Kabuliwala

A. Based on the story, answer the following questions with a partner:

1. What did you think of Kabuliwala in the earlier part of the story?

- In the earlier part of the story, Kabuliwala appeared mysterious and somewhat intimidating,
especially through Mini’s fearful reaction and her mother’s suspicions. However, he also came
across as kind, gentle, and patient, especially in how he slowly won Mini’s trust and affection.

2. If you were Mini’s mother, would you do the same?

- Yes, to an extent. As a mother, it’s natural to be cautious about strangers, especially when it
concerns the safety of a child. However, I would also try to see the person beyond stereotypes and
fears, especially if there was no real threat.

3. What made Mini interested in Rahmun or Kabuliwala and vice versa?

- Mini was interested in Rahmun because he was different and amusing. She loved asking questions,
and Rahmun always responded playfully. For Rahmun, Mini reminded him of his own daughter in
Kabul. Her innocent companionship brought him comfort while he was far from his family.

4. How would you describe the friendship between Mini and Rahmun?

- Their friendship was pure and innocent, built on humor, curiosity, and kindness. Despite the age
and cultural gap, they connected in a unique way that crossed social and national boundaries.

5. What is the most important lesson you learned from the story?

- The most important lesson is that human connections can transcend culture, class, and background,
and that compassion, understanding, and shared emotions, especially love for family, unite us more
than they divide us. The story also warns against judging people based on appearance or origin.

B. Trace the plot of the story Kabuliwala. Present your output through the graphic organizer below.

· Mini, a talkative little girl,  Mini and the  Rahmun is arrested for
lives with her parents in Kabuliwala, Rahmun, stabbing a customer
Calcutta. One day, she spots become close friends. during a quarrel. He is
a Kabuliwala (fruit-seller They share jokes and sentenced to several
from Kabul) and is initially stories. years in jail.
scared.  Mini’s mother is
 Mini gradually forgets
worried and suspicious
about him.
of Rahmun.

 Years later, on Mini’s wedding  The narrator sees Rahmun not just as a
day, Rahmun visits again after fruit seller or ex-convict, but as a
being released from prison. father longing for his child.
 He brings nuts and raisins for Mini,  He gives Rahmun money to return to
only to realize she has grown up. his daughter in Kabul, even if it means
cutting down the wedding expenses.
C. The story Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore not only talks about friendship and trust but also
presents an important issue regarding our impressions of foreign individuals. Please write a short
commentary or reaction about this issue, as explained in the story, and relate it to the present.

- Reading Kabuliwala made me reflect on how quickly we judge people who look or live differently
from us. In the story, Mini’s mother was always afraid of Rahmun just because he was a foreigner,
someone unfamiliar, someone from far away. But as readers, we saw a different side of him. He was
kind, gentle, and most importantly, he was a father who missed his daughter deeply.

It made me think: How many times have we, in real life, avoided or mistrusted someone just because
they seemed “different”? Maybe it’s a foreign vendor, a traveler, or even a new classmate from
another place. We often let fear or stereotypes shape our opinions, without ever trying to understand
their story.

What really touched me was how Rahmun wasn’t just a character in the story, he felt like someone
real. The way he carried that ink-stained handprint of his daughter all those years... it broke my heart.
It reminded me that no matter where we come from, we all feel the same kind of love, pain, and
longing. That’s something we all share.

Kabuliwala reminded me to look past labels and appearances. Behind every “foreigner” is a person,
someone’s parent, someone’s child, someone with hopes and heartaches. In today’s world, where
there's so much misunderstanding and division, this story reminds us of the power of empathy.
Maybe if we took the time to listen, like Mini did, we’d find friendship and connection where we
least expect it.