Class 6th sst # **Chapter – 8**## **Unity in Diversity or Many in the One**

Class 6th sst 

# **Chapter – 8**

## **Unity in Diversity or Many in the One**

### **Text Q/Ans**

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### **Q-1. Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.**

**Ans:**

**Quotation – 1:**

“Oh grant me my prayer that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of the many.”

— *Rabindranath Tagore*

**Discussion Points:**

This quotation highlights the idea of finding unity and divinity in diverse experiences and interactions in life. It shows that even though there are many differences, everything is connected at a deeper level. Embracing diversity helps us feel a stronger sense of connection, harmony, and togetherness.

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**Quotation – 2:**

“The principle of unity has always been normal to her and its fulfilment is the fundamental course of her being… the many in the one would place her on the sure foundation of her Swabhava and Swadharma.”

— *Sri Aurobindo*

**Discussion Points:**

This quotation explains that India’s strength lies in maintaining unity despite great diversity. It is deeply rooted in its nature and culture. This principle helps India remain strong and beautiful. It also shows how unity in diversity is important even in modern society.

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### **Q-2. Read the National Anthem and its translation. Where do you see diversity and unity? Write two or three paragraphs.**

**Ans:**

**Diversity in the National Anthem:**

“Jana Gana Mana” mentions different regions, rivers, and cultural elements of India. It reflects geographical and cultural diversity. It also represents different languages, traditions, and landscapes that form the country.

**Unity in the National Anthem:**

Despite this diversity, the anthem unites all people into one identity of national pride. It shows the collective spirit of the nation and symbolizes unity and patriotism.

**Paragraph:**

The National Anthem beautifully captures the essence of India’s diversity by mentioning its various states, rivers, and cultural landmarks. Each line celebrates the uniqueness of different regions, showing the richness of India’s culture. At the same time, it brings all people together as one nation. It inspires unity, strength, and pride among all Indians.

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### **Q-3. Select a few stories from the Panchatantra and discuss their relevance today.**

**Ans:**

**Story 1: The Monkey and the Crocodile**

**Message:** Trust and betrayal

This story teaches us to be careful about whom we trust and explains the consequences of deceit.

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**Story 2: The Tortoise and the Geese**

**Message:** Value of silence

This story teaches that speaking unnecessarily can cause trouble. Silence and patience are important qualities.

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**Similar Story:**

In my region, there is a story of a clever rabbit outwitting a lion. Like Panchatantra stories, it teaches intelligence and wisdom. These stories remain relevant today as they provide moral lessons useful in daily life.

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### **Q-4. Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.**

**Ans:**

**Folk Tale 1: The Legend of King Bhoja and the Betal**

**Message:** Wisdom and cleverness

This story highlights the importance of intelligence and quick thinking.

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**Folk Tale 2: The Story of the Charitable Banyan Tree**

**Message:** Generosity and selflessness

This story teaches us to help others without expecting anything in return.

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**Discussion Points:**

Folk tales carry timeless moral values such as wisdom, kindness, courage, and generosity. These lessons are still important in today’s life.

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### **Q-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, or a movie. Discuss with your classmates.?**

**Ans:**

Ancient stories are often shown through art forms like dance, paintings, and sculptures. For example, the *Mahabharata* is depicted through dance forms like Kathakali and Bharatanatyam. These performances express stories through movements, music, and expressions, helping to preserve cultural heritage.

**Discussion Points:**

These art forms keep ancient stories alive and make them meaningful even today. They help in spreading cultural education and values.

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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.”

**Ans:**

Nehru observed that India’s cultural background, especially epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, deeply influenced people’s lives. These stories were widely known among people, even those who were not educated. They provided moral values and shaped society.

**Discussion Points:**

1. The lasting impact of epics on Indian society

2. The role of oral tradition in preserving culture

3. The importance of shared stories in creating unity

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# **Extra Questions / Answers**

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### **Q-1. Give an example of diversity in India.**

**Ans:** People in India live in different regions and speak different languages.

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### **Q-2. Give an example of unity in diversity among Indians.**

**Ans:** All Indians share national pride and love for their country.

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### **Q-3. What can unite all Indians?**

**Ans:** Equality of all persons can unite all Indians.

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### **Q-4. India is a country of diversity. Explain with examples.**

**Ans:**

1. People speak different languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, etc.

2. People eat different types of food such as dal-chawal, idli-dosa, roti, etc.

3. People celebrate festivals like Holi, Diwali, Eid, Gurpurab, etc.

4. People follow different religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Islam, etc.

5. People wear different types of clothes like saree, suit, shirt, pant, etc.

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### **Fill in the Blanks**

1. The caste system is a form of **inequality**.

2. Habitat is associated with a geographical **area** we live in.

3. All **Indians** share the National Anthem.

4. All Indians have the same **national identity**.

5. Pandit Nehru was the first **Prime Minister** of India.

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