Bonku Babu's Friend by Satyajit Ray

Questions and Answers

What was Bonku Babu's occupation?

Teacher of geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School

How did the students often tease Bonku Babu?

By drawing his cartoon on the blackboard, putting glue on his chair, or setting off rockets behind him

Why did Bonku Babu not get upset with the students' pranks?

Because he couldn't afford to lose his job and it was difficult to find another job at his age

What did Bonku Babu do to encourage good students?

He invited them to his house, offered them snacks, and told them exciting stories Signup and view all the answers

What kind of stories did Bonku Babu tell his students?

Stories of foreign lands, exciting adventures, and fascinating facts like the discovery of the North Pole Signup and view all the answers

Why was teaching rewarding for Bonku Babu?

Because of the good students in every class, who made his job worth living Signup and view all the answers

How long had Bonku Babu been teaching at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School?

22 years Signup and view all the answers

What did Bonku Babu sometimes say to the mischievous students?

Shame on you, boys! Signup and view all the answers

What was Bonku Babu's usual reaction when grown-ups played pranks on him?

He would think 'Enough, never again!' Signup and view all the answers

What topic of conversation led to Bonku Babu being attacked by a 'spook'?

The topic of ghosts Signup and view all the answers

What injuries did Bonku Babu sustain from the prank?

A sore neck for three days, a torn kurta, and black stains on his kurta Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bonku Babu continue to attend Sripati Babu's meetings despite the pranks?

Because Sripati Babu couldn't do without him and thought it essential to have someone to ridicule in the group Signup and view all the answers

What other kinds of pranks were often played on Bonku Babu?

His umbrella or shoes were often hidden, or a paan would be filled with dirt instead of masala and handed over to him, or he would be forced to sing Signup and view all the answers

What role did Sripati Majumdar see Bonku Babu playing in their gatherings?

A butt of ridicule, providing amusement to all Signup and view all the answers

Why was Sripati Babu an important figure to Bonku Babu?

Because he was a prominent member of the school committee and the village, and Bonku Babu valued his opinion Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Bonku Babu's character from his actions?

He is tolerant and willing to endure ridicule in order to maintain relationships Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bonku Babu's Character

Bonku Babu was a calm and patient person who never got angry, even in the face of teasing from his students.
He was a geography and Bengali teacher at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School for 22 years.

Teasing by Students

Students would often tease Bonku Babu by drawing his cartoon on the blackboard, putting glue on his chair, and setting off fireworks behind him during Kali Puja.
Despite this, Bonku Babu would only occasionally clear his throat and say "Shame on you, boys!"

Reasons for Calmness

One reason for his calmness was that he couldn't afford to lose his temper and risk losing his job at his age.
Another reason was that there were always a few good students in each class, and teaching them was rewarding enough to make his job worth living.

Relationship with Students

Bonku Babu would invite good students to his house, offer them snacks, and tell them stories of foreign lands and exciting adventures.
He was a good storyteller who could enthrall his audience.

Adda Gatherings

Bonku Babu would attend evening gatherings at Sripati Majumdar's house, where he would be teased by the other adults.
He would often come back from these gatherings thinking "Enough, never again!"

Pranks at Adda Gatherings

The adults would often play pranks on Bonku Babu, including pretending to be ghosts and scaring him.
One time, a prank gone wrong left Bonku Babu with a sore neck and a torn kurta.

Importance of Bonku Babu

Sripati Majumdar believed that having a "butt of ridicule" like Bonku Babu was essential to the group, as it provided amusement to all.
Bonku Babu felt obligated to attend these gatherings to maintain his relationship with Sripati Babu, an important man in the school committee and village.