🌈 We Too Are Human Beings – Class 12 English (Vistas Chapter 8)

📖 About the Author

Manoj Das (1934–2021) – Renowned Indian author writing in English and Oriya.
Known for his short stories, novels, and essays, often exploring human values, morality, and social justice.
Themes include compassion, empathy, humanity, and understanding marginalized voices.
Style is simple, reflective, and deeply humanistic, engaging readers emotionally and morally.

📜 Summary of the Chapter

(Point-wise, colourful notes for clarity)

1️⃣ Introduction

The story is a first-hand account of an encounter with lepers.
The narrator is an observer who learns the humanity and suffering of people ostracized by society.
It emphasizes compassion and empathy for marginalized groups.

2️⃣ Encounter with the Lepers

The narrator meets a group of leprosy-affected people on the outskirts of society.
They are often shunned, ignored, and isolated, living in poor conditions.
Despite their disease, they display dignity, emotions, and longing for human connection.

3️⃣ Interaction and Realization

The narrator interacts with the lepers, understanding their pain, struggles, and humanity.
He realizes that leprosy does not define their worth; they are as human as anyone else.
The chapter challenges prejudices and societal discrimination.

4️⃣ Moral and Social Reflection

Manoj Das emphasizes that compassion, empathy, and understanding are essential for human society.
The story reflects on social justice, equality, and dignity for marginalized people.
The narrator is transformed by the encounter, gaining insight into human suffering and morality.

5️⃣ Conclusion / Moral Insight

The story ends with a call for empathy, equality, and humane treatment for all, including the ostracized.
It highlights the universality of human dignity and the importance of overcoming fear and prejudice.

🎭 Themes

Human Dignity – Every human being deserves respect, irrespective of physical condition or disease.
Empathy and Compassion – Understanding and feeling for others’ suffering is crucial for humanity.
Social Justice – The story critiques discrimination against marginalized and ostracized groups.
Humanity Beyond Appearance – Disease or disability does not define human worth.
Reflection and Transformation – Encountering suffering can transform perspectives and attitudes.

✨ Important Lines & Explanation

“We too are human beings.”
👉 The central message: Despite leprosy or social rejection, the lepers retain their humanity and deserve dignity.
“Fear and prejudice isolate people more than disease.”
👉 Highlights that society’s attitude often worsens suffering, not just the physical ailment.
“Compassion is the bridge between isolation and understanding.”
👉 Shows that empathy can overcome fear, ignorance, and social barriers.

🎨 Figures of Speech / Literary Devices

Repetition → “We too are human beings” emphasizes the core message of equality and dignity.
Imagery → Vivid descriptions of the lepers’ conditions, surroundings, and expressions create empathy.
Contrast → Between society’s fear and the lepers’ dignity and humanity.
Tone → Reflective, empathetic, socially aware.
Symbolism → Lepers symbolize marginalized sections of society and the need for awareness.

📚 NCERT Questions & Answers

🔹 Short Answer (30–40 words)

Q1. Who are the main characters in the story?
👉 The main characters are the narrator, who observes and interacts with the lepers, and the lepers themselves, who, despite their disease, show dignity, humanity, and longing for compassion.

Q2. What message does the story convey about lepers?
👉 The story conveys that lepers, like all humans, deserve empathy, respect, and dignity. Society should overcome fear and prejudice to acknowledge their humanity.

Q3. How does the narrator react to meeting the lepers?
👉 The narrator feels empathy, reflection, and moral awakening, understanding that social bias and isolation worsen suffering and that compassion bridges humanity.

🔹 Long Answer (120–150 words)

Q. Explain the theme of empathy and human dignity in “We Too Are Human Beings.”
👉 Manoj Das’ story emphasizes that empathy and compassion are central to humanity. The narrator encounters lepers, marginalized and shunned by society, and realizes that their value as human beings is unchanged by disease. The lepers, despite isolation and suffering, retain dignity and express emotions, showing that human worth is inherent and universal. The story critiques society’s prejudice, fear, and lack of awareness, suggesting that marginalization often causes more suffering than the disease itself. Through reflective narration and vivid imagery, Das encourages readers to overcome prejudice, feel empathy, and recognize the dignity of all individuals. The narrative transforms the narrator’s perspective, illustrating that awareness and understanding of marginalized people are essential for a compassionate and just society.

📝 Extra Questions for Practice

Describe the lepers’ living conditions.
How does society’s attitude affect the lepers?
What does the title signify?
Explain the narrator’s transformation through the story.
How does the story promote social awareness?
Discuss the role of empathy in human relationships.
How does Manoj Das use imagery to evoke emotion?
What is the central moral of the story?
How does the story highlight equality and justice?
How does reflection lead to personal growth for the narrator?

🌸 Conclusion

“We Too Are Human Beings” is a thought-provoking story emphasizing empathy, dignity, and social justice. Manoj Das portrays the lepers as fully human, deserving compassion and respect, challenging societal prejudice. The narrative highlights that humanity lies in understanding and acknowledging the marginalized, and that personal reflection and awareness can transform attitudes. Through vivid description, emotional depth, and moral insight, the story teaches readers to value empathy, equality, and human dignity, making it a timeless lesson on overcoming prejudice and embracing the universality of human worth.