While We Read – Textbook Question Answers
a. Why does Srikanth say that his parents were the richest couple in the world?
Answer: Because despite being poor and uneducated, they gave him unconditional love and care when others rejected him for being blind.
b. Why did Srikanth’s father believe that education would be his path?
Answer: Since Srikanth was unable to help in farming due to his short legs and blindness, his father realised he wouldn’t fit into the traditional model and chose education as his path.
c. How did Srikanth excel as a student at the special school in Hyderabad?
Answer: Srikanth became an outstanding student, ranked top in academics, and represented India in chess and cricket. He also worked on projects with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
d. Srikanth says that he is not ‘visually impaired’ but ‘visually challenged’. Why?
Answer: Because he believes his condition is not a weakness but a challenge he can overcome through determination and effort.
e. How did Srikanth overcome the obstacles in pursuing his studies in science?
Answer: He filed a legal case and won permission to study science. Without textbooks in accessible formats, he studied using audio recordings and scored 98%.
f. What do you understand about the attitude of society to disabled individuals when Bolla was a student in school? How did he help to change the situation?
Answer: Society isolated and excluded disabled students. Srikanth changed this by creating opportunities through his company, Bollant Industries, where many disabled individuals are now employed and empowered.
g. Why did Srikanth return to India instead of pursuing opportunities in the corporate sector in the USA?
Answer: He returned to India to help disabled people get jobs, support, and dignity, instead of enjoying a personal career abroad.
h. What do you think the word ‘reintegrate’ means in this context?
Answer: It means to bring disabled individuals back into the mainstream of society, giving them equal opportunities and respect.
Let’s Rewind – Additional Questions
1. What were the challenges Srikanth faced in his education, and how did he overcome them?
Answer: He was isolated in school, denied science stream admission, and rejected by IIT due to blindness. He fought legally, studied hard with help from mentors, and succeeded with high marks, eventually studying at MIT.
2. What motivated Srikanth to return to India? What did he do on his return?
Answer: He wanted to help other disabled individuals overcome what he went through. He returned to start Bollant Industries, which now employs over 150 disabled people and supports thousands.
Activity 1 – Interview Questions for Srikanth Bolla
Personal Life:
- What was your childhood like in your village?
- How did your parents support you emotionally and mentally?
Professional Life:
- What inspired you to start Bollant Industries?
- How did your education at MIT influence your work?
Challenges:
- What was the most difficult moment in your journey?
- How did you overcome the rejection from IIT?
Mentors and Guides:
- How did Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam guide or influence your path?
Achievements and Awards:
- What achievement are you most proud of?
Being an Employer:
- What is it like to employ and empower other differently-abled people?
Message to Society:
- What message would you like to give to today’s youth?
Social Responsibility:
- What is your idea of true success?
Activity 2(a): Comprehension of News Article – “Kudumbashree in Aralam: A Story of Transformation”
1. What do you think about the headline? Does it capture the message of the article?
Answer:
Yes, the headline “Kudumbashree in Aralam: A Story of Transformation” effectively captures the message of the article. It reflects how the Kudumbashree Mission brought remarkable changes in the lives of tribal women through skill development and entrepreneurship.
2. What does the introductory paragraph tell us?
Answer:
The introductory paragraph describes how a group of tribal women from Aralam Farm in Kannur were trained in umbrella-making. Within three years, they introduced 21 varieties and earned ₹25 lakhs in revenue, despite facing challenges. This shows their dedication and the success of the Kudumbashree initiative.
3. What is the main topic of the article?
Answer:
The main topic of the article is the empowerment of tribal women through entrepreneurship under the Kudumbashree Mission, and how it has helped them become self-reliant by creating successful and sustainable businesses.
4. How does the article conclude?
Answer:
The article concludes by emphasising the impact of Kudumbashree’s tribal entrepreneurship model, praising it as a shining example of community-led development. It calls for society to celebrate such achievements as they inspire positive change.
Activity 2(b): Magazine Article on Srikanth Bolla
Headline: Breaking Barriers with Courage and Compassion
Byline: Class X Student Reporter – English Club
Introduction
Srikanth Bolla, a blind entrepreneur from Andhra Pradesh, is a symbol of courage, perseverance, and social commitment. From being seen as a burden at birth to becoming the CEO of a million-dollar company, his life is an inspiration to all.
Body
Born into a poor farming family, Srikanth was blind from birth. Society rejected him, and he faced isolation in school. But his parents supported him, and he moved to a special school in Hyderabad where he excelled in academics and sports.
Despite scoring 90% in Class 10, he was denied permission to study science. He fought and won a legal battle to pursue science and later scored 98%. Even after being rejected by IITs, he secured admission at the prestigious MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), becoming its first international blind student.
Srikanth turned down lucrative job offers in the U.S. and returned to India to start Bollant Industries, which now employs over 150 differently-abled individuals. His company promotes eco-friendly packaging and is valued at over a million dollars.
Conclusion
Srikanth Bolla teaches us that real success lies in lifting others up. His story reminds us to believe in ourselves, turn problems into opportunities, and never let challenges stop us from flying high.
Activity 3 – Event Invitation
Task: Prepare an invitation for a school function on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), inviting Srikanth Bolla as the chief guest.
Institution:
Green Valley Government Higher Secondary School
Palakkad – 678001, Kerala
EVENT INVITATION
Title: Celebrating the Spirit of Courage and Possibility
Salutation:
Respected Mr. Srikanth Bolla,
We are extremely delighted to invite you as the Chief Guest for our school’s special event on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which will be held on 3rd December 2024, at the school auditorium.
The programme is organised by the English Club and Health & Wellness Cell of our institution to inspire young minds about inclusion, self-belief, and social entrepreneurship. Your story of overcoming challenges and empowering others resonates deeply with the theme of the event.
Event Details
- What: International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration
- When: Tuesday, 3 December 2024, 10:00 a.m.
- Where: School Auditorium, Green Valley Govt. HSS
- Who: Organised by English Club, hosted by Class 10 students
- Why: To promote inclusion, ability awareness, and social responsibility
- How: Through speech, drama, panel discussions, and a keynote address
Special Request:
We would be honoured to have your inspiring presence at the event and request you to deliver the keynote speech to our students.
Looking forward to your positive response.
Warm regards,
Aneesha Joseph
Convener, English Club
Green Valley Govt. HSS
Palakkad
Date: 20 November 2024