Questions, Activities, and Projects
The following are model answers and discussion guides for the exercises found on page 136.
1. The Meaning of “Unity in Diversity”
Question: Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter (Rabindranath Tagore and Sri Aurobindo).
Discussion Points:
- Tagore’s Quote: “Oh, grant me my prayer, that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of the many.”
- Interpretation: Tagore sees diversity (“the many”) not as chaos, but as a “play” or celebration. He prays to always see the underlying unity (“the one”) within this variety. It suggests that enjoying diversity is spiritual.
- Aurobindo’s Quote: “The principle of unity in diversity… would place her on the sure foundation of her Swabhava and Swadharma.”
- Interpretation: Aurobindo argues that unity in diversity is India’s true nature (Swabhava). Acknowledging this is essential for India to fulfill its duty or path (Swadharma). It is the bedrock of Indian civilization.
2. The Panchatantra Today
Question: 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?
Model Answer:
- Story Example: The Monkey and the Crocodile.
- Message: Presence of mind is stronger than brute force; choose friends wisely.
- Relevance Today: In the modern world, critical thinking and emotional intelligence are often more valuable than physical power. Trusting the wrong people can lead to loss.
- Regional Connection: (Student should answer based on location). Example: The Jataka tales in Buddhist tradition often share similar themes of animal wisdom.
3. Folk Tales
Question: Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.
Guidance:
- Folk tales are often oral stories passed down by grandparents.
- Look for themes: Respect for nature, the victory of good over evil, or the foolishness of greed.
- Example (General): The story of Tenali Raman (South India) or Akbar-Birbal (North India) often teaches wit and justice.
4. Art and Ancient Stories
Question: Is there any ancient story that you have seen being depicted through a form of art? (Sculpture, painting, dance, movie).
Model Examples:
- Dance: Kathakali (Kerala) or Yakshagana (Karnataka) performances often depict scenes from the Mahabharata.
- Sculpture: The carvings at Ellora or Mahabalipuram showing the Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna’s Penance.
- Movies: Films like Baahubali (inspired by epic themes) or the animated Ramayana.
- Festivals: The Ramlila performed during Dussehra is a theatrical depiction of the Ramayana.
5. Nehru’s Observation
Question: Discuss the quotation by Jawaharlal Nehru: “Everywhere I found a cultural background which had exerted a powerful influence on their lives… The old epics… were widely known among the masses…”
Analysis:
- Cultural Literacy: Nehru observed that even illiterate villagers knew the Ramayana and Mahabharata by heart.
- Education via Culture: People didn’t need formal schooling to learn ethics; they learned “what is right and wrong” through these stories.
- Unity: This shared knowledge of epics created a common mental language for all Indians, connecting the villager to the scholar.