Firdaus Kanga’s “A Visit to Cambridge” is a moving narrative about the meeting between two extraordinary individuals—Kanga, an Indian writer with brittle bones, and Stephen Hawking, the renowned scientist with paralysis. Written for Class 8 English students, this blog post explores their inspiring conversation, shared experiences of disability, and the profound lessons they exchange.
Introduction
“A Visit to Cambridge” recounts the meaningful encounter between Firdaus Kanga and Stephen Hawking at Cambridge University, highlighting how their shared experiences as disabled individuals foster mutual inspiration. The story delves into the realities of living with disability, challenging stereotypes and celebrating inner strength.
- Story about meeting between two disabled achievers:
- Firdaus Kanga (Indian writer with brittle bones).
- Stephen Hawking (world-famous scientist with paralysis).
- Shows how they inspire each other.
- Explores life with disability honestly.
- Set at Cambridge University, England.
Planning the Meeting
Kanga’s excitement and nervousness grow as he arranges a meeting with his hero, Stephen Hawking, securing a precious half-hour to connect.
- Kanga hears about Hawking during Cambridge tour.
- Immediately calls Hawking’s assistant.
- Requests just 10 minutes, gets 30 minutes.
- Feels excited and nervous about meeting his hero.
Thoughts on Disability
Kanga reflects on the societal perceptions of disability, rejecting pity and drawing inspiration from achievers like Hawking who redefine what’s possible.
- Kanga shares his experiences:
- Tired of being called “brave” just for living.
- People often pity disabled unnecessarily.
- Inspired by others who achieve despite disabilities.
- Hawking’s life shows what’s possible.
The Important Meeting
The meeting with Hawking is both humbling and awe-inspiring, as Kanga witnesses the scientist’s brilliant mind constrained by a nearly immobile body.
- First sight of Hawking is shocking:
- Body completely still in wheelchair.
- Speaks through computer voice system.
- Only slight finger movements to operate computer.
- Kanga feels:
- Guilty for making Hawking use energy to talk.
- Amazed by his sharp mind trapped in still body.
- Grateful for his own more mobile body.
Their Conversation
Hawking’s candid and humorous responses about disability challenge stereotypes, while Kanga admires his resilience and spirit, calling him “beautiful.”
- Hawking’s surprising answers:
- Finds it funny when people pity him.
- Says there’s nothing good about being disabled.
- But admits people are often kinder to him.
- Kanga calls Hawking “beautiful” for his spirit.
- They discuss how society sees disabled people.
Valuable Advice
Hawking offers practical advice to focus on strengths rather than proving oneself in unnecessary ways, a philosophy Kanga echoes through his own experiences.
- Hawking suggests:
- Focus on what you’re good at.
- Don’t waste time on things just to prove something.
- Special Olympics for disabled are unnecessary.
- Kanga remembers giving up guitar happily.
- Both agree disabled don’t need special treatment.
Garden Visit
A quiet, poignant moment unfolds as Hawking and Kanga navigate his garden in their wheelchairs, sharing a wordless connection bathed in sunlight.
- After talk, Hawking shows his garden:
- Large green space like a park.
- Sunlight makes computer screen hard to read.
- They move slowly in their wheelchairs.
- Quiet but meaningful time together.
- Emotional goodbye without words.
Lessons Learned
The meeting reshapes Kanga’s perspective, reinforcing that true strength lies within and that society should value ability over disability.
- Disability doesn’t define a person.
- True strength comes from within.
- Society should see ability, not disability.
- Meeting changed Kanga’s perspective forever.
- Shows how two different people can deeply connect.
Questions & Answers
- Which is the right sentence?
- “Cambridge was my metaphor for England.” To the writer:
- Answer: (iii) Cambridge was the real England. Kanga saw it as England’s essence. Not university or fame.
- The writer phoned Stephen Hawking’s house:
- Answer: (ii) from outside a phone booth. Stretched cord to reach. Not inside or nearest booth.
- Every time he spoke to the scientist, the writer felt guilty because:
- Answer: (ii) he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesiser. Made Hawking tap switch. Not about questions or legend.
- “I felt a huge relief… in the possibilities of my body.” In the given context, the highlighted words refer to:
- Answer: (i) shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist. Small movements felt freeing. Not standing or speaking.
- “Cambridge was my metaphor for England.” To the writer:
- Did the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking make the writer nervous? If so, why?
- Answer: Yes, Kanga was nervous. Hawking was a great scientist. Meeting felt like a big moment.
- Did he at the same time feel very excited? If so, why?
- Answer: Yes, Kanga was excited. Hawking’s achievements inspired him. Wanted to meet someone like him.
- Guess the first question put to the scientist by the writer:
- Answer: Likely: “Are disabled people unhappy?” Kanga asked about happiness. Wanted to know Hawking’s view.
- Stephen Hawking said, “I’ve had no choice.” Does the writer think there was a choice? What was it?
- Answer: Kanga thinks there was a choice. Living creatively with disability. Facing challenges with strength.
- “I could feel his anguish.” What could be the anguish?
- Answer: Hawking’s mind was active. Body limited his expression. Tapping switch was exhausting.
- What endeared the scientist to the writer so that he said he was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world?
- Answer: Hawking’s one-way smile. His strength despite disability. Honest, amusing responses.
- Read aloud the description of ‘the beautiful’ man. Which is the most beautiful sentence in the description?
- Answer: Most beautiful: “Before you, like a lantern whose walls are worn so thin you glimpse only the light inside, is the incandescence of a man.” Shows Hawking’s inner brilliance. Captures his spirit vividly.
- If ‘the lantern’ is the man, what would its ‘walls’ be?
- Answer: Walls are Hawking’s frail body. Thin, limiting his expression. Hold his brilliant mind.
- What is housed within the thin walls?
- Answer: Hawking’s brilliant, active mind. His thoughts, spirit, light. Shines despite physical limits.
- What general conclusion does the writer draw from this comparison?
- Answer: The soul is what matters. Body is just an accessory. Inner strength defines a person.
- What is the scientist’s message for the disabled?
- Answer: Focus on what you’re good at. Avoid things like disabled Olympics. Use strengths to succeed.
- Why does the writer refer to the guitar incident? Which idea does it support?
- Answer: Recalls unstringing a big guitar. Supports focusing on strengths. Gave up what wasn’t suitable.
- The writer expresses his great gratitude to Stephen Hawking. What is the gratitude for?
- Answer: For inspiring him beyond clichés. Showing what’s possible. Sharing time, thoughts, garden.
- Complete the following sentences taking their appropriate parts from both the boxes below:
- Answer:
- (i) There was his assistant on the line and I told him I had come in a wheelchair from India.
- (ii) You get fed up with people asking you to be brave, as if you have a courage account on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque.
- (iii) There he was, tapping at a little switch in his hand trying to find the words on his computer.
- (iv) You look at his eyes which can speak, and they are saying something huge and urgent it is hard to tell what.
- (v) It doesn’t do much good to know that there are people smiling with admiration to see you breathing still.
- Answer:
What You Have Learnt
The story underscores the power of inner strength, the importance of focusing on abilities, and the deep connections possible between individuals facing similar challenges.
- Story Theme:
- About two disabled men’s meeting.
- Explores life with challenges.
- Shows strength, inspiration.
- Rejects pity, stereotypes.
- Key Events:
- Kanga meets Hawking in Cambridge.
- Discuss disability, happiness, kindness.
- Hawking shares advice, garden tour.
- Meeting changes Kanga’s perspective.
- Lessons:
- Focus on strengths, not limits.
- Inner spirit defines a person.
- Kindness exists in the world.
- Inspiration drives personal growth.
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