What lessons can we infer from the grandmother's action of touching the narrator's feet?
The grandmother's action of touching the narrator's feet teaches us that a teacher should be respected irrespective of gender and age. Even though the narrator was her granddaughter and much younger, the grandmother honoured her solely as a teacher, proving that the tradition of respecting a guru goes beyond age and relationships.
Secondly, it highlights that there is no age bar for learning. The grandmother's determination to learn at sixty-two and her gratitude towards her teacher demonstrate that education can be pursued at any stage of life to achieve self-sufficiency and become independent.
Thirdly, the action teaches the value of gratitude and humility. By touching the feet of someone younger, the grandmother sets an example that elders can also bow down to acknowledge the effort and affection of a teacher.
Finally, it reinforces that respect must be given to the role of a teacher, not just to age. The grandmother believed it was her duty to respect her teacher, upholding the great tradition of honouring educators as written in the scriptures.
Explanation
The answer draws directly from the grandmother's dialogue and actions in the text. She explicitly states she is touching the feet of a teacher, not her granddaughter, emphasizing that respect for a teacher is irrespective of gender and age. Her determination to learn at sixty-two highlights that there is no age limit to learning. By humbling herself before her granddaughter, she demonstrates gratitude and humility, reinforcing the traditional value of respecting a guru.