Chapter 2, "Bringing Up Kari," from the Class 7 NCERT English text book, "Alien Hand":

Summary:

"Bringing Up Kari" is a heartwarming tale that revolves around the unique bond between humans and animals. The story takes us on a journey through the experiences of a family as they raise and nurture a baby elephant named Kari.

The story begins when the family discovers an orphaned baby elephant, Kari, in their garden. Her mother had tragically passed away, leaving her alone and vulnerable. Filled with compassion, the family decides to adopt Kari and raise her as a part of their household.

The responsibility of caring for Kari falls mainly on the author's grandmother. The family diligently tends to Kari's needs, feeding her, giving her baths, and showing her affection. As Kari grows, she becomes a playful and mischievous member of the family, often causing humorous chaos around the house.

Kari's presence forms a special bond with the family, particularly with the grandmother. However, as Kari's playful behavior becomes more exuberant, concerns arise about her place in the household and the community. The family grapples with the decision of whether to keep Kari or let her go into the wild.

Ultimately, the family makes a difficult choice: they decide to release Kari into the forest, where she can live freely among her own kind. This decision is made out of love and concern for Kari's well-being, acknowledging that her natural habitat is where she truly belongs.

Even after Kari's departure, her connection with the family remains strong. She visits them occasionally, symbolizing the enduring bond that transcends physical distance. The story beautifully captures the depth of the emotional connection between humans and animals and the impact they can have on one another's lives.

Themes:

Human-Animal Relationship: The central theme of the story revolves around the deep and profound bond that can develop between humans and animals.

Responsibility and Compassion: The family's actions highlight the themes of responsibility and compassion towards animals in need, emphasizing the significance of caring for and protecting the vulnerable.

Sacrifice and Attachment: The family's decision to let Kari return to the wild portrays themes of sacrifice for the greater good and the enduring attachment that persists even after separation.

"Bringing Up Kari" reminds us of the interconnectedness between humans and the animal kingdom and the meaningful lessons we can learn from nurturing and respecting the natural world.