My Childhood (Chapter 6) By A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Complete Guide For Class 9 Beehive

Explore the comprehensive guide to Chapter 6, My Childhood by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, from the NCERT Class 9 English textbook Beehive. This post includes a detailed summary, word meanings, thought-provoking Q&A, exercises on passive voice, speaking and writing tasks, extract-based MCQs, and important subjective questions. Perfect for mastering the chapter and excelling in your exams, this guide ensures clarity and simplicity while covering all key aspects.

Summary of My Childhood by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

“My Childhood,” an excerpt from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s autobiography Wings of Fire, provides a glimpse into the early life of one of India’s most inspiring figures. Born in Rameswaram, a small island town in Tamil Nadu, Kalam grew up in a modest yet loving household. His father, Jainulabdeen, was not wealthy but led a life of simplicity and wisdom, providing spiritual guidance to many. His mother, Ashiamma, was a caring woman who exemplified generosity and discipline.

Kalam describes his childhood as rooted in harmony and religious tolerance. Despite being a Muslim family, they lived amicably with their Hindu neighbours, respecting each other’s traditions. For instance, Kalam mentions the image of Lord Rama adorning a boat owned by a Muslim man, which symbolised the communal unity of Rameswaram.

Kalam’s early education began in the local primary school where he was deeply influenced by his teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, who encouraged him to think beyond societal barriers and aspire for greatness. Iyer’s progressive approach to teaching was instrumental in shaping Kalam’s scientific curiosity and vision.

The chapter also highlights several formative incidents that emphasised the importance of equality, hard work, and resilience. For example, Kalam recalls how his family supported his education despite financial constraints by taking up additional work, such as selling tamarind seeds and newspapers.

Through these anecdotes, Kalam portrays an upbringing enriched with values of humility, secularism, and perseverance. The chapter ultimately serves as a reminder that true greatness stems not from wealth or privilege but from character, wisdom, and determination.

This inspiring narrative lays the foundation for understanding the remarkable life and contributions of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Word Meaning of My Childhood

Words/Expressions	Meaning
Austere	Simple, strict, and without any luxuries.
Undistinguished	Ordinary; not special or remarkable.
Communal	Shared by a community or group of people.
Tolerance	The willingness to accept or allow different beliefs or practices.
Essential	Absolutely necessary or important.
Inequality	The condition of being unequal or unfair.
Adorned	Decorated or made beautiful.
Secularism	The principle of separating religion from government or public life.
Curiosity	A strong desire to learn or know something.
Constraints	Limitations or restrictions.
Resilience	The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or challenges.
Perseverance	Continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties.
Harmonious	Free from disagreement; peaceful.
Generosity	The quality of being kind and giving.
Tamarind seeds	Seeds from the tamarind tree, often used for various purposes.
Visionary	Someone who thinks about or plans for the future with imagination.
Enriched	Improved or enhanced in quality or value.
Privilege	A special right or advantage available to a particular person or group.

Thinking About the Text (Q&A of My Childhood by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

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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, Tamil Nadu, in a pucca building made of limestone and brick.
2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
   Dinamani is likely the name of a local newspaper because Kalam mentions tracing war stories he heard from his brother-in-law in its headlines.
3. Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?
   Kalam’s school friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. Ramanadha became a temple priest, Aravindan started a transport business, and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor.
4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
   Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin Samsuddin collect and distribute newspaper bundles thrown from a moving train.
5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
   Yes, Kalam had earned money earlier by collecting and selling tamarind seeds during World War II, which fetched him one anna per day.

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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?
   (i) His father was wise, simple, and generous. (ii) His mother was kind and selfless, feeding many daily. (iii) Kalam described himself as an ordinary-looking boy with a secure childhood.
2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
   Kalam inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, while from his mother, he gained faith in goodness and deep kindness, which shaped his perspective on life.

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III. Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each:

1. “On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups,” says the author. (i) The author mentions groups like orthodox Brahmins and Muslims, which were distinguishable by their religious attire and practices, such as wearing a sacred thread or cap. (ii) Despite differences, they shared friendships and communal experiences, like bedtime stories and festivities like Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam, showing unity in diversity. (iii) People like Lakshmana Sastry, who opposed social injustice, and Sivasubramania Iyer, who encouraged inclusivity, tried to bridge these divides. (iv) Incidents like Kalam being asked to sit at the back by a teacher highlight discrimination, while Sastry’s insistence on equality and Iyer’s wife serving food to Kalam show resolution of prejudices. Changing attitudes requires empathy, awareness, and active efforts to address biases.
2. (i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
   Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram to study further at Ramanathapuram, aiming for better educational opportunities. (ii) What did his father say to this?
   His father remarked that Kalam must leave to grow, comparing his journey to a seagull flying alone to achieve its potential. (iii) What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?
   His words emphasised the importance of independence and growth. He encouraged Kalam to embrace change and pursue his aspirations, despite the emotional difficulty of separation.

Thinking About Language

I. Find the sentences in the text where these words occur:

1. Erupt: “For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market.”
2. Surge: “Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.”
3. Trace: “My brother-in-law Jallaluddin would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani.”
4. Undistinguished: “I was one of many children—a short boy with rather undistinguished looks, born to tall and handsome parents.”
5. Casualty: “The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station.”

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Questions and Answers

1. What are the things that can erupt? Use examples to explain the various meanings of erupt. Now do the same for the word surge.
   • Erupt:
     Things that can erupt include:
     • A volcano (e.g., “Mount Vesuvius erupted, spewing lava and ash.”)
     • Anger or emotion (e.g., “The audience erupted in applause.”)
     • A conflict or crisis (e.g., “A war erupted between the two nations.”)
     In the text, erupt refers to the sudden and unexpected increase in demand for tamarind seeds.
   • Surge:
     Things that can surge include:
     • Electricity (e.g., “A power surge damaged the appliances.”)
     • Emotions (e.g., “She felt a surge of happiness upon hearing the news.”)
     • Crowds or waves (e.g., “The crowd surged forward as the gates opened.”)
     In the text, surge describes an overwhelming feeling of pride.

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2. What are the meanings of the word trace, and which of the meanings is closest to the word in the text?
   • Meanings of trace:
     • To follow or find the course of something (e.g., “The detective traced the thief to his hideout.”)
     • A small amount or sign of something (e.g., “There was a trace of salt in the soup.”)
     • To outline or copy (e.g., “She traced the drawing onto a new sheet.”)
     In the text, trace means to follow or investigate something, specifically the war stories in the newspaper Dinamani.

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3. Can you find the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)
   • Distinguished means notable, outstanding, or having a special quality (e.g., “He is a distinguished professor in his field.”).
   • Undistinguished would mean the opposite: lacking any special quality, ordinary, or unremarkable (e.g., “He had an undistinguished career.”).
   In the text, undistinguished is used to describe Kalam’s ordinary physical appearance.

II. 1. Match the phrases in Column A with their meanings in Column B

A	B
(i) broke out	(c) began suddenly in a violent way
(ii) in accordance with	(f) according to a particular rule, principle, or system
(iii) a helping hand	(d) assistance
(iv) could not stomach	(b) was not able to tolerate
(v) generosity of spirit	(a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely
(vi) figures of authority	(e) persons with power to make decisions

2. Now form the opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in-. The prefix incan also have the forms il-, ir-, or im- (for example: illiterate –il + literate, impractical –im + practical, irrational – ir + rational). You may consult a dictionary if you wish.

Here are the opposites formed by adding the appropriate prefixes (un-, in-, il-, ir-, or im-):

Word	Opposite
adequate	inadequate
acceptable	unacceptable
regular	irregular
tolerant	intolerant
demanding	undemanding
active	inactive
true	untrue
permanent	impermanent
patriotic	unpatriotic
disputed	undisputed
accessible	inaccessible
coherent	incoherent
logical	illogical
legal	illegal
responsible	irresponsible
possible	impossible

III. Passive Voice

IV. Rewrite the sentences below, changing the verbs in brackets into the passive form.

1. In yesterday’s competition, the prizes were given away by the Principal.
2. In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers are paid on time.
3. On Republic Day, vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.
4. Second-hand books are bought and sold on the pavement every Saturday.
5. Elections to the Lok Sabha are held every five years.
6. Our National Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.

V. Rewrite the paragraphs below, using the correct form of the verb given in brackets.

1. How Helmets Came To Be Used in Cricket

Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor was seriously injured and collapsed. In those days, helmets were not worn. Contractor was hit on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull was fractured. The entire team was deeply concerned. The West Indies players were worried. Contractor was rushed to hospital. He was accompanied by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood was donated by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor was saved. Nowadays, helmets are routinely used against bowlers.

2. Oil from Seeds

Vegetable oils are made from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil is produced from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans, and sunflower seeds. Olive oil is used for cooking, salad dressing, etc. Olives are shaken from the trees and gathered up, usually by hand. The olives are ground to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats are layered up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.

Speaking

Topic 1: Career Building Is the Only Goal of Education

My Opinion:
I think that career building is an important aspect of education, but it should not be the only goal. In my opinion, education is a means to develop a person’s overall personality, values, and moral character. It seems to me that focusing solely on career building neglects the importance of becoming a responsible citizen and a good human being.

What Others Think:
According to some, career building is essential because it ensures financial stability and societal success. Quite a few think that without a career focus, education becomes directionless. However, some others favour a balanced approach where moral education and personality development are equally prioritised.

Asking Others’ Opinions:

• What do you think about the role of education in career building?
• Do you agree that education should include life skills alongside career training?
• What is your opinion about the focus on careers in modern education?

Topic 2: Getting a Good Job Is More Important than Being a Good Human Being

My Opinion:
I am of the view that being a good human being is far more important than getting a good job. As far as I know, jobs are temporary achievements, but humanity and kindness leave a lasting impact on society. If you ask me, a good job is valuable, but it should not come at the cost of integrity and compassion.

What Others Think:
According to some, financial security provided by a good job is crucial for survival. Some others strongly feel that a good human being creates a more meaningful life, even without a high-paying job. Quite a few believe that both qualities are equally important to maintain balance in life.

Asking Others’ Opinions:

• Do you think a job defines a person’s worth more than their character?
• What do you think of prioritising humanity over career success?
• Does this make you believe that kindness holds more value than professional success?

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Writing

Life in Rameswaram in the 1940s
Life in Rameswaram during the 1940s was simple and close-knit. Most people were not wealthy but led contented lives, relying on fishing, trade, and small-scale businesses for their livelihood. They were hardworking and believed in the value of perseverance. Despite their struggles, the people were hopeful of change and sought opportunities for education and better living standards.

The town itself was quiet and surrounded by natural beauty. The residents lived harmoniously, sharing responsibilities and supporting one another in times of need. Community values and traditions played a significant role, and people held deep respect for spiritual and cultural practices. Education was a privilege, not a guarantee, but those who could access it valued it greatly.

This era reflected resilience, simplicity, and hope among the people of Rameswaram, laying the foundation for future progress.

Extract-Based MCQs from My Childhood

Extract 1

“During the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony, our family used to arrange boats with a special platform for carrying idols of the Lord from the temple to the marriage site, situated in the middle of the pond called Rama Tirtha, which was near our house.”

MCQs

1. What was carried on the special platform arranged by Abdul Kalam’s family?
   a) Food for devotees
   b) Idols of Lord Sita and Rama
   c) Books for rituals
   d) Flowers for the ceremony
2. Where was the marriage site situated?
   a) In a hall near the temple
   b) On the seashore
   c) In the middle of a pond
   d) On a hilltop
3. What does this extract reflect about Abdul Kalam’s family?
   a) They were indifferent to religious ceremonies.
   b) They actively participated in community rituals.
   c) They focused only on their personal interests.
   d) They did not engage in local traditions.

Answer Key

1. b) Idols of Lord Sita and Rama
2. c) In the middle of a pond
3. b) They actively participated in community rituals

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Extract 2

“One day when I was in the fifth standard at the Rameswaram Elementary School, a new teacher came to our class. I used to wear a cap which marked me as a Muslim, and I always sat in the front row next to Ramanadha Sastry, who wore the sacred thread.”

MCQs

1. What was Abdul Kalam’s religious identity marked by?
   a) A sacred thread
   b) A cap
   c) A badge
   d) A special uniform
2. Who was Abdul Kalam’s close friend mentioned in this extract?
   a) Sivaprakasan
   b) Aravindan
   c) Ramanadha Sastry
   d) Sivasubramania
3. What does this extract indicate about Abdul Kalam’s school life?
   a) It was full of religious discrimination.
   b) He shared a friendship beyond religious boundaries.
   c) He often quarrelled with his classmates.
   d) He was isolated in school.

Answer Key

1. b) A cap
2. c) Ramanadha Sastry
3. b) He shared a friendship beyond religious boundaries

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Extract 3

“My science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer was something of a rebel. He did his best to break social barriers so that people from varying backgrounds could mingle easily.”

MCQs

1. What was Sivasubramania Iyer’s profession?
   a) A religious priest
   b) A teacher of science
   c) A government officer
   d) A lawyer
2. What kind of person was Sivasubramania Iyer described as?
   a) A conformist
   b) A rebel
   c) A disciplinarian
   d) An indifferent individual
3. What does the term “break social barriers” imply in the context of the story?
   a) Encouraging strict traditions
   b) Promoting equality among people
   c) Maintaining caste and class differences
   d) Avoiding any social interaction

Answer Key

1. b) A teacher of science
2. b) A rebel
3. b) Promoting equality among people

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Extract 4

“He (Sivasubramania Iyer) invited me to his home for a meal. His wife was horrified at the idea of a Muslim boy being invited to dine in her ritually pure kitchen. She refused to serve me in her kitchen.”

MCQs

1. Who invited Abdul Kalam for a meal?
   a) Ramanadha Sastry
   b) Aravindan
   c) Sivasubramania Iyer
   d) Kalam’s father
2. Why was Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife horrified?
   a) Because the kitchen was too small
   b) Because a Muslim boy was invited to dine there
   c) Because the meal was not ready
   d) Because they had no proper dining arrangements
3. What does this incident reflect about the society of that time?
   a) It was completely free from prejudice.
   b) Religious discrimination was prevalent.
   c) People were indifferent to others’ beliefs.
   d) Traditions were flexible.

Answer Key

1. c) Sivasubramania Iyer
2. b) Because a Muslim boy was invited to dine there
3. b) Religious discrimination was prevalent

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Extract 5

“When I was old enough to ask questions, I asked my father about the relevance of prayer. My father told me there was nothing mysterious about prayer. Rather, prayer made possible a communion of the spirit between people.”

MCQs

1. What did Abdul Kalam ask his father about?
   a) The purpose of life
   b) The relevance of prayer
   c) The rules of religion
   d) The mysteries of the universe
2. According to Kalam’s father, what does prayer achieve?
   a) Helps in gaining material success
   b) Creates a connection between people’s spirits
   c) Makes people obey religious rituals
   d) Reveals life’s mysteries
3. How does this conversation depict Abdul Kalam’s father?
   a) As a rigid and traditional person
   b) As a wise and spiritual individual
   c) As an indifferent father
   d) As someone unaware of religious values

Answer Key

1. b) The relevance of prayer
2. b) Creates a connection between people’s spirits
3. b) As a wise and spiritual individual

Important Questions from My Childhood

Short Answer Questions

1. Describe the role of Abdul Kalam’s father in shaping his personality.
   Answer: Abdul Kalam’s father was a wise and spiritual man. He led a simple life and taught Kalam values like honesty, self-discipline, and the importance of prayer. His father’s wisdom and secular outlook greatly influenced Kalam’s character.
2. What do we learn about the communal harmony in Rameswaram during Kalam’s childhood?
   Answer: Rameswaram was a place of communal harmony where people of different religions lived peacefully. For instance, Kalam’s family actively participated in Hindu ceremonies, and he shared a close bond with Hindu friends like Ramanadha Sastry.
3. Why did the new teacher at Rameswaram Elementary School change Abdul Kalam’s seat?
   Answer: The new teacher, influenced by caste prejudice, could not accept a Muslim boy sitting with a Hindu Brahmin boy. He forced Kalam to sit at the back of the class, demonstrating the social discrimination of that era.
4. How did Abdul Kalam’s science teacher try to break social barriers?
   Answer: Sivasubramania Iyer invited Kalam to his house for a meal despite his wife’s reluctance. He encouraged Kalam to aim high in life and tried to remove caste and religious barriers through his actions.
5. What was Abdul Kalam’s father’s view about prayer?
   Answer: Kalam’s father believed that prayer was not mysterious but a way to connect people’s spirits. He emphasised that prayer could foster unity and remove the barriers between individuals.

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Long Answer Questions

6. What impact did Kalam’s close friends have on his life?
   Answer: Abdul Kalam’s close friends, Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan, influenced him with their mutual respect and secular outlook. Ramanadha Sastry’s values as a priest’s son and their bond despite religious differences shaped Kalam’s inclusive mindset.
7. How did Abdul Kalam’s mother and grandmother contribute to his upbringing?
   Answer: Kalam’s mother and grandmother played a crucial role in his upbringing. His mother supported him with her unwavering love and care. She narrated spiritual stories from the Ramayana, which instilled moral values and a sense of discipline in Kalam.
8. What was the significance of the incident with Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife?
   Answer: The incident with Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife highlighted the deep-rooted religious prejudices of the time. Despite her initial resistance, Iyer’s actions showed his determination to break these barriers. This incident taught Kalam about the challenges of social reform.
9. How did Abdul Kalam’s family values shape his vision for India?
   Answer: Kalam’s family taught him integrity, self-reliance, and a respect for diversity. These values became the foundation of his vision for a developed India, where communal harmony and inclusiveness played a significant role.
10. Discuss the role of secularism in My Childhood.
    Answer: Secularism is a central theme in My Childhood. Abdul Kalam’s experiences, such as his friendships with Hindu boys and the support of his science teacher, show how personal relationships and respect for all religions can transcend societal barriers.