Read the passage carefully and answer the question given below by selecting the correct option:

On September 30, 2001, I (Dr APJ Abdul Kalam) found myself on a journey from Ranchi to Bokaro in Jharkhand. The helicopter carrying me crashed just before landing, its engine failing with a thud upon impact. Miraculously, all on board escaped unharmed. Grateful to God, I proceeded with my scheduled programme in Bokaro, unfazed by the incident. That night, doctors suggested a tranquilliser to ease perceived shock, leading to an early and disturbed sleep, filled with contemplation.

Amidst this intense dream, I stood in a moonlit desert with five revered figures: Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. Asoka's reflection on the Kalinga war symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion, inspiring a doctrine of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma.

In this profound dream-conversation, these figures shared wisdom on humanity's deep divisions caused by violence. They emphasised peace, equality, and the significance of ethical values in human consciousness. Asoka, having witnessed the consequences of his victories, highlighted the futility of causing suffering and the triumph of a peaceful kingdom.

Awakening from this vivid dream, I contemplated the contrasting forces of good and destruction in the world. The challenges faced by humanity, from conflicts to natural disasters and terrorism, prompted deep reflection. Yet, despite these challenges, I held a determined belief in finding an everlasting solution.

Motivated by this dream and a desire to contribute to the greater good, I made a significant decision. Shifting focus from my scientific career, awards, and teams, I aimed to discover India's true essence in its children. This marked a transcendence of personal achievements, emphasising the importance of nurturing enlightened individuals and fostering the inner, higher self in the youth. My commitment was to contribute to the enduring intelligence of India through meaningful interaction with joyous, young minds.

APJ Abdul Kalam 'Ignited Minds'

What event prompted the author's contemplation in the passage?

The helicopter crash

The correct answer is Option (2) → The helicopter crash

The passage begins with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam describing a helicopter crash that occurred on September 30, 2001, just before landing in Bokaro. Although everyone survived unharmed, the incident left a deep impact on him. That night, after taking a tranquilliser (on doctors’ advice), he had a vivid and intense dream involving revered historical figures, which led to profound contemplation about humanity, violence, and peace. While the dream and figures are significant, it was the crash that triggered the sequence of events — the early sleep, the dream, and the deep reflection. Therefore, the helicopter crash was the initial event that prompted his contemplation.

• Option 1: Meeting the revered figures: Why it's incorrect: The meeting with the revered figures (Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar) occurred within the dream. The dream itself was a result of the disturbed sleep, which was a consequence of the helicopter crash and the subsequent tranquilliser. Therefore, the meeting was a product of the contemplation, not the trigger for it.

• Option 3: The scheduled programme in Bokaro: Why it's incorrect: The passage explicitly states, "Grateful to God, I proceeded with my scheduled programme in Bokaro, unfazed by the incident." This indicates that while the program took place, it didn't cause him to contemplate. In fact, he went through with it despite the crash, and the contemplation came later that night.

• Option 4: Doctors' suggestions for a tranquilliser: Why it's incorrect: The doctors' suggestion led to the early and disturbed sleep, which then facilitated the dream and the subsequent contemplation. However, the suggestion itself was a response to the "perceived shock" from the crash. The core event that initiated the chain was the crash, not the medical advice given afterward. The tranquilliser was a catalyst for the specific form of contemplation (the dream), but the underlying reason for the need for it, and thus the contemplation, was the crash.