Maharashtra Board Class 6 Civics Chapter 2 Diversity in Society PDF Download

2. Diversity in Society

There are many languages, religions, cultures, customs and traditions in Indian society. This diversity is a mark of our rich cultural heritage. We live among people who speak different languages such as Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu. They celebrate their festivals and cultural events in different ways. Their modes of worship are also different. Our country consists of regions with different historical legacies where this diversity is shared and celebrated! As all these different communities in our country have lived together for many many years, a feeling of oneness has developed among them. This feeling of oneness leads to unity in Indian society.

2.1 Diversity Is Our Strength

To live with different groups is to experience co-existence. Co-existence helps to increase the level of understanding among the people. It acquaints us with each other's traditions, customs and ways of life. We learn to respect each others' way of life. We even adopt certain traditions from others. This helps to increase the feeling of unity in the society. This social unity helps us to face many natural and social calamities together.

Teacher's Note

In India, people from different religions live together peacefully. For example, in many Indian cities, temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras are near each other.

Exam Trick

Remember: Co-existence = different people living together = more understanding. Think of your school where students from different backgrounds study together.

Points to Remember

Diversity means many different languages, religions and cultures in one place.
Co-existence helps people understand each other better.
Living together makes society stronger.
We learn to respect others' beliefs and customs.
Unity comes when different groups live peacefully together.

2.2 The Principle of Secularism

Indian society consists of people following different religions. Our Constitution has made important provisions to ensure that all religious communities will have the freedom to worship according to their faith and to help develop a feeling of mutual understanding.

India is an important secular nation of the world. We have great linguistic and religious diversity in our country. In order to preserve this diversity in a sound and healthy manner, we have accepted the principle of secularism. Accordingly:

No religion is recognized as the religion of our country.

Every person has the freedom of worship as per their religion or the religion of their choice.

There can be no discrimination among people on the basis of their religion. The people of all religions are treated equally by the State.

Opportunities for education, means of livelihood and government jobs are made available to all. There is no discrimination on the basis of religion.

There are special provisions in the Constitution for the protection of religious and linguistic minorities. Minorities are free to protect and preserve their linguistic and cultural identities. They are also free to bring about the development of their own communities through education.

The principle of secularism has helped to maintain religious harmony in Indian society.

Teacher's Note

Secularism means the state does not favor any religion. In India, the government treats all religions equally and protects everyone's right to worship.

Exam Trick

Remember: Secular = no one religion is favored. India is secular because Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and others all have equal rights.

Points to Remember

Secularism means no religion is the state religion.
Everyone has the freedom to worship their own religion.
No one can be treated badly because of their religion.
All religions are treated equally by the government.
Minorities can preserve their culture and language.

2.3 The Contribution of Society to Our Development

What do we learn by living in a society? What values, qualities do we imbibe? Let us see how society helps to develop our personality.

Cooperation

All societies are based on mutual cooperation between individuals and the community. The very existence of the society depends on the cooperation between individuals. Cooperation is the process of sharing and helping each other in solving problems and removing difficulties. A family cannot remain together without an attitude of cooperation among its members. The same is true of society. Lack of cooperation hampers our progress. Day-to-day life will also not run smoothly. Cooperation makes interdependence in society healthier and allows inclusion of everybody in the society. It is a process of inclusion and of moving ahead taking along all sections of society.

We must cooperate with efforts aimed at the education and development of girls and the weaker and deprived sections of our society. For this purpose, obtain information about the relevant government schemes. Discuss in class what you can do for the development of these sections of our society. Share the important points from your discussion with students of other classes.

You, too, may have made some compromises. Some such experiences are given below. Add more experiences of your own.

The hall is packed full of students. You see a person standing. You move over a little on your bench, to make room for the person.

You want a cycle with gears. But your parents have to pay your sister's school fees. You give up your demand.

Your family was able to sort out a dispute with the neighbours over the boundary of the field, without going to the court. Your neighbour Sopan is now a good friend of yours.

Tolerance and Understanding

Just as there is cooperation in the society, so also at times there can be differences of opinion, disputes and conflicts. Disputes and conflicts arise when there is lack of agreement in the opinions, ideas and views of the people. Prejudices or misconceptions about each other can also lead to conflicts. However, it is in nobody's interest to keep a conflict going for a long time. People find a way to resolve conflicts through compromise and understanding. Thus, conflicts can end if people make efforts to understand each other and show a spirit of tolerance.

An understanding attitude leads to a lot of new learning. We accept new ideas. This helps to further enrich our social life. We become more tolerant. Society provides us an opportunity to learn this simple method of maintaining well-being and peace in society.

An Opportunity to Perform Different Roles

In society, we play different roles. Each individual has several roles and the responsibilities and duties of every role are well-defined. While playing these roles at home and outside, we form bonds with many people. However, changes may occur in the parts we play.

Look at the picture. Spot the picture that clearly defines your role today. Discuss the new roles that you will have to carry out after twenty years.

Teacher's Note

Cooperation is like teamwork in a football match. All players work together to win. In school, all students cooperate to keep the school clean and safe.

Exam Trick

Remember the three things society teaches: cooperation = helping together, tolerance = accepting differences, and roles = different jobs we do in family and school.

Points to Remember

Cooperation means working together and helping each other.
Without cooperation, families and society cannot stay strong.
Tolerance means accepting people who are different from us.
Conflicts happen when people disagree but can be solved through understanding.
We play many different roles in society at home, school and with friends.

2.4 Regulation of Society

In order that society functions smoothly, some rules are required. In ancient times, society was mostly regulated with the help of traditions. But in modern times, along with traditions, laws are needed. Law is different from traditions and customs. The regulation of society through laws and traditions is carried out by different organizations and institutions. The government bodies at the local level also play an important role in the process of regulation of society.

Teacher's Note

Regulations are rules that help society run smoothly. Just like rules in your school keep everything organized, laws in a country do the same thing for society.

Exam Trick

Remember: Regulation = rules and laws. Without rules in school, classrooms would be messy. Without laws, the whole society would be messy too.

Points to Remember

Regulations are rules that help society function smoothly.
In old times, traditions were used to regulate society.
In modern times, both laws and traditions are needed.
Laws are different from customs and traditions.
Government bodies help enforce rules and regulations.

Exercise

1. Fill In The Blanks

To live among a variety of communities is to experience _______.

India is an important _________ nation of the world.

Cooperation makes _________ in society healthier.

2. Answer Each of the Following Questions in One Sentence

What is meant by cooperation?

Why have we accepted the principle of secularism?

3. Answer the Following Questions in Two or Three Sentences

What is it that shows the unity in Indian society?

When do conflicts arise in society?

What are the advantages of cooperation?

You see two children quarrelling. What would you do?

You are the Chief Minister of the School Cabinet. What are the functions you would perform?

Activities

Set up and run a Students' Cooperative Store in your school, with the help of your teachers. Write about your experiences of this activity.

Make a chart of all the rules you follow in the school and in your class and display the chart in your class.

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