OUR FOREFATHERS
Read the following passage and answer the following questions:
Our forefathers had lifestyles very much different from those we have today. Their life was based mainly on the concept of “Simple living and high thinking.” People were satisfied with whatever they obtained after working hard. Excessive material wealth did not mean much for them. They derived mental satisfaction and enrichment which they aimed at.
The structural framework of our forefathers’ families was different from that of ours. They lived in a cohesive joint family structure where they were happier than we are. They cared for each other. The siblings grew up with their cousin’s told. The bond of love which they shared cannot be easily found in the nuclear families of today. The family provided an emotional cushioning effect against tension and stress.
However, in the nuclear family, we are detached from the feelings towards our kith and kin. At times even the cousins do not recognize one another when they happen to be self-centred. Disputes in the family may lead to divisions. This may finally destroy the family psyche.
The joint family system provided a proper environment for the child to grow up. The values of respect, tolerance, responsibility, integrity, etc. were internalized in the child. In the long run, they became better human beings compared to those in the present generation. Our forefathers felt happiest if their children became ‘honest’ human beings.
But today we are happy only if we attain our coveted material ends. We are ready to resort to any means to attain that end. Our philosophy of life has turned out totally Machiavellian.
Our forefathers had the vision to make India the best. To attain their ambitions, they were ready to make all sorts of personal sacrifices. Their happiness lay in that of the millions of Indian brothers and sisters.
Answer the following questions:
(a) What is the big difference between our forefathers and us?
(b) What is the true meaning of ‘happiness’?
(c) What happens in a nuclear family?
(d) How does the joint family system make a child a good human being?
2. Find the word from the passage which has the same meaning as each word or phrase is shown below. Choose the correct option and write the answer in your answer sheet.
(a) Concern or Anxiety (Para 1)
(i) conquest (ii) sacrifice
(iii) solicitude (iv) jealous
(b) Ancestors (Para 4)
(i) siblings (ii) forefathers
(iii) family (iv) cousins
(c) Well desired (Para 7)
(i) coveted (ii) resort
(iii) adjust (iv) Machiavellian
(d) Aims (Para 7)
(i) sacrifices (ii) attain
(iii) visions (iv) ambitions
Answers
1.(a) Our forefathers led a simple life where the focus was on a spirit of sacrifice and solicitude for the welfare of others. We live only for ourselves.
(b) ‘True Happiness’ lies within the mind of the individual and its definition varies from person to person.
(c) In a nuclear family, the bonds of love cannot prosper and it leads to disputes and ill-will.
(d) In the joint family, a child grows up in a proper environment where he learns the values of respect, tolerance, responsibility, integrity from an early age. It makes him/ her better human being.
2.(a) (iii) solicitude; (b) (ii) forefathers; (c) (i) coveted; (d) (iv) ambitions
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