Overcoming physical disabilities (Evelyn Glennie) and the life of Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan

Both achieved great success through hard work and dedication. In message-based questions, choose the positive lesson.

Despite losing her hearing, Evelyn Glennie did not give up learning music. She trained herself to understand music through vibrations in her body and became a successful percussionist; therefore, courage is most clearly seen in her struggle. Fear would have made her withdraw from the challenge. Exam tip: In character-based questions, infer the quality from the character's actions.

The shehnai was a part of his life and devotion. In feeling-based questions, choose his deep attachment.

Evelyn proved that talent and hard work overcome barriers. In such questions, choose the main message.

He gave the shehnai respect on the Indian classical music stage. Remember the instrument and stage together.

Evelyn's achievement was in the field of music. In field-based questions, choose the direct fact.

He gave shehnai music worldwide recognition. In impact-based questions, look at the wider contribution.

Despite her hearing difficulty, Evelyn Glennie learned to feel the vibrations of sound through different parts of her body. This sensitivity helped her understand music and become a successful percussionist. Reading written notation can be useful, but it was not the key feature of her learning method. Exam tip: Remember Evelyn’s approach as feeling musical vibrations rather than relying only on hearing.

Bismillah Khan received formal training in shehnai from his maternal uncle, Ustad Ali Bux. Ali Bux played the shehnai at the Vishwanath Temple in Banaras, and his guidance gave Khan a strong foundation in music. Thus, this training shows the importance of a guru in Khan's life. Option C is a close distractor because Khan was not self-taught. Exam tip: Remember Ali Bux as Bismillah Khan's guru.

People are impressed by Evelyn's dedication and musical talent. In impact questions, choose the correct quality.

He did not leave his connection with India and Banaras. Remember this clue in patriotism questions.

Evelyn inspired people to move beyond limitations. In inspiration-based questions, choose the encouraging lesson.

Ustad Bismillah Khan’s devotion was chiefly connected with the shehnai and with the discipline of music. His life in the lesson shows how deep practice, love for his instrument, and respect for musical tradition can turn an artist into a great performer. The word “devotion” here means sincere, sustained dedication, not an ordinary interest or a temporary hobby.

Among the choices, shehnai music is the only one that matches his life and achievement. Trade, sports, and painting are unrelated to the central account of his work. Therefore, option A follows directly because his practice, public recognition, and cultural contribution were all connected with playing the shehnai and serving music.

Evelyn Glennie adopted a positive, determined, and hardworking attitude towards her difficulty. When her hearing loss threatened her musical ambitions, she did not surrender or wait for sympathy. Instead, she sought guidance, practised patiently, and learned to experience sound through vibrations. This way of thinking converted a severe limitation into a challenge that could be approached creatively and systematically. Therefore, option A is correct. Option B describes the attitude she rejected, while option C conflicts with her disciplined training. Option D is also unsupported because the account emphasises dedication and courage, not arrogance. Evelyn’s example teaches that constructive thinking, effort, and resilience can open possibilities even when circumstances are demanding.

Bismillah Khan brought pride to Indian music. In national-pride questions, remember his musical contribution.

Evelyn's life shows that ability should be respected. In inclusive-thinking questions, remember equal opportunity.

Ustad Bismillah Khan is remembered for his exceptional dedication and performances that gave the shehnai a respected place in Indian classical music. He elevated the instrument to a high artistic status. The other options contradict his lifelong devotion to music. Exam tip: Link Bismillah Khan with the shehnai and Indian classical music in this chapter.

Evelyn turned weakness into strength through practice and a new method. In reason questions, notice both points.

The mention of the Ganga expresses Bismillah Khan’s deep emotional attachment to Banaras and to the cultural environment in which his music developed. The river is not included merely as a geographical detail. It represents memories, belonging, spiritual feeling, and the traditions that shaped his identity as a shehnai player. His connection with the place helped make his music part of a living culture.

The other choices describe attitudes that are opposite to the meaning of the passage. He was not bored with art, distant from music, or afraid of practice. The Ganga therefore points to love for one’s culture and place, making option A the best answer. It shows that an artist’s work may grow from a strong bond with the people, memories, and traditions of a particular place.

The lives of Evelyn and Bismillah Khan show hard work and love for music. In the combined message, notice the common lesson of both parts.