Read: Ila's Early Life and Learning

Class 6 English · Chapter 15: Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet · NCERT Poorvi section pp. 151–153

Learn

Before you read: the book first introduces Pranav M. Balasubramaniam of Palakkad, Kerala, who was born without hands but became an artist, singer and para-sportsperson. Do you think his tasks are simple? What qualities helped him succeed? Then look at a piece of Kathiawar embroidery and think: could its steps be done with the feet?

Ila's room (in our words): in a tiny room in Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar (Gujarat), bright cushions, bedcovers and pillows are covered with lovely designs. They are made by Ila Sachani, a cheerful woman who is an expert in Kathiawar embroidery, a style that needs great skill.

Her challenge and her family: Ila was born in a farmer's family in Amreli, with hands she could not use in the usual way. She longed to draw like other children. Her mother and grandmother, both skilled embroiderers, were single-minded about helping her: they taught her to make patterns with her feet. Her parents helped her learn to eat and comb her hair with her legs too. Threading a needle was the hardest part, but with determination, and help from her younger brother and sister, she became an expert while still young, and learnt other styles too: Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi.

Explore: Ila's journey.

1. Put the events of Ila's life in order.

Remember

• Ila, born in Amreli unable to use her hands, learnt embroidery with her feet.
• Her family's support and her own determination made it possible.

Quick check

Who taught Ila embroidery with her feet?

1. Her mother and grandmother
2. A teacher in Surat
3. Pranav
4. Her younger sister alone

Think about it

What do you think Ila felt when she first threaded a needle with her feet?

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.