What was the hidden agenda of the conference?
The hidden agenda of the conference was about Comet Dutta and its chances of colliding with the Earth.
The Comet
What confirmed Duttada that the comet was not going to collide with the earth?
When Duttada received a telex message from Sir John saying, ‘I am confident now of buying my Christmas presents’, he was confirmed that the comet would not collide with the earth.
What offensive action was suggested in the conference to avoid comet’s collision with the earth?
The offensive measure decided in the conference to avoid a collision was that it should be marginally deflected from its path by giving a push.
What was Project Light Brigade?
‘Project Light Brigade’ was a plan to divert the comet by sending a gigantic payload in a spaceship.
What are the defensive measures mentioned in the story?
The defensive measures mentioned in the story is that people should live in underground bunkers which did not seem practical.
Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are some of the things we do to be called traditional? Do you find these things interesting or useful?
Yes, our society can be termed as a traditional society. We perform religious ceremonies such as yajnas puja, katha, observe fast, go to the temples and rivers after prayers for the ancestors etc. Yes, these things are useful at times as well sound/seem interesting because they bring peace/solace to our mind. They also help us…
Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?
According to Indrani Debi, the comet had not been disastrous because of the yajna performed at their house.
Describe comets as Duttada defined them?
According to Duttada, Comets were known for what they were, the movements were forecast precisely by mathematical calculations. Moreover, it confirmed that their visits had no correlations with the disasters on Earth.
Did Sir John buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?
Yes, Sir John bought Christmas presents on December 15. Duttada got to know about it because on November 18, a special messenger on a scooter from the British Council brought in an urgent telex message for him which read that Sir John would buy Christmas presents on December 15.