Class 9 English - GUJARAT
Prose: My Childhood
My Childhood is an autobiographical excerpt from Wings of Fire by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. The chapter describes his early life in Rameswaram, highlighting his secure childhood, hardworking parents, and the values of honesty and self-discipline instilled in him. It also shares significant childhood incidents, such as earning his first wages during the Second World War and experiencing social discrimination in school, which was eventually countered by progressive teachers. This chapter is vital for GSEB board exams as it tests reading comprehension, thematic understanding of communal harmony, and character analysis of Kalam.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Secure Childhood
Kalam describes his childhood as emotionally and materially secure, supported by his loving parents who provided all necessities like food, medicine, and clothing.
Parental Influence
His father, Jainulabdeen, taught him the value of honesty and self-discipline, while his mother, Ashiamma, fed many people and nurtured his kindness.
Incidents of Discrimination
An incident in the fifth standard where a new teacher forced Kalam to sit on the back bench because of his religion, which was strongly opposed by Lakshmana Sastry.
Role of Teachers
Science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer defied social barriers by inviting Kalam to his home for a meal, teaching him that societal change requires breaking deep-rooted prejudices.
First Earnings
During the Second World War, Kalam earned his first wages by collecting tamarind seeds and selling them, and later by helping his cousin Samsuddin distribute newspapers.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Gujarat (GSEB) Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include short answer questions, multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the text, and long descriptive questions about Kalam's childhood experiences and lessons learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualities did Dr. Kalam inherit from his parents?
Kalam inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, and deep faith in goodness and kindness from his mother.
How did Sivasubramania Iyer's orthodox wife react to Kalam dining at their house?
She initially refused to serve food inside her ritually pure kitchen, but later served him herself the second time she saw him, realizing his equality.
What was the first job that Dr. Kalam had during his childhood?
His first job was collecting and selling tamarind seeds during the Second World War, and later helping his cousin collect newspaper bundles thrown from trains.
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