NCERT Class 2 English Mridang: Chapter 4 — Life Around Us
This NCERT Class 2 English Mridang chapter, 'Life Around Us,' introduces students to the concept of experiencing the world through senses other than sight. The story follows Onshangla, who meets a new classmate who wears black glasses and cannot see. This sparks her curiosity about how he will manage daily activities. Her mother, Ava, then plays a game with Onshangla, blindfolding her and asking her to identify objects by touch and smell. Onshangla successfully identifies a rose, demonstrating that one can perceive and understand things without seeing. The chapter aims to foster empathy and understanding towards visually impaired individuals and highlight the importance of other senses.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 2 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Mridang |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Life Around Us |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 228 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals.
- Appreciate the use of other senses like touch and smell.
- Develop empathy and understanding towards classmates with disabilities.
- Learn new vocabulary related to senses and perception.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| quietly | in a way that makes little or no noise |
| glasses | spectacles worn to correct or improve vision |
| blindfold | a strip of cloth tied to cover the eyes |
| touch | feel or handle with the fingers or an instrument |
| smell | perceive the odor or scent of by means of the olfactory nerves |
| rose | a type of flower known for its scent and petals |
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Practice questions
- Why did Onshangla's mother ask her if anything happened at school? Answer: Onshangla was unusually quiet when she returned from school.
- What was special about the new boy in Onshangla's class? Answer: The new boy wore black glasses and could not see.
- What game did Ava play with Onshangla? Answer: Ava played a game where she tied a scarf over Onshangla's eyes, and Onshangla had to identify an object by touch and smell.
- What object did Onshangla identify correctly? Answer: Onshangla identified a rose by touching and smelling it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 2 English Chapter 2?
The chapter 'Life Around Us' focuses on empathy, understanding visual impairment, and exploring senses like touch and smell.
Who are the main characters in the chapter?
The main characters are Onshangla and her mother, Ava. A new visually impaired boy is also introduced.
What does the game played by Ava and Onshangla teach?
The game teaches that one can identify objects and understand the world through senses like touch and smell, even without seeing.
Why is it important to learn about 'Life Around Us'?
It helps children develop empathy, respect for differences, and an understanding of how people with visual impairments experience the world.
Where can I find the NCERT Class 2 English Mridang Chapter 2 PDF?
The NCERT Class 2 English Mridang Chapter 2 PDF can be downloaded from the official NCERT website or other educational platforms.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 2 English — Mridang — Chapter 4 — Life Around Us. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.