NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 6 My Childhood
- Where was Abdul Kalam born?
Abdul Kalam was born in Rameswaram, in the erstwhile Madras State. - What was Abdul Kalam’s father’s name?
His father’s name was Jainulabdeen. - What qualities did Kalam inherit from his father?
He inherited honesty and self-discipline. - Who influenced Kalam the most during his childhood?
His parents and teachers, especially Sivasubramania Iyer. - What was Kalam’s first job as a child?
He collected tamarind seeds and later helped distribute newspapers. - How much did Kalam earn from selling tamarind seeds?
He earned one anna per day. - What kind of house did Abdul Kalam live in?
He lived in a pucca house made of limestone and brick. - Who were Kalam’s close childhood friends?
Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. - What incident with a teacher left a lasting impression on Kalam?
A teacher asked him to sit at the back because of his religion. - How did Lakshmana Sastry react to the teacher’s discrimination?
He asked the teacher to either apologize or leave the school. - What profession did Ramanadha Sastry take up later?
He became the high priest of the Rameswaram temple. - Why did Sivasubramania Iyer invite Kalam to his house?
To break social barriers and encourage equality. - How did Sivasubramania Iyer handle his wife’s objection to Kalam dining in their home?
He served Kalam himself and later convinced his wife to serve him. - What were the bedtime stories in Kalam’s family based on?
Stories from the Ramayana and the life of the Prophet. - What event marked a major change in Kalam’s early life?
He left Rameswaram to study in Ramanathapuram. - What did Kalam’s father say about his decision to leave Rameswaram?
He quoted Khalil Gibran, saying children have their own thoughts and paths. - Which teacher influenced Kalam’s interest in flight?
Sivasubramania Iyer, who explained how birds fly. - What did Kalam’s science teacher aspire for him?
To be on par with highly educated people from big cities. - What societal norms did Kalam face in Rameswaram?
Rigid social group segregation. - How did Kalam earn his first wages?
By helping his cousin distribute newspapers. - What was the impact of the Second World War on Rameswaram?
It led to the suspension of the train halt, affecting local businesses.