Class 9 English Chapter 6 Question Answers - My Childhood

Q1: Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they become later?
Ans: Abdul Kalam's school friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Arvindan, and Sivaprakashan. Later, Ramanadha Sastry became the priest of Rameswaram temple, Arvindan started a transport business, and Sivaprakashan became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.

Q2: How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
Ans: During the World War, when an emergency was declared and train stoppages at Rameswaram were suspended, Abdul Kalam's cousin Samsuddin needed assistance catching bundles thrown from passing trains. Abdul offered his help and earned his first wages.

Q3: What characteristics did Abdul inherit from his parents?
Ans: Abdul inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, who avoided unnecessary comforts and luxuries. He also inherited faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother. Both of his parents were simple yet wise.

Q4: What did Abdul tell about his days during the World War?
Ans: At the age of eight, Abdul Kalam experienced the outbreak of World War II in 1939. His brother-in-law Jallaluddin shared stories about the war, and Abdul also read about it in newspapers.

Q5: What did the new teacher do in the classroom?
Ans: The new teacher attempted to segregate Kalam from his friends based on social and religious differences. He insisted that Abdul sit in the last row, reflecting the teacher's intolerance for a Muslim boy sitting with a Brahmin boy, which hurt the children's feelings.

Q6: What lesson did the priest Lakshmana Sastry teach the new teacher?
Ans: When the young teacher tried to prevent Abdul from sitting in the front row with the priest's son due to his Muslim identity, Lakshmana Sastry scolded the teacher. Lakshmana Sastry emphasized that spreading the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance among innocent children was unacceptable.

Q7: Why was the science teacher called a rebel?
Ans: Mr. Sivasubramania, the science teacher, earned the label of a rebel due to his non-conformist beliefs. He rejected social barriers that perpetuated divisions and communal hatred, actively advocating for breaking down such barriers.

Q8: How was Abdul treated by the wife of his science teacher when he was invited to have a meal?
Ans: Initially, Sivasubramania’s wife, a conservative lady, objected to the idea of a Muslim boy, Abdul, eating in her ritually pure kitchen. She did not allow Abdul to eat there. However, she later changed her stance and served food to Abdul with her own hands on a subsequent occasion.

Q9: How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages? How did he feel at that time? Explain.
Ans: Abdul Kalam's cousin, Samsuddin, enlisted his help during the Second World War. The war led to a state of emergency, suspending train halts in Rameswaram. Samsuddin, whose newspaper distribution business was affected, needed assistance catching bundles thrown from moving trains. Abdul's task was to catch these bundles. Earning his first wages filled him with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Q10: Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted. What system is this sentence referring to? What are such problems?
Ans: This sentence refers to the social system of rigid divisions and barriers based on caste, religion, and other social factors. The problems referred to are the challenges and resistance one faces when trying to break down these entrenched societal barriers. In Abdul Kalam's case, it pertains to breaking down the barriers of social inequality and communal intolerance.

Q11: Subramania Iyer was a rebel by nature. Discuss.
Ans: Mr. Subramania Iyer was a natural rebel against social norms and barriers. He rejected traditional notions of caste and religion-based distinctions. He demonstrated this by inviting Abdul Kalam, a Muslim boy, to his home despite his wife's objections. He defied conventions by serving Kalam food himself and encouraging his wife to do the same on a subsequent occasion. Iyer believed in challenging established norms and inspiring positive change in society.

Q12: Narrate the incident of the new teacher’s behavior in the classroom. Was his action appropriate?
Ans: In Abdul Kalam's fifth-grade class, a new teacher displayed a conservative outlook. He segregated students based on religion, specifically targeting Kalam, a Muslim boy, and asked him to move to the last row, away from a Brahmin boy. This action of isolating students based on their religious background was inappropriate and hurtful. It promoted social inequality and communal division, which was harmful to the children's development and well-being.

Q13: Do you think the qualities of Kalam’s father made Kalam what he was? How? What characteristics have you inherited from your parents?
Ans: Yes, Kalam's father's qualities greatly influenced his development. He imbibed values such as wisdom, honesty, self-discipline, and generosity from his father, which shaped him into a successful scientist and leader. Similarly, I have inherited qualities like honesty, humility, and self-discipline from my parents, which have guided my personal growth and determination in pursuing my goals.

Q14: A secure childhood like Kalam’s is very important for a child’s growth. Do you agree?
Ans: Absolutely, a secure childhood like Kalam's is crucial for healthy growth and development. Childhood experiences and a nurturing environment greatly impact a child's values, beliefs, and character. A secure upbringing provides a strong foundation for emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which influences one's future success and contributions to society.

Q15: Abdul Kalam was disturbed by the behavior of the new teacher in the class. Do you appreciate the way Lakshman Shastri treated the new teacher?
Ans: Yes, I appreciate the way Lakshman Shastri handled the situation. He confronted the new teacher and reprimanded him for his discriminatory behavior. By doing so, Shastri demonstrated a commitment to fairness, unity, and communal harmony. He used the incident as an opportunity to teach the importance of respecting all religions and breaking down social barriers, thereby fostering a more inclusive and tolerant environment in the classroom.