NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew: Chapter 5 — The Summit Within
Chapter 5 of NCERT's Class 8 English Honeydew, titled 'The Summit Within', recounts Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia's experience climbing Mount Everest. He describes the overwhelming feeling of humility and a tinge of sadness upon reaching the summit, rather than pure jubilation. The chapter emphasizes that the physical achievement is only one part of the journey. Ahluwalia reflects on the more challenging 'summit of the mind' that one must also conquer. He explores the reasons people climb mountains, citing the inherent difficulties, the delight in overcoming obstacles, and a personal attraction to mountains as a communion with God. The chapter highlights Everest's unique challenge and the profound, lasting change such an experience brings to an individual, suggesting that the true victory lies in conquering one's inner self.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Honeydew |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — The Summit Within |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 585 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the emotional and psychological impact of achieving a difficult goal.
- Analyze the motivations behind undertaking challenging expeditions.
- Differentiate between physical and mental challenges.
- Appreciate the personal growth that comes from overcoming obstacles.
- Reflect on the concept of an 'inner summit' or self-mastery.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| surged | arose suddenly and intensely |
| panorama | view of a wide area |
| jubilant | very happy because of success |
| tinge | trace/shade |
| exhaustion | fatigue; tiredness |
| exhilarating | very exciting |
| communion | state or feeling of close relationship |
| defied | frustrated; resisted |
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Practice questions
- What was the dominant emotion Major Ahluwalia felt when he stood on the summit of Everest? Answer: The dominant emotion was humility, along with a tinge of sadness.
- According to the text, what is the more difficult task after climbing the summit of Everest? Answer: The more difficult task is climbing the summit within, or the summit of the mind.
- Why do people climb mountains, according to the simplest answer mentioned? Answer: The simplest answer is 'Because it is there,' and because man takes delight in overcoming obstacles.
- What personal reason does Major Ahluwalia give for being attracted to mountains? Answer: He was attracted by mountains since childhood and felt lost when away from them; he sees them as nature's best and a means of communion with God.
- What makes climbing Everest a unique and formidable challenge? Answer: It is the highest, mightiest, has defied many attempts, requires the last ounce of energy, and involves a brutal struggle with rock and ice.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'The Summit Within'?
The chapter is narrated in the first person by Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia, a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest in 1965.
What does Major Ahluwalia mean by the 'summit of the mind'?
The 'summit of the mind' refers to the inner challenges, self-mastery, and psychological hurdles that are as formidable, if not more so, than climbing a physical mountain like Everest.
Besides the physical challenge, what other aspects are involved in climbing a mountain?
Climbing a mountain involves endurance, persistence, willpower, and overcoming physical obstacles. It also leads to a profound inner change and a sense of accomplishment.
Why did Major Ahluwalia feel a tinge of sadness after reaching the summit?
He felt a tinge of sadness perhaps because he had achieved the 'ultimate' in climbing, and all future paths would lead downwards, with the possibility of memories fading.
What is the significance of Everest as a climbing challenge?
Everest is significant because it is the highest and mightiest peak, has defied many attempts, demands extreme energy and willpower, and presents a brutal struggle against nature.
How does climbing a mountain change a person?
The experience changes a person completely, leaving them with a deep sense of joy, thankfulness, and a lasting sense of victory, particularly from conquering their inner self.
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NCERT Class 8 English — Honeydew — Chapter 5 — The Summit Within. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.