NCERT Textbook: Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet | English Class 6 (Honeysuckle) PDF Download

 Page 1


151
Culture and Tradition
i la s ac Hani : 
e m Broidering d reams wit H Her Feet Let us do these activities before we read.
 1. Look at the given picture and information. Discuss the questions with 
your teacher and classmates.
Pranav M. Balasubramaniam is 
from Palakkad in Kerala. Though 
he was born without both hands, 
he has excelled as an artist, a 
singer, and a para-sportsperson.
 (a) Do you think Pranav’s task is simple? Why or why not?
 (b) How does Pranav’s special ability make you feel?
 (c) What qualities do you think were important for Pranav to become 
successful? 
 (d) What message does Pranav’s story give us?
 2. Look at the picture of Kathiawar embroidery. Discuss in pairs.
 (a) List the steps you think are needed to 
create this embroidery. 
 (b) Discuss if these steps can be done 
with feet, instead of hands.
 (c) What efforts would be needed if 
someone has to embroider with their 
feet? Do you think it is possible?
Kathiawar embroidery
Unit 5.indd   151 13-Jun-24   11:01:42 AM
Page 2


151
Culture and Tradition
i la s ac Hani : 
e m Broidering d reams wit H Her Feet Let us do these activities before we read.
 1. Look at the given picture and information. Discuss the questions with 
your teacher and classmates.
Pranav M. Balasubramaniam is 
from Palakkad in Kerala. Though 
he was born without both hands, 
he has excelled as an artist, a 
singer, and a para-sportsperson.
 (a) Do you think Pranav’s task is simple? Why or why not?
 (b) How does Pranav’s special ability make you feel?
 (c) What qualities do you think were important for Pranav to become 
successful? 
 (d) What message does Pranav’s story give us?
 2. Look at the picture of Kathiawar embroidery. Discuss in pairs.
 (a) List the steps you think are needed to 
create this embroidery. 
 (b) Discuss if these steps can be done 
with feet, instead of hands.
 (c) What efforts would be needed if 
someone has to embroider with their 
feet? Do you think it is possible?
Kathiawar embroidery
Unit 5.indd   151 13-Jun-24   11:01:42 AM
152
Poorvi—Grade 6
 Let us read
 1. When you enter a tiny room in Moti Vavdi 
village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, you will see 
lots of bright colours. There are many 
lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, 
pillows, and more, with beautiful designs. 
Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big 
smile, makes all these using a shiny needle 
to create these designs. She is very good at 
Kathiawar embroidery—a style that needs 
a lot of skill.
 2. Ila Sachani’s journey began in the quiet 
settings of Amreli, Gujarat, where she 
was born into a farmer’s family. From the 
beginning, life presented its challenges, 
as Ila was born with her hands hanging 
loose by her sides. Unlike other children, 
she could not use her hands in the usual 
way. While other small hands drew figures 
in the sand or plucked wild flowers, she 
wondered why she could not join them. 
She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands 
and draw figures on a slate.
 3. Ila’s mother and grandmother 
encouraged the little girl and 
were single-minded to help her 
overcome her challenge. They 
were skilled in the traditional art 
of Kathiawar embroidery and 
decided to share this art with Ila. 
They taught her to create many 
challenges: 
difficulties
single-minded:
focused
Ila Sachani
Unit 5.indd   152 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
Page 3


151
Culture and Tradition
i la s ac Hani : 
e m Broidering d reams wit H Her Feet Let us do these activities before we read.
 1. Look at the given picture and information. Discuss the questions with 
your teacher and classmates.
Pranav M. Balasubramaniam is 
from Palakkad in Kerala. Though 
he was born without both hands, 
he has excelled as an artist, a 
singer, and a para-sportsperson.
 (a) Do you think Pranav’s task is simple? Why or why not?
 (b) How does Pranav’s special ability make you feel?
 (c) What qualities do you think were important for Pranav to become 
successful? 
 (d) What message does Pranav’s story give us?
 2. Look at the picture of Kathiawar embroidery. Discuss in pairs.
 (a) List the steps you think are needed to 
create this embroidery. 
 (b) Discuss if these steps can be done 
with feet, instead of hands.
 (c) What efforts would be needed if 
someone has to embroider with their 
feet? Do you think it is possible?
Kathiawar embroidery
Unit 5.indd   151 13-Jun-24   11:01:42 AM
152
Poorvi—Grade 6
 Let us read
 1. When you enter a tiny room in Moti Vavdi 
village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, you will see 
lots of bright colours. There are many 
lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, 
pillows, and more, with beautiful designs. 
Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big 
smile, makes all these using a shiny needle 
to create these designs. She is very good at 
Kathiawar embroidery—a style that needs 
a lot of skill.
 2. Ila Sachani’s journey began in the quiet 
settings of Amreli, Gujarat, where she 
was born into a farmer’s family. From the 
beginning, life presented its challenges, 
as Ila was born with her hands hanging 
loose by her sides. Unlike other children, 
she could not use her hands in the usual 
way. While other small hands drew figures 
in the sand or plucked wild flowers, she 
wondered why she could not join them. 
She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands 
and draw figures on a slate.
 3. Ila’s mother and grandmother 
encouraged the little girl and 
were single-minded to help her 
overcome her challenge. They 
were skilled in the traditional art 
of Kathiawar embroidery and 
decided to share this art with Ila. 
They taught her to create many 
challenges: 
difficulties
single-minded:
focused
Ila Sachani
Unit 5.indd   152 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
153
Culture and Tradition
beautiful patterns using her feet! It was 
certainly not an easy task, but Ila accepted 
the challenge with determination. Her 
parents also helped her learn to do things 
with her legs, like eating and combing her 
hair . 
 4. Threading a needle was hard, but Ila did 
not give up and became an expert at a 
young age. Her younger brother and sister 
helped her too. She learned many styles, 
even ones from outside Gujarat— Kachhi, 
Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others.
 5. For Ila, embroidery became a way to express 
herself. At first, she crafted fine designs 
only for her family and friends, who were 
awestruck by her talent. They talked about 
those designs to others. Soon, the people in 
the village, too, discovered Ila’s special skill 
and the admiration for her work began to 
spread.
 6. Word reached the government office, in 
Surat. They were moved by Ila’s story and 
impressed by her work. They decided to 
display some samples of her embroidery 
at a state exhibition. This experience 
opened new doors for Ila. People observed 
the beauty woven by her feet and readily 
purchased the creations. Ila was no more a 
hidden talent, but famous! 
awestruck: 
amazed
determination:
 will power
Unit 5.indd   153 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
Page 4


151
Culture and Tradition
i la s ac Hani : 
e m Broidering d reams wit H Her Feet Let us do these activities before we read.
 1. Look at the given picture and information. Discuss the questions with 
your teacher and classmates.
Pranav M. Balasubramaniam is 
from Palakkad in Kerala. Though 
he was born without both hands, 
he has excelled as an artist, a 
singer, and a para-sportsperson.
 (a) Do you think Pranav’s task is simple? Why or why not?
 (b) How does Pranav’s special ability make you feel?
 (c) What qualities do you think were important for Pranav to become 
successful? 
 (d) What message does Pranav’s story give us?
 2. Look at the picture of Kathiawar embroidery. Discuss in pairs.
 (a) List the steps you think are needed to 
create this embroidery. 
 (b) Discuss if these steps can be done 
with feet, instead of hands.
 (c) What efforts would be needed if 
someone has to embroider with their 
feet? Do you think it is possible?
Kathiawar embroidery
Unit 5.indd   151 13-Jun-24   11:01:42 AM
152
Poorvi—Grade 6
 Let us read
 1. When you enter a tiny room in Moti Vavdi 
village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, you will see 
lots of bright colours. There are many 
lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, 
pillows, and more, with beautiful designs. 
Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big 
smile, makes all these using a shiny needle 
to create these designs. She is very good at 
Kathiawar embroidery—a style that needs 
a lot of skill.
 2. Ila Sachani’s journey began in the quiet 
settings of Amreli, Gujarat, where she 
was born into a farmer’s family. From the 
beginning, life presented its challenges, 
as Ila was born with her hands hanging 
loose by her sides. Unlike other children, 
she could not use her hands in the usual 
way. While other small hands drew figures 
in the sand or plucked wild flowers, she 
wondered why she could not join them. 
She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands 
and draw figures on a slate.
 3. Ila’s mother and grandmother 
encouraged the little girl and 
were single-minded to help her 
overcome her challenge. They 
were skilled in the traditional art 
of Kathiawar embroidery and 
decided to share this art with Ila. 
They taught her to create many 
challenges: 
difficulties
single-minded:
focused
Ila Sachani
Unit 5.indd   152 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
153
Culture and Tradition
beautiful patterns using her feet! It was 
certainly not an easy task, but Ila accepted 
the challenge with determination. Her 
parents also helped her learn to do things 
with her legs, like eating and combing her 
hair . 
 4. Threading a needle was hard, but Ila did 
not give up and became an expert at a 
young age. Her younger brother and sister 
helped her too. She learned many styles, 
even ones from outside Gujarat— Kachhi, 
Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others.
 5. For Ila, embroidery became a way to express 
herself. At first, she crafted fine designs 
only for her family and friends, who were 
awestruck by her talent. They talked about 
those designs to others. Soon, the people in 
the village, too, discovered Ila’s special skill 
and the admiration for her work began to 
spread.
 6. Word reached the government office, in 
Surat. They were moved by Ila’s story and 
impressed by her work. They decided to 
display some samples of her embroidery 
at a state exhibition. This experience 
opened new doors for Ila. People observed 
the beauty woven by her feet and readily 
purchased the creations. Ila was no more a 
hidden talent, but famous! 
awestruck: 
amazed
determination:
 will power
Unit 5.indd   153 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
154
Poorvi—Grade 6
 7. Encouraged by this popularity, Ila 
participated in more exhibitions, not just 
within the state but at the national level. 
She received many awards and honours, 
not just for her art but also the willpower 
and creativity that her work showed. Ila 
Sachani, once a farmer’s daughter facing a 
tough challenge, worked hard and became 
a celebrated artist and receiver of the 
President’s Medal.
 8. The most important change for Ila was 
the new independence. Through her skill, 
she not only earned a regular income but 
also found joy in doing what she loved. 
She proved, through her creations, that 
challenges can be turned into victories 
with focus, hard work, positivity and never 
giving up.
 9. Her embroidery, created with her feet, 
reminds us that art has the power to rise 
above physical boundaries and touch 
the soul. 
popularity: 
fame
Kachhi embroidery
Unit 5.indd   154 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
Page 5


151
Culture and Tradition
i la s ac Hani : 
e m Broidering d reams wit H Her Feet Let us do these activities before we read.
 1. Look at the given picture and information. Discuss the questions with 
your teacher and classmates.
Pranav M. Balasubramaniam is 
from Palakkad in Kerala. Though 
he was born without both hands, 
he has excelled as an artist, a 
singer, and a para-sportsperson.
 (a) Do you think Pranav’s task is simple? Why or why not?
 (b) How does Pranav’s special ability make you feel?
 (c) What qualities do you think were important for Pranav to become 
successful? 
 (d) What message does Pranav’s story give us?
 2. Look at the picture of Kathiawar embroidery. Discuss in pairs.
 (a) List the steps you think are needed to 
create this embroidery. 
 (b) Discuss if these steps can be done 
with feet, instead of hands.
 (c) What efforts would be needed if 
someone has to embroider with their 
feet? Do you think it is possible?
Kathiawar embroidery
Unit 5.indd   151 13-Jun-24   11:01:42 AM
152
Poorvi—Grade 6
 Let us read
 1. When you enter a tiny room in Moti Vavdi 
village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, you will see 
lots of bright colours. There are many 
lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, 
pillows, and more, with beautiful designs. 
Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big 
smile, makes all these using a shiny needle 
to create these designs. She is very good at 
Kathiawar embroidery—a style that needs 
a lot of skill.
 2. Ila Sachani’s journey began in the quiet 
settings of Amreli, Gujarat, where she 
was born into a farmer’s family. From the 
beginning, life presented its challenges, 
as Ila was born with her hands hanging 
loose by her sides. Unlike other children, 
she could not use her hands in the usual 
way. While other small hands drew figures 
in the sand or plucked wild flowers, she 
wondered why she could not join them. 
She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands 
and draw figures on a slate.
 3. Ila’s mother and grandmother 
encouraged the little girl and 
were single-minded to help her 
overcome her challenge. They 
were skilled in the traditional art 
of Kathiawar embroidery and 
decided to share this art with Ila. 
They taught her to create many 
challenges: 
difficulties
single-minded:
focused
Ila Sachani
Unit 5.indd   152 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
153
Culture and Tradition
beautiful patterns using her feet! It was 
certainly not an easy task, but Ila accepted 
the challenge with determination. Her 
parents also helped her learn to do things 
with her legs, like eating and combing her 
hair . 
 4. Threading a needle was hard, but Ila did 
not give up and became an expert at a 
young age. Her younger brother and sister 
helped her too. She learned many styles, 
even ones from outside Gujarat— Kachhi, 
Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others.
 5. For Ila, embroidery became a way to express 
herself. At first, she crafted fine designs 
only for her family and friends, who were 
awestruck by her talent. They talked about 
those designs to others. Soon, the people in 
the village, too, discovered Ila’s special skill 
and the admiration for her work began to 
spread.
 6. Word reached the government office, in 
Surat. They were moved by Ila’s story and 
impressed by her work. They decided to 
display some samples of her embroidery 
at a state exhibition. This experience 
opened new doors for Ila. People observed 
the beauty woven by her feet and readily 
purchased the creations. Ila was no more a 
hidden talent, but famous! 
awestruck: 
amazed
determination:
 will power
Unit 5.indd   153 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
154
Poorvi—Grade 6
 7. Encouraged by this popularity, Ila 
participated in more exhibitions, not just 
within the state but at the national level. 
She received many awards and honours, 
not just for her art but also the willpower 
and creativity that her work showed. Ila 
Sachani, once a farmer’s daughter facing a 
tough challenge, worked hard and became 
a celebrated artist and receiver of the 
President’s Medal.
 8. The most important change for Ila was 
the new independence. Through her skill, 
she not only earned a regular income but 
also found joy in doing what she loved. 
She proved, through her creations, that 
challenges can be turned into victories 
with focus, hard work, positivity and never 
giving up.
 9. Her embroidery, created with her feet, 
reminds us that art has the power to rise 
above physical boundaries and touch 
the soul. 
popularity: 
fame
Kachhi embroidery
Unit 5.indd   154 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM
155
Culture and Tradition
Let us discuss
Read the paragraphs and write the main idea for each. Then, match the 
main idea with two supporting details.
Paragraph Main idea Two supporting details
1
Introduction to Ila 
Sachani’s colourful 
embroidery
 (i) Examples of embroidered things
 (ii) Ila’s use of shiny needle
2
Early challenges and 
family support
 (i)
 (ii)
3
 (i)
 (ii)
4
 (i)
 (ii)
5
 (i)
 (ii)
6
Recognition at a state 
exhibition
 (i)
 (ii)
7
 (i)
 (ii)
8-9
 (i) Financial independence and joy
 (ii) Challenges can be turned into 
victories
Unit 5.indd   155 13-Jun-24   11:01:43 AM