Story Summary (English)
"A Long Walk with Granny" is a heartwarming tale by Ruskin Bond about the special bond between a grandmother and her eleven-year-old grandson, Mani. Granny has been wearing old, scratched glasses for over ten years, and her eyesight has deteriorated significantly. Though she can barely see through her glasses, she is reluctant to travel to Mussoorie, the nearest town with an eye hospital, as it requires a two-day journey.
The story showcases Granny's determination and courage when Mani offers to accompany her. Despite being seventy years old, Granny insists she can walk the distance. Their journey begins with a walk to Nain, where they face challenging weather conditions including rain and mist. The next day, they board a bus to Mussoorie, but encounter a landslide that blocks the road. While most passengers return, Granny and Mani choose to walk ten miles through mountain paths to reach their destination.
At the eye hospital in Mussoorie, the doctor examines Granny's eyes and fits her with new glasses. When Granny sees Mani clearly for the first time in years, she is overjoyed. They go shopping and buy various items including shoes for Mani, a pullover for his father, seeds, bulbs, and a cowbell. On their return journey, Granny excitedly observes the world through her new glasses, seeing distant villages, people, animals, and even a rainbow. Meanwhile, Mani falls asleep with his head resting on Granny's shoulder, symbolizing their deep bond and mutual support.
കഥയുടെ സംഗ്രഹം (Malayalam)
റസ്കിൻ ബോണ്ടിന്റെ "എ ലോംഗ് വാക്ക് വിത്ത് ഗ്രാനി" മുത്തശ്ശിയും പതിനൊന്നു വയസ്സുകാരനായ അവളുടെ പേരക്കുട്ടി മണിയും തമ്മിലുള്ള പ്രത്യേക ബന്ധത്തെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള ഹൃദയസ്പർശിയായ ഒരു കഥയാണ്. പത്തു വർഷത്തിലേറെയായി പഴയ കണ്ണട ധരിച്ചിരുന്ന മുത്തശ്ശിയുടെ കാഴ്ച വളരെ മോശമായി. കണ്ണടയിലൂടെ കാണാൻ പ്രയാസമാണെങ്കിലും, രണ്ടു ദിവസത്തെ യാത്ര വേണ്ട കണ്ണ് ആശുപത്രിയുള്ള മുസ്സൂറിയിലേക്ക് പോകാൻ അവൾ മടിക്കുന്നു.
മണി തന്നോടൊപ്പം വരാമെന്ന് വാഗ്ദാനം ചെയ്യുമ്പോൾ മുത്തശ്ശിയുടെ ദൃഢനിശ്ചയവും ധൈര്യവും കഥ വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുന്നു. എഴുപതു വയസ്സായെങ്കിലും ദൂരം നടക്കാൻ കഴിയുമെന്ന് അവൾ ഉറപ്പിച്ചു പറയുന്നു. അവരുടെ യാത്ര നൈനിലേക്കുള്ള നടത്തത്തോടെ ആരംഭിക്കുന്നു, അവിടെ മഴയും മൂടൽമഞ്ഞും ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള വെല്ലുവിളി നിറഞ്ഞ കാലാവസ്ഥകൾ അവർ നേരിടുന്നു. അടുത്ത ദിവസം മുസ്സൂറിയിലേക്കുള്ള ബസിൽ കയറുമ്പോൾ ഒരു മണ്ണിടിച്ചിൽ വഴി തടയുന്നു. മിക്ക യാത്രക്കാരും തിരികെ പോകുമ്പോൾ, മുത്തശ്ശിയും മണിയും മലമ്പാതകളിലൂടെ പത്തു മൈൽ നടന്ന് ലക്ഷ്യസ്ഥാനത്തെത്താൻ തീരുമാനിക്കുന്നു.
മുസ്സൂറിയിലെ കണ്ണ് ആശുപത്രിയിൽ ഡോക്ടർ മുത്തശ്ശിയുടെ കണ്ണുകൾ പരിശോധിച്ച് പുതിയ കണ്ണട നൽകുന്നു. വർഷങ്ങൾക്ക് ശേഷം ആദ്യമായി മണിയെ വ്യക്തമായി കാണുമ്പോൾ മുത്തശ്ശി സന്തോഷത്താൽ കൈയടിക്കുന്നു. അവർ ഷോപ്പിംഗിന് പോയി മണിക്ക് ഷൂസ്, അച്ഛന് ഒരു പുള്ളോവർ, വിത്തുകൾ, ബൾബുകൾ, പശുവിന് ഒരു മണി എന്നിവ വാങ്ങുന്നു. മടക്കയാത്രയിൽ പുതിയ കണ്ണടയിലൂടെ ലോകത്തെ ആവേശത്തോടെ നിരീക്ഷിക്കുന്ന മുത്തശ്ശി, വിദൂര ഗ്രാമങ്ങൾ, ആളുകൾ, മൃഗങ്ങൾ, മഴവില്ല് എന്നിവ കാണുന്നു. അതേസമയം മണി മുത്തശ്ശിയുടെ തോളിൽ തല ചാരി ഉറങ്ങുന്നു, അവരുടെ ആഴത്തിലുള്ള ബന്ധത്തിന്റെയും പരസ്പര പിന്തുണയുടെയും പ്രതീകമാണിത്.
About the Author - Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond (born 1934) is one of India's most beloved authors, born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. For over 50 years, he has experimented with various genres including novels, short stories, essays, and memoirs. His works often depict life in the hill stations of the Himalayas and celebrate the beauty of nature and simple human relationships.
Notable Works:
- The Room on the Roof (his first novel)
- Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra
- A Flight of Pigeons
- The Blue Umbrella
- Numerous collections of short stories and essays
Awards and Recognition:
- John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (1957) - for his first novel
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1992) - for English writing in India
- Padma Shri (1999) - India's fourth-highest civilian award
- Padma Bhushan (2014) - India's third-highest civilian award
Bond's writing style is characterized by simplicity, warmth, and a deep appreciation for nature and human relationships. He currently lives in Landour, Mussoorie, continuing to write and inspire readers of all ages.
Questions and Answers
While Reading Questions
1. Why couldn't Granny see properly through her glasses?
Granny couldn't see properly through her glasses because she had been wearing the same pair for over ten years. During this time, her eyes had grown steadily weaker, and the glasses had become scratched and spotted. These old, damaged glasses were no longer suitable for her deteriorating eyesight, which is why very little could be seen through them.
2. Why didn't Granny want to be parted from Mani?
Granny didn't want to be parted from Mani because she had a very deep emotional bond with him. She had brought him up ever since his mother died when he was only a year old. As his maternal grandmother (Nani), she had cared for him with great energy and devotion for ten years. Although Mani was eleven and quite capable of looking after himself, Granny couldn't bear the thought of being separated from him.
3. Do you think Granny was confident about walking to Nain? Give reasons.
Yes, Granny was confident about walking to Nain. This is evident from several instances:
- She said, "Of course I can walk. I may be going blind, but there's nothing wrong with my legs!"
- When Mani questioned her ability at age seventy, she dismissed it by saying age had nothing to do with it
- She pointed out that it was downhill to Nain, making it easier
- She even claimed "uphill is easier!" showing her determination
- Once she knew Mani would accompany her, she became more than ready to make the journey
Her confidence stemmed from her strong spirit and determination rather than any physical concerns.
4. Why does Mani's father call Granny's journey to Mussoorie a shopping trip?
Mani's father called Granny's journey a shopping trip because Granny began listing numerous items she wanted to buy in Mussoorie - seeds, bulbs, a new bell for the white cow, a pullover for Mani's father, and shoes for Mani. She seemed more excited about shopping than about getting her eyes tested. Her father was concerned because he had only a hundred rupees to spare, and Granny's shopping list suggested she was treating it as a shopping expedition rather than a medical visit.
5. Why couldn't Mani keep up with Granny on the walk?
Mani couldn't keep up with Granny because he stopped to pick wild blackberries from a bush along the way. Granny wasn't fond of berries and didn't slow down her steady pace. As a result, Mani had to run to catch up with her. Despite being seventy years old, Granny maintained a determined and consistent walking speed throughout their journey.
6. Landslides are becoming more frequent now, aren't they? Make a list of recent natural calamities. Discuss the possible causes of these.
Recent natural calamities include:
- Floods in various parts of India and worldwide
- Earthquakes in seismically active regions
- Cyclones and hurricanes
- Droughts and heatwaves
- Forest fires
- Glacial melting and avalanches
Possible causes:
- Climate change leading to extreme weather patterns
- Deforestation reducing natural barriers against landslides and floods
- Unplanned construction on hills and mountains
- Excessive rainfall due to changing climate patterns
- Soil erosion from loss of vegetation
- Human activities like mining and road construction disturbing ecological balance
- Global warming causing glacier melting and sea level rise
7. Sometimes journeys are delayed on account of breakdowns or natural calamities. Narrate your experiences of any of these.
This is a personal response question. Students should write about their own experiences with delayed journeys. Example response:
During a family trip to Kerala, our train was delayed by six hours due to heavy flooding on the tracks. We had to wait at a station with limited facilities. Though initially frustrated, we made the best of it by talking to fellow passengers, playing games, and sharing food. The railway staff kept us informed, and eventually, we continued our journey safely. This experience taught me patience and the importance of staying calm during unexpected situations.
8. The doctor says he will send Granny's glasses to the museum. What does he mean?
When the doctor said he would send Granny's glasses to the museum, he was using humor to emphasize how extremely old and outdated her glasses were. He meant that the glasses were so ancient and in such poor condition that they belonged in a museum as historical artifacts rather than being used for vision correction. It was his way of expressing shock that she had been wearing such inadequate glasses for so long. He also added that they had "probably done more harm than good," indicating they should have been changed years ago.
9. What was Granny's reaction when she saw Mani clearly?
When Granny saw Mani clearly for the first time in many years, she was filled with joy. She exclaimed "Mani!" and clapped her hands with delight. She complimented him saying, "How nice you look! What a fine boy I've brought up!" However, in her characteristic grandmother manner, she immediately began noticing things he needed - a haircut, a wash, buttons on his shirt, and new shoes. She then wanted to take him to the bazaar right away to get these things, showing both her affection and her caring nature.
Let's Rewind Questions
1. Why does Granny finally agree to travel to Mussoorie?
Granny finally agrees to travel to Mussoorie for several reasons:
- She realizes the importance of getting new glasses as her eyesight has deteriorated significantly
- Most importantly, when Mani offers to accompany her, she becomes more than ready to make the journey
- She couldn't bear the thought of being separated from Mani, so when he volunteered to go with her, it solved her main concern
- She also saw it as an opportunity to do shopping for the household - seeds, bulbs, a cowbell, a pullover for Mani's father, and shoes for Mani
- Her love for Mani and the prospect of spending time with him during the journey motivated her to overcome her initial reluctance
2. Granny's courage and determination are evident in the story. Substantiate this statement with instances.
Granny's courage and determination are demonstrated throughout the story:
- Physical strength despite age: At seventy years old, she insists "I may be going blind, but there's nothing wrong with my legs!" showing confidence in her physical abilities
- Undertaking the difficult journey: She walks from her village to Nain (about ten miles) and then faces challenging mountain paths to reach Mussoorie
- Handling the landslide situation: When the bus encounters a landslide and most passengers return, Granny chooses to walk the remaining distance through difficult mountain terrain
- Positive attitude: She maintains cheerfulness throughout, saying "I can walk forever" and "Uphill is easier!"
- Quick decision-making: When faced with obstacles, she doesn't hesitate or complain but finds solutions
- Taking care of Mani: Despite her own difficulties with vision, she ensures Mani is fed and comfortable, carrying food and supplies
- Independent spirit: She brought her own fifty rupees to ensure they could stay in a hotel rather than a bus shelter, showing her planning and self-reliance
3. How does Mani support Granny during their journey? What does this reveal about his character?
Mani supports Granny in multiple ways:
Physical support:
- Offers to accompany her on the journey to Mussoorie
- Carries a bedding-roll on his shoulders
- Checks on her regularly: "Can you see all right, Granny?"
- Suggests rest stops: "Whenever you feel tired, we'll take rest"
- Keeps close to her in crowded places
Emotional support:
- Gives her the confidence to undertake the journey
- Maintains a positive attitude throughout
- Laughs and jokes with her, keeping spirits high
- Shows patience with her limitations
Practical support:
- Knows the way to Mussoorie from previous visits
- Helps navigate during the landslide crisis
- Assists with purchasing tickets and finding accommodation
What this reveals about his character:
- Caring and compassionate: He genuinely cares for his grandmother's wellbeing
- Responsible: At eleven, he takes on adult responsibilities without complaint
- Mature: He handles difficult situations like the landslide calmly
- Devoted: The bond he shares with Granny reflects his loving nature
- Patient and understanding: He adapts to Granny's pace and needs
- Brave: He doesn't hesitate to take on the challenging journey
4. 'A shoulder to rest on is a blessing indeed.' Don't you agree? How does the story highlight the bond between generations?
Yes, the statement "A shoulder to rest on is a blessing indeed" is beautifully illustrated in this story.
How the story highlights intergenerational bonds:
Mutual support:
- At the beginning of the journey, Granny falls asleep with her head resting on Mani's shoulder in the bus
- At the end, Mani falls asleep with his head on Granny's shoulder
- This reciprocal physical support symbolizes their mutual emotional dependence
Complementary strengths:
- Mani provides physical guidance and support with his better eyesight
- Granny provides wisdom, planning, and emotional strength
- Together they overcome obstacles neither could face alone
Unconditional care:
- Granny has raised Mani since he was one year old after his mother's death
- Mani voluntarily takes responsibility for accompanying her on a difficult journey
- Both show patience, understanding, and affection for each other
Shared experiences:
- The journey becomes a bonding experience where they face challenges together
- They share meals, navigate difficulties, and celebrate small victories
- These shared experiences strengthen their relationship
Role reversal:
- As Granny ages and her vision fails, Mani becomes her eyes and support
- This natural role reversal in caregiving shows the cyclical nature of family relationships
Joy in togetherness:
- Granny's excitement at seeing Mani clearly reflects deep love
- Mani's willingness to sleep peacefully on her shoulder shows complete trust
- Their comfortable companionship throughout the journey demonstrates genuine affection
The story beautifully portrays how different generations can support each other, with the young providing physical strength and the elderly providing experience and wisdom. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect, love, and the blessing of having someone to lean on during life's journey.
Key Themes
- Love and Family Bonds - The deep connection between grandmother and grandson
- Determination and Courage - Granny's spirit despite age and physical limitations
- Journey and Transformation - Both physical journey and personal growth
- Nature and Beauty - Vivid descriptions of the Himalayan landscape
- Mutual Support - How generations help each other
- Resilience - Overcoming obstacles like landslides and difficult terrain
Important Literary Devices
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions of nature ("light green of the fields stood out against the dark green of the forests")
- Symbolism: The journey represents life's challenges; new glasses symbolize new perspective
- Contrast: Granny's weak eyes vs. strong spirit; old glasses vs. new vision
- Irony: Seventy-year-old Granny showing more determination than younger people
Vocabulary from the Story
- Fuzzy - unclear, blurred
- Protested - objected, disagreed
- Devotion - dedication, commitment
- Sternly - seriously, strictly
- Sombre - dark, gloomy
- Slacken - reduce speed, slow down
- Rickety - unstable, shaky
- Debris - scattered remains, rubble
- Hurtling - moving very fast
- Portly - stout, plump
- Brisk - quick and energetic
- Adjoining - next to, neighboring
Discussion Points for Students
- How does the story show that age is just a number when you have determination?
- What role does nature play in the story?
- How do Granny and Mani complement each other during the journey?
- What life lessons can we learn from Granny's character?
- How does getting new glasses change Granny's perspective, both literally and figuratively?