English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Lencho's Unquestioning Faith vs. Kisa Gotami's Initial Skepticism

Lencho, a poor farmer in 'A Letter to God', displays absolute, unquestioning faith in God. When a hailstorm destroys his crops entirely, he does not despair permanently but writes directly to God asking for a hundred pesos. He never doubts that God will respond — "such was his confidence" that he showed no surprise on receiving money. His faith is so blind that he even accuses the post office employees of stealing, rather than questioning whether God could have sent less than asked.

Kisa Gotami, in 'Sermon at Benares', initially refuses to accept her son's death and desperately seeks a cure — a sign of denial rather than faith. Only after wandering from house to house, finding none untouched by death, does she gain wisdom and accept the universal truth of impermanence.

Thus, Lencho's faith is unconditional and never wavers, while Kisa Gotami's understanding develops gradually through lived experience and the Buddha's compassionate guidance.

Source: Chapter 1 — A Letter to God; Chapter 5 — Sermon at Benares

---

• The examiner wants a comparison — spend roughly equal space on both characters.
• Key contrast: Lencho's faith is static and absolute (never questioned); Kisa Gotami's belief is dynamic — she transforms from skepticism/denial to acceptance.
• Always cite textual evidence: "such was his confidence" for Lencho; the mustard-seed episode for Kisa Gotami.
• Irony in Lencho's faith (calling honest helpers "crooks") adds depth — worth one line.
• Do not exceed ~130–140 words in the exam; this answer models that length.