How I Taught My Grandmother to Read: Story

 📖 Detailed Summary

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

“How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” is a touching autobiographical story by Sudha Murty that highlights the importance of education and proves that learning has no age limit. The story revolves around the deep emotional bond between a young girl and her grandmother, Krishtakka, who is illiterate but determined to learn.

The narrator, a twelve-year-old girl, lives with her grandparents in a small village in North Karnataka. Her grandmother, fondly called Avva, has never been to school due to the social conditions of her time, when girls’ education was not considered important. Despite this, she is wise, affectionate, and eager to learn new things. Every week, the family waits eagerly for the Kannada magazine Karmaveera, which contains a serialized novel titled Kashi Yatre written by Triveni.

Since Avva cannot read, the young narrator reads the story aloud to her every Wednesday. This becomes a special ritual that strengthens their bond. The novel Kashi Yatre tells the story of an old woman who wishes to visit the holy city of Varanasi, but sacrifices her dream to help a poor orphan girl get married. Avva feels a strong emotional connection with this story because she too dreams of visiting Kashi one day.

A turning point occurs when the narrator goes to a nearby village to attend a wedding and stays there for a few days. During her absence, a new issue of the magazine arrives. Avva eagerly takes it, hoping to read the next part of the story, but she is unable to read even a single word. This moment makes her realize how dependent she is on others due to her illiteracy. She feels helpless, ashamed, and frustrated, understanding that her lack of education limits her independence.

When the narrator returns, she finds her grandmother deeply upset. Avva shares her feelings and regrets that she could not receive an education as a child. However, instead of remaining helpless, she decides to change her situation. She resolves to learn reading and writing and sets a goal to become literate by Saraswati Pooja (during Dassara festival).

The young girl willingly takes on the role of a teacher, and Avva becomes a dedicated student. Despite her age, Avva works very hard, practicing reading and writing every day with determination and patience. Her efforts show that strong willpower and commitment can overcome any obstacle.

Finally, on the day of Saraswati Pooja, Avva achieves her goal. She reads a passage independently, marking her victory over illiteracy. In a deeply emotional moment, she touches her granddaughter’s feet as a mark of respect. Though it is usually the younger ones who touch the elders’ feet, Avva explains that she is honoring her teacher, who has helped her gain independence. The narrator then gifts her the complete novel Kashi Yatre, which Avva reads on her own for the first time.

The story conveys a powerful message that education is essential for independence and dignity. It also teaches that learning can happen at any age and that determination can help achieve any goal.

Step by step explanation 

 1. Introduction: The Bond and Background

The narrator, a 12-year-old girl, lives in a small village in North Karnataka with her grandparents. Her grandmother, Krishtakka (called Avva), is about 62 years old and is illiterate.

•  Explanation:

In earlier times, especially in villages, girls were often not sent to school.

This shows the social condition of women’s education in the past.

Despite being illiterate, Avva is very intelligent and emotionally sensitive.

 2. The Weekly Reading Ritual

Every Wednesday, the narrator eagerly waits for a Kannada weekly magazine called Karmaveera.

It contains a popular serial story titled Kashi Yatre written by Triveni.

Since Avva cannot read, the granddaughter reads the story aloud to her.

•  Explanation:

Reading becomes a shared emotional activity.

It shows the close bond between grandmother and granddaughter.

It also highlights dependence due to illiteracy.

 3. Emotional Attachment to the Story

The story Kashi Yatre is about an old woman who wishes to go to Varanasi (Kashi), a holy place.

However, she(The character) sacrifices her dream to help a poor orphan girl get married.

Avva becomes deeply attached to this story because:

She also has a dream of visiting Kashi

She relates emotionally to the main character

•  Explanation:

Literature connects with real life

Shows empathy and emotional depth

Reflects traditional Indian values of sacrifice

 Shows emotional attachment and spiritual longing.

 4. The Turning Point (Crisis Situation)

One day, the narrator goes to a nearby village for a wedding and stays there for a week.

During this time:

A new issue of Karmaveera arrives

Avva opens the magazine eagerly

But:  She cannot read even a single word.

•  Explanation:

This is the most important turning point

Avva realizes:

She is dependent on others

She lacks independence despite having money and experience

•  Emotional impact:

She feels helpless, ashamed, and frustrated

 5. Realisation and Determination

When the narrator returns, she finds Avva in tears.

Avva explains:

She could not study as a child because:

• Her mother died early
• Her father was busy
• Society did not support girls’ education

 Then she makes a powerful decision: ➡️ She will learn to read and write.

She sets a clear goal:  To become literate by Saraswati Pooja

•  Explanation:

Shows goal-setting and determination

Saraswati Pooja symbolizes learning and knowledge

 6. Role Reversal (Teacher–Student Relationship)

The granddaughter becomes the teacher, and the grandmother becomes the student.

Avva:

Practices daily

Works very hard

Shows great discipline

•  Explanation:

This is a role reversal

Highlights:

• Respect for knowledge
• Learning has no age limit

 7. Hard Work and Dedication

Avva puts in more effort than expected:

She writes repeatedly

Learns alphabets

Reads slowly but steadily

Practices daily

Works very hard despite her age

 Key idea:

Strong determination can overcome any limitation

•  Explanation:

Success depends on:

• Hard work
• Consistency
• Determination

 8. Climax: Achievement on Saraswati Pooja

On the day of Saraswati Pooja:

Avva successfully reads a passage on her own

She achieves her goal

•  Explanation:

This is the moment of victory

Symbolizes:

• Freedom
• Independence
• Self-respect
• Achievement

 9. Emotional High Point (Touching Scene)

In a touching moment:

Avva touches her granddaughter’s feet.

 This is unusual because: 

Elders are usually respected, not the other way around

Normally, younger people touch elders’ feet

Avva says:  “You are my guru (teacher).”

•  Explanation:

Shows:

Respect for knowledge

Teacher is greater than age

 10. Conclusion: Independence Achieved

The narrator gifts Avva the complete novel Kashi Yatre.

For the first time:  Avva reads it independently.

•  Final Message:

Education brings:

• Independence
• Confidence
• Dignity

 All Key Highlights 

✅ Turning Point

Avva fails to read magazine → realizes helplessness

✅ Goal

Learn reading by Saraswati Pooja

✅ Climax

Reads independently

✅ Emotional Scene

Touches granddaughter’s feet

 Deep Meaning / Interpretation

• Illiteracy is a form of dependence
• Education = true empowerment
• Learning is lifelong
• Respect for teachers is universal

 Key Themes 

 1. Lifelong Learning

• Learning has no age limit
• Even at 62, Avva becomes literate

 2. Power of Women’sEducation

Education gives:

• Independence
• Confidence
• Dignity

 3. Self-Reliance ,Self-respect and independence

• Avva realizes:  “Money is useless without education.”

 4. Respect for Teachers

• A teacher deserves respect regardless of age
• The role matters more than the person

 5. Emotional bonding and Intergenerational Bond

• Strong emotional connection between grandmother and granddaughter.
• Learning becomes a shared journey

About the Author

Sudha Murty is a well-known Indian writer and social worker.

Her works are simple, emotional, and based on real-life experiences.

This story is autobiographical (based on her own childhood).

 Setting of the Story

A remote village in North Karnataka

Time period: When access to education for girls was limited

Cultural background: Traditional Indian joint family system

 Character Sketch

🔹 Grandmother (Krishtakka / Avva)

• Illiterate but intelligent
• Determined and hardworking
• Emotionally sensitive
• Values self-respect

 Transformation: Dependent → Independent

🔹 Narrator (Young Sudha)

• Caring and patient
• Responsible
• Good teacher
• Emotionally mature

 Important Literary Features

• Autobiographical Style – Based on real-life experience
• Simple Language – Easy to understand yet impactful
• Emotional Appeal – Strong feelings of love and respect

Symbolism:

• Reading = Freedom
• Book = Independence

 Important Values / Lessons

• Education is essential at every stage of life
• Determination leads to success
• Respect knowledge and teachers
• Never feel ashamed to learn something new
• Independence is true wealth

 Quick Revision Points

• Grandmother = Illiterate but determined
• Turning point = Cannot read magazine
• Goal = Learn by Saraswati Pooja
• Teacher = Granddaughter
• Message = Education = Independence

Exam-Ready Long Summary (120–150 words)

“How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” by Sudha Murty is an inspiring autobiographical story about the importance of education. It describes the bond between a young girl and her illiterate grandmother, Krishtakka. The narrator, a young girl, reads aloud a weekly story to her illiterate grandmother who enjoys listening to it deeply. When the girl goes away for a few days, the grandmother realizes her helplessness as she cannot read the story on her own. Determined to become independent, she decides to learn reading and writing and sets Saraswati Pooja as her deadline. With the help of her granddaughter, she works hard and succeeds in her goal. In a touching moment, she touches her granddaughter’s feet as a mark of respect for her teacher. The story highlights the importance of education and lifelong learning.the learning has no age limit and education is the key to independence.

📘Important Short Answer Questions and Answers 

❓1. Where did the narrator spend her childhood?

✅ Answer

The narrator spent her childhood in a village in North Karnataka with her grandparents.

❓2. Why was the weekly magazine important to the narrator’s grandmother?

✅ Answer

The weekly magazine was important because it contained the serial story Kashi Yatre, which the grandmother eagerly followed every week.

❓3. Why could the grandmother not read the magazine herself?

✅ Answer

The grandmother could not read the magazine because she had never been to school and was illiterate.

❓4. What was Kashi Yatre?

✅ Answer

Kashi Yatre was a popular Kannada novel written by Triveni and published in serial form in the magazine.

❓5. Why did the grandmother identify with the heroine of Kashi Yatre?

✅ Answer

She identified with the heroine because she too wished to visit Kashi and understood the feelings of the elderly woman in the story.

❓6. Why was the grandmother upset when the narrator returned from the wedding?

✅ Answer

She was upset because she could not read the latest episode of Kashi Yatre in the narrator’s absence.

❓7. What realization did the grandmother have during the narrator’s absence?

✅ Answer

She realized that being illiterate made her dependent on others and deprived her of independence.

❓8. What decision did the grandmother make after this realization?

✅ Answer

She decided to learn reading and writing and become independent.

❓9. Why had the grandmother not gone to school as a child?

✅ Answer

She had not gone to school because girls’ education was not considered important in those days.

❓10. What goal did the grandmother set for herself?

✅ Answer

She set a goal to learn to read before Saraswati Pooja during the Dassara festival.

❓11. Who became the grandmother’s teacher?

✅ Answer

The narrator, her granddaughter, became her teacher.

❓12. What kind of student was the grandmother?

✅ Answer

The grandmother was a sincere, hardworking, and determined student.

❓13. How did the grandmother work towards her goal?

✅ Answer

She practised reading, writing, and learning the Kannada alphabet regularly and diligently.

❓14. What gift did the narrator give her grandmother on Saraswati Pooja?

✅ Answer

The narrator gifted her grandmother a copy of the novel Kashi Yatre.

❓15. Why did the grandmother touch the narrator’s feet?

✅ Answer

She touched the narrator’s feet to show respect to her teacher, who had helped her become literate.

❓16. Why was the narrator surprised when her grandmother touched her feet?

✅ Answer

She was surprised because, according to Indian tradition, elders are respected by touching their feet, not the other way around.

❓17. What explanation did the grandmother give for touching her granddaughter’s feet?

✅ Answer

She explained that she was showing respect to her guru (teacher), regardless of the teacher’s age.

❓18. What was the happiest moment for the grandmother?

✅ Answer

The happiest moment was when she could read Kashi Yatre independently for the first time.

❓19. What qualities of the grandmother impressed the narrator?

✅ Answer

Her determination, hard work, dedication, and eagerness to learn impressed the narrator.

❓20. What is the central message of the story?

✅ Answer

The central message is that there is no age limit for learning and that education brings independence and self-confidence.

❓21. What lesson did the narrator learn from her grandmother?

✅ Answer

The narrator learned that determination and perseverance can help a person achieve any goal, regardless of age.

❓22. How does the story highlight the importance of education?

✅ Answer

The story shows that education empowers people, makes them independent, and increases their confidence and self-respect.

❓23. Why is the title How I Taught My Grandmother to Read appropriate?

✅ Answer

The title is appropriate because the narrator teaches her illiterate grandmother to read, helping her achieve independence and confidence.

❓24. What does the story teach about teachers?

✅ Answer

The story teaches that teachers deserve respect because they guide others towards knowledge and independence.

❓25. How did literacy change the grandmother’s life?

✅ Answer

Literacy made her independent, confident, and capable of reading books and magazines on her own.

 Very Important  Questions

1. Why did the grandmother decide to learn to read?
2. Why was Kashi Yatre so important to the grandmother?
3. Why did the grandmother touch her granddaughter’s feet?
4. What message does the story convey?
5. How did the grandmother prove that age is no barrier to learning?
6. What realization changed the grandmother’s life?

Important Long Answer Questions and Answers (Exam-Oriented)

❓1. Why did the grandmother decide to learn to read and write?

✅ Answer

The grandmother decided to learn to read and write after realizing how helpless she was without education. She eagerly followed the serial story Kashi Yatre in the weekly magazine Karmaveera, which her granddaughter read aloud to her. When the granddaughter went away to attend a wedding, a new issue of the magazine arrived. The grandmother was unable to read it by herself and felt deeply frustrated and dependent on others. She realized that education was essential for independence and self-respect. Determined to overcome her weakness, she decided to learn the Kannada alphabet and set herself a goal of becoming literate before Saraswati Pooja.

❓2. Describe the relationship between the narrator and her grandmother.

✅ Answer

The relationship between the narrator and her grandmother is loving, respectful, and affectionate. The grandmother depended on her granddaughter to read the weekly story Kashi Yatre. The young girl willingly read the story aloud and enjoyed spending time with her grandmother. When the grandmother expressed her desire to learn reading and writing, the narrator happily took on the role of a teacher. She patiently taught her grandmother the Kannada alphabet and helped her practise regularly. Their relationship grew stronger through this learning process. The story shows mutual respect, trust, and emotional bonding between the two generations.

❓3. How did the grandmother prove that age is no barrier to learning?

✅ Answer

The grandmother proved that age is no barrier to learning through her determination and hard work. Although she was sixty-two years old and had never attended school, she decided to become literate after realizing the importance of education. She set a clear goal and worked tirelessly to achieve it. Every day she practised reading, writing, and memorizing letters. She completed her lessons sincerely and never lost hope despite the difficulties she faced. By the time of Saraswati Pooja, she successfully learned to read on her own. Her achievement demonstrates that with determination and dedication, learning is possible at any age.

❓4. Why did the grandmother touch her granddaughter’s feet? What does this incident signify?

✅ Answer

The grandmother touched her granddaughter’s feet on the day of Saraswati Pooja after successfully learning to read. This surprised the narrator because, according to Indian tradition, younger people usually touch the feet of elders as a mark of respect. However, the grandmother explained that she was not paying respect to her granddaughter as a child but to her teacher or guru. She believed that a teacher deserves respect regardless of age. This incident highlights the importance of education, the value of teachers, and the grandmother’s humility. It also shows the deep respect she had for knowledge and learning.

❓5. What role did Kashi Yatre play in the grandmother’s life?

✅ Answer

Kashi Yatre, written by Triveni, played a significant role in the grandmother’s life. She eagerly listened to the story every week when her granddaughter read it aloud. The story deeply touched her because she identified with the main character, an elderly woman who longed to visit Kashi. When the granddaughter was away, the grandmother could not read the latest episode herself. This experience made her realize the disadvantages of being illiterate. As a result, she became determined to learn reading and writing. Thus, Kashi Yatre became the inspiration behind her decision to become literate and independent.

❓6. What message does the story “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” convey?

✅ Answer

The story conveys a powerful message that learning has no age limit. It emphasizes the importance of education in achieving independence, confidence, and self-respect. Through the grandmother’s determination to become literate at the age of sixty-two, the story teaches that strong willpower can overcome any obstacle. It also highlights the importance of respecting teachers and valuing knowledge. Furthermore, the story promotes the idea that education empowers individuals and frees them from dependence on others. The grandmother’s success inspires readers to continue learning throughout their lives and never give up on their goals.

❓7. How did the narrator become a teacher to her grandmother?

✅ Answer

The narrator became a teacher to her grandmother when the latter decided to learn reading and writing. After realizing her helplessness due to illiteracy, the grandmother requested her granddaughter to teach her the Kannada alphabet. The narrator accepted the responsibility happily and began teaching her patiently. She helped her grandmother learn letters, words, and reading skills. The grandmother worked hard and followed all instructions sincerely. Through regular practice and guidance, she gradually became capable of reading independently. The narrator’s role as a teacher transformed her grandmother’s life and strengthened their bond.

❓8. Describe the character of the grandmother.

✅ Answer

The grandmother is the most inspiring character in the story. She is loving, caring, and emotionally attached to her granddaughter. Although she is illiterate, she is intelligent and understands the value of education. When she realizes her dependence on others, she does not complain or lose hope. Instead, she shows remarkable determination and courage by deciding to learn reading and writing at the age of sixty-two. She is hardworking, disciplined, and committed to her goal. Her humility is evident when she touches her granddaughter’s feet to honour her as a teacher. The grandmother represents perseverance, self-respect, and a lifelong desire for learning.

❓9. “Education brings independence.” Explain with reference to the story.

✅ Answer

The story clearly shows that education brings independence. The grandmother depended on her granddaughter to read the weekly magazine and the serial story Kashi Yatre. When the granddaughter was away, she realized how helpless she was because she could not read by herself. This experience made her understand that education is essential for self-reliance. After learning to read and write, she no longer needed anyone’s help to enjoy reading books and magazines. She gained confidence and self-respect. Thus, the story demonstrates that education empowers people, reduces dependence on others, and enables them to live with dignity.

 Most Important Exam Themes

• Learning has no age bar.
• Education leads to independence.
• Determination ensures success.
• Teachers deserve respect.
• Strong family bonds can inspire personal growth.
• Literacy empowers individuals and builds confidence.

📖 Extract-Based Questions

Extract 1

"I used to read the Kannada weekly magazine to my grandmother every Wednesday."

❓ Questions

1. Who is “I” in this extract?
2. Why did she read the magazine to her grandmother?
3. What does this activity show about their relationship?
4. Name the magazine referred to here.
5. Find a word that means “once every week”.

✅ Answers

1. “I” refers to the young narrator (Sudha Murty as a child).
2. Because her grandmother was illiterate and could not read.
3. It shows a loving and caring bond between them.
4. Karmaveera
5. Weekly

 Extract 2

"My grandmother never went to school, so she could not read or write."

❓ Questions

1. Why had the grandmother never been to school?
2. What does this line tell us about the past society?
3. How did this affect her life?
4. Give a synonym for “illiterate”.
5. What theme is highlighted here?

✅ Answers

1. Because in her time, girls’ education was not considered important.
2. It shows gender inequality in education.
3. She became dependent on others for reading and writing.
4. Uneducated / unable to read and write
5. Importance of education

 Extract 3

"I could not understand why she was so upset. She had all the material comforts."

❓ Questions

1. Who was upset and why?
2. What does “material comforts” mean?
3. Why were these comforts not enough for her?
4. What realization does this moment bring?
5. Find a word meaning “physical or worldly needs”.

✅ Answers

1. The grandmother was upset because she could not read the magazine herself.
2. It means physical comforts like money, food, and shelter.
3. Because she lacked education and independence.
4. Education is more valuable than material wealth.
5. Material

Extract 4

"I felt so helpless. I knew I could not read even a single word."

❓ Questions

1. Who felt helpless?
2. Why did she feel helpless?
3. What does this reveal about her condition?
4. What important turning point does this moment represent?
5. Find a word meaning “powerless”.

✅ Answers

1. The grandmother felt helpless.
2. Because she could not read the story herself.
3. It shows her dependence due to illiteracy.
4. It marks her realization to become independent.
5. Helpless

Extract 5

"I want to be independent. I want to read and write on my own."

❓ Questions

1. Who said these words and to whom?
2. What decision did she take?
3. What does this show about her character?
4. What theme is highlighted here?
5. Find a word that means “self-reliant”.

✅ Answers

1. The grandmother said this to her granddaughter.
2. She decided to learn reading and writing.
3. She is determined and strong-willed.
4. Self-reliance through education
5. Independent

Extract 6

"I will learn it before Saraswati Pooja(Dassara)."

❓ Questions

1. What does “it” refer to?
2. Which festival is mentioned here?
3. Why is Saraswati Pooja significant here?
4. What does this line show about her attitude?
5. What quality is reflected in setting a deadline?

✅ Answers

1. It refers to learning to read and write.
2. Saraswati Pooja(Dassara)
3. It is associated with learning and knowledge.
4. It shows determination and goal-setting.
5. Discipline and commitment.

Extract 7

"Avva was a wonderful student. She worked hard every day."

❓Questions

1. Who is Avva?
2. Why is she called a wonderful student?
3. What efforts did she make?
4. What message does this convey?
5. Find a word meaning “excellent”.
6. What qualities does she show?
7. How does this inspire readers?
8. Find a word meaning “put in effort”.

✅ Answers

1. Avva is the grandmother.
2. Because she was dedicated and hardworking.
3. She practiced reading and writing daily.
4. Learning has no age limit.
5. Wonderful
6. The qualities she shows are -Determination, discipline, and patience.
7. It shows that age is no barrier to learning.
8. Worked

 Extract 8

"She bent down and touched my feet."

❓ Questions

1. Who touched whose feet?
2. Why was this action surprising?
3. What reason did she give?
4. What value does this action highlight?
5. What does this show about her personality?
6. Which value is highlighted here?

✅ Answers

1. The grandmother touched the granddaughter’s feet.
2. Because elders are usually respected, not the other way around.
3. She said ,she was respecting her teacher.
4. Respect for teachers and knowledge.
5. She is humble and values learning.
6. Respect for knowledge and teachers

 Extract 9

"I could read the book myself."

❓ Questions

1. Who said this and when?
2. What achievement does it show?
3. How did she feel at that moment?
4. What is the significance of this moment?
5. Find a word meaning “accomplishment”.
6. What theme is reflected here?

✅ Answers

1. The grandmother said this after learning to read.
2. It shows her success in becoming literate.
3. She felt proud and happy.
4. It represents independence and confidence.
5. Achievement
6. Power of education