Hello and welcome to Daily English, as it’s the weekend, we learn English through real stories. You can check the transcript using the link provided
Today’s story is about a man who stood his ground— with nothing but a hammer, a chisel, and a promise. Let’s hear the story of Dashrath Manjhi famous as the mountain man
Dashrath Manjhi lived in a small village in India where a huge mountain stood between his community and the nearest hospital. One day, his wife pregnant was badly injured. But because of the mountain, they couldn’t reach help in time. She died — simply because the road was too far. Dashrath was heartbroken. But he didn’t beg or complain. He picked up a hammer and a chisel and started carving a path through the mountain — alone. People laughed. They called him mad. But he stood his ground. Day after day, year after year, he chipped away at the rock.
Not for fame. Not for money. Just to make sure no one else would lose someone the way he had. It took him 22 years. When he finished, the path was 110 meters long and 9 meters wide — enough to connect his village to the hospital in just minutes.
Phrase of the Day: Stand Your Ground To stand your ground means: To stay strong and not give up, even when it’s hard, unpopular, or lonely.
Let’s check the Examples:
After losing his wife, Dashrath Manjhi stood his ground for 22 years, breaking a mountain by hand — not out of anger, but out of love.
When her parents said “You’ll fail if you leave the village,” she stood her ground and moved to the city alone. Years later, she became the first doctor in the family.
He stood his ground in silence when people laughed at his stutter. Years later, he gave a speech that made the room cry.
Question for You: Have you ever had to stand your ground — or known someone who refused to give up, no matter what?