NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Deepakam: Chapter 4 — प्रणम्यो देशभक्तोऽयं गोपनबधुर्महानामाः
This chapter, titled 'प्रणम्यो देशभक्तोऽयं गोपबन्धुर्महामना:', introduces the great-souled patriot Gopabandhu. It begins with a classroom discussion where students and teachers talk about a devastating flood in the Kendrapada district of Odisha. The flood caused immense destruction, including the loss of homes, displacement of people, and death of many. Students express sympathy for the victims who are suffering from hunger and lack of shelter, and whose domestic animals have also perished. The teacher emphasizes the need to help those in distress, drawing a parallel to the selfless service rendered by Gopabandhu, who is still revered for his work during a past flood. The chapter highlights the importance of empathy and social service, inspired by the example of Gopabandhu, a true friend of the poor.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Deepakam |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — प्रणम्यो देशभक्तोऽयं गोपनबधुर्महानामाः |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 136 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of patriotism and selfless service.
- Learn about the life and contributions of Gopabandhu.
- Develop empathy towards victims of natural calamities.
- Enhance Sanskrit vocabulary related to disaster and social service.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| जलपलावः | Flood |
| हानिः | Loss |
| नष्टानि | Destroyed |
| चिकित्सालयः | Hospital |
| मृत्युना | Death |
| अनाहारः | Starvation/Lack of food |
| गृहपालिताः | Domesticated |
| पशवः | Animals |
| प्रवाहिताः | Flowed away |
| सहायता | Help/Assistance |
| सेवा | Service |
| समादृतः | Respected/Honored |
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Practice questions
- ओडिशा-राज्यस्य के्द्यापडा-जनपदे कः प्राकृतिक-आपत्ः सम्भूतः? Answer: ओडिशा-राज्यस्य के्द्यापडा-जनपदे महानदां भयङ्करः जलपलावः सम्भूतः।
- जलपलावेन कानि कानि नष््टानि? Answer: जलपलावेन वासगृहाणि नष््टानि, बहवः गृहपालिताः पशवोऽपि मृताः।
- अस्माभिः किं करणीयं? Answer: अस्माभिः एतादृशानां दुःखितानां सहायता करणीया।
- अद्यापि जनमानसेषु कः समादृतोऽस्ति? Answer: अद्यापि जनमानसेषु उत्कलमणिः गोपबन्धुः समादृतोऽस्ति।
- गोपबन्धुः कः इति उक्तम्? Answer: गोपबन्धुः दीनबन्धुः इति उक्तम्।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of Chapter 4 of NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Deepakam?
Chapter 4 focuses on the great-souled patriot Gopabandhu and his selfless service, particularly during a flood disaster.
Where did the flood mentioned in the chapter occur?
The flood mentioned in the chapter occurred in the Kendrapada district of Odisha.
What were the consequences of the flood described in the chapter?
The flood destroyed homes, caused immense suffering, led to deaths, and resulted in the loss of domestic animals.
Who is Gopabandhu, as described in the chapter?
Gopabandhu is described as a great-souled patriot and a 'friend of the poor' (Deenabandhu), revered for his selfless service.
What moral lesson does the chapter impart?
The chapter imparts the moral lesson of empathy and the importance of helping those in distress, inspired by Gopabandhu's example.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Deepakam — Chapter 4 — प्रणम्यो देशभक्तोऽयं गोपनबधुर्महानामाः. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.