Today, when
we think of Mahatma Gandhi or Bapuji, we are a bit puzzled.
Yes, he most certainly was the father of our nation and we would
like children to know about him. But we don’t quite know where
to begin. The other question that arises is if we adults know
enough about him – his life and teachings to be able to convey
anything meaningful to others.
Here is a
guide to help you teach about Gandhiji using articles and
movies, all available on the internet. Follow the steps to
see a movie clip or read an article and use the questions for
the appropriate age group.
I. Gandhi's Way of War: The
Salt March
II. India and the
Caste System: Can India Progress while keeping to social
stratification?
III. And for the Grown-Ups
IV. Background Readings
V. A Quiz With
Mahatma Gandhi
VI. A Timeline of Gandhiji's Life and Work
I. Gandhi’s Way of
War: The Salt March.
Before
watching
- Ask
yourself: What does the term non-violent resistance mean to
you? (For grades 6 and up, the term “passive resistance” could
be used.)
- Look up
the terms satyagraha, ashram and swaraj—what
do they mean? Listen for them as you watch the video.
Watch-Ask-Think
Watch this video from the
GandhiServe Foundation to learn about the most salient life
principle of Mahatma Gandhi in action amidst India’s fight for
independence.
Ask: Grades K- 3
- Listen for these words
together: Satyagraha, ashram, swaraj, Salt Act.
- Explain these words to your
little one. What do they mean to you?
- Who uses these words in the
movie clip?
- Why is he the Father of the
Nation?
- What did he teach us?
- Could you follow his
teachings in your life? Like Munna Bhai perhaps?[1]
Ask: For 4-5 graders
- What was going on? What were
the two goals Mahatma Gandhi wanted for India? (Hint:
one of them is a term you looked up. A further hint:
Scroll video from 1:20-1:25)
- How is this clip an example
of non-violent resistance? What does this reveal about
Gandhiji’s character? Can you think of problems that can be
resolved without resorting to violence?
Ask: For grades 6 and up
- Questions for 4-5 graders
are recommended. Also:
- Why do you think people were
willing to follow Gandhiji in this march?
- Find out more about The Salt
March and its repercussions (http://www.saltmarch.org.in/1930.html):
Was Mahatma Gandhi’s strategy effective? Why or why not?
Top
Indians
voice their hopes and
predictions in this article
from the BBC which reports on a poll conducted in December 2006.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6320413.stm
Read-Ask-
Think
Ask: For grades 8 and up
- What is the caste system?
What is Gandhi’s view of this system?
- How do you think this system
affects “social harmony”?
- Research a little more on
the caste system—how many ‘castes’ are there, and what were
they called? What did Mahatma Gandhi do to improve the
injustices of the system? What kind of person was hei?
Top
III. And for the Grown Ups
Meenal
Pandya’s article “No
Place for Gandhiji in My Life”
One father’s response to the dilemma of how to teach a child
about Gandhi “Gandhi is the gentle old man who helped
Munna Bhai, remember?” I said. Her eyes lit up. “Yaaay, Munna
Bhai!”
she shouted. “Yes, Gandhiji told him to always speak the truth,
not to trouble others and say sorry if he made a mistake.”
(From the blog
http://mumbaiinsomniac.wordpress.com/ )
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IV. Background Reading
A collection
of readings from a special issue of India Perspectives is
devoted to Mahatma Gandhi, January 2008. The index is on page
15. Grade 6 and up.
http://meaindia.nic.in/indiaperspective/2008/032008-8.pdf
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V.
A Quiz With Mahatma Gandhi
An animated,
interactive quiz on Mahatma Gandhi. It is on the format of the
‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ game show and covers salient
points in Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work.
Click here
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VI.
A Timeline of Gandhiji's Life and Work
A list of
important dates in Mahatma Gandhi's life is available
here
He was born on 2nd October, 1869 and was assassinated on 27th
January, 1948.
Top
This lesson plan was developed by
Jing Ting Wee.
For those who saw the movie Lage Raho Munna Bhai
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