CHINA’S WAY TO PROGRESS: Lesson # 8, Second Year English

CHINA’S WAY TO PROGRESS

            In this essay Galeazzo Santini provides us the secret behind China’s remarkable progress since independence in 1949. China encloses one-fourth of the humanity and this huge population, according to the western world, will lead to the elimination of China. On devotion having a common aim before them. This numerical strength becomes a “POWER” and not a threat to its existence. 

            In the early days after independence, China was not given much important but now the West has recognized the strong position assumed by China. Every year a large number of delegations visit China and Chinese leaders are esteemed due to their genius and of dedication towards the people. Under their leadership the Chinese people have turned the country into an earthly paradise. Their exemplary ways of living have drawn the attention of many countries and they are moulding themselves according to China.

            After Socialist Revolution, the leadership that assumed the office gave a new outlook to life and went straight to the root of the problems. Instead of being selfish, they were taught to work with spirit of fellowship, common purpose and discipline. This enabled them to solve many problems regarding shortage of food, unemployment and economic injustice. This achievement can be termed as an outcome of centralized economy that has brought the economic relief to the doorsteps of common people. They are enjoying a simple and austere life and have created a now world and a new man after rejecting the luxurious ways.

            China is basically an agricultural country and its prosperity has been occurred without a flight from the fields. Which is the price paid by the West? Agriculture is based on communes that are sub-divided into production brigades and teams. 

            The farmers work on their traditional labour. Agricultural mechanization is being introduced with caution to avoid upsetting the balance between machines and manpower. The people do not run to cities but remain intact with small industries. This system has given birth to a new world that is free from money, alcohol and sex. They have acted upon Mao’s maxim. “Rely on your own forces.” “In pursuance of this policy of self-reliance, they have devised machines.” As an outcome their cost of production is less and they ate in the front line of manufacturers. 

            The Chinese people have also brought a change in their social lives. Even the Chinese students lead a planned life and maintain balance between the studies and other activities. The Chinese women have played a vital role in the uplift of the country. Many social benefits lie with them. They enjoy eight working hours per day, free hospitalization and medical care. They are granted fifty-six paid days before childbirth. They ignore western point of view that there is a lack of femininity in the Chinese women as no beauty products and mention of sex either in films or literature. Mao once stated that women hold up half the sky at the same height as by the men. It has given Chinese women a sense of confidence and awareness of their role in the society. 

            In China, the monthly cost of living is officially calculated for every region. A number of workers live in factories along with free heath facilities. A sick worker receives full pay for six months and after which he gets 60%. However if he faces financial problem. His company helps him. The workers retire at 60,while female workers at 50 or 55 and if they do clerical jab, re-employment may be possible. There are nurseries and Kindergartens where Children of workingwomen are looked after. The Chinese government has set up an assistance system in which salary is raised equal to the cost of living if a family has only one source of income. 

            In short, China has registered a phenomenal progress because of united services paid by the people as well as leadership; the people do not serve their selfish ends but strive for socio-economic uplift of the country. As their beloved leader Mao repeatedly emphasized that “It is the people and not things, that ate decisive,” 

Questions & Answers

Question 1: Why has the world changed its attitude towards china?

Answer: The world has changed its attitude towards China because of its great progress. After independence in 1949, China made immense progress in social, agricultural and industrial fields.        

Question 2: Discuss Chinese agriculture system?
Answer: In China, agricultural land has been divided into small sectors known as communes. These communes are further divided into production brigades. The Chinese still carry on their traditional labour along with modern agricultural machinery. 

Question 3: How does China rely on its own resources?
Answer: China relies on its own resources by using all sorts of products and machines prepared in China. Such products and machine are easily available. They are cheaper than foreign machines.

Question 4: Describe a day in the life of a Chinese student?
Answer: Je Wen Siu represents the students in China. She gets up early in the morning, does some domestic chores, takes breakfast and goes to the school at 8. After 11 am, she comes back home takes her lunch and goes back to the school. She revises her lesson. After 4 o' clock she takes rest, reads the news-paper and enjoys the radio.

Question 5: Write a note on the Chinese women?
Answer: Chinese women are hard working. They lack femininity. They do not use beauty products. They enjoy many social security benefits. They enjoy free hospitalization and medical facilities.

Question 6: What are the social security benefits provided to the Chinese workers?

Answer: Workers in China enjoy complete social security benefits. It means the state is responsible for their comforts and needs in society. They are provided housing and medical facilities. They enjoy easy terms of service in factories and the facility of assistance schemes.

Question 7: “It is the people and not the things that are decisive” Discuss.

Answer: According to the writer, there are two worlds: one is the world of facts and figures and the other is the world of faith. Mao the Chinese leader believed that number of people or economic facts and figures are not counted, people themselves are important if they have the faith for the benefit of the people.

Question 8: “The heart of the matter is the need to root out selfishness” Discuss

Answer: According to this statement, everyone should work for the betterment of others. The secret of China’s progress lies in this principle. They work for the benefits of all.

Written By:

Prof. Muhammad Qasim

Head of Department

Punjab Group of Colleges Sambrial

Contact: 0334-8073431