Vitamin-M Class 9 Solutions
This page provides complete NCERT Solutions for Vitamin-M from Class 9 English Kaveri. The solutions include chapter summary, themes, character sketch, textbook question answers, vocabulary, grammar, listening answers, speaking activity, writing task and extra questions.
Vitamin-M Chapter Overview
Vitamin-M is a humorous and sensitive story about Ravi, his mother Vidya, and his elderly grandfather. The title refers to “memory”, but the story gently shows that it is not only Grandpa who may need Vitamin-M. The younger family members also forget important things and make assumptions about the elderly.
Vitamin-M Summary
Ravi’s grandfather has recently come to live with Ravi’s family because he is getting too old to live alone. Ravi’s mother, Vidya, is worried because Grandpa had once taken a double dose of medicine, got lost during a walk, and had earlier fallen in his garden. She does not want him to go out alone.
Grandpa dislikes the noisy, crowded city and misses his quiet house with the mango tree. He feels hurt when Vidya treats him like a child. After Vidya leaves for work, Grandpa says he will go to the corner shop to check if the Tamil newspaper has arrived. Ravi feels trapped between his promise to his mother and his wish not to hurt Grandpa. He allows Grandpa to go but follows him secretly.
Grandpa first goes to the children’s park, buys peanuts and watches children play. Ravi hides behind a bush and gets into an embarrassing situation. Grandpa then visits a tea stall, where he drinks sugary tea, eats bananas and ice cream — all things Ravi’s mother would not approve of. Ravi secretly follows him and is repeatedly embarrassed by vendors and passers-by.
Grandpa then enters a barber shop and later appears to board a bus. Ravi follows the yellow cap into the bus, only to discover that the person wearing it is a stranger. Grandpa had cleverly given his cap to the stranger. Ravi becomes worried and returns home, where he finds Grandpa safely asleep.
When Vidya returns, Grandpa hints that Ravi had disappeared instead of looking after him. He then gives gifts to Ravi, Vidya and Ravi’s father because it is his own birthday, a fact Vidya has forgotten. Grandpa jokes that Vidya needs Vitamin-M for her memory. He gives Ravi a detective story book and hints that Ravi should learn how not to get fooled while trailing a suspect. The story ends with Ravi wondering whether Grandpa’s twinkle is innocent or mischievous.
Themes and Message
Character Sketch
Grandpa
Grandpa is intelligent, independent, humorous, generous and self-respecting. Though his family thinks his memory is failing, he remembers chess games, his birthday and Ravi’s secret detective-like behaviour. He dislikes being treated like a child and cleverly proves that he is still alert.
Ravi
Ravi is caring, loyal, observant and sensitive. He respects Grandpa and feels embarrassed when his mother speaks to him loudly like a child. He tries to keep his promise to his mother, but he also does not want to hurt Grandpa’s feelings. His secret following of Grandpa shows both concern and childish excitement.
Vidya / Ravi’s Mother
Vidya is loving and protective, but also anxious and overcautious. She worries about her father’s safety, but sometimes treats him like a child. Her forgetfulness about Grandpa’s birthday adds humour and irony to the title “Vitamin-M”.
Vitamin-M Word Meanings
| Word / Expression | Meaning | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Frail | Weak and delicate | Grandpa is described as a frail old figure. |
| Shuddered | Trembled because of fear or unpleasant memory | Vidya shuddered at the memory of the difficult month. |
| Poky | Small and uncomfortable | Grandpa dislikes the poky little flat. |
| Forbid | To not allow | Vidya forbids Grandpa to go out alone. |
| Pottering | Doing small jobs slowly | Grandpa had been pottering in the garden. |
| Winced | Showed pain or embarrassment | Ravi winced at his mother’s loud tone. |
| Jauntily | Happily and confidently | Grandpa twirls his walking stick jauntily. |
| Crouch | Bend the body low | Ravi crouches behind a bush. |
| Deterred | Prevented from doing something | A lesser detective might have been deterred. |
| Confront | Face directly | Ravi tries to confront the cap-wearer. |
| Frantic | Very frightened and worried | Ravi becomes frantic when he cannot find Grandpa. |
| Solemnly | Seriously | Grandpa speaks solemnly while teasing Ravi. |
Reflect and Respond – Solutions
I. From your experience with an elderly person at home or in your neighbourhood, complete the graphic organiser.
| Prompt | Suggested Points |
|---|---|
| Why should we care for the elderly? | They have cared for us, they need emotional support, they deserve respect, and they carry experience and wisdom. |
| What are the problems faced by the elderly? | Poor eyesight, weak hearing, loneliness, health problems, memory issues, difficulty walking and dependence on others. |
| What could be the possible reasons for the problems faced? | Ageing, illness, loss of physical strength, isolation, lack of support, unsafe surroundings and difficulty using modern technology. |
| How can we take care of the elderly? | Spend time with them, speak respectfully, help with medicines, ensure safety, listen patiently, support independence and include them in family decisions. |
II. Fill in the table given below. You may check your answers with the help of a dictionary.
| Word | I know this word. It has something to do with… | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| frail | weakness | weak, delicate or easily hurt |
| shuddered | fear or unpleasant memory | trembled suddenly |
| poky | small space | small, cramped and uncomfortable |
| forbid | not allowing | to order someone not to do something |
| pottering | small activities | doing small jobs slowly and casually |
| winced | pain or embarrassment | showed pain or discomfort through expression |
III. Think of a tradition, story, or recipe passed down by grandparents or an elderly relative in your family. What does it mean to you? How does it connect you to your growing-up years?
Answer: My grandmother passed down a family recipe for homemade pickle. It means a lot to me because it reminds me of summer holidays, family gatherings and the care with which elders prepared food. It connects me to my growing-up years because I remember helping her mix spices, listening to her stories and learning that family traditions carry love and memory.
Vitamin-M Question Answers
Check Your Understanding – Part I
I. Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter?
Answer: Grandpa disliked living in the city because he hated the noise, bustle and crowded life there. He missed his quiet brick house in town with the big mango tree in the garden. He also felt that his daughter’s small flat was poky and that he had lost his independence.
II. Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone?
Answer: Vidya did not want her father to go out alone because he had earlier taken a double dose of medicine, got lost during a walk, and once slipped and lay in the garden all night with no one to help him. She was worried about his safety.
III. Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child? How can you say so?
Answer: No, Ravi was not in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child. He winced when his mother used an over-loud tone with Grandpa, as if speaking to a child. He also assured Grandpa that his mother would never treat him like a baby or prisoner.
IV. Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother?
Answer: Ravi would not be able to keep his promise fully. He allows Grandpa to go out alone because he does not want to hurt him, but he follows him secretly to make sure he comes to no harm.
Check Your Understanding – Part II
I. Complete the flow chart by describing Grandpa’s day out.
| Blank | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. | children’s park |
| 2. | paper-cone of peanuts; children play |
| 3. | tea stall |
| 4. | the little boy’s mother and vendors |
| 5. | sugary tea; two bananas and ice cream |
| 6. | barber shop |
| 7. | bus stop; boards a bus |
II. Was Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi’s mother?
Answer: No, Grandpa was not lost. He was alert and clever. He tricked Ravi by giving his yellow cap to another man and returned home safely.
III. How would Ravi feel after seeing Grandpa?
Answer: Ravi would feel relieved, happy, affectionate and slightly embarrassed. He had been extremely worried, so finding Grandpa safe at home would bring him great relief.
IV. Do you think Ravi’s mother will get to know about what had happened?
Answer: Ravi’s mother may not get to know the full details, because Grandpa does not directly reveal everything. However, his hints about Ravi disappearing and the detective book suggest that Grandpa knew and was playfully teasing Ravi.
Check Your Understanding – Part III
I. Describe how Ravi’s emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather.
Answer: Ravi’s relief and affection show that he deeply loves and cares for his grandfather. He puts his cheek against Grandpa’s face and hugs him, which reveals his emotional bond, concern and sense of responsibility.
II. What might be the significance of Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them?
Answer: Grandpa’s habit shows his generosity and affection. It also shows that he still thinks of his daughter, son-in-law and grandson as his children. The scene proves that his memory is not as weak as others assume, because he remembers his own birthday and family tradition.
III. Why do you think Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book as a gift? What might this suggest about Grandpa’s awareness of Ravi’s actions earlier in the day?
Answer: Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book because he knew Ravi had followed him like a detective. His remark about not getting fooled while trailing a suspect suggests that he had been fully aware of Ravi’s actions and had cleverly tricked him.
Critical Reflection – Solutions
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Extract-based Question
Reference: This extract describes Grandpa’s dislike for city life and his longing for his quiet house in town.
(i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather.
Answer: C. nostalgic
(ii) Complete the following sentence with a reason. Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ___________.
Answer: Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because he missed the quietness, space and independence of his small brick house with the mango tree.
(iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
Answer: Grandpa came to the city because he had slipped and fallen in his garden and had lain outside all night with no one to help him. His daughter brought him to live with her for his safety.
(iv) Choose an expression similar in meaning to, ‘you can even hear a leaf fall’.
Answer: D. pin drop silence
(v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.
Answer: One advantage was that he had peace, space and independence. One disadvantage was that he was alone and unsafe if he fell or became ill.
2. Extract-based Question
Reference: This extract is from the scene where Ravi’s mother returns and Grandpa calmly hints at Ravi’s morning adventure.
(i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather’s response.
Answer: C. calm
(ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
Answer: Ravi was confused and embarrassed because Grandpa said Ravi had disappeared instead of looking after him. Ravi realised that Grandpa probably knew he had been secretly following him.
(iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Ravi’s mother was impatient because _________________.
Answer: Ravi’s mother was impatient because she thought Grandpa had forgotten that Ravi’s birthday was three months ago and was giving a gift at the wrong time.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. Grandfather forgot that Ravi’s birthday was three months ago.
Answer: False. Grandpa had not forgotten Ravi’s birthday. He was giving gifts because it was his own birthday, and he always gave gifts to every child in the house on his birthday.
(v) Why did Grandpa say he didn’t know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
Answer: Grandpa said this to tease Ravi. He knew Ravi had followed him secretly and had a troublesome morning, but he did not reveal it directly.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement.
Answer: First, Grandpa remembers thousands of chess games and gives Ravi expert comments on chess moves. Second, he remembers his own birthday and the family tradition of giving gifts. He also remembers Ravi’s secret following and hints at it through the detective book.
2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters.
| Character | Two Traits | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Grandfather | Clever and independent | He tricks Ravi by exchanging his cap and resists being treated like a child. |
| Ravi | Caring and observant | He follows Grandpa out of concern and notices details like the yellow cap. |
| Ravi’s mother | Protective and anxious | She worries about her father’s safety and does not want him to go out alone. |
3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall?
Answer: Ravi was worried because Grandpa drank sugary tea and ate bananas and ice cream, which were forbidden or unsuitable for him. Ravi knew his mother would be very upset if she saw this.
4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: No, it was not easy for Ravi to follow Grandpa. He had to hide behind bushes, trees and cars. He was scolded, embarrassed, entered the wrong shop and finally got fooled by a stranger wearing Grandpa’s cap.
5. ‘Ravi is a good detective’. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement.
Answer: In favour, Ravi follows Grandpa carefully and observes details such as the yellow cap. Against, he is fooled when Grandpa gives the cap to another man, so he follows the wrong person into the bus.
6. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?
Answer: Yes, Grandfather was aware that Ravi was following him. He cleverly gives his cap to a stranger and later gives Ravi a detective story book with a hint about not getting fooled while trailing a suspect.
7. In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why?
Answer: Ravi’s mother needs Vitamin-M more than Grandpa because she forgets Grandpa’s birthday even after marking it on the calendar. The title is humorous because the family assumes Grandpa has memory problems, but the younger people also forget important things.
8. Some people believe society shows bias based on age. Give an example where you might have experienced or observed such discrimination.
Answer: Age bias can be seen when elderly people are treated like children or when their opinions are ignored. In the story, Vidya speaks to Grandpa in an over-loud tone and restricts his movement, assuming he cannot take care of himself. Similarly, young people may also be ignored because adults think they are too inexperienced.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context – Solutions
I. Classify the words given in the box into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2.
| Movement Words | Sound Words |
|---|---|
| pottering, twirling, crouch, crawl, creeping, ducked, zigzagging, evicted, briskly, sprinting, jumping, darted, trailing, bustle | boomed, thudded, shrieks, whirr, grunted, snoring |
Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate words from Column 1 or Column 2.
| Blank | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. | trailing |
| 2. | bustle |
| 3. | briskly |
| 4. | thudded |
| 5. | twirling |
| 6. | crouch |
| 7. | creeping |
| 8. | grunted |
| 9. | darted |
| 10. | whirr |
II. Study the highlighted word “dilemma” and fill in the boxes with synonymous words.
Answer:
- 1. QUANDARY
- 2. PREDICAMENT
III. Fill in the table given below.
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech | Synonym | Antonym |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| craftily | cleverly, sometimes deceptively | adverb | cunningly | honestly |
| dilemma | a difficult situation or choice | noun | predicament | certainty |
| furious | very angry | adjective | enraged | calm |
| boomed | spoke loudly and deeply | verb | roared | whispered |
| humiliation | deep embarrassment or shame | noun | disgrace | pride |
| attire | clothing or dress | noun | clothes | nakedness |
IV. Match the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
| No. | Column 1 | Answer | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | embarrassed | (v) | felt uncomfortable |
| 2. | countered | (iv) | reply to an argument |
| 3. | flushed | (vi) | became red in the face |
| 4. | stricken | (i) | affected severely by an unpleasant feeling |
| 5. | gleam | (iii) | expression of emotion |
V. Revisit the story and underline the prepositions. Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
Prepositions from the given lines:
- I’ll just walk across to the corner shop.
- He felt a shadow fall over him.
- The vendors sitting under the tree.
- Ravi took position behind a big banyan.
Fill in the blanks:
| Blank | Answer |
|---|---|
| (i) | through |
| (ii) | over |
| (iii) | near |
| (iv) | in |
| (v) | along |
| (vi) | into |
VI. Read the following dialogues from the story. Now, choose the correct answer.
| Blank | Answer |
|---|---|
| (i) | interrogative |
| (ii) | Yes/No type |
| (iii) | Wh- type |
| (iv) | two |
VII. Read the conversation and complete the following sentences in reported speech.
| Blank | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. | helped in taking care of her grandparents at home |
| 2. | took turns making sure they were alright |
| 3. | if he had grandparents living with him |
| 4. | his parents and he visited his grandpa every weekend |
| 5. | how she managed her grandparents’ medical needs |
| 6. | had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor |
Complete paragraph: Arvind asked Priya if she helped in taking care of her grandparents at home, for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they took turns making sure they were alright. Priya further asked Arvind if he had grandparents living with him. Arvind replied in the negative and said that his parents and he visited his grandpa every weekend. He further enquired how she managed her grandparents’ medical needs. Priya responded by saying that they had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.
Listen and Respond – Answers
I. You will listen to a podcast on meditation. Complete the sentences with not more than three exact words that you hear.
| No. | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with __________. | stress management |
| 2. | Meditation leads to a better health condition both __________. | physically and emotionally |
| 3. | Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving __________. | self-awareness |
| 4. | It is advised that we meditate every day so that it becomes a __________. | routine |
| 5. | Meditating on a daily basis is beneficial in comfortably tackling __________. | exam-related pressure |
Speaking Activity – Sample Answers
I. Revisit the story and select different questions. Work in pairs and practise speaking them aloud according to the examples shared.
| Question from Story | Type of Intonation |
|---|---|
| “Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV?” | Rise-fall intonation because it offers choices. |
| “Who are you?” | Falling intonation because it is a Wh-question. |
| “Are you playing hide and seek?” | Rising intonation because it is a Yes/No question. |
| “Have you forgotten?” | Rising intonation because it is a Yes/No question. |
II. Make a presentation about a brief personal experience related to taking care of an older person.
Sample Presentation:
The person I had the privilege of taking care of was my grandfather. He had difficulty walking after a minor illness, so I helped him move around the house and reminded him to take his medicines. I also spent time talking to him so that he would not feel lonely.
Caring for him taught me patience and responsibility. I realised that elderly people need emotional support as much as physical help. I also learnt that they value respect and independence. This experience deepened my understanding of ageing and made me more sensitive towards older people.
Writing Task – Article Writing
I. Based on the lessons learned from the elderly, write an article for your school magazine on the topic “Our Inspiring Elderly”.
Our Inspiring Elderly
By A Student of Class 9
The elderly are an important part of every family and society. They carry years of experience, wisdom and memories. Their lives teach us patience, courage, simplicity and responsibility. We often think that they need only our help, but the truth is that we also need their guidance.
Elderly people inspire us through their discipline, values and ability to face difficulties. Many of them have lived through challenges and still remain hopeful. Their stories teach us about hard work, honesty, respect and family bonds. They also help us understand our culture, traditions and roots.
Sometimes, the elderly face problems such as loneliness, weak health and dependence. We must not treat them as helpless children. Instead, we should support them with respect and allow them to maintain dignity and independence. Spending time with them, listening to them and involving them in family decisions can make a great difference.
Our elderly are not a burden; they are a source of strength. Their lives remind us that ageing should be respected, not ignored. If we learn from them, we become kinder, wiser and more responsible human beings.
Learning Beyond the Text – Suggested Answers
I. Revisit the story and choose the image that correctly displays Grandpa’s walking stick.
Answer: The correct image should show a shiny-black mahogany walking stick with a brass handle carved in the shape of an eagle’s head.
II. Collect a few memorable photographs of yourself and your family. Make a slide show.
Sample Response: I would include a photograph from my birthday, a family picnic, a school function and a festival celebration. For each photograph, I would mention when and where it was clicked, who is present in it, and why it is memorable. This activity helps us revisit family memories and understand the value of relationships.
III. Read the story “The Lost Child” and discuss it with your classmates and teacher.
Suggested Response: “The Lost Child” shows a child’s deep emotional dependence on his parents. At first, the child wants toys, sweets, balloons, flowers and rides. However, after getting separated from his parents, he refuses all these things and only wants his mother and father. The story teaches that love and security are more important than material desires.
Extra Questions for Revision
Question 1. Why is the story titled Vitamin-M?
Answer: The title is humorous. “M” stands for memory. Ravi’s mother thinks old people need a memory vitamin, but by the end of the story, she forgets Grandpa’s birthday. The title therefore gently questions assumptions about old age and memory.
Question 2. Why does Grandpa dislike being watched or restricted?
Answer: Grandpa dislikes being watched or restricted because he has been independent for most of his life. He feels hurt when he is treated like a child or prisoner.
Question 3. How does Grandpa trick Ravi?
Answer: Grandpa gives his yellow cap to a stranger at the barber shop. Ravi follows the yellow cap into the bus and discovers that he has been fooled.
Question 4. What does the detective story book symbolise?
Answer: The detective story book symbolises Grandpa’s awareness of Ravi’s secret following. It is also a humorous lesson to Ravi about observation and intelligence.
Question 5. What does the story teach us about caring for the elderly?
Answer: The story teaches that elderly people need care, but they also need respect, trust and dignity. Care should not become overprotection.
Question 6. How does the story use humour?
Answer: The story uses humour through Ravi’s secret detective mission, his embarrassing encounters, Grandpa’s clever trick with the cap, and the final joke about Vidya needing Vitamin-M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of Vitamin-M?
The story Vitamin-M is written by Asha Nehemiah.
What does Vitamin-M mean in the story?
Vitamin-M means a memory vitamin. The title is humorous because the story shows that younger people can also be forgetful.
What is the main theme of Vitamin-M?
The main theme is caring for the elderly with dignity, respect and understanding.
How does Grandpa prove that he is alert?
Grandpa remembers chess moves, his birthday and Ravi’s secret following. He also tricks Ravi cleverly by giving his cap to another man.
Why does Grandpa give Ravi a detective story book?
He gives it because he knows Ravi tried to follow him like a detective but got fooled by the cap trick.