Complete Solutions and Summary of Bholi - NCERT Class 10, Footprints without Feet, Chapter 8 - Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions...

Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 8 'Bholi' with all question answers, extra questions, and solutions from NCERT Class X, Footprints without Feet.

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Introduction

'Bholi' by K.A. Abbas is a heart-touching story about a girl named Sulekha, commonly known as Bholi. Born into a prosperous family but neglected due to her stammer and physical appearance, Bholi's life takes a dramatic turn when she is sent to school. Through the kindness and encouragement of her teacher, Bholi grows into a confident and assertive woman who stands up for her rights, rejecting societal pressures and standing against injustice.

Summary in English (200 words):

'Bholi' tells the story of a simple and neglected girl named Bholi, who faces many hardships due to her stammer and appearance. She is sent to school, where her life changes under the guidance of a kind teacher who instills confidence in her. As Bholi grows, she transforms from a timid girl into a strong, self-assured woman. When her parents arrange her marriage to a greedy and older man, Bholi boldly refuses to marry him, asserting her right to live with dignity. The story highlights the importance of education in empowering individuals and breaking free from societal norms.

Summary in Hindi (200 words):

'Bholi' कहानी सुलेखा नामक एक लड़की की है, जिसे सभी भोली कहते हैं। बचपन से ही उपेक्षित, भोली को उसके हकलाने और चेहरे के निशानों के कारण समाज ने अलग-थलग कर दिया था। उसे स्कूल भेजा जाता है जहाँ उसकी मुलाकात एक दयालु शिक्षिका से होती है, जो उसे आत्मविश्वास से भर देती है। वर्षों बाद, जब उसकी शादी एक लालची और बूढ़े व्यक्ति से तय की जाती है, तो भोली साहस दिखाकर इस विवाह से इनकार कर देती है। कहानी शिक्षा के महत्व और आत्मनिर्भरता की आवश्यकता पर जोर देती है।

Think about it - Page 55

1. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?
Bholi initially had many fears about going to school. However, when she saw the clean environment, the bright colors on the walls, and the kind teacher who smiled at her, she felt that the school was a better place than her home, where she was often neglected. The warmth and attention she received at school made her feel more comfortable and welcomed.
2. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?
Bholi’s teacher played a crucial role in transforming her life. The teacher treated Bholi with kindness, patience, and encouragement, which helped her gain self-confidence. She made Bholi realize her potential and encouraged her to speak and participate. The teacher's support empowered Bholi to stand up for herself, ultimately leading her to reject an unfair marriage and assert her independence.
3. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her?
At first, Bholi agreed to the unequal match because she believed that her appearance and stammer made her undesirable, and she felt she had no other choice. However, after seeing the groom’s greed during the wedding, she gathered the courage to reject the marriage, realizing that her dignity and self-respect were more important. This shows her growth from a timid girl into a confident and strong woman who values her self-worth.
4. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We are told this right at the beginning. But only in the last but one paragraph of the story is Bholi called Sulekha again. Why do you think she is called Sulekha at that point in the story?
Bholi is called Sulekha at the end of the story to signify her transformation from a simple, fearful girl to a confident and assertive woman. The name "Bholi" (meaning simple or naive) no longer suits her, as she has grown into a mature and self-assured individual. The use of her real name, Sulekha, highlights her inner strength and personal development.
5. Bholi’s story must have moved you. Do you think girl children are not treated at par with boys? You are aware that the government has introduced a scheme to save the girl child as the sex ratio is declining. The scheme is called Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Save the Girl Child. Read about the scheme and design a poster in groups of four and display it on the school notice board.
Bholi’s story highlights the struggles that many girl children face, such as discrimination, lack of education, and societal pressures. Girls are often not given the same opportunities as boys and face barriers in their education and personal development. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, launched by the Indian government, aims to address these issues by promoting the education and well-being of girl children, helping to create a more equal society.

Talk about it - Page 55

1. Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers by encouraging and motivating her. How do you think you can contribute towards changing the social attitudes illustrated in this story?
I can contribute to changing social attitudes by promoting the value of education for all children, regardless of their gender or background. By encouraging and supporting others in their personal development, just like Bholi’s teacher did, I can help challenge societal norms that limit opportunities for girls. Speaking out against gender discrimination and fostering an environment of equal opportunities will help create a more just society.
2. Should girls be aware of their rights, and assert them? Should girls and boys have the same rights, duties, and privileges? What are some of the ways in which society treats them differently? When we speak of ‘human rights’, do we differentiate between girls’ rights and boys’ rights?
Yes, girls should be aware of their rights and should assert them when necessary. Both girls and boys deserve the same rights, duties, and privileges. However, society often treats them differently, such as giving boys more access to education or opportunities, while girls are expected to conform to traditional gender roles. When discussing human rights, there should be no differentiation between the rights of girls and boys. Everyone deserves equal treatment and opportunities, regardless of gender.
3. Do you think the characters in the story were speaking to each other in English? If not, in which language were they speaking? (You can get clues from the names of the persons and the non-English words used in the story.)
The characters in the story were not speaking in English. Based on the setting and the names of the characters like Bholi, Ramlal, and Bishamber, it is likely that they were speaking in Hindi or another regional language of India. The use of non-English words in the story further suggests that the conversations were in a local language.

About the Author

K.A. Abbas was a renowned Indian writer, film director, and journalist. His works often focused on social issues and human values. Through 'Bholi', Abbas brings to light the struggles faced by women in a conservative society and the transformative power of education. His stories are known for their emotional depth and strong moral lessons.