Follow That Dream: Class 9 NCERT English Story Explained
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 1 July 2026 · 4 min read
Follow That Dream is a Class 9 NCERT English story about Ramu, a village boy who dreams of education despite family and social obstacles. This blog explains the story’s key themes, characters, and lessons to help students understand and prepare for exams.
Introduction to Follow That Dream and Its Main Theme
The story Follow That Dream by Sudha Murty is included in the Class 9 NCERT English textbook. It focuses on the importance of following one’s passion despite difficulties. The protagonist, Ramu, is a young boy from a rural village who dreams of learning to read and write.
The main theme revolves around determination, education, and overcoming social and economic barriers. Ramu’s journey teaches students that education is not just about literacy but also about gaining confidence and opening doors to a better future. This story inspires young learners to never give up on their dreams.
Character Analysis: Understanding Ramu and His Family
Ramu is a passionate and determined boy who wants to attend school even though his father wants him to work as a laborer. His father represents the traditional mindset where children are expected to support the family financially rather than study.
Key points about characters:
- Ramu: Eager to learn, brave, and persistent.
- Ramu’s Father: Initially resistant, focused on immediate survival.
- Teacher: Encouraging and supportive, plays a pivotal role in Ramu’s progress.
This conflict between Ramu and his father highlights the social challenges many children face in rural India, where education is often undervalued due to poverty.
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The Role of the Teacher in Encouraging Ramu
The teacher in Follow That Dream plays a crucial role in motivating Ramu. She recognizes his eagerness to learn and supports him by:
- Encouraging him to attend school regularly.
- Providing guidance and patience in teaching.
- Understanding his difficult home situation.
Teachers like her are essential in rural education, acting as mentors who inspire students to pursue their dreams. Her support helps Ramu gain confidence and improve his literacy skills.
Lessons and Moral Values from Follow That Dream
The story teaches important lessons for Class 9 students:
- Follow Your Dreams: No matter the obstacles, keep striving.
- Value of Education: Education empowers and opens new opportunities.
- Perseverance: Success comes through consistent effort.
- Support Systems: Encouragement from teachers and family matters.
These morals encourage students to stay focused on their goals and understand the transformative power of education in Indian society.
Comparison: Education vs. Child Labor in Rural India
To understand Ramu’s dilemma better, here is a comparison between education and child labor in rural India:
| Aspect | Education | Child Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Learning and personal growth | Earning money for family survival |
| Long-term Impact | Opens career opportunities | Limits future prospects |
| Social Perception | Often undervalued initially | Seen as immediate necessity |
| Emotional Effect | Builds confidence and hope | Causes fatigue and stress |
This table helps students grasp why Ramu’s choice to follow his dream is significant and challenging.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the story Follow That Dream?
The main theme is following one's passion and dreams despite obstacles.
Who is the protagonist of Follow That Dream?
Ramu, a young village boy determined to get an education.
Why does Ramu’s father want him to work instead of studying?
Because he wants Ramu to support the family financially as a laborer.
How does Ramu manage to attend school secretly?
He visits the school secretly and hides his books from his father.
What role does the teacher play in the story?
The teacher encourages and supports Ramu’s learning efforts.
What social challenges does Ramu face in pursuing education?
He faces poverty, family opposition, and skepticism from villagers.
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Social and Economic Challenges in Follow That Dream
Ramu’s story reveals the harsh realities faced by many children in Indian villages:
Despite these challenges, Ramu secretly attends school and hides his books. His courage to continue learning despite skepticism shows the importance of self-belief and perseverance.
This table summarizes the obstacles Ramu faces.