Bholi

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Bholi's real name is Sulekha. She is called 'Bholi' (meaning simpleton) because she was considered backward after falling from her cot as a baby, which possibly damaged part of her brain. She also sta…

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Bholi faced multiple challenges: 1) Brain damage from falling off a cot as a baby, 2) Disfigurement from smallpox that left deep pock-marks on her body, 3) Speech problems - she couldn't speak until a…

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Ramlal was worried because Bholi had 'neither good looks nor intelligence.' Her pock-marked face and perceived lack of sense made him think no one would marry her. In their society, marriage was consi…

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Bholi was sent to school not for education but because her parents thought she had little chance of marriage anyway. Her mother said, 'Send Bholi to school. As it is, there is little chance of her get…

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Bholi was terrified and shouted 'N-n-n-n NO, no-no-no' in terror. She didn't know what school was and was frightened. She remembered how their old cow Lakshmi had been turned out and sold, perhaps fea…

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For the first time, Bholi received special treatment: 1) She was given clean clothes (though hand-me-downs), 2) She was bathed, 3) Oil was rubbed into her hair. This unusual care made her believe she …

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The teacher was kind, patient, and encouraging. She had a 'soft and soothing voice' - something Bholi had never experienced. Instead of laughing at her stammer, she said 'Well done' and encouraged her…

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The teacher promised that if Bholi came to school daily, she would learn to read and become 'more learned than anyone else in the village.' She said people would listen to her with respect and she wou…