Reach for the Top Notes Chapter 7 Class 9 English

Notes For All Chapters English Beehive Class 9

This chapter has two inspirational stories about two determined young women:

1. Part I – Santosh Yadav
2. Part II – Maria Sharapova

Both stories show how hard work, willpower, and courage can help one reach great heights.

Part I – Santosh Yadav

About the Story

• Santosh Yadav is the only woman in the world to climb Mount Everest twice.
• Her story shows her courage, determination, independence, and love for her country.

Early Life

• Born in the small village of Joniyawas, Rewari district, Haryana.
• Sixth child in a family with five sons.
• Her name “Santosh” means contentment, but she was never satisfied with ordinary life.
• From childhood, she was different – preferred shorts over traditional dresses.
• She believed that if she was right and reasonable, others must change, not her.

Education and Struggles

• Her parents were wealthy landowners, but she was sent to a local village school because of family tradition.
• At 16 years, when girls in her village got married, her parents also pressured her.
• She refused early marriage and left home for Delhi to continue her studies.
• When parents refused to pay fees, she decided to work part-time, but later her parents agreed to support her.
• She completed high school and joined Maharani College, Jaipur.

Beginning of Mountaineering

• Her hostel room faced the Aravalli Hills.
• Seeing villagers climb hills daily, she became curious and went there.
• She met mountaineers and asked to join them; they encouraged her.
• This was the start of her mountaineering journey.

Training and Determination

• Joined Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi.
• She went directly there after college without telling her father and later wrote him an apology letter.
• Her training was tough, but she showed strong willpower, endurance, and courage.

Achievements

• In 1992, at the age of 20, she climbed Mount Everest – the youngest woman in the world to do so.
• She showed team spirit and kindness by trying to save fellow climbers.
  • She helped a dying climber and saved Mohan Singh’s life by sharing her oxygen.
• Within 12 months, she climbed Everest again, becoming the first woman to do it twice.
• Awarded Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Patriotism and Humanity

• At the top of Everest, she unfurled the Indian flag and described the moment as spiritual and proud.
• She was also an environmentalist and brought down 500 kg of garbage from the Himalayas.

Character Sketch of Santosh Yadav

• Determined – followed her dreams despite opposition.
• Independent – made her own choices.
• Brave and Strong – never afraid of challenges.
• Caring – helped others during tough situations.
• Patriotic – proud of representing India.
• Environment-friendly – cleaned the mountains.

Part II – Maria Sharapova

About the Story

• Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova reached the world’s number one position in women’s tennis at just 18 years old (in 2005).
• Her story is about hard work, sacrifice, and focus.

Early Life and Struggles

• Born in Siberia, Russia.
• Started training at 9 years old and was sent to the U.S. (Florida) with her father for tennis coaching.
• Her mother couldn’t go due to visa problems.
• Lived away from her family for two years, feeling lonely and missing her mother.

Hardships and Determination

• Other trainees bullied her and made her do extra chores.
• Instead of feeling sad, she became strong, independent, and mentally tough.
• Never thought of quitting because she knew what she wanted.
• Her hunger for success came from having nothing to begin with.

Rise to Fame

• Won Wimbledon in 2004.
• Became World Number One in 2005.
• Her toughness and willpower helped her succeed.

Personality and Patriotism

• Though she lives in the U.S., she proudly says, “I’m Russian. My blood is totally Russian.“
• She would play for Russia in the Olympics if given a chance.

Likes and Hobbies

• Enjoys fashion, singing, dancing, and reading Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels.
• Loves chocolate pancakes and fizzy orange drinks.
• Likes elegant gowns but also has a simple taste in food.

Beliefs and Motivation

• Believes in hard work, focus, and competitiveness.
• For her, money is a motivation, but the main goal is to become number one in the world.
• Her story shows that success requires sacrifice.

Character Sketch of Maria Sharapova

• Hardworking and ambitious.
• Mentally strong and self-disciplined.
• Independent and focused on goals.
• Patriotic – proud of her Russian identity.
• Balanced personality – mixes glamour with simplicity.

Theme of the Chapter

• The chapter celebrates determination, courage, and willpower.
• Both Santosh and Maria prove that success does not depend on background or gender, but on hard work, confidence, and self-belief.
• Their lives inspire students to dream big and never give up.