no effect on the crop.
C. The hailstorm completely destroyed the corn.
D. The hailstorm increased the harvest.
Answer: C

59. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. Lencho was happy after seeing the destroyed field.
B. Lencho's soul was filled with sadness.
C. Lencho started dancing in the field.
D. Lencho laughed loudly after the storm.
Answer: B

60. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେଉଁ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ?
A. Lencho believed they would have a rich harvest that year.
B. Lencho said they would have no corn that year.
C. Lencho decided to stop farming forever.
D. Lencho thanked the hailstorm for its help.
Answer: B

61. What is the meaning of the word "valley"?
'Valley' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. A high mountain
B. A low area between hills or mountains
C. A thick forest
D. A river bank
Answer: B

62. What is the meaning of the word "crest"?
'Crest' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Bottom of a river
B. Highest point of a hill or mountain
C. Middle of a field
D. Edge of a road
Answer: B

63. What is the meaning of the word "ripe"?
'Ripe' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Green and unripe
B. Fully grown and ready to be harvested
C. Dry and dead
D. Freshly planted
Answer: B

64. What is the meaning of the word "dotted"?
'Dotted' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Completely covered
B. Scattered here and there
C. Hidden underground
D. Joined together
Answer: B

65. What is the meaning of the word "harvest"?
'Harvest' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Sowing seeds
B. Growing flowers
C. Cutting and collecting crops
D. Watering the field
Answer: C

66. What is the meaning of the word "downpour"?
'Downpour' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Light breeze
B. Heavy rainfall
C. Thick fog
D. Bright sunshine
Answer: B

67. What is the meaning of the word "shower"?
'Shower' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. A short spell of rain
B. A strong storm
C. Heavy snowfall
D. Hot wind
Answer: A

68. What is the meaning of the word "intimately" in the lesson?
ଏହି ପାଠରେ 'Intimately' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Secretly
B. Closely and thoroughly
C. Slowly
D. Happily
Answer: B

69. What is the meaning of the word "predicted"?
'Predicted' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Forgot
B. Said beforehand what would happen
C. Changed
D. Measured
Answer: B

70. What is the meaning of the word "approaching"?
'Approaching' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Going away
B. Coming nearer
C. Flying upward
D. Standing still
Answer: B

71. What is the meaning of the word "exclaimed"?
'Exclaimed' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Whispered softly
B. Cried out suddenly
C. Wrote silently
D. Laughed gently
Answer: B

72. What is the meaning of the word "regarded"?
'Regarded' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Ignored
B. Looked at carefully
C. Threw away
D. Collected
Answer: B

73. What is the meaning of the word "draped"?
'Draped' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Broken into pieces
B. Covered with something
C. Dug up
D. Burnt completely
Answer: B

74. What is the meaning of the word "hailstones"?
'Hailstones' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Balls of ice falling from the sky
B. Large raindrops
C. Snowflakes
D. Round stones from a river
Answer: A

75. What is the meaning of the word "resemble"?
'Resemble' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. To destroy
B. To look like
C. To collect
D. To wash
Answer: B

76. What is the meaning of the word "frozen"?
'Frozen' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Turned into ice
B. Melted completely
C. Burnt by fire
D. Covered with dust
Answer: A

77. What is the meaning of the word "destroyed"?
'Destroyed' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Protected
B. Completely ruined
C. Improved
D. Decorated
Answer: B

78. What is the meaning of the word "plague"?
'Plague' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. A blessing
B. A great disaster or widespread attack causing damage
C. A festival
D. A type of crop
Answer: B

79. What is the meaning of the word "locusts"?
'Locusts' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Birds that sing sweetly
B. Insects that destroy crops
C. Fish living in rivers
D. Domestic animals
Answer: B

80. What is the meaning of the word "sorrowful"?
'Sorrowful' ଶବ୍ଦର ଅର୍ଥ କ'ଣ?
A. Happy and cheerful
B. Full of sadness
C. Full of anger
D. Full of courage
Answer: B

81. What is the opposite of the word "ripe"?
'Ripe' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Fresh
B. Green (Unripe)
C. Sweet
D. Dry
Answer: B

82. What is the opposite of the word "fresh"?
'Fresh' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Sweet
B. Pure
C. Stale
D. Bright
Answer: C

83. What is the opposite of the word "big"?
'Big' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Huge
B. Wide
C. Small
D. Large
Answer: C

84. What is the opposite of the word "strong"?
'Strong' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Powerful
B. Weak
C. Hard
D. Heavy
Answer: B

85. What is the opposite of the word "north-east"?
'North-East' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଦିଗ କ'ଣ?
A. North-West
B. South-East
C. South-West
D. East
Answer: C

86. What is the opposite of the word "older"?
'Older' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Taller
B. Younger
C. Bigger
D. Smaller
Answer: B

87. What is the opposite of the word "come"?
'Come' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Bring
B. Arrive
C. Go
D. Enter
Answer: C

88. What is the opposite of the word "approach"?
'Approach' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Reach
B. Move
C. Depart
D. Enter
Answer: C

89. What is the opposite of the word "up"?
'Up' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Over
B. Above
C. Down
D. Across
Answer: C

90. What is the opposite of the word "satisfied"?
'Satisfied' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Happy
B. Contented
C. Dissatisfied
D. Proud
Answer: C

91. What is the opposite of the word "new"?
'New' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Modern
B. Young
C. Old
D. Fresh
Answer: C

92. What is the opposite of the word "quickly"?
'Quickly' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Fast
B. Rapidly
C. Slowly
D. Soon
Answer: C

93. What is the opposite of the word "whole"?
'Whole' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Complete
B. Entire
C. Partial
D. Total
Answer: C

94. What is the opposite of the word "white"?
'White' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Blue
B. Red
C. Black
D. Green
Answer: C

95. What is the opposite of the word "remain"?
'Remain' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Stay
B. Continue
C. Leave
D. Live
Answer: C

96. What is the opposite of the word "destroyed"?
'Destroyed' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Damaged
B. Broken
C. Protected
D. Lost
Answer: C

97. What is the opposite of the word "sadness"?
'Sadness' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Anger
B. Fear
C. Joy
D. Pain
Answer: C

98. What is the opposite of the word "passed"?
'Passed' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Continued
B. Crossed
C. Finished
D. Moved
Answer: A

99. What is the opposite of the word "nothing"?
'Nothing' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Empty
B. None
C. Everything
D. Nobody
Answer: C

100. What is the opposite of the word "hungry"?
'Hungry' ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ କ'ଣ?
A. Weak
B. Full
C. Empty
D. Poor
Answer: B

2.5 Mark-Questions

1. Describe the location of Lencho's house.
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଘରର ଅବସ୍ଥାନ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
Lencho's house was the only house in the entire valley. It stood on the crest of a low hill. From there, one could see the river and the ripe cornfield. Its lonely location shows that Lencho's family depended completely on farming and nature for their livelihood.

2. What could be seen from the top of the hill where Lencho's house stood?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଘର ଥିବା ପାହାଡ଼ର ଶିଖରରୁ କ'ଣ କ'ଣ ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲା?
Answer:
From the top of the hill, one could see the flowing river and the field of ripe corn. The field was dotted with flowers that promised a good harvest. The beautiful view reflected the fertility of the land and the farmer's hopes.

3. Why did the flowers in Lencho's field promise a good harvest?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ କ୍ଷେତରେ ଥିବା ଫୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକ କାହିଁକି ଭଲ ଅମଳର ସଙ୍କେତ ଦେଉଥିଲା?
Answer:
The flowers growing among the ripe corn were signs of healthy crops. They showed that the plants had grown well and that a rich harvest was expected. They filled Lencho with hope and confidence about his farming.

4. What did the earth need for a good harvest?
ଭଲ ଅମଳ ପାଇଁ ପୃଥିବୀର କେଉଁ ଜିନିଷର ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ଥିଲା?
Answer:
The crops had already grown well, but they still needed rain. According to the story, the earth required a heavy downpour or at least a shower. Without rain, the crops could not produce a good harvest.

5. How does the story show that Lencho was an experienced farmer?
କାହାଣୀରେ କିପରି ଜଣାପଡ଼େ ଯେ ଲେନଚୋ ଜଣେ ଅଭିଜ୍ଞ କୃଷକ ଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho knew his fields very well. He kept watching the north-east sky throughout the morning because he expected rain from that direction. His prediction came true, proving that he had great experience and knowledge of farming and weather.

6. Why did Lencho keep looking towards the north-east throughout the morning?
ଲେନଚୋ ସକାଳ ସାରା କାହିଁକି ଉତ୍ତର-ପୂର୍ବ ଦିଗକୁ ଚାହିଁ ରହିଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho kept looking towards the north-east because he expected rain from that direction. Being an experienced farmer, he could understand the signs of nature. He knew that timely rain was necessary for a good harvest.

7. What did Lencho say to his wife about the weather?
ପାଣିପାଗ ବିଷୟରେ ଲେନଚୋ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କୁ କ'ଣ କହିଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho confidently told his wife that they were surely going to get rain. He was certain because of his long experience in farming. His words showed his confidence and hope for a successful harvest.

8. What does the reply of Lencho's wife reveal about her?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ଉତ୍ତର ତାଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ କ'ଣ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ?
Answer:
Lencho's wife replied, “Yes, God willing.” Her words show that she had deep faith in God. She believed that everything happened according to God's will and trusted Him for a good harvest.

9. Describe the members of Lencho's family.
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପରିବାରର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
Lencho lived with his wife and children. The older boys helped their father in the field, while the younger children played near the house. The family was simple, hardworking, and depended entirely on farming for their living.

10. When did the rain begin, and how did it prove Lencho's prediction correct?
ବର୍ଷା କେବେ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହେଲା ଏବଂ ଏହା କିପରି ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପୂର୍ବାନୁମାନକୁ ସଠିକ୍ ପ୍ରମାଣ କଲା?
Answer:
The rain began while the family was having dinner. It started exactly as Lencho had predicted earlier. This proved that he was an experienced farmer who could correctly judge the signs of the weather.

11. Describe the weather when the rain began.
ବର୍ଷା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହେବା ସମୟରେ ପାଣିପାଗ କିପରି ଥିଲା?
Answer:
Huge dark clouds approached from the north-east, and the air became fresh and sweet. The first raindrops brought happiness to Lencho because he believed they would ensure a rich harvest for his family.

12. Why did Lencho go out into the rain?
ଲେନଚୋ କାହିଁକି ବର୍ଷା ଭିତରକୁ ବାହାରି ଯାଇଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho went outside simply to enjoy the rain falling on his body. As a farmer, he loved rain because it meant life for his crops and hope for a successful harvest.

13. Why did Lencho call the raindrops "new coins"?
ଲେନଚୋ ବର୍ଷା ବିନ୍ଦୁକୁ "ନୂଆ ମୁଦ୍ରା" ବୋଲି କାହିଁକି କହିଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho compared the raindrops to new coins because he believed the rain would produce a rich harvest. A good harvest would bring money and prosperity to his family, just like valuable coins.

14. What did Lencho mean by "The big drops are ten-cent pieces and the little ones are fives"?
"ବଡ଼ ବର୍ଷା ବିନ୍ଦୁ ଦଶ ସେଣ୍ଟର ମୁଦ୍ରା ଏବଂ ଛୋଟ ବିନ୍ଦୁ ପାଞ୍ଚ ସେଣ୍ଟର ମୁଦ୍ରା" ବୋଲି ଲେନଚୋ କ'ଣ ବୁଝାଇବାକୁ ଚାହୁଁଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho imagined the raindrops as coins of different values. He believed that every drop of rain would increase his harvest and bring more income. His comparison shows his joy, hope, and optimism.

15. How did Lencho feel on seeing his field covered with rain?
ବର୍ଷାରେ ଭିଜୁଥିବା ନିଜ କ୍ଷେତକୁ ଦେଖି ଲେନଚୋ କିପରି ଅନୁଭବ କରିଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho looked at his field with great satisfaction and happiness. He believed that the rain would reward his hard work with a rich harvest. At that moment, he felt hopeful and confident about the future.

16. What sudden change took place in the weather?
ପାଣିପାଗରେ ହଠାତ୍ କେଉଁ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ଘଟିଲା?
Answer:
The pleasant rain suddenly turned into a severe hailstorm. A strong wind began to blow, and large hailstones started falling. This unexpected change destroyed Lencho's hopes of getting a good harvest.

17. How are the hailstones described in the story?
କାହାଣୀରେ କୁଆପଥରଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ କିପରି ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି?
Answer:
The hailstones were very large and looked like new silver coins. They fell heavily over the house, garden, hillside, and cornfield. Instead of helping the crops, they caused complete destruction.

18. Why did the boys run out into the rain?
ପୁଅମାନେ କାହିଁକି ବର୍ଷା ଭିତରକୁ ଦୌଡ଼ି ଯାଇଥିଲେ?
Answer:
The boys ran out into the rain to collect the hailstones, which the writer calls "frozen pearls." They were innocent children and did not realise that the hailstorm would completely destroy their father's crops.

19. What was Lencho's reaction when the hailstorm became severe?
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା ଭୟଙ୍କର ହେବା ପରେ ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତିକ୍ରିୟା କ'ଣ ଥିଲା?
Answer:
Lencho became worried and exclaimed that the weather was getting worse. He hoped the hailstorm would pass quickly. Unfortunately, it continued for an hour and ruined the entire crop.

20. How long did the hailstorm continue, and what was its effect?
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା କେତେ ସମୟ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଚାଲିଲା ଏବଂ ଏହାର ପ୍ରଭାବ କ'ଣ ହେଲା?
Answer:
The hailstorm continued for about one hour. It fell on the house, garden, hillside, cornfield, and the whole valley. It completely destroyed the crops and shattered Lencho's hopes of a good harvest.

21. Describe the condition of the field after the hailstorm.
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା ପରେ କ୍ଷେତର ଅବସ୍ଥା ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
After the hailstorm, the field looked white as if it were covered with salt. The corn crop was totally destroyed, and nothing useful was left. The beautiful field had turned into a scene of complete ruin.

22. What happened to the trees, corn, and flowers after the hailstorm?
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା ପରେ ଗଛ, ମକା ଫସଲ ଓ ଫୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକର କ'ଣ ହେଲା?
Answer:
Not a single leaf remained on the trees. The corn crop was completely destroyed, and all the flowers disappeared from the plants. The hailstorm caused total damage to the entire field.

23. Why was Lencho's soul filled with sadness?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ମନ କାହିଁକି ଦୁଃଖରେ ଭରିଗଲା?
Answer:
Lencho became deeply sad because the hailstorm had destroyed all his crops. His months of hard work were wasted within a short time. He realised that his family would suffer from hunger.

24. What did Lencho mean by saying, "A plague of locusts would have left more than this"?
"ପଙ୍ଗପାଳର ଆକ୍ରମଣ ହେଲେ ଏହାଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ କିଛି ବଞ୍ଚିଯାଇଥାନ୍ତା" ବୋଲି ଲେନଚୋ କ'ଣ ବୁଝାଇବାକୁ ଚାହୁଁଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho meant that the hailstorm had caused even greater damage than a locust attack. A plague of locusts might have spared a part of the crop, but the hailstorm destroyed everything completely.

25. Why did Lencho say, "The hail has left nothing"?
"କୁଆପଥର କିଛି ବି ଛାଡ଼ି ଯାଇନାହିଁ" ବୋଲି ଲେନଚୋ କାହିଁକି କହିଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho said this because the hailstorm had completely ruined his cornfield. The leaves, flowers, and crops were all destroyed. There was nothing left that could be harvested or used by the family.

26. Why did Lencho say, "This year we will have no corn"?
"ଏହି ବର୍ଷ ଆମ ପାଖରେ ମକା ହେବ ନାହିଁ" ବୋଲି ଲେନଚୋ କାହିଁକି କହିଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho said so because the hailstorm had completely destroyed his corn crop. Since nothing was left in the field, he knew that his family would not get any corn to eat or sell that year.

27. Why was that night a sorrowful one for Lencho's family?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପରିବାର ପାଇଁ ସେହି ରାତି କାହିଁକି ଦୁଃଖଦାୟକ ଥିଲା?
Answer:
The night was sorrowful because the entire crop had been destroyed by the hailstorm. All their hard work had gone in vain. The family became worried as they feared starvation and had no one to help them.

28. What did Lencho mean by saying, "All our work, for nothing"?
"ଆମର ସବୁ ପରିଶ୍ରମ ବ୍ୟର୍ଥ ହୋଇଗଲା" ବୋଲି ଲେନଚୋ କ'ଣ ବୁଝାଇବାକୁ ଚାହୁଁଥିଲେ?
Answer:
Lencho meant that all the time and effort he and his family had spent in cultivating the crop had been wasted. The hailstorm destroyed everything within an hour, leaving them disappointed and helpless.

29. Why did Lencho's family think that they would go hungry?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପରିବାର କାହିଁକି ଭାବିଲେ ଯେ ସେମାନେ ଭୋକରେ ରହିବେ?
Answer:
The family feared hunger because their only source of food and income, the corn crop, had been completely destroyed. Without a harvest, they would have neither food to eat nor money to meet their needs.

30. What is the main idea of this extract?
ଏହି ପାଠ୍ୟାଂଶର ମୁଖ୍ୟ ଭାବ କ'ଣ?
Answer:
The extract shows how a farmer's happiness can suddenly turn into sorrow because of natural disasters. It highlights the hard life of farmers, their dependence on nature, and the uncertainty of agriculture despite sincere hard work.

Five-Mark Questions

1. Describe the location of Lencho's house.
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଘରର ଅବସ୍ଥାନ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
Lencho's house was the only house in the entire valley. It was situated on the top of a low hill. From his house, one could see the river flowing nearby and the beautiful field of ripe corn. The house was surrounded by nature and farmland. The lonely location of the house shows that Lencho and his family lived a simple life and depended mainly on agriculture. As a farmer, Lencho's happiness and future were connected with his crops and the weather. The peaceful surroundings of his house also showed the beauty and richness of the natural environment.

2. What could be seen from the top of the hill where Lencho's house stood?
ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଘର ଥିବା ପାହାଡ଼ର ଶିଖରରୁ କ'ଣ କ'ଣ ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲା?
Answer:
From the top of the hill where Lencho's house stood, a beautiful view of nature could be seen. The river flowing through the valley and the field of ripe corn were clearly visible. The cornfield was full of flowers that promised a good harvest. The scene showed the fertility of the land and the beauty of the countryside. For Lencho, the field was not only a source of food but also a symbol of hope and happiness. The view from the hill reflected his close relationship with nature and his dependence on farming for his family's survival.

3. Describe the beginning of the rain and Lencho's happiness.
ବର୍ଷାର ଆରମ୍ଭ ଏବଂ ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ଆନନ୍ଦ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
The rain began when Lencho and his family were having dinner. As Lencho had expected, large drops of rain started falling from the sky. Dark clouds gathered in the north-east, and the air became fresh and pleasant. Lencho was extremely happy because he believed that the rain would bring a rich harvest. He went outside to enjoy the rain falling on his body. He felt that the raindrops were a blessing from God. He compared them to new coins because they would help him earn money through a good crop. His heart was filled with happiness, hope, and satisfaction at the beginning of the rain.

4. Why did Lencho compare the raindrops to new coins? Explain.
ଲେନଚୋ ବର୍ଷା ବିନ୍ଦୁକୁ ନୂଆ ମୁଦ୍ରା ସହିତ କାହିଁକି ତୁଳନା କରିଥିଲେ? ବ୍ୟାଖ୍ୟା କର।
Answer:
Lencho compared the raindrops to new coins because he believed that the rain would bring him a good harvest. As a farmer, he knew that proper rainfall was necessary for the growth of crops. A good crop would give him money and improve his family's condition. He called the big raindrops ten-cent pieces and the small ones five-cent pieces. This comparison shows his happiness and strong faith in nature. For him, every drop of rain had value because it represented hope, prosperity, and a better future. It also shows how deeply a farmer's life depends on rainfall and agriculture.

5. Describe the hailstorm and its effects.
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା ଏବଂ ଏହାର ପ୍ରଭାବ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
After the pleasant rain started, the weather suddenly changed. A strong wind began to blow, and large hailstones started falling from the sky. The hailstorm continued for about an hour and caused great destruction. It damaged the house, garden, hillside, and the entire cornfield. The field looked white as if it was covered with salt. The leaves of the trees were destroyed, and the flowers disappeared. The hailstorm completely ruined Lencho's crop, which was his only hope for survival. His happiness turned into deep sadness because months of hard work were destroyed within a short time. He felt helpless and hopeless after the disaster.

6. Describe the condition of Lencho's field after the hailstorm.
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା ପରେ ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ କ୍ଷେତର ଅବସ୍ଥା ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
After the hailstorm, Lencho's field was completely destroyed. The beautiful cornfield that had given him hope for a rich harvest became a scene of total destruction. The field looked white as if it had been covered with salt. The corn crop was badly damaged, and all the flowers had disappeared from the plants. Not a single leaf remained on the trees. The hailstorm had also damaged the house, the garden, the hillside, and the entire valley. Lencho stood in the middle of the ruined field and looked at the damage with deep sadness. He realised that nothing was left for harvesting, and all his hard work had been wasted.

7. Describe Lencho's feelings after the hailstorm.
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା ପରେ ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ମନୋଭାବ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର।
Answer:
After the hailstorm, Lencho was filled with sorrow and disappointment. He was shocked to see that his entire crop had been destroyed. All the hard work he had done for months became useless within a short time. Standing in the middle of the field, he looked at the damaged crops and felt helpless. He said that even a plague of locusts would have caused less damage. He worried about his family because there was no corn left for food or income. His happiness of receiving rain changed into deep sadness. His feelings show the difficulties and suffering faced by poor farmers during natural disasters.

8. Explain the statement, "A plague of locusts would have left more than this."
"ପଙ୍ଗପାଳର ଆକ୍ରମଣ ହେଲେ ଏହାଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ କିଛି ବଞ୍ଚିଯାଇଥାନ୍ତା।" — ବ୍ୟାଖ୍ୟା କର।
Answer:
Lencho made this statement after seeing the complete destruction caused by the hailstorm. He meant that even a plague of locusts would not have destroyed his crops as badly as the hailstorm did. Locusts eat crops, but some parts of the plants may still remain. However, the hailstorm destroyed everything in the field. The corn, flowers, and leaves were completely ruined, and nothing was left for harvesting. Through this statement, Lencho expressed his deep sadness and disappointment. It shows the great loss he suffered and his feeling of hopelessness after losing the only source of food and income for his family.

9. How did the hailstorm change the happiness of Lencho's family into sorrow?
କୁଆପଥର ବର୍ଷା କିପରି ଲେନଚୋଙ୍କ ପରିବାରର ଆନନ୍ଦକୁ ଦୁଃଖରେ ପରିଣତ କଲା?
Answer:
At the beginning, Lencho and his family were very happy because the rain promised a good harvest. Lencho believed that the raindrops were like new coins that would bring money and happiness to his family. But their joy did not last long. The rain soon changed into a destructive hailstorm. Large hailstones destroyed the entire cornfield, flowers, and trees. All the family's hopes and months of hard work were lost within an hour. Lencho became worried because there was no food or income left for the year. Thus, the sudden natural disaster changed their happiness into sorrow, fear, and disappointment.

10. Write the summary of Part I of "A Letter to God".
"A Letter to God"ର ପ୍ରଥମ ଭାଗର ସାରାଂଶ ଲେଖ।
Answer:
Part I of A Letter to God introduces Lencho, a poor but hardworking farmer who lived with his family in a lonely valley. His house stood on the top of a low hill, and his cornfield was ready for harvest. He needed rain for a good crop. When the rain came, Lencho became very happy and compared the raindrops to new coins because he expected a rich harvest. However, the weather suddenly changed, and a terrible hailstorm destroyed the entire crop. The field became white like salt, and nothing was left to harvest. Lencho and his family became sad and hopeless because they feared hunger and poverty.