Q1. The granddaughter proves to be a catalyst in the grandmother’s pursuit of knowledge. Discuss.
Ans: The granddaughter acts as a catalyst by giving the grandmother both motivation and practical help to learn. She first introduced her to the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’, which awakened the grandmother’s interest. When the grandmother became anxious at not knowing the next episode, the granddaughter set a clear goal – to teach her the Kannada alphabet by Dussehra – and offered patient, regular lessons. She encouraged practice by making the grandmother read aloud, repeat letters, write and recite. Her steady support, gentle correction and belief in her grandmother’s ability turned a wish into action. Because of this encouragement and systematic teaching, the grandmother gained confidence and independence and was finally able to read ‘Kashi Yatre’ on her own.
Q2. Why does the grandmother identify with the protagonist of the ‘Kashi Yatre’? What does this tell you about her character?
Ans: The protagonist of Kashi Yatre is an old lady who longs to visit Kashi (Varanasi) but sacrifices her savings to help a poor orphan get married. Many Hindus believe that visiting Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate act of virtue. Although the grandmother has never been to Kashi, she shares this desire, yet finds joy in cooking and caring for her grandchildren. This connection leads her to identify with the protagonist of Kashi Yatre. This identification reveals that she is a religious woman, deeply loving and affectionate. Her actions demonstrate a selfless nature, prioritising the happiness of others over her own desires.
Q3. The grandmother believes in scriptures and Hindu mythology, yet she touches the feet of her granddaughter. Why?
Ans: Although touching the feet of elders is the usual custom, the grandmother touches her granddaughter’s feet as an act of respect for her role as a teacher. The granddaughter had taught her with affection and patience, giving her the power to read and the confidence to be independent. By touching her feet the grandmother acknowledges that teaching and wisdom deserve honour, regardless of the learner’s age. The gesture therefore expresses gratitude, humility and recognition of the granddaughter’s service.
Q4. Give a character sketch of the grandmother as depicted in the lesson, ”How I Taught My Grandmother To Read.”
Ans: The grandmother is a warm, devoted and determined woman of sixty-two. She is described as grey-haired and wrinkled, having spent most of her life tending to household duties and her family’s needs. Despite a simple, routine life, she has a sensitive and devout nature and develops a strong emotional bond with the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’, which awakens a long-held desire to visit Kashi. Her disappointment at being unable to read motivates her to learn; this shows her self-respect, independence and dislike of helplessness. Determined and hardworking, she practises reading and writing with steady patience. Ultimately, she demonstrates that age is no barrier to learning and that a sincere wish, combined with persistence and good teaching, can lead to personal transformation.
Q5. As grandmother in the story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ write a diary entry on your transformation.
OR
You are the grandmother. Write your feelings in your diary when your granddaughter gave you the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’. [CBSE 2010 (TERM 1)]
Ans: Dear Diary,
25th August 2011
I am on cloud nine today because I can finally read an episode of ‘Kashi Yatre’ all by myself. I remember how my granddaughter used to read it to me, and how empty I felt when she went away. That feeling of helplessness made me decide to learn. At sixty-two, I began to learn the Kannada alphabet. It was hard at first, but with practice and my granddaughter’s patient teaching I began to recognise letters and words. Now I can read and I feel so light and independent. I never thought I would be able to do this. I am grateful to my granddaughter for giving me not only the book but also the confidence to learn. This new skill has opened a small, bright world for me.
Q6. Imagine you are the grandmother. In about 150 words, write a letter to share your thoughts, feelings, ambitions and resolutions as a neo-literate. [CBSE 2010 (Term 1)]
Ans: Dear Krishna,
How are you? I have wonderful news to share with you. At the age of sixty-two, I have finally learnt to read the Kannada alphabet. When I was young, girls were not encouraged to go to school, so I never had the chance to study. Earlier, my granddaughter Sudha used to read the story Kashi Yatre to me every week, and I eagerly waited for it. When she was away and I could not read the magazine myself, I felt helpless and dependent. That moment made me realise the true value of education.
With Sudha’s patient guidance and my own determination, I learnt to read and write. Today, I feel confident, independent and proud of my achievement. I now understand that learning has no age limit. My ambition is to continue reading books on my own and never feel dependent again. Education has given me a new sense of dignity and freedom.
Yours affectionately,
Avva
Q7. You are Sudha Murthy. Write a letter to your friend telling her how and why you taught your grandmother to read. [CBSE 2010 (Term 1)]
Ans:
Dear Mamta,
I hope you are well. I want to share a special experience that taught me a valuable lesson about education and patience. My grandmother, Avva, surprised me one day by expressing her desire to learn to read at the age of sixty-two. She had never gone to school because in her childhood, girls’ education was not considered important.
Every week, I used to read the story Kashi Yatre from the magazine Karmaveera to her. Once, when I went away for a few days, she felt helpless because she could not read the next episode on her own. Her disappointment moved me deeply, and I decided to teach her the Kannada alphabet. I fixed Dussehra as our deadline and taught her patiently every day. She practised reading, writing and reciting with great determination.
Her dedication amazed me. When she finally read the novel confidently, she touched my feet as a mark of respect for her teacher. Teaching her showed me that learning has no age limit and that education brings true independence.
Yours lovingly,
Sudha