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My Childhood Summary: Recalling Childhood Memories

English

Summary

My Childhood Summary

Reviewed by:

Aiswarya Ittianath

About the Story

The plot of my childhood summary Class 9 the famous biography “Wings Of Fire” of the renowned Indian figure Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. My childhood story starts with a few instances describing Kalam’s childhood. He had a long and tough journey till he became a famous scientist and consequently the “Missile Man Of India”. The way Kalam has been brought up in a very simple family with high values. Kalam talks about his family, siblings, and friends, who played an important role in reshaping his life and helping him become who he wanted to be.

Summary of My Childhood in 100 to 200 Words

My Childhood is about Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s early years, growing up in a middle-class Muslim family in Rameswaram. He had three brothers and one sister, and his childhood was filled with love, strong moral values, and the guidance of his parents. Though his parents were not educated or wealthy, they were hardworking and taught their children the importance of honesty, discipline, and following their dreams. My Childhood summary highlights how Kalam’s upbringing shaped his character and inspired him to achieve greatness.

Kalam’s family believed in secularism and equality, celebrating both Muslim and Hindu festivals. They treated all religions with respect, showing an open-minded attitude. Kalam had close friends from different cultural backgrounds, and they supported each other without any discrimination.

One memorable event from My Childhood summary occurred in 5th grade, when a new teacher tried to separate Kalam from his Hindu friend, Ramanandha. The teacher’s actions were challenged by Ramanandha’s father, who demanded an apology. This incident taught Kalam about the importance of equality and standing up for what is right.

Another significant moment was when Kalam was invited for dinner by his science teacher. Despite initial hesitation, the teacher’s wife gradually overcame her religious prejudices, which made Kalam realise the power of kindness and change.

Kalam’s childhood experiences shaped his values and inspired him to follow his dreams.

Very Short Summary of My Childhood

My Childhood Summary is about APJ Abdul Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram. He grew up in a simple but loving family and learned important values like honesty and discipline. His experiences with friends and teachers taught him about equality and following his dreams.

Discrimination in Childhood

In My Childhood summary, when Kalam was in 5th grade, he and his friend Ramanandha, whose father was a Hindu priest, enjoyed sitting together. However, a new teacher moved Kalam to the backbench because of their friendship. Both children were upset, and Ramanandha's father confronted the teacher. The teacher apologized, and this incident stayed with Kalam, teaching him about social inequality.

Teacher’s Effort to Break Barriers

In My Childhood summary, Kalam's science teacher, who was a high-caste Brahmin, invited him to dinner. His wife was hesitant to serve Kalam due to caste differences, but the teacher sat with Kalam and served him himself. Over time, the wife’s attitude changed, showing how kindness can break barriers.

Kalam’s Family Values

Kalam’s parents were simple and generous, teaching him important values like honesty and discipline. They believed in treating everyone equally, no matter their religion or background.

Friendship Beyond Religion

Kalam’s friends, like Ramanadha, came from different religions, but they never discriminated. Their friendship was built on love and respect, showing that kindness can bring people together.

Kalam’s First Earnings

At the age of 8, Kalam earned his first money by collecting and selling tamarind seeds during World War II.

Also Check:

Description of Characters by the Author

Prof. Abdul Kalam's childhood and early years	Prof. Abdul Kalam's childhood is described in this lesson. He is regarded as one of the world's most brilliant scientists. Jainulabdeen was his father's name. Ashiamma was his mother's name. In Rameswaram, he was born in 1931. His parents were neither wealthy nor well-educated. They were, nevertheless, quite generous and courteous. Every day, many outsiders ate with the family.
His house and family	Abdul Kalam had three brothers and one sister. They lived in a house that belonged to their ancestors. It was a substantial pucca house. It was on the Mosque Street of Rameswaram.
His first monetary gain	When World War II broke out in 1939, Abdul Kalam was only eight years old. Tamarind seeds were in high demand all of a sudden. Abdul Kalam would gather and sell these seeds in the market. Samsuddin, his cousin, was a newspaper distributor. Abdul Kalam was brought in to assist him. Abdul earned his first wages in this manner.
The casteist behaviour of a new instructor	His parents, friends and instructors heavily impacted Abdul Kalam. At Rameswaram Elementary School, he was in the fifth grade. The class welcomed a new teacher. In the front row, Abdul was seated with his close buddy Ramanadha Sastry. The new teacher couldn't stand the sight of a Hindu priest's son sitting next to a Muslim student. He moved Abdul to the last seat on the rear bench.
The impact of the teacher's actions	He, like Ramanadha Sastry, was depressed. As he approached the last row, Abdul spotted Sastry crying. This incident left an indelible impression on Abdul. Later, Ramanadha Sastry's father's teacher summoned the teacher and requested him not to spread the poison of social isolation among the youngsters. The teacher felt bad about it as well.
His science teacher's anti-casteist action	Sivasubramania Iyer, Abdul's science teacher, was a high-caste Brahmin. His wife was a staunch believer in conservatism. However, he tried his hardest to break through societal barriers. Once, he invited Abdul for lunch at his house. In her kitchen, his wife refused to serve Abdul. Then Sivasubramania served Abdul on his own. He took a seat next to him and began eating his lunch. Abdul was invited back the next weekend by the teacher. This time, Abdul was taken inside the kitchen and served food by his wife.
Abdul's human value heritage	Abdul learned honesty and self-discipline from his father. He requested permission from his father to study at Ramanathapuram. His father permitted him to do so. He comforted his wife, who had become upset.
Abdul Kalam's father's words of comfort to Kalam's mother	The Persian philosopher Khalil Gibran was mentioned by Abdul Kalam's father. He informed her that the children she was caring for were not hers. They were the offspring of life's need for itself. They didn't come from her; they came through her. She might express her love for them. Their thoughts, on the other hand, were their own.

Conclusion

Class 9 English, My Childhood focuses on Kalam's determination and how his life changed while he undergoes different encounters in his childhood. A relationship between mentor and disciple is also portrayed beautifully in My Childhood by APJ Abdul Kalam.

FAQs on My Childhood Summary: Recalling Childhood Memories

1. Did Abdul's friends treat him differently because of religion?

Never! His closest friends Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan belonged to the traditional Hindu Brahmin households. But they never discriminated against each other because of their religion or caste.

2. What did Kalam's father quote to his wife to comfort her?

Abdul Kalam's father quoted the Persian philosopher Khalil Gibran. He comforted her by saying that the children she was caring for were not hers. They were the offspring of life's need for itself. They didn't come from her; they came through her. She might express her love for them. Their thoughts, on the other hand, were their own.

3. What Were Some Values Which Were Thoroughly Practised in Kalam’s House?

Kalam’s parents were not educated but had high moral values and qualities of self-discipline and honesty. Also, his entire family believed in secularism and was strictly against social inequality or racism. Thus, the entire chapter focuses on secularism and victory over racism through the values that APJ Abdul Kalam learned in his childhood. It highlights some instances from his childhood that depicts the special bond Kalam shared with his parents, friends, and teachers.

4. What Kind of Person was Kalam’s Father?

Kalam’s father was a very simple man with high values. He prioritized the necessities of his family over anything else. He loved his children immensely and never forced his decisions for their future. He was a great man who instilled perfect values in Kalam and made him great.

5. What is the summary of My Childhood in 100 words?

The summary of My Childhood in 100 words highlights Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram. Born into a middle-class Muslim family, he had three brothers and one sister. His parents, though not educated or rich, instilled strong values of honesty, discipline, and secularism. He had friends from different religions, and they never discriminated against each other. One key event was when a teacher tried to separate him from his Hindu friend, but the boy’s father opposed this. Another moment was when his science teacher’s wife hesitated to serve him food but later changed. These experiences shaped Kalam’s views on equality.

6. What is a very short summary of My Childhood?

The very short summary of My Childhood explains that Kalam grew up in a simple yet value-driven household in Rameswaram. His friendships, experiences with discrimination, and strong parental influence taught him the importance of honesty, secularism, and perseverance. These lessons guided him in his journey to success.

7. What lesson did Kalam learn from his science teacher?

Kalam’s science teacher was a high-caste Brahmin, but he believed in equality. He invited Kalam for dinner, but his wife was hesitant to serve him due to caste differences. However, the teacher himself served Kalam and sat beside him. Over time, his wife’s attitude changed, showing Kalam how kindness and respect can break social barriers.

8. How did Kalam earn his first income in his childhood?

During World War II, there was a sudden demand for tamarind seeds. Kalam, who was just eight years old, collected and sold these seeds to earn money. Later, he helped his cousin distribute newspapers, which gave him his first income and taught him the value of hard work and independence.

9. What does My Childhood short summary focus on?

My Childhood short summary highlights Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram, his family’s moral values, and his friendships. It also covers the challenges he faced, like discrimination, and how he overcame them with determination and kindness. His childhood experiences played a vital role in shaping his future.

10. Why did Kalam’s parents encourage him to follow his dreams?

Despite being from a middle-class family, Kalam’s parents never forced their decisions on him. His father believed that every child had their own path and they must be allowed to follow their dreams. This belief gave Kalam the freedom to pursue his passion for science and become a great scientist.

11. What makes My Childhood an inspiring story?

My Childhood summary is inspiring because it teaches valuable lessons on secularism, equality, and perseverance. Kalam’s struggles, friendships, and the support of his family and teachers helped him grow into a successful scientist and a beloved leader. His story motivates students to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.