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My Childhood Summary

My Childhood Summary: Key Lessons from APJ Abdul Kalam’s Early Years

Reviewed by:

Aiswarya Ittianath

What APJ Abdul Kalam’s Childhood Teaches Us About Values and Success

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.

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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: Key Lessons from APJ Abdul Kalam’s Early Years

1. What were the core family values that shaped APJ Abdul Kalam's character in 'My Childhood'?

APJ Abdul Kalam grew up in a family that instilled strong moral values. The key values were:

Honesty and Self-Discipline: His parents, Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma, were models of simplicity and discipline.
Secularism: Despite being a Muslim family, they respected all religions and lived harmoniously in a multi-religious society.
Generosity and Kindness: His mother was known for feeding many outsiders every day, teaching him the value of sharing.
Freedom of Thought: His father believed in letting his children follow their own paths, encouraging Kalam's ambition to study away from home.

2. Who were APJ Abdul Kalam's closest childhood friends, and what did their friendship represent?

Kalam’s three closest friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. All three came from orthodox Hindu Brahmin families. Their friendship represented the deep cultural harmony and secular fabric of Rameswaram. It shows that differences in religious backgrounds were irrelevant to their bond, which was based on genuine affection and respect, transcending social and religious divides.

3. What were the two significant instances of social discrimination Kalam faced in his childhood?

The two main instances of discrimination described in the chapter are:

The Classroom Incident: A new teacher, unable to tolerate a Muslim boy sitting with a Hindu priest's son, ordered Kalam to move to the back bench.
The Dinner Incident: His science teacher's wife, due to her orthodox beliefs, initially refused to serve Kalam in her kitchen.

Both incidents highlight the social inequalities prevalent at the time.

4. How did Kalam's science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, challenge social barriers?

Sivasubramania Iyer, though an orthodox Brahmin, was a rebel who actively worked to break social barriers. When his wife refused to serve Kalam in her kitchen, he did not get angry. Instead, he served Kalam with his own hands and sat beside him to eat. He also invited Kalam again, proving his point that change is possible. This act taught Kalam a powerful lesson in confronting prejudice with quiet determination and kindness.

5. Why is the incident with the new school teacher important in the story 'My Childhood'?

This incident is important because it was Kalam’s first direct exposure to religious prejudice. It highlights how social poison can be spread even by educators. However, the strong reaction from Ramanadha Sastry’s father, who was the high priest, is even more significant. By demanding the teacher either apologise or leave, he reinforced the lesson that one must confront injustice and not silently accept it. It shaped Kalam's understanding of social equality.

6. How does the chapter explain the difference between what Kalam's father provided for the family versus his own ambitions?

The chapter explains that Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen, provided a materially and emotionally secure childhood. He ensured all basic necessities like food, medicine, and clothing were available. However, he was not wealthy and could not provide luxuries. He understood that his children's ambitions, like Kalam's desire to study in a bigger city, were their own. He supported these ambitions emotionally, believing that children have their own thoughts and paths to follow, rather than imposing his own will.

7. What is the significance of the quote from Khalil Gibran that Kalam's father used?

When Kalam's mother was hesitant about him leaving for further studies, his father quoted Khalil Gibran, saying, "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." The significance of this quote lies in its profound message about parenting and freedom. It shows that a parent's role is to be a facilitator, not an owner, of their child's destiny, and that children must be allowed to grow and pursue their own dreams.

8. How did Kalam earn his first wages, and what does this event teach about his character?

Kalam earned his first wages during World War II by helping his cousin, Samsuddin, distribute newspapers in Rameswaram. The train halt at Rameswaram was suspended, so bundles of newspapers had to be thrown out from the moving train. Kalam was employed to catch these bundles. This event shows his early sense of responsibility, industriousness, and pride in earning his own money, even at a young age.

9. What is the central message or importance of the chapter 'My Childhood' for a student?

The central message of 'My Childhood' is that a person's character is shaped by their upbringing, values, and experiences, not their religion or financial status. The chapter highlights the importance of secularism, perseverance, and courage to stand up against social evils. For a student, it teaches that with a supportive family, inspiring teachers, and strong personal values, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams.