Chapter 6: My Childhood

Additional Questions and Answers

Q1. Why is the chapter titled My Childhood?

Answer: The chapter is titled My Childhood because it describes the childhood experiences of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, his family, education, friendships and the values that shaped his personality.

Q2. Describe the family background of Abdul Kalam.

Answer: Abdul Kalam was born into a middle-class Muslim family in Rameswaram. His parents were simple, honest and deeply religious. Though they were not wealthy, they always taught him discipline, kindness and hard work.

Q3. Why was Abdul Kalam's father respected in the society?

Answer: Abdul Kalam's father was respected because he was honest, wise, generous and spiritually strong. People admired him for his simplicity and good character.

Q4. How did the Second World War affect Abdul Kalam's life?

Answer: During the Second World War, train services changed and newspaper bundles were thrown from moving trains. Abdul Kalam helped his cousin Shamsuddin collect and distribute them, earning his first wages.

Q5. Who influenced Abdul Kalam's life the most?

Answer: His parents, cousin Shamsuddin, Ahmed Jalaluddin, Lakshmana Sastry and his teacher Sivasubramania Iyer greatly influenced his thinking and character.

Q6. How did Abdul Kalam and his friends promote communal harmony?

Answer: Although they belonged to different religions, Abdul Kalam and his friends lived together happily. They respected each other's beliefs and never allowed religion to affect their friendship.

Q7. What lesson did Abdul Kalam learn from Lakshmana Sastry?

Answer: He learned that discrimination based on religion or caste is wrong and that everyone deserves equal respect and dignity.

Q8. How did Sivasubramania Iyer help Abdul Kalam?

Answer: Sivasubramania Iyer encouraged Abdul Kalam to overcome social barriers and inspired him to dream big. He believed education could remove prejudice and change society.

Q9. Why did Sivasubramania Iyer invite Abdul Kalam to his house?

Answer: He invited Abdul Kalam to show that social and religious discrimination should be removed. Though his wife first refused to serve Kalam, she later accepted him with respect.

Q10. What message did Abdul Kalam's father give before sending him away?

Answer: His father advised him to follow his dreams without fear. He said that parents cannot keep their children with them forever because every child has his own future.

Q11. What values did Abdul Kalam inherit from his parents?

Answer: He inherited honesty, simplicity, self-discipline, kindness, generosity, faith in God and respect for all religions.

Q12. Why is Abdul Kalam considered an inspiration for students?

Answer: Abdul Kalam's life shows that determination, hard work, discipline and education can help a person achieve great success despite a humble background.

Q13. What is the central theme of the chapter?

Answer: The chapter highlights the importance of communal harmony, equality, education, discipline, hard work and moral values in shaping a successful life.

Q14. What moral lesson do we learn from this chapter?

Answer: We learn that honesty, perseverance, respect for others and determination are the true foundations of success. Religious harmony and good values make society stronger.

Q15. Why is My Childhood an inspiring lesson?

Answer: It is inspiring because it shows how a simple boy from a modest family became one of India's greatest scientists and the President through hard work, dedication and strong values.