My Childhood — Practice

Question 1

Where did Abdul Kalam spend his childhood, and what was his father's name?

Accepted Answer

In Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu); his father was Jainulabdeen.

✦ Answer: Rameswaram; father Jainulabdeen.

Question 2

How did Kalam earn his first wages?

Accepted Answer

By collecting and selling tamarind seeds (and later helping sell newspapers during WWII).

✦ Answer: selling tamarind seeds.

Question 3

Name two of Kalam's close childhood friends.

Accepted Answer

Ramanadha Sastry and Aravindan (also Sivaprakasan).

✦ Answer: Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan.

Question 4

How did the new teacher show prejudice, and what was the outcome?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — He could not accept a Muslim boy (Kalam) sitting with a Hindu priest's son and made Kalam move to the back bench.

Step 2 — The boys were unhappy; the priest and others rebuked the teacher, who later reformed.

✦ Answer: he separated the boys by religion; he was corrected and reformed.

Question 5

How did Sivasubramania Iyer break social barriers?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — He invited Kalam, a Muslim, to dine at his home.

Step 2 — When his wife refused to serve Kalam, the teacher served the boy himself and invited him again — and the next time she served Kalam herself, her prejudice gone.

✦ Answer: by hosting Kalam at his home until prejudice was overcome.

Question 6

How does the chapter promote communal harmony?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Kalam's closest friends were Hindus and religion never divided them.

Step 2 — Elders and a teacher actively defeated prejudice.

✦ Answer: it shows friendship and respect across religions, and prejudice being overcome.

Question 7

What values from Kalam's childhood shaped his greatness?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Honesty and generosity from his father; care from his mother.

Step 2 — Hard work (first earnings) and curiosity nurtured by good teachers.

Step 3 — A secular, open mind that respected all people.

✦ Answer: honesty, hard work, curiosity and respect for all — instilled by family and mentors.

Question 8

Explain the father's seagull metaphor and its message.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Jainulabdeen compared Kalam to a seagull that flies across the sun, alone and without a nest.

Step 2 — It means children must leave the comfort of home to grow and fulfil their destiny.

Step 3 — He blessed Kalam to leave Rameswaram for higher study.

✦ Answer: like a seagull, one must venture out alone to grow — a blessing to pursue his dreams.

Practice — My Childhood

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