Bholi

by K.A. Abbas

K.A. Abbas was a renowned Indian writer, journalist, and film director, known for his socially conscious stories that often highlight issues like poverty, inequality, and human dignity. His works often focus on the lives of the common people and their struggles. “Bholi” is also such touching story of a girl named Bholi, who is initially considered simple and unattractive due to her speech impediment and scars from childhood illness. However, through education and self-confidence, Bholi transforms and eventually stands up for her rights, rejecting an unfair marriage.

Q: Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?

Bholi’s father is worried about her because she is not like his other children. Bholi, whose real name is Sulekha, has suffered from a bout of smallpox that left her face disfigured with pockmarks. Additionally, she is considered backward because she began speaking very late and stammers. These factors make her father anxious about her future, especially regarding her prospects for marriage.

Q: For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?

Bholi is sent to school for unusual reasons. Traditionally, girls in her village were not educated, but Bholi’s parents sent her to school because they believed she was unlikely to get married due to her appearance and speech problems. They hoped that education might at least make her capable of supporting herself.

Q: Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?

Bholi does not enjoy her first day at school initially. She is frightened by the new environment and the other children who laugh at her when she stammers. However, her teacher’s kindness and encouragement gradually made her feel more comfortable and welcomed.

Q: Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?

Yes, Bholi finds her teacher very different from the people at home. Her teacher is compassionate, patient, and encouraging which is a stark contrast to the neglect and scorn she often faces from her family members and others in the village.

Q: Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?

Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal because he is wealthy and does not demand a dowry, despite being much older and having a limp. They see this as a fortunate opportunity to marry off Bholi, who they believe would otherwise remain unmarried due to her appearance and speech impediment.

Q: Why does the marriage not take place?

The marriage does not take place because Bishamber demands a hefty dowry at the last moment when he sees Bholi’s pockmarked face. Bholi’s father, in desperation, agrees to give the dowry, but Bholi, demonstrating newfound confidence and self-respect, refuses to marry a greedy man who values money over her as a person.

Q: Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?

Bholi’s apprehensions about going to school were mitigated by the warm and supportive environment she found there. Her teacher’s kindness and encouragement helped her feel valued and capable, unlike the neglect and scorn she experienced at home.

Q: How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?

Bholi’s teacher plays a crucial role in changing the course of her life. The teacher’s compassion, patience, and encouragement helped Bholi gain confidence and overcome her speech impediment. This support enables Bholi to recognize her self-worth and potential, leading her to stand up for herself and refuse to marry a man who does not respect her.

Q: Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her?

Bholi initially agrees to marry Bishamber because she wants to relieve her parents of the burden of her care. However, she later rejects the marriage when Bishamber demands a dowry, showing that she values her self-respect over societal expectations. This decision reflects Bholi’s growth in self-esteem and her refusal to be treated unfairly.

Q: 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 again in the last but one paragraph of the story to signify her transformation. “Bholi” means a simpleton, which she was considered to be. By the end of the story, she has become confident and assertive, deserving of her real name, Sulekha, which means “a person of good virtues”

Q: Bholi’s story must have moved you. Do you think girl children are not treated at par with boys?

The story of Bholi highlights the disparities in treatment between girls and boys in society. The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) scheme aims to address these issues by promoting the survival, protection, and education of girl children.

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?

To change social attitudes like those illustrated in Bholi’s story, you can educate others about the importance of gender equality. You can support and encourage girls in their educational and personal pursuits. Moreover, you can also change the attitudes by challenging and speaking out against discriminatory practices and attitudes.

Q: 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?

Girls should be aware of their rights and assert them to ensure equality and justice. Boys and girls should have the same rights, duties, and privileges. Society often treats them differently in areas such as education, career opportunities, and social freedoms. When we speak of ‘human rights’, we should advocate for equal rights for both genders.

Q: 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 “Bholi” likely do not speak English. The names of the characters and the use of non-English words suggest they are speaking in a local Indian language, probably Hindi. This is inferred from the context and the setting of the story.