Class 10 || SSC || Lakshmi || लक्ष्मी || Gurubachan Sing || Hindi || No.2

Summary

The story follows Karamat Ali's emotional journey with Laxmi, an aging cow that no longer produces milk. Despite her decline, Karamat Ali's attachment to her grows, while his wife, Ramzani, expresses concern over the cost of caring for her. Faced with the decision to sell Laxmi, Karamat Ali struggles with his conscience, eventually choosing to take her to a cowshed for a peaceful life. The narrative explores themes of compassion, the value of life beyond utility, and the human-animal bond, offering a reflection on the importance of empathy and humanity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Karamat Ali cares deeply for Laxmi, the cow, whom he has been taking care of for a year after his friend Gyan Singh could no longer keep her.
• 😀 Laxmi, once a productive milk-giving cow, has stopped producing milk, causing tension in the household about what to do with her.
• 😀 Rehman, who had been mistreating Laxmi, beat her with sticks, further upsetting Karamat Ali, who later expressed his frustration with Rehman's actions.
• 😀 Karamat Ali and Ramzani struggle with the growing financial burden of feeding Laxmi, especially given the rising costs of fodder.
• 😀 Despite Laxmi no longer being useful in terms of milk production, Karamat Ali feels a deep responsibility to care for her.
• 😀 Karamat Ali has a moment of reflection, contemplating whether it might be better to set Laxmi free or send her to a cowshed for better care.
• 😀 The story explores themes of compassion and the ethical treatment of animals, even when they no longer serve a practical purpose.
• 😀 Gyan Singh’s attachment to Laxmi is evident as he prefers to pass her on to Karamat Ali instead of selling her or letting her go.
• 😀 The narrative highlights the sacrifices and emotional toll that caring for an animal can have, especially when it’s no longer able to provide benefits.
• 😀 Ultimately, Karamat Ali decides to take Laxmi to a cowshed, showing his empathy and the bond formed despite her inability to give milk anymore.

Q & A

Why was Laxmi scared and nervous in the beginning of the story?

Laxmi was scared and nervous because Rehman was beating her with sticks, which caused her distress and made her react by shaking her head or trying to break free from the rope.

How did Karamat Ali respond to Laxmi's distress?

Karamat Ali, despite being unwell, got up from his bed to comfort Laxmi. He stroked her forehead, caressed her back, and spoke softly to calm her down.

What role did Gyan Singh play in Laxmi's life?

Gyan Singh was a neighbor and a friend of Karamat Ali. He raised cattle and had previously sold Laxmi to Karamat Ali when he could no longer take care of her after his retirement.

What was the dilemma Karamat Ali faced regarding Laxmi?

Karamat Ali faced the dilemma of what to do with Laxmi after she stopped giving milk. His family could no longer afford to care for her, and he considered whether to sell her or release her.

How did Ramzani view the situation with Laxmi?

Ramzani was concerned about the financial strain of feeding Laxmi without any return. She suggested selling the cow and expressed frustration over the situation, especially considering the high cost of feeding her.

What does Karamat Ali’s interaction with the village head reveal about his struggle?

Karamat Ali's conversation with the village head shows that he was torn between selling Laxmi, which seemed like the practical solution, and his emotional attachment to her. The village head's suggestion to sell the cow only added to his internal conflict.

Why did Karamat Ali refuse to sell Laxmi to the person who came to buy her?

Karamat Ali refused to sell Laxmi to the person because he knew that the cow was old and no longer useful for milk. He also feared that selling her would betray his promise to Gyan Singh, who entrusted him with Laxmi.

How did Karamat Ali’s feelings change towards Laxmi by the end of the story?

By the end of the story, Karamat Ali decided to take Laxmi to a cowshed for her well-being. He was deeply emotional about parting with her, as he realized that despite her age and lack of milk, Laxmi deserved a peaceful life, and he was reluctant to abandon her.

What does the story of Laxmi teach about humanity?

The story of Laxmi teaches that compassion and responsibility extend beyond utility. Even when something or someone is no longer useful, it is important to care for them with kindness and respect, embodying true humanity.

Why did Karamat Ali cry as he took Laxmi to the cowshed?

Karamat Ali cried because he had developed a deep emotional connection with Laxmi over time. The act of parting with her was painful, as he had grown fond of her and felt the sorrow of sending her away to a new life.