Table of Content
- Summary of the chapter 'My Childhood by APJ Abdul Kalam
- Word-Meaning of the chapter 'My Childhood by APJ Abdul Kalam
- Short Question-Answer of the chapter 'My Childhood by APJ Abdul Kalam
- Long Answer Type Questions of the chapter 'My Childhood by APJ Abdul Kalam
- Discuss and Answer Questions of the chapter 'My Childhood by APJ Abdul Kalam
- 20 Multiple Choice Questions(MCQs) of the chapter 'My Childhood by APJ Abdul Kalam
Summary
"My Childhood" is an autobiographical account by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, where he reflects on his early years growing up in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India. The story highlights the simplicity and humility of his upbringing.
Kalam was born into a middle-class Muslim family. His father, Jainulabdeen, was not formally educated but was wise and generous, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a devout and caring woman. Kalam recalls the strong values instilled in him by his parents, emphasizing honesty, self-discipline, and faith in God.
The story also sheds light on the communal harmony in Rameswaram, where people from different religions lived peacefully together. Kalam had three close friends, all from different religious backgrounds, and this diversity was never a barrier in their friendship.
Kalam's early education was shaped by his teachers, especially his science teacher, who inspired him to dream big. The teacher's encouragement and support played a significant role in shaping Kalam’s aspirations.
The story concludes with a message of unity, tolerance, and the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one's goals.
Word Meaning of 'My Childhood'
- Erstwhile - Former.
- Generosity - Kindness and willingness to give.
- Innate - Inborn or natural.
- Helpmate - A helpful companion or partner.
- Undistinguished - Not very good-looking or ordinary.
- Ancestral - Related to ancestors or forefathers.
- Austere - Simple and strict.
- Inessential - Not necessary.
- Necessities - Basic needs or requirements.
- Secure - Safe.
- Broke out - Started suddenly.
- Fetch - Bring.
- Princely sum - A large amount of money.
- Orthodox - Traditional or conservative.
- Discrimination - Unfair treatment based on differences like religion or race.
- Progressive - Forward-thinking or modern.
Thinking About the Text (Q&A of 'My Childhood')
I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.
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Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?Abdul Kalam’s house was on Mosque Street in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
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What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.Dinamani is the name of a local newspaper because Abdul Kalam used to read it to follow the news about the Second World War.
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Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?Abdul Kalam’s school friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. Ramanadha Sastry became a priest, Aravindan started a business arranging transport for pilgrims, and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.
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How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin distribute newspapers. He collected bundles of newspapers thrown from a moving train.
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Had he earned any money before that? In what way?Yes, Abdul Kalam had earned money before that by collecting and selling tamarind seeds.
II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words)
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How does the author describe: (i) his father, (ii) his mother, (iii) himself?(i) Abdul Kalam describes his father as a wise and simple man who led a disciplined life. (ii) His mother is portrayed as a kind and caring woman who supported the family. (iii) He describes himself as a curious and hardworking boy, eager to learn and explore.
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What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?Abdul Kalam inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother. These traits shaped his character and guided his actions throughout his life.
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.
2. (i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram to pursue higher education and better opportunities. He was eager to learn more and expand his horizons, which required him to move to a place with better educational facilities. His ambition and desire to achieve something significant in life drove him to seek education beyond his hometown.
20 MCQs on 'My Childhood' by APJ Abdul Kalam
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Where was A. P. J. Abdul Kalam born?
- a) Chennai
- b) Rameswaram
- c) New Delhi
- d) Mumbai
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What was the name of Kalam's father?
- a) Jainulabdeen
- b) Abdul Kalam
- c) Raghavachari
- d) Lakshmana Sastry
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Which profession did Kalam's father engage in?
- a) Fisherman
- b) Priest
- c) Boat owner
- d) Teacher
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What did Kalam's father possess in abundance?
- a) Wealth
- b) Knowledge
- c) Self-discipline and honesty
- d) Political power
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Who was Kalam's close friend from a different religion?
- a) Ramanadha Sastry
- b) Sivaprakasan
- c) Ramakrishna Iyer
- d) Ahmed Jalaluddin
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What role did Lakshmana Sastry play in Kalam's life?
- a) His teacher
- b) His mentor
- c) A friend’s father
- d) A distant relative
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How did the school headmaster treat young Kalam when he wore a cap that marked him as a Muslim?
- a) With respect
- b) Disrespectfully
- c) Ignored him
- d) Encouraged him
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What was Kalam’s first job as a young boy?
- a) Newspaper delivery boy
- b) Fisherman’s assistant
- c) Teacher's assistant
- d) Shopkeeper
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What influence did Kalam's father have on him?
- a) Encouraged him to join politics
- b) Taught him the value of hard work and integrity
- c) Guided him in his studies
- d) Advised him to pursue wealth
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Which value did Kalam's father emphasize the most?
- a) Religious rituals
- b) Pursuit of wealth
- c) Importance of inner self and spirituality
- d) Academic excellence
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How did Kalam describe his childhood home?
- a) Luxurious and grand
- b) Simple but full of harmony and happiness
- c) Small and uncomfortable
- d) Large and bustling with activity
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Who motivated Kalam to pursue higher education?
- a) His mother
- b) His father
- c) His teacher
- d) His sister
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What significant event changed the lives of people in Rameswaram during Kalam's childhood?
- a) The onset of World War II
- b) A natural disaster
- c) The arrival of a new leader
- d) A communal conflict
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Which subject was Kalam particularly interested in during his school days?
- a) History
- b) Science
- c) Mathematics
- d) Literature
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What did Kalam and his friends do when the teacher scolded them for sitting together despite belonging to different religions?
- a) They argued with the teacher
- b) They refused to obey
- c) They separated reluctantly
- d) Their families intervened and resolved the issue
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What was Kalam’s most prominent trait as a child?
- a) Rebelliousness
- b) Curiosity
- c) Laziness
- d) Introversion
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Which form of transportation was prominent in Rameswaram?
- a) Buses
- b) Trains
- c) Boats
- d) Bullock carts
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How did Kalam’s family respond to the religious tensions in Rameswaram?
- a) With fear
- b) By leaving the town
- c) By maintaining peace and unity
- d) By supporting one religious group
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What was the message of universal love and unity that Kalam’s father shared with him?
- a) Religion should divide people
- b) All religions fundamentally teach the same principles
- c) Science and religion cannot coexist
- d) Wealth is the most important pursuit in life
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What did Kalam learn from his parents' simple lifestyle?
- a) The importance of luxury
- b) The need for fame
- c) The value of simplicity, hard work, and self-discipline
- d) The pursuit of knowledge over everything
Answer Key
- b) Rameswaram
- a) Jainulabdeen
- c) Boat owner
- c) Self-discipline and honesty
- a) Ramanadha Sastry
- c) A friend’s father
- b) Disrespectfully
- a) Newspaper delivery boy
- b) Taught him the value of hard work and integrity
- c) Importance of inner self and spirituality
- b) Simple but full of harmony and happiness
- c) His teacher
- a) The onset of World War II
- b) Science
- c) They separated reluctantly
- b) Curiosity
- c) Boats
- c) By maintaining peace and unity
- b) All religions fundamentally teach the same principles
- c) The value of simplicity, hard work, and self-discipline