How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

1. EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

Read the given extracts and answer the following questions in about one or two lines.
1. ‘‘She nodded but did not reply. I did not understand and forget about it. In the night,
after dinner, we were sleeping in the open terrace of the house. It was a summer night
and there was a full moon.’’
(1) Who are ‘she’ and ‘I’ in the above extract ?

(2) What did ‘I’ forget about ?

(3) What was ‘she’ upset about ?
Ans. (1) ‘She’ is the grandmother and ‘I’ is the author.
(2) The author forgot about the grandmother’s crying.
Advertisement

(3) She was upset because she was not able to read.

2. ‘‘I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter.’’

(1) Who speaks the above line ?

(2) Why does the speaker touch the feet of the person much younger than her ?
(3) On whom did the speaker depend to read the magazines. ?
Ans. (1) The speaker is the narrator’s grandmother.
(2) The speaker touched the feet of the person much younger than her because she has
taught her to read confidently and independently.

(3) The speaker depended on her granddaughter to read the magazine.

3. “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. I will work
harder than anybody but I will do it. For learning there is no age bar.”
(1) What is the good cause the speaker is talking about ?
(2) What does hard work refer to ?
(3) What was the cause of this determination ?

Ans. (1) The good cause is to become literate and independent so that the
grandmother is not dependent on any one to read out the story.
(2) Hard work refers to putting in a lot of efforts to learn to read and write.
(3) The cause of this determination was her helplessness in being able to read her
favourite story.

4. “There was also a young orphan girl who falls in love but there was no money for the
wedding. In the end, the old lady gives away all her savings without going to Kashi.”
(1) Who is the young orphan girl mentioned in the extract ?
(2) Why does the old lady give away all her savings without going to Kashi ?
(3) Find out a phrasal verb from the extract.
Ans. (1) The young orphan girl is the character in the novel, ‘Kashi Yatre’.
(2) The old lady gave away the money to the girl for her marriage.
(3) ‘Gives away.’
5. “My grandmother, Krishtaka, never went to school, so she could not read. Every
Wednesday, the magazine would come and I would read next episode of this story to her. ”
(1) What magazine is referred to here ?
(2) Which story is referred to here ?
(3) Why did Krishtaka take interest in the story ?
Ans. (1) The magazine, is a weekly called ‘Karma Veera’.
(2) The story referred here is the story of an old woman in ‘Kashi Yatre’.
(3) Krishtaka took interest in the story because she identified herself with the
protagonist of the story.

6. “Later, she could repeat the entire test by heart.”

(1) Who is the person referred to here as ‘she’ ?

(2) To what does the word ‘text’ refer here ?

(3) What does the speaker intend to do ?
Ans. (1) She is Sudha Murthy’s grandmother.
(2) The ‘text’ refers to the story of the episode.
(3) The speaker intends to tell that the grandmother was greatly fascinated with the
episodes of the novel.
7. “We have always touched the feet of God, elders and teachers. We consider that as a
mark of respect. It is a great tradition but today the reverse has happened. ”
(1) To which traditional Indian custom is the speaker referring to in the above ?
(2) What does the speaker consider as a mark of respect in the context of the story?
(3) What has happened now to this great Indian tradition ?
Ans. (1) The speaker is referring to the reverence to God, elders and teachers.
(2) The speaker considers a mark of respect to the gesture of the elderly student
bowing at the feet of the young guru.
(3) We have now forgotten this great Indian tradition.

8. “When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, for I
had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situation.”
(1) Why was the grandmother so depressed?
(2) Why was the narrator astounded to see her grandmother in such a situaction ?
(3) What are the difficult situations that the grandmother must have faced in her life ?
Ans. (1) The grandmother was depressed because of her inability to read Triveni’s story
by herself.
(2) The narrator was astonished to see her grandmother because she had been very
courageous.
(3) The grandmother must have faced financial crisis, feuds in the family, etc. in her life.

9. “I did return namaskara to her by touching her feet and gave my gift to my first
student.”
(1) Who was the narrator’s first student and what was the gift given to her ?
(2) How did the receiver react after getting the gift ?
(3) Is the narrator proud of her student ? How does she reveal this ?
Ans. (1) The narrator’s first student was the grandmother. She got a copy of the book
‘Kashi Yatre’.
(2) The grandmother was very happy and delighted.
(3) Yes, the narrator is proud of her student. She returns her namaskara by touching her
grandmother’s feet.
10. “I could’ve asked somebody in this village but I was too embarrassed to do. I felt
so very much dependent and helpless.”
(1) What does the grandmother mean by ‘I could’ve asked somebody’ ?
(2) Why would she feel embarrassed ?
(3) What is ‘being independent’ according to her ?
Ans. (1) She could’ve asked somebody to read the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ to her.
(2) She feels embarrassed to reveal her inability to read and write.
(3) To be independent, according to her, is to be self-reliant, not seeking anybody’s help.

11.“I have decided I want to learn the Kannada alphabet from tomorrow onwards.”
(1) Who does ‘I’ in the above line refer to ?
(2) Why did the speaker want to learn the Kannada alphabet ?
(3) Which quality of the speaker is shown in the above line ?
Ans. (1) ‘I’ is the grandmother.
(2) The speaker wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet in order to be able to read
without help.
(3) The above line shows her determination.

12. “Avva, don’t cry. What is the matter ? Can I help you in any way ?”
(1) Why was the author’s grandmother crying ?
(2) How did the narrator help her ?
(3) What does this sentence tell us about the speaker ?
Ans. (1) The author’s grandmother was crying because she had not been able to read
‘Kashi Yatre’ independently.
(2) The narrator helped her by teaching her how to read.
(3) The speaker was concerned about her grandmother.

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words.

1. Write a brief character sketch of grandmother.
Ans- Krishtakka, the grandmother is a sixty two year old lady. She has a loving and
caring nature. She is enthusiastic.. She had some adverse circumstances due to which
she could not go to school and remained uneducated. When she felt the need of
education to read ‘Kashi Yatre’ she regrets on not being educated. She feels that money
is of no use if one has to depend on others. She was firmly determined that she had to
start her education without considering her age. It was her determination, strong will
power, hard work and self confidence that helped her to get success in learning to read
and write within a short period of time.
2. Describe the role of the author in educating her grandmother.
Ans- Sudha Murty plays an important role in educating her grandmother. If we observe
carefully she was the only source of inspiration for her grandmother. Her granddaughter
took on the role of a teacher and patiently taught her to read and write. First of all she
made fun of her but it was childishly. The narrator was also a preserving teacher who
did her best to teach her student in all the ways possible.
3. “For learning age is no bar” doesn’t this message highlight the importance of adult
education in India. Comment
Ans- This has rightly been said that for any good cause age is no bar. The grandmother
proved it also by achieving the task within the limited time. Education is very important
for all age group people and it is a lifelong process. Education process is not limited to
any age, person, place or other limitation of the life. It can continue all throughout the
whole life because it does not end with the schooling. Individual education plays great
role in the development and growth of life, person, society and country. Being a
democratic country without education people cannot use their rights. India is a
sovereign democratic republic country struggling hard for becoming the developed
country like many other countries in the world. If we want to be developed we have to be
educated.
4. Why did the grandmother think of learning to read and write at the age of sixty two ?
Ans. Grandmother felt the need of education to read a particular novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ in
her granddaughter’s absence. She was unable to read the latest episode the novel for
which she was highly desirous. She felt dependent. She depended on her granddaughter
so she decided to learn the alphabet and become self-sufficient.
5. How did the grandmother actualize her dream of being literate?
Ans. The grandmother expressed a desire to read before her granddaughter to teach her
the Kannada language. She started her tuition. She used to read write and recite the
lessons. She was a diligent and sincere student and worked hard to learn the language
and to actualize her dream.
6. How does the grandmother fulfill her desire to read ?
Ans. With her strong will power and determination The grandmother was able to fulfill
her desire to read and write. She was determined to learn the alphabet of Kannada
language. She considered that the age is no bar to learn and start taking tuitions from
anyone ever from her granddaughter.
7. Why was ‘Kashi Yatre’ grandmother’s favourite novel ? Give two reasons to support
your answer.
Or
Give two reasons to show why ‘Kashi Yatre’ was grandmother’s favourite novel.
Ans. ‘Kashi Yatre’ was grandmother’s favourite novel as she identified herself with the
novel’s protagonist, who never went to school and her ardent desire was to go to Kashi
which was believed to be the ultimate punya. Grandmother also wanted to go to Kashi
like the lady In the absence of her granddaughter she rubbed her hand on the pages of
the magazine and she always used to listen to it and forgot all the worldly things while it
was being explained.
8. What resolution does the grandmother make and how does she fulfil it?
Ans. She resolute her mind to learn to read and write. She persuades her granddaughter
to teach her the Kannada alphabet. She has single-minded dedication and
determination.By repeatedly reading writing and reciting her lessons she was able to
read fulfill her desire .
9. Why did the narrator call her ‘Avva’, a wonderful student ?
Ans. Avva was a wonderful student because she was a diligent and sincere student. She
did her home work regularly and showed determination in learning the alphabet and
achieved her task very timely.
10. How did the narrator tease her grandmother when she expressed her desire to
read ?
Ans. The narrator was not used to the idea of an old lady trying to learn to read and
write. She found this idea of learning very strange. She tried to make fun of her out of
her childishness she committed this mistake.
11. How does the narrator explain her grandmother as a student ?

Ans. The narrator says that her grandmother was her first student. She was a wonderful
student. She did a great amount of homework that was amazing. She would read,
repeat, write and recite. She was sincere enough to learn everything.
12. How did the grandmother prove her goodness as a student ?
Ans. The grandmother learnt each and every lesson with full dedication and worked
hard. She was committed to her work and had all the qualities which a student is
expected to show like sincerity, punctuality, hard work and ultimately keeping of the
deadline.
13. Mention one incident to show that the grandmother was an excellent student.
Ans. Grandmother was an exceptionally bright student. She took the challenge of
learning to read very seriously. She did all her homework willingly. She worked with full
enthusiasm and patience. She was driven by an intense desire to read and be self-
dependent. She would read, repeat, write and recite. She proved that age is no bar when
a person is determined.
14. How did the grandmother treat her granddaughter as her worthy teacher?
Ans. The grandmother treated her granddaughter as her worthy teacher. She respected
her, made her sit on a stool, gave her a gift of frock material and touched her feet as per
the cultural traditions of our society.
15. Why was Triveni a popular writer ?
Ans. There were several reasons for Triveni’s popularity. She wrote in Kannada
language and her style was easy to read because it was convincing. Her stories were
about ordinary people and their everyday lives. She dealt with the complex
psychological problems and her stories were very interesting. She was a wonderful
writer.
16. Why did the grandmother insist on the narrator’s reading the serial ?
Ans. The grandmother was interested in knowing the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ as she was
illiterate. Moreover, she identified herself with the protagonist of the story, an old lady,
who too never went to Kashi like her. So she insisted on the narrator’s reading the serial.
17. What is described in the novel, ‘Kashi Yatre’?
Or
What is the theme of the novel Kashi Yatre ?
Ans. ‘Kashi Yatre’ is the story of an old woman who had an ardent desire to go to Kashi
and worship Lord Vishweshwara. She is a devout lady who wished to perform pooja to
gain the ultimate Punya. But, she chooses to help an orphan girl by giving all her savings
to the girl and believes it is more important than going to Kashi.
18. Comment briefly on the grandmother and the narrator ?
Ans. The grandmother was a determined and curious learner. She was a diligent and
hard working student who worked hard to learn the language. Moreover, the narrator
was also a perserving teacher who did her best to teach her student.
19. What made the grandmother identify herself with the novel’s protagonist?

Ans. The protagonist of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ and the grandmother shared the same
ardent desire-that of visiting Kashi or Varanasi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara to
seek the ultimate Punya.
20. Why was the grandmother in tears when the granddaughter returned from the
neighbouring village ?
Ans. When the narrator returned home, she found her grandmother in tears, crying over
her inability to read the next episode of ‘Kashi Yatre’ in the absence of her
granddaughter. She was very keen to know what had happened next in the story. The
sense of helplessness upset her.
21. Why did the grandmother want to be literate? How was she successful in achieving
her goal ?
Ans. The grandmother wanted to be literate because she was keen to read Triveni’s
novel, ‘Kashi Yatre’. But, she was feeling helpless as she had to wait for her
granddaughter to listen the story. She was successful by devoting time and taking her
granddaughter’s help.
22. What were the obstacles the grandmother faced when she was a young girl
specify.
Ans. The grandmother lost her mother when she was very young. She had nobody to
look after her and guide her. She never went to school and got married at a very young
age. Then, she had children and became busy.
23. Why does the narrator use the word ‘secretly’ when she is referred to the novel she
bought ?
Ans. The narrator uses the word ‘secretly’ when she is referred to the novel she bought
because she wanted to give a surprise gift to her grandmother for being a good student.
24. How could the grandmother relate herself to the central character of the story
‘Kashi Yatre’?
Ans. The grandmother related herself to the central character of the story ‘Kashi Yatre’.
She identified herself with the novel’s protagonist, as both never went to school and
both wanted to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi.
25. Grandmother gave a gift to her granddaughter. What was that and why did she
give it?
Ans. Grandmother gave a frock material to the granddaughter. It was a mark of
affection, love and respect. Her granddaughter had taken on the role of a teacher and
had patiently taught her to read. Grandmother wanted to show her gratitude and also
wanted to please the little girl who was now her teacher.
26. What did the grandmother do to express her gratitude ?
Ans. The grandmother called her to the Pooja place and made her sit down on a stool.
She gave her a gift of a frock material. Then, she bent down and touched the feet of her
granddaughter as a mark of respect and gratitude. The grandmother treated her like a
teacher and showed her the respect and honour that she deserved. It was an unusual
gesture that signified her wisdom.
27. What do you know about the old lady of the novel Kashi Yatre? Mention two
points.
Ans. The old lady of the novel, Kashi Yatre has an ardent desire to go to Kashi or
Varanasi. She however, gave up her desire and helped the young orphan girl giving away
all her savings. The orphan girl was in need of money for the wedding.
28. How does Krishtaka justify the touching of her granddaughter’s feet ?
Advertisement

Ans. Krishtaka justifies the touching of her granddaughter’s feet as a gesture to show
respect and gratitude to the later, who though her granddaughter, was her teacher in the
first place. To validate her action, she even makes a mention of the scriptures where it
is written that a teacher should be respected irrespective of the gender and age.
29. “But I know it was not possible. If only I was educated enough….” Describe the
circumstances that made the grandmother realise the importance of education.
Ans. The grandmother was fond of knowing the weekly episode of the story ‘Kashi
Yatre’. Once when the weekly magazine came, her granddaughter was out of the village.
So, no one was there to read it out to her. Being an illiterate, she could not read it herself
and was too embarrassed to ask somebody to do so. At this moment, she felt
dependent and helpless. This made her realize the worth of being educated.
30. Why did the village women meet near the temple everyday ?
Ans. The village women shared a common interest in the story of ‘Kashi Yatre’. It was a
story with a pious theme where an old woman wanted to visit Kashi. It struck a chord
with them and they met in the temple courtyard to discuss the latest episode. They,
perhaps, identified themselves with the old lady. Their devotional and religious nature is
reflected through this.
31. Why had the grandmother never been sent to school ?
Ans. Grandmother had lost her mother when she was a young girl. There was nobody
to look after and guide her. Her father married again and remained busy. Moreover, in
those days people did not consider it necessary to educate girls. So, she never went to
school. Adverse circumstances and early marriage prevented her from getting a basic
education.
32. What unusual thing did the grandmother do on the day of Dasshera to show her
gratitude towards her granddaughter ?
Ans. On the day of Dasshera grandmother touched the feet of her granddaughter as a
mark of respect to her. Grandmother believed in tradition and followed the ‘guru-
shishya’ tradition. Her gesture, though unusual, was correct and proper because she
was paying respect to her teacher. She elevated her granddaughter to the honorary
status of a teacher and showed her gratitude.
33. In the lesson, ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ more than anybody else
grandmother was interested in knowing about the latest episode of Kashi Yatre ? Why
was she so much interested in it?
Ans. ‘Kashi Yatre’ was a story of an old lady and her ardent desire to go to Kashi and
worshipping Lord Vishweshwara which is considered the ultimate Punya. It was the
story of her struggle to fulfil her desire. Grandmother identified herself with the
protagonist as she too had not been to Kashi.
34. What major Hindu belief did Triveni revolve her story around ?
Ans. Most Hindus believe that going to Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is
the ultimate Punya. Triveni’s story ‘Kashi Yatre’ talked about an old woman’s desire to
visit Kashi. It strikes a chord with common people whose lives are led by their religious
desires. They identify with the protagonist and share her desire to achieve the ultimate
Punya.
35. Which aspect of the serial, Kashi Yatre appealed to the grandmother ?
Ans. Grandmother followed the episodes of ‘Kashi Yatre’. The protagonist’s desire to
visit Kashi and worship Lord Vishweshwara appealed to grandmother. She wished to
make that same journey and perform the ultimate act of Punya. She also admired the
sacrificing nature of the protagonist. She, perhaps, saw her own reflection in the old
lady of the story.
36. How did Triveni’s death leave a void in Kannada Literature?
Ans. Triveni was an immensely popular writer in Kannada literature. She wrote in an
easy style and convincing manner. She touched the lives of ordinary people by dealing
with issues close to their heart. They identified with her characters and their desires.
They saw her stories mirroring their own lives. Her early demise left a void in Kannada
literature.
37. How does Sudha react on hearing her Grandmother’s desire to become literate ?
Ans. Sudha is a young girl who finds the idea of her grandmother becoming literate
quite funny. She wonders why her grandmother wants to learn to read at the age of sixty
two. She points out that grandmother has grey hair, wears spectacles and works hard in
the kitchen. She is bewildered at the sudden request.