How I Taught My Grandmother to Read
Welcome back, dear students and learners, to the Vishal Jihuli Board! I am Vishal Sir. Today, we are starting a wonderful new journey with your Class 9 English textbook, Kaveri. Have you ever thought about what it means to be independent? Or whether there is an age limit to learning something new?
In our first chapter, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read by the renowned author Sudha Murty, we will explore a heart-touching real-life story. We will see how a 12-year-old girl becomes a teacher to her 62-year-old grandmother. This comprehensive master guide covers every single question from pages 1 to 22 of your Kaveri textbook. I have written these answers with detailed explanations so you can score full marks in your exams. Let’s dive in! 📖✨
Table of Contents
🗣️ Section I: Pre-Reading / Let's Begin
Q1. Which language(s) do your grandparents or elderly relatives speak?
Vishal Sir's Answer:
My grandparents generally speak our regional languages such as Hindi, Kannada, and sometimes local dialects.
(Pro-Tip for Students: Personalize this answer! If you are from Punjab, write Punjabi; if from Bengal, write Bengali. The examiner loves authentic answers here.)
My grandparents generally speak our regional languages such as Hindi, Kannada, and sometimes local dialects.
(Pro-Tip for Students: Personalize this answer! If you are from Punjab, write Punjabi; if from Bengal, write Bengali. The examiner loves authentic answers here.)
Q2. How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?
Answer:
They spend their time reading newspapers, praying, gardening, and watching religious or news programs on television. I spend time with them by listening to their childhood stories, helping them with small chores like organizing their medicines, and sitting with them in the evening for a walk.
They spend their time reading newspapers, praying, gardening, and watching religious or news programs on television. I spend time with them by listening to their childhood stories, helping them with small chores like organizing their medicines, and sitting with them in the evening for a walk.
Q3. What is your favourite experience with them?
Answer:
My absolute favourite experience is listening to the fascinating stories of their childhood. It is amazing to learn how different life was without mobile phones and the internet, and I love learning about our old family traditions from them.
My absolute favourite experience is listening to the fascinating stories of their childhood. It is amazing to learn how different life was without mobile phones and the internet, and I love learning about our old family traditions from them.
Q4. What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?
Answer:
They cannot easily operate modern digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. However, they thoroughly enjoy watching me video-call our distant relatives, search for recipes or bhajans online, or effortlessly navigate digital screens.
They cannot easily operate modern digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. However, they thoroughly enjoy watching me video-call our distant relatives, search for recipes or bhajans online, or effortlessly navigate digital screens.
📖 Section II: Vocabulary & True/False
1. Vocabulary Matching (Match the highlighted words from the text with their meanings)
| Words from the Text | Correct Meaning |
|---|---|
| (i) Protagonist | Main character of a story |
| (ii) Debate | Discussion or argument |
| (iii) Episode | A part of a serialised story |
| (iv) Community | People living in one particular area |
| (v) Concentration | Deep focus |
| (vi) Eagerly | Excitedly |
| (vii) Convincing | Believable |
| (viii) Guided | Directed or led |
2. State whether the following sentences are true or false:
- The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence.
Answer: True (She realized that independence is the greatest wealth.) - The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away.
Answer: False (She was too embarrassed and proud to ask anyone else). - The narrator was the grandmother's first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada.
Answer: True (The 12-year-old girl took on the role of a Guru).
📊 Section III: Cause and Effect
Examiners love this section because it tests your logical understanding of the story. Complete the table below:
| Cause (Why it happened) | Effect (What happened as a result) |
|---|---|
| The morning papers and weekly magazines arrived late in the village due to transport issues. | All of them would wait eagerly for the bus to arrive with the papers and magazines. |
| The grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school in her childhood. | She could not read the weekly magazine independently and had to rely entirely on her granddaughter. |
| The narrator went to a neighbouring village for a wedding for a whole week. | The grandmother felt completely helpless and cried because there was nobody to read the story to her. |
| The grandmother deeply regretted her illiteracy and dependence. | She decided to learn the Kannada alphabet at the age of sixty-two to become permanently independent. |
🔍 Section IV: Extract-Based Questions (Reference to Context)
Extract 1
"I had never seen her cry in the most difficult situations..."
(i) What does the phrase tell us about the grandmother?
Answer:
It tells us that Krishtakka was an emotionally strong, tough, and resilient woman who usually faced life's hardships bravely without shedding tears. Crying was very uncharacteristic of her.
It tells us that Krishtakka was an emotionally strong, tough, and resilient woman who usually faced life's hardships bravely without shedding tears. Crying was very uncharacteristic of her.
(ii) Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too _______ to respond.
Answer:
She might have been too emotional and overwhelmed to respond.
She might have been too emotional and overwhelmed to respond.
(iii) Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting.
Answer:
The mention of "sleeping in the open terrace of our house" and the use of the regional Kannada term "Avva" indicate a traditional rural village setting where people slept under the stars.
The mention of "sleeping in the open terrace of our house" and the use of the regional Kannada term "Avva" indicate a traditional rural village setting where people slept under the stars.
Extract 2
"I want to be independent..."
(i) What does the grandmother's statement, “I want to be independent,” reveal about her character?
Answer:
It reveals her strong desire for self-sufficiency, her high self-respect, and her refusal to let her illiteracy make her permanently helpless and dependent on a child. She takes charge of her own destiny.
It reveals her strong desire for self-sufficiency, her high self-respect, and her refusal to let her illiteracy make her permanently helpless and dependent on a child. She takes charge of her own destiny.
(ii) The grandmother's determination shows that learning has no _______. (age limit/gender bias/cultural barriers)
Answer:
Learning has no age limit.
Learning has no age limit.
(iii) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?
Answer:
The narrator incorrectly assumes her sixty-two-year-old grandmother cannot learn, judging her simply by her physical traits (grey hair, wrinkles, spectacles, and kitchen duties). This childish assumption is proven wrong by the grandmother's sheer willpower.
The narrator incorrectly assumes her sixty-two-year-old grandmother cannot learn, judging her simply by her physical traits (grey hair, wrinkles, spectacles, and kitchen duties). This childish assumption is proven wrong by the grandmother's sheer willpower.
Extract 3
"I knew then that my student had passed with flying colours."
(i) Who is the 'student' and who is the 'teacher' in this line?
Answer:
The 'student' is the 62-year-old grandmother (Krishtakka), and the 'teacher' is the 12-year-old granddaughter (Sudha).
The 'student' is the 62-year-old grandmother (Krishtakka), and the 'teacher' is the 12-year-old granddaughter (Sudha).
(ii) What was the ultimate test for the student?
Answer:
The ultimate test was to read the title (Kashi Yatre), the author's name (Triveni), and the publisher's name on the novel completely independently, without any help from the granddaughter.
The ultimate test was to read the title (Kashi Yatre), the author's name (Triveni), and the publisher's name on the novel completely independently, without any help from the granddaughter.
(iii) What does the idiom 'passed with flying colours' mean?
Answer:
It means to achieve tremendous success or to pass a test with an exceptionally high score. The grandmother succeeded brilliantly in her goal.
It means to achieve tremendous success or to pass a test with an exceptionally high score. The grandmother succeeded brilliantly in her goal.
✍️ Section V: Think and Reflect (Short & Long Answers)
Vishal Sir's Advice: For short answers (30-40 words), get straight to the point. For long answers (100-120 words), divide your answer into two paragraphs: Introduction and Core Explanation.
Q1. Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?
Answer:
The grandmother belonged to a highly respected, well-off family in the village. Admitting her inability to read the magazine to the neighbours would expose her lifelong illiteracy. She valued her dignity and independence, and asking others would have made her feel deeply humiliated, helpless, and dependent.
The grandmother belonged to a highly respected, well-off family in the village. Admitting her inability to read the magazine to the neighbours would expose her lifelong illiteracy. She valued her dignity and independence, and asking others would have made her feel deeply humiliated, helpless, and dependent.
Q2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother's determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
Answer:
The twelve-year-old narrator reacted with a child's typical innocence. She looked at her grandmother’s physical appearance—grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and heavy kitchen duties—and found it highly amusing that an old woman wanted to act like a young school student. She lacked the maturity to realize that inner willpower is much stronger than physical age.
The twelve-year-old narrator reacted with a child's typical innocence. She looked at her grandmother’s physical appearance—grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and heavy kitchen duties—and found it highly amusing that an old woman wanted to act like a young school student. She lacked the maturity to realize that inner willpower is much stronger than physical age.
Q3. What significance does the story of 'Kashi Yatre' have in both the grandmother's life and the story?
Answer:
Kashi Yatre acts as a mirror for the grandmother. Just like the novel's protagonist, she was an old woman who deeply yearned to visit Kashi (Varanasi) but had never been there. Because she was so emotionally attached to the protagonist's struggles, her desperate desire to know what happens next in the novel during her granddaughter's absence acts as the catalyst that finally pushes her to learn how to read.
Kashi Yatre acts as a mirror for the grandmother. Just like the novel's protagonist, she was an old woman who deeply yearned to visit Kashi (Varanasi) but had never been there. Because she was so emotionally attached to the protagonist's struggles, her desperate desire to know what happens next in the novel during her granddaughter's absence acts as the catalyst that finally pushes her to learn how to read.
Q4. Do you think the grandmother proved to be an ideal student? Give reasons.
Answer:
Yes, the grandmother was an absolutely ideal student.
1. She was highly punctual and dedicated. She set a deadline (Dasara) and stuck to it.
2. She did an immense amount of hard work—reading, repeating, writing, and reciting her lessons daily despite her household chores.
3. She showed immense respect to her teacher, proving her humility by touching her 12-year-old granddaughter's feet.
Yes, the grandmother was an absolutely ideal student.
1. She was highly punctual and dedicated. She set a deadline (Dasara) and stuck to it.
2. She did an immense amount of hard work—reading, repeating, writing, and reciting her lessons daily despite her household chores.
3. She showed immense respect to her teacher, proving her humility by touching her 12-year-old granddaughter's feet.
Q5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother's action of touching the narrator's feet?
Answer:
This surprising action breaks traditional age hierarchies in Indian society. It teaches us a profound lesson in humility: a teacher (Guru) deserves utmost respect, gratitude, and reverence, regardless of their age or gender. The grandmother explained she was not touching a child's feet; she was paying ultimate respect to the teacher who granted her the greatest gift of literacy.
This surprising action breaks traditional age hierarchies in Indian society. It teaches us a profound lesson in humility: a teacher (Guru) deserves utmost respect, gratitude, and reverence, regardless of their age or gender. The grandmother explained she was not touching a child's feet; she was paying ultimate respect to the teacher who granted her the greatest gift of literacy.
Q6. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
Answer:
The story brilliantly highlights this by showing a woman who has money, family respect, and a comfortable home, yet feels completely "helpless" simply because she cannot read. It proves that financial wealth cannot buy the true independence, confidence, and self-respect that education brings. Once Krishtakka learns to read, she no longer has to wait for anyone; she gains back her dignity and self-sufficiency. Education is the key to true freedom.
The story brilliantly highlights this by showing a woman who has money, family respect, and a comfortable home, yet feels completely "helpless" simply because she cannot read. It proves that financial wealth cannot buy the true independence, confidence, and self-respect that education brings. Once Krishtakka learns to read, she no longer has to wait for anyone; she gains back her dignity and self-sufficiency. Education is the key to true freedom.
Vishal Sir's Thought: "For a good cause, if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. I will work harder than anybody, and I will do it. For learning, there is no age bar."
Krishtakka (The Grandmother)
🔤 Section VI: Let's Learn Language (Grammar & Vocabulary)
1. Prefixes and Antonyms
Add appropriate prefixes (un-, in-, im-, ir-, il-, dis-) to make the antonyms of the following words from the chapter:
| Word | Antonym (with Prefix) |
|---|---|
| Dependent | Independent |
| Literate | Illiterate |
| Possible | Impossible |
| Respect | Disrespect |
| Regular | Irregular |
| Logical | Illogical |
| Appeared | Disappeared |
🗣️ Section VII: Listening and Speaking
Group Discussion Activity
Prompt: Discuss with your partner the importance of Adult Education in rural India.
Teacher's Guide for Discussion:
When participating in this discussion in class, use these key points:
• Empowerment: Adult education allows elders to read bank documents, sign papers (instead of using thumbprints), and avoid being cheated.
• Self-Respect: It removes the feeling of dependency, just like it did for Krishtakka.
• Generational Growth: Literate grandparents can actively participate in the early education of their grandchildren.
When participating in this discussion in class, use these key points:
• Empowerment: Adult education allows elders to read bank documents, sign papers (instead of using thumbprints), and avoid being cheated.
• Self-Respect: It removes the feeling of dependency, just like it did for Krishtakka.
• Generational Growth: Literate grandparents can actively participate in the early education of their grandchildren.
📝 Section VIII: Let's Write (Writing Skills)
Q1. Diary Entry: Imagine you are the Grandmother. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings on Dasara day when you were finally able to read the novel 'Kashi Yatre' independently.
Answer:
Wednesday, 15th October
10:00 PM
Dear Diary,
My heart is filled with immense joy and pride today. The feeling of helplessness that haunted me for years has finally vanished! Today is Dasara, the auspicious day of Goddess Saraswati, and I have achieved my life's greatest goal. When my little Sudhi gave me the copy of 'Kashi Yatre', my hands trembled, but my eyes quickly scanned the cover. I could read the title, the author's name, and the publisher's name all by myself!
The darkness of illiteracy has been replaced by the bright light of knowledge. I touched my little granddaughter's feet today. She was shocked and hesitated, but to me, she is my revered Guru. She gave me the greatest gift of all—independence. I may be sixty-two, but today, I feel reborn. Truly, for learning, there is no age bar.
- Krishtakka
Wednesday, 15th October
10:00 PM
Dear Diary,
My heart is filled with immense joy and pride today. The feeling of helplessness that haunted me for years has finally vanished! Today is Dasara, the auspicious day of Goddess Saraswati, and I have achieved my life's greatest goal. When my little Sudhi gave me the copy of 'Kashi Yatre', my hands trembled, but my eyes quickly scanned the cover. I could read the title, the author's name, and the publisher's name all by myself!
The darkness of illiteracy has been replaced by the bright light of knowledge. I touched my little granddaughter's feet today. She was shocked and hesitated, but to me, she is my revered Guru. She gave me the greatest gift of all—independence. I may be sixty-two, but today, I feel reborn. Truly, for learning, there is no age bar.
- Krishtakka
Q2. Paragraph Writing: Write a short paragraph on the topic "Age is No Bar for Learning".
Answer:
Age is No Bar for Learning
Learning is a continuous, lifelong journey that begins at birth and ends only with our last breath. Society often creates a false boundary, suggesting that schools and colleges are only for the young. However, the true essence of education is the desire to know and grow, which has no expiration date. If a person possesses determination, willpower, and a strong purpose, they can acquire any new skill, be it a new language, digital literacy, or a musical instrument, at any stage of life. The story of Krishtakka, who learned the Kannada alphabet at sixty-two, is a shining testament to this truth. Therefore, age is merely a number; it is the youthfulness of the mind and the passion to learn that truly matter.
Age is No Bar for Learning
Learning is a continuous, lifelong journey that begins at birth and ends only with our last breath. Society often creates a false boundary, suggesting that schools and colleges are only for the young. However, the true essence of education is the desire to know and grow, which has no expiration date. If a person possesses determination, willpower, and a strong purpose, they can acquire any new skill, be it a new language, digital literacy, or a musical instrument, at any stage of life. The story of Krishtakka, who learned the Kannada alphabet at sixty-two, is a shining testament to this truth. Therefore, age is merely a number; it is the youthfulness of the mind and the passion to learn that truly matter.
📺 Video Masterclass & Quick Revision
To understand the pronunciation, the story's depth, and quick revision of all questions, watch this full chapter explanation video below:
▶️ Chapter Explanation & Revision
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