Class 9 English Notes Chapter 6 (My Childhood) – Beehive English Text Book Book

Alright class, let's delve into Chapter 6, 'My Childhood'. This is a particularly inspiring chapter as it's an excerpt from the autobiography of one of India's most respected figures, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It gives us a glimpse into the formative years that shaped the 'Missile Man' of India. For your government exam preparation, pay close attention to the details, themes, and characters.

Chapter 6: My Childhood - Detailed Notes

(Excerpt from 'Wings of Fire' by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

1. Introduction:
This chapter focuses on Abdul Kalam's childhood in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, during the 1930s. It highlights the simplicity of his upbringing, the strong values instilled by his family, the influence of his friends and teachers, and the atmosphere of communal harmony that existed in his town despite societal divisions elsewhere.

2. Setting:

• Place: Rameswaram, an island town in Tamil Nadu, famous for its Shiva temple.
• Time: Pre-independence India, specifically mentioning the period around World War II (1939-1945).
• Atmosphere: Generally peaceful, marked by communal harmony, though instances of social rigidity are present.

3. Key Characters:

• A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The narrator, recalling his childhood. Portrayed as curious, hardworking, sensitive, and respectful. He grew up in a secure environment, absorbing values of honesty, self-discipline, and kindness.
• Jainulabdeen: Kalam's father. Possessed great innate wisdom and true generosity of spirit, despite having little formal education or wealth. He was austere, disciplined, secular, and avoided non-essential comforts but provided for all necessities.
• Ashiamma: Kalam's mother. Kind, generous, and deeply religious. Known for feeding numerous outsiders daily along with her own family. She was an ideal support to her husband.
• Ahmed Jallaluddin: Kalam's brother-in-law (married to his elder sister Zohara) and a close friend. About 15 years older than Kalam. He encouraged Kalam's curiosity, discussed spiritual matters, and introduced him to the world beyond Rameswaram.
• Samsuddin: Kalam's cousin. Helped Kalam earn his first wages by employing him to catch newspaper bundles thrown from the moving train during the suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram during World War II.
• Ramanadha Sastry: Kalam's close childhood friend. Son of Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the high priest of the Rameswaram temple. Later took over the priesthood. Sat with Kalam on the front bench until separated by a new teacher.
• Aravindan: Another close friend. Went into the business of arranging transport for visiting pilgrims.
• Sivaprakasan: The third close friend. Became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.
• Lakshmana Sastry: Ramanadha Sastry's father, the high priest. A respected figure who strongly believed in communal harmony. He reprimanded the new teacher for spreading communal poison.
• Sivasubramania Iyer: Kalam's science teacher. An orthodox Brahmin with a conservative wife, but he was a rebel who worked hard to break social barriers. He invited Kalam home for a meal, encouraged him, and significantly influenced his future academic path. He told Kalam, "Kalam, I want you to develop so that you are on par with the highly educated people of the big cities."
• The New Teacher: Represented social rigidity and religious discrimination. Tried to enforce segregation in the classroom by asking Kalam to sit on the back bench. Was sternly corrected by Lakshmana Sastry.

4. Summary of Key Events and Insights:

• Family Background: Kalam was born into a middle-class Tamil Muslim family. His parents were respected figures, embodying simplicity, honesty, and generosity. His childhood was materially and emotionally secure.
• Inherited Traits: Kalam believed he inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother.
• Communal Harmony: Rameswaram was a place where Hindus and Muslims lived together amicably. Kalam's family participated in Hindu festivals (like Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony), and his mother told him stories from the Ramayana. His best friends were orthodox Brahmins.
• Impact of World War II: The war brought changes. Tamarind seeds gained demand, which Kalam collected and sold. The suspension of the train halt led to Kalam earning his first wages by helping Samsuddin distribute newspapers, giving him a sense of pride.
• Classroom Incident: A new teacher, influenced by notions of social ranking based on religion, couldn't tolerate a Muslim boy sitting with the Brahmin priest's son. He asked Kalam to move to the back bench. This hurt both Kalam and Ramanadha Sastry.
• Lakshmana Sastry's Intervention: When informed, Lakshmana Sastry summoned the teacher and firmly told him not to spread communal intolerance and social inequality among children. He demanded the teacher either apologize or leave the school. The teacher regretted his actions, reformed himself. This incident left a strong impression on Kalam about standing up against injustice.
• Influence of Sivasubramania Iyer: His science teacher played a crucial role. He spent hours with Kalam, encouraged his interest in science, and wanted him to achieve great things.
• Breaking Social Barriers (Teacher's Home): Sivasubramania Iyer invited Kalam for a meal. His conservative wife refused to serve a Muslim boy in her 'ritually pure' kitchen. Iyer, unperturbed, served Kalam himself and sat beside him to eat. The next time Kalam visited, the wife served him herself, showing a change of heart. This taught Kalam that persistence can change attitudes.
• Decision for Higher Studies: When Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram for higher studies in Ramanathapuram, his father readily agreed, quoting Khalil Gibran (though not by name) to Kalam's hesitant mother: "Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself... You may give them your love but not your thoughts. For they have their own thoughts." This reflects his wisdom and understanding.

5. Major Themes:

• Communal Harmony and Secularism: The chapter strongly portrays the peaceful co-existence of different religious communities in Rameswaram, exemplified by Kalam's friendships and his family's interactions.
• Social Equality vs. Inequality: It contrasts the inherent harmony with instances of social rigidity (the new teacher, Iyer's wife initially) and highlights the importance of challenging such divisions (Lakshmana Sastry, Sivasubramania Iyer).
• Influence of Elders: The profound impact of parents (values, support), teachers (guidance, breaking barriers), and friends (companionship, encouragement) on shaping a child's personality and future.
• Importance of Education and Ambition: Kalam's innate curiosity was nurtured by his teachers and family, leading him to pursue higher education beyond his hometown.
• Hard Work and Self-Reliance: Kalam's first earnings instilled a sense of pride and demonstrated the value of hard work from a young age.
• Innocence and Experiences of Childhood: The chapter captures the security, curiosity, and formative experiences of childhood that leave a lasting impact.

6. Key Quotes/Ideas for Exam Focus:

• Kalam's description of his parents' qualities.
• The incident with the new teacher and Lakshmana Sastry's reaction.
• Sivasubramania Iyer's actions to break social barriers and his words of encouragement.
• Kalam's father's words on letting children pursue their own paths (quoting Khalil Gibran).
• The description of communal harmony in Rameswaram.
• Kalam's first earnings and the feeling it generated.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Where did Abdul Kalam spend his childhood?
   a) Chennai
   b) Ramanathapuram
   c) Rameswaram
   d) Madurai

2. What quality did Kalam say he inherited from his mother, Ashiamma?
   a) Honesty and Self-discipline
   b) Faith in goodness and deep kindness
   c) Innate wisdom and generosity
   d) Austerity and practicality

3. Who was Kalam's close friend, the son of the high priest of the Rameswaram temple?
   a) Aravindan
   b) Sivaprakasan
   c) Samsuddin
   d) Ramanadha Sastry

4. How did Kalam earn his 'first wages'?
   a) By selling tamarind seeds
   b) By helping his cousin Samsuddin distribute newspapers
   c) By working in his father's shop
   d) By collecting seashells

5. Which event during World War II directly impacted newspaper distribution in Rameswaram?
   a) Bombing raids
   b) Suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station
   c) Rationing of paper
   d) Imposition of curfew

6. Who reprimanded the new teacher for spreading communal intolerance in the classroom?
   a) Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen
   b) Kalam's science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer
   c) The headmaster of the school
   d) Ramanadha Sastry's father, Lakshmana Sastry

7. Which teacher played a significant role in breaking social barriers by inviting Kalam home for a meal?
   a) The new teacher
   b) Lakshmana Sastry
   c) Sivasubramania Iyer
   d) Ahmed Jallaluddin

8. What did Kalam's father say when Kalam sought permission to study in Ramanathapuram, quoting Khalil Gibran?
   a) That children should always obey their parents.
   b) That children need guidance but ultimately have their own thoughts and paths.
   c) That education away from home was too expensive.
   d) That Rameswaram offered sufficient opportunities.

9. The chapter 'My Childhood' primarily highlights the theme of:
   a) The struggles of poverty
   b) The importance of scientific invention
   c) Communal harmony and formative influences
   d) Political movements during pre-independence

10. What did Sivasubramania Iyer's wife initially do when Kalam was invited for a meal?
    a) She welcomed him warmly.
    b) She refused to serve him in her kitchen.
    c) She cooked a special meal for him.
    d) She asked her husband not to invite him again.

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. c) Rameswaram
2. b) Faith in goodness and deep kindness
3. d) Ramanadha Sastry
4. b) By helping his cousin Samsuddin distribute newspapers
5. b) Suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station
6. d) Ramanadha Sastry's father, Lakshmana Sastry
7. c) Sivasubramania Iyer
8. b) That children need guidance but ultimately have their own thoughts and paths.
9. c) Communal harmony and formative influences
10. b) She refused to serve him in her kitchen.

Remember to read the text thoroughly. These notes cover the essential points, but understanding the nuances comes from engaging directly with Kalam's words. Good luck with your preparation!