Chandraprabha Saikiani class 8 | x3z2s3 | Assamese Medium | Chapter 8

Chandraprabha Saikiani | x3z2s3 |

Answer the following questions:

(a) Who was Chandraprabha Saikiani?
> Chandraprabha Saikiani was a great social reformer from Assam who fought to make formal education availables for girls.

(b) What did Chandraprabha do to educate the girls of her village?
> Chandraprabha started teaching girls in her village informally under a tree. She encouraged them to get an education at a time when society discouraged girls from going to school.

(c) Which two incidents show us how Chandraprabha fought for the rights of girls?
> One incident was when Chandraprabha protested against a teacher who discriminated against her for being a girl. Another was her fight to open the doors of education for village girls, even without any formal support.

(d) On what occasion did Chandraprabha Saikiani inspire women to come out from behind the bamboo screen?
> During a public meeting in Assam, Chandraprabha encouraged women to come out of the "bamboo screen" (a traditional practice of keeping women hidden) and participate in social activities.

(e) What steps did Chandraprabha take to eliminate the caste system?
> Chandraprabha opposed caste-based discrimination. She fought for the right of people from lower castes to enter temples and actively encouraged equality among all.

(f) What was Chandraprabha Saikiani's role in the freedom movement of India?
> Chandraprabha participated in the Indian freedom movement by spreading Mahatma Gandhi's messages. She inspired people to join the struggle for independence and worked towards creating a fairer society.

Complete the sentences:

(a) At a time when society did not allow young girls to step out of home, she fought
> for the right of girls to get an education and encouraged them to break societal restrictions.

(b) In those days girls' schools did not exist, so Chandraprabha
> started teaching girls informally under a tree in her village.

(c) Chandraprabha and her sister were awarded
> a scholarship for their excellent performance in school.

(d) In order to eliminate the evils of the caste system, Chandraprabha fought for the entry of
> people from all castes into temples and other public places.

(e) Being inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Chandraprabha
> joined the freedom movement and worked towards equality and social reform.

Find a word from the text to replace the underlined part:

(a) Chandraprabha Saikiani was a famous and respected social worker from Assam.
Answer: Eminent

(b) She tried to get rid of all the cultural or religious restrictions against women that prevailed during those days.
Answer: Abolish

(c) Chandraprabha refused to accept and questioned the prevailing custom of women sitting behind bamboo screens in public meetings.
Answer: Defied

(d) She was strong in her attitude against society's restriction and her protest against the norms of society was not confined to a particular incident.
Answer: Determined

(e) Whenever she saw any injustice, her desire to resist authority rose to the occasion.
Answer: Rebelled

Complete the table with information about Chandraprabha Saikiani:

• Birth: March 16, 1901

• Father: Ratiram Bordoloi

• Mother: Kumudeshwari Devi

• Sister: Rajaniprabha

• School: Ananda Mission School

• A school which only had: Boys, but Chandraprabha was admitted.

5. There are seven paragraphs in the lesson Chandraprabha Saikiani. Choose the appropriate description for each paragraph.

(a) The first paragraph is about:
(ii) Chandraprabha Saikiani's birth as the social reformer
Explanation: The first paragraph introduces Chandraprabha Saikiani and sets the stage for her life as a reformer.

(b) The second paragraph is about:
(iii) Chandraprabha Saikiani's efforts to get an education just like the boys of her village
Explanation: This paragraph discusses her determination to receive the same education as boys, despite societal restrictions.

(c) The third paragraph is about:
(ii) her fight for the rights of girls
Explanation: It highlights Chandraprabha's struggle to ensure girls' education and equal rights.

(d) The fourth paragraph is about:
(ii) Chandraprabha Saikiani's protest against restrictions imposed on women
Explanation: This paragraph focuses on how she opposed societal norms that restricted women's freedom, like sitting behind bamboo screens.

(e) The fifth paragraph is about:
(iii) Chandraprabha Saikiani's protest against the caste system
Explanation: This paragraph discusses her efforts to eliminate caste-based discrimination, such as fighting for temple entry rights.

(f) The sixth paragraph is about:
(ii) Chandraprabha Saikiani as the freedom fighter
Explanation: It describes her involvement in India's freedom movement and how she worked for the nation's independence.

(g) The seventh paragraph is about:
(i) Chandraprabha Saikiani's rebellious spirit
Explanation: This paragraph highlights her unyielding spirit in the face of societal challenges and her lifelong dedication to social reform.

6. Discuss in groups and share what you have learnt about:

(a) The condition of women during the days of Chandraprabha Saikiani:

• Women faced many restrictions in those times, such as limited freedom to step out of their homes.

• They were denied education and treated unequally compared to men.

• Women were forced to follow oppressive traditions, like sitting behind bamboo screens in public.

(b) Chandraprabha Saikiani's role in the freedom movement:

• Chandraprabha participated actively in India's freedom movement, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.

• She encouraged women to fight for their rights and take part in the independence struggle.

• Her leadership helped mobilize women against societal and political injustices.

7. Let’s learn some grammar:

Combine these sentences using "to-infinitives":

(a) I will visit the book fair. I will buy a few novels.
Answer: I will visit the book fair to buy a few novels.

(b) We are going to Puri tomorrow. We will visit the Jagannath Temple there.
Answer: We are going to Puri tomorrow to visit the Jagannath Temple.

(c) She started a small school for girls. She would help them to overcome the taboos against women.
Answer: She started a small school for girls to help them overcome the taboos against women.

(d) She delivered a very powerful speech. She demanded the removal of the prevailing customs of women sitting behind bamboo screens.
Answer: She delivered a very powerful speech to demand the removal of the prevailing customs of women sitting behind bamboo screens.

(e) She and her sister were awarded a scholarship. They will study in Nagaon Mission School.
Answer: She and her sister were awarded a scholarship to study in Nagaon Mission School.

Word Webs:

1. Timed (Verb):

   • Noun: Time

   • Adjective: Timely

   • Adverb: Timely

2. Eagerness (Noun):

   • Verb: Eager

   • Adjective: Eager

   • Adverb: Eagerly

     3. Patriotic (Adjective):

     • Noun: Patriotism

     • Verb: Patriot

     • Adverb: Patrioticly (though rarely used)

     4. Educational (Adjective):

     • Noun: Education

     • Verb: Educate

     • Adverb: Educatively

1. 9. (a) CEDAW (The Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women) is a significant international treaty aimed at protecting the rights of women worldwide. It was adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly.

   Some of the important features of CEDAW are:

   • Governments must take concrete actions to eliminate discrimination against women.

   • Governments must ensure women enjoy basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.

   • Governments must take steps to eliminate sexist stereotypes.

   • Women should have the right to vote and participate in forming and implementing government policies.

   • Women will have the right to represent their country at international forums.

   • Equal access to health care, family benefits, and social services must be ensured.

   • The treaty promotes measures to prevent trafficking and exploitation of women.

   • Women will have legal rights equal to men in family law, property ownership, and inheritance.

   • Governments must provide maternity benefits without discrimination.

   (ii) Poster: "Let's Stop Discrimination Against Women"

   Title: Let’s Stop Discrimination Against Women
   Key Messages:

   • Equal rights for all genders!

   • Education is a right, not a privilege.

   • Empower women, empower society.

   • Eliminate stereotypes, build equality.

   • Support women’s voices in governance and leadership.

   • Together, we can create a world without discrimination!

   (b) Essay Topics

   (i) Chandraprabha Saikiani as a Social Reformer

   Chandraprabha Saikiani was a fearless social reformer from Assam who fought against societal norms and injustice. She championed women’s education when it was unheard of and opened a school for girls in her village. Her relentless efforts inspired many to break free from outdated traditions, such as caste discrimination and restrictions on women. Chandraprabha was also active in the Indian freedom movement, showing her dedication to both social and national causes. She remains an inspiring figure in the history of Assam.

   (ii) The Different Challenges Women Faced During the Time of Chandraprabha Saikiani

   During Chandraprabha Saikiani’s time, women faced severe challenges due to societal restrictions. They were denied access to education and were expected to remain confined to their homes. Practices like caste discrimination and customs such as sitting behind bamboo screens in public further oppressed women. The idea of women stepping out for work or education was ridiculed, and they were treated as inferior to men in every aspect. Chandraprabha’s efforts to fight against these restrictions were revolutionary and paved the way for a more inclusive society.

   (iii) Chandraprabha Saikiani’s Fight for Education

   Chandraprabha Saikiani fought a brave battle to ensure she and her sister received the same quality of education as boys in their village. At a time when girls were not allowed to attend school, she defied the norms and studied diligently. Her journey was fraught with challenges, but she was determined to prove that education was a right for all, regardless of gender. Her struggle inspired other girls in her village to dream of a better future, and her contributions to women’s education are still remembered today.

   (c) Ideas to Eradicate Taboos Against Women

   1. Promote Equal Education: Ensure every girl has access to quality education to challenge stereotypes and broaden opportunities.

   2. Encourage Gender Equality in Families: Advocate for shared responsibilities at home, like household chores and decision-making.

   3. Abolish Restrictions on Women’s Mobility: Create safe spaces for women to travel and work freely.

   4. Fight Stereotypes in Workplaces: Promote leadership roles for women and ensure equal pay for equal work.

   5. Eliminate Period Stigma: Educate communities about menstruation and provide affordable sanitary products.

   6. Raise Awareness Through Campaigns: Organize community discussions and media campaigns to challenge harmful norms.

   7. Strengthen Legal Protections: Enforce laws against harassment, dowry, and domestic violence.

   8. Support Women’s Leadership: Encourage women to take up roles in politics, education, and business.

   (10a) Meaning of 'Skit'

   Skit (noun): A short, humorous, or satirical performance or piece of writing, often highlighting social or political issues.

   (10b) Writing a Skit and Developing Characters

   Example for Group B (Paragraph 3: Chandraprabha Saikiani’s Fight for Girls' Rights)

   Backdrop: A village school under a tree, with boys studying while girls work at home.

   Characters:

   1. Chandraprabha Saikiani: A young, determined girl.

   2. Village Elder: Represents traditional views.

   3. Girls of the Village: Inspired by Chandraprabha’s courage.

   4. Teacher: A supportive ally.

   Dialogue Excerpt:

   • Chandraprabha: "Why can’t we girls study like the boys? We are just as capable!"

   • Village Elder: "Girls belong at home, helping their mothers. Education is wasted on you."

   • Chandraprabha: "That’s not true! Education is a right for everyone. I will study and show you what a girl can achieve."

   • Teacher: "Chandraprabha is right. I will teach you all if you are willing to learn."

   • Girls: "Yes, we want to learn! We will no longer let taboos hold us back."

   Ending: The girls join the school, challenging the elder’s mindset.

   (10c) Slogan Suggestions for Each Group

   Group A: Girl’s Education

   • “Educate a Girl, Empower the World!”

   Group B: Fight for Girls’ Rights

   • “Equal Rights, Equal Futures!”

   Group C: Women’s Freedom

   • “Break the Chains, Free the Women!”

   Group D: Fight Against Caste Discrimination

   • “Erase Caste, Embrace Equality!”