Model Case Study: Like everyday boy (son) was engrossed in computer. Daughter was listening songs in MP3. Father was busy with mobile phone. Mother was watching her favorite serial in TV. Suddenly power went off. “Shit! “Why power off”, all murmured. “Inverter was spoiled”.
Mother lit a candle. All, one by one came around the candle. Mother started sharing her old childhood stories- the studies they did under a kerosene lamp…, those horrific stories…, those wonderful events… Father also opened up and started sharing his childhood stories and memories. All the children were enthusiastically listening those intimate moments, intervened with a few queries, as regards frightful events. They were sharing and listening to each other as if they came together after a very long time. They wondered since how long they had an intimate chat like that. Nobody realized the time passed by.
Case Study on Interculturality:
Case1: A south Indian once visited a friend in North East. He had become friend through Facebook. In his state in south tobacco was banned and all the petty shops had to stop selling it. But when he visited his friend’s home in North east, they offered him beetle nut and tobacco. He made a comment on it, but it was necessary and respectful gesture to have it for the North Eastern community. The hosts were puzzled by the unexpected behavior of the guest.
Case2: Caste system, unfortunately, still exists in India. Every religion says that we all are children of one God. Indian Constitution says we are all equal before Law. But, if a boy from certain community marries a girl from another community, our elders do not accept their marriage and do not tolerate it. How do you respond to this incident?
Case3: One of my friends after 12th went abroad to study further. He was influenced by the free culture and fashion of the west. On his return he would not respect the local cultural beliefs and started boasting about the freedom and cultural differences there. His people at home got confused at the change taken place in him. Western Media promotes fashion and freedom of thought and speech. These may give way to change of behavior and shallow living. Religious values are discarded and personal values are compromised. How do you respond to these situations and the change taken place in him?
Case4: Amar, Akbar and Antony are close friends. They study in the same class and sit on the same bench. Today is the feast at Amar’s home who belonged to Hindu community. School Holiday. Akbar and Antony are called to his home for the feast who belonged to different community. What do you suggest for a good participation in and celebration of the feast?
Case5: Our neighborhood boys have organized a blood donation camp and Shramadhan (cleaning the vicinity) on next Sunday. They all belong to a Yuvak Sangha and do a lot of charitable deeds to the poor. You would like to partake but your parents object to it. How do you tackle this problem?
Case6: Amona belongs to a traditional community. In her village different communities have their own traditional and religious dress. Some wear clothes and cover themselves fully. Some with the influence of western culture wear clothes necessary enough to cover themselves. She wants to look good with modern clothes. What do you suggest to Amona?
Case7: Avinash was a sociable and studious boy. He scored good marks in last year final exams and was good at relating to others. He had lot of friends in the school and vicinity. Recently he got access to facebook and internet at home. Now he does not mingle with others rather always found immersed in computer and social media websites. He has gone down in studies and interacting with his friends. The social media is filled with good and bad sites. You doubt he is caught up with it. As a responsible friend what is your action in getting him back to your friends circle?
Case8: You know that the school in your village belongs to you and all the children should attend school. Midday meal, books and uniform is provided to the poor. One of your neighborhood communities does not have access to education and certain religious customs does not allow their children to participate in the education process. You are aware of this problem. What do you do for your unfortunate brethren?
Case9: Aruna is class X student and is back in the village during midterm holidays from city hostel. She has changed. Her clothes, style of talk and walk has changed a lot. People look at her with eyes wide open. They are in a cultural shock. She wants to try out the various cultural norms and beliefs. She knows that the religion and local culture controls the extreme methods of fashion. She also knows that the fashion and modernity has breezed into the ward robes of her village people. It affects their studies and plays havoc in the lives of villagers. As a responsible student how do you help your friends to manage it well?
Case10: Jovi is well educated in the foreign country. Though well qualified he is not affected by the culture and religious freedom of the foreigners. He is back to the village after his studies and respects his teachers and elders as before. He has not forgotten his roots. He partakes in the cultural and religious activities of the village as before. How do you think it was possible for him to keep up the local beliefs and culture when all our friends fall prey to it? What would you do if you get an opportunity to study abroad?