Pre-reading Task
- Imagine a situation wherein you are suffering from very high fever and you are to appear for a very important examination the next day. What will you and your friends do? Discuss in groups of five.
Answer – If I have a high fever before an important examination, I would immediately inform my parents and seek medical help. I would also rest as much as possible and stay hydrated. My friends might help by sharing notes, revising with me over a call, or encouraging me to stay strong. If my condition does not improve, I would inform my teacher and try to reschedule or apply for a medical exemption if allowed.
- Do hurdles dishearten you or give you greater strength? Share your opinion with your friends.
Answer – Hurdles often test my patience and determination. Initially, they may feel discouraging, but once I begin to face them with courage, they give me greater strength and confidence. Every challenge becomes a lesson that helps me grow stronger and more resilient. Overcoming obstacles builds character and prepares me for tougher situations in life.
Word Meaning
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Malformed | Badly shaped or deformed | विकृत / विकराल |
Clumsy | Awkward in movement or handling | भद्दा / अजीब |
Ornate | Beautifully decorated | सजावटी / अलंकृत |
Piggy bank | A container used to save coins or money | गुल्लक |
Melancholic | Sad or sorrowful | उदास / विषादपूर्ण |
Impish | Mischievous in a playful way | शरारती |
Rinsing | Washing lightly with water | पानी से धोना |
Auctioneer | A person who conducts an auction | नीलामी करने वाला |
Drifted | Moved slowly or without control | बहक जाना / बह जाना |
Overwhelmed | Overcome with emotion | भावुक हो जाना |
Suspiciously | With distrust or doubt | संदेह के साथ |
Torture | Severe physical or mental suffering | अत्याचार / पीड़ा |
Unravel | Undo or open something (like a knot or thread) | सुलझाना |
Urged | Strongly encouraged or requested | आग्रह करना / प्रेरित करना |
Wobbly | Moving unsteadily or shaking | डगमगाता हुआ |
Pacify | To calm or soothe | शांत करना / समझाना |
Wearily | In a tired or exhausted manner | थके हुए तरीके से |
Sagged | Drooped or sunk down due to weakness or sadness | झुक जाना / बैठ जाना |
Preaching | Giving advice, especially in a serious manner | उपदेश देना |
Anguish | Severe emotional pain | पीड़ा / दुःख |
Dreaded | Greatly feared or disliked | भयभीत करने वाला |
Glimpsing | Seeing briefly or partially | झलक देखना |
Authority | An expert in a particular field | विशेषज्ञ / प्राधिकारी |
Category | A specific group or type | वर्ग / श्रेणी |
Steady | Firm, balanced, and not shaking | स्थिर |
Thumping | Hitting or beating with force | थपथपाना / जोर से मारना |
Longing | Strong desire or yearning | तड़प / इच्छा |
Determination | Firmness of purpose; resolve | दृढ़ निश्चय |
Fight | Struggle or work hard against difficulties | संघर्ष करना / लड़ना |
Summary in English:
“Manjula Parelkar’s Story” is an inspiring tale of a young girl with physical deformities in her hands and feet who does not let her disability define her spirit. Though her claw-like fingers and deformed feet make her self-conscious, Manjula discovers a deep love for painting. Despite her talent, she faces financial limitations and discouragement, especially from her father who thinks painting is impractical for someone like her.
Her mother supports her emotionally and financially, encouraging her talent. Manjula begins painting passionately, improving rapidly. However, overhearing a conversation where her father doubts her future as an artist deeply hurts her. She gives up painting and turns to cooking instead, despite disliking it.
Eventually, a newspaper article about Rich Belanger, a boy who played football with artificial feet, reignites her courage. Inspired, she picks up her brushes again and decides to participate in a painting competition. Her determination to fight back proves that true strength comes from within, and no disability can stop a passionate spirit.
हिन्दी में सारांश:
“मंजुला पारेळकर की कहानी” एक प्रेरणादायक कहानी है जो एक ऐसी लड़की की है जिसके हाथ और पैर विकृत (deformed) हैं, लेकिन फिर भी वह अपने सपनों को टूटने नहीं देती। मंजुला को चित्रकला (painting) का शौक होता है, लेकिन उसके विकृत हाथ और आर्थिक कठिनाइयाँ उसके मार्ग में बाधा बनती हैं। फिर भी वह अपने माँ-पिता से चित्रकला के लिए रंग और कागज़ माँगती है।
माँ उसका उत्साह बढ़ाती हैं, लेकिन पिता को लगता है कि यह एक अनुपयोगी (useless) शौक है। जब मंजुला अपने पिता को यह कहते सुनती है कि वह कभी एक अच्छी चित्रकार नहीं बन पाएगी, तो वह टूट जाती है। वह अपने सभी चित्र फाड़ देती है और खाना पकाना सीखने लगती है, हालांकि उसे यह पसंद नहीं होता।
एक दिन वह एक अख़बार में रिच बेलेंजर के बारे में पढ़ती है, जिसने कृत्रिम पैरों से फुटबॉल खेला। यह पढ़कर वह फिर से प्रेरित होती है और अपने रंग और ब्रश निकालती है। वह फिर से पेंटिंग शुरू करती है और एक प्रतियोगिता में भाग लेने का निश्चय करती है।
कहानी हमें यह सिखाती है कि अगर आत्मबल और हिम्मत हो तो कोई भी बाधा हमें रोक नहीं सकती।
Understanding the Story
A. Answer the following questions very briefly.
- Why did Manjula wear wrong shoes most of the times?
Answer – Because her feet were deformed and she could not get properly fitting shoes.
- Why did Manjula need extra money?
Answer – To buy painting materials like paper and colours.
- Where was her mother’s piggy bank?
Answer – Behind the pickle jars in the kitchen cupboard.
- How many knots were tied on the gift given by Manjula’s brother?
Answer – Eleven knots.
- Who was Rich Belanger?
Answer – A boy who played football with artificial feet.
B. Answer the following questions in not more than 30 words.
- Handling brushes was no problem for Manjula. Then what was the real problem in learning painting?
Answer – The real problem was her father’s discouragement and her own self-doubt due to her physical deformity.
- Manjula used to drift to another world. What was there in this another world of Manjula?
Answer – It was a world full of colours, imagination, and creativity where she could express herself freely through painting.
- What were the three gifts that Manjula received on her birthday?
Answer – Drawing paper, a box of watercolours, and a painting brush set.
- Why did Manjula tear her painting into pieces?
Answer – She overheard her father saying she could never become a great painter, which shattered her confidence.
- Which sentence was underlined in red in the newspaper cutting? Why?
Answer – “A boy who played football with artificial feet” – to inspire Manjula by showing that disability doesn’t stop determination.
C. Complete the following table mentioning the role of various characters in encouraging Manjula.
Answer –
Characters | How they encouraged Manjula to achieve her goal |
Father | Initially discouraged her, but later supported her silently by placing the article. |
Mother | Gave emotional support, saved money for painting materials from her piggy bank. |
Brother | Gave her a painting brush set with eleven knots; playful but thoughtful. |
Rich Belanger | Indirectly inspired Manjula through his story of playing football with artificial feet. |
D. Who do you think kept the newspaper cutting on the table? Why?
Answer – Probably her father kept the cutting to inspire her silently, showing that he cared and believed in her talent despite his earlier doubts.
HOTS
‘Sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can.’
Discuss the importance of having a positive attitude in life. Give examples to justify your point of view.
Answer – A positive attitude boosts confidence and persistence. Manjula believed in herself again after reading about Rich Belanger and won a prize. Believing in your ability is the first step toward success.
Life Skills
Physically challenged people do not need sympathy, they need encouragement. Discuss.
Answer – Encouragement builds confidence and independence in differently-abled individuals. Sympathy makes them feel weak or pitied, but support and motivation empower them to reach their potential, like Manjula did.
Values
- Sometimes Manjula was not too sure whether ‘her brother was mischievous or simply mean.’ Discuss with your partner what kind of boy he was.
Answer – He was mischievous but loving. His gift with eleven knots showed playfulness, yet he chose a meaningful present to support Manjula’s talent.
- What qualities of Manjula’s mother do you admire the most? Do you feel all mothers are alike?
Answer – Her mother was kind, supportive, and understanding. Most mothers deeply care for their children, though they may express it differently depending on their personality and circumstances.
Writing Skills
Manjula won the first prize in her category in ‘On-the-spot Painting Competition’. Write her diary entry. Specially include the following:
(a) how the newspaper cutting instilled new courage in her,
(b) the satisfaction she got from the prize.
Answer –
Date: 00.00.0000
Dear Diary,
Today is one of the happiest days of my life! I won the first prize in the On-the-spot Painting Competition! I still can’t believe it.
It all began when I saw that newspaper cutting about Rich Belanger—a boy who played football with artificial feet. It was underlined in red and placed where I could find it. I knew then that someone believed in me. Maybe it was Papa. That simple sentence sparked a fire in me.
I picked up my brush again and poured my heart into my painting. Winning the prize was not just about the competition—it was about proving to myself that I can do it.
This award is a symbol of hope, courage, and belief. I feel proud, and for the first time, completely confident in who I am.
Goodnight,
Manjula
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
What was Manjula’s biggest challenge in painting?
a) Lack of interest
b) High cost of materials ✅
c) No teacher available
d) Too many school assignments
What was the gift Manjula received from her father on her birthday?
a) Sable hair brushes
b) A set of artist’s oil colours
c) A painting book titled Painting Step by Step ✅
d) A box of crayons
Why did Manjula stop painting?
a) She lost interest
b) Her teacher discouraged her
c) Her father’s lack of faith discouraged her ✅
d) Her mother forced her to learn cooking
What inspired Manjula to start painting again?
a) Her mother’s encouragement
b) An art competition
c) A TV show
d) A newspaper article about Rich Belanger ✅
What did Manjula receive as a surprise gift wrapped in 11 knots?
a) Colour box
b) Canvas sheets
c) Watercolour brushes ✅
d) Birthday cake
Short Questions and Answers
Why did Manjula wear wrong shoes most of the time?
Ans: Because she had deformed feet and the market did not have soft shoes for her clumsy feet.
What was Manjula’s real problem in learning painting?
Ans: The cost of painting materials like colours and watercolour paper was too high for her family.
What role did Amol play in Manjula’s journey?
Ans: Though mischievous, Amol supported and encouraged Manjula, especially by giving her thoughtful gifts.
What made Manjula return to painting?
Ans: A newspaper cutting about Rich Belanger, who played soccer with artificial feet, motivated her to continue painting.
What kind of support did Manjula’s mother offer?
Ans: Her mother gave her emotional support, bought her painting materials, and encouraged her to never give up.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)
Assertion (A): Manjula stopped painting and learned cooking.
Reason (R): Her father said she could never become an artist because of her hands.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A ✅
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, R is false
d) A is false, R is true
Assertion (A): Manjula was inspired to paint again.
Reason (R): Her brother scolded her for leaving painting.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) A is true, R is false ✅
c) Both A and R are false
d) A is false, R is true
Assertion (A): Manjula’s mother showed her great support.
Reason (R): She discouraged Manjula from painting.
a) A is true, R is false ✅
b) Both A and R are true
c) Both A and R are false
d) A is false, R is true
Long Answer Questions (50–60 words)
Describe how Manjula’s mother helped her pursue painting despite financial hardships.
Answer: Manjula’s mother supported her passion by encouraging her, giving her money from her piggy bank, and buying her gifts like artist’s water colours. She even convinced her husband to buy special paper. Her mother’s faith and emotional strength played a key role in Manjula’s artistic journey.
How did Manjula’s brother Amol support and encourage her talent?
Answer: Amol, though mischievous, gave Manjula sable hair brushes on her birthday with a fun treasure-hunt twist. He also praised her cooking and believed in her talent, encouraging her to participate in the painting competition. His belief in her gave her additional strength to pursue her dreams.
What inspired Manjula to start painting again after giving up?
Answer: Manjula read a newspaper article about Rich Belanger, a boy who played soccer with artificial feet despite opposition. His story of courage deeply inspired her. It made her realize she should not give up her dreams due to physical limitations and motivated her to pick up her brushes again.
What does the story of Manjula Parelkar teach us about determination?
Answer: The story teaches that determination can overcome physical and emotional obstacles. Despite her physical challenges and discouragement from her father, Manjula, inspired by her mother and a news story, chose to pursue her dream of becoming a painter. It shows that inner strength and support can help achieve great success.
Additional Questions and Answers – 02
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What physical challenges did Manjula face that affected her painting?
a) Poor eyesight and weak arms
b) Malformed hands and deformed feet
c) Inability to hold brushes
d) Lack of coordination
Answer: b) Malformed hands and deformed feet - Why did Manjula initially ask her mother for extra money?
a) To buy ice-cream
b) To purchase paints and colors
c) To get new shoes
d) To buy a book
Answer: b) To purchase paints and colors - How did Manjula’s mother react to her first painting?
a) She was indifferent
b) She was surprised and praised it
c) She criticized its quality
d) She asked Manjula to stop painting
Answer: b) She was surprised and praised it - What did Manjula receive for her thirteenth birthday?
a) A new pair of shoes
b) A set of watercolors, a painting book, and brushes
c) A canvas and oil paints
d) A cooking set
Answer: b) A set of watercolors, a painting book, and brushes - Why did Manjula initially give up painting?
a) She lost interest in art
b) Her father doubted her ability due to her hands
c) She ran out of paints
d) Her brother mocked her work
Answer: b) Her father doubted her ability due to her hands - What inspired Manjula to resume painting?
a) Her brother’s encouragement
b) A newspaper article about Rich Belanger
c) Her mother’s new saree
d) A visit to an art college
Answer: b) A newspaper article about Rich Belanger - What did Manjula’s brother suggest she do with her painting?
a) Frame or sell it
b) Hide it in the cupboard
c) Give it to their father
d) Use it for homework
Answer: a) Frame or sell it - What did Manjula decide to do at the end of the story?
a) Learn cooking permanently
b) Participate in the painting competition
c) Move to Bombay
d) Give up art entirely
Answer: b) Participate in the painting competition - How did Manjula’s father react to her first painting?
a) He was critical and dismissive
b) He praised it but implied her limitations
c) He ignored it completely
d) He suggested framing it
Answer: b) He praised it but implied her limitations - What was Manjula’s reaction to her brother’s birthday gift?
a) She was delighted immediately
b) She was frustrated by the multiple knots
c) She refused to open it
d) She asked for scissors right away
Answer: b) She was frustrated by the multiple knots
Short Questions and Answers
- What physical deformities did Manjula have?
Answer: Malformed hands with claw-like fingers and deformed feet with moon-shaped toes. - What did Manjula want to buy with the extra money she asked for?
Answer: Colors and paints for painting. - How did Manjula’s brother react to her first painting?
Answer: He suggested framing or selling it, playfully acting like an auctioneer. - What gifts did Manjula receive for her thirteenth birthday?
Answer: A set of watercolors, a painting book, and three watercolor brushes. - Why did Manjula find her brother’s gift difficult to open?
Answer: It was tightly wrapped with eleven knots. - What did Manjula’s father say about the cost of watercolor paper?
Answer: It was expensive, and she would need many sheets. - What did Manjula do after overhearing her father’s doubts?
Answer: She tore up her paintings and hid her art supplies. - What activity did Manjula take up after giving up painting?
Answer: Cooking, frying, and baking. - What inspired Manjula to reconsider her decision to quit painting?
Answer: A newspaper article about Rich Belanger playing soccer with artificial feet. - What event did Manjula decide to participate in at the end?
Answer: The On-the-spot Painting Competition.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Manjula’s determination to paint was challenged by her father’s doubts.
Reason (R): Her father questioned her ability to become an artist due to her malformed hands and the cost of art supplies.
Answer: Both A and CGI/ArtifactId/9f4b2c7d-8a9f-4b3e-9c1a-7e3b9d2c5f6a and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Manjula’s ambition to paint was undermined when she overheard her father’s skepticism about her artistic potential and the financial burden of supplies, leading her to temporarily abandon painting. - Assertion (A): Manjula’s mother played a crucial role in reviving her passion for painting.
Reason (R): She encouraged Manjula to fight obstacles and not give up on her talent.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Manjula’s mother firmly urged her to overcome challenges and pursue her talent, countering her father’s doubts and inspiring Manjula to reclaim her passion for painting after reading about Rich Belanger. - Assertion (A): Manjula initially gave up painting due to emotional pain.
Reason (R): She overheard her father’s belief that she could never be an artist because of her hands.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Manjula’s decision to tear up her paintings was driven by the emotional hurt caused by her father’s doubts about her ability to succeed as an artist due to her physical limitations. - Assertion (A): Manjula’s participation in the painting competition showed her resilience.
Reason (R): She overcame her father’s discouragement and her own doubts, inspired by a story of perseverance.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Manjula’s decision to enter the competition, influenced by Rich Belanger’s story, demonstrated her resilience in pursuing her passion despite her father’s doubts and her physical challenges.
Long Questions and Answers (50-60 words)
- How did Manjula’s physical deformities impact her pursuit of painting?
Answer: Manjula’s malformed hands and deformed feet caused physical discomfort and emotional insecurity, making painting challenging. Her claw-like fingers made her self-conscious, and her father’s doubts about her ability intensified her struggles. Despite this, her determination and her mother’s support helped her overcome these adversities to pursue her passion for painting. - Why did Manjula temporarily abandon painting, and what changed her mind?
Answer: Manjula gave up painting after overhearing her father’s doubts about her potential and the cost of supplies, feeling discouraged. A newspaper article about Rich Belanger, who played soccer with artificial feet, inspired her to resume painting. Her mother’s encouragement to fight obstacles also motivated her to participate in the painting competition. - How did Manjula’s family members influence her journey as an artist?
Answer: Manjula’s mother supported her by providing money for paints and encouraging her to persevere. Her father’s doubts initially discouraged her, causing her to quit painting. Her brother’s playful encouragement and belief in her talent boosted her confidence. Together, their influence shaped her resilience, leading her to enter the painting competition. - What role did the story of Rich Belanger play in Manjula’s decision to paint again?
Answer: The newspaper article about Rich Belanger, who played soccer with artificial feet despite skepticism, inspired Manjula to overcome her father’s doubts and her physical limitations. It gave her the courage to reclaim her paints and brushes and participate in the painting competition, reflecting her renewed determination to pursue her artistic ambitions.