‘how I Taught My Grand Mother To Read’ By Sudha Murthy

Sudha Kulkarni Murthy (1950), born in shiggaon, Karnataka, is a social worker and author. She is known for her philanthropic work through the Infosys Foundation. A graduate in Electrical Engineering, she was the first woman engineer to be selected in Telco (now Tata Motors). In 2006, she was awarded the Padmashri, a civilian award from the Government of India and received an honorary doctorate from Sathyabama University. Sudha Murthy has written many stories which deal with common people, their lives and experiences. Some of them include “Sweet Hospitality”, “Wise and otherwise”, “The Magic Drum” and other Favourite stories, “How I Taught my Grandmother to read” and other stories and “The old Man And His God.”


HOW I TAUGHT MY GRAND MOTHER TO READ is a short story written by Sudha Murthy. The Story revolves round the anguish

experienced by the narrator’s grandmother because of her inability to read and her determination to educate herself. It begins with the narrator diligently reading to her grandmother the story, KASHI YATRE. The grandmother is able to relate to the protagonist as she shares her desire to visit KASHI. She feels
lost and helpless when her granddaughter is away and there is no one to read out the story to her. She is so depressed that she opens up to her twelve year old granddaughter and begins to narrate the story of her life, of how she felt lost after her mother’s death, the deep regret she harboured at not being sent to school and getting educated. She makes a fervent appeal to her granddaughter and requests her to educate her. Determined as she is, she makes very quick progress and empowers herself with education which transforms her whole outlook towards life.

This short story flashes the light on education, love, determination and care. Irrespective of age, learning is a fulfilling and enriching process which ensures definite progress.

‘For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.’ is well narrated &nicely put forth.