NEEM BABA
Q.1 Give Meanings:-
1) Thought provoking – interesting
2) Grace – blessing
3) Twigs – small thin branches
4) Measles – disease with fever and red spots on skin
5) Itching – feeling the need to scratch
6) Locusts – flying insects that damage crops
7) Termites – insects that damage wood and buildings
8) Stagnant – not flowing
9) Cost-effective – good outcome in least amount of resources
Q. 2 Answer the following from the given extract.
‘Amber – Namaste! I am Amber. I would like to talk to you. May
I?---------- Some even call us magic tree and the tree of the twentieth
century’.
(Text Book Page No. 76 and 77)
1) Who is Amber talking to?
Ans: Amber is talking to Neem Baba.
2) Where was Neem Baba born?
Ans: Neem Baba was born in North India or Myanmar.
3) In which continents is neem found now?
Ans: Neem is found in Asia, Africa and parts of America.
4) What were Neem Baba’s original names in Sanskrit?
Ans: Neem Baba’s original names in Sanskrit are Arishta, Nimba and
Nimbaca.
5) Who gave the name “Neem”?
Ans: The Iranians gave the name Neem.
Q. 3 Answer the following:-
1) How does Neem Baba describe his origin and the spread of his
family?
Ans: Neem Baba says he was born millions of years ago in North India
or Myanmar. Over time, his family spread to various places outside
India. Now, neem trees are found not just in India but in many
Asian and African countries, and even in parts of America. This
shows that neem is a globally known and widely grown tree.
2) What are the different names given to Neem Baba in India and
other parts of the world? Who gave him the name ‘Neem’?
Ans: Neem Baba has been called by many names. In Hindi, he is called
Nimb and in different parts of India, names like Nim, Leemba,
Nimori, Nimbamond, Nimbe and Nimo are used. The name ‘Neem’
was given by the Iranians. This shows his deep cultural and
historical significance.
3) According to Neem Baba, why is he so well-known and
respected around the world? What do scientists call him?
Ans: Neem Baba explains that people know and respect him because he
is useful. His healing properties and many benefits have made him
famous. Scientists refer to him as the ‘bitter grace of God’,
‘nature’s gift to man, “cleanliness-parting tree”, “magic tree”, and
“the tree of the twentieth century”, highlighting his value to both
health and the environment.
4) Why did the doctor advise putting neem leaves on the bed when
Amber’s brother had measles?
Ans: The doctor advised using neem leaves because they have
chemical properties that destroy germs. Measles causes itching,
and neem leaves give comfort. They also stop germs from
breeding on the skin.
5) How is neem useful for farmers?
Ans: Farmers mix neem seed powder in water and spray it on plants to
protect them from locusts. It also helps prevent mosquito breeding
in rice fields and increases crop yield. Neem protects crops from
termites and other harmful insects.
6) What are some daily life uses of neem mentioned in the story?
Ans: Neem seed powder is used to protect stored grains from insects.
Neem oil is used in soaps and toothpaste. Furniture made from
neem wood resists termites, and neem trees also purify the air.
Q. 4 Answer in Brief:-
1) How does the conversation between Amber and Neem Baba
begin, and what is their relationship from the past?
Ans: The conversation begins with Amber politely greeting Neem
Baba and expressing her wish to talk. Neem Baba warmly
responds, saying he already knows Amber and remembers her
playing in his shade during her childhood. This indicates a
deep, personal connection between Amber and the neem tree,
symbolizing how humans often grow up around nature without
always realizing its importance until later in life.
2) What does Neem Baba say about his origin, age, and the
spread of his family across the world?
Ans: Neem Baba says he is very old, born millions of years ago,
likely in North India or Myanmar. Over time, his family spread
far beyond India. Today, neem trees can be found in many
Asian and African countries, and even in parts of America. This
reflects the tree’s adaptability and usefulness, which allowed it
to grow and be appreciated in various climates and regions
around the world.
3) What experiences did Amber share about neem’s medicinal
use in her family?
Ans: Amber shared that when she had a bad cough and breathing
trouble, her grandmother gave her medicine made from neem
bark. She also said that her father once had itching in his eyes,
and her grandmother used kajal made from neem flowers to
cure it. These experiences show how neem is trusted in home
remedies for common health problems.
