Bholi, the central character in Bholi by K.A. Abbas, is a timid and underprivileged girl who faces numerous challenges in her early life. Unlike her siblings, she is neglected by her family due to her physical and speech impairments. However, despite this, she is sent to school a decision that significantly impacts her future.
This content explores the reasons behind Bholis education, her transformation, and the underlying message conveyed by her story.
Understanding Bholis Background
Bholi, originally named Sulekha, is the youngest daughter of Ramlal, a prosperous village revenue officer. However, she is considered the ‘dumb’ child of the family because of the following reasons:
- Early Childhood Accident At ten months old, she fell from her bed, causing a head injury that affected her cognitive development.
- Speech Impairment She started speaking much later than other children and stammered while talking, making her an object of ridicule.
- Smallpox Scars At the age of two, she contracted smallpox, which left her face and body scarred, further diminishing her prospects for marriage.
- Lack of Confidence Being constantly neglected and mocked, Bholi grew up timid and withdrawn, unable to express herself.
Why Did Bholis Parents Send Her to School?
1. The Influence of the Tehsildar
The main reason Bholi was sent to school was the suggestion of the tehsildar. When a new school for girls was opened in the village, the district official (tehsildar) visited Ramlals house and advised him to send his daughters to school to promote female education. Since Ramlal was an important village official, he felt compelled to set an example.
However, he was reluctant to send his other daughters, as he believed that education would make them unsuitable for marriage.
2. Bholis Uselessness in Marriage Prospects
Unlike her sisters, who were beautiful and considered suitable for arranged marriages, Bholi was not seen as desirable due to:
- Her speech disorder
- Her pockmarked face from smallpox scars
- Her lack of intelligence and confidence
Since the family believed she would never find a husband, they thought sending her to school would not ‘spoil’ her chances of marriage, unlike her more attractive sisters.
3. No Fear of Losing Dowry Negotiations
In traditional settings, daughters were often married off with dowries, and education could complicate marriage negotiations. However, since Bholi was already seen as a burden, her parents did not fear that schooling would affect her dowry demands, as they expected her to be difficult to marry off.
4. A Means to Keep Her Occupied
Another reason for sending Bholi to school was that her parents saw no other use for her at home. Given her condition, they believed that education might help keep her occupied rather than simply being a dependent burden.
Bholis Transformation Through Education
Despite being initially hesitant and scared, Bholis education played a transformative role in her life.
1. Gaining Confidence
At school, Bholi found kindness and encouragement from her teacher. She was no longer mocked for her stammering but instead received support. This helped her gain confidence and gradually improve her speech.
2. Realizing Her Worth
Through education, Bholi began to see herself as more than just a burden. She learned that she was capable, intelligent, and worthy of respect, changing her perception of herself.
3. Standing Up for Herself
One of the most powerful moments in the story is when Bholi rejects her arranged marriage. Her parents arranged for her to marry an older, greedy man, Bishamber, who demanded a dowry due to her scars. Instead of accepting the fate her parents decided for her, Bholi bravely refused the marriage, shocking everyone.
This moment marked her full transformation from a timid, neglected girl to an empowered woman who knew her worth.
The Message Behind Bholis Story
The story of Bholi highlights several important social issues, including:
1. Gender Discrimination
Bholis parents were willing to educate her only because they believed she had no marriage prospects. This reflects deep-rooted discrimination in traditional societies where girls’ education was often discouraged.
2. The Power of Education
Bholis transformation demonstrates how education empowers individuals. It not only gave her knowledge but also the courage to stand up for herself and break free from societal expectations.
3. The Importance of Self-Respect
Unlike her parents, who viewed her as a liability, Bholi learned to respect herself. By refusing an unfair marriage, she proved that one’s worth is not determined by external appearance but by self-belief and knowledge.
Bholi was sent to school primarily because her parents saw her as a burden and felt she had no better prospects. However, this decision unintentionally changed her life. Education gave her strength, confidence, and independence, allowing her to break free from societal expectations and choose her own path.
Her story serves as an inspiration, proving that education can be the key to empowerment and self-respect, regardless of ones circumstances.
