📘 MY CHILDHOOD
By Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | CBSE Class 9 Beehive
✅ 1–40: Short Question-Answers (2–3 lines each, with colorful bullets)
- Who is the author of “My Childhood”?
🔵 The author is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and a great scientist. - Where was Abdul Kalam born?
🟢 He was born in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu. - What was Kalam’s father’s name?
🟡 His father’s name was Jainulabdeen, a simple and devout man. - What kind of person was Kalam’s mother?
🔴 Ashiamma, his mother, was a kind-hearted and generous woman. - How many siblings did Kalam have?
🔵 He had three brothers and one sister. - What was the name of Kalam’s ancestral house?
🟣 It was named “House of Kalam.” - What did Kalam’s father do for a living?
🟢 He was not formally educated but was a wise man and supported many people with spiritual guidance. - What did Kalam’s family provide to pilgrims?
🟡 His family provided free food to many poor pilgrims. - How was Kalam’s early life?
🔴 It was simple but full of love, discipline, and strong values. - What religious atmosphere did he grow up in?
🔵 He grew up in a multi-religious and tolerant environment. - Which friend of Kalam was a Hindu priest’s son?
🟣 His close friend was Ramanadha Sastry, son of the head priest of Rameswaram temple. - Who were his other two childhood friends?
🟢 Aravindan and Sivaprakasan, both were also Hindu boys. - How was communal harmony reflected in their friendship?
🟡 Despite religious differences, they shared strong bonds of respect and unity. - What did the new teacher do that shocked Kalam?
🔴 The teacher told Kalam to sit at the back for being a Muslim sitting next to a Brahmin boy. - How did Ramanadha Sastry react to this discrimination?
🔵 He cried, and both boys were hurt by the incident. - How did Ramanadha Sastry’s father react?
🟣 He scolded the teacher and promoted communal harmony. - What lesson did Kalam learn from this incident?
🟢 He realised that discrimination is taught, not natural. - Who encouraged Kalam’s education despite religion and poverty?
🟡 His science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer. - What did the teacher’s wife initially refuse?
🔴 She refused to let Kalam eat in their house because of religious prejudice. - What changed her mindset later?
🔵 Seeing her husband’s firm beliefs, she later welcomed Kalam warmly. - What did Iyer do to support Kalam’s dreams?
🟣 He motivated him to pursue higher education and aim high. - Where did Kalam go for higher studies?
🟢 He went to Ramanathapuram for further education. - What values did Kalam learn from his father?
🟡 Honesty, self-discipline, and faith in goodness and prayer. - How did Kalam’s upbringing shape his views?
🔴 It gave him respect for all religions and deep moral values. - What kind of childhood did Kalam have?
🔵 A disciplined, respectful, and spiritually rich one. - What is the message of the story?
🟣 It promotes secularism, tolerance, and the power of dreams. - What profession did Kalam’s teacher belong to?
🟢 He was a science teacher in the local school. - What did Kalam say about his father’s wisdom?
🟡 Though uneducated, he had great inner strength and spiritual depth. - What food habit is mentioned in the story?
🔴 Kalam mentions eating with his mother, sitting on the kitchen floor. - What made Kalam’s family respected in Rameswaram?
🔵 Their hospitality, piety, and kindness. - What kind of school did Kalam attend?
🟣 A local school in Rameswaram with students from different religions. - How did Kalam earn his first wages?
🟢 He helped his cousin distribute newspapers during World War II. - Why was there a demand for newspapers during the war?
🟡 Because train services were disrupted, and updates became valuable. - What did Kalam learn from working early?
🔴 He learned self-reliance and responsibility. - How did Kalam’s teachers influence him?
🔵 They inspired him to think big and break barriers. - What did Kalam say about Sivasubramania Iyer?
🟣 He was a visionary who believed in equality. - What is the tone of the lesson?
🟢 It is reflective, inspiring, and emotionally rich. - What social issues are raised in the story?
🟡 Religious discrimination, casteism, and importance of secularism. - How did Kalam view religion?
🔴 As a way of life, not a reason for division. - Why is Kalam’s childhood called “ideal”?
🔵 Because it was filled with values, harmony, love, and aspirations.
✅ 41–45: Long Answer Questions (100–120 words each)
41. What picture of Abdul Kalam’s family do you get from “My Childhood”?
🟦 Kalam’s family was a symbol of simplicity, generosity, and strong moral values. His father, though uneducated, was wise and respected. His mother was kind and cooked meals for many guests. They lived a modest life in Rameswaram, yet they were spiritually rich. The family practiced Islam, but they respected all religions and helped everyone, irrespective of caste or creed. The children were brought up in an environment of discipline, faith, and kindness. Kalam’s upbringing laid a strong moral foundation and shaped him into the inspiring personality he became. His family taught him the essence of secularism and human values.
42. How did Abdul Kalam overcome religious discrimination in his life?
🟩 Kalam faced religious discrimination at school when he was asked to sit separately for being a Muslim. This deeply hurt him and his friend Ramanadha Sastry. However, the strong reaction from Ramanadha’s father helped correct the teacher. Later, Kalam also faced hesitation from his science teacher’s wife due to his religion, but his teacher stood by his principles and welcomed him. Over time, her attitude changed too. These incidents did not make Kalam bitter; rather, they made him stronger and more determined. He realised that discrimination can be challenged through courage, education, and setting an example of harmony.
43. What values did Abdul Kalam learn during his childhood?
🟥 Abdul Kalam’s childhood was filled with lessons in honesty, respect, tolerance, and self-discipline. From his father, he learned simplicity, devotion, and how to remain calm and generous in all situations. His mother’s compassion taught him kindness. Through his friendships with Hindu boys, he learned the importance of unity across religions. His teacher encouraged him to dream big and taught him the value of perseverance and equality. These values helped Kalam stay grounded even as he rose to great heights. His childhood played a crucial role in shaping his identity as a leader who believed in peace and progress.
44. What kind of atmosphere did Kalam experience in Rameswaram?
🟨 Rameswaram was a small town with a strong religious and spiritual culture. The people lived in peace, regardless of their religion. Kalam’s home was open to all—Hindu pilgrims often stayed there. His friends belonged to different faiths, but they studied, played, and shared life together without conflict. The town valued spiritual depth, honesty, and respect for one another. Discrimination was rare and often corrected by elders. Kalam’s town nurtured love, tolerance, and unity, forming the perfect environment for a future visionary to grow. This atmosphere taught him that India’s strength lies in its diversity and harmony.
45. How did Kalam’s teacher Sivasubramania Iyer influence him?
🟧 Sivasubramania Iyer played a major role in shaping Kalam’s future. He was not just a science teacher but also a forward-thinking mentor. He believed that a person’s religion or caste should not affect relationships or learning. Even when his wife refused to serve food to Kalam, Iyer made sure Kalam felt respected and invited him again. He encouraged Kalam to dream big, go for higher education, and break all societal barriers. His belief in equality, knowledge, and secularism left a lasting impression on Kalam. He taught by example, showing that change begins with courageous and consistent actions.
✅ 46–50: Value-Based Questions
46. What can we learn from Kalam’s response to discrimination?
🟩 We learn that instead of reacting with anger, we can respond with dignity and courage. Kalam never allowed discrimination to define him.
47. Why is communal harmony important in society?
🟦 Communal harmony creates peace, unity, and respect. Kalam’s childhood shows that friendship across religions strengthens society.
48. How can teachers shape a child’s future?
🟥 Teachers like Iyer inspire students beyond academics. They build confidence, break barriers, and open doors to great possibilities.
49. What does Kalam’s life teach young students?
🟨 His life teaches us to stay humble, curious, respectful, and determined. Dreams are achievable through hard work and values.
50. How should one react when faced with social bias?
🟧 We should stay calm, firm, and lead by example. Like Kalam, we can overcome prejudice with education, wisdom, and inner strength.