Class 9 English Chapter 6 Important Question Answers - My Childhood

Q1. Why did A.P.J. Abdul Kalam call his childhood a secure one?

Ans: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam viewed his childhood as secure due to the love and care provided by his parents. They ensured that he had all the essentials like food, clothing, and healthcare. This support allowed him to grow up without facing any significant material or emotional struggles.

Q2. Do you think the new teacher deserved the treatment he received? Why/why not?

Ans: Yes, the new teacher deserved the treatment he received. He promoted communal intolerance, which is harmful to young minds. A teacher engaging in such behaviour, which fosters division, deserves no sympathy.

Q3. How did the attitudes of the science teacher and his wife differ towards A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

Ans: While the science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, was open-minded and welcomed people of different religions, inviting A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to his home, his wife held a more conservative view. She was initially horrified at the idea of serving a Muslim boy in her kitchen and refused to do so.

Q4. How did the Second World War provide Kalam an opportunity to earn his first wages?

Ans: During the Second World War, the train halt at Rameswaram was suspended. This change meant that Kalam's cousin, who was a news agent, had to collect newspapers that were thrown from a moving train. Kalam assisted his cousin by catching the bundles, and in return, he earned his first wages.

Q5. How does Abdul Kalam describe his mother?

Ans: Abdul Kalam described his mother as a gentle and ideal woman. He admired her kindness and her daily practice of feeding many outsiders. From her, he learned the values of compassion and generosity.

Q6. What role did Abdul Kalam's family play during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony?

Ans: Kalam's family played a significant role during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony. They arranged a boat with a special platform to transport the idols of Lord Shri Sita Rama from the temple to the marriage site, located in the middle of a pond called Rama Tirtha. Additionally, his parents shared stories from the Ramayana with him, enriching his understanding of their cultural heritage.

Q7. What characteristics did Abdul Kalam inherit from his parents?

Ans: Abdul Kalam inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, while his mother instilled in him a strong faith in goodness and kindness. He also respected all religions, reflecting the values of his parents.

Q8. Why did Sivasubramania Iyer invite Kalam for dinner again the next weekend?

Ans: Sivasubramania Iyer invited Kalam for dinner again to repair the situation after his wife initially refused to serve him. He aimed to change her perspective and encouraged Kalam to face such challenges while working to transform social norms.

Q9. What made Sivasubramania Iyer's wife change her mind?

Ans: After watching Kalam eat from behind the kitchen door, Sivasubramania Iyer's wife realised there was no difference in how he ate. This understanding led her to change her attitude, and the next time, she served Kalam herself.

Q10. How did Abdul Kalam’s parents react when he expressed his desire to leave home?

Ans: Abdul Kalam's father supported his decision to leave home. He reassured his concerned mother by explaining that a child, like a seagull, must learn to fly independently. His father's wisdom provided comfort to her.

Q11. Describe A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s family based on the lesson "My Childhood.

Ans: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born into a Tamil middle-class family in Rameswaram. His father, Jainulabdeen, had limited formal education but was known for his wisdom and generosity. He was a simple and strict man. His mother, Ashiamma, was also generous, often providing meals for many guests. The family respected all religions and participated in Hindu festivals. Stories from the Ramayana were shared by his mother and grandmother, instilling values in Kalam without imposing any specific beliefs. This nurturing environment greatly influenced his character.

Q12. What happened when a new teacher arrived at Rameshwaram Elementary School?

Ans: When the new teacher arrived, he was disturbed by the sight of a Brahmin boy, Ramanadha Sastry, sitting next to a Muslim boy, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He asked Kalam to move to the back bench, which upset both boys, particularly Ramanadha. This incident had a lasting impact on Kalam. After the boys informed their parents, the teacher faced reprimand for fostering communal discrimination and hatred.

Q13. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages, and how did he feel?

Ans: Abdul Kalam earned his first wages during World War II by collecting tamarind seeds and selling them. He also assisted his cousin, a newspaper distributor, by retrieving bundles of newspapers thrown from a moving train in Rameswaram. This experience filled him with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Q14. “Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted.” What does "system" refer to, and what are these problems?

Ans: The system refers to the discriminatory practices based on religion and social status. The associated problems include communal intolerance, narrow-mindedness, and social inequality. Sivasubramania Iyer, a science teacher, challenged this system by inviting Kalam, a Muslim, to dine in his kitchen, despite his conservative wife's objections. He recognised that anyone aiming to change societal norms must be ready to face resistance and challenges.

Q15. How did Sivasubramania Iyer, an orthodox Brahmin, show friendship towards Abdul Kalam despite religious differences?

Ans: Sivasubramania Iyer, an orthodox Brahmin, demonstrated remarkable friendship towards Abdul Kalam, despite their religious differences. He invited Kalam to his home for a meal, personally serving him food and eating together, which was against social norms. When his wife refused to serve Kalam due to her beliefs, Iyer remained calm and invited him again the following weekend. This act showed his determination to challenge religious discrimination and highlighted his respect for Kalam's potential.