In the text, seeing Valli travelling alone in the bus, some of the characters showed concerns. An elderly woman asked, "Are you alone, dear?" The Conductor questioned, "Won’t your mother be looking for you?" The old woman continued asking, "Is it proper for such a young person to travel alone? Do you exactly know where you’re going in town? What’s the street? What’s the house number?" Do you think that the concerns of the elderly lady and the conductor are apt and genuine? Will you say that it is applicable to young boys as well? Discuss in groups, make note and then arrange a debate competition. You can consider the following points for discussion or debate. Then write a paragraph considering these issues and give your opinion as well. • Girls and boys of Valli’s age can travel alone in a bus or auto rickshaw, etc. • Freedom should be given to them to move around. • Safety of the young children is of utmost concern. • What type of education should be given to them? • This is a vulnerable age and children are innocent.
Answers
Yes, the concerns of the elderly lady as well as the conductor are apt and genuine. It is also applicable to young boys as well.
Explanation:
Children are vulnerable and are not exposed to the wiles of the world. They are protected and taken care of by their parents and relatives at this young age. They are unaware of the evil, that is lurking around this world. They trust people very easily as they are innocent.
So, if they are allowed to go out or travel by themselves, they might end up getting hurt, lost or worse kidnapped to be sold in the market or to beg. Safety of children should be of utmost concern to every adult. The adults should educate the children not to travel alone, not to speak to strangers or accept any gifts from them, or go to some unknown place alone with them.