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The Why Why Girl – Mahasweta Devi

December 8, 2025
Posted by: Melons
Category: Class 6

Moyna is a curious little girl who always asks many questions about everything around her. She works hard every day, looking after goats and helping her mother, but she still wants to know why life is the way it is. One day she meets the narrator, who tells her that books can answer many of her questions. Moyna becomes eager to learn and soon begins reading and sharing new facts with other children. As she grows older, she continues learning and teaching. Finally, Moyna becomes a teacher at the Samiti, encouraging children to ask questions and learn with confidence, just as she once did.

മനസ്സുനിറയെ കൗതുകങ്ങളുള്ള ഒരു കൊച്ചു പെൺകുട്ടിയാണ് മൊയ്‌ന. അവൾ എപ്പോഴും തൻ്റെ ചുറ്റുമുള്ള എല്ലാ കാര്യങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ചും ധാരാളം ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ചോദിക്കുന്നു. ആടുകളെ പരിപാലിക്കുമ്പോഴും, അമ്മയെ സഹായിക്കുമ്പോഴും അവൾ ഒരു നൂറുകൂട്ടം ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ചോദിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് സത്യം അറിയാൻ അവൾ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു. ഒരു ദിവസം അവൾ ഈ കഥ പറയുന്ന ആളെ കണ്ടുമുട്ടുന്നു. പുസ്തകങ്ങൾക്ക് അവളുടെ പല ചോദ്യങ്ങൾക്കും ഉത്തരം നൽകാൻ കഴിയുമെന്ന് അയാൾ അവളോട് പറയുന്നു. മൊയ്‌നക്ക് പഠിക്കാൻ ആഗ്രഹം വർധിക്കുന്നു. താമസിയാതെ, വായിക്കാനും മറ്റ് കുട്ടികളുമായി പുതിയ അറിവുകൾ പങ്കിടാനും തുടങ്ങുന്നു. അവൾ വളരുമ്പോൾ, അവൾ പഠിക്കുകയും പഠിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. ഒടുവിൽ, മൊയ്‌ന ഒരു അധ്യാപികയായി മാറുന്നു. ഒരിക്കൽ ചെയ്തതുപോലെ, ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ചോദിക്കാനും ആത്മവിശ്വാസത്തോടെ പഠിക്കാനും കുട്ടികളെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുന്നു.

Character Sketches

Moyna
Moyna is a bright, curious, and fearless girl who always asks questions about everything she sees. She works hard for her family by tending goats, collecting firewood, and helping her mother. Even though life is difficult, she never stops wondering why things happen the way they do. Her curiosity makes her different from other children. She loves learning new facts and sharing them with others. As she grows older, she becomes confident, responsible, and eager to teach. Moyna finally becomes a teacher who encourages children to ask questions boldly.
The Narrator
The narrator is a kind, caring adult who understands Moyna’s curiosity and supports her learning. She protects Moyna when she tries to catch a cobra and later invites her to stay in her hut. She patiently answers Moyna’s endless questions and encourages her to read books to find answers on her own. The narrator believes in education and wants children to grow through curiosity. She treats Moyna with love, respect, and guidance, helping her become confident. Her gentle teaching spirit inspires Moyna to become a teacher herself.
Khiri (Moyna’s Mother)
Khiri is a hardworking mother who weaves baskets at the Samiti to support her family. She struggles with poverty but continues working with patience and strength. She depends on Moyna for many household tasks because life is difficult for them. Although she sometimes gets tired of Moyna’s questions, she still cares deeply for her daughter. Khiri represents the struggles of poor families who work hard every day. Her quiet determination shows her strength and resilience even in tough situations.
The Postmaster
The postmaster is a friendly man in the village who notices Moyna’s habit of asking endless questions. Amused by her curiosity, he gives her the nickname “the why‑why girl.” He represents the villagers who observe Moyna’s unusual interest in learning. Although he does not play a major role in her life, his nickname becomes an important part of her identity. Through him, we see how Moyna’s questioning nature stands out in the community and becomes something people remember her for.
Malati (Samiti Teacher)
Malati is a teacher at the Samiti who knows Moyna well. She warns the narrator that Moyna will exhaust her with her endless “whys,” but she says it with affection. Malati believes in education and supports the idea of children learning freely. She helps run the Samiti, where villagers come to read, write, sing, and dance. Malati represents teachers who understand children’s curiosity and guide them patiently. Her presence shows the importance of community learning spaces in villages.
Moyna’s Siblings
Moyna’s younger sister and elder brother appear when the narrator visits after a year. They listen to Moyna as she explains things like a teacher—why to plant trees, wash hands, and attend classes. Their respect for Moyna shows how much she has grown. They represent children who learn from one another, not just from adults. Through them, we see Moyna’s transformation from a curious child into a confident teacher who shares knowledge with younger learners.

Conversations

Moyna and the Narrator (About the Cobra)

Moyna: Look! I want to catch that snake.
Narrator: Stop, Moyna! Don’t go near it.
Moyna: Why not?
Narrator: It’s a cobra. It can harm you.
Moyna: But why is it dangerous?
Narrator: Because its bite is poisonous.
Moyna: Then why do other snakes look harmless?
Narrator: Some are harmless, but cobras are not.
Moyna: How do you know the difference?
Narrator: By learning. I’ll teach you.

Moyna and Her Mother Khiri

Khiri: Moyna, thank the Babu for the rice.
Moyna: Why should I?
Khiri: Because he sent it to us.
Moyna: But I work for him every day.
Khiri: Still, it is polite to thank him.
Moyna: Does he ever thank me?
Khiri: No… but that’s how things are.
Moyna: Why can’t things be fair?
Khiri: Life is not always fair, child.
Moyna: Then I will ask “why” until it becomes fair.

Moyna and Other Children (About Stars)

Child: Moyna, why do stars look so tiny?
Moyna: Because they are very far away.
Child: Are they smaller than the sun?
Moyna: No, many are bigger.
Child: Then why do they look small?
Moyna: Distance makes them look tiny.
Child: How do you know this?
Moyna: I learned it from books.
Child: Can you teach us more?
Moyna: Yes! Ask me anything.

Moyna and the Narrator (About Reading)

Moyna: Why do you read every night?
Narrator: Books give answers.
Moyna: Answers to what?
Narrator: To your “whys.”
Moyna: Really?
Narrator: Yes. Books hold knowledge.
Moyna: Then I want to read too.
Narrator: I will teach you.
Moyna: Will I find all answers?
Narrator: You will find many, and learn to search for more.

Moyna as a Teacher (Her First Class)

Moyna: Good morning, children!
Children: Good morning, Teacher Moyna!
Moyna: Ask me questions. Don’t be shy.
Child: Why should we wash our hands?
Moyna: To stay healthy.
Child: Why should we plant trees?
Moyna: To protect the earth.
Child: Why do mosquitoes trouble us?
Moyna: Because they breed in dirty water.
Moyna: See? Asking “why” helps us learn.

50 Why Questions

Why is the sky blue?
Because sunlight scatters in the air. Blue light scatters the most, so the sky looks blue.
Why do we have day?
We have day when our side of the Earth faces the sun. The sunlight makes everything bright.
Why do we have night?
Night comes when our side of the Earth turns away from the sun. Then it becomes dark.
Why does the sun look big?
The sun looks big because it is very close to Earth. Stars are far away, so they look tiny.
Why do stars look small?
Stars look small because they are very far from us. Many stars are actually bigger than the sun.
Why do we sweat?
We sweat when our body gets hot. Sweat cools us down when it dries.
Why do we drink water?
Water keeps our body healthy. It helps us stay cool and active.
Why do we eat food?
Food gives us energy to play, study, and grow. Without food, we feel weak.
Why do we sleep?
We sleep to rest our body and mind. Sleep helps us feel fresh the next day.
Why do we blink?
We blink to clean and wet our eyes. It protects our eyes from dust.
Why do leaves fall?
Leaves fall when they become old and dry. New leaves grow in their place.
Why do birds fly?
Birds fly because they have wings and light bones. Their bodies are made for flying.
Why do fish live in water?
Fish live in water because they breathe through gills. Gills work only in water.
Why do cows chew again?
Cows chew their food twice to digest it well. This helps them get more energy.
Why do dogs bark?
Dogs bark to talk or warn us. It is their way of communicating.
Why do we wash hands?
We wash hands to remove dirt and germs. Clean hands keep us healthy.
Why do we wear warm clothes?
Warm clothes protect us from cold air. They keep our body warm.
Why do we wear raincoats?
Raincoats keep us dry in the rain. They stop water from soaking our clothes.
Why do we wear shoes?
Shoes protect our feet from stones, heat, and dirt. They help us walk safely.
Why do we comb hair?
We comb hair to keep it neat and tidy. It also removes tangles.
Why do we go to school?
We go to school to learn new things. School helps us grow smarter and confident.
Why do we have homework?
Homework helps us practice what we learned. It makes our learning stronger.
Why do we have exams?
Exams check how much we have understood. They help teachers know where we need help.
Why do we have rules?
Rules keep everyone safe and disciplined. They help us live and learn together.
Why do we say thank you?
We say thank you to show good manners. It makes others feel respected.
Why do we say sorry?
We say sorry when we make a mistake. It shows we care about others’ feelings.
Why do we celebrate birthdays?
We celebrate birthdays to remember the day we were born. It is a happy day with family and friends.
Why do we celebrate festivals?
Festivals bring people together. They help us enjoy, pray, and follow traditions.
Why do we pray?
We pray to feel peaceful and thankful. It helps us stay calm.
Why do we help others?
Helping others makes the world kinder. It also makes us feel good.
Why does it rain?
Rain falls when clouds become heavy with water. The water drops fall to the ground.
Why do clouds move?
Clouds move because the wind pushes them. They float in the sky like cotton.
Why is the sea salty?
The sea is salty because it has dissolved salts in it. Rivers carry salts into the sea.
Why do rivers flow?
Rivers flow from high places to low places. Gravity pulls the water downwards.
Why do plants need water?
Plants need water to make food and grow. Without water, they dry up.
Why do we hear thunder?
Thunder is the loud sound made by lightning. The sound reaches us after the light.
Why do we see lightning first?
We see lightning first because light travels faster than sound. So light reaches our eyes earlier.
Why do we see rainbows?
Rainbows form when sunlight bends through raindrops. The light splits into many colours.
Why do we feel hot in summer?
We feel hot because the sun shines strongly. The air becomes warm.
Why do we feel cold in winter?
We feel cold because the air is cool. The sun’s heat is weaker.
Why do we get hiccups?
We get hiccups when our diaphragm jumps suddenly. It makes a funny sound.
Why do we sneeze?
We sneeze to push out dust or germs. It cleans our nose.
Why do we cough?
We cough to clear our throat or lungs. It helps us breathe better.
Why do we get fever?
We get fever when our body fights germs. Fever helps kill the germs.
Why do we need doctors?
Doctors help us stay healthy. They treat us when we are sick.
Why do we need electricity?
Electricity runs lights, fans, and machines. It makes life easier.
Why do we use fans?
Fans move air around us. Moving air makes us feel cool.
Why do we use buses?
Buses help many people travel together. They are safe and cheap.
Why do we use phones?
Phones help us talk to people far away. We can also send messages.
Why do we learn English?
We learn English to speak with many people in India and other countries. It helps in studies and jobs.

Notice

NOTICE

Green Valley Public School

Date: 08 December 2025

Felicitation Programme for Our National Athletic Champion

All students and teachers are informed that our school is organising a special programme to honour our friend, Ananya, for her outstanding achievement at the National Athletic Meet. She has made our school proud with her hard work, discipline, and excellent performance.

Date: 12 December 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: School Auditorium

Everyone is invited to join the celebration and encourage her as she shares her journey and success story.

Program Coordinator

Appreciation of a Book

Title: The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories

Author: Sudha Murty

Genre: Children’s Literature / Short Stories

This book is a collection of simple, heart‑warming stories written by Sudha Murty. Each story teaches a small lesson about kindness, honesty, and helping others. The characters include children, villagers, kings, animals, and magical creatures. The stories are easy to read and filled with Indian culture and values. My favourite story is “The Magic Drum,” where a clever boy uses a magical drum to teach a greedy man a lesson. The book is enjoyable, meaningful, and perfect for young readers.

Diary Entries

Moyna’s Diary
Date: 12 June

Today was a busy day, but also a happy one. I brought the goats home, collected firewood, and helped Ma with the cooking. But the best part was meeting Didi at the Samiti. She answered so many of my “why” questions. I even asked her why she reads books every night. She said books have answers. That made me think a lot. I want to learn to read too. One day, I will read big books and find answers on my own. I feel excited about learning.
The Narrator’s Diary
Date: 12 June

Moyna came to the Samiti again today. She is such a curious child, full of questions about everything she sees. Sometimes her questions surprise me, but they also make me smile. Today she asked why I read every night. When I told her that books hold answers, her eyes shone with interest. I can see a bright spark in her. She wants to learn, and I want to help her. If she gets the right guidance, she will grow into a confident, strong girl. I feel hopeful for her future.
Moyna’s Mother (Khiri)
Date: 12 June

I am tired after a long day of weaving baskets at the Samiti. Life is not easy, but I keep working for my children. Moyna helped me a lot today—she brought water, collected firewood, and looked after the goats. She asks too many questions, but I know she has a sharp mind. Today she told me she wants to learn to read. I hope she gets a chance. Maybe education will give her a better life than mine. I pray she grows up strong and wise.

Textbook Questions

Why did the narrator stop Moyna from catching a snake?
The narrator stopped (തടഞ്ഞു) Moyna from catching the snake because it was a dangerous cobra. Moyna thought it was just another harmless (ഉപദ്രവിക്കാത്ത) snake, but the narrator knew that a cobra’s bite (കടി) could kill a person. Moyna was brave and curious, but she did not understand the risk (അപകടം). The narrator cared for her safety and quickly pulled her back (പിന്നിലേക്ക് വലിച്ചു) before she could touch it. This shows how the narrator protected Moyna from serious danger even when Moyna did not realise (മനസ്സിലാക്കിയില്ല) it.
What was the Samiti meant for?
The Samiti was a simple community place where villagers could come together to learn and enjoy themselves. People went there to read, write, sing, dance, and share ideas. It was meant to help everyone, especially children and women, improve their knowledge and skills. The Samiti encouraged learning in a friendly way, without fear or pressure. It became a safe space where people could ask questions, express themselves, and grow. In short, the Samiti was created to support education and togetherness in the village.
What does Moyna do for her family?
Moyna works very hard every day to support her family. She brings the goats home, collects firewood, fetches water, and even lays traps for birds. She also helps her mother with many household tasks. Although she is only a child, she takes on responsibilities that adults usually handle. Moyna does all this without complaining, even though she still has many questions about life. Her hard work shows her strength and responsibility, and she helps her family survive despite their poverty.
Why did the postmaster call Moyna the ‘why‑why girl’?
The postmaster called Moyna the ‘why‑why girl’ because she asked questions all the time. She wanted to know the reason behind everything she saw or heard. Whether it was about work, food, nature, or people, Moyna always asked “Why?” She never accepted things without understanding them. Her endless curiosity made her different from other children. Instead of staying silent, she wanted explanations. The postmaster noticed this habit and gave her the nickname, which perfectly described her questioning nature.
Why did Moyna decide to learn to read?
Moyna decided to learn to read because she wanted answers to her many questions. When she saw the narrator reading books every night, she wondered why books were so important. The narrator explained that books contain knowledge and can answer many “whys.” This inspired Moyna. She realised that if she learned to read, she would not have to depend on others for explanations. She could discover things on her own. Her desire to learn came from her deep curiosity and her wish to understand the world.
Why do stars look smaller than the sun?
Stars look smaller than the sun because they are extremely far away from the Earth. Many stars are actually much bigger than the sun, but the huge distance makes them appear tiny, like shining dots in the sky. The sun looks big because it is much closer to us than any other star. Moyna learned this fact and shared it proudly with other children. This simple idea helped her understand how distance affects appearance in nature.
How do we know that Moyna was speaking like a teacher?
We know Moyna was speaking like a teacher because she explained things clearly to her younger brother and sister. She told them why they should plant more trees, wash their hands, and attend classes at the Samiti. She spoke with confidence, gave reasons, and corrected them gently—just like a real teacher would. She enjoyed sharing what she had learned and wanted others to understand too. Her tone, her explanations, and her guidance all showed that she had developed a teacher’s voice even before becoming one officially.
How did Moyna motivate children?
Moyna motivated children by encouraging them to ask questions and stay curious. She told them not to be lazy and to think about the reasons behind things. She explained interesting facts about stars, the earth, and nature, which made learning fun. She also reminded them to attend classes at the Samiti so they could learn more. Moyna believed that knowledge grows when we ask “Why,” and she inspired children to explore the world with the same curiosity and courage she had.