How I Taught My Grandfather to Read

 

 How I Taught My Grandfather to Read 

-Sudha Murthy

Sudha Murthy’s short story “How I Taught My Grandfather to Read” is a heartwarming tale about love, determination, and the transformative power of education. Set in a small Indian village, the story explores the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather, as well as the importance of lifelong learning. Written in Murthy’s characteristic simple yet evocative style, the narrative carries a profound message that resonates with readers of all ages.

Summary of the Story

The story revolves around the narrator, a twelve-year-old girl, and her grandfather, who is illiterate. Despite being highly respected in the village, her grandfather regrets not having had the opportunity to learn to read and write. He enjoys listening to the narrator read serialized novels from a Kannada magazine called Karmaveera.

One day, the narrator goes away to her cousin’s house for a week. During her absence, her grandfather is unable to follow the story, as he cannot read it himself. This incident deeply affects him, and he resolves to learn to read and write so that he will never have to depend on anyone else. Upon the narrator’s return, he asks her to be his teacher.

With her guidance and his determination, the grandfather learns to read and write by the age of sixty-two. He celebrates his achievement by writing a touching note of gratitude to his granddaughter. This story demonstrates the power of education and the willingness to learn, regardless of age or circumstances.

Themes in the Story

The Importance of Education
The central theme of the story is the transformative power of education. Sudha Murthy emphasizes that it is never too late to learn and that literacy is a gateway to independence and self-reliance.

Determination and Perseverance
The grandfather’s journey highlights the value of determination and hard work. Despite his age, he overcomes societal expectations and personal challenges to achieve his goal of learning to read.

Family Bonding
The story beautifully captures the loving and respectful relationship between the narrator and her grandfather. Their shared journey of teaching and learning strengthens their bond and shows how families can support and inspire one another.

Breaking Stereotypes
The story challenges stereotypes about age and learning. The grandfather’s resolve to educate himself defies societal norms and proves that age is not a barrier to acquiring knowledge.

Sudha Murthy’s Writing Style

Sudha Murthy’s storytelling is marked by simplicity and relatability. She uses everyday language and vivid descriptions to create a world that feels authentic and familiar. Her characters are drawn from real life, making their struggles and triumphs universally relatable. In this story, Murthy uses a conversational tone that appeals to readers of all ages, while her focus on emotions adds depth to the narrative.

Message of the Story

“How I Taught My Grandfather to Read” conveys a powerful message about the significance of education and the joy of learning. It teaches readers that it is never too late to pursue knowledge and that determination can help overcome even the most difficult challenges. The story also reminds us of the importance of empathy, family support, and mutual respect in achieving personal goals.

Relevance of the Story

The story remains highly relevant in today’s context, where education continues to be a vital tool for personal and social empowerment. It inspires readers to value learning and to support others in their educational journeys. The grandfather’s determination serves as a role model for lifelong learning, encouraging individuals to break barriers and strive for self-improvement.

Conclusion

Sudha Murthy’s “How I Taught My Grandfather to Read” is a touching and inspirational tale that celebrates the joy of learning and the bond between generations. It reminds us that age is no obstacle to achieving one’s dreams and that education is a lifelong gift. Through its simple yet profound narrative, the story leaves readers with a sense of hope and motivation to embrace the power of knowledge.