English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Education as a Tool for Empowering Women — 'Bholi'

Bholi (Sulekha) was neglected from childhood due to her pockmarks, stammering, and low intelligence. She was considered a burden and sent to school only because her parents felt no one would marry her. This reflects the regressive social attitude towards girl children.

However, education transformed Bholi completely. Her teacher encouraged her with kindness, built her confidence, and promised that learning would earn her respect. Slowly, Bholi overcame her stammer and became educated.

Culturally, education gave her the courage to reject a greedy, exploitative bridegroom — Bishamber Nath — who demanded ₹5,000 dowry and insulted her family. She spoke clearly, without any stammer, showing her inner strength.

At the end, Sulekha resolves to serve her parents and teach at the very school that empowered her — proving that education enables women to contribute meaningfully to society.

Source: Chapter 8 — Bholi, K.A. Abbas

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• Examiners look for: a clear link between education and Bholi's transformation, specific textual evidence (teacher's role, rejection of Bishamber, final decision to teach), and a brief mention of the social attitudes her story challenges.
• Key points to cover: neglect before school → teacher's encouragement → confidence gained → rejection of unjust marriage → decision to be self-reliant and serve society. These map directly onto both statements in the question.
• Avoid: retelling the entire story. Pick only evidence that proves the two statements given.
• The shift from "Bholi" back to "Sulekha" at the end signals her true identity restored through education — worth mentioning for top marks.