Chapter 3

                                               A STORY FROM BAPU'S LIFE


1. Q: Why was the little boy upset when he visited Gandhiji?

Ans: The little boy was upset because he saw Gandhiji dressed very simply, without even a shirt, and thought it unusual for such a great man to wear such plain clothes.

2. Q: What question did the little boy ask Gandhiji about his clothes?

Ans: The boy asked Gandhiji why he did not wear a kurta, expressing concern for his plain dressing.

3. Q: How did Gandhiji respond when the boy asked why he didn’t wear a kurta?

Ans: Gandhiji explained that he was a very poor man and did not have enough money even to buy one kurta.

4. Q: How did the boy feel when he heard Gandhiji’s answer?

Ans: The boy’s heart was filled with pity for Gandhiji because he realized that such a great man did not have enough money to buy proper clothes.

5. Q: What solution did the boy suggest to help Gandhiji?

Ans: The boy said that his mother was skilled at stitching clothes and offered to have her make a kurta for Gandhiji.

6. Q: How did Gandhiji respond when asked how many kurtas he needed?

Ans: Gandhiji said that he was not alone and could not be the only one to wear a kurta, emphasizing that his concern was for all people.

7. Q: What did Gandhiji mean when he said he had forty crore brothers and sisters?

Ans: Gandhiji meant that the entire population of the country was like his family, and he considered everyone his brother and sister. Therefore, he felt responsible for their well-being before thinking about himself.

8. Q: How did the boy react to Gandhiji’s explanation about forty crore brothers and sisters?

Ans: The boy was thoughtful and realized the greatness of Gandhiji’s caring nature, understanding why Gandhiji could not accept a kurta for himself alone.

9. Q: Why did Gandhiji’s caring nature make him a respected leader?

Ans: Gandhiji’s caring and loving nature, where he thought of the whole nation as his family, earned him respect and the title “Father of the Nation.”

10. Q: What lesson does this story teach about Gandhiji’s character?

Ans: The story teaches that Gandhiji was selfless, empathetic, and deeply caring, prioritizing the welfare of others over his own comfort.

11. Q: How does the story show Gandhiji’s simplicity?

Ans: Gandhiji’s simplicity is shown through his plain clothes, lack of concern for personal luxury, and his focus on helping the entire nation rather than himself.

12. Q: What is the significance of the boy offering his mother’s help?

Ans: The boy’s offer reflects innocence, generosity, and admiration for Gandhiji, showing that people, even children, wanted to help him.

13. Q: Why did Gandhiji ask the boy if his mother could make kurtas for everyone?

Ans: Gandhiji wanted the boy to understand that helping one person is good, but he could not accept something for himself while millions of others in the country needed assistance.

14. Q: What does the story say about Gandhiji’s concept of family?

Ans: Gandhiji’s concept of family was very broad; he considered the entire nation as his family, treating every citizen with love, care, and responsibility.

15. Q: How is Gandhiji’s poverty portrayed in the story?

Ans: Gandhiji’s poverty is shown through his inability to afford even a single kurta, highlighting his simple lifestyle and selflessness.

16. Q: How does the boy’s reaction help the reader understand Gandhiji’s greatness?

Ans: The boy’s reaction of pity and desire to help shows that even children recognize Gandhiji’s moral greatness and the depth of his caring nature.

17. Q: Why did Gandhiji think it would not be right to wear a kurta while others did not have one?

Ans: Gandhiji believed it would be unfair for him to enjoy comfort while millions of others were in need, reflecting his sense of justice and equality.

18. Q: What does the story imply about Gandhiji’s priorities?

Ans: Gandhiji’s priorities were always others first; he cared more about the welfare of his people than his own comfort or clothing.

19. Q: How is the title “Father of the Nation” explained in the story?

Ans: The title is explained as a result of Gandhiji’s loving and caring nature toward all the people of the country, treating everyone as his family.

20. Q: What words describe Gandhiji’s nature in this story?

Ans: Gandhiji’s nature is described as caring, loving, selfless, empathetic, and morally great.

21. Q: How does the story illustrate the boy’s innocence and curiosity?

Ans: The boy’s innocence is shown by his surprise at Gandhiji’s simple dress, and his curiosity leads him to ask questions and offer help.

22. Q: Why was the boy’s heart filled with pity for Gandhiji?

Ans: The boy felt pity because he could not understand how such a great man could live in poverty and wear such plain clothes.

23. Q: How does the story show Gandhiji’s awareness of the country’s problems?

Ans: Gandhiji mentions forty crore brothers and sisters, showing that he is aware of the large population and their needs, making him consider everyone’s welfare.

24. Q: What role does the mother of the boy play in the story?

Ans: The mother is portrayed as kind and helpful, ready to stitch kurtas to assist Gandhiji, representing the collective willingness of ordinary people to help him.

25. Q: How long did Gandhiji take to answer the boy’s question, and why?

Ans: Gandhiji thought for a moment before answering, showing that he carefully considered the boy’s offer and the moral implications of accepting help for himself.

26. Q: How does Gandhiji’s response teach children a moral lesson?

Ans: His response teaches children to think beyond themselves, be considerate of others, and understand the importance of helping the larger community.

27. Q: What does the story reveal about Gandhiji’s sense of responsibility?

Ans: The story reveals that Gandhiji felt a deep responsibility toward his fellow citizens, considering their needs before his own.

28. Q: How does the story define “pity” in the context of the boy’s feelings?

Ans: Pity here is the sadness the boy felt seeing Gandhiji in need, which motivated him to try to help.

29. Q: Why does Gandhiji emphasize that he is not alone?

Ans: He emphasizes this to show that his concern is for the entire country, not just himself, teaching the boy about selflessness.

30. Q: What lesson can we learn about generosity from the boy’s offer?

Ans: The lesson is that even small acts of kindness, like offering to stitch clothes, are meaningful and reflect love and admiration.

Answer by Mrinmoee