What actions does the government take to ensure that all people are treated equally?

Compare the situation of Sekar and Ramalingam by filling out the following table:

Sometimes people make prejudiced comments in our presence. We are often not in a position to do anything about this because it is difficult to say something right then and there. Divide the class into groups and each group discuss what they could do in one of the following situations:
a. A friend begins to tease a classmate because he is poor.
b. You are watching TV with your family and one of them makes a prejudicial comment about a particular religious community.
c. Children in your class refuse to share their food with a particular person because they think she is dirty.
d. Someone tells you a joke that makes fun of a community because of their accent.
e. Some boys make remarks about girls not being able to play games as well as them. Discuss in class what the different groups have suggested for the above situations, and also talk about the problems that can come up when raising the issue.

 Why do you think the government needs to make rules for everyone in the form of laws?

Look at the statements in the column on the left. Can you identify which level they belong to? Place tick marks against the level you consider most appropriate.

• The decision of the Government of India to maintain peaceful relations with Russia.
• The decision of the Government of West Bengal on whether to have Board exam in Class 8 for all government schools.
• Introduction of two new trains between Dibrugarh and Kanyakumari.
• The decision to locate a common well in a particular area of the village.
• Decision to construct a big children's park in Patna.
• The decision of the Government of Haryana to provide free electricity for all farmers.
• Introduction of a new 1000 rupee note.

What do you think living in India with its rich heritage of diversity adds to your life?

What does the Constitution say with regard to equality? Why do you think it is important for all people to be equal?

Underline the line in the poem sung after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which according to you, reflects India's essential unity.

How can the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affect the life of a daughter? Imagine this situation and list at least five different effects that this stereotype can have on the way daughters get treated in the house.

Choose another region in India and do a similar study of the historical and geographical factors that influence the diversity found there. Are these historical and geographical factors connected to each other? How?

Name two essential features of a democratic government.

Who is in charge of all the police stations in a district? Find out.

Read through the chapter and discuss some of the key ideas of a democratic government. Make a list. For example, all people are equal.

What are the various ways in which people participate in the process of government?

Why did the children go to Yasmin Khala's house?

Look at the image below.

The Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2 October 2014 to promote cleanliness in both rural and urban areas all over the nation. Under the “Swachh Bharat, Swachh Vidyalaya” campaign, many activities are also being carried out in schools to generate awareness on sanitation and hygiene amongst students. Observe the ways in which “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” is being implemented by municipality / panchayat in your locality. Prepare a poster and display it in your school.

How does the Municipal Corporation earn the money to do its work?

What benefits does Sudha get along with her salary?

Imagine you are a member of a fishing family and you are discussing whether to take a loan from the bank for an engine. What would you say?

Complete the following table and discuss how their work is different:

Choose another region in India and do a similar study of the historical and geographical factors that influence the diversity found there. Are these historical and geographical factors connected to each other? How?