Class 9 English - KARNATAKA
Prose: My Childhood
My Childhood is an autobiographical excerpt from Wings of Fire by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. The chapter explores Kalam's early life in Rameswaram, detailing his secure childhood, his parents' influence, and the simple lifestyle of his family. It highlights important values like religious harmony, honesty, and hard work through memorable childhood incidents, such as earning his first wages with his cousin Samsuddin. For Karnataka (KSEEB) Class 9 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, paragraph writing, and values-based questions, often featuring in both short-answer and long-answer formats.
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Secure Childhood
Kalam describes his childhood as financially and emotionally secure, supported by his kind parents in Rameswaram.
Religious Harmony
Kalam's family lived in a harmonious environment where Hindu and Muslim friends and traditions were equally respected and celebrated.
The Incident with the New Teacher
A new teacher could not stomach a Muslim boy sitting next to a Hindu priest's son, prompting a strong lesson on social equality from Lakshmana Sastry.
Influence of Parents
Kalam inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, Jainulabdeen, and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother, Ashiamma.
First Earnings
During the Second World War, Kalam earned his very first wages by helping his cousin Samsuddin collect newspaper bundles thrown from moving trains.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Karnataka (KSEEB) Class 9 English board exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions commonly appear as 1-mark objective questions, 2-mark short answers regarding specific incidents (like the new teacher or earning first wages), and 4-mark descriptive questions on Kalam's childhood values or the influence of his parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of 'My Childhood'?
The chapter is an excerpt from the autobiography 'Wings of Fire' by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
How did Kalam earn his first wages?
Kalam earned his first wages during the Second World War by helping his cousin Samsuddin collect bundles of newspapers thrown off moving trains in Rameswaram.
What lesson did Lakshmana Sastry teach the new teacher?
Lakshmana Sastry strongly reprimanded the new teacher for spreading communal intolerance in the classroom and forced him to apologize.
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