1
The narrator mentions that her grandmother, Krishtakka, "identified herself with the novel’s protagonist" in 'Kashi Yatre'. Based on the story, what does this statement imply about the grandmother's own life experiences and aspirations? 5marks
2
Read the following excerpt:"My grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school so she could not read. Every Wednesday the magazine would come and I would read the next episode of this story to her. During that time she would forget all her work and listen with the greatest concentration. Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart."(a) What does this passage reveal about the grandmother's desire for knowledge despite her lack of formal education? [2 marks](b) How does this passage connect to the larger theme of the importance of reading and storytelling? 3marks
3
Assertion: The grandmother's decision to learn the Kannada alphabet at the age of sixty-two was a response to societal pressure.Reason: She felt embarrassed and helpless due to her inability to read.Choose the correct option:(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.(c) Assertion is true but Reason is false.(d) Assertion is false but Reason is true. 3marks
4
Consider the grandmother's statement: "I want to be independent."Analyze how her journey of learning to read contributes to her sense of independence, both practically and emotionally. 5marks
5
The narrator initially laughs at her grandmother's decision to learn.(a) What does this reaction tell us about the narrator's initial perception of her grandmother and the learning process? [2 marks](b) How does the narrator's perspective evolve throughout the story, particularly after her grandmother's determination becomes evident? 3marks
6
The story highlights the importance of education for personal growth. Based on the text, how does gaining literacy empower the grandmother? Provide at least two specific examples. 3marks
7
Read the following dialogue:Grandmother: "Yes, I need your help. You know when you were away, Karmaveera came as usual. I opened the magazine. I saw the picture that accompanies the story of Kashi Yatre and I could not understand anything that was written. Many times I rubbed my hands over the pages wishing they could understand what was written. But I knew it was not possible. If only I was educated enough. I felt very dependent and helpless."Narrator: "Avva, don’t cry. What is the matter? Can I help you in any way?"What can be inferred about the grandmother's emotional state and her relationship with the narrator from this exchange? 4marks
8
The grandmother's act of touching the narrator's feet is a significant moment.(a) Explain the traditional significance of touching feet in Indian culture. [2 marks](b) Why is this act particularly meaningful and reversed in this context? What does it symbolize? 3marks
9
The story 'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read' by Sudha Murty is set in a rural context in Karnataka. Discuss how elements like transportation, the arrival of newspapers, and the community gathering in the temple courtyard contribute to establishing this setting. 5marks
10
Analyze the character of the grandmother, Krishtakka, by discussing her determination, humility, and her underlying desire for self-improvement, using specific instances from the text. 5marks
11
The narrator, as a child, initially made fun of her grandmother's desire to learn. However, by the end, she recognizes her grandmother's achievement and her role as a teacher.(a) What caused this shift in the narrator's understanding? [2 marks](b) How does this transformation reflect the broader theme of intergenerational learning and respect? 3marks
12
The novel 'Kashi Yatre' plays a pivotal role in the story. How does the plot of 'Kashi Yatre' mirror or resonate with the grandmother's own life and desires? 4marks
13
Consider the following statement: "For learning there is no age bar."How does the grandmother's journey in the story exemplify this statement? 3marks
14
The story emphasizes the value of education over material wealth. Discuss this theme using the grandmother's perspective and her decision regarding her savings for Kashi. 4marks
15
Read the excerpt: "She said, ‘The happiness of this orphan girl is more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.’"(a) Who is speaking this line, and in what context? [2 marks](b) What moral or ethical lesson does this statement convey, and how does it relate to the grandmother's character? 3marks
16
The phrase "passed with flying colours" is used to describe the grandmother's achievement.(a) Define the idiom "passed with flying colours." [1 mark](b) In the context of the story, what does it mean for the grandmother to have "passed with flying colours"? 3marks
17
Scenario-based question: Imagine a young person in your neighbourhood who is hesitant to volunteer for an adult literacy program, feeling they lack the skills. How would you use the story of Sudha Murty teaching her grandmother to encourage them to participate? Mention at least two specific lessons from the story. 5marks
18
Application-based question: The story highlights how literacy can lead to independence. If you were to start a small initiative in your community to promote reading among adults, what are three key strategies you would adopt, drawing inspiration from the methods used by the narrator? 5marks
19
Comprehension and Analysis: The narrator's initial indifference and later realization of her grandmother's feelings is a key emotional arc.(a) What event triggers the narrator's deeper understanding of her grandmother's sadness upon her return from the wedding? [2 marks](b) How does this event demonstrate the importance of observation and empathy in understanding others' emotions? 3marks
20
Critical Thinking: Sudha Murty states, "Little did I know then that one day I would become a teacher in Computer Science and teach hundreds of students."How does this concluding remark add to the overall message of the story about the potential impact of seemingly small acts of teaching and learning? 4marks
Answers
1
The statement implies that the grandmother deeply resonated with the protagonist of 'Kashi Yatre,' an old lady struggling to fulfill her dream of going to Kashi. This suggests the grandmother, too, had unfulfilled aspirations, perhaps related to education or life experiences, and saw her own struggles or desires reflected in the character's journey. Her own regret about not going to school and her desire for independence likely made her connect profoundly with the protagonist's internal conflict and ultimate sacrifice.
2
(a) This passage reveals that the grandmother possessed a keen intellect and a strong memory, capable of retaining and recalling information she heard, even without being able to read herself. It shows her deep engagement and interest in stories, and her desire to absorb knowledge despite her limitations.(b) This passage connects to the larger theme by illustrating how stories can transcend literacy barriers and provide immense joy, learning, and emotional engagement. It shows that the power of narrative can be experienced and appreciated through listening, fostering a connection between the teller and the listener, and highlighting the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories.
3
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.While the grandmother felt embarrassed and helpless (Reason), her decision to learn was primarily driven by a personal desire for independence and self-improvement, not solely by societal pressure. The embarrassment was a consequence of her lack of literacy, which fueled her desire for change.
4
Her journey to independence is multifaceted. Practically, literacy would allow her to read the magazine herself, access information, and understand written content, reducing her reliance on others. Emotionally, it grants her self-sufficiency, dignity, and a sense of accomplishment. Her statement "I want to be independent" signifies a desire to overcome the helplessness and dependence she felt when she couldn't read and understood her situation fully.
5
(a) The narrator's initial laughter reveals a child's naive perspective, perhaps seeing the grandmother's goal as unrealistic or humorous due to her age and appearance. It shows a lack of full understanding of the depth of her grandmother's desire and the challenges she faced.(b) The narrator's perspective shifts from amusement to admiration and respect. Witnessing her grandmother's dedication, hard work, and ultimate success transforms the narrator's view. She realizes the significance of her grandmother's achievement and her own role as a teacher, fostering a deeper appreciation for the learning process and intergenerational bonds.
6
1. Personal Empowerment: Literacy allows her to read the 'Kashi Yatre' serial herself, satisfying her curiosity and emotional investment in the story without needing anyone else. This directly addresses her feeling of helplessness and dependence.
2
Self-Reliance: By learning the alphabet, she achieves the ability to read a novel independently, fulfilling her stated goal and demonstrating self-reliance, which she equates with independence.
7
This exchange reveals the grandmother's deep emotional distress ("in tears," "unhappy," "eyes were filled with tears") stemming from her inability to read the magazine and her feelings of helplessness and dependence. It also showcases the narrator's concern and affection for her grandmother ("Avva, don’t cry. What is the matter? Can I help you in any way?"), indicating a loving and supportive relationship where the narrator is willing to help.
8
(a) In Indian culture, touching the feet of elders, teachers, or revered individuals is a traditional gesture of deep respect, humility, and seeking blessings. It signifies acknowledging their wisdom, experience, and guidance.(b) This act is reversed and significant because the grandmother, an elder, touches the feet of her young granddaughter, who has become her teacher. This reversal powerfully symbolizes her immense gratitude, respect for knowledge, and recognition of the narrator's role as a teacher, irrespective of age or gender, thereby honouring the guru-shishya (teacher-student) tradition in a unique way.
9
The rural setting is established through several elements:
- Transportation: The late arrival of newspapers and weekly magazines via a bus highlights the less developed transport system typical of rural areas.
- Community Life: The grandmother discussing the story with her friends in the temple courtyard points to a close-knit community where public spaces like temples serve as social hubs.
- Daily Life: The grandmother's focus on household work ("forget all her work") and the narrator's description of village life (going to a wedding in a neighbouring village) further grounds the story in a rural context.
10
Krishtakka is characterized by:
- Determination: Despite her age (sixty-two), wrinkled hands, and grey hair, she resolutely decides to learn the Kannada alphabet and sets a deadline, vowing to work harder than anyone.
- Humility: She is not ashamed to admit her lack of education or her embarrassment at not being able to read. Her deep gratitude is shown by touching her granddaughter's feet, a humbling act for an elder.
- Desire for Self-Improvement: Her regret over not going to school and her longing to be independent drive her to learn, demonstrating a strong will to better herself and overcome past limitations.
11
(a) The narrator's shift is caused by witnessing her grandmother's profound sadness, her heartfelt confession of helplessness and dependence, and her unwavering determination to learn. The narrator realizes the seriousness and significance of her grandmother's desire and her own potential to fulfill it.(b) This transformation highlights that learning is a lifelong process and that respect for elders should be coupled with recognizing their aspirations. It shows that intergenerational relationships can be mutually enriching, with the younger generation sometimes becoming the teacher, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of each other's needs and capabilities.
12
The plot of 'Kashi Yatre' revolves around an old lady's ardent desire to go to Kashi for religious merit, but she ultimately sacrifices her savings to help an orphan girl get married. This story resonates with the grandmother because:
- It reflects her own unfulfilled desires and regrets about her past, particularly her lack of education.
- It showcases a character prioritizing compassion and the happiness of others over personal fulfillment, a trait possibly admired or identified with by the grandmother.
- The struggle and eventual sacrifice in the story likely mirrored her own internal conflicts and the values she held dear.
13
The grandmother's journey powerfully exemplifies "For learning there is no age bar" by demonstrating that age is not a barrier to acquiring new skills or knowledge. At sixty-two, she embarks on learning the alphabet, showing immense dedication and perseverance. Her success in mastering the Kannada language within a short period, to the point of reading a novel, proves that determination and hard work can overcome age-related limitations.
14
The story underscores that true fulfillment and independence are not solely derived from wealth but from knowledge and self-reliance. The grandmother's decision in 'Kashi Yatre' to forgo her dream of visiting Kashi for the sake of an orphan girl highlights selfless compassion. Similarly, the narrator's grandmother's ultimate goal is not to reach Kashi, but to achieve personal independence through literacy, implying that self-empowerment through education is a more valuable pursuit than fulfilling a traditional religious obligation if it compromises personal growth.
15
(a) This line is spoken by the narrator's grandmother, Krishtakka, referring to the plot of the novel 'Kashi Yatre'. She is explaining the old lady protagonist's ultimate sacrifice.(b) This statement conveys a moral lesson about prioritizing human happiness and compassion over rigid adherence to rituals or personal desires. It suggests that acts of kindness and helping others can be more spiritually rewarding than fulfilling one's own ambitions or religious duties. This reflects the grandmother's own values of empathy and selflessness.
16
(a) "Passed with flying colours" is an idiom that means to achieve something, especially an examination or a task, with outstanding success or distinction.(b) For the grandmother, "passed with flying colours" means she successfully achieved her goal of learning to read the novel 'Kashi Yatre' independently and confidently within her set deadline. It signifies her exceptional achievement, dedication, and the fulfillment of her aspiration for literacy and independence.
17
I would explain that the story of Sudha Murty teaching her grandmother is proof that anyone, regardless of age or perceived skill, can be a teacher and make a significant difference. I would highlight:
1
The Grandmother's Determination: Just like the grandmother, the young person can be determined to help. Their willingness to try is the most important first step.
2
The Narrator's Role: The narrator, a young girl, successfully taught her adult grandmother. This shows that even young people possess the capability to impart knowledge and that teaching can be a rewarding experience. I would emphasize that their role as a volunteer is crucial and valuable, much like the narrator's.
18
Drawing inspiration from the narrator's methods, three key strategies would be:
1
Personalized Storytelling/Reading Aloud: Just as the narrator read the 'Kashi Yatre' serial to her grandmother, I would organize sessions where volunteers read aloud interesting stories or articles from newspapers and magazines to adult learners, creating an engaging and accessible learning experience.
2
Focus on Practical Application: The grandmother's desire stemmed from a practical need (reading the magazine). Initiatives should focus on teaching skills relevant to the learners' lives, like reading instructions, basic forms, or even simple recipes, making learning immediately useful.
3
Creating a Supportive Environment: The narrator provided a safe space for her grandmother to learn without judgment. The initiative would need to foster a non-judgmental atmosphere where adult learners feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, much like the grandmother learning from her granddaughter.
19
(a) Upon returning from the wedding, the narrator sees her grandmother in tears. When she asks what is wrong, her grandmother sits with her on the terrace at night and recounts the story of her life, her regret over not going to school, and her embarrassment and helplessness at not being able to read. This emotional confession is what triggers the narrator's deeper understanding.(b) This event highlights the importance of observation (seeing the grandmother in tears, which was unusual) and empathy (asking what's wrong, listening to her story). The narrator initially forgot about her grandmother's tears but later, through attentive listening and empathy, understood the depth of her grandmother's unspoken sorrow and her unmet desires, demonstrating how crucial these qualities are for genuine connection and support.
20
This concluding remark adds a layer of profound irony and inspiration. It reveals that the narrator's seemingly small, everyday act of teaching her grandmother served as a foundational experience that shaped her future. It suggests that:
- The ripple effect of teaching: Even an informal teaching experience can have lasting, significant impacts on both the learner and the teacher, influencing their life paths.
- The hidden potential: Everyday interactions can hold unforeseen potential for growth and future careers, underscoring the value of every educational encounter.
- The journey of a teacher: It implies that the narrator's journey into becoming a professional educator was inspired and perhaps even initiated by this intimate, familial teaching experience, adding a personal and touching dimension to her future success.
