Question

1. Read the following passage and answer the questions below in complete sentences:
There are two pillars of the cultural value system – loyalty to family and loyalty to
community. One should not be in isolation to the other, because, successful societies are
those which combine both harmoniously. As an Indian, I am proud to be part of a culture
which has deep-rooted family values. We have tremendous loyalty to the family. We
believe: Mathru devo bhava – mother is God, and pithru devo bhava – father is God. This
is the essence of Indian values and one of our key strengths. Unfortunately, our attitude
towards family life is not reflected in our attitude towards community behavior. The
primary difference between the West and us is that, there, people have a much better
societal orientation. They care more for the society than we do. Further, they generally
sacrifice more for the society than us. This is where we need to learn from the West. In
the West, there is respect for the public good. For instance, parks free of litter, clean
streets, public toilets free of graffiti – all these are instances of care for the public good.
On the contrary, in India, we keep our houses clean and water our gardens everyday –
but, when we go to a park, we do not think twice before littering the place. Another
interesting attribute, which we Indians can learn from the West, is their accountability.
Irrespective of your position, in the West, you are held accountable for what you do.
However, in India, the more ‘important’ you are, the less answerable you are. Dignity of
labour is an integral part of the Western value system. In the West, each person is proud
about his or her labour that raises honest sweat. On the other hand, in India, we tend to
overlook the significance of those who are not in professional jobs.
(Extract from a speech by N. R. Narayana Murthy)_
1. According to the speaker, what is the mark of a successful society?
2. what does this passage identify as the greatest strength of the Indian cultural value system? (2)
3. This passage focuses on one primary difference between Indians and people in the west. Briefly explain this difference. (2)
4. According to the speaker, what lessons can Indians learn from Western society?

Answer 1

1-successful societies are

those which combine both harmoniously

2-I am proud to be part of a culture

which has deep-rooted family values. We have tremendous loyalty to the family. We

believe: Mathru devo bhava – mother is God, and pithru devo bhava – father is God. This

is the essence of Indian values and one of our key strengths.

4-is their accountability.

Irrespective of your position, in the West, you are held accountable for what you do.

Answer 2

Answer:

3. The primary difference between the west and us is that, there, people have a much better societal orientation. They care more for the society than we do. Further, they generally sacrifice more for the society than us

Explanation: