Notes on Bonku Babu’s Friend from the ICSE Class 9 Treasure Chest Book include a detailed summary, central themes, in-depth character sketches, and key word meanings, designed to help students study and revise effectively.
Also see:
Bonku Babu’s Friend – Extract based Qs
Hindi explanation of Bonku babu’s Friend
Bonku Babu’s Friend – Summary, Theme, Character Analysis, Word meanings | ICSE 9 Treasure Chest Book
“Explore a complete guide to Bonku Babu’s Friend from the ICSE Class 9 Treasure Chest Book. This page features a detailed chapter summary, central themes, in-depth character sketches, and important word meanings to help students understand and engage with Satyajit Ray’s humorous short story. Perfect for exam prep, classroom discussions, and literature enthusiasts seeking a deeper appreciation of Ray’s storytelling.”
A Short Summary of “Bonku Babu’s Friend” by Satyajit Ray:
Summary in English:
Bonku Babu is a quiet, humble schoolteacher who teaches geography and Bengali. People around him, including his students and grown men at Sripati Babu’s evening meetings, often make fun of him and treat him like a joke. He tolerates it all without protest.
One night, while returning home through a bamboo grove, Bonku Babu sees a strange light and comes across a spaceship. From it emerges an alien named Ang, from a faraway planet Craneus. Ang talks to Bonku Babu, shows him wonders of the world through a magical device, and points out how kind but timid Bonku is. Ang tells him that it’s wrong to stay silent when insulted and encourages him to speak up for himself.
The next day, Bonku Babu arrives at the regular meeting with new confidence. He boldly confronts everyone for mocking him and says he will no longer attend. He even tells them about meeting Ang. Everyone is left shocked as Bonku Babu walks away, proud and free.
Summary in Hindi (हिंदी में सारांश):
“बोंकू बाबू का दोस्त” कहानी एक सीधे-सादे स्कूल टीचर बोंकू बाबू की है जो भूगोल और बंगाली पढ़ाते हैं। लोग उन्हें अक्सर चुप, डरपोक और मज़ाक उड़ाने लायक समझते हैं — चाहे वो स्कूल के बच्चे हों या गांव के बुज़ुर्ग लोग।
एक रात, घर लौटते समय, बोंकू बाबू एक अजीब रोशनी देखते हैं और उन्हें एक एलियन (Ang) से मुलाकात होती है, जो ग्रह क्रेनियस (Craneus) से आया है। एलियन उनसे बात करता है, उन्हें कई अद्भुत दृश्य दिखाता है और बताता है कि बोंकू बाबू भले इंसान हैं, लेकिन बहुत ज़्यादा सहनशील हैं। एलियन उन्हें सिखाता है कि अन्याय के खिलाफ आवाज़ उठाना ज़रूरी है।
अगले दिन, बोंकू बाबू पूरी हिम्मत से बैठक में जाते हैं और सबको उनके व्यवहार के लिए फटकारते हैं। वो बताते हैं कि अब से वो इन बैठकों में नहीं आएँगे और सबको चौंकाकर वहां से निकल जाते हैं। अब वे आत्मविश्वास से भरे हुए हैं।
Detailed Summary Explanation of Bonku Babu’s Friend Story
Here is a detailed summary of the story “Bonku Babu’s Friend” by Satyajit Ray. It serves as a quick revision guide for class 9 ICSE students studying the book Treasure Chest.
1. Introduction to Bonku Babu
Bonku Babu is a middle-aged schoolteacher in a small village called Kankurgachhi. He teaches geography and Bengali. He is kind, polite, and quiet. But everyone treats him badly. His students play tricks on him, and even grown men make fun of him at the evening meetings held at Sripati Babu’s house.
2. The Mockery at the Village Meetings
Every weekend, Bonku Babu attends a meeting at Sripati Babu’s house. Here, people like Chandi Babu, Nidhu Babu, and others make jokes about him. Sometimes they hide his shoes, give him dusty paan, or force him to sing. Bonku Babu stays silent, though he feels hurt. He thinks of staying away, but then fears what others will say.
3. The Strange Light and the Encounter
One night, after a meeting, Bonku Babu is walking home through Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove. He notices a strange pink light. The forest is unusually silent—no sound of crickets. As he walks closer, he sees a huge glass-like dome shining in pink light. He then hears a strange humming sound and becomes completely still, as if tied by invisible ropes.
4. Meeting the Alien – Ang
Suddenly, a voice speaks in a strange language. Then it switches to English and asks Bonku Babu questions. The creature comes out—it is an alien named Ang, from the planet Craneus. It looks very odd—bald, thin limbs, holes instead of a nose and ears, glowing yellow eyes. Ang says he mistakenly landed on Earth while trying to go to Pluto.
5. A Conversation Between Two Worlds
Ang tells Bonku Babu that his species is far more advanced than humans. He is 833 years old, knows 14,000 languages, and has visited 25 planets. He can control people without hurting them. He gives Bonku Babu a chance to see amazing places—like the North Pole, Aurora Borealis, Amazon jungle, and piranhas—through a magical device. Bonku Babu is amazed.
6. A Lesson in Courage and Self-Respect
Before leaving, Ang gives Bonku Babu a very important message. He tells him that he is a good human being, but he is too meek and silent. Ang says that people should protest against insult and injustice, and not quietly accept mistreatment. Bonku Babu is inspired by this advice. Ang then boards his spaceship and flies away.
7. Bonku Babu’s Transformation
The next day, Bonku Babu enters the village meeting with new energy and confidence. He surprises everyone by laughing loudly and announcing that it’s the last time he will attend. He boldly tells each person what they did wrong—Nidhu Babu, Chandi Babu, Sripati Babu—and warns them not to mistreat him again. He even tells them about Ang’s visit.
8. Conclusion: A New Bonku Babu
Everyone is left shocked. Bonku Babu walks out proudly, with his head held high. He has finally found his voice, self-respect, and courage. Meeting with the alien has changed his life. He is no longer the same quiet, fearful man. He has become confident and free.
Key Points of the story ‘Bonku Babu’s Friend’
- Bonku Babu is a mild-mannered, simple schoolteacher often made fun of by students and grown-ups.
- He never protests or gets angry, even when insulted repeatedly.
- One day, he sees a strange pink light in the bamboo grove and meets an alien named Ang from the planet Craneus.
- Ang is intelligent, kind, and superior to humans in many ways.
- He shows Bonku Babu magical sights of the North Pole, Brazilian forests, and dangerous creatures like piranhas and anacondas.
- Ang tells Bonku Babu that he is a good man but too timid, and teaches him to speak up against injustice.
- Inspired and changed, Bonku Babu stands up to the people who mocked him and walks out of their group with pride.
- The story ends with Bonku Babu finally realizing his own worth.
Character Sketch & Analysis of Bonku Babu
Name: Bonkubihari Datta (called Bonku Babu)
Profession: Schoolteacher (Geography and Bengali)
Place: Kankurgachhi village
A Short Paragraph on Bonku Babu’s Character:
Bonku Babu, whose full name is Bonkubihari Datta, is a mild-mannered, polite, and meek schoolteacher who teaches Geography and Bengali in Kankurgachhi. Though educated and kind, he is often mocked and insulted by his fellow villagers, especially during the evening meetings at Sripati Babu’s house. He quietly tolerates all the pranks and humiliations, never speaking up for himself. He lives a simple life, with little excitement. However, one day he encounters Ang, a creature from another planet, who helps him see his own worth and teaches him to stand up against injustice. This experience transforms Bonku Babu completely. He returns to the group the next day with confidence, self-respect, and boldness, and speaks his mind fearlessly. Bonku Babu’s journey from a shy, fearful man to a confident and self-assured individual is inspiring and shows how a spark of self-realisation can change a person’s life.
A More detailed Analysis of Bonku Babu’s character.
1. Simple and Polite
Bonku Babu is a gentle, quiet, and kind man. He is respectful to everyone and never answers back, even when others make fun of him. He is a man of good manners and soft nature.
2. Shy and Timid
He is meek and nervous. Even when people insult him at Sripati Babu’s house, he does not protest. He suffers silently and doesn’t speak up for himself. He lacks confidence and has low self-esteem.
3. Educated but Undervalued
He is a well-educated schoolteacher. But people do not respect him. They call him names, play silly pranks, and treat him as a joke. Though he teaches geography, he has never seen places outside his village.
4. Curious and Honest
When he sees the strange light in the bamboo grove, he is curious. Even though scared, he goes closer. He answers all questions of the alien truthfully. He is honest, even saying he ate meat on Kali Puja.
5. Changed and Confident
After meeting the alien Ang, Bonku Babu gets inspired. He learns to stand up for himself. He realizes that being silent in the face of insult is wrong. He returns to the meeting with confidence and self-respect, and boldly tells everyone their mistakes. He becomes a new Bonku Babu.
Conclusion
Bonku Babu is a simple, good-hearted man who was always insulted. But one special meeting with an alien gives him the courage to change. He teaches us that self-respect and courage can change anyone’s life.
Key words:
Meek and mild, Schoolteacher, Tolerant, Teased and insulted, Geography and Bengali, Timid, Unappreciated, Alien encounter, Self-realisation, Transformation, Confidence, Speaking up, Respect and dignity, Boldness, Inner strength.
Other Characters
The other characters in Bonku Babu’s Friend mainly serve as contrasts to Bonku Babu. Sripati Babu is a proud and influential man who enjoys being surrounded by flatterers. Nidhu Babu, Chandi Babu, Ramkanai, and Bhairav Chakravarty regularly mock and tease Bonku Babu, showing their arrogance and insensitivity. They represent the typical villagers who belittle others for fun. Poncha Ghosh is mentioned as the owner of the bamboo grove. These characters help highlight Bonku Babu’s humility and the importance of self-respect when he finally stands up to them.
Here’s a short description of each character one by one:
1. Sripati Babu
He is a respected and influential lawyer in the village. He hosts the evening meetings and enjoys being in control. He keeps Bonku Babu around mainly for amusement.
2. Nidhu Babu
A regular member of the group who often mocks Bonku Babu. He calls him “Bunkum” and enjoys teasing him, showing his rude and mocking nature.
3. Chandi Babu
He joins others in making fun of Bonku Babu. He plays childish pranks like hiding shoes and umbrellas, despite being an older man.
4. Ramkanai
A younger man in the group who follows the elders and takes part in mocking Bonku Babu, though sometimes he seems slightly more thoughtful.
5. Bhairav Chakravarty
He is loud and rough, often slapping Bonku Babu’s back and laughing at him. He represents those who bully quietly and cruelly.
6. Poncha Ghosh
The owner of the bamboo grove where the spaceship lands. Though not directly involved in the mocking, his grove becomes the central place for the alien encounter.
Character Ang (the alien)
Ang is a small, unusual creature from the planet Craneus. He is intelligent, polite, and much more advanced than humans. He knows 14,000 languages and has visited many planets. Despite being superior, he treats Bonku Babu with kindness. He helps Bonku Babu realize his worth and encourages him to stand up for himself. Ang plays a key role in transforming Bonku Babu’s attitude and confidence.
Moral / Message of the Story – Bonku Babu’s Friend:
The story teaches us that self-respect, courage, and confidence are important in life. Even a simple, quiet person like Bonku Babu can stand up for himself when he realizes his value. We must not allow others to insult or bully us. The story also tells us that true change comes from within—once we believe in ourselves, we can change our world. Lastly, it reminds us that kindness and wisdom can come from the most unexpected places—even an alien from another planet!
In short: The story gives a strong message:
Even the simplest person has hidden strength. One must not suffer silently, but speak up when treated unfairly. True change begins with self-belief.
Key words:
Self-respect | Courage | Confidence | Injustice | Voice | Change | Dignity | Transformation | Awakening | Assertiveness
Theme of the Story: Bonku Babu’s Friend
The central theme of the story is self-realization and transformation. It explores how an ordinary, meek man finds his inner strength and self-respect after a life-changing encounter with an alien. The story highlights the importance of speaking up against injustice, overcoming humiliation, and recognizing one’s own worth. Through humour and science fiction, it also subtly comments on human behaviour, social bullying, and the power of knowledge and imagination.
Key words:
| Keywords | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|
| Self-discovery | आत्म-खोज |
| Transformation | रूपांतरण |
| Inner strength | अंदरूनी ताकत |
| Speaking up | अपनी बात कहना |
| Self-respect | आत्म-सम्मान |
| Overcoming humiliation | अपमान को पार करना |
| Courage to change | बदलाव लाने का साहस |
| Standing against injustice | अन्याय के खिलाफ खड़ा होना |
| Bullying and mockery | ताना मारना और मज़ाक उड़ाना |
| Importance of dignity | गरिमा का महत्व |
| Extraordinary in the ordinary | आम जीवन में असाधारण चीज़ें |
| Science fiction as a moral lens | नैतिक दृष्टिकोण के रूप में विज्ञान कथा |
An Analysis of Bonku Babu’s Friend by Satyajit Ray
1. Genre and Style
The story is a science fiction with strong elements of realism and satire. It blends the ordinary life of a timid schoolteacher with the extraordinary experience of meeting an alien. Satyajit Ray’s style is simple, clear, and sprinkled with humor and irony.The language is engaging and often reflective of middle-class Bengali life.
2. Setting
The story is set in Kankurgachhi, a small town in Bengal. The scenes move between Bonku Babu’s school, the lawyer’s evening gatherings, and the bamboo grove—where the unexpected meeting with an alien takes place. The contrast between the mundane setting and the alien encounter creates surprise and excitement.
3. Structure
The story follows a linear and chronological structure:
- Beginning: Introduces Bonku Babu and his dull, insult-filled life.
- Middle: Brings a turning point through the alien encounter.
- End: Shows Bonku Babu’s personal transformation and newfound confidence.
The structure is tight and purposeful, building steadily to a satisfying and meaningful ending.
4. Plot
The plot revolves around Bonku Babu, a shy teacher who is constantly ridiculed. A strange encounter with an alien named Ang changes his view of himself. This leads to a powerful climax where he finally speaks up against the people who mock him.
5. Characters
- Bonku Babu is the protagonist—a shy, humble man who is constantly mocked but finally discovers his inner strength.
- Ang, the alien, is wise, polite, and acts as a mirror to Bonku Babu’s worth.
- Other characters like Sripati Babu, Nidhu Babu, and Chandi Babu represent society’s mocking attitude and herd mentality.
6. Themes
- Self-respect and dignity
- Standing up against bullying
- Social mockery and personal courage
- The possibility of change at any age
- The power of unexpected events to change a person
7. Imagery and Symbols
- The spaceship and alien tools symbolize higher intelligence and unseen power.
- The bamboo grove represents mystery and the unknown, where Bonku Babu’s life changes forever.
- The silence of crickets and the pink light create an eerie and suspenseful mood.
8. Message
The story teaches us that no one should accept injustice silently. Even the most ordinary person has value, strength, and dignity, and can stand up for themselves when they recognize their worth. One must not suffer silently, but speak up when treated unfairly. True change begins with self-belief.
