Complete Solutions and Summary of A Triumph of Surgery - NCERT Class 10, Footprints without Feet, Chapter 1 - Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions and more

Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 1 'A Triumph of Surgery' with all question answers, extra questions, and solutions from NCERT Class X, Footprints without Feet.

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Summary of 'A Triumph of Surgery' in Multiple Indian Languages

Summary in English

"A Triumph of Surgery" by James Herriot is a light-hearted story about an overindulged pet dog, Tricki, and his wealthy but overly anxious mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. Tricki, pampered with rich food and little exercise, becomes overweight and falls ill, leaving Mrs. Pumphrey deeply worried. She calls Mr. Herriot, a veterinary surgeon, for help. Upon seeing Tricki's bloated state, Herriot insists that Tricki be taken to his clinic for recovery. Though Mrs. Pumphrey is reluctant and distressed, she agrees to let Tricki go. At the clinic, Tricki is placed on a strict regimen with no indulgences — just water and plenty of exercise. Surprisingly, Tricki's health improves rapidly without any medication, thanks to the care of Mr. Herriot and his staff. Tricki soon becomes energetic, playing with the other dogs and regaining his strength. After two weeks, a relieved Mrs. Pumphrey arrives to collect her transformed pet, showering Mr. Herriot with gratitude. She believes Tricki’s recovery to be nothing short of miraculous, calling it a "triumph of surgery." However, the real triumph lies in Mr. Herriot's practical approach to pet care, emphasizing moderation and discipline over indulgence.

Summary in Hindi

सर्जरी की जीत" (A Triumph of Surgery) जेम्स हेरियट द्वारा लिखी गई एक हल्की-फुल्की कहानी है, जिसमें एक अत्यधिक लाड़-प्यार किए गए कुत्ते, ट्रिकी, और उसकी धनी लेकिन चिंताग्रस्त मालकिन, श्रीमती पम्फ्रे की कहानी है। ट्रिकी, जिसे समृद्ध भोजन और कम व्यायाम के कारण अत्यधिक मोटापा हो जाता है, बीमार पड़ जाता है। इससे श्रीमती पम्फ्रे अत्यधिक चिंतित हो जाती हैं और वह पशु चिकित्सक, श्री हेरियट से मदद मांगती हैं। ट्रिकी की खराब हालत देखकर, हेरियट उसे अपने क्लिनिक में ले जाने का निर्णय लेते हैं ताकि उसकी देखभाल हो सके। हालाँकि, श्रीमती पम्फ्रे इस विचार से दुखी हैं, लेकिन वह ट्रिकी को हेरियट के पास भेजने के लिए सहमत हो जाती हैं। क्लिनिक में ट्रिकी को सख्त आहार और भरपूर व्यायाम पर रखा जाता है। बिना किसी दवाई के, सिर्फ सही देखभाल और व्यायाम से ट्रिकी की सेहत तेजी से सुधरने लगती है। वह अन्य कुत्तों के साथ खेलने लगता है और उसकी ऊर्जा वापस आ जाती है। दो हफ्तों के बाद, श्रीमती पम्फ्रे अपने बदले हुए पालतू कुत्ते को लेने आती हैं और हेरियट को धन्यवाद देती हैं। वह ट्रिकी की इस चमत्कारिक पुनः स्वस्थता को "सर्जरी की जीत" कहती हैं, जबकि असली जीत श्री हेरियट के व्यावहारिक दृष्टिकोण और संतुलित देखभाल में थी।

Think about it - Page 6

1. What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?
The narrator, Mr. Herriot, appears to be a practical and sensible person who is full of common sense. He approaches Tricki's health issue in a tactful manner by persuading Mrs. Pumphrey to let him take Tricki to the clinic, knowing that a strict regimen was necessary for recovery. His ability to handle the situation with care and without offending Mrs. Pumphrey shows his tactfulness.
2. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Yes, Tricki likely felt happy to return home, as he was attached to Mrs. Pumphrey. However, it is also possible that he might miss the active and healthy lifestyle he experienced at the clinic. If Mrs. Pumphrey continues to pamper him, Tricki may fall back into his old habits and become unhealthy again.
3. Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
This story seems to be a mixture of both real-life experiences and fiction. While the theme of overindulgence in pets is quite realistic, certain humorous elements and exaggerated descriptions may be fictionalized for entertainment purposes.

Talk about it - Page 7

1. This episode describes the silly behaviour of a rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, perhaps because she is lonely. Do you think such people are merely silly, or can their actions cause harm to others?
People like Mrs. Pumphrey may not realize the harm they are causing through their indulgence. While it might seem silly, overindulging pets (or even children) can lead to health issues and dependency, as seen in Tricki's case. Their actions, although well-intentioned, can be harmful if not addressed.
2. Do you think there are also parents like Mrs Pumphrey?
Yes, there are parents who overindulge their children, often out of love and a desire to see them happy. However, such behavior can lead to spoiled children who may struggle with self-discipline and responsibility later in life.
3. What would you have done if you were: (i) a member of the staff in Mrs Pumphrey’s household, (ii) a neighbour? What would your life have been like, in general?
(i) If I were a member of the staff, I would have felt helpless in changing Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgent ways, but I might have tried to gently advise her on moderation. (ii) As a neighbor, it might have been frustrating to watch such excessive pampering, though it could also be amusing to see how much attention was given to a dog.
4. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
If I were in the narrator's place, I would have done the same as Mr. Herriot. Taking Tricki away for a period of proper care and exercise was the best way to restore his health and save him from further harm caused by overindulgence.