Introduction:
In the story "Memories of Childhood" from the NCERT Book "Vistas," Zitkala-Sa, a Native American girl, shares her experiences of being taken away from her family and forced into a white boarding school. During her time at the school, she encounters a white woman who keeps an eye on her.

Reasons for the white woman's surveillance:
1. Racial superiority: The white woman's surveillance can be attributed to the racial superiority complex prevalent during that time. As a Native American, Zitkala-Sa was considered inferior in the eyes of the white colonizers. The white woman may have been assigned to monitor and control the behavior of the Native American students in order to maintain the dominance of the white culture.

2. Cultural assimilation: The white boarding school aimed to assimilate Native American children into the dominant white culture and erase their indigenous identity. By keeping an eye on Zitkala-Sa, the white woman ensured that she adhered to the rules and regulations imposed by the school. Any attempt to hold onto her Native American identity or practice her cultural traditions would have been discouraged and closely monitored.

3. Preventing rebellion: The white woman's surveillance may have been a precautionary measure to prevent any rebellion or resistance from the Native American students. By constantly watching their actions, the school authorities could quickly identify and suppress any dissent or attempts to challenge the oppressive system. It was essential for the white colonizers to maintain control and suppress any resistance from the Native American community.

4. Enforcement of discipline: The white woman's presence and surveillance also ensured discipline among the Native American students. By monitoring their actions, behavior, and adherence to school rules, she could report any misconduct or rule violations to the authorities. This surveillance helped maintain a controlled environment within the boarding school.

Conclusion:
The white woman's surveillance of Zitkala-Sa and other Native American students in the boarding school was a reflection of the racial superiority complex, the aim of cultural assimilation, and the need to prevent rebellion and enforce discipline. It highlights the oppressive nature of the colonial education system and the efforts made to erase indigenous identities and assimilate Native Americans into the dominant white culture.