Voyaging Towards Excellence
By Achyut Godbole
READ • EXPLORE • PRACTISE • EXCEL
Your Learning Score
1. Learning Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the author’s journey and achievements.
- Identify the qualities required for excellence.
- Learn important vocabulary and phrases.
- Practise comprehension and grammar.
- Express personal opinions confidently.
- Develop flyer writing skills.
2. Interactive Story Summary
About the lesson: This autobiographical sketch describes the inspiring journey of Achyut Godbole, from his childhood in Solapur to his professional success and achievements as a writer.
He grew up in a modest home in Solapur. Although his family lacked many material comforts, the atmosphere was rich in literature, music and culture.
He developed a deep interest in mathematics and science. He enjoyed learning subjects for their beauty rather than merely for examination marks.
His academic performance helped him secure admission to IIT Bombay.
At IIT, he experienced an inferiority complex because of his limited spoken English. He decided to improve his language skills through reading, studying phonetics and etymology, and practising before a mirror.
His association with brilliant students, researchers and professors broadened his knowledge and outlook.
He worked in the IT industry for many years, holding senior management positions. He learned the importance of leadership, teamwork and motivation.
He eventually followed his passion for writing and became a successful Marathi author.
3. Know the Author
Achyut Godbole
Solapur, Maharashtra
IT professional and writer
Multidisciplinary knowledge
He is known for his contribution to the IT industry and Marathi literature.
4. Qualities Required for Excellence
Having a clear goal.
Making consistent efforts.
Developing a desire to learn.
Believing in one’s abilities.
Continuing despite difficulties.
Being modest and respectful.
Working effectively with others.
Remaining committed to goals.
5. Vocabulary Booster
Learn important words and their Marathi meanings.
उत्कृष्टता
चिकाटी
कमीपणाची भावना
नम्रता
जिज्ञासा
बुद्धिप्रामाण्यवाद
पुनरुज्जीवन
दृढनिश्चय
अंगभूत
यश / सिद्धी
प्रेरणा
स्वाभिमान
6. Comprehension MCQ Challenge
Choose the correct answer. Each question carries one mark.
7. True or False Challenge
8. Grammar and Language Study
Practise phrases, register, primary and modal auxiliaries, and clauses.
9. Identify the Meaning of Phrases
10. Personal Response Practice
11. Writing Skill: Flyer Writing
Activity: Your college is organising a programme on “The Journey Towards Excellence”. Prepare an attractive flyer.
12. Important Board Examination Questions
- Describe the childhood of Achyut Godbole.
- How did the cultural environment influence the writer?
- Why did the writer develop an inferiority complex at IIT?
- How did he overcome his difficulties in speaking English?
- What was the impact of his association with brilliant people?
- Explain the importance of teamwork in professional life.
- Why did the writer decide to pursue writing?
- Explain the values that helped the writer achieve excellence.
13. My Learning Report
Complete the assessment activities and check your performance.
Your progress will appear here.
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Glossary and Notes on Voyaging Towards Excellence
Vocabulary Test Voyaging Towards Excellence
Click to get Question Bank Solution on the lesson Voyaging Towards Excellence by Achut Godbole
“Voyaging Towards Excellence” by Achut Godbole is a motivational book that outlines strategies for personal and professional growth. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining a positive attitude, and continuously learning and improving oneself. The book also delves into the power of perseverance, resilience, and self-discipline in achieving success. Through anecdotes, practical tips, and inspirational quotes, Godbole encourages readers to take charge of their lives and strive for excellence in all endeavors.
Brainstorming on Voyaging Towards Excellence
(A1)(i) Go through the text again and describe the second innings of the writer in your own words.
(A2) (i) Read the text again and make a list of great Indian and foreign personalities who had a great impact on Achyut Godbole during his childhood. One is done for you.
| Poets | Vinda Karandikar, Mangesh Padgaonkar, Vasant Bapat |
|---|---|
| Writers | Keshavsut, Mardhekar, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens |
| Musicians | Pt Kumar Gandharv Pt. Bhimsen Pt Jasraj |
| Dramatists | Shakespear , Pt. Kumar Gandharv |
| Painters | Van Gogh, Mozar, Michael Angelo |
(ii) Find different techniques used by the writer to learn Science and Mathematics. One is done for you.
(a) The writer used to appreciate the inherent beauty of these subjects.
(iii) The writer faced numerous problems while communicating in English because- (a) He had his entire education in Marathi.
(iv) The writer was completely stumped because his
(v) Read the text Voyaging Towards Excellence again and complete the sentence:
Due to the writer’s pathetic English speaking style, he…………………..
vi) Complete the following sentences. The writer wanted to achieve mastery in English because-
(vii) Make a list of different steps that the writer undertook to improve his English speaking skills.
(viii) (a) Read the text again and describe the writer’s achievements after achieving mastery over the English language.
(b) Go through the text Voyaging Towards Excellence again and complete the table comparing two different phases of life of the writer-as an MD or Chief Executive Officer and an activist of Sarvodaya movement.
MD or Chief Executive Officer | Activist of Sarvodaya Movement |
|---|---|
| Head of the company for 23 years | Joined a non-violent social movement for tribal with Sarvodaya |
| Travelled all over the globe for business | Participated in a peaceful satyagraha |
| Wrote 4 books on information Technology | Went to jail for 10 days |
(ix) (a) Complete the web highlighting the various opportunities you gained due to your good English speaking skills.
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(b) Describe a situation or incident when you felt embarrassed for your lack of knowledge of a particular subject or incompetence in speaking English fluently.
Grammar Section
(A3) (i) Fill in the blanks selecting the correct phrase from the alternatives given. One is done for you. [be completely stumped, be broken, feel out of place, speak at length, feel at home, sea of knowledge, broaden one’s horizon, one’s second innings, touch the hearts, keep one going]
(a) By the end of the week she was beginning to feel at home in her new job. (b) When he lost his mother he was completely broken . (c) Travelling can help to broaden one’s horizon. (d) After my retirement I started my second innings as a social worker. (e) Having faith in God keeps me going in difficult situation. (f) To succeed in any competitive examination, one requires a sea of knowkedge . (g) The simple village girl felt ot of place in a formal party. (h) The work done by Sindhutai Sapkal touched the hearts of millions. (i) The teacher spoke at length explaining the concept. (j) The speaker was completely stumped by the intelligent questions asked by the audience.
(A4) (i) Primary Auxiliary Verbs
Modal Auxiliries
(iii) Do as directed and rewrite the sentences. Voyaging Towards Excellence
(a) I did not fully understand their discussions but I was immensely impressed. (Remove ‘but’.)
Ans :Though I did not fully understand their discussions , I was immensely impressed.
(b) I had decided that I would do nothing of this sort. (Remove ‘that’.)
Ans: I had decided to do nothing of this sort.
(c) My fear had vanished and I started feeling at home in my hostel. (Use ‘when’.)
Ans : When my fear had vanished, I started feeling at home in my hostel.
(d) It was only my self-esteem which stopped me. (Remove ‘which’.)
Ans : My self-esteem stopped me.
(e) I plunged into all these branches of knowledge. It was a period of renaissance. (Join with ‘when’.)Ans : It was a period of renaissance when I plunged into all these branches of knowledge.
(f) When I look back, there are a number of lessons that I cherish. (Remove ‘When’.)
Ans : Looking back I cherish a number of lessons.
(g) There are hundreds who tell me that they understood the theory of relativity. (Remove ‘who’.)
Ans : Hundreds of people tell me that they understood the theory of relativity.
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Your work is very perfect Sirji.
Micro work is done so perfectly.
Very nice lecture NEP2020