Read the passage about the speech Tryst with Destiny carefully and then choose the answer that best captures Nehru belief about India future.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Nehru believed that India could take huge steps towards realising its dreams.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

This comprehension question is about understanding the tone and message of Nehru famous speech Tryst with Destiny. Instead of simply asking for a factual detail, it asks you to interpret what Nehru believed about the future of India. Such questions test both your literal reading and your ability to infer attitude and expectation from key parts of the passage.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The passage includes Nehru words that long years ago we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.
  • The speech also mentions responsibility, ending poverty and inequality, and building a noble mansion of free India.
  • Four options summarise different possible beliefs, from perfection to unrealistic dreams.
  • We assume the question refers only to the ideas expressed in the quoted passage.


Concept / Approach:

The phrase not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially is crucial. It shows that Nehru was optimistic about significant progress but realistic enough to admit that complete fulfilment would take time. Therefore, the correct answer must combine hope and realism. Options that talk about immediate perfection or unrealistic dreams do not match this balanced view. We must select the option that accurately reflects substantial progress rather than instant perfection or total failure.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Identify the exact lines that hint at Nehru belief: redeem our pledge not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. Step 2: Understand that redeem our pledge means move strongly towards achieving the goals of independence. Step 3: The phrase very substantially means in a big way or to a large extent, though not completely. Step 4: Compare this with option C, which states that India could take huge steps towards realising its dreams. This matches the idea of substantial but not complete fulfilment. Step 5: Option A suggests immediate perfection, which contradicts the phrase not wholly or in full measure. Step 6: Options B and D are also inconsistent because the passage describes a long struggle and a confident, not negative, outlook.


Verification / Alternative check:

Look at other parts of the passage that mention ending poverty, ignorance, disease, and inequality of opportunity. These statements show that Nehru set very high goals but also treated them as tasks to be achieved in the future through responsibility and service. This supports the view that India was expected to move strongly towards those goals, but not achieve them all on the very first day of independence. Option C best captures this balanced optimism.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A is wrong because Nehru clearly denies that the pledge is redeemed wholly or in full measure, so perfection is not his claim.

Option B is wrong because the passage mentions a long, largely nonviolent struggle, not a new and sudden movement.

Option D is wrong because nothing in the speech suggests that he thought India dreams were too unrealistic. Instead, the tone is hopeful and determined.


Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes focus only on the emotional tone and ignore qualifying phrases. Seeing the passion in the speech, they may jump to the idea of perfection, but the careful wording shows a realistic and gradual approach. Always pay attention to modifiers such as not wholly, but very substantially when interpreting attitudes.


Final Answer:

Nehru believed that India could take huge steps towards realising its dreams, even if perfection would not arrive immediately.

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