Introduction Read the following news headlines. ‘17-year old Babloo teaches other poor kids like himself.’ ‘90,000 Indians volunteered for the ‘Teach India’ programme launched by The Times of India.’ Get into groups of four. Discuss how valuable the work of Babloo and the ‘Teach India’ volunteers is for the society. Discussion on the Value of Babloo’s and ‘Teach India’ Volunteers’ Work Group Discussion Points: Education as Empowerment: Babloo, a 17-year-old, despite his own challenges, teaches other underprivileged children. This breaks the cycle of poverty and illiteracy in slum and rural areas. Role Model Effect: Babloo sets an inspiring example for others his age. If one child can teach ten more, the impact multiplies. ‘Teach India’ Volunteers: 90,000 people, many professionals, offered their time to teach. They bring not just academic knowledge, but also life skills, discipline, and hope. Social Upliftment: Educated citizens are less vulnerable to exploitation. Education reduces crime, improves health awareness, and strengthens democracy. Bridging Gaps: Such initiatives bridge the urban-rural and rich-poor divide. They promote equality and shared national responsibility.

II. Look for a few more stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary work for the society. Discuss in the class. More Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Work Here are a few examples you can share or discuss in class: Name Work Impact on Society Sindhutai Sapkal (Maharashtra) Raised and educated over 1,000 orphaned children Known as the “Mother of Orphans”; transformed lives through love and care Babar Ali (West Bengal) Started teaching at age 9 in his backyard to children from poor families Recognized by BBC as the youngest headmaster in the world Jadav Payeng (Assam) Planted a forest on a barren island in Brahmaputra River Single-handedly created over 1,300 acres of forest, now a wildlife haven Arunachalam Muruganantham (Tamil Nadu) Created low-cost sanitary napkins for rural women Improved menstrual health and broke social taboos Anand Kumar (Bihar) Runs Super 30 program for IIT aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds Many poor students crack IITs every year thanks to his free coaching Conclusion for Class Discussion: Ordinary individuals like Babloo, or ‘Teach India’ volunteers, prove that you don’t need power or wealth to bring change—just commitment and empathy. Their efforts contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society where everyone has the right to learn and grow.

Compassionate Souls, My English Reader, Class VIII,

Introduction

Introduction

Read the following news headlines.

‘17-year old Babloo teaches other poor kids like himself.’

‘90,000 Indians volunteered for the ‘Teach India’ programme launched by The Times of India.’

Get into groups of four. Discuss how valuable the work of Babloo and the ‘Teach India’ volunteers is for the society.

Discussion on the Value of Babloo’s and ‘Teach India’ Volunteers’ Work

Group Discussion Points:

Education as Empowerment:

Babloo, a 17-year-old, despite his own challenges, teaches other underprivileged children.
This breaks the cycle of poverty and illiteracy in slum and rural areas.

Role Model Effect:

Babloo sets an inspiring example for others his age.
If one child can teach ten more, the impact multiplies.

‘Teach India’ Volunteers:

90,000 people, many professionals, offered their time to teach.
They bring not just academic knowledge, but also life skills, discipline, and hope.

Social Upliftment:

Educated citizens are less vulnerable to exploitation.
Education reduces crime, improves health awareness, and strengthens democracy.

Bridging Gaps:

Such initiatives bridge the urban-rural and rich-poor divide.
They promote equality and shared national responsibility.

II.

II. Look for a few more stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary work for the society. Discuss in the class.

More Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Work

Here are a few examples you can share or discuss in class:

Name	Work	Impact on Society
Sindhutai Sapkal (Maharashtra)	Raised and educated over 1,000 orphaned children	Known as the “Mother of Orphans”; transformed lives through love and care
Babar Ali (West Bengal)	Started teaching at age 9 in his backyard to children from poor families	Recognized by BBC as the youngest headmaster in the world
Jadav Payeng (Assam)	Planted a forest on a barren island in Brahmaputra River	Single-handedly created over 1,300 acres of forest, now a wildlife haven
Arunachalam Muruganantham (Tamil Nadu)	Created low-cost sanitary napkins for rural women	Improved menstrual health and broke social taboos
Anand Kumar (Bihar)	Runs Super 30 program for IIT aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds	Many poor students crack IITs every year thanks to his free coaching

Conclusion for Class Discussion:

Ordinary individuals like Babloo, or ‘Teach India’ volunteers, prove that you don’t need power or wealth to bring change—just commitment and empathy. Their efforts contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society where everyone has the right to learn and grow.