Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’
Question 1. Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.
Answer: The first quotation is by Rabindranath Tagore, who talks about the joy of seeing unity in diversity, where many different things come together to form one. The second quotation by Sri Aurobindo emphasizes how India’s diversity is natural and how it creates a strong foundation for the country. Both quotations highlight the idea that although India has many different cultures, languages, and traditions, they all come together to create a unified nation.
Question 2. Read the National Anthem and its translation in the preliminary pages of this textbook. Where do you see the diversity? And where the unity? Write two or three paragraphs on this.
Answer: The National Anthem of India mentions different regions, rivers, and mountains from across the country, representing the vast diversity of India. It talks about places from the north to the south and from the east to the west, showing how India is made up of many different parts, each with its unique features.
However, despite this diversity, the National Anthem brings all these parts together, celebrating them as one nation. The unity is seen in how the anthem praises the beauty and richness of India as a whole, showing that all these different regions are part of one country, working together and living together in harmony.
Question 3. Select a few stories from the Pañchatantra and discuss how their message is still valid today. Do you know of any similar stories from your region?
Answer: One famous story from the Pañchatantra is “The Lion and the Rabbit.” In this story, a clever rabbit outsmarts a greedy lion by leading him to his own reflection in a well, making the lion believe that another lion is challenging him. The lion jumps into the well and drowns, saving the other animals in the forest. The message of this story is that intelligence and cleverness can overcome brute strength. This message is still valid today as it teaches us that using our minds can help us solve problems, even when facing challenges that seem bigger than us.
A similar story from my region is about a wise crow who drops pebbles into a pot of water to raise the water level so it can drink. This story, like the one from the Pañchatantra, teaches us the importance of thinking creatively to solve problems.
Question 4. Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.
Answer: One popular folk tale from my region is about “The Honest Woodcutter.” In this story, a woodcutter accidentally drops his axe into a river. A river goddess appears and offers him a golden axe, but he refuses, saying it is not his. She then offers him a silver axe, but again he refuses. Finally, she gives him his iron axe, and as a reward for his honesty, she lets him keep all three axes. The message of this story is the value of honesty, showing that being truthful is always the best policy.
Another folk tale is “The Clever Jackal,” where a jackal tricks a tiger into believing that he is the king of the jungle, saving himself from being eaten. The message here is similar to the Pañchatantra story, teaching us that wit and intelligence can help us out of difficult situations.
Question 5. Is there any ancient story that you have seen being depicted through a form of art? It could be a sculpture, a painting, a dance performance, a movie … Discuss with your classmates.
Answer: Yes, one ancient story that I have seen depicted through art is the story of Rama and Sita from the Ramayana. I saw this story beautifully represented in a dance performance during a school event. The dancers used expressive movements and colorful costumes to bring the characters of Rama, Sita, and Ravana to life, showing the battle between good and evil. The performance ended with the victory of good over evil, which is the central message of the Ramayana. This story is also depicted in many paintings and sculptures across India, especially in temples, where you can see scenes from the Ramayana carved into the walls. It shows how ancient stories continue to inspire and be celebrated through various forms of art.
Question 6. Discuss in class the following quotation by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, when he travelled to many parts of India before Independence:
“Everywhere I found a cultural background which had exerted a powerful influence on their lives. … The old epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and other books, in popular translations and paraphrases, were widely known among the masses, and every incident and story and moral in them was engraved on the popular mind and gave a richness and content to it. Illiterate villagers would know hundreds of verses by heart and their conversation would be full of references to them or to some story with a moral, enshrined in some old classic.”
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru’s quotation highlights how deeply Indian culture and ancient stories like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are ingrained in the lives of the people. He observed that these epics and other classic stories were not just popular among educated people but were also well-known and cherished by villagers who might not have been able to read or write. These stories were passed down through generations, and even illiterate people could recite verses and stories by heart. This shows how the moral lessons and cultural values from these epics influenced everyday life, conversations, and the way people thought and acted. Nehru’s observation tells us that these ancient texts played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of India.
The Big Questions (Page 125)
Question 1. What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?
Answer: ‘Unity in diversity’ in India means that even though people in India come from different cultures, religions, languages, and traditions, they all live together in harmony as one nation. It shows that India’s strength lies in its ability to embrace and celebrate its differences while staying united.
Question 2. What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?
Answer: The most striking aspects of India’s diversity include the wide variety of languages spoken, the different styles of clothing, the numerous festivals celebrated, and the many types of food enjoyed across the country. Each region has its unique customs and traditions, making India a country full of rich and colorful diversity.
Question 3. How do we make out the unity underlying the diversity?
Answer: We can see the unity underlying India’s diversity in how people from different backgrounds come together during national celebrations, festivals, and even in everyday life. Despite their differences, people share common values, respect each other’s traditions, and work together for the country’s progress. This unity is also reflected in India’s shared history, culture, and pride in being one nation.
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