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I
Did you know that even Earth has been referred to as mother in the ancient scriptures of India?
In section 12.1.12 of
Pṛthvi-Sūkta
(hymn-to-the-earth) of Atharva Veda, Earth is referred to as mother and us as her children by stating:
माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः ।
It can be translated as
‘Earth is my mother and I am her child’
.
II
Work in groups of four. Find out the names of countries that refer to their country as ‘motherland’ and a few others as ‘fatherland’. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher.
Question 45
How to answer:
This is a research activity. Record the country, the term used, the language/context and your source.
View How to Research
Research activity: The NCERT chapter asks you to find this information; it does not provide the country list. Use reliable reference sources and make a small table with four columns: Country · Motherland/Fatherland term · Language/context · Source .
III
Read the poem and enjoy.
READ AND ENJOY
A Nation’s Strength — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Not gold, but only men can make
A people great and strong…
Men who for truth and honour’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.
(Note: Here, men refers to both men and women.)
A people great and strong…
Men who for truth and honour’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.
(Note: Here, men refers to both men and women.)
IV
Make a gratitude card for your mother/grandmother to thank her for at least five things that she does for you. Also write two things that you would do regularly to help them. Use recycled material to make and decorate the card.
Question 46
How to answer:
Write five specific things you are thankful for, then add two regular ways you will help.
View Sample Card Text
Thank You, Maa / Grandma
I am thankful to you for:
- always listening when I need to talk,
- taking care of me when I am tired or unwell,
- teaching me to be kind and responsible,
- helping me with everyday problems, and
- encouraging me when I make mistakes.
Two things I will do regularly:
- I will help with one household task every day.
- I will spend time with you and ask how I can help instead of waiting to be told.
My message: Thank you for the care, patience and love you give me every day.
