With reference to Sudha Murty's story ''How I taught my grandmother to...
The writer was twelve years old and she used to stay with her grandparents in north Karnataka. Since there were very few diversions, the entire family would eagerly wait for a weekly magazine called Karamveera. This magazine was publishing famous writer Triveni’s novel, ‘Kashi Yatre’ as a serial. The novel dealt with the protagonist’s struggle to visit Kashi. Since grandmother believed in Kashi-Yatra as a pilgrimage, she could identify with the trials and tribulations of the main characters. Every Wednesday, the writer would read the next episode of the story to her. The grandmother would not only listen with great attention but also memorize it by heart. Later she would discuss it with friends in the temple courtyard. One day the writer had to go to the neighbouring village for a cousin’s wedding and stayed back there for a week. When she returned, she was surprised to see her grandmother in tears. At night, the grandmother narrated how her past life, feeding and bringing up children, kept her busy, sparing no time for education of any kind. Moreover, education for girls was not considered as important in those days. Without the granddaughter, she had a tough time trying to decipher and guess the next episode of ‘Kashi Yatre’. She had felt very desperate and helpless, mutely gazing at the pictures, unable to read a single word. This incident fanned the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet and she vowed to learn it by Dassera. The granddaughter’s pleas, her mockery of the grandmother’s age, all fell on deaf ears. No wonder, the grandmother proved to be an ideal student. In no time, she could read, repeat and write Kannada. The writer presented her with a copy of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ as a token of appreciation and grandmother touched the feet of her granddaughter, her teacher, as a befitting tribute.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 9 courses
With reference to Sudha Murty's story ''How I taught my grandmother to...
Our Best Companions are Books
Books have always been considered as one of the best companions a person can have. They possess the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and provide us with valuable knowledge and experiences. Sudha Murty's story, "How I taught my grandmother to read," beautifully portrays the significance of books and the impact they can have on our lives.
1. Source of Knowledge and Learning:
Books serve as a vast source of knowledge, covering a wide range of subjects and topics. They enable us to learn about various fields such as history, science, literature, and philosophy. By reading books, we gain insights into different cultures, perspectives, and ideologies. They help broaden our horizons and expand our intellectual abilities.
2. Window to Different Worlds:
Books open up doors to different worlds, allowing us to explore places we may never physically visit. Through the vivid descriptions and narratives, books take us on exciting adventures, enabling us to experience different eras, countries, and cultures. They provide an escape from reality and offer a refuge in times of stress or boredom.
3. Source of Inspiration and Empathy:
Books have the power to inspire and motivate us. They narrate stories of triumph, resilience, and personal growth, encouraging us to overcome obstacles and pursue our dreams. Additionally, books offer a unique opportunity to develop empathy by allowing us to step into the shoes of different characters and understand their perspectives, struggles, and emotions.
4. Means of Personal Development:
Reading books can significantly contribute to personal development. They enhance our vocabulary, improve our language skills, and enhance our critical thinking abilities. Books also provide us with valuable life lessons and insights into human nature. They enable us to reflect on our own lives and make thoughtful decisions.
5. Emotional Support:
Books can serve as a source of emotional support and companionship during challenging times. They can provide solace, comfort, and reassurance, making us feel understood and less alone. Whether it is through relatable characters or inspiring stories, books have the ability to uplift our spirits and provide a sense of belonging.
In conclusion, books are our best companions, offering us knowledge, inspiration, emotional support, and a gateway to different worlds. They have the power to transform our lives, broaden our perspectives, and shape us into better individuals. So, let us cherish and appreciate the incredible gift of books and continue to explore the wonders they hold.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.