Class 9 English Question Answers - How I taught My Grandmother to Read

Q1. The granddaughter proves to be a catalyst in the grandmother’s pursuit of knowledge. Discuss.

Ans: A significant role in the grandmother's pursuit of knowledge is played by her granddaughter. Initially, the granddaughter would read out episodes from the story 'Kashi Yatre' to her every week. She took it upon herself to teach the Kannada alphabet to her grandmother, setting the Dussehra festival as a deadline for her to learn to read. With great dedication, the grandmother engaged in reading, repeating, writing, and reciting, while her granddaughter provided unwavering support. Ultimately, the grandmother succeeded in reading 'Kashi Yatre' independently.

Q2. Why does the grandmother identify with the protagonist of the ‘Kashi Yatre’? What does this tell you about her character?
Ans: The protagonist of Kashi Yatre is an old lady who longs to visit Kashi (Varanasi) but sacrifices her savings to help a poor orphan get married. Many Hindus believe that visiting Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate act of virtue. Although the grandmother has never been to Kashi, she shares this desire, yet finds joy in cooking and caring for her grandchildren. This connection leads her to identify with the protagonist of Kashi Yatre. This identification reveals that she is a religious woman, deeply loving and affectionate. Her actions demonstrate a selfless nature, prioritising the happiness of others over her own desires.

Q3. The grandmother believes in scriptures and Hindu mythology, yet she touches the feet of her granddaughter. Why?
Ans: According to Hindu scriptures, touching the feet of elders is a traditional sign of respect. Typically, elders do not touch the feet of younger individuals. However, the grandmother touched her granddaughter's feet as a gesture of respect because she had been her teacher. The granddaughter had taught her with such affection that the grandmother felt she deserved this honour. Thanks to her granddaughter's guidance, she became confident and independent enough to read any novel on her own.

Q4. Give a character sketch of the grandmother as depicted in the lesson, ‘‘How I Taught My Grandmother To Read.’’
Ans: Grandmother is the central character in the lesson, representing a life dedicated to family and routine. At sixty-two years old, she is grey-haired and wrinkled, having spent her life focused on kitchen chores and the well-being of her family. Her mundane lifestyle is brightened by the works of Triveni, a renowned Kannada writer, whose novel Kashi Yatre ignites her desire to visit Kashi, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The grandmother deeply empathises with the protagonist's struggles, reflecting her own religious beliefs and commitment to worshipping Lord Vishweshwara. Her determination is evident in her quest to learn the Kannada alphabet, despite her age. She is fiercely independent and dislikes feeling helpless, which is why she never asks anyone in the village to read the story to her. Her frustration over not knowing the next episode of Kashi Yatre drives her to take action. The way she rubs her hands over the pictures and words illustrates her intense desire to learn. Triveni's writing awakens her long-buried passion for literature and education. The grandmother becomes not only a dedicated student but also embodies the lesson that one is never too old to learn and that a teacher deserves respect, regardless of age.

Q5. As grandmother in the story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ write a diary entry on your transformation.
 OR
 You are the grandmother. Write your feelings in your diary when your granddaughter gave you the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’. [CBSE 2010 (TERM 1)]
Ans: Dear Diary, 25th August 2011 I am on cloud nine today because I can finally read the episode of Kashi Yatre on my own! I remember the day my granddaughter gave me the magazine featuring this novel. Since I was uneducated, she would read each episode to me. Like the main character, I had a strong desire to visit Kashi, but obstacles kept me from going. I felt a deep connection with the protagonist and eagerly awaited each new episode. However, when my granddaughter went to a wedding, I felt helpless without her to read to me. In that moment, I decided to learn the Kannada alphabet, and my granddaughter helped me with this. Now, I feel so light and independent! I am incredibly grateful to my granddaughter. If she hadn’t introduced me to the magazine, I might never have experienced this joy.

Q6. Imagine you are the grandmother. In about 150 words, write a letter to share your thoughts, feelings, ambitions and resolutions as a neo-literate.  [CBSE 2010 (Term 1)]
Ans: Dear Krishna, How are you? I have some exciting news to share — I have learned to read the Kannada alphabet! As you know, we couldn't attend school because education for girls was not valued back then. Until Sudha gave me the magazine featuring 'Kashi Yatre', I never realised its importance. I became so engrossed in the story that I eagerly awaited each episode for Sudha to read to me. However, when she was absent, I found myself unable to read it, which left a void in my life. This experience ignited my desire to learn. Now, at the age of 62, I feel independent. I encourage you to also try learning the Kannada alphabet. It brings me immense joy to read and write, and I have decided to dedicate some time to teaching the ladies in my neighbourhood. More in my next letter. 
Your friend, Avva.

Q7. You are Sudha Murthy. Write a letter to your friend telling her how and why you taught your grandmother to read.  [CBSE 2010 (Term 1)]
Ans: Dear Mamta, I hope you are well. I am writing to share a special experience about my grandmother, who has become my student. Recently, after attending a wedding, she approached me in tears. This was surprising, as she has always been a strong woman. Her tears were due to her helplessness in not being able to read. At the age of sixty-two, she decided to learn the alphabet. I accepted the challenge to teach her the Kannada alphabet, setting the Dussehra festival as our goal. With great dedication, she worked hard—reading, writing, and reciting. I supported her throughout this journey. When she finally read Kashi Yatre on her own, she came to me and touched my feet. I was taken aback, but she explained, “One is never too old to learn, and a teacher deserves respect, regardless of age.” I look forward to sharing more in my next letter. 
Warm regards, Sudha.