How I Taught my Grandmother to Read

Summary

Author: Sudha Murty
Theme: Importance of education, respect for elders, learning at any age

Life in a Village

The narrator was a 12-year-old girl living in a village in North Karnataka with her grandparents. The family eagerly waited for newspapers and weekly magazines because transport was poor and deliveries were delayed.

A Special Story: Kashi Yatre

A Kannada story Kashi Yatre written by Triveni was being published weekly in a magazine. It was about an old woman who wanted to go to Kashi but gave up her dream to help an orphan girl get married. The grandmother loved this story deeply and related to it emotionally.

Grandmother’s Interest in Reading

The narrator’s grandmother, Krishtakka, was not educated. So the granddaughter used to read out the story to her every week. The grandmother was very interested and could even remember the story by heart.

A Turning Point

Once, the narrator went to a wedding and returned after a week. During that time, her grandmother missed the weekly episode of Kashi Yatre. She was upset and felt helpless that she couldn’t read it herself.

Grandmother’s Decision

One night, the grandmother shared her past — how she lost her mother early, didn’t go to school, and always felt regret for not being educated. She then expressed her strong desire to learn to read Kannada and become independent.

Learning with Determination

The narrator agreed to teach her. The grandmother worked hard like a dedicated student and set a deadline — she wanted to be able to read by Dassara festival.

The Grand Gift

By Dassara, the grandmother learned to read. As a mark of respect, she touched her granddaughter’s feet, saying she was not just her granddaughter but her teacher. This was a very emotional and proud moment.

Moral of the Story:

• Learning has no age limit.

• Determination and effort can help anyone succeed.

• We must respect all teachers, regardless of their age or relation.

Textbook Answers

4A. MCQ Answers

(a) (iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi
(b) (iii) they could relate with the protagonist of 'Kashi Yatre'
(c) (i) the grandmother had been unable to read the story 'Kashi Yatre' on her own
(d) (i) She did it as a mark of respect for her teacher
(e) (ii) might be too immature to understand her pain
(f) (ii) The transport system, especially the bus service, was not fully functional in rural areas

4B. Extract-Based MCQ Answers

I.
i. (a) She was unable to read the story.
ii. (b) only 2 and 3
iii. (c) yearning - uncertain - dejected - helpless

II.

1. (c) feel overwhelmed

2. (c) A teacher elevates the mind and gives energy to the character.

3. (b) The report asserts confidently that the world economy will boost from the market collapse.

4. (d) successful

5. Short Answer Questions

(a) The grandmother could not read, so she depended on her granddaughter to read the story 'Kashi Yatre' to her every week.

(b)

1. "I felt so dependent and helpless."

2. "I waited eagerly for you to return."

(c) Yes, she succeeded in reading the novel. With dedication and the help of her granddaughter, she learned to read before Dassara.

(d) Traits: (i) determined and (iii) emotional. She was determined to learn reading at the age of 62 and emotional when she couldn’t read the magazine during her granddaughter’s absence.

(e) After reading 'Kashi Yatre', the grandmother realised the value of knowledge. The story disturbed her comfort of depending on others and inspired her to change her life.

(f) 'Kashi Yatre' deeply touched the grandmother because the main character's sacrifice reminded her of her own desire to do something meaningful. It motivated her to learn reading.

(g) The story teaches that age is never a barrier to learning. It inspires the youth to help elders learn, and reminds elders that it is never too late to become independent.

(h) "Don't let age be a concern. Live your dream!"
As the grandmother, I feel proud and fulfilled. At 62, I did what many younger people fear—I learned to read. Today, I can read my favourite novel and scriptures by myself. I feel free, independent, and respected. It's never too late!

6. Identify the Speaker and Quality

Speaker Quotation Quality Highlighted

Granddaughter 'Avva, is everything all right? Are you OK?' Concerned, caring

Grandmother 'At times, I used to regret not going to school...' Regretful, wise

Granddaughter 'Avva, don’t cry. What is the matter? Can I help you in any way?' Sympathetic, understanding

Grandmother 'What use is money when I cannot be independent?' Realistic, emotional

Grandmother 'I will keep Saraswati Pooja day during Dassara as the deadline.' Determined, disciplined

Grandmother 'If you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.' Inspirational, motivated

Grandmother 'I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter.' Grateful, respectful

7. Listening Task

(Based on teacher reading, so example answers given)

(a) What did the children do for the old people?

1. Arranged cultural programmes

2. Gave gifts

3. Talked and spent time with them

4. Played music and shared food

(b) Feelings of the old people:
i. Happy
ii. Loved
iii. Remembered their own children

(c) Completions:
i) We can make our grandparents happy by spending time with them and helping them.
ii) We can avoid constructing more and more Old Age Homes by giving love, care, and attention to our elders at home.

8. Diary Entry (as Grandmother)

8th July 20xx, Wednesday, 8 pm
Today I am very happy. My granddaughter gifted me the novel Kashi Yatre. I was able to read the title and publisher's name on my own! I feel proud and independent. I never thought this day would come. I touched her feet, not just as my granddaughter but as my teacher. I will always remember her love and patience. This is the best gift I have ever received.

9. Blog Post: Youth & Adult Illiteracy

Title: Youth Power Can End Adult Illiteracy
India is considered one of the potential superpowers of the world but still has over 300 million illiterate people. Many adults, especially women, were never given the chance to study. Youth today can bring change by teaching the elders around them. Like the granddaughter in the story who helped her grandmother read, young people can spend a little time each day helping parents, grandparents, or domestic workers learn. Education gives confidence, freedom, and self-respect. By taking small steps, today’s youth can lead India towards 100% literacy and make the nation truly strong and independent.

Extra Questions with Answers

2-Mark Questions (30–40 words)

Q 1: Why did the grandmother want to learn how to read at the age of sixty-two?
A: The grandmother wanted to read religious books and the novel Kashi Yatre on her own. She felt dependent on others and didn’t want to wait for someone to read it aloud to her anymore.

Q 2: What inspired the grandmother to take up learning?
A: The grandmother was inspired by the character in Kashi Yatre who showed strength and devotion. She realised that knowledge is powerful and decided to educate herself despite her age.

Q 3: How did the granddaughter help her grandmother learn?
A: The granddaughter became her grandmother’s teacher. She patiently taught her Kannada alphabets, words, and reading every day. With regular practice, her grandmother soon learned to read on her own.

Q4: How did the grandmother show her gratitude to her granddaughter?
A: The grandmother touched her granddaughter’s feet during the Saraswati Pooja. She called her a teacher and thanked her for giving her the gift of education, showing deep love and respect.

Q 5: What does the story teach us about determination?
A: The story shows that age is no barrier if one is determined. The grandmother’s willpower helped her learn to read at sixty-two. It proves that it’s never too late to learn.

8 Marks Questions (100–120 words)

Q 6: How did the grandmother’s life change after she learned to read?
A: Before learning to read, the grandmother depended on others to read letters or books. This made her feel helpless and incomplete. But after learning, she became confident and independent. She could read Kashi Yatre and religious texts by herself. Her self-respect grew, and she no longer had to wait for others. The joy of reading brought new meaning to her life. She even celebrated her learning by touching her granddaughter’s feet, showing that learning is powerful and age is just a number. Her life transformed from dependency to dignity, all because of her strong will and dedication.

Q 7: What role does the granddaughter play in her grandmother’s life in the story?
A: The granddaughter plays a very special role in her grandmother’s life. She is not just a child, but a teacher, guide, and source of encouragement. When she finds out that her grandmother is sad because she can’t read, she doesn’t laugh or ignore it. Instead, she patiently teaches her every day, helping her learn the Kannada alphabet and words. She respects her grandmother’s wish and becomes the reason behind her happiness. On Saraswati Pooja, her grandmother touches her feet, calling her a teacher. This shows the granddaughter’s positive influence and how she changed her grandmother’s life forever.

Q 8: How is the title ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ appropriate for the story?
A: The title is simple yet powerful. It clearly tells the main idea of the story—that a young girl taught her sixty-two-year-old grandmother how to read. It highlights the emotional bond between the two, and how roles can reverse in life—a child can become a teacher. The title shows the value of education and the importance of helping others learn, regardless of age. It also creates curiosity, as teaching a grandmother sounds unusual. Overall, the title reflects the heart of the story: love, learning, and determination. It suits the message and tone of the story perfectly.

Q 9: What values and life lessons can we learn from the story?
A: This story teaches us several important values. First, it shows determination—the grandmother was eager to learn even at sixty-two. Second, it shows respect for learning, as she touched her granddaughter’s feet. Third, it teaches that age is no barrier to education. The story also promotes family love, patience, and the importance of helping others. It inspires us to respect elders, understand their struggles, and support them. The granddaughter’s kindness and the grandmother’s humility make this a beautiful story of learning, love, and personal growth. It reminds us that education brings independence and dignity at any age.

Q 10: Describe the relationship between the narrator and her grandmother.
A: The narrator and her grandmother share a close and loving bond. They not only live together but also enjoy storytelling and spending time with each other. When the grandmother expresses her sadness about not being able to read, the granddaughter understands her pain. She doesn’t make fun of her; instead, she patiently teaches her every day. The grandmother trusts her completely and learns with full dedication. On Saraswati Pooja, she shows great respect by touching her granddaughter’s feet, calling her a teacher. This shows how strong their emotional connection is. Their relationship is based on love, respect, and mutual growth.