Answer any one of the following two questions in 100–120 words:
Imagine that Bholi writes a diary entry, exploring the themes of self-discovery, empowerment and transformation, in the context of her own experiences. Write this diary entry, as Bholi.
(Reference: Bholi)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:11 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Date: (A quiet evening after the wedding that never was)
Dear Diary,
Today I finally understood who I truly am — not Bholi, the simpleton, but Sulekha.
For years I lived in silence and shame. My pockmarked face, my stammer — they made everyone treat me like a dumb cow. Even my own parents sent me to school only because no one would marry me.
But my teacher changed everything. She spoke to me with kindness no one ever had. She said, "Put the fear out of your heart." Slowly, I learned to read, to think, to dream.
Today, when Bishamber demanded money to accept me, I saw him for what he was — greedy and contemptible. I flung the garland into the sacred fire and spoke — clearly, without stammering — for the very first time in a crowd.
I will not be sold. I will teach instead. I am no longer Bholi. I am Sulekha.
Source: Bholi, Chapter 8
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Explanation
- This is a creative/imaginative question, but it must be grounded in the text — the teacher's encouragement, the wedding scene, Bholi rejecting Bishamber, and her final resolve to teach.
- Examiners look for: three themes — self-discovery, empowerment, transformation — reflected through specific story events.
- The shift from "Bholi" to "Sulekha" is crucial; the textbook itself signals this name change marks her true transformation.
- Keep the diary personal, first-person, and emotional but concise. Avoid padding.
- Aim for 120–130 words in the exam.