6 My Childhood
I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.
1. Where was Abdul Kalam's house?
Answer: Abdul Kalam's house was on Mosque Street in Rameswaram, in the erstwhile Madras State.
2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer: Dinamani is likely the name of a newspaper. The reason is that Abdul Kalam mentions trying to trace the stories his brother-in-law told him about the war in the headlines of Dinamani.
3. Who were Abdul Kalam's school friends? What did they later become?
Answer: Abdul Kalam's school friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. Ramanadha Sastry became the priest of the Rameswaram temple, Aravindan started a business arranging transport for pilgrims, and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.
4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
Answer: Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin Samsuddin distribute newspapers. He was tasked with catching the newspaper bundles thrown from the moving train.
5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
Answer: Yes, before earning his first wages, Abdul Kalam made money by collecting and selling tamarind seeds to a provision shop. He earned one anna for a day's collection.
II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words)
1. How does the author describe:
(i) his father
(ii) his mother
(iii) himsell?
Answer: (i) His father: The author describes his father as a man with limited formal education and wealth, but with great innate wisdom and a generous spirit. He was disciplined and avoided unnecessary comforts.
(ii) His mother: The author portrays his mother as a kind and caring person who was an ideal partner to his father. She was known for her generosity, often feeding more outsiders than family members.
(iii) Himself: The author describes himself as a short boy with average looks, born to tall and handsome parents. He recalls having a secure childhood in a large ancestral house, both materially and emotionally.
2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
Answer: The author inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother. These qualities were instilled in him and his siblings, shaping their character.
III. Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each.
1. “On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups,” says the author.
(i) Which social groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable (for example, by the way they dressed)?
Answer: In the text, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam mentions different social groups based on religion and caste. For example, he talks about the Muslim community, to which he belonged, and the orthodox Hindu Brahmin community, which included his friends. These groups were easily identifiable by their clothing and other customs. For instance, Kalam wore a cap that marked him as a Muslim, while his friend Ramanadha Sastry wore a sacred thread that identified him as a Hindu Brahmin.
(ii) Were they aware only of their differences or did they also naturally share friendships and experiences? (Think of the bedtime stories in Kalam’s house; of who his friends were; and of what used to take place in the pond near his house.)
Answer: Although the society of Rameswaram was rigid in segregating different social groups, the children, including Kalam and his friends, did not let these differences affect their friendships. They shared a natural bond and common experiences, such as listening to bedtime stories about both Hindu and Islamic traditions. The pond near Kalam's house was also a place where religious rituals took place, and Kalam's family participated in these rituals, showing that despite the societal divisions, there was a sharing of culture and experiences.
(iii) The author speaks both of people who were very aware of the differences among them and those who tried to bridge these differences. Can you identify such people in the text?
Answer: The text mentions people who were aware of social differences and those who tried to bridge them. For example, the new teacher at Kalam's school was aware of and acted upon these differences by making Kalam sit at the back of the classroom. On the other hand, people like Lakshmana Sastry, who confronted the teacher, and Kalam's science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, who invited Kalam to his home despite religious differences, were those who worked to bridge these divides.
(iv) Narrate two incidents that show how differences can be created, and also how they can be resolved. How can people change their attitudes?
Answer: One incident that shows how differences can be created is when the new teacher at Kalam's school made him sit at the back because he was a Muslim. This act hurt Kalam and his friend Ramanadha Sastry, highlighting how societal divisions can be imposed by individuals in positions of authority.
Another incident that shows how differences can be resolved is when Lakshmana Sastry, Ramanadha's father, confronted the teacher and made him apologize for his behavior. This strong stand against discrimination helped the teacher understand his mistake and reform his attitude.
People can change their attitudes by being open-minded and empathetic, just as Sivasubramania Iyer did when he invited Kalam to his home and later convinced his wife to accept him. Through understanding and communication, individuals can overcome prejudices and build more inclusive communities.
2.
(i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
Answer: Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram because he wished to pursue higher studies. He realized that to grow and achieve his dreams, he needed to study at the district headquarters in Ramanathapuram, where he could access better educational opportunities.
(ii) What did his father say to this?
Answer: Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen, supported his decision to leave Rameswaram. He expressed his understanding by saying, "Abul! I know you have to go away to grow. Does the seagull not fly across the sun, alone and without a nest?" He also quoted the poet Khalil Gibran to Kalam’s mother, emphasizing that children belong to life and must follow their own paths, even if it means leaving their parents.
(iii) What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?
Answer: Kalam's father’s words convey the idea that growth often requires one to step out of their comfort zone and face the world on their own, much like a seagull flying high and far from its nest. By quoting Khalil Gibran, he further explained that children, although born to parents, have their own destinies to fulfill. His father spoke these words to reassure both Kalam and his mother, encouraging Kalam to pursue his dreams while reminding his mother that letting go is a necessary part of parenting. This shows his deep wisdom and understanding of life’s broader truths.
Thinking about Language
I. Find the sentences in the text where these words occur:
|
erupt |
surge |
trace |
undistinguished |
casualty |
Answer:
1. Erupt: "For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market."
2. Surge: "Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time."
3. Trace: "My brother-in-law Jallaluddin would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani."
4. Undistinguished: "I was one of many children — a short boy with rather undistinguished looks, born to tall and handsome parents."
5. Casualty: "The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station."
Look these words up in a dictionary which gives examples of how they are used.
Now answer the following questions.
1. What are the things that can erupt? Use examples to explain the various meanings of erupt. Now do the same for the word surge. What things can surge?
Answer:
Erupt:
• Volcanoes: A volcano can erupt when it suddenly expels lava, ash, and gases. Example: "The volcano erupted with a loud roar, sending ash high into the sky."
• Emotions: Emotions like anger or excitement can erupt suddenly and forcefully. Example: "She tried to stay calm, but her anger erupted when she heard the news."
• Violence or Conflict: Riots or violence can erupt when tension reaches a breaking point. Example: "Protests erupted across the city after the controversial decision."
Surge:
• Water or Waves: The sea or waves can surge when they rise suddenly and powerfully. Example: "A huge wave surged over the rocks, drenching everything in its path."
• Crowds: A crowd of people can surge forward suddenly, often in excitement or panic. Example: "The crowd surged toward the stage when the band appeared."
• Electricity: A sudden increase in electrical power can be described as a surge. Example: "The power surge caused the lights to flicker."
• Emotions: Similar to erupt, emotions can also surge when they increase suddenly. Example: "A surge of joy filled her heart when she saw her old friend."
2. What are the meanings of the word trace and which of the meanings is closest to the word in the text?
Answer:
Trace:
• Follow or Track: To follow or find the path of something. Example: "Detectives are trying to trace the missing person's last steps."
• Draw or Outline: To copy or draw the outline of something. Example: "The artist traced the outline of the figure on the canvas."
• Small Amount: A very small amount of something left behind. Example: "There was only a trace of sugar left in the jar."
In the text, the word trace is used in the sense of trying to follow or find information. The closest meaning is "to follow or track," as Kalam tried to find information about the war in the newspaper headlines.
3. Can you find the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)
Answer:
Distinguished:
• Notable or Admirable: Standing out due to excellence or being worthy of respect. Example: "He is a distinguished scholar known for his contributions to science."
Undistinguished:
• Not Notable: The opposite of distinguished. It means not standing out, ordinary, or lacking any special qualities. Example: "He was an undistinguished student, blending in with the rest of the class."
II. 1. Match the phrases in Column A with their meanings in Column B.
|
A |
B |
|
(i) broke out |
(a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely |
|
(ii) in accordance with |
(b) was not able to tolerate |
|
(iii) a helping hand |
(c) began suddenly in a violent way |
|
(iv) could not stomach |
(d) assistance |
|
(v) generosity of spirit |
(e) persons with power to make decisions |
|
(vi) figures of authority |
(f) according to a particular rule, principle, or system |
Answer:
1. broke out -> (c) began suddenly in a violent way
2. in accordance with -> (f) according to a particular rule, principle, or system
3. a helping hand -> (d) assistance
4. could not stomach -> (b) was not able to tolerate
5. generosity of spirit -> (a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely
6. figures of authority -> (e) persons with power to make decisions
2. Study the words in italics in the sentences below. They are formed by prefixing un – or in – to their antonyms (words opposite in meaning).
• I was a short boy with rather undistinguished looks. (un + distinguished)
• My austere father used to avoid all inessential comforts.(in + essential)
• The area was completely unaffected by the war.(un + affected)
• He should not spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance. (in + equality, in + tolerance)
Now form the opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in-. The prefix in-can also have the forms il-, ir-, or im- (for example: illiterate–il + literate, impractical –im + practical, irrational –ir + rational). You may consult a dictionary if you wish.
|
_____ adequate |
_____ acceptable |
_____ regular |
_____ tolerant |
|
_____ demanding |
_____ active |
_____ true |
_____ permanent |
|
_____ patriotic |
_____ disputed |
_____ accessible |
_____ coherent |
|
_____ logical |
_____ legal |
_____ responsible |
_____ possible |
Answer:
adequate- inadequate
acceptable- unacceptable
regular- irregular
tolerant- intolerant
demanding- undemanding
active- inactive
true- untrue
permanent- impermanent
patriotic- unpatriotic
disputed- undisputed
accessible- inaccessible
coherent- incoherent
logical- illogical
legal- illegal
responsible- irresponsible
possible- impossible
IV. Rewrite the sentences below, changing the verbs in brackets into the passive form.
1. In yesterday’s competition the prizes (give away) by the Principal.
Answer: In yesterday’s competition, the prizes were given away by the Principal.
2. In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers (pay) on time.
Answer: In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers were paid on time.
3. On Republic Day, vehicles (not allow) beyond this point.
Answer: On Republic Day, vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.
4. Second-hand books (buy and sell) on the pavement every Saturday.
Answer: Second-hand books are bought and sold on the pavement every Saturday.
5. Elections to the Lok Sabha (hold) every five years.
Answer: Elections to the Lok Sabha are held every five years.
6. Our National Anthem (compose) Rabindranath Tagore.
Answer: Our National Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
V. Rewrite the paragraphs below, using the correct form of the verb given in brackets.
1. How Helmets Came To Be Used in Cricket
Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor (seriously injure and collapse). In those days helmets (not wear). Contractor (hit) on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull (fracture). The entire team (deeply concern). The West Indies players (worry). Contractor (rush ) to hospital. He (accompany) by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood (donate) by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor (save). Nowadays helmets (routinely use) against bowlers.
Answer:
How Helmets Came To Be Used in Cricket
Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor was seriously injured and collapsed. In those days, helmets were not worn. Contractor was hit on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull was fractured. The entire team was deeply concerned. The West Indies players were worried. Contractor was rushed to the hospital. He was accompanied by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood was donated by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor was saved. Nowadays, helmets are routinely used against bowlers.
2. Oil from Seeds
Vegetable oils (make) from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil (produce) from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans and sunflower seeds. Olive oil (use) for cooking, salad dressing etc. Olives (shake) from the trees and (gather) up, usually by hand. The olives (ground) to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats (layer) up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.
Answer:
Oil from Seeds
Vegetable oils are made from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil is produced from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans, and sunflower seeds. Olive oil is used for cooking, salad dressing, etc. Olives are shaken from the trees and gathered up, usually by hand. The olives are ground to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats are layered up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.
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