How I Taught My Grandmother to Read - Inspiring Story by Sudha Murthy

Explore the heartwarming tale of transformation in Sudha Murthy's "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read." Discover the power of determination, inter-generational bonds, and the importance of education in this timeless story. Read more about the impact of literature on personal growth and family relationships.

Introduction (H2): "Discover the inspiring journey of a grandmother's pursuit of literacy in Sudha Murthy's 'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read.' This timeless story delves into the realms of family bonds, determination, and the transformative power of education."

Key Highlights 

• "The Importance of Education at Any Age"

• "Lessons for the Present Generation and Elders"

• "A Grandmother's Emotional Diary Entry"

Why Read This Story? : "Explore the pages of this captivating narrative that carries profound lessons for readers of all ages. Join us in celebrating the power of knowledge, the wisdom of generations, and the remarkable journey of a grandmother's self-discovery."

Author's Insights : "Sudha Murthy, a prolific writer and philanthropist, beautifully captures the essence of family, education, and personal growth in this short story. Discover the author's perspective and the real-life inspiration behind this heartwarming tale."

Explore More:

• "Read the Full Story Online"

• "About Sudha Murthy"

• "Related Stories by Sudha Murthy"

Call to Action: "Ready to be inspired? Dive into 'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read' now and experience the magic of Sudha Murthy's storytelling."

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read - A Sudha Murthy Masterpiece

Summary

The story, "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" by Sudha Murthy, is about a young girl's experience in teaching her illiterate grandmother to read. The girl lives with her grandparents in a village in North Karnataka, and they eagerly await the arrival of the weekly magazine that carries a serialized story called "Kashi Yatre" by the popular Kannada writer Triveni. The story within a story, "Kashi Yatre," revolves around an old woman's desire to go to the holy city of Kashi (Varanasi) and her sacrifice for the happiness of a young orphan girl.

The girl reads "Kashi Yatre" to her grandmother, and the grandmother becomes deeply engrossed in the story. She identifies with the central character's longing to visit Kashi and becomes emotionally attached to the narrative. Later, when the girl goes away to attend a wedding for a week, she returns to find her grandmother in tears. The grandmother confesses that, in her absence, she tried to read the story herself but couldn't understand the text due to her illiteracy. She expresses her desire to learn how to read and sets a goal to read a novel independently by Saraswati Pooja day during Dassara.

The granddaughter, initially skeptical due to her grandmother's age and busy life, agrees to teach her. The grandmother is a dedicated student, working hard and doing her homework diligently. She eventually succeeds in learning to read, and on Dassara, she surprises her granddaughter by presenting her with a gift – a novel titled "Kashi Yatre" by Triveni, which she can read confidently. The story highlights the grandmother's determination, the bond between the generations, and the power of education to empower individuals, regardless of their age.

In summary, "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" is a touching narrative about the granddaughter's efforts to teach her illiterate grandmother to read and the grandmother's determination to become literate to enjoy the serialized story "Kashi Yatre." It underscores the importance of education, family bonds, and the fulfillment that comes from personal growth and achievement.

How the story touches the hearts"?

The story "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" by Sudha Murthy touches hearts in several ways:

1. Emotional Connection: The story establishes a strong emotional connection with readers by portraying the close bond between a granddaughter and her grandmother. This relationship resonates with many people, reminding them of the deep love and respect they have for their own grandparents.

2. Inspiration: The transformation of the grandmother from an illiterate woman to someone who learns to read at an advanced age is inspiring. It shows that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams and that determination can lead to personal growth.

3. Family Values: The story highlights the importance of family values, respect for elders, and the role of education in strengthening family bonds. It encourages readers to appreciate and support the older generations in their pursuit of knowledge.

4. Inter-generational Learning: The act of the granddaughter teaching her grandmother to read symbolizes the exchange of knowledge and wisdom between generations. It emphasizes the value of learning from one another within a family.

5. Overcoming Challenges: The grandmother's determination to overcome her illiteracy despite her age and the challenges she faces is a testament to the human spirit. This aspect of the story resonates with anyone who has faced obstacles in their life.

6. Power of Literature: The story underscores the transformative power of literature. The grandmother's fascination with the serialized story "Kashi Yatre" reveals how literature can transport readers to different worlds and provide solace and inspiration.

7. Independence and Empowerment: The grandmother's journey to learn to read represents her quest for independence and self-empowerment. This theme encourages readers to consider their own potential for growth and self-discovery.

8. Timeless Message: The story's timeless message about the value of education and family relationships continues to resonate with people of all ages. It reminds readers to cherish their loved ones and encourages lifelong learning.

In summary, "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" touches hearts by portraying a heartwarming family story, inspiring personal transformation, and conveying universal messages about love, respect, determination, and the enduring power of literature.

Word Meanings:

1. transport: the act of moving people or goods from one place to another, often referring to the means of transportation like buses or vehicles.

2. serialized: presented or published in a series of installments or episodes.

3. magazine: a periodical publication containing articles, stories, and images on various topics.

4. protagonist: the main character in a story or novel, often the central figure whose experiences and actions drive the narrative.

5. ardent: showing strong feelings or intense enthusiasm.

6. psychological: related to the study of the mind and behavior, including thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

7. orphan: a child who has lost one or both parents.

8. ultimate: denoting the highest degree or the most important.

9. punya: a term in hinduism that means virtuous actions or deeds that lead to spiritual merit or blessings.

10. dependent: relying on someone or something for support or sustenance.

11. embarrassed: feeling self-conscious, uncomfortable, or ashamed in a social situation.

12. diligently: in a manner characterized by careful and persistent effort or work.

13. empowering: granting or giving someone the power or authority to do something.

14. transformed: changed completely or dramatically in form, appearance, or character.

15. indescribable: too extraordinary or intense to be adequately expressed in words.

16. contentment: a state of happiness and satisfaction with one's circumstances.

17. catalyst: something that causes a change or accelerates a process.

18. solace: comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

19. symbol: a sign, object, or image that represents something else, often with deeper meaning.

20. gratitude: the feeling of being thankful and appreciative for something received or experienced.

21. journey: the act of traveling from one place to another, often implying a process or progression.

22. bridge: in a metaphorical sense, something that connects two different worlds or experiences.

23. aspirations: strong desires or ambitions to achieve something significant.

24. self-discovery: the process of gaining insight and understanding about one's own character, values, and identity.

25. validation: the act of confirming, verifying, or proving the authenticity or worthiness of something.

Questions from the book

1. “Good fiction’s job is to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” How does this apply to the grandmother after she had finished reading Kashi Yatre? Explain with a reason.

ANS.

1. Comforting the Disturbed: Initially, the grandmother in the story is a somewhat passive and illiterate woman who finds solace and distraction in listening to her granddaughter read stories, particularly "Kashi Yatre." This story comforts her by providing an escape from her daily routine and allowing her to immerse herself in the world of literature. It offers her a sense of fulfilment and joy that she might not have experienced otherwise.

2. Disturbing the Comfortable: As the story progresses, the grandmother's interaction with the serialized story "Kashi Yatre" begins to disturb her comfort zone. It challenges her to confront her illiteracy, dependency, and feelings of helplessness. When she tries to read the story on her own and realizes she cannot understand it due to her lack of education, it disturbs her sense of contentment. This discomfort becomes a catalyst for her determination to learn how to read, marking a significant shift in her life.

In this context, the story initially comforts the grandmother by providing entertainment and connection with her granddaughter. However, it also disturbs her comfortable acceptance of illiteracy and dependence, ultimately inspiring her to take action and embark on a journey of personal growth and independence. This transformation aligns with the idea that good fiction can both soothe and challenge the reader, prompting them to question their circumstances and strive for positive change.

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2. ‘Kashi Yatre,’ was the catalyst in the transformation of the grandmother. Support with an example.Top of Form

ANS. Indeed, "Kashi Yatre" served as a catalyst in the transformation of the grandmother in the story. An example that illustrates this transformation is when the grandmother, after her granddaughter's absence, attempts to read the story on her own and experiences a profound realization about her illiteracy.

Before her attempt to read the story independently, the grandmother had been comfortably dependent on her granddaughter to read it to her. She enjoyed listening to the story but hadn't taken any initiative to learn to read herself, even though she regretted not having received an education earlier in life.

However, during her granddaughter's absence, the grandmother decides to try reading "Kashi Yatre" by herself. This moment is significant because it represents her first step towards breaking out of her comfort zone and confronting her illiteracy. As she attempts to decipher the words on the page, she faces the harsh reality that she cannot understand the text due to her lack of education. This realization is a pivotal and uncomfortable moment for her.

It's at this point that the grandmother's transformation truly begins. She feels embarrassed and helpless but also determined. This experience disturbs her comfortable acceptance of her illiteracy and dependence on others for reading. It ignites a strong desire within her to become literate and independent.

This determination drives her to approach her granddaughter and express her wish to learn the Kannada alphabet and eventually read a novel on her own. From this moment forward, the grandmother embarks on a journey of learning, hard work, and personal growth. She studies diligently, completes her homework, and achieves her goal of reading a novel by Saraswati Pooja day during Dassara.

In summary, the catalyst for the grandmother's transformation was her attempt to read "Kashi Yatre" independently, which led to the realization of her illiteracy and the subsequent determination to become literate. This example underscores how literature can have a profound impact on individuals, motivating them to challenge their limitations and strive for self-improvement.

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3. What message does the story, “How I Taught My Grandmother” hold for the present generation and the elders?

ANS.

The story "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" by Sudha Murthy holds several important messages for both the present generation and elders:

1. Value of Education: For the present generation, the story emphasizes the significance of education. It serves as a reminder that education is a valuable asset that can empower individuals at any age, just as it did for the grandmother in the story. It encourages young people to appreciate the opportunities for learning and to support and encourage the education of their elders.

2. Respect for Elders: The story highlights the importance of respecting and caring for elders in the family. The granddaughter's willingness to teach her grandmother demonstrates the love and respect she has for her elder family members. It reminds the present generation of the need to show patience and support to their elders, especially when they wish to learn or experience new things.

3. Breaking Gender Stereotypes: The grandmother's decision to learn to read at the age of sixty-two challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, showing that it's never too late for anyone, regardless of gender, to pursue education and personal growth.

4. Inter-generational Bonding: The story underscores the deep emotional connection between generations. It shows that spending quality time with grandparents can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. For the present generation, it encourages them to cherish their relationships with elders.

5. Determination and Perseverance: The grandmother's determination and hard work to learn how to read serve as a lesson in determination and perseverance. This can inspire both the young and the elderly to pursue their goals and dreams with dedication, regardless of the challenges they may face.

6. Independence and Self-Empowerment: The grandmother's transformation from dependency to independence through literacy sends a powerful message about the value of self-empowerment. It teaches that acquiring new skills can lead to greater independence and a sense of accomplishment.

7. Fulfilment in Learning: The story conveys the idea that learning is a lifelong journey and a source of fulfilment. Whether one is young or old, the pursuit of knowledge can bring joy and satisfaction.

8. Respect for Teachers: When the grandmother touches her granddaughter's feet as a mark of respect for her teacher, it highlights the significance of respecting educators and mentors. This gesture conveys that teaching and learning are deeply respected roles.

In essence, "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" offers valuable lessons about education, respect, family bonds, determination, and the potential for personal growth at any age. It encourages both the present generation and elders to embrace learning, support each other, and appreciate the wisdom and experiences that each generation brings to the family dynamic.

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4. Grandmother comes across a post online: ‘Don’t let age be a concern. Live your dream!’ As grandmother, write a short paragraph expressing your heartfelt emotion on your achievement.

ANS.

Dear friends,

Today, I stumbled upon a beautiful post online that said, "Don't let age be a concern. Live your dream!" I cannot express how deeply this message resonated with me. Learning to read at the age of sixty-two was a dream I never thought I could achieve. But with determination, the support of my loving granddaughter, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue knowledge, I conquered my fears and made my dream come true. The sense of accomplishment and independence I now feel is beyond words. It is a testament to the idea that age should never limit our aspirations. So, I want to share this message with all of you, especially those who think they are too old to pursue their dreams. Believe in yourself, and you will find the strength to make your dreams a reality.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Avva, the grandmother

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Imagine you are the grandmother. How would you feel if your granddaughter

gave you the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’? Write your feelings in your diary. To make your diary entry interesting, read the following information about what is a diary entry.

A diary entry is a purely personal piece of writing. The writer expresses his/her thoughts

and feelings. Reactions to incidents are generally poured out in a diary. Hence expressions that are emotionally charged are used.

For example - When you are happy about something, you could start like this –

8th July 20xx, Wednesday 8 pm

Today I am very happy as. …………………...…………

……………………………………………………………

ANS.

8th September 20xx, Friday, 7 pm

Today has been an extraordinary day, and I am overwhelmed with emotions. My precious granddaughter, the light of my life, surprised me with the most thoughtful and cherished gift I could have ever imagined - the novel "Kashi Yatre."

As I opened the book and saw the title, tears welled up in my eyes. It was not just a novel; it was a symbol of the journey I embarked on to learn how to read. To think that I can now read and understand a novel on my own fills my heart with indescribable joy. The dedication and hard work I put into learning the Kannada alphabet have been rewarded in the most beautiful way.

I held the book close to my heart, and it felt like a bridge between the world of dreams and reality. It's a testament to the love and patience of my granddaughter, who became my first teacher and guided me through this incredible journey of self-discovery.

This gift, "Kashi Yatre," is not just pages and words; it's a representation of the bond between generations, the power of determination, and the joy of independence. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for my granddaughter and the opportunity to live my dream of reading. This moment has made me realize that age is no barrier to pursuing one's dreams, and I am truly living proof of that.

As I sit here, holding the book close, I can't help but smile through my tears. Today, I am not just a grandmother; I am a reader, and I feel like I have touched the stars.

With love and gratitude,

Grandmother's Name

Extra Questions:

1. Who is the author of the story?

2. In which region of India does the story take place?

3. What was the transport system like in the village?

4. What kind of stories did Triveni, the Kannada writer, specialize in?

5. What was the title of the serialized story that the grandmother and granddaughter read together?

6. What is the central theme of "Kashi Yatre"?

7. Why did the grandmother in the story want to go to Kashi?

8. How did the grandmother react when the granddaughter read the serialized story to her?

9. What happened when the granddaughter went to a neighboring village for a wedding?

10. Why was the grandmother in tears when the granddaughter returned from the wedding?

11. What was the age of the grandmother when she decided to learn the Kannada alphabet?

12. What was the grandmother's deadline for learning to read a novel on her own?

13. Who became the grandmother's teacher when she decided to learn to read?

14. How did the granddaughter surprise her grandmother on Dassara?

15. What did the grandmother gift to her granddaughter on Dassara?

16. What did the grandmother say when she touched her granddaughter's feet?

17. What is the significance of Saraswati Pooja day in the story?

18. How did the grandmother prove her determination to learn to read?

19. What emotions and values are highlighted in the story?

20. What lesson does the story convey about education and family relationships?

Answers to extra questions:

1. Who is the author of the story?

   • The author of the story is Sudha Murthy.

2. In which region of India does the story take place?

   • The story takes place in North Karnataka, India.

3. What was the transport system like in the village?

   • The transport system in the village was not very good, and they used to get the morning papers and weekly magazines in the afternoon.

4. What kind of stories did Triveni, the Kannada writer, specialize in?

   • Triveni, the Kannada writer, specialized in stories that dealt with complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people.

5. What was the title of the serialized story that the grandmother and granddaughter read together?

   • The title of the serialized story was "Kashi Yatre."

6. What is the central theme of "Kashi Yatre"?

   • The central theme of "Kashi Yatre" is an old lady's ardent desire to go to Kashi (Varanasi) and her sacrifice for the happiness of a young orphan girl.

7. Why did the grandmother in the story want to go to Kashi?

   • The grandmother in the story wanted to go to Kashi because she believed it was the ultimate act of virtue (punya) for a Hindu to visit Kashi and worship Lord Vishweshwara.

8. How did the grandmother react when the granddaughter read the serialized story to her?

   • The grandmother reacted with great concentration and interest when the granddaughter read the serialized story to her. She would later discuss the story with her friends.

9. What happened when the granddaughter went to a neighboring village for a wedding?

   • The granddaughter went to a neighboring village for a wedding and stayed there for a week.

10. Why was the grandmother in tears when the granddaughter returned from the wedding?

    • The grandmother was in tears because in the granddaughter's absence, she tried to read the story herself but couldn't understand it due to her illiteracy.

11. What was the age of the grandmother when she decided to learn the Kannada alphabet?

    • The grandmother was sixty-two years old when she decided to learn the Kannada alphabet.

12. What was the grandmother's deadline for learning to read a novel on her own?

    • The grandmother set Saraswati Pooja day during Dassara as her deadline to be able to read a novel on her own.

13. Who became the grandmother's teacher when she decided to learn to read?

    • The granddaughter became the grandmother's teacher when she decided to learn to read.

14. How did the granddaughter surprise her grandmother on Dassara?

    • The granddaughter surprised her grandmother on Dassara by gifting her a novel titled "Kashi Yatre" by Triveni.

15. What did the grandmother gift to her granddaughter on Dassara?

    • The grandmother gifted her granddaughter a frock.

16. What did the grandmother say when she touched her granddaughter's feet?

    • The grandmother said that she was touching the feet of a teacher who had taught her so well and with so much affection that she could now read a novel confidently.

17. What is the significance of Saraswati Pooja day in the story?

    • Saraswati Pooja day during Dassara is significant because it was the deadline the grandmother set for herself to be able to read a novel independently.

18. How did the grandmother prove her determination to learn to read?

    • The grandmother proved her determination by working hard, doing her homework diligently, and successfully learning to read despite her age.

19. What emotions and values are highlighted in the story?

    • The story highlights emotions such as love, determination, and the value of education. It also emphasizes family bonds and respect for teachers.

20. What lesson does the story convey about education and family relationships?

    • The story conveys the lesson that education knows no age limit, and it can empower individuals to achieve their goals. It also underscores the importance of family support and the deep bonds that exist between generations.

Value-based questions:

Here are five value-based questions inspired by the story "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" by Sudha Murthy:

1. Empathy and Generosity: How does the granddaughter's act of teaching her grandmother to read reflect the values of empathy and generosity within a family?

2. Respect for Elders: In what ways does the story highlight the importance of respecting and supporting elders in their pursuits, such as the grandmother's desire to learn to read?

3. Perseverance and Determination: What does the grandmother's journey to become literate teach us about the values of perseverance and determination, especially when faced with challenges like age or illiteracy?

4. Education and Independence: How does the story emphasize the value of education in promoting independence and self-empowerment, regardless of one's age or circumstances?

5. Inter-generational Bonding: What message does the story convey about the significance of inter-generational bonding and the exchange of knowledge and wisdom within a family?

Answers:

1. Empathy and Generosity: The granddaughter's act of teaching her grandmother to read reflects empathy and generosity within a family by showcasing her willingness to understand her grandmother's unfulfilled desire and taking proactive steps to make it a reality. Her empathy for her grandmother's longing to read and her generosity in devoting time and effort to teach her demonstrate how family members can support each other's aspirations and well-being.

2. Respect for Elders: The story highlights the importance of respecting and supporting elders in their pursuits, such as the grandmother's desire to learn to read. It emphasizes that age should not diminish the significance of an elder's goals and that family members should encourage and facilitate their endeavors, fostering an environment of mutual respect and appreciation for their wisdom and aspirations.

3. Perseverance and Determination: The grandmother's journey to become literate teaches us profound lessons about perseverance and determination. Despite her age and lack of prior education, she sets a goal, works diligently, and overcomes challenges. Her story underscores the values of resilience and tenacity, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, one can achieve even the most seemingly impossible dreams.

4. Education and Independence: The story underscores the value of education in promoting independence and self-empowerment, irrespective of one's age or circumstances. It showcases how education equips individuals with the tools to become self-reliant, make informed decisions, and pursue their aspirations autonomously. The grandmother's pursuit of literacy symbolizes her quest for independence and her belief in the transformative power of education.

5. Inter-generational Bonding: The story conveys a powerful message about the significance of inter-generational bonding and the exchange of knowledge and wisdom within a family. It illustrates how the act of teaching and learning can strengthen family bonds and create cherished memories. It encourages the passing down of traditions, values, and experiences from one generation to the next, fostering a sense of continuity and unity within the family.

These answers reflect the core values and themes explored in "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" and emphasize the importance of empathy, respect, perseverance, education, and family relationships in our lives.