NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 26 — Defence Officer: Wahida
This chapter introduces Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism, a doctor in the Indian Navy and the first woman to lead a parade. Wahida shares her childhood experiences from Thannamandi, a small village in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. She recounts her desire for higher studies, facing challenges from her family and community, and moving to Rajouri for her twelfth class. Wahida always wanted to do something different, inspired by army officers. She pursued her dream of becoming a doctor, studying at Jammu Medical College and completing her MBBS. Her family supported her decision to join the Defence Forces, seeing it as a great opportunity. The chapter highlights her journey and aspirations, encouraging students to dream big and pursue their goals, regardless of societal expectations. It also prompts teachers to discuss India's defence forces.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 26 — Defence Officer: Wahida |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 434 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role of women in the Indian Defence Forces.
- Learn about the life and aspirations of a defence officer.
- Identify Jammu and Kashmir on the map of India.
- Appreciate the importance of pursuing higher education and dreams.
- Recognize the contributions of individuals to national service.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant Commander | A rank in the navy, above Lieutenant and below Commander. |
| Naval ship | A large vessel that sails on the sea, used by a navy. |
| Parade | A public procession, especially one celebrating a special day or event. |
| Armed forces | The military, naval, and air forces of a country. |
| District | An administrative division of a country or region. |
| Higher studies | Education pursued after completing secondary school, typically at a college or university. |
| Medical College | An institution where students study medicine. |
| M.B.B.S. | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - a degree for medical practitioners. |
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Practice questions
- Who is Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism? Answer: She is a doctor in the Indian Navy and the first woman to lead a parade.
- Where is Wahida Prism from? Answer: She is from a small village called Thannamandi in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- What did Wahida Prism want to do when she was young? Answer: She was fond of riding a motorcycle and wanted to do something different, inspired by army officers.
- What did Wahida Prism study to become a doctor? Answer: She studied at Jammu Medical College and completed her M.B.B.S.
- How did Wahida Prism's family feel about her joining the Defence Forces? Answer: They felt that a job in the Forces would be the best thing for her and supported her decision.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism?
Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism is a doctor in the Indian Navy and the first woman to lead a parade.
Where did Wahida Prism grow up?
Wahida Prism grew up in a small village called Thannamandi, in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
What was Wahida Prism's childhood ambition?
She always wanted to do something different and was inspired by army officers, dreaming of becoming like them.
How did Wahida Prism become a doctor?
She worked very hard, got admission in Jammu Medical College, and studied for five years to complete her M.B.B.S.
Did Wahida Prism's family support her joining the Defence Forces?
Yes, her family felt it would be the best thing for her and supported her decision.
What is significant about Wahida Prism's achievement in leading a parade?
She is the first woman to lead a parade, which is considered a very big honour in the armed forces.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 26 — Defence Officer: Wahida. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.