Page 19 - MODULE- MY CHILDHOOD

SivasubramaniaIyer changed his wife‘s attitude when he invited Kalam
for a meal to his house. Hence, in this way differences can be resolved
and people‘s attitudes can be changed.

2. (i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
Ansi) Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram and go to
Ramanathapuram for higher studies.

(ii) What did his father say to this?
Ansii) His father said that he knew Kalam had to leave home as he had
to fulfil his dreams. He gave the example of the Seagull bird which flies
endlessly over long distances and without a nest. He pacified Kalam‘s
mother by quoting a few lines from the poem ‗Your children‘ by Khalil
Gibran. He said that her children were not her possession but were life‘s
desire for itself. She should not impose her thoughts on them but should
allow them to fulfil their thoughts.

(iii) What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke
those words?
Ansiii) He spoke these words because it was time for Kalam to hone his
skills. He knew the harsh reality of life that children may have to live far
from their parents to make their career and earn their livelihood. Kalam‘s
father wanted him to pursue higher studies and so, allowed him to go to
Ramanathapuram. He explained to Kalam‘s mother to allow him to go
and pursue higher education. So, he showed his wisdom and
intelligence in uttering these words.