How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Summary Class 9th
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Summary in English
The story “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” is written by Sudha Murty. It tells us about a loving grandmother named Krishtakka, who decides to learn how to read and write at the age of sixty-two. The story teaches us that there is no age limit for learning and that strong determination can help us achieve our goals. The narrator is a young girl of about twelve years old who lives with her grandparents in a village in North Karnataka. During her childhood, she enjoys reading stories and spending time with her grandmother. At that time, Triveni was a very popular writer in the Kannada language. Her stories were easy to understand and often showed the problems faced by ordinary people in their daily lives. One of her famous novels was called “Kashi Yatre,” which was published in parts in a Kannada magazine named “Karmaveera.” The novel was about an old woman who wished to visit Kashi and worship Lord Vishweshwara. She believed that visiting this holy place would bring her great happiness and spiritual peace. The story also included a young orphan girl who wanted to get married but did not have enough money for her wedding. In the end, the old woman decided to give all her savings to the poor girl so that she could have a happy life. She gave up her own dream of visiting Kashi because she felt that helping the girl was more important. The story touched the hearts of many readers because it showed the value of kindness, love, and sacrifice. Krishtakka was deeply interested in this novel. She had never attended school, so she could not read or write. Every Wednesday, when the new issue of “Karmaveera” arrived, she asked her granddaughter to read the next part of “Kashi Yatre” aloud to her. The grandmother listened with great attention and enjoyed every part of the story. While listening, she became so involved in the events that she forgot about her household work. She remembered the story so well that she could repeat much of what she had heard. She also discussed the latest events in the novel with her friends when they met in the temple courtyard. Like the old woman in the novel, Krishtakka had never visited Kashi, and she felt a strong connection with the main character. She wanted to know what happened next in the story, but she depended completely on her granddaughter to read it to her. Although she was interested in learning, she had never received an opportunity to go to school when she was young. In those days, many families did not think that educating girls was necessary. As a result, Krishtakka grew up without learning the Kannada alphabet. She married at a young age, raised her children, and later became a grandmother. She found happiness in cooking for her family, feeding her children, and taking care of her grandchildren. Even though she was satisfied with her family life, she sometimes regretted that she had never learned to read and write. She understood the importance of education and made sure that her children and grandchildren studied well. However, she did not realise how difficult it was to live without being able to read until an unexpected incident changed her life.
One day, the young narrator went to attend a wedding in a nearby village with her cousins. She planned to stay away for only a couple of days, but the visit continued for a whole week. When she finally returned home, she was surprised to find her grandmother crying. She had never seen Krishtakka cry like that before, even when life had been difficult. The grandmother explained the reason for her sadness. While her granddaughter was away, the usual issue of “Karmaveera” had arrived. Krishtakka eagerly opened the magazine because she wanted to know what had happened next in “Kashi Yatre.” However, she soon realised that she could not read even a single line by herself. Her granddaughter was not there to read the story aloud, and there was nobody else available to help her at that moment. She felt helpless and completely dependent on others. For the first time, she truly understood how painful it was to be unable to read something she loved. She had always wanted to know the story on her own, but she had never taken a serious step towards learning the alphabet. This experience made her think deeply about her life. She remembered how she had missed the chance to attend school when she was young and how that decision, made by the circumstances of her childhood, continued to affect her even in old age. Instead of remaining sad, she decided to change her situation. She announced that she would begin learning the Kannada alphabet the very next day. She set herself a clear goal: she wanted to learn to read a novel independently. She chose the day of Saraswati Pooja during the Dassara festival as her deadline. Saraswati is worshipped as the goddess of knowledge and learning, so the day had a special meaning for her. Krishtakka decided that by that day, she would be able to read “Kashi Yatre” without anyone's help. She wanted to become independent and prove to herself that learning was possible even at the age of sixty-two. When she shared her plan with her granddaughter, the young girl laughed because she thought it was impossible for an old woman to learn to read in such a short time. She treated her grandmother's decision as a joke. However, Krishtakka did not become angry or lose confidence. She simply smiled and remained firm in her decision. The next day, the granddaughter began teaching her grandmother. The girl became her teacher, and Krishtakka became her first student. She proved to be a very sincere and hardworking learner. She practised the Kannada letters regularly and completed every task her granddaughter gave her. She read, repeated, wrote, and recited the letters again and again. She did not feel ashamed of being a beginner or worry about what other people might think. Instead, she focused on her goal and used every opportunity to improve. Her granddaughter was surprised by her dedication and gradually realised that her grandmother was serious about learning. The older woman followed her lessons carefully and practised with great patience. She understood that reaching her goal would require regular effort, so she did not waste time. Whenever she had an opportunity, she continued practising what she had learned. Her determination became an example of how a person can learn a new skill through discipline and hard work. The story also shows the importance of a good teacher. Although the granddaughter was only twelve years old, she taught her grandmother patiently and helped her move towards her goal. Their relationship changed in a special way: the grandmother, who had always cared for and guided the young girl, now became her student. Both of them learned something valuable from the experience. The granddaughter learned that her grandmother was capable of doing something remarkable, while Krishtakka learned that age was not a barrier to education. Slowly, the letters began to make sense to the grandmother, and she became more confident in her reading and writing. She kept working towards her deadline, determined not to give up before the festival arrived.
At last, the Dassara festival came, and the day of Saraswati Pooja arrived. By this time, “Kashi Yatre” had been published as a complete novel. The granddaughter had secretly bought a copy of the book for her grandmother. She was excited to see whether Krishtakka could fulfil the promise she had made to herself. On the special day, the grandmother called her granddaughter and asked her to sit on a stool near the place of worship. She gave the young girl a gift of frock material as a sign of her love and appreciation. Then something unexpected happened. Krishtakka bent down and touched her granddaughter's feet. The girl was shocked and did not understand why her grandmother, who was much older than her, was showing such respect. She had always thought of herself as a child and her grandmother as someone who deserved respect from everyone. Krishtakka explained that she was not touching the feet of her granddaughter simply because she was a family member. She was showing respect to her teacher. Her granddaughter had helped her learn to read and had made it possible for her to fulfil a dream she had carried for many years. Krishtakka believed that a teacher deserved respect regardless of age, gender, or family relationship. A person who shares knowledge and helps another person learn should always be appreciated. Her words taught the young narrator an important lesson about the value of teachers and education. After expressing her gratitude, Krishtakka picked up the novel “Kashi Yatre” by Triveni and read its title on her own. This simple act was a great achievement for her. She had worked hard, practised regularly, and reached the goal she had set for herself. She no longer needed to depend on her granddaughter to read the story. She could now open the book and understand the words by herself. The grandmother had successfully completed her learning journey and passed her own test with flying colours. Her achievement made the granddaughter proud and helped her understand how powerful determination could be. The story ends with a strong message that learning is possible at any age if a person has the courage and willingness to try. Krishtakka's life had been shaped by the lack of educational opportunities available to girls during her childhood, but she refused to let her past stop her from learning later in life. Instead of accepting her weakness, she decided to improve herself. Her experience also shows that education is not only important for children and young people; it is valuable for adults and older people too. Reading gives people independence, confidence, and the ability to understand the world around them. The story also highlights the special relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Although the granddaughter was young, she became a patient and helpful teacher. The grandmother, in turn, showed that a student can be hardworking, respectful, and eager to learn at any age. Their experience brought them closer and created a memory they would always treasure. Another important message is that teachers should be respected for their knowledge and effort, no matter how old they are or what their relationship is with their students. Krishtakka's gesture of touching her granddaughter's feet makes this lesson especially clear. In the end, “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” is an inspiring story about education, family love, self-respect, and determination. It encourages readers never to give up on their dreams simply because they think they are too old or have started too late. If we work patiently, practise regularly, and believe in ourselves, we can overcome many difficulties and achieve our goals. Krishtakka's success reminds us that the desire to learn can make life more meaningful and independent.
One day, the young narrator went to attend a wedding in a nearby village with her cousins. She planned to stay away for only a couple of days, but the visit continued for a whole week. When she finally returned home, she was surprised to find her grandmother crying. She had never seen Krishtakka cry like that before, even when life had been difficult. The grandmother explained the reason for her sadness. While her granddaughter was away, the usual issue of “Karmaveera” had arrived. Krishtakka eagerly opened the magazine because she wanted to know what had happened next in “Kashi Yatre.” However, she soon realised that she could not read even a single line by herself. Her granddaughter was not there to read the story aloud, and there was nobody else available to help her at that moment. She felt helpless and completely dependent on others. For the first time, she truly understood how painful it was to be unable to read something she loved. She had always wanted to know the story on her own, but she had never taken a serious step towards learning the alphabet. This experience made her think deeply about her life. She remembered how she had missed the chance to attend school when she was young and how that decision, made by the circumstances of her childhood, continued to affect her even in old age. Instead of remaining sad, she decided to change her situation. She announced that she would begin learning the Kannada alphabet the very next day. She set herself a clear goal: she wanted to learn to read a novel independently. She chose the day of Saraswati Pooja during the Dassara festival as her deadline. Saraswati is worshipped as the goddess of knowledge and learning, so the day had a special meaning for her. Krishtakka decided that by that day, she would be able to read “Kashi Yatre” without anyone's help. She wanted to become independent and prove to herself that learning was possible even at the age of sixty-two. When she shared her plan with her granddaughter, the young girl laughed because she thought it was impossible for an old woman to learn to read in such a short time. She treated her grandmother's decision as a joke. However, Krishtakka did not become angry or lose confidence. She simply smiled and remained firm in her decision. The next day, the granddaughter began teaching her grandmother. The girl became her teacher, and Krishtakka became her first student. She proved to be a very sincere and hardworking learner. She practised the Kannada letters regularly and completed every task her granddaughter gave her. She read, repeated, wrote, and recited the letters again and again. She did not feel ashamed of being a beginner or worry about what other people might think. Instead, she focused on her goal and used every opportunity to improve. Her granddaughter was surprised by her dedication and gradually realised that her grandmother was serious about learning. The older woman followed her lessons carefully and practised with great patience. She understood that reaching her goal would require regular effort, so she did not waste time. Whenever she had an opportunity, she continued practising what she had learned. Her determination became an example of how a person can learn a new skill through discipline and hard work. The story also shows the importance of a good teacher. Although the granddaughter was only twelve years old, she taught her grandmother patiently and helped her move towards her goal. Their relationship changed in a special way: the grandmother, who had always cared for and guided the young girl, now became her student. Both of them learned something valuable from the experience. The granddaughter learned that her grandmother was capable of doing something remarkable, while Krishtakka learned that age was not a barrier to education. Slowly, the letters began to make sense to the grandmother, and she became more confident in her reading and writing. She kept working towards her deadline, determined not to give up before the festival arrived.
At last, the Dassara festival came, and the day of Saraswati Pooja arrived. By this time, “Kashi Yatre” had been published as a complete novel. The granddaughter had secretly bought a copy of the book for her grandmother. She was excited to see whether Krishtakka could fulfil the promise she had made to herself. On the special day, the grandmother called her granddaughter and asked her to sit on a stool near the place of worship. She gave the young girl a gift of frock material as a sign of her love and appreciation. Then something unexpected happened. Krishtakka bent down and touched her granddaughter's feet. The girl was shocked and did not understand why her grandmother, who was much older than her, was showing such respect. She had always thought of herself as a child and her grandmother as someone who deserved respect from everyone. Krishtakka explained that she was not touching the feet of her granddaughter simply because she was a family member. She was showing respect to her teacher. Her granddaughter had helped her learn to read and had made it possible for her to fulfil a dream she had carried for many years. Krishtakka believed that a teacher deserved respect regardless of age, gender, or family relationship. A person who shares knowledge and helps another person learn should always be appreciated. Her words taught the young narrator an important lesson about the value of teachers and education. After expressing her gratitude, Krishtakka picked up the novel “Kashi Yatre” by Triveni and read its title on her own. This simple act was a great achievement for her. She had worked hard, practised regularly, and reached the goal she had set for herself. She no longer needed to depend on her granddaughter to read the story. She could now open the book and understand the words by herself. The grandmother had successfully completed her learning journey and passed her own test with flying colours. Her achievement made the granddaughter proud and helped her understand how powerful determination could be. The story ends with a strong message that learning is possible at any age if a person has the courage and willingness to try. Krishtakka's life had been shaped by the lack of educational opportunities available to girls during her childhood, but she refused to let her past stop her from learning later in life. Instead of accepting her weakness, she decided to improve herself. Her experience also shows that education is not only important for children and young people; it is valuable for adults and older people too. Reading gives people independence, confidence, and the ability to understand the world around them. The story also highlights the special relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Although the granddaughter was young, she became a patient and helpful teacher. The grandmother, in turn, showed that a student can be hardworking, respectful, and eager to learn at any age. Their experience brought them closer and created a memory they would always treasure. Another important message is that teachers should be respected for their knowledge and effort, no matter how old they are or what their relationship is with their students. Krishtakka's gesture of touching her granddaughter's feet makes this lesson especially clear. In the end, “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” is an inspiring story about education, family love, self-respect, and determination. It encourages readers never to give up on their dreams simply because they think they are too old or have started too late. If we work patiently, practise regularly, and believe in ourselves, we can overcome many difficulties and achieve our goals. Krishtakka's success reminds us that the desire to learn can make life more meaningful and independent.
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