Page 1 - MY CHILDHOOD-LN1

SAI International School

Class IX English
Chapter: My Childhood

Lesson Notes

Title:
Abdul Kalam talks about his childhood in this autobiographical account. In particular, he talks about some
incidents that left an indelible impression on his young mind. He describes, his house, his childhood
experiences and his childhood friends. Therefore the title “My Childhood” is most apt.

Theme

The theme of “My childhood” is that our life is shaped by our experiences and people around us. Kalam’s
secure childhood, inspiring parents , supportive friends and honest teachers instilled great values in him
that gave him ‘wings of Fire’.

Message

My childhood gives the message that tolerance, acceptance, broadmindedness and brotherhood are
essential for an all- round growth. In order to reform social systems that are infected by prejudices of caste
and status, one must be ready to confront obstacles without losing one’s coo. Mutual trust and ease of
communication resolves all the hindrances

SUMMARY

“My Childhood” is an extract taken from the autobiographical book, ‘Wings of Fire’ by A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.
Here Dr. Kalam who is one of the greatest scientists of India and also the 14th President of India gives an
account of his childhood days. His journey from a middle-class family in Rameswaram to the President’s
house has not been a soomth ride. He worked hard and faced all the challenges of life. This great scientist
and the missile man of India was born in a middle class Muslim family in 1931 in the island town of
Rameswaram, Tamilnadu. In his childhood he was greatly influenced by his parents, his teachers and his
friends. His father, Jainulabdeen, was not much educated but he was very generous and kind person. He
was not rich but provided a secure childhood to Abdul and his brothers and sisters. Abdul inherited honesty
and self -discipline from his father and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother.
Kalam earned his first wages by working as a helping hand to his cousin, Samsuddin, who distributed
newspapers in Rameswaram.
In his childhood he had three close friends- Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindam and Sivaprakashan. Once when
he was in fifth standard, a new teacher asked him not to sit in the front row along with the high caste
Brahmin boys. Abdul found Ramanadha Sastry weeping as he went to the last row. This made a lasting
impression on Abdul.
Abdul was also greatly influenced by his science teacher, SivasubramaniaIyer. He learnt the lesson of
breaking social barriers from him. Iyer invited him to his home for a meal. His wife was an orthodox
Brahmin who refused to serve food to a Muslim boy in her so called ritually pure kitchen. Iyer served him