The new NCERT Class 9 English textbook Kaveri aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting Indian literature and multilingual learning . Unit 4: Vitamin-M by Asha Nehemiah is a heartwarming and humorous story that explores the importance of respecting elders, the value of independence, and the true meaning of care . At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we believe such stories are invaluable for developing both language skills and essential life values.
📘 Full Lesson Summary
Setting and Background
The story revolves around Ravi and his grandfather, who has recently come to live with the family in the city. At seventy-five, Grandpa was a former lawyer—a firm, assertive personality who has been entirely self-sufficient for most of his life . However, Ravi’s mother believes Grandpa has become forgetful and even wishes for a “Vitamin-M” to improve his memory .
Grandpa dislikes the noisy, crowded city and longs for his peaceful home with the mango tree. He feels hurt when he is treated like a child and restricted from going out alone .
The Weekly Ritual
One day, when Ravi’s mother goes to work, she asks Ravi to take care of Grandpa and not let him step out alone. But Grandpa insists on going to buy a Tamil newspaper by himself .
Not wanting to hurt him, Ravi allows him to go but secretly follows him to ensure his safety. During this outing, Grandpa enjoys himself fully—he eats peanuts in the park, drinks tea, eats bananas and ice cream at a stall (foods forbidden at home), and even visits a barber .
Ravi struggles to keep track of him, facing several funny and embarrassing situations while hiding behind bushes, trees, and stalls .
The Turning Point
Things become confusing when Grandpa boards a bus. Ravi follows him, only to realise that the man wearing Grandpa’s yellow cap is actually a stranger. Grandpa, true to his generous nature, gave his cap to a stranger in the barber shop because it was a hot day .
Worried and tired, Ravi returns home, fearing the worst. To his great relief, he finds Grandpa safely at home, sleeping peacefully .
The Triumph
Later, Grandpa surprises everyone by giving them gifts on his own birthday. He gives Ravi a hardcover book titled The Best Detective Stories, hinting that he knew Ravi had been following him . This reveals Grandpa’s sharpness and awareness.
In the end, the family realises that Grandpa is not forgetful or incapable. Instead, they were wrong to underestimate him . The story highlights that elders need respect, independence, and understanding rather than unnecessary control.
🧠 Key Themes and Message
Meaning of “Vitamin-M”
The term “Vitamin-M” is used humorously in the story. It symbolises the need for love, care, and understanding—rather than just physical support—for the elderly . It represents freedom, independence, and happiness in simple things .
📝 Solved MCQs with Answers
1. What was Grandpa’s profession before he retired?
(a) Teacher
(b) Lawyer
(c) Doctor
(d) Shopkeeper
Answer: (b) Grandpa had been a lawyer, which explains his firm, assertive personality .
2. What gift did Grandpa give to Ravi on his own birthday?
(a) A yellow cap
(b) A walking stick
(c) The Best Detective Stories book
(d) A Tamil newspaper
Answer: (c) Grandpa gifted Ravi a detective storybook .
3. Why did Ravi lose track of Grandpa on the bus?
(a) Grandpa got off at an unexpected stop
(b) Grandpa had given his yellow cap to a stranger
(c) Ravi fell asleep during the journey
(d) The bus was too crowded to see clearly
Answer: (b) Grandpa gave his yellow cap to a stranger in the barber shop because it was a hot day .
4. What does “Vitamin-M” symbolise in the story?
(a) A nutritional supplement for the elderly
(b) A new technology to aid memory
(c) A metaphor for love and care
(d) A medicine for memory loss
Answer: (c) “Vitamin-M” symbolises love, care, and understanding .
5. How many years had passed since Grandpa’s wife died?
(a) Five years
(b) Fifteen years
(c) Ten years
(d) Twenty years
Answer: (c) Grandpa’s wife died ten years ago .
6. What did Grandpa’s walking stick handle resemble?
(a) A lion’s head
(b) An eagle’s head
(c) A snake’s head
(d) A horse’s head
Answer: (b) The handle was carved in the shape of an eagle’s head .
7. Why does Ravi feel embarrassed near the tea stall?
(a) He falls down
(b) People mistake him for a vendor
(c) He sees his mother
(d) He loses his money
Answer: (b) Ravi is mistaken for a vendor by the old woman selling plastic combs .
📝 Solved Questions and Answers
Short Answer Questions
Q1. Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
Answer: Grandpa came to the city because he had slipped and fallen in his garden and had to lie outside all night with no one to help him. His daughter, Vidya, brought him to live with her for safety and care .
Q2. Why does Ravi follow his grandpa?
Answer: Ravi follows Grandpa because he is worried about his safety. His mother asked him to take care of Grandpa and not let him go out alone, so Ravi secretly follows him to ensure he remains safe .
Q3. What did Grandpa do during his outing?
Answer: During his outing, Grandpa bought a paper-cone of peanuts, drank tea, ate bananas and ice cream (foods forbidden at home), and visited a barber. He enjoyed his freedom thoroughly .
Q4. Why does Grandpa give Ravi a detective story book?
Answer: Grandpa gives Ravi a detective storybook to humorously indicate that he knew Ravi had been secretly following him all day. This shows that Grandpa was aware and observant, and he responded with humour rather than scolding .
Long Answer Questions
Q5. Was Grandpa aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?
Answer: Yes, Grandpa was fully aware that Ravi was following him. This is clearly shown when he gives Ravi a detective storybook as a gift and mentions that it would teach him “how to avoid getting fooled when one is trailing a suspect” . His calm and cool response when his daughter asked him about his day—saying, “I had a quiet morning, but I don’t know about Ravi. He just disappeared instead of staying at home to look after me”—also reveals his awareness .
Q6. Discuss the relationship between Ravi and his grandfather as depicted in the story.
Answer: The story reveals a deep, loving, and respectful bond between Ravi and his grandfather. Ravi respects his grandfather’s dignity and is careful not to hurt his feelings. When his mother speaks loudly to Grandpa as if he were a child, Ravi winces, showing his discomfort . Despite being instructed not to let Grandpa go out alone, Ravi allows him to go because he does not want to hurt his pride . He secretly follows him out of concern, which highlights his responsible and caring nature . Grandpa, in turn, shows his love and appreciation by giving Ravi a thoughtful gift—a detective storybook—that playfully acknowledges Ravi’s efforts .
Extract-Based Questions
Q7. Read the extract and answer the questions:
“I wish,” said Ravi’s mother, hurriedly putting some green, red and orange tablets on a saucer, “that somebody would invent a memory – Vitamin-M, they could call it, and we could give it to old people to help them improve their memories.”
(i) Why did Ravi’s mother wish someone would invent Vitamin-M?
Answer: Ravi’s mother wished for Vitamin-M because she wanted old people, including Grandpa, to have improved memories .
(ii) When Ravi says “Shh … Grandpa’ll hear you,” what does this tell us about Ravi’s character?
Answer: Ravi’s reaction shows that he is sensitive and considerate towards his grandfather’s feelings. Unlike his mother, who speaks carelessly about Grandpa’s weaknesses, Ravi is careful not to hurt or embarrass the old man. This reveals his empathy and respect for the elderly .
🌟 How Dhingra Classes Helps Students Excel
At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we provide:
Conceptual understanding – Exploring the deeper meaning of texts.
Exam-focused preparation – Practice with MCQs, short and long answer questions, and extract-based questions.
Interactive learning – Group discussions, quizzes, and doubt-clearing sessions.
Personalized attention – Helping every student build confidence and excel.
📞 Contact Dhingra Classes Nashik
Phone: 98230 62106
Email: dhingraclassesnsk@gmail.com
Website: www.dhingraclassesnashik.com
Address: Plot No 3, XQ3G+H3M Deacon Homes, 301C, opp. Metro Zone, near Guru Govind Sing, Samarth Nagar, Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422009
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