"Bholi" is a character from the short story "Bholi" written by K.A. Abbas. The story is often included in the curriculum for Indian school students, typically around Class 10. Here is a brief description of the character "Bholi"
BHOLI
Khwaja Ahmad Abbas
Bholi is a short story written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, a popular Indian film director,
screenwriter and novelist. The story revolves around the life of a simple girl, Sulekha, who is
called “Bholi” (simpleminded) ever since her childhood on account of her plain demeanor. It
traces the journey of her transformation from a timid, little girl who lacked self-confidence and
stammered as she spoke to a strong, young woman who is unafraid to fight against the injustice
done to her and raise her voice fearlessly against the menace of dowry.
Objective of the Story
Through her story, the author throws light on the social issues that prevail in our country,
patriarchy being the root cause of most of them. The emphasis placed by the society upon
external beauty and appearance rather than on a person’s intellect and inner goodness is also
an issue that is raised in the story.
Along with this, Bholi’s tale also highlights the significant role that a teacher plays in a student’s
life by guiding him/her towards the path of righteousness and instilling in them a sense of
confidence and belief in their abilities. A good teacher is the light that helps one cross even the
darkest of paths through honing their inherent qualities which enable them to shine bright and
strong in the journey of life.
What we learn
Her story gives us hope and teaches us that no matter how adverse our circumstances are, we
can always turn the situation in our favour if we have belief in ourselves. It does not matter what
others think of us or our appearance, what truly matters is what we ourselves think of us. Beauty
does not lie in external features but rather shines through the way one carries oneself with
dignity and self respect. Bholi, through her journey of self-transformation, teaches us the true
meaning of beauty and encourages all the girls to never compromise on their pride and self
respect. One has all the strength one needs stored inside of them- all that is required is a guide
to tap this strength.
Important Questions
Q. In what respect was Bholi different from her sisters?’
Ans. Bholi was the weakest and youngest child of Ramlal. Bholi had ugly looks and absence of
brain. Her sisters Radha Mangla and Champa were healthy, strong and good looking. They had
been happily married.
Q. Bholi’s heart was overflowing with a ‘new hope and a new life’. What does the phrase ‘the
new hope and the new life’ means?
Ans. The phrase means Bholi’s heart was overflowing with a new hope and a new life when she
took a vow to serve her parents in their old age and to teach the students in the same school
where she had learnt a lot.
Q. How did Bholi react when her father caught her by the hand to take her to school?
Ans. Bholi’s father caught her by her hand to take her to school. She was scared as she did not
know what the school was like. She remembered how her old cow had been turned out of the
house and sold. Therefore she was frightened and reluctant to go to school.
Q. For what unusual reasons was Bholi sent to school?
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