Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet – Class 6 English Poorvi Question Answer (NCERT 2026–27)

Complete NCERT Solutions for Class 6 English Poorvi Unit 5 (Culture and Tradition) – “Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet”: summary, theme, word meanings and every textbook exercise (Let us do these activities before we read, Let us discuss, Let us think and reflect, Let us learn, Let us listen, Let us speak, Let us write, Let us explore) answered in full. The Ila Sachani Class 6 question answer set reproduces each question exactly as it appears in the NCERT book, and every table, fill-in and matching task is written out as readable text.

Class: 6 Subject: English Book: Poorvi Unit: 5 – Culture and Tradition Type: Prose (Biographical sketch) Session: 2026–27
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About the chapter

“Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet” is an inspiring true story from Unit 5, ‘Culture and Tradition’. It tells of Ila Sachani, a woman born in a farmer’s family in Amreli, Gujarat, with her hands hanging loose by her sides so that she could not use them. With the loving support of her mother, grandmother and siblings, Ila learned the traditional craft of Kathiawar embroidery—using her feet. From stitching only for family, she went on to state and national exhibitions, won many awards and finally the President’s Medal. The chapter celebrates determination, family support and the power of art to rise above physical boundaries.

About the piece

This piece is a biographical sketch—a short, true life-story written to inspire young readers—included in the NCERT Class 6 English textbook Poorvi. It does not carry a named author byline; instead it draws on the real life of Ila Sachani of Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, a celebrated artist who creates Kathiawar embroidery with her feet. The text fits the unit’s theme of ‘Culture and Tradition’ by linking a traditional Indian craft with a story of courage and self-belief. Through Ila’s journey, the piece shows how India’s rich folk arts can become a path to dignity, independence and national recognition.

Summary

In a small room in Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, there are bright cushions, bedcovers and pillows covered in beautiful designs. They are made by Ila Sachani, a cheerful woman who is an expert in Kathiawar embroidery—a craft that needs great skill. What makes her work truly remarkable is that she creates it all with her feet.

Ila was born into a farmer’s family in Amreli, Gujarat. From birth her hands hung loose by her sides and she could not use them like other children. While other children drew in the sand or plucked flowers, little Ila wondered why she could not join them; she too longed to hold a chalk and draw on a slate. Her mother and grandmother, both skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, were determined to help her. They patiently taught her to make beautiful patterns using her feet, and her parents helped her learn to eat and comb her hair with her legs.

Threading a needle was hard, but Ila never gave up. With help from her younger brother and sister, she became an expert at a young age and even learned styles from outside Gujarat—Kachhi, Kashmiri and Lucknawi. Soon her family and friends, amazed by her talent, spread the word, and her fame grew in the village. The government office in Surat displayed her work at a state exhibition, where people happily bought her creations. Ila then took part in national exhibitions, won many awards and received the President’s Medal. Most importantly, her skill gave her a regular income and a new independence. Her story reminds us that, with focus, hard work and positivity, challenges can be turned into victories, and that art can rise above physical boundaries to touch the soul.

Theme & message

The central theme is determination and the triumph of the human spirit over physical challenges. With patience, family support and self-belief, Ila Sachani turns a great difficulty into a celebrated talent. The story also honours India’s living craft traditions, especially Kathiawar embroidery, and shows how art can give a person dignity, joy and independence. Its message is clear: challenges can be turned into victories with focus, hard work, positivity and never giving up—and true encouragement from family and community helps a person shine.

Word meanings

WordEnglish meaningHindi meaning
embroiderydecorating cloth with designs sewn in threadकढाई / जरी का काम
challengesdifficultiesचुनौतियाँ / कठिनाइयाँ
single-mindedfocused on one purposeएकाग्र / दृढ़संकल्प
determinationwill power; firm decisionदृढ़ संकल्प / इच्छाशक्ति
awestruckamazed and full of wonderभौचक्कित / आश्चर्यचकित
admirationrespect and approval for something goodप्रशंसा / सराहना
popularityfame; being liked by many peopleलोकप्रियता / ख्याति
exhibitiona public show of objects or artप्रदर्शनी
independencefreedom to do things on your ownस्वतंत्रता / आत्मनिर्भरता
celebratedfamous and much admiredप्रसिद्ध / विख्यात
traditionalfollowing old customs handed down over timeपारंपरिक / रिवाजी से चला आया
patternsrepeated designs or shapesनमूने / बूटे-बूटे
creationsthings that are made or producedरचनाएँ / निर्मितियाँ
encouragedgave support and confidenceप्रोत्साहित किया
honoursspecial recognition or awardsसम्मान / आदर
boundarieslimits or edgesसीमाएँ
incomemoney earned regularlyआय / कमाई

Let us do these activities before we read

I. Discuss the questions about Pranav M. Balasubramaniam

1. Do you think Pranav’s task is simple? Why or why not?

ANSWERNo, Pranav’s task is not simple at all. He was born without both hands, yet he excels as an artist, a singer and a para-sportsperson. To do all this he must practise far harder than others and find his own special ways of working, so his achievements are truly remarkable.

2. How does Pranav’s special ability make you feel?

ANSWER (sample)Pranav’s ability makes me feel proud, inspired and deeply respectful. It shows that a strong will and constant practice can overcome any difficulty. His story encourages me never to make excuses and to give my best in whatever I try.

3. What qualities do you think were important for Pranav to become successful?

ANSWERCourage, determination, patience, hard work, self-belief and a positive attitude were important for Pranav. He also needed the support and encouragement of his family and teachers to develop and showcase his talents.

4. What message does Pranav’s story give us?

ANSWERPranav’s story gives us the message that physical challenges cannot stop a determined person. With willpower, practice and a positive mind, we can turn our difficulties into strengths and achieve great success in life.

II. Discuss in pairs (Kathiawar embroidery)

1. List the steps you think are needed to create this embroidery.

ANSWER (sample)First, choose the cloth and draw or trace the design on it. Then thread a needle with bright coloured thread. Next, stitch along the design using stitches such as the chain stitch, and fix small mirrors in place. After that, fill the shapes with colour, and finally finish the edges neatly.

2. Discuss if these steps can be done with feet, instead of hands.

ANSWERIt is very difficult, but it is possible with long practice, as Ila Sachani shows. Holding the cloth, threading the needle and making fine, even stitches with the feet need great control, balance and patience, but a determined person can learn to do it.

3. What efforts would be needed if someone has to embroider with their feet? Do you think it is possible?

ANSWERA person would need daily practice, strong willpower, flexible and controlled toes, and great patience to thread the needle and make neat stitches. The support of family and teachers would also help a lot. Yes, it is possible—Ila Sachani proves that with focus and hard work it can certainly be done.

Let us discuss

Read the paragraphs and write the main idea for each. Then, match the main idea with two supporting details. (Paragraph 1 → ‘Introduction to Ila Sachani’s colourful embroidery’, with details (i) Examples of embroidered things and (ii) Ila’s use of shiny needle. Paragraph 2 → ‘Early challenges and family support’. Paragraph 6 → ‘Recognition at a state exhibition’. Paragraphs 8–9 → details (i) Financial independence and joy, (ii) Challenges can be turned into victories.)

ANSWER – main idea + two supporting details for each paragraph Paragraph 1 – Introduction to Ila Sachani’s colourful embroidery: (i) Examples of embroidered things (cushions, bedcovers, pillows); (ii) Ila’s use of a shiny needle to make Kathiawar embroidery. (given) Paragraph 2 – Early challenges and family support: (i) Ila was born with her hands hanging loose and could not use them; (ii) She longed to hold a chalk and draw figures on a slate like other children. Paragraph 3 – Mother and grandmother teach Ila embroidery with her feet: (i) They were skilled in Kathiawar embroidery and taught her to make patterns with her feet; (ii) Her parents helped her learn to eat and comb her hair with her legs. Paragraph 4 – Ila becomes an expert and learns many styles: (i) She did not give up even though threading a needle was hard; (ii) With her brother and sister’s help she learned Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi and other styles. Paragraph 5 – Embroidery as self-expression; her fame begins to spread: (i) She first made designs for family and friends, who were awestruck; (ii) Soon the people of the village discovered her special skill. Paragraph 6 – Recognition at a state exhibition: (i) The Surat government office displayed her embroidery at a state exhibition; (ii) People observed the beauty of her work and readily purchased it, making her famous. Paragraph 7 – National fame and awards: (i) She took part in exhibitions at the national level; (ii) She received many awards and honours, including the President’s Medal. Paragraphs 8–9 – New independence and the power of art: (i) Financial independence and joy in doing what she loved; (ii) Challenges can be turned into victories, and art can rise above physical boundaries. (given)

Let us think and reflect

I. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow. “Unlike other children, she could not use her hands in the usual way. While other small hands drew figures in the sand or plucked wild flowers, she wondered why she could not join them. She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands and draw figures on a slate.”

ANSWER 1. ‘Unlike other children’ means that Ila was different (because she could not use her hands in the usual way). 2. When she could not join others in things they did, Ila could have felt sad, left out and a little disappointed. She must have wished that she too could draw and play like the other children. 3. Ila could not draw figures on the slate because she was born with her hands hanging loose by her sides and could not hold a chalk in her hands.

II. What creative ways did Ila and her family use to overcome the challenges she faced?

ANSWERIla’s mother and grandmother, who were skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, taught her to make beautiful patterns using her feet instead of her hands. Her parents helped her learn everyday tasks like eating and combing her hair with her legs, and her younger brother and sister helped her learn many embroidery styles. By using her feet creatively and practising with their support, Ila turned her challenge into a remarkable skill.

III. How did ‘new independence’ help Ila?

ANSWERThrough her embroidery skill, Ila earned a regular income of her own, so she no longer depended on others for money. This ‘new independence’ gave her dignity and confidence, and she also found great joy in doing the work she loved. It made her feel that she could stand on her own and live a full, happy life.

IV. Why was the first state exhibition an important event in Ila’s life?

ANSWERThe first state exhibition was important because it took Ila’s talent beyond her village to a wider public for the first time. People saw the beauty of the embroidery she had woven with her feet and readily bought her creations. It made Ila famous, opened new doors for her, and gave her the confidence to take part in many more exhibitions at the national level.

V. What does the sentence, ‘art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul’, tell us about the power of art?

ANSWERIt tells us that true art does not depend on a person’s physical condition. Ila could not use her hands, yet she created beautiful embroidery with her feet that moved and amazed people. This shows that art comes from talent, feeling and hard work—not from the body alone. Good art can cross any physical limit and reach deep into people’s hearts and emotions.

VI. How can we be helpful and encouraging like Ila’s family and friends when someone faces challenges?

ANSWERWe can be helpful by being patient and kind, by believing in the person’s abilities and by praising their efforts. Instead of pitying them, we should encourage them to try new things, teach them useful skills, and stand by them when they struggle. Like Ila’s family and friends, we can spread the word about their talent and celebrate their success, so they feel valued and confident.

VII. How can Ila’s story help others to overcome challenges in their lives?

ANSWERIla’s story shows that no challenge is too big for a determined heart. It teaches others that with focus, hard work, positivity and the courage never to give up, even great difficulties can be turned into victories. It also reminds them to use whatever abilities they have in creative ways and to accept the support of family and friends. Her example gives hope and confidence to anyone facing hardship.

Let us learn

I. Match the word to its correct synonym (Columns A, B and C)

Read the words in Column A, understand them through the sentences in Column B, then match each word to its correct synonym in Column C (synonyms given: silent, work, happy, small, difficult, fantastic, dangerous – two are extra).

ANSWER tiny → small wonderful → fantastic quiet → silent task → work tough → difficult (The two extra, unused synonyms are happy and dangerous.)

II. Unscramble the antonyms of the words in Column A

Unscramble the antonyms. (Example: display – E D I H → HIDE.)

ANSWER 1. tiny – E G H U → HUGE 2. wonderful – R E E B L I T R → TERRIBLE 3. quiet – I Y N S O → NOISY 4. task – S I A E M T P → PASTIME 5. tough – S E Y A → EASY Sentences (sample): (1) The elephant is a huge animal. (2) The accident was a terrible sight. (3) The market was very noisy in the evening. (4) Painting is my favourite pastime. (5) The first question was very easy to solve.

III. Words of quantity

1. The highlighted words (lots of, many) tell us about the quantity. Choose what the words show: (i) Unmentioned quantity (ii) Large quantity.

ANSWER(ii) Large quantity. Words like ‘lots of’ and ‘many’ show that there is a large quantity of something.

2. Fill in the blanks to complete an example for each word of quantity (hints in brackets).

ANSWER (sample) (i) We saw many buses on the road. (countable noun) (ii) How much milk do you want? (uncountable noun) (iii) There is little milk needed. (uncountable noun) (iv) I need a few examples. (countable noun) (v) I have some energy left. / She picked some flowers. (countable and uncountable nouns) (vi) I ate a lot of rice. (uncountable noun) Two sentences for each (sample): many – Many students passed. / Many birds flew away.   much – How much water is left? / There is not much time.   little – There is little sugar in the jar. / He has little patience.   a few – A few children came. / I bought a few pens.   some – Some apples are red. / I need some help.   a lot of – A lot of people came. / She has a lot of homework.

Let us listen / speak / write / explore

Let us listen

You will listen to a talk about Kathiawar embroidery. As you listen, circle the correct option. (1. Form – old/new; 2. Colours – soft/bright; 3. Stitches – running stitch/chain stitch; 4. Seen on – children’s caps/pants; 5. Things used – small mirrors/shapes of buttons; 6. Designs – elephants and horses/squares and triangles.)

ANSWER (based on the textbook transcript on page 164) 1. Form → (i) old – Kathiawar embroidery is a very old form of embroidery. 2. Colours → (ii) bright – it uses many bright colours. 3. Stitches → (ii) chain stitch – it uses stitches like the chain stitch. 4. Seen on → (i) children’s caps – on clothes it is seen on children’s caps (also ghagra skirts and men’s shirts). 5. Things used → (i) small mirrors – a lot of mirror work is done by fitting small mirrors with the stitches. 6. Designs → (ii) squares and triangles – the most common designs are geometric shapes like squares and triangles.

Note: This is a listening task. The answers above follow the official NCERT audio transcript printed on page 164 of Poorvi. In class, listen carefully and circle each correct option as you hear it.

Let us speak

In pairs, write down two questions you would like to ask Ila Sachani. (Note: Yes/No questions use a rising tone. Examples given: “Where were you born?” / “Did you go to school?”) Practise the questions aloud with the correct rising tone and ask a classmate.

ANSWER (sample questions) 1. How did you feel when you made your very first embroidery design? 2. Who helped you the most while you were learning to embroider with your feet? Sample Yes/No questions (rising tone): Do you enjoy your work?   Did you feel proud to receive the President’s Medal?

Note: This is a speaking activity. Say each question aloud at least five times, raising your voice slightly at the end of Yes/No questions, then take turns asking a partner. Your own polite, clear questions are accepted.

Let us write

Collect four/five items (such as flowers, leaves, pins, waste paper, old cards, cardboard boxes, straws, twigs, etc.). Use these items to create any kind of artwork. Now, write a paragraph describing the artwork that you have created. Give a suitable title to your paragraph.

ANSWER (sample) – Title: My Garden CollageI collected dry leaves, a few flowers, some twigs and pieces of old greeting cards. On a sheet of cardboard, I made a small garden collage. I used the twigs to make tree trunks and stuck dry leaves around them to look like bushes. The colourful flowers became a flower-bed at the bottom, and I cut a yellow sun from an old card and pasted it in one corner. My garden collage is bright and cheerful, and I feel proud that I made something beautiful from simple waste items.

Note: This is a hands-on craft and writing task. Make your own artwork from items you find at home, then write your own five-sentence description with a suitable title. The paragraph above is only a model.

Let us explore

1. Does anyone in your family or neighbourhood do embroidery? Find out what type of embroidery they do and how they learnt it. 2. Try a simple stitch on cloth with the guidance of a family member. 3. Visit the given link to find out about embroidery types from different parts of India and share which one you liked the most and why. (https://indianculture.gov.in)

ANSWER (guided)Ask the elders or neighbours around you whether they do embroidery—such as cross-stitch, chain stitch, mirror work or phulkari—and find out how they learnt it (from a mother, grandmother, school or a training centre). With a family member’s help, try one easy stitch like the running stitch on a piece of cloth. Then explore the website to learn about famous Indian embroideries such as Chikankari (Lucknow), Phulkari (Punjab), Kantha (West Bengal) and Kashida (Kashmir), and tell your class which one you liked best and why.

Note: This is a project and exploration activity to be done at home and shared in class. Your own findings, stitch and choice of embroidery are the expected answers.

Extra questions

Short answer (30–40 words)

1. Where does Ila Sachani live and work, and what kind of things does she make?

ANSWERIla Sachani lives and works in a tiny room in Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat. There she makes many lovely things—cushions, bedcovers, pillows and more—decorated with beautiful Kathiawar embroidery designs in bright colours.

2. What difficulty did Ila have from birth?

ANSWERIla was born in a farmer’s family in Amreli, Gujarat, with her hands hanging loose by her sides. Unlike other children, she could not use her hands in the usual way, so she could not hold a chalk or draw on a slate.

3. Who taught Ila embroidery, and how?

ANSWERIla’s mother and grandmother, who were skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, taught her the craft. They patiently helped her learn to make beautiful patterns using her feet, while her parents helped her eat and comb her hair with her legs.

4. How did Ila become famous?

ANSWERAt first Ila made designs only for family and friends, who were awestruck and spread the word. The Surat government office then displayed her work at a state exhibition, where people happily bought it. Soon she joined national exhibitions and won many awards.

5. Which award is the highest honour Ila received, and what other styles did she learn?

ANSWERThe highest honour Ila received was the President’s Medal. Besides Kathiawar embroidery, she also learned many other styles, even ones from outside Gujarat—Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others—becoming an expert at a young age.

Long answer (100–120 words)

6. Trace Ila Sachani’s journey from a child facing a challenge to a celebrated artist.

ANSWERIla Sachani was born in a farmer’s family in Amreli, Gujarat, with her hands hanging loose so she could not use them. As a child she longed to draw like others but could not. Her mother and grandmother, skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, taught her to make patterns with her feet, and her family helped her do daily tasks with her legs. Though threading a needle was hard, she never gave up and became an expert young, learning even Kachhi, Kashmiri and Lucknawi styles. Her family and village admired her work, the Surat office displayed it at a state exhibition, and people bought it eagerly. She then won national awards and the President’s Medal, becoming a celebrated artist with a new independence.

7. What qualities and support helped Ila succeed, and what message does her story give us?

ANSWERIla succeeded because of her determination, patience, hard work, creativity and the courage never to give up. She accepted her challenge bravely and practised difficult tasks like threading a needle with her feet. Just as important was the loving support of her mother, grandmother, parents and siblings, who taught and encouraged her, and the admiration of friends and her village that spread her fame. Her story gives us the message that challenges can be turned into victories with focus, hard work, positivity and self-belief. It also shows that art can rise above physical boundaries to touch the soul, and that encouragement from family and community helps a person shine.

MCQs & Assertion–Reason

1. In which village and district does Ila Sachani live and work?

(a) Amreli, Gujarat   (b) Moti Vavdi, Bhavnagar   (c) Surat   (d) Palakkad, Kerala

ANSWER(b) Moti Vavdi, Bhavnagar.

2. Which traditional craft is Ila Sachani an expert in?

(a) Madhubani painting   (b) Dhokra metal craft   (c) Kathiawar embroidery   (d) Coconut shell craft

ANSWER(c) Kathiawar embroidery.

3. Ila Sachani creates her embroidery using her …

(a) hands   (b) feet   (c) machine   (d) mouth

ANSWER(b) feet.

4. Where was Ila Sachani born?

(a) Bhavnagar   (b) Surat   (c) Amreli, Gujarat   (d) Kerala

ANSWER(c) Amreli, Gujarat.

5. Who first taught Ila the art of Kathiawar embroidery?

(a) her teacher   (b) her mother and grandmother   (c) the Surat office   (d) her neighbours

ANSWER(b) her mother and grandmother.

6. Which of these styles did Ila NOT learn, according to the text?

(a) Kachhi   (b) Kashmiri   (c) Lucknawi   (d) Madhubani

ANSWER(d) Madhubani. (She learned Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi and others.)

7. Which government office first displayed Ila’s embroidery at a state exhibition?

(a) the office in Surat   (b) the office in Amreli   (c) the office in Delhi   (d) the office in Bhavnagar

ANSWER(a) the office in Surat.

8. What was the most important change that her skill brought for Ila?

(a) a new house   (b) a new independence   (c) a foreign trip   (d) a new school

ANSWER(b) a new independence.

9. Which high honour did Ila Sachani receive?

(a) the Padma Shri   (b) the President’s Medal   (c) the Bharat Ratna   (d) the Nobel Prize

ANSWER(b) the President’s Medal.

10. What does Ila’s embroidery, made with her feet, remind us about art?

(a) that art is only for the rich   (b) that art needs hands   (c) that art can rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul   (d) that art is easy

ANSWER(c) that art can rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul.
MCQ Answer Key: 1-(b), 2-(c), 3-(b), 4-(c), 5-(b), 6-(d), 7-(a), 8-(b), 9-(b), 10-(c)

Assertion–Reason – choose: (a) A and R true, R explains A; (b) A and R true, R does not explain A; (c) A true, R false; (d) A false, R true.

1. Assertion (A): Ila Sachani learned to do embroidery with her feet.

Reason (R): She was born with her hands hanging loose by her sides and could not use them in the usual way.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

2. Assertion (A): Ila’s mother and grandmother helped her overcome her challenge.

Reason (R): They were skilled in Kathiawar embroidery and taught Ila the art.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

3. Assertion (A): Ila became famous beyond her village.

Reason (R): Her embroidery was displayed at a state exhibition and people readily purchased her creations.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

4. Assertion (A): Threading a needle was easy for Ila from the very beginning.

Reason (R): Ila did not give up and became an expert at a young age.

ANSWER(d) A is false (threading a needle was hard for her), while R is true.

5. Assertion (A): Ila’s skill gave her a new independence.

Reason (R): Through her embroidery she earned a regular income and found joy in doing what she loved.

ANSWER(a) Both true and R correctly explains A.

Exam tips & common mistakes

Exam tips

• Remember key facts: Ila was born in Amreli, lives in Moti Vavdi, Bhavnagar, and does Kathiawar embroidery with her feet.
• In value-based answers, stress determination, family support, never giving up and turning challenges into victories.
• Quote the line “art has the power to rise above physical boundaries and touch the soul” in theme questions.
• Name her highest honour—the President’s Medal—and the styles she learned (Kachhi, Kashmiri, Lucknawi).

Common mistakes

• Do not write that Ila was born in Bhavnagar—she was born in Amreli and now lives in Moti Vavdi, Bhavnagar.
• Do not say she could not use her legs—it was her hands that she could not use; she works with her feet.
• Her first state exhibition was arranged by the Surat government office, not Delhi.
• Madhubani is mentioned elsewhere in the unit, not as a style Ila learned—do not list it among her embroidery styles.

FAQs

Who is Ila Sachani and why is she famous?

Ila Sachani is an artist from Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, who was born unable to use her hands. She is famous for creating beautiful Kathiawar embroidery with her feet and for winning the President’s Medal.

What is the main message of ‘Ila Sachani: Embroidering Dreams with her Feet’?

The story teaches that challenges can be turned into victories through determination, hard work, positivity, family support and never giving up—and that art can rise above physical boundaries.

How did Ila Sachani learn embroidery?

Her mother and grandmother, skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, patiently taught her to make patterns with her feet. With her siblings’ help she practised hard and became an expert at a young age.

Questions are taken verbatim from the NCERT Poorvi textbook; the summary, author note and all answers are written originally by ClearStudy.

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