Short Answer Type Questions
Q1. Why did A.P.J. Abdul Kalam call his childhood a secure one?
Ans: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam viewed his childhood as secure due to the love and care provided by his parents. They ensured that he had all the essentials like food, clothing, and healthcare. This support allowed him to grow up without facing any significant material or emotional struggles.
APJ Abdul Kalam
Q2. Do you think the new teacher deserved the treatment he received? Why/why not?
Ans: Yes, he deserved the treatment he received. He was spreading the poison of communal intolerance among young minds, which is a serious crime. A teacher who engages in such mean behaviour deserves no sympathy.
Q3. How did the attitudes of the science teacher and his wife differ towards A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?
Ans: Though his science teacher was an orthodox Hindu, he broke social barriers and mixed with other religions and communities. He invited Abdul home and served him meals and even sat and ate with him. In contrast, his wife held a more conservative view and was uncomfortable with the idea of serving a Muslim boy in her kitchen, refusing to do so.
Q4. How did the Second World War provide Kalam with an opportunity to earn his first wages?
Ans: During the Second World War, the train halt at Rameswaram was suspended. This change meant that Kalam’s cousin, a news agent, had to collect newspapers thrown from a moving train. Kalam helped by catching the bundles, and in return, he earned his first wages.
Q5. How does Abdul Kalam describe his mother?
Ans: Abdul Kalam described his mother as a gentle and ideal woman. He admired her kindness and her daily practice of feeding many outsiders. From her, he learned the values of compassion and generosity.
Q6. What role did Abdul Kalam’s family play during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony?
Ans: Kalam’s family played a significant role during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony. They arranged a boat with a special platform to transport the idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita from the temple to the marriage site, located in the middle of a pond called Rama Tirtha. Additionally, his parents shared stories from the Ramayana with him, enriching his understanding of their cultural heritage.
Q7. What characteristics did Abdul Kalam inherit from his parents?
Ans: Abdul Kalam inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father. His mother instilled in him a strong faith in goodness and kindness. Additionally, he respected all religions, reflecting the values taught by his parents.
Q8. Why did Sivasubramania Iyer invite Kalam for dinner again the next weekend?
Ans: Sivasubramania Iyer invited Kalam for dinner again to mend the situation after his wife initially refused to serve him. He wanted to change her view and encouraged Kalam to confront such challenges while working to transform social norms.
Q9. What made Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife change her mind?
Ans: After observing Kalam eat from behind the kitchen door, Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife realised that there was no difference in how he ate compared to others. This understanding led her to change her attitude, and the next time, she served Kalam herself.
Q10. How did Abdul Kalam’s parents react when he expressed his desire to leave home?
Ans: Abdul Kalam’s father supported his decision to leave home. He reassured his worried mother by explaining that a child, like a seagull, must learn to fly on its own. His father’s wisdom provided her with comfort.
Long Answer Type Questions
Q1. Describe A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s family based on the lesson “My Childhood.”
Ans: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born into a Tamil middle-class family in Rameswaram. His father, Jainulabdeen, had limited formal education but was known for his wisdom and generosity. He was a simple and strict man. His mother, Ashiamma, was also generous, often providing meals for many guests. The family respected all religions and participated in Hindu festivals. Stories from the Ramayana were shared by his mother and grandmother, instilling values in Kalam without imposing any specific beliefs. This nurturing environment greatly influenced his character.
Q2. What happened when a new teacher arrived at Rameswaram Elementary School?
Ans: When the new teacher arrived, he was disturbed by the sight of a Brahmin boy, Ramanadha Sastry, sitting next to a Muslim boy, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He asked Kalam to move to the back bench, which upset both boys, particularly Ramanadha. This incident had a lasting impact on Kalam. After the boys told their parents about the incident, Lakshmana Sastry confronted the teacher, stating that he should not spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance among innocent children. The teacher was compelled to either apologise or leave the school, leading to his eventual reform.
Q3: ‘Childhood’ is the formative period of a child’s life. The lessons learnt here always stay with a person. Comment on it in the light of the lesson on A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Ans: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a renowned scientist and the eleventh President of India, illustrates how childhood experiences shape our lives. In his autobiography, Wings of Fire, he emphasises that the lessons learned during this formative period not only influence our character but also determine the kind of individuals we become. Kalam learned essential values such as religious tolerance, honesty, and self-discipline early in his life. These qualities remained with him, contributing to his success as a leader in a country rich in diverse cultures. His experiences highlight the profound impact of childhood lessons on personal growth and development.
Q4. “Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted.” What does “system” refer to, and what are these problems?
Ans: The system refers to discriminatory practices based on religion and social status. The problems associated with this system include communal intolerance, narrow-mindedness, and social inequality. Sivasubramania Iyer, a science teacher, challenged this system by inviting Kalam, a Muslim boy, to dine in his kitchen, despite his conservative wife’s objections. He understood that anyone seeking to change societal norms must be prepared to face resistance and challenges.
Q5. How did Sivasubramania Iyer, an orthodox Brahmin, show friendship towards Abdul Kalam despite religious differences?
Ans: Sivasubramania Iyer, an orthodox Brahmin, displayed exceptional friendship towards Abdul Kalam, despite their religious differences. He invited Kalam to his home for a meal, personally serving him food and sharing the meal together, which defied social norms. When his wife refused to serve Kalam due to her beliefs, Iyer remained composed and invited him again the following weekend. This action illustrated his commitment to challenge religious discrimination and underscored his respect for Kalam’s potential.