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Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet Questions & Answers | Class 6 English | CBSE NCERT

Chapter-wise questions and answers for Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet in Class 6 English, with a clear summary, key points, and exam-ready model answers.

What you will find on this page: a clear chapter summary, revision notes, word meanings, important questions, MCQs, and exam-ready question answers for Class 6 English.

After reviewing the chapter explanation, answer the short-answer, long-answer, extract-based, and objective questions below.

About 81 min readIla Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her FeetUpdated 29 Sep 2026

Questions and answers

1 marks · mcq

1. 1. (MCQ) Where is Moti Vavdi village located?
(a) in Amreli, Rajasthan (b) in Bhavnagar, Gujarat (c) in Surat, Gujarat (d) in Kutch, Gujarat

When you enter a tiny room in Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, you will see lots of bright colours. There are many lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, pillows, and more, with beautiful designs. Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big smile, makes all these using a shiny needle to create these designs. She is very good at Kathiawar embroidery—a style that needs a lot of skill.
Show answer

(b) — The opening lines place Moti Vavdi village in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

1 marks · mcq

2. 2. (MCQ) Which embroidery style is Ila Sachani very good at?
(a) Kachhi (b) Lucknawi (c) Kathiawar (d) Kashmiri

Show answer

(c) — The text says she is very good at Kathiawar embroidery, a style that needs a lot of skill.

1 marks · mcq

3. 3. (MCQ — Inference) The writer calls Ila 'a wonderful lady with a big smile'. This tells us that Ila is:
(a) proud and reserved (b) cheerful and warm by nature (c) shy and nervous (d) strict and serious

Show answer

(b) — A big smile suggests a happy, welcoming person despite her challenges.

1 marks · direct

4. 4. (Fill in the blank) Ila creates her beautiful designs using a shiny __________.

Show answer

needle

1 marks · direct

5. 5. (Short Answer) What will a visitor see in Ila Sachani's tiny room?

Show answer

The visitor will see lots of bright colours and many lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, pillows and more, all decorated with beautiful designs. All these are made by Ila Sachani herself.

1 marks · direct

6. 6. (Short Answer — Inference) What do the bright colours and lovely things in the room tell us about Ila's work?

Show answer

They tell us that Ila is a talented and hardworking artist. Her skill fills even a tiny room with beauty, colour and creativity.

1 marks · mcq

7. 1. (MCQ) Where was Ila Sachani born?
(a) Bhavnagar (b) Surat (c) Amreli (d) Kutch

Ila Sachani's journey began in the quiet settings of Amreli, Gujarat, where she was born into a farmer's family. From the beginning, life presented its challenges, as Ila was born with her hands hanging loose by her sides. Unlike other children, she could not use her hands in the usual way. While other small hands drew figures in the sand or plucked wild flowers, she wondered why she could not join them. She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands and draw figures on a slate.
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(c) — Her journey began in "the quiet settings of Amreli, Gujarat."

1 marks · mcq

8. 2. (MCQ) What challenge was Ila born with?
(a) she could not see (b) her hands hung loose by her sides and she could not use them in the usual way (c) she could not walk (d) she could not speak

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(b) — The text says she was born with her hands hanging loose by her sides.

1 marks · mcq

9. 3. (MCQ) What kind of family was Ila born into?
(a) an artist's family in the city (b) a farmer's family (c) a shopkeeper's family (d) a royal family

Show answer

(b) — She was born into a farmer's family.

1 marks · direct

10. 4. (One word) What did Ila want to hold in her hands and use on a slate?

Show answer

a chalk

1 marks · direct

11. 5. (Short Answer) Why could Ila not join the other children in their activities?

Show answer

The other children drew figures in the sand and plucked wild flowers with their small hands. Ila could not use her hands in the usual way, so she could only watch them and wonder why she could not join them.

1 marks · direct

12. 6. (Short Answer — Inference) What do you think Ila felt when she watched other children draw and play?

Show answer

She must have felt sad, lonely and left out, because she too wanted to hold a chalk and draw figures on a slate. At the same time, her longing shows how much she wished to do the things others did.

1 marks · mcq

13. 1. (MCQ) Who encouraged Ila and taught her Kathiawar embroidery?
(a) her teachers (b) her mother and grandmother (c) her brother and sister (d) her neighbours

Ila's mother and grandmother encouraged the little girl and were single-minded to help her overcome her challenge. They were skilled in the traditional art of Kathiawar embroidery and decided to share this art with Ila. They taught her to create many beautiful patterns using her feet! It was certainly not an easy task, but Ila accepted the challenge with determination. Her parents also helped her learn to do things with her legs, like eating and combing her hair.
Show answer

(b) — Her mother and grandmother were skilled in the art and decided to share it with her.

1 marks · mcq

14. 2. (MCQ) With which part of her body did Ila learn to create beautiful patterns?
(a) her hands (b) her feet (c) her mouth (d) her arms

Show answer

(b) — She was taught to create patterns "using her feet!"

1 marks · mcq

15. 3. (MCQ — Vocabulary) In the extract, 'single-minded' most nearly means:
(a) stubborn and rude (b) forgetful (c) focused on one purpose (d) confused

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(c) — The word glossary explains single-minded as 'focused'; they had one aim — to help Ila.

1 marks · direct

16. 4. (True/False) Ila's parents helped her learn to eat and comb her hair using her legs.

Show answer

True — the text says her parents helped her learn to do things with her legs, like eating and combing her hair.

1 marks · direct

17. 5. (Short Answer) How did Ila respond to the difficult task of learning embroidery with her feet?

Show answer

It was certainly not an easy task, but Ila accepted the challenge with determination. She worked at it bravely instead of giving up.

1 marks · direct

18. 6. (Short Answer — Inference) Why do you think Ila's family chose embroidery to teach her, out of all things?

Show answer

Her mother and grandmother were themselves skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, so they could teach her the family's own traditional art. It was also an art that could be done sitting still, using the feet, which suited Ila.

1 marks · mcq

19. 1. (MCQ) What was the hardest first step that Ila mastered?
(a) drawing on a slate (b) threading a needle (c) plucking flowers (d) holding a chalk

Threading a needle was hard, but Ila did not give up and became an expert at a young age. Her younger brother and sister helped her too. She learned many styles, even ones from outside Gujarat—Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others.
Show answer

(b) — The text says, "Threading a needle was hard, but Ila did not give up."

1 marks · mcq

20. 2. (MCQ) Who else helped Ila besides her mother and grandmother?
(a) her younger brother and sister (b) her school friends (c) her teachers (d) the villagers

Show answer

(a) — "Her younger brother and sister helped her too."

1 marks · mcq

21. 3. (MCQ) Which of these embroidery styles did Ila learn from outside Gujarat?
(a) only Kathiawar (b) Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others (c) no outside styles (d) only Madhubani

Show answer

(b) — She learned many styles, "even ones from outside Gujarat—Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others."

1 marks · direct

22. 4. (One word) At what age did Ila become an expert — young or old?

Show answer

young

1 marks · direct

23. 5. (Short Answer) 'Threading a needle was hard, but Ila did not give up.' What does this line show about Ila's character?

Show answer

The line shows Ila's determination and will power. Even when a task was very difficult, she kept trying until she became an expert at a young age.

1 marks · direct

24. 6. (Short Answer — Inference) Why do you think learning styles from outside Gujarat, like Kachhi, Kashmiri and Lucknawi, was special for Ila?

Show answer

It was special because these styles belonged to other regions of India, far from her home in Gujarat. Learning them showed that Ila did not stop at one tradition — she grew as an artist by mastering many kinds of embroidery.

1 marks · mcq

25. 1. (MCQ) What did embroidery become for Ila?
(a) a burden (b) a way to express herself (c) a game (d) a duty

For Ila, embroidery became a way to express herself. At first, she crafted fine designs only for her family and friends, who were awestruck by her talent. They talked about those designs to others. Soon, the people in the village, too, discovered Ila's special skill and the admiration for her work began to spread.
Show answer

(b) — The text states, "For Ila, embroidery became a way to express herself."

1 marks · mcq

26. 2. (MCQ) For whom did Ila first make her fine designs?
(a) shops in the city (b) exhibitions (c) her family and friends (d) the government

Show answer

(c) — At first she crafted designs "only for her family and friends."

1 marks · mcq

27. 3. (MCQ — Vocabulary) In the extract, 'awestruck' most nearly means:
(a) bored (b) angry (c) amazed (d) worried

Show answer

(c) — The word glossary explains awestruck as 'amazed'.

1 marks · direct

28. 4. (Fill in the blank) Soon, the people in the __________, too, discovered Ila's special skill.

Show answer

village

1 marks · direct

29. 5. (Short Answer) How did Ila's fame begin to spread beyond her family?

Show answer

Her family and friends were awestruck by her talent and talked about her designs to others. Soon the village people also discovered her special skill, and admiration for her work began to spread.

1 marks · direct

30. 6. (Short Answer — Inference) Why do you think embroidery was a special way for Ila to express herself?

Show answer

Since Ila could not speak about her feelings through writing or other handwork, her designs became her language. Through colours, patterns and stitches made by her feet, she could share her ideas, feelings and creativity with the world.

1 marks · mcq

31. 1. (MCQ) Who decided to display Ila's embroidery at a state exhibition?
(a) her village panchayat (b) the government office in Surat (c) a private company (d) her school

Word reached the government office in Surat. They were moved by Ila's story and impressed by her work. They decided to display some samples of her embroidery at a state exhibition. This experience opened new doors for Ila. People observed the beauty woven by her feet and readily purchased the creations. Ila was no more a hidden talent, but famous!
Show answer

(b) — Word reached the government office in Surat, and they decided to display her work.

1 marks · mcq

32. 2. (MCQ) Why did the government office help Ila?
(a) they were moved by her story and impressed by her work (b) they wanted to sell her designs for profit (c) they were ordered to do so (d) they knew her family

Show answer

(a) — The text says they "were moved by Ila's story and impressed by her work."

1 marks · mcq

33. 3. (MCQ — Inference) The phrase 'opened new doors for Ila' means:
(a) new doors of a house were built (b) new opportunities and chances came to her (c) she was locked out (d) she moved to Surat

Show answer

(b) — The exhibition brought her recognition, buyers and future chances.

1 marks · direct

34. 4. (One word/phrase) How is Ila's embroidery described as being made — 'the beauty woven by her __________'?

Show answer

feet

1 marks · direct

35. 5. (Short Answer) How did people at the state exhibition respond to Ila's work?

Show answer

People observed the beauty woven by her feet and readily purchased her creations. They appreciated her art so much that Ila was no longer a hidden talent, but famous.

1 marks · direct

36. 6. (Short Answer — Inference) Why is the state exhibition called an important event in Ila's life?

Show answer

The exhibition was the first time her work was shown to a wide public audience. It was here that people beyond her village saw her embroidery, bought it, and made her famous, opening new doors for her future.

1 marks · mcq

37. 1. (MCQ) At what level did Ila take part in exhibitions after her first success?
(a) only her village (b) only her state (c) within the state and at the national level (d) only international exhibitions

Encouraged by this popularity, Ila participated in more exhibitions, not just within the state but at the national level. She received many awards and honours, not just for her art but also the willpower and creativity that her work showed. Ila Sachani, once a farmer's daughter facing a tough challenge, worked hard and became a celebrated artist and receiver of the President's Medal.
Show answer

(c) — She participated "not just within the state but at the national level."

1 marks · mcq

38. 2. (MCQ) What were Ila's awards and honours given for?
(a) only her art (b) only her willpower (c) both her art and the willpower and creativity her work showed (d) her family's farming

Show answer

(c) — She received awards "not just for her art but also the willpower and creativity that her work showed."

1 marks · mcq

39. 3. (MCQ) Which highest honour of Ila's life is mentioned in the extract?
(a) a gold medal at school (b) the President's Medal (c) a state certificate (d) a village prize

Show answer

(b) — She became "a celebrated artist and receiver of the President's Medal."

1 marks · direct

40. 4. (True/False) Ila was born into a rich city family.

Show answer

False — she was a farmer's daughter from Amreli who faced a tough challenge from birth.

1 marks · direct

41. 5. (Short Answer) What transformation in Ila's life does this extract describe?

Show answer

The extract describes her journey from being a farmer's daughter facing a tough challenge to becoming a celebrated artist. Through hard work she rose from village fame to national recognition and received the President's Medal.

1 marks · direct

42. 6. (Short Answer — Inference) Why do you think Ila was awarded not just for her art but also for her willpower and creativity?

Show answer

Her achievements were extraordinary because she created award-winning art with her feet instead of her hands. The awards therefore honoured not only the beautiful embroidery but also the courage, determination and imagination behind it.

1 marks · mcq

43. 1. (MCQ) What does the text call the most important change in Ila's life?
(a) her new house (b) the new independence (c) her awards (d) her medals

The most important change for Ila was the new independence. Through her skill, she not only earned a regular income but also found joy in doing what she loved. She proved, through her creations, that challenges can be turned into victories with focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up. Her embroidery, created with her feet, reminds us that art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul.
Show answer

(b) — "The most important change for Ila was the new independence."

1 marks · mcq

44. 2. (MCQ) According to the text, what two things did Ila gain through her skill?
(a) fame and medals (b) a regular income and joy in doing what she loved (c) a car and a house (d) awards and trophies

Show answer

(b) — She "not only earned a regular income but also found joy in doing what she loved."

1 marks · mcq

45. 3. (MCQ) Which qualities, according to the text, turn challenges into victories?
(a) focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up (b) money, luck and fame (c) speed, strength and size (d) silence, patience and waiting

Show answer

(a) — The text lists exactly these qualities.

1 marks · direct

46. 4. (Fill in the blank) Art has the power to rise above __________ boundaries and touch the soul.

Show answer

physical

1 marks · direct

47. 5. (Short Answer) Explain the meaning: 'challenges can be turned into victories'.

Show answer

It means that the difficulties a person faces can become the very reason for their success. Ila turned her greatest challenge — not being able to use her hands — into her victory by becoming a celebrated artist using her feet.

1 marks · direct

48. 6. (Short Answer — Personal Response) What does Ila's story teach you about facing your own difficulties?

Show answer

Ila's story teaches me that no difficulty is too big if I have focus, hard work, positivity and the will to never give up. Instead of complaining about a problem, I should find a creative way around it. (Any thoughtful personal response is acceptable.)

2 marks · short

49. 1. Where does Ila Sachani live, and what does her tiny room look like?

Show answer

Ila lives in a tiny room in Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The room is full of bright colours and lovely things like cushions, bedcovers and pillows with beautiful designs made by her.

2 marks · short

50. 2. What is Kathiawar embroidery?

Show answer

Kathiawar embroidery is a traditional art that Ila's mother and grandmother were skilled in. It is a style of embroidery that needs a lot of skill, which Ila mastered using her feet.

2 marks · short

51. 3. Where and into which family was Ila Sachani born?

Show answer

Ila was born in the quiet settings of Amreli, Gujarat. She was born into a farmer's family.

2 marks · short

52. 4. What was the challenge Ila faced from birth?

Show answer

Ila was born with her hands hanging loose by her sides. Unlike other children, she could not use her hands in the usual way.

2 marks · short

53. 5. What did Ila want to do like the other children?

Show answer

She wanted to hold a chalk in her hands and draw figures on a slate. She watched others draw figures in the sand and pluck wild flowers and wondered why she could not join them.

2 marks · short

54. 6. How did Ila's mother and grandmother help her?

Show answer

They were single-minded about helping her overcome her challenge. Being skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, they taught Ila to create many beautiful patterns using her feet.

2 marks · short

55. 7. What everyday tasks did Ila's parents help her learn?

Show answer

Her parents helped her learn to do things with her legs, like eating and combing her hair. This made her more independent in daily life.

2 marks · short

56. 8. Which was the first difficult task in learning embroidery, and how did Ila deal with it?

Show answer

Threading a needle was hard for Ila. She did not give up, practised with determination, and became an expert at a young age.

2 marks · short

57. 9. Name the embroidery styles from outside Gujarat that Ila learned.

Show answer

Ila learned the Kachhi, Kashmiri and Lucknawi styles, among others. These were styles from outside Gujarat.

2 marks · short

58. 10. What did embroidery become for Ila?

Show answer

Embroidery became a way for Ila to express herself. Through her designs she could share her feelings and creativity with others.

2 marks · short

59. 11. For whom did Ila first make her designs, and how did they react?

Show answer

At first, she crafted fine designs only for her family and friends. They were awestruck by her talent and talked about her designs to others.

2 marks · short

60. 12. How did the government office in Surat come to know about Ila?

Show answer

Word about Ila and her embroidery reached the government office in Surat. They were moved by her story and impressed by her work.

2 marks · short

61. 13. What did the government office in Surat do for Ila?

Show answer

They decided to display some samples of her embroidery at a state exhibition. This experience opened new doors for Ila and made her famous.

2 marks · short

62. 14. What happened to Ila's work at the state exhibition?

Show answer

People observed the beauty woven by her feet and readily purchased her creations. Ila was no more a hidden talent, but famous.

2 marks · short

63. 15. What did Ila do after becoming popular at the state exhibition?

Show answer

Encouraged by her popularity, she participated in more exhibitions at the national level. She received many awards and honours for her art, willpower and creativity.

2 marks · short

64. 16. Which highest honour did Ila Sachani receive?

Show answer

Ila Sachani received the President's Medal. She became a celebrated artist through her hard work and determination.

2 marks · short

65. 17. What was the most important change in Ila's life brought by her skill?

Show answer

The most important change was her new independence. Through her skill she earned a regular income and found joy in doing what she loved.

2 marks · short

66. 18. According to the text, which four qualities can turn challenges into victories?

Show answer

Focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up. Ila proved this through her creations.

2 marks · short

67. 19. What does Ila's embroidery remind us about art?

Show answer

Her embroidery, created with her feet, reminds us that art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul.

2 marks · short

68. 20. (Personal Response) Name one quality of Ila that you would like to have, and say why.

Show answer

I would like to have Ila's determination, because it helped her turn her biggest weakness into her greatest strength. With that quality, I could face any difficulty in my studies and life without giving up. (Any quality with a valid reason is acceptable.)

3 marks · short

69. 1. Describe Ila's early life and the challenges she faced as a child.

Show answer

Ila was born into a farmer's family in the quiet settings of Amreli, Gujarat. From birth, her hands hung loose by her sides, so she could not use them in the usual way. While other children drew figures in the sand or plucked wild flowers, Ila could only watch and wonder why she could not join them. She too wanted to hold a chalk and draw figures on a slate, but her body would not allow it.

3 marks · short

70. 2. How did Ila's family help her overcome her challenge? Mention all the family members who supported her.

Show answer

Ila's mother and grandmother were single-minded about helping her overcome her challenge. Since they were skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, they taught her to create beautiful patterns using her feet. Her parents also helped her learn to do everyday things with her legs, like eating and combing her hair. Later, her younger brother and sister helped her as well. Thus the whole family stood by Ila and turned her weakness into strength.

3 marks · short

71. 3. How did Ila move step by step from a village girl to a nationally celebrated artist?

Show answer

First, Ila learned Kathiawar embroidery with her feet from her mother and grandmother and became an expert at a young age. She made designs for her family and friends, who praised her to others, and soon the whole village admired her skill. Word then reached the government office in Surat, which displayed her embroidery at a state exhibition. The exhibition opened new doors — people bought her creations and she became famous. Encouraged by this popularity, she took part in national exhibitions, won many awards and honours, and finally received the President's Medal.

3 marks · short

72. 4. Why was the first state exhibition an important event in Ila's life?

Show answer

Before the exhibition, Ila was a hidden talent known mainly to her family, friends and village. The state exhibition put her work before a much larger audience, where people observed the beauty woven by her feet and readily purchased her creations. This made her famous, gave her confidence, and opened new doors for her career. It was the turning point that led her to national exhibitions and the President's Medal.

3 marks · short

73. 5. 'For Ila, embroidery became a way to express herself.' Explain this line in your own words.

Show answer

This line means that embroidery became Ila's language of the heart. Because she could not use her hands, she could not do the writing, drawing and handwork that other children did. But with her needle held by her feet, she could create colours, patterns and designs that showed her feelings and imagination. Every piece of embroidery was a way of telling the world who she was and what she felt.

3 marks · short

74. 6. (HOTS) Why do you think the text says Ila received awards 'not just for her art but also the willpower and creativity that her work showed'?

Show answer

The awards recognised that Ila's embroidery was extraordinary not only because it was beautiful, but because of how it was made. Creating fine stitches with the feet requires immense willpower, patience and imagination. Her work proved that a person whom fate had denied the use of her hands could still produce award-winning art. The honours therefore celebrated the artist's spirit as much as the artwork itself.

3 marks · short

75. 7. Explain the meaning of the closing lines: 'art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul.'

Show answer

These lines mean that true art is not limited by the body of the artist or by any physical disability. Ila could not use her hands, yet her feet created embroidery so beautiful that it moved everyone who saw it. Her art reached straight into people's hearts and souls, proving that the power of art is greater than any physical limitation.

3 marks · short

76. 8. What new independence did Ila gain through her skill, and why was it 'the most important change'?

Show answer

Through her embroidery, Ila earned a regular income of her own and found joy in doing what she loved. She no longer had to depend on others for her needs, and she gained respect and an identity as an artist. This was the most important change because money and fame fade in comparison to self-reliance — the freedom to live on one's own terms and one's own earnings.

3 marks · short

77. 9. (HOTS) Ila could have spent her life feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she 'accepted the challenge with determination.' What made this attitude possible?

Show answer

Three things made her positive attitude possible. First, the support of her family — her mother, grandmother, parents, and her younger brother and sister — encouraged her at every step instead of pitying her. Second, she had a way to express herself through embroidery, which gave her purpose and confidence. Third, her own inner qualities — focus, hard work, positivity and the resolve to never give up — kept her going even when threading a needle was hard.

3 marks · short

78. 10. (Personal Response) How can Ila's story help other people who face challenges in their lives?

Show answer

Ila's story shows that a challenge is not the end of the road but a call to find a new path. People with difficulties can learn from her that focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up can turn challenges into victories. Her life also teaches families and society to support such people with encouragement instead of pity. Whenever a person feels like giving up, remembering Ila's journey from a village room to the President's Medal can give them fresh hope and courage.

5 marks · broad

79. 1. Describe Ila Sachani's journey from Amreli to the President's Medal. What does this journey teach us?

Show answer

Ila's journey began in the quiet settings of Amreli, Gujarat, where she was born into a farmer's family with her hands hanging loose by her sides. As a child, she watched others draw figures in the sand and pluck wild flowers, and wondered why she could not join them. Her mother and grandmother, skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, taught her to create beautiful patterns using her feet, and her parents helped her learn to eat and comb her hair with her legs. Threading a needle was hard, but she did not give up and became an expert at a young age, learning styles from outside Gujarat too, such as Kachhi, Kashmiri and Lucknawi. Her family and friends were awestruck by her talent, and soon the whole village admired her work. Word reached the government office in Surat, which displayed her embroidery at a state exhibition, where people readily purchased her creations. Encouraged by this popularity, she took part in national exhibitions, won many awards and honours, and became a celebrated artist and receiver of the President's Medal. Her journey teaches us that with focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up, any challenge can be turned into a victory.

5 marks · broad

80. 2. What is the central message of Ila's biography? Support the message with evidence from the text.

Show answer

The central message of the biography is that challenges can be turned into victories with focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up — a truth that Ila proved through her own creations. The text supports this message at every stage of her life. Though she was born with her hands hanging loose by her sides, she learned Kathiawar embroidery using her feet. Though threading a needle was hard, she did not give up and became an expert at a young age. Though she began by crafting designs only for family and friends, her talent slowly won first the village, then the state, and finally the nation, bringing her awards and the President's Medal. Her life gained a new independence through her skill — a regular income and the joy of doing what she loved. The closing lines sum up the message: her embroidery, created with her feet, reminds us that art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul.

5 marks · broad

81. 3. 'Behind every successful person there is a supportive family.' How far is this true in Ila Sachani's life? Give examples from the text.

Show answer

In Ila's life, the support of her family was the foundation of all her success. When Ila was born with her hands hanging loose by her sides, her mother and grandmother did not lose hope; they were single-minded about helping her overcome her challenge. Since they were skilled in the traditional art of Kathiawar embroidery, they shared this art with Ila and taught her to create beautiful patterns using her feet. Her parents also helped her learn to do everyday things with her legs, like eating and combing her hair, which made her independent in daily life. Her younger brother and sister helped her too, especially when she was mastering difficult tasks like threading a needle. It was this loving and patient support that gave Ila the confidence to accept the challenge with determination. Without her family's encouragement, her talent might have remained hidden; with it, she rose to become a celebrated artist and receiver of the President's Medal. The family's role teaches us that encouragement can change a person's whole destiny.

5 marks · broad

82. 4. What values do you learn from the life of Ila Sachani? Explain each value with evidence from the chapter.

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Ila's life teaches us many lasting values. First, determination: though threading a needle was hard, she did not give up and became an expert at a young age. Second, hard work: she practised many styles, even ones from outside Gujarat such as Kachhi, Kashmiri and Lucknawi, until her art was flawless. Third, positivity: instead of despairing over her challenge, she accepted it and found joy in doing what she loved. Fourth, courage and self-belief: she displayed her work at state and national exhibitions and faced the public without fear. Fifth, gratitude and sharing: the biography shows her making designs first for family and friends, returning their love with her art. Finally, the value of independence: she earned a regular income through her own skill and lived with dignity. All these values are summed up in the text's own words — that challenges can be turned into victories with focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up.

5 marks · broad

83. 5. How can students apply the lessons of Ila's story in their own lives? Give at least three examples.

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Students can apply Ila's lessons in many practical ways. First, whenever we find a subject or a skill difficult — like Ila found threading a needle — we should keep practising instead of giving up, remembering that she became an expert at a young age through sheer persistence. Second, we can learn to look at our weaknesses creatively: Ila could not use her hands, so she used her feet; similarly, if we cannot do a task one way, we can find another way instead of quitting. Third, we can learn to support others as her family supported her — encouraging a classmate who struggles, rather than teasing or pitying them. Fourth, we can develop our talents, like Ila's embroidery, into a way of expressing ourselves and even earning a livelihood later in life. Fifth, we can stay positive in hard times, believing that challenges can be turned into victories with focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up. In these ways, Ila's story can guide students every single day.

5 marks · broad

84. 6. (Creative/Imagined Situation) Imagine you are a newspaper reporter who visited Ila Sachani's tiny room in Moti Vavdi village. Write a report of your visit, describing her, her room, her work and her message to readers.

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(A model report) Artist Whose Feet Weave Magic — Moti Vavdi, Bhavnagar. In a tiny room bursting with bright colours, I met Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big smile who stitches dreams with her feet. Cushions, bedcovers and pillows with beautiful designs lie all around her, each one created with a shiny needle held between her toes. Ila told me that she was born into a farmer's family in Amreli with her hands hanging loose by her sides. While other children drew figures in the sand, she wondered why she could not join them. Her mother and grandmother, skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, taught her to create patterns with her feet, and her parents helped her eat and comb her hair with her legs. Threading a needle was hard, but she never gave up. Today, after state and national exhibitions, awards and the President's Medal, she is no more a hidden talent, but famous. Through her skill she has earned a regular income and, more importantly, the joy of doing what she loves. Before I left, she gave me the message she lives by: challenges can be turned into victories with focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up. Her embroidery, created with her feet, proves that art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul.

5 marks · broad

85. 7. (HOTS) Ila's story is not just about one brave woman; it is about how society should treat people with challenges. Discuss.

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Ila's story is indeed a lesson for the whole of society, not just an account of one brave woman. At first, society's usual response is visible in her childhood — while other children drew figures in the sand and plucked wild flowers, she was left watching from the sidelines, wondering why she could not join them. The turning point came when her family refused to treat her as helpless: her mother and grandmother taught her Kathiawar embroidery, her parents taught her daily living skills, and her brother and sister helped her practise. Their method was not pity but training — they gave her tools, not sympathy. Society at large then played its part: her village admired her work, the government office in Surat was moved by her story and displayed her embroidery at a state exhibition, and the nation honoured her with awards and the President's Medal. The lesson is clear — people with challenges do not need our sorrow; they need our encouragement, opportunities and respect. If every family, school and office responds like Ila's family and the government office did, many more hidden talents would become famous, and their art would rise above physical boundaries and touch all our souls.

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