Bholi - Footprints Without Feet - Class 10 - CBSE English

Khaja Ahmad Abbas, better known as K.A. Abbas, was an Indian film director, screenwriter, novelist, and a journalist in the Urdu, Hindi and English languages. He was born on 7 June 1914 in Panipat, Haryana, India.

Abbas is widely recognized for his writing that reflected strong socialistic leanings . His stories often highlighted the struggles of common people and critiqued the social injustices they face. Bholi is one such example of his work which encapsulates his sensitivity towards the plight of the underprivileged sections of the society.

His contributions to the film industry are noteworthy. He wrote the screenplay for iconic films like 'Awara', 'Shree 420', and 'Mera Naam Joker', all directed by Raj Kapoor. He was also the maker of the first Indian cinema Scope movie, 'Char Dil Char Raahein'.

Abbas wrote an autobiography named 'I Am Not an Island: An Experiment in autobiography '. He also contributed to journalism and column writing in his career.

He was honored with the Padma Shri award by the Indian government for his contributions to literature and cinema. He passed away on 1 June 1987.

1. Introduction to Bholi

   The story introduces Bholi, a girl who suffered mental and physical scars due to an accident in childhood and an attack of smallpox . She stammered and was called a simpleton due to her slow development.

2. Bholi's Family Background

   Bholi was the youngest of seven children in a farmer's family. All her siblings were educated and married off successfully ....

♿ Disability and Neglect:

Bholi, the protagonist is portrayed as a physically and mentally challenged girl due to an accident in her childhood and an attack of smallpox. Further, she is neglected and ridiculed by her family and peers. However, it's her teacher who sees potential in her and encourages her self-realisation and empowerment .

👩‍🎓 empowerment through Education:

Bholi's enrollment in the school marks the beginning of her self-discovery. The teacher, despite initial struggles, ...

1. "Her name was Sulekha, but since her childhood everyone had been calling her Bholi, the simpleton." This line introduces the protagonist of the story, Bholi, and signifies how the society had already formed a biased opinion about her intelligence based on a physical disability.

2. "She was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal." This line informs about Bholi's family and her social status being the daughter of a prosperous farmer.

3. “Yes, certainly,” his wife said. “Bholi will be lucky to get such a well-to-do bridegroom ." It shows ...

Sulekha (Bholi)

Bholi, also known as Sulekha, is the protagonist of the story. She is the youngest and the fourth daughter in her family, who are a part of a prosperous farmer's household. However, Bholi is quite different from her family - due to a fall from her cot when she was ten months old, which is speculated to have damaged her brain, she is considered backward by the society. This incident led her to be known as Bholi, meaning a simpleton.

Despite ...

1. simpleton : a foolish person easily tricked by others
   Despite being a simpleton , he had a good heart and was loved by all in his town.

2. ginning : separating raw cotton from its seeds
   The tedious process of ginning was important for producing high-quality cotton.

3. downcast : looking downwards

   Feeling upset, he remained downcast and avoided eye contact throughout the conversation.

4. Numberdar : An Official in India who collects land taxes.

   The Numberdar arrived at the village to collect the property tax.

5. Disfigured : Damaged and marked.

   The beautiful statue........................