My Childhood — Class 9 English Notes

Topics covered in My Childhood

1. 1.My Childhood

   Short Summary

   The chapter "My Childhood" from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's autobiography "Wings of Fire" is divided into two parts. It narrates Kalam's early life in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, highlighting his family's values, his experiences during World War II, and his interactions with friends and teachers. The chapter also touches on social issues and the impact of Kalam's upbringing on his later life.
   
   

   Long Summary

   Part 1: Kalam was born into a middle-class Tamil family in Rameswaram. His father, Jainulabdeen, though uneducated and not wealthy, was wise and generous. His mother, Ashiamma, was equally supportive and kind. Kalam describes his secure and happy childhood, despite material limitations. He recalls the outbreak of World War II in 1939 and its effects on Rameswaram. A sudden demand for tamarind seeds provided him an opportunity to earn his first wages by collecting and selling the seeds. His cousin Samsuddin, who distributed newspapers, also offered him a job, which instilled a sense of pride in earning his own money.
   
   

   Part 2: Kalam inherited values like honesty and self-discipline from his father and faith in goodness from his mother. He had close friends from different religious backgrounds, and their friendships were devoid of any religious biases. An incident in school, where a new teacher showed intolerance towards his friendship with a Hindu priest’s son, left a deep impact on Kalam. The matter was resolved by the high priest, who reprimanded the teacher. Another significant influence was his science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, who, despite being orthodox, broke social barriers and encouraged Kalam to aspire higher. Iyer's wife initially resisted serving Kalam due to his religion, but later accepted him. The chapter ends with Kalam deciding to leave Rameswaram for further education, supported by his father's philosophical words about children’s independence.
   
   

   Key Events

   1. World War II Impact: The war created economic opportunities, leading Kalam to earn his first wages.
   2. School Incident: A new teacher's discrimination against Kalam and his Hindu friend, which was resolved by the high priest.
   3. Influence of Teachers: Sivasubramania Iyer's efforts to break social barriers and his influence on Kalam's aspirations.
   4. Leaving Rameswaram: Kalam's decision to pursue further education, supported by his father's wisdom.

   
   

   Lessons to Learn

   • Values and Ethics: Importance of honesty, self-discipline, and kindness.
   • Social Equality: The negative impact of social discrimination and the power of education and rational thinking to overcome it.
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   • Aspirations and Growth: Encouragement to aspire beyond one's immediate environment and the importance of supportive mentors.

   
   

   Solve Find Out Section

   I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.

   1. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?
      • Abdul Kalam’s house was on Mosque Street in Rameswaram.
        
        
   2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of?
      • Dinamani is likely the name of a newspaper, as Kalam used to trace war stories in it.
        
        
   3. Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?
      • His school friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. Ramanadha Sastry became the high priest of Rameswaram temple, Aravindan went into the business of arranging transport for pilgrims, and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor.
        
        
   4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
      • He earned his first wages by helping his cousin Samsuddin distribute newspapers.
        
        
   5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
      • Yes, he had earned money by collecting and selling tamarind seeds.

   
   II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).

   1. How does the author describe: (i) his father, (ii) his mother, (iii) himself?
      • Kalam describes his father as austere and wise, his mother as kind and supportive, and himself as a short boy with undistinguished looks, living a secure childhood.
        
        
   2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
      • He inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother.

   
   Character Analysis

   • A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Curious, hardworking, and influenced deeply by his family and teachers. He valued education and aspired to grow beyond his circumstances.
   • Jainulabdeen (Kalam’s father): Wise, austere, and generous, instilling values of honesty and self-discipline.
   • Ashiamma (Kalam’s mother): Kind and supportive, nurturing faith in goodness.
   • Sivasubramania Iyer: Progressive teacher who encouraged breaking social barriers and aspiring for higher education.

   
   Important Quotes

   1. “Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted.” - Sivasubramania Iyer
      • This quote highlights the importance of challenging and changing social norms for progress.
        
        
   2. “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.” - Jainulabdeen quoting Khalil Gibran
      • This emphasizes the idea of allowing children to grow independently and find their own paths.

   
   My Childhood: An Essay on A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's Early Life

   Introduction

   "My Childhood," a chapter from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's autobiography "Wings of Fire," provides a glimpse into the formative years of one of India's most revered scientists and statesmen. The chapter, divided into two parts, paints a vivid picture of Kalam's early life in the town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. It explores his family background, the socio-economic conditions of the time, and the significant influences that shaped his character and aspirations.
   
   

   Part 1: Family and Early Influences
   
   

   A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born into a middle-class Tamil family in the small town of Rameswaram. His father, Jainulabdeen, although lacking formal education and wealth, possessed great wisdom and generosity. His mother, Ashiamma, was a pillar of support and kindness. Kalam fondly recalls his childhood home, a large pucca house built in the mid-19th century on Mosque Street. Despite the simplicity of his father's lifestyle, all essential needs were met, ensuring a secure and happy upbringing for Kalam and his siblings.

   The outbreak of World War II in 1939 brought about unexpected economic opportunities. A sudden demand for tamarind seeds allowed young Kalam to earn his first wages by collecting and selling them. This sense of independence and pride was further bolstered when his cousin Samsuddin, a newspaper distributor, employed him to help with the newspaper rounds. These experiences instilled in Kalam a sense of responsibility and the joy of earning his own money.
   
   

   Part 2: Education and Social Challenges
   
   

   Kalam's childhood was deeply influenced by the values he inherited from his parents. His father's honesty and self-discipline, coupled with his mother's faith in goodness, shaped his moral compass. He formed close friendships with Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan, boys from orthodox Hindu Brahmin families. Their friendship, unaffected by religious differences, taught Kalam the value of unity and harmony.

   An incident in school, where a new teacher displayed communal intolerance by separating Kalam and his friend Ramanadha Sastry, left a lasting impact on him. The high priest of Rameswaram temple, Lakshmana Sastry, reprimanded the teacher, emphasizing the importance of social equality and communal harmony. This incident reinforced Kalam's belief in justice and equality.

   Another pivotal influence in Kalam's life was his science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer. Despite being an orthodox Brahmin, Iyer broke social barriers and encouraged Kalam to aspire for greater heights. Iyer's progressive attitude was exemplified when he invited Kalam to his home for a meal, despite his wife's initial resistance due to religious differences. Over time, Iyer's wife overcame her prejudices, serving Kalam with her own hands, demonstrating that change is possible with persistence and understanding.