NCERT Class 6 English Poorvi: Chapter 2 — Friendship
This chapter, 'The Unlikely Best Friends' from NCERT Class 6 English Poorvi, introduces the concept of friendship and its importance. It begins with activities encouraging students to reflect on their own friendships, feelings, and activities with friends. The chapter then delves into the story of Gajaraj, an elephant living in royal stables. Despite receiving excellent care and comfort, Gajaraj feels sad due to loneliness, interacting only with his mahout. The narrative sets the stage for an unexpected encounter when a stray dog enters the stable, hinting at the possibility of an unlikely friendship. The chapter aims to explore the meaning of 'unlikely' friendships and their significance in our lives, fostering empathy and understanding among young learners.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Poorvi |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Friendship |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 265 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of friendship in life.
- Reflect on personal feelings and experiences related to friends.
- Interpret the meaning of 'unlikely' in the context of friendships.
- Identify themes of loneliness and companionship in a narrative.
- Engage with vocabulary related to animals and interactions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| booth | rectangular space |
| stables | living spaces for animals |
| interacted with | communicated with |
| strayed | came by mistake |
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Practice questions
- Why was Gajaraj sad even though he lived in the best booth of the royal stables? Answer: Gajaraj was sad because he had no friends.
- Who was the only one Gajaraj interacted with regularly? Answer: The mahout, or elephant trainer, was the only one Gajaraj interacted with regularly.
- What did Gajaraj wish for? Answer: Gajaraj wished he had a friend he could play with.
- What happened one late evening in the stable? Answer: A dog strayed into the stable one late evening.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 6 English Poorvi Chapter 2?
The main theme is the importance of friendship and the exploration of unlikely bonds.
Who is Gajaraj?
Gajaraj is an elephant living in the royal stables who feels lonely.
What does 'unlikely' mean in the chapter title?
'Unlikely' suggests a friendship that is not expected or probable, perhaps between very different individuals.
What activities are suggested at the beginning of the chapter?
Students are asked to share why friends are important, what they do with friends, and how they feel with them.
What new character enters the story at the end of the excerpt?
A tired and hungry dog strays into the stable.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 English — Poorvi — Chapter 2 — Friendship. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.