Read: The Play

Class 6 English · Chapter 7: Neem Baba · NCERT Poorvi section pp. 75–80

Learn

Before you read: trees help us in many ways: shade, fruit, wood, oxygen, homes for birds, and even medicines. Neem is one of the most common trees in India. What do you already know about it, and what would you like to find out? This chapter is a play, written as a conversation (adapted from S. I. Farooqi).

Part I (in short): Amber comes home from school, sits in the shade of the neem tree in her courtyard, and feels it whispering. She greets it politely, and the tree says she may call it Neem Baba; it remembers her playing in its shade as a child. Neem Baba tells her it was born millions of years ago somewhere in North India or Myanmar, and its family has spread to Asia, Africa and parts of America.

Its names: in Sanskrit, Arishta (the one who cures diseases), Nimba and Nimbaca. The name Neem was given by the Iranians. Other Indian names include Nimb (Hindi), Nim, Leemba, Nimori, Nimbamond, Nimbe and Nimo. Scientists call it "bitter grace of God", "nature's gift to man" and even "the tree of the twentieth century". As Neem Baba says, we become well known for what we do.

Part II (in short): Amber asks why neem leaves were put on her brother's bed when he had measles. Neem Baba explains that neem has chemicals that destroy germs and soothe itching; leaves, bark, flowers, fruits and roots can all make medicines (but only trained, experienced people should prepare remedies). For farmers, neem seed powder sprayed on crops keeps away locusts and termites, and in rice fields it stops mosquitoes breeding. At home, neem protects stored grain, goes into soap and toothpaste, makes termite-proof furniture, and purifies the air. Amber promises to discover more of its qualities when she grows up.

Explore: how is neem used?

1. Sort each use.

Remember

• Amber talks with Neem Baba, who shares its history, many names and uses.
• Neem is used in medicine, farming (against insects) and daily life, and it purifies the air.

Quick check

Who gave the tree the name "Neem"?

1. The Iranians
2. The British
3. Amber
4. Farmers

Think about it

Neem Baba says remedies should be used only by trained people. Why is that important?

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.