Page 83 - Real English 2024 Book 8

A LESSON IN LIFE FROM A BEGGAR

I decided to change my attitude towards life, using the beggar as my
role model.’
After a long pause, I asked Meena how long it had taken her to

change.
‘Once this realization dawned,’ she said, ‘it took me almost
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two years to put the change into effect. As you know, I was a
chronic pessimist. Old habits die hard. But now nothing matters.
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I am always cheerful and happy. I find happiness in every small thing,
in every situation and in every person.’
‘Did you give gurudakshina to your guru?’ I asked.
‘No, unfortunately by the time I understood things, he was
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dead. But I sponsored his granddaughter to a boarding school as a
mark of respect to him.’

Sudha Murty

14. (here) understood for the first time 16. (here) supported somebody by paying for their

15. long-lasting education

Sudha Murty is a prolific writer in English and Kannada. She has written over thirty books,
including novels, collections of short stories, and non-fiction. Her books have been translated
into all major Indian languages. Sudha was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in north Karnataka.
An M.E. in computer science, she teaches the subject to postgraduate students. She is also

the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian
government in 2006 for her social work.

A Reflect

A1 Based on your reading of the text, think carefully about the points given below and form your
own views.
1. Meena used to find fault with everything. Nothing could make her happy.

 Do you think criticism or complaining can help on any occasion?
 Is there something that your parents or teachers always criticize you for and want you
to change?
2. Meena’s job and comfortable life did not give her much happiness or satisfaction in
life. She only realized what she was missing out on when she saw the poor man and his
granddaughter dancing in the rain.
 How important do you think money is? How important is it to you?
 What material possessions do you think you will need to be happy?

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