Bihar Board Class 12th English (Rainbow Part 2 Prose) Chapter 2 Bharat is My Home) Solutions

1. Name the author of the prose piece “Bharat is my Home” [Sample Paper 2009 (A) | (a) Bertrand Russell (b) Dr Zakir Hussain (c) Shiga Naoya

Answer: (b) Dr Zakir Hussain

2. “Bharat is my Home’ is the description [Sample Paper 2009 (A) | (a) about the religion of India (b) about the distress of the country (c) about his pledge to the service of the totality of India’s culture

Answer: (c) about his pledge to the service of the totality of India’s culture

3. Dr.Zakir Hussain took the oath as [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ] (a) Prime minister (b) Chief of the army staff (c) President of India

Answer: (c) President of India

4. Name the author of the following prose piece [Sample Paper 2009 (A) | (a) Bharat is My Home (b) A Pinch of Snuff (c) The Earth

Answer: (a) Bharat is My Home

Question 1. On what occasion Dr.Zakir Hussain expressed his view through his address, ‘India is my Home”? [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

Answer: Dr. Zakir Hussain expressed this view in his inaugural speech after taking the oath as the President of India in 1967.

Question 2. What does he expres in his speech he delivered after taking the oath of the president of India? [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

Answer: In his speech, he expressed a deep commitment and pledge to serve the entire cultural heritage and people of India, viewing the nation as his home.

Question 3. What is the idea of Dr.Zakir Hussain about education? [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ]

Answer: Dr. Zakir Hussain believed that education is the primary instrument for achieving national goals and for the growth of national culture and character.

Question 4, What did Dr-Radhakrishnan bring to the Presidency?

Answer: Dr. Radhakrishnan brought to the presidency an exceptional intellect, profound learning, and a vast wealth of experience that is rarely found.

Question 5. What oath did Dr.Zakir Husain take of?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain took the oath of office as the President of India, pledging loyalty to the Constitution.

Question 6. What is the business of education?

Answer: The business of education is to constantly renew and foster the growth of national culture and build a strong national character.

Question 7. What did Dr. Zakir Husain pledge himself to?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain pledged himself to the service of India's complete cultural heritage and to the welfare of all its people, regardless of religion, language, or region. He saw the entire nation as his home.

Question 8. What does ‘Work one’s self mean? What is its end product?

Answer: 'Work on one’s self' means striving for personal moral development through self-discipline and freedom. Its end product is the creation of a free and morally strong personality.

Question 9. What shall we dedicate ourselves to?

Answer: We shall dedicate ourselves to building a strong and peaceful nation, using power only for moral purposes, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Question 10. When was Dr.Zakir Husain born?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain was born on 8th February, 1897, in Hyderabad.

Question 11. How long did Dr.Zakir Husain live?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain lived for 72 years. He was born in 1897 and passed away in 1969.

Question 12. On what occasion did Dr. Zakir Husain deliver this speech?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain delivered this speech immediately after taking the oath as the third President of India in 1967.

Question 13. Why does Dr.Zakir Husaine call India “the young State of an ancient people”?

Answer: He calls India a "young State" because it became an independent republic recently (in 1947/1950), but it is built upon the civilization of an "ancient people" with a history stretching back thousands of years.

Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ Question 1. Read the following sentences and write ‘T’ for True and ‘F’ for (i) Dr.Radha Krishnan did not bring to the Presidency a mental equipment and degree of erudition. (ii) According to Zakir Hussain, Dr.Radhakrishnan never Lost his faith in the essential humanity of man. (iii) Dr. Zakir Hussain was of the opinion that the process of constant renewal of our past is, indeed the process of growth of national culture and national character. (iv) Dr.Zakir Hussain did not pledge himself to the Loyalty of our past culture. (v) Dr.Zakir Hussain stressed upon the need to follow the urge towards moral development as a free person.

Answer: (i) False (ii) True (iii) True (iv) False (v) True.

Question 2. Read the following sentences and write ‘T’ for True and ‘F* for false statements (i) | have just taken the oath of nationality to the constitution of India. (ii) Dr.Zakir Husain was a great nationalist. (iii) The individual can grow in full perfection without a corresponding advance of the collective social existence. (iv) The pastis dead and static. (v) We can neglect the end-product only at our peril. (vi) This dual effort wall gives to the life of our state a special flavour.

Answer: (i) False (ii) True (iii) False (iv) False (v) True (vi) True.

Question}. Charity begins at home.

Answer: This proverb means that a person's first responsibility is to care for and improve the conditions of their own family and immediate surroundings. One must first learn to be compassionate and responsible at a small, personal level before effectively helping the wider community. It emphasizes that self-improvement and family welfare are the foundation for broader social service.

Question 2. The entire world is a family.

Answer: This ancient Indian concept, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," teaches us to view all humanity as one large family. It encourages us to transcend barriers of nationality, religion, and race, fostering universal brotherhood and peace. In today's interconnected world, this idea is crucial for promoting global harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect among all people.

Question 3. Individual and family are interdependent

Answer: An individual and their family are deeply connected and rely on each other. The family provides love, support, and values that shape the individual's personality and growth. Conversely, the well-being, prosperity, and reputation of the family depend on the contributions and conduct of each individual member. They grow and thrive together.

Answer:
(a) Dr.Radhakrishnan never lost his faith in the essential humanity and dignity of man.
(b) Dr.Radhakrishnan always championed the cause of justice and the right of every individual to live with respect.
(c) Dr.Zakir Husain entered the office of the President in a spirit of prayerful humility and total dedication.
(d) According to Dr.Zakir Husain, the value remains eternally valid and forms the bedrock of our culture.
(e) According to Dr. Zakir Husain, education is the primary instrument of national purpose.

Question 1. What did Dr Radhakrishnan bring to Presidency?

Answer: Dr. Radhakrishnan brought to the Presidency immense scholarly wisdom, a deep philosophical mind, and a wealth of experience. He was a firm believer in human dignity, justice, and the universal spiritual values that bind humanity together.

Question 2. What oath did Dr Zakir Husain take off?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain took the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India, swearing to faithfully discharge his duties as the President.

Question 3. What is the business of education?

Answer: The fundamental business of education is to act as the key tool for nurturing and continuously revitalizing the nation's culture and building a strong, ethical national character.

Question 4. What did Dr Zakir Husain pledge himself to?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain pledged himself to the selfless service of India's entire cultural legacy and all its citizens. He vowed to work for everyone's welfare without any discrimination.

Question 5. What does ‘work on one’s self mean?.What is its end-product?

Answer: 'Work on one’s self' means the conscious effort for self-improvement and moral upliftment through personal discipline. Its ultimate goal is to develop a free, independent, and morally upright personality.

Question 6. What shall we dedicate ourselves to?

Answer: We shall dedicate ourselves to the twin tasks of personal moral growth and working tirelessly for society to create a more just, beautiful, and harmonious way of life for all.

Question 7. When was Dr. Zakir Husain bom ?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain was born on 8th February, 1897.

Question 8. How long Dr. Zakir Husain live?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain lived for 72 years, from 1897 to 1969.

Question 9. On what occasion did Dr Zakir Husain deliver this speech?

Answer: He delivered this speech on the solemn occasion of his inauguration as the third President of the Republic of India in 1967.

Question 10. Why does Dr Zakir Husain call India ‘he young state of an ancient people’?

Answer: He calls India a 'young state' because it gained independence and became a republic in the modern era (20th century). However, it is a state of an 'ancient people' because Indian civilization, with its rich culture and history, is one of the oldest in the world.

Question 1. ‘This work, as | see it, has two aspects”. What are the two aspects of the works ? Explain in your own words.

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain identifies two interconnected aspects of the work needed for national development. First is work on the self, which focuses on individual moral and ethical development through self-discipline. Second is work for society, which involves contributing to the collective progress and well-being of the people. He argues that true growth cannot happen if one aspect is neglected; a morally strong individual builds a strong society, and a supportive society enables individual perfection.

Question 2. What did Dr Zakir Husain say about material and cultural life, individual and social development giving Special flavour to India?

Answer: Dr. Husain provided a balanced vision for India's progress:
Material and Cultural Life: He urged for "silent, sincere, solid and steady" work to rebuild the nation's material infrastructure. Simultaneously, he emphasized that India's cultural life is not a relic of the past but a living, dynamic force inherited from ancient sages, which must be preserved and renewed.
Individual and Social Development: He explained that individual growth (seeking moral and material betterment) and social development are deeply linked. An individual cannot reach their full potential in isolation; they need the support and structure of a progressive society. This harmonious blend of working on oneself while serving society gives Indian life its unique and special character.

Question 3. ‘Power should be used only for moral purposes’ Explain.

Answer: This principle, endorsed by Mahatma Gandhi and highlighted by Dr. Husain, states that any form of power—whether personal, social, or state authority—must be exercised with ethical responsibility. Power is not an end in itself but a means to achieve justice, welfare, and moral upliftment. A state should not be merely a power structure but a "moral organization" that uses its strength to protect the weak, ensure fairness, and promote the common good. Using power immorally leads to oppression and decay.

Question 4. ‘The past is not dead and static’. How does Dr.Zakir Husain emphasises the significance of past?

Answer: Dr. Husain strongly argues that India's past is alive, dynamic, and highly relevant. It is not a closed chapter but the very foundation upon which the present stands and the future will be built. Our past culture, with its timeless values and wisdom, provides continuous inspiration and guidance. By pledging loyalty to this living past, we ensure the growth of our national culture and character. Ignoring it would mean losing our roots and identity.

Question 5. What does Zakir Husain exhort us to do to build the new life of the nation?

Answer: Dr. Zakir Husain exhorts every citizen to engage in dedicated, hard work to build the nation's new life. He calls for "work, work and work more"—but this work must be silent, sincere, solid, and steady. It involves a dual commitment: rebuilding the material conditions of the people and rejuvenating the cultural spirit. He urges everyone to participate actively in this grand reconstruction without discouragement, viewing the entire nation as one's own home to serve and uplift.

In what context does Dr.Zakir Husain say ‘Bharat is my home’.

Answer:

Dr. Zakir Husain uses the phrase 'Bharat is my home' in his presidential address to express his deep sense of belonging and responsibility towards the nation. He views the entire country as his household and all its citizens as his family members. This statement reflects his pledge to dedicate himself to the service of the nation, working tirelessly for its progress, strength, and the welfare of every individual, regardless of their background. He feels honored that the people have entrusted him with a leadership role in this large 'family,' and he commits to making this home—India—prosperous, beautiful, and just for all.

C. 3. Composition

Write a paragraph in about 100 words on each of the following: (a) Write a summary of Dr Zakir Husain’s speech in about 150 words.

Answer:

In his speech, Dr. Zakir Husain describes India as a young nation with an ancient civilization, built by contributions from all its diverse communities. He pledges to honor the timeless values developed over millennia and to serve every citizen equally. He emphasizes that education is the key instrument for shaping national character and achieving the country's goals. The task of rebuilding India's material and cultural life requires persistent and sincere effort. He advocates for self-discipline and moral development in individuals, which in turn leads to the creation of a more just and graceful society. Finally, he supports Gandhiji's principle that power must always be exercised for ethical purposes.

(b)Write a short essay in about 150 words on ‘Unity in diversity’.

Answer:

'Unity in Diversity' is the defining characteristic of India. Despite immense variations in geography, climate, language, food, clothing, and customs, a profound sense of unity binds the nation together. From the snowy Himalayas to the coastal plains of the south, and from the deserts of Rajasthan to the lush greenery of Bengal, India hosts incredible variety. People speak hundreds of languages and follow numerous religions and traditions. However, the shared heritage of an ancient civilization, common historical experiences, and core cultural values provide a strong foundation for national integration. This unique blend of differences within a framework of unity is India's greatest strength and a model for the world.

(c) Write a speech to be delivered on Teachers’ Day justifying the celebration of Dr Radhakrishnan’s birthday as Teacher’s Day.

Answer:

Respected Principal, teachers, and dear friends,

We celebrate Teachers' Day on the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan for a profoundly fitting reason. When asked how he wished his birthday to be observed, he humbly suggested it be dedicated to teachers. Dr. Radhakrishnan was, first and foremost, a legendary teacher and philosopher. He served as a professor at prestigious universities like Calcutta and Oxford, and as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University. His lifelong pursuit of knowledge and his role in explaining Indian philosophy to the world embody the very spirit of teaching. By celebrating his birthday as Teachers' Day, we honor not just one great individual, but the entire noble profession of teaching and its immense contribution to society.

(d) You have been elected as the President of your school’s Student Council. Make a diary entry about changes you propose to introduce for the betterment of your school.

Answer:

Today is a day of great joy and responsibility—I have been elected as the President of the Student Council! I am filled with ideas to improve our school. First, I plan to address the drinking water issue by installing more water dispensers to prevent crowding. Second, I will propose starting a school canteen to provide healthy and affordable snacks, so students don't have to rely on outside hawkers. Our library needs more newspapers and magazines, and I intend to expand its collection. To make school life more engaging, I will organize more inter-house debates and quiz competitions. Lastly, ensuring clean and hygienic toilets will be a top priority. I hope to work with everyone to make these changes a reality!

D. WORD STUDY D. 1. Dictionary,use

Ex. 1. Correct the spelling of the following words

Answer:

confes — confess
overwelmed — overwhelmed
errudition — erudition
prayfull — prayerful
prejumption — presumption
inascapably — inescapably

Ex. 2. Lookup a dictionary and write two meanings of the following words—the one in which it is used in the lesson and the other which is more common.

Answer:

brought: (i) Meaning in lesson: presented or carried along (as in 'brought to this office'). (ii) Common meaning: caused to come to a place or state.
degree: (i) Meaning in lesson: extent or level (as in 'a certain degree'). (ii) Common meaning: an academic title awarded by a university.
enter: (i) Meaning in lesson: to begin or undertake (as in 'enter upon'). (ii) Common meaning: to go or come into a place.
dead: (i) Meaning in lesson: absolute or complete (as in 'dead silence'). (ii) Common meaning: no longer alive.
renewal: (i) Meaning in lesson: the act of beginning again; revival. (ii) Common meaning: extending the period of validity of a license or subscription.

D.2. Word-formation

Read carefully the following sentences taken from the lesson............ the word ‘renewal’ is derived from the adjective ‘new™ by adding a suffix ‘-al’ and a prefix ‘re-‘ to it Point out which words the following are derived from:

Answer:

renewal — new
myself — my
totality — total
constantly — constant
building — build

D. 3. Word-meaning

Ex. 1. Match the words given in column A with their meanings given in column B :

Answer:

requisite — necessary
peril — threat
presumption — opinion
ethnic — racial
pledge — promise

Ex. 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable adjectives: new special dual long prayerful (a) Dr.Zakir Husain entered the office in a spirit of humility. (b) It is a Constitution of a state. (c) The choice of this office has been made due to association. (d) This................. effort will give to the life of our state a flavour.

Answer:

(a) prayerful, (b) new, (c) long, (d) special, dual.

D. 4. Phrases

Ex. 1. Read the lesson carefully and find out the sentences in which the following phrases have been used. Then use these phrases in sentences of your own.

Answer:

(a) the pursuit of: Sentence from lesson: He devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge. My sentence: She moved to the city in pursuit of better career opportunities.
(b) bring to: Sentence from lesson: I bring to this task a prayerful heart. My sentence: Please bring this important document to the manager's attention.
(c) approximation of: Sentence from lesson: It is an approximation of the truth. My sentence: The sketch was a rough approximation of the suspect's face.
(d) bring forth: Sentence from lesson: To bring forth what is latent in it. My sentence: The scientist's research helped bring forth a new understanding of the disease.

E. Grammar

Read the following sentences from the lesson carefully | must confess that | can only assure you that

Ex. 1. Find out other modal auxiliaries used in the lesson and tell the specific meaning in which these modal auxiliaries have been used.

Answer:

must — expresses necessity or obligation (e.g., "I must confess").
can — expresses ability or capacity (e.g., "I can only assure you").
may — used to express permission or possibility; in the lesson, it is used to make a polite request (e.g., "I may be forgiven" meaning "Please forgive me").
will — expresses future intention or promise (e.g., "I will work for...").