Educational Notes

a. How did the morning papers bring an ambience of celebration to the Varma family?

Ans: The morning papers announced that Rakesh had topped the Medical Examination, filling the Varma family with joy and pride, and marking the beginning of a celebration.

b. How did the community celebrate Rakesh’s success?

Ans: The community visited the Varmas’ house, congratulated Rakesh and his parents, brought gifts, and celebrated with festive spirit, garlands, and joy, turning the home into a lively scene.

c. Why was Rakesh’s success a special matter of discussion in the neighbourhood?

Ans: Rakesh was the first in his family to be educated and become a doctor. His humility and respect towards his parents made his achievement more admirable and a hot topic in the neighborhood.

d. How does the author make fun with the words ‘America’ and ‘the USA’?

Ans: The author humorously shows how Rakesh’s father insists on saying "USA" instead of "America" to appear more informed, mocking the ignorance of neighbors who still say "America."

e. How does the author characterize Rakesh’s wife?

Ans: Rakesh’s wife is described as plump, good-natured, obedient, and old-fashioned. She is portrayed as submissive and respectful, fitting into the traditional family structure.

f. Describe how Rakesh rises in his career.

Ans: Rakesh starts as a doctor at a city hospital, becomes a director due to his competence, and later opens a private clinic, earning fame and wealth as a successful doctor.

g. How does the author describe Rakesh’s family background?

Ans: Rakesh comes from a humble background. His father was a kerosene vendor and his mother a housewife. Despite poverty, they sacrificed everything to educate their son.

h. What is the impact of Rakesh’s mother’s death on his father?

Ans: After his wife’s death, Mr. Varma becomes emotionally shattered, frequently ill, and mentally fragile, suffering from loneliness and a mysterious mental state.

i. What did Rakesh do to make his father’s old age more comfortable?

Ans: Rakesh brought tea, read the news, helped him to bed, provided emotional comfort, and cared for his health, showing deep devotion and concern.

j. Why did the old man try to bribe his grandchildren?

Ans: Mr. Varma tried to bribe his grandchildren to secretly buy him forbidden sweets like jalebis, which he was not allowed to eat due to health reasons.

k. Are Mr. Varma’s complaints about his diets reasonable? How?

Ans: His complaints are emotional rather than reasonable. Rakesh, as a doctor and son, restricted unhealthy food for his father’s well-being, not to punish him.

a. How did the Varma couple make sacrifices for their son’s higher education?

Ans: Despite being poor, the Varmas worked hard and spent all they had to educate Rakesh. They endured hardship so their son could become a doctor and succeed in life.

b. Mr. Varma suffers from diseases one after another after his wife’s death. Would he have enjoyed better health if she had not died before him? Give reasons.

Ans: Yes, her presence gave him emotional strength. After her death, he became lonely and depressed, which worsened his physical and mental health significantly.

c. In your view, what else could Rakesh have done to make his father’s final years more comfortable?

Ans: Rakesh could have been more gentle and emotionally supportive. Instead of enforcing strict rules, he should have prioritized his father’s happiness and dignity in old age.

d. What does the story say about the relationship between grandfather and grandchildren?

Ans: The story reflects a playful and affectionate bond. Mr. Varma bribes his grandchildren to buy him sweets, showing love mixed with emotional dependence and innocence.

e. Do you call Rakesh a devoted son? Give reasons.

Ans: Yes, Rakesh is devoted. He honored his parents, chose to return home after success abroad, and cared for his father even during difficult times, balancing duty and emotion.

a. Write an essay on The Parents’ Ambition for their Children in Nepali Society.

Ans: [Essay to be included by the user in the same format.]

b. Medicines replace our diets in old age. What can be done to make old ageless less dependent on medicine?

Ans: A healthy lifestyle can reduce medicine dependence. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, hydration, enough sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking can promote wellness in old age.

c. Write an essay on “Care of Elderly Citizens” in about 300 words.

Ans: [Essay to be included by the user in the same format.]