Question

What lesson did bama learn from her elder brother?

Answer 1

Annan told the narrator that they belonged to a community that was considered lower caste. So, people from upper caste refrained from touching them; if anyone touched any member of their community they would think they would get polluted. He further told her that since they belonged to lower caste community they were not any given respect and dignity.

He taught her the only way to be respected was by becoming brilliant in studies. If she topped in her class, then her fellow classmates and other people would not discriminate against her.  

So, Bama studied very hard and became a brilliant student.