How I taught my Grandmother to Read

About the Author

Sudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in North Karnataka. A prolific writer in Kannada, she has written seven novels, four technical books, three travelogues and two collections of short stories. Her previous English book ‘Wise and Otherwise’ has been translated into thirteen Indian languages. Her stories deal with common lives and human values such as charity, kindness and self-realisation. As a sensitive writer, she writes about the suffering of the people. The main characters in all her books are highly educated, uncompromising, highly principled women.

Summary of “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read”

This story by Sudha Murthy is about a young girl and her grandmother, who lived in a village in Karnataka.

The narrator used to read a popular Kannada serial story Kashi Yatre to her grandmother every week because her grandmother could not read. The grandmother loved the story and waited eagerly to hear it.

Once, the narrator went away for a few days. During that time, the grandmother received the magazine but could not read it. She felt helpless and dependent. This made her very sad.

She then decided to learn how to read and write, even at the age of sixty-two. The narrator became her teacher. The grandmother worked very hard and practised daily with great determination.

By the time of the Dassara festival, she learned to read on her own. As a mark of respect, she touched the narrator’s feet, showing that a teacher must always be respected, regardless of age.

The story teaches us that there is no age limit for learning and that education brings independence and confidence.

Answers to the Questions

1. Why did the grandmother feel embarrassed to ask someone else to read?

The grandmother felt embarrassed because she was old and uneducated. She did not want others to know that she could not read. It made her feel dependent and helpless, so she avoided asking anyone for help.

2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother?

The narrator laughs because she thinks it is unusual and difficult for a sixty-two-year-old woman to learn reading and writing. She believes her grandmother is too old and busy for such learning.

**3. What is the significance of Kashi Yatre in the story?**

Kashi Yatre plays an important role because:

It connects emotionally with the grandmother, as she relates to the main character.
It becomes the reason for her desire to learn reading.
It acts as a motivation that changes her life and leads her towards independence.

4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn reflect?

It reflects that she is:

Determined and strong-willed
Eager to become independent
Courageous to learn at any age
A believer in the importance of education

5. What lesson do we learn from the grandmother touching the narrator’s feet?

This action teaches us the following:

A teacher deserves respect, regardless of age
Learning is sacred
Respect should be given based on knowledge, not age
Humility and gratitude are important values

6. ‘For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.’ – Explain

This line is shown through the grandmother’s example. Even at an old age, she learns to read by working hard and staying determined. It proves that strong willpower can help us overcome any difficulty.

7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education?

The story highlights education very effectively because it shows that:

Education makes a person independent
Lack of education creates helplessness
Learning gives confidence and self-respect
Education is important at every stage of life

Through the grandmother’s journey, we clearly understand how education can change a person’s life.

What is a Formal Letter?

A formal letter is a letter written in a polite and official way to someone you do not know personally, such as a principal, editor, or officer.

It is used to:

Give information
Make a request
Share opinions or complaints

📄 Format of a Formal Letter

Sender’s Address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Subject (4–5 words)
Salutation (Sir/Madam)
Body (3 Paragraphs)

Paragraph 1: Introduce the issue
Paragraph 2: Explain the issue
Paragraph 3: Give suggestions

Closing (Yours truly)
Name

Model1 : A letter to the editor for spreading awareness on Adult Literacy.

From,

Rahul M
Ahmedabad, Gujarat

26 April 2026

To,
The Editor
The Times of India
Ahmedabad

Subject: Student’s Role in Literacy

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is with reference to recent reports about adult illiteracy in our country. As a concerned citizen, I would like to draw your attention towards the need for student participation in adult literacy camps. Many adults still cannot read or write, which affects their daily life.

This problem affects many people in society. Adults without education face problems in jobs and daily tasks. It is important that students take part in literacy camps. Such activities help students become responsible and confident. By teaching others, they also improve their communication skills. Society benefits when more people become educated.

One effective way to solve this problem is to encourage schools to involve students in literacy programmes. Awareness can be spread through school activities, posters, and social media. Authorities should support such programmes and motivate students to volunteer.

I hope this letter will be published to create awareness among people.

Yours faithfully,
Rahul M

Model 2

From,

Jeeya S
Ahmedabad, Gujarat

26 April 2026

To,
The Editor
The Times of India
Ahmedabad

Subject: Rising Plastic Pollution

Dear Sir/Madam,

As a concerned citizen, I would like to draw your attention towards the growing problem of plastic pollution in our city. Plastic waste can be seen on roads, in markets, and even in water bodies, which is harmful to the environment.

This issue affects both people and animals. Plastic does not decompose easily and causes pollution of land and water. Animals often eat plastic and fall sick. It also blocks drains and leads to waterlogging during rains. It is important that people understand the dangers of using plastic carelessly.

One effective way to solve this problem is to reduce the use of single-use plastic. Authorities should strictly ban plastic bags and promote eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags. Awareness campaigns can be organised in schools and public places. I request the authorities to take strict action and encourage citizens to keep the environment clean.

I hope this letter gets published to create awareness among people.

Yours sincerely,
Vinoy K

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