Maharashtra Board Class 5 EVS Part I Chapter 7 Let us Solve our own Problems PDF Download

Let Us Solve Our Own Problems

Hiware Bazaar: A Success Story

In the village of Hiware Bazaar in Ahmadnagar district, water shortage was a big problem. This problem was solved with the help and participation of the villagers. The problem of animal feed was also solved. Now, Hiware Bazaar has lush green surroundings.

Many villages face water shortage. Find the reasons for this and suggest solutions.

Issues in Civic Life

We encounter many problems in our civic life. These problems cause us inconvenience. Sometimes our life is thrown into disorder. If we turn a blind eye towards problems, they become worse. So it is best to solve them in time. The problems faced by people in cities and villages can be called problems or issues in civic life. It is important to be able to identify such issues. One person alone cannot solve such problems. They can be solved through everyone's efforts and co-operation.

Teacher's Note

Every village in India faces problems like water shortage and garbage. When people work together, these problems can be fixed quickly.

Exam Trick

Remember: Civic life issues = problems in our village or city. These need help from everyone, not just one person.

Points to Remember

Problems in civic life affect many people.

One person alone cannot solve big problems.

Everyone must work together to solve problems.

It is best to solve problems quickly.

Solving Disputes

Disputes arising over various issues in our towns and villages can also be a problem. The well-being of a village is affected by constant disputes. It leads to loss of unity and obstructs the progress of the village. If the disputes are not serious, they can be solved locally by speaking to the parties involved. However, if the dispute is not solved in this way, it has to be taken to the appropriate bodies or the courts.

Since 2007, the 'Mahatma Gandhi Dispute-Free Village Mission' is being implemented in our State. The aim of this scheme is that villages should be able to solve their own disputes through peaceful discussions. This method of solving disputes increases harmony in the village. Villages which have solved their disputes by using this method also get a peace award. In cities, Mohalla committees help to solve disputes.

Teacher's Note

In India, many villages use the Mahatma Gandhi Dispute-Free Village Mission to solve problems peacefully. This is like how your school council solves problems between students.

Exam Trick

Remember: Mahatma Gandhi Dispute-Free Village Mission = villages solve their own disputes by talking peacefully. This is called the peace method.

Points to Remember

Disputes can be solved by talking to the people involved.

Some disputes need to go to courts or government bodies.

The Mahatma Gandhi Dispute-Free Village Mission helps villages solve disputes peacefully.

Mohalla committees help solve disputes in cities.

Cleaning a Village Through Shramdaan

The people of Khudawadi village in Osmanabad district cleaned their village through 'shramdaan' or voluntary contribution of labour. They decided that everyone should help in cleaning the village. First, the waste water was dealt with. The garbage was used to make manure using vermiculture. A toilet was built in each house.

Sant Gadgebaba used kirtans to stress the importance of keeping the village clean. He told the people that we cannot make progress without cleanliness, education and self-reliance. He showed people how to clean the village through his own actions.

Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj explained the importance of cleanliness through his 'Gram Geeta'.

Newspapers carry several articles about 'shramdaan'. Collect these articles. Discuss the things that can be achieved through it.

Teacher's Note

Shramdaan means people give their time and work for free to help the village. In India, many villages use shramdaan to clean their surroundings and build toilets.

Exam Trick

Remember: Shramdaan = voluntary work. People give free labour. Like when your school does a cleaning day without payment.

Points to Remember

Shramdaan means voluntary contribution of labour.

Everyone in the village should help in cleaning.

Waste water must be managed properly.

Garbage can be used to make manure.

Every house should have a toilet.

Creating Peace in Our Society

In order for peace to spread worldwide, and for nations to be able to strive for the development of their people, 21 September has been designated by the United Nations as 'International Peace Day'. On this day, in New York, where the United Nations have their headquarters, a bell is rung at 10 o'clock in the morning. This is followed by a few moments of silence. This bell has been made from coins given by people from around 60 nations.

For a society to be peaceful, the basic needs of all of its sections need to be met. Each person must get the necessary security. The exploitation in society must stop. Inequality must decrease. Everyone must have the right to participate in public life. By learning the importance of peace and by using peaceful methods, we can create a peaceful environment in our family, school and community.

Questions to Think About

Do you think that there should be a group of peacekeepers in your school?

What criteria will you use to select these peacekeepers?

Which rules will you include in the rulebook for these peacekeepers?

What methods should peacekeepers use to solve your disputes?

How did you understand that disputes can be solved peacefully?

Teacher's Note

International Peace Day on 21 September reminds us that peace is important for the whole world. Just like in your school, peace helps everyone learn and grow better.

Exam Trick

Remember: 21 September = International Peace Day. The UN rings a peace bell in New York. This shows that all countries want peace together.

Points to Remember

Peace is important for progress in all fields.

Everyone needs basic needs and security.

Inequality must be reduced for peace.

Everyone should have the right to participate in public life.

Peace is a social value, not just a personal need.

What We Have Learnt - Always Remember

If there is peace in the family, school and society, everyone will benefit. Peace contributes significantly to progress. It creates scope for advances in various fields like business, industry, education, art, literature, entertainment, science and technology. In this way, peace becomes a social value rather than a personal need.

Everyone has a responsibility to solve problems in civic life.

Problems can be solved if everyone co-operates.

Dialogue and discussion can help solve disputes.

Disputes can be solved peacefully.

If there is peace in the family, school and society, everyone benefits.

Peace is a social value.

Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks.

(a) Turning a blind eye towards problems makes them ___________.

(b) It is important to be able to identify ___________.

2. Answer in one sentence.

(a) What is meant by issues in civic life?

(b) How can problems in civic life be solved?

(c) Name the great personalities that stressed the importance of cleanliness.

3. Answer in short.

(a) Explain the concept of cleaning the village through 'shramdaan'.

(b) How can a suitable environment for peace be created?

4. What will you do in the following situations?

(a) The class leader wishes to maintain quiet in the classroom.

(b) For some unavoidable reason, the maths teacher is unable to attend class today.

(c) During a match, a dispute has arisen between the two teams on the playground.

Activities

1. Write a letter to your local representatives about the garbage problem in your area and discuss the problem with them in person.

2. Find out who you should contact if stray dogs are a problem in your locality. Find information about solutions for the stray dog problem.

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