Values and Disposition Class 8 English Chapter 2 CBSE Notes 2025-26

The chapter “Values and Dispositions” from CBSE Class 8 English focuses on stories and poems that highlight bravery, compassion, and visionary thinking. 

Central to the chapter is the account of Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of India’s Param Vir Chakra, whose valour in the Battle of Badgam in 1947 saved the valley of Srinagar during the early days of independent India. 

Supporting texts such as the poem “Somebody’s Mother” and Verghese Kurien’s inspirational letter further emphasize empathy, kindness, and the importance of service to others.

Major Somnath Sharma led a small group of 90 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, who fought bravely against around 500 infiltrators aiming to capture Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley. 

Despite his own injury—his left hand was in plaster—Major Sharma refused to leave his men and insisted on leading them in battle. When the enemy, trained and supported by Pakistan, attacked at Badgam on 3rd November 1947, Major Sharma’s leadership and courage enabled his company to resist for six hours, until reinforcements arrived. He was killed in action after being struck by a mortar shell but inspired his men to hold their position until help came.

His famous last words reflect his determination: “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.” The stand taken by D Company under Major Sharma’s leadership was critical to saving Srinagar and keeping Kashmir part of India. 

For his conspicuous bravery, Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour for battlefield valour.

• Major Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, and trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
• He was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942 and quickly rose through the ranks with distinction.
• The Battle of Badgam was fought as part of the conflict following Pakistan’s Operation Gulmarg, launched in October 1947.
• The glossary includes words like “etched,” “valour,” and “posthumously,” helping clarify new vocabulary.

For revision, it is helpful to remember the sequence of major events in Major Somnath Sharma's story:

1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
2. He trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
3. He was commissioned into the army in 1942.
4. D Company under his command was flown into Srinagar.
5. He requested air strikes at Badgam during the battle.
6. He was killed in action by a mortar shell.
7. Even after his death, his soldiers held out bravely until reinforcements arrived.
8. Posthumously, he became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

The glossary section clarifies important terms found throughout the chapter. For example, “etched” means permanently fixed in memory, "valour" is courage, "magazines" are cases for ammunition, and "legacy" means what is passed from one generation to another. 

These words frequently appear in stories of bravery and service and help students understand the context better.

This chapter encourages students to discuss qualities needed in a soldier—such as courage, determination, and a spirit of sacrifice. 

There are also opportunities for students to think about their own messages of gratitude towards those who serve the nation. Other activities focus on the value of teamwork, quick decision-making in difficult situations, and the meaning of patriotism.

This poem describes an act of kindness, where a young boy helps an old woman cross a busy street. 

The contrast between the joyful, energetic children leaving school and the frail, unnoticed elderly woman waiting for help is vividly brought out. The poem uses simple imagery and rhyme to show compassion and the power of thoughtful behaviour.

• Students are encouraged to share and recall occasions when they helped someone and express how that made them and the other person feel.
• Words such as "ragged" are explained, helping children expand their descriptive vocabulary.
• Discussion covers the poem’s theme, tone, structure, rhyme, and the use of poetic devices like simile, alliteration, and repetition.
• Through class discussion, students link the poem’s message to their own lives, reinforcing values of empathy and gratitude.

This part features a personal letter from Dr. Verghese Kurien, India’s “Milkman” and founder of the White Revolution, to his grandson Anand. 

In the letter, he recounts the ceremony where he received the Padma Vibhushan and shares wisdom on life, such as the importance of earning one’s own rewards, acting with integrity, and finding joy in others’ happiness. Key values include humility, honesty, and dedication.

Several guiding principles from Kurien’s letter, like pursuing dreams, staying true to one’s convictions, and acknowledging others’ contributions, are presented as models for students to follow in their own lives.

The listening section includes stories about the Param Vir Chakra, real-life examples of bravery such as Rohan saving a woman from drowning, and Evelyn Glennie’s achievements despite hearing loss. These accounts inspire students to think about courage and perseverance beyond the classroom.

Grammar exercises highlight usage differences (such as defence/defense), verb/noun forms, synonym-antonym pairs, and idiomatic expressions. Creative activities include writing gratitude cards, diary entries, letters of enquiry, and letters to grandparents. These writing assignments foster gratitude, observation, and expressive language.

• Speaking and listening tasks encourage group discussion, role-play, and communication skills.
• Students are asked to research topics like the Green and Blue Revolutions, financial literacy, and women in the armed forces.
• Through all sections, the importance of exploring new words and poetic devices is reinforced.

By studying this chapter, students learn from exemplary individuals—Major Somnath Sharma’s sacrifice, Dr. Verghese Kurien’s leadership, and various acts of compassion. 

The message is clear: courage, kindness, and integrity form the pillars of a strong nation. The poetic lines “Not gold, but only men can make / A people great and strong…” remind students that values and dispositions are central to personal and national growth.

Class 8 English Chapter 2 Notes – Values and Dispositions: Key Points for Quick Revision

These Class 8 English Chapter 2 notes offer an easy summary of "Values and Dispositions," focusing on Major Somnath Sharma’s heroism and lessons of kindness and leadership. Important events, glossaries, and discussion points are presented in an organised way for better understanding. Use these quick revision notes to save time and improve your confidence before exams.

Covering the full chapter sequence, poems, activities and extra questions, these CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 2 notes help reinforce core concepts on bravery, compassion, and values. Students can review key facts and new words efficiently. Revision becomes simple and stress-free with all relevant points in one handy guide.