Unit - 6: My Childhood by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
[an extract from the book “Wings of Fire” an Autobiography]
Glossary
1. erstwhile: former
2. innate: inborn; (a quality or feeling) in one’s nature
3. generosity of spirit: his soul sought to help others who were needy
4. undistinguished: ordinary or common
5. Pucca House means a house made of bricks, cement and limestone.
6. austere: simple, strict and severe
7. secure: safe
8. Materially means in terms of things like clothes food, medicine
9. emotionally means in terms of love and affection.
10. tamarind seeds: kind of fruit
11. princely sum: generous amount (here, ironic)
12. anna: an old Indian coin, worth about six paise
13. Dinamani: a tamil daily newspaper.
14. isolated: Lonely, cut-off
15. Allied Forces: the armies of U.K., U.S.A. and Russia during the Second World War
16. casualty: loss
17. suspension: end
18. halt: stop
19. filled the slot – fit into a place easily
20. pride: sudden increase in the feeling of satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.
21. Half a century later means after a period of 50 years.
22. figures of authority: A person who had authority over another person; a person who has the power to give orders or make decisions.
23. Inherited means a characteristic, or a quality which you have got from your parents or ancestors.
24. socio-economic means in terms of money
25. orthodox: strict
26. Rama Kalyanam ceremony is known as Kalyanotsava. It means marriage festival. In South India, marriage is known as Kalyanam. So, Lord Ram and Sita’s marriage is called Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony. It is the ceremony of the depiction of the marriage between Seetha and Rama.
27. could not stomach: could not tolerate
28. downcast: sad or depressed
29. summoned: called
30. bluntly: speaking in a direct and honest way, even if this offends or upsets people.
31. apologise: seek pardon
32. quit: to leave
33. conviction: a strong opinion or belief
34. convey: communicated
35. rigid: strict
36. segregation: separation
37. orthodox: one who follows the religion strictly
38. conservative: traditional
39. rebel: in opposition
40. Mingle: interact with each other.
41. on par: at the same level
42. ritually pure: kept protected from all outside influences for the observances of religion
43. perturbed: upset
44. hesitation: doubt, delay
45. confronted: faced, tackled
46. imminent: about to happen
47. Unprecedented: never done or know before.
48. Optimism: hope, cheer
49. Longing: desire
50. For they have their own thoughts: Excerpt from “Your children’ – Poem by Khalil Gibran.
Overview of the Chapter: Abdul Kalam’s biography is titled “Wings of Fire” and the chapter ‘My Childhood’ talks about the childhood of A.P.J Abdul Kalam. He was the President of India and a great scientist too. APJ talks about his upbringing, his parents and siblings. He tells us about his friends and all those things that influenced his childhood.
Story Analysis
Central Idea: Kalam’s Personal Journey: The essay reflects on Kalam’s childhood experiences, emphasizing the role of family, education, and cultural influences in shaping his identity and values.
Themes
1.Inspiration from Family: The strong influence of his parents, particularly his father, in instilling values of hard work and education.
2.Overcoming Adversity: Challenges faced in his early life, including economic hardships and societal barriers, highlight resilience.
3.Importance of Education: A deep respect for learning and knowledge as crucial tools for personal and professional growth.
4.Cultural Diversity: Celebrates the richness of Indian culture and the importance of communal harmony.
Messages: Value of Hard Work: Success is achievable through dedication and perseverance.
Role of Dreams: Encourages nurturing dreams and aspirations, regardless of one’s background.
Unity in Diversity: Advocates for acceptance and appreciation of different cultures and backgrounds.
Underlying Message: Empowerment through Knowledge: Education and self-belief can empower individuals to transcend limitations and contribute positively to society.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Describe the Characters of the Story.
1. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Role: The narrator and main character.
Description: A curious and ambitious young boy with dreams of becoming a scientist. He is reflective, values education, and learns resilience through his experiences. His humble beginnings and strong work ethic shape his character.
2. Kalam’s Father (Jainulabdeen)
Role: Kalam’s guiding figure and mentor.
Description: A wise and kind man who instills moral values and the importance of education in his children. He is a boat owner and a strong advocate for knowledge, often encouraging Kalam to pursue his dreams.
3. Kalam’s Mother (Ashiamma)
Role: A nurturing presence in Kalam’s life.
Description: She embodies strength and support, providing emotional stability to the family. Her caring nature and traditional values play a crucial role in shaping Kalam’s moral compass.
4. Teachers and Friends
Role: Influential figures in Kalam’s educational journey.
Description: Various teachers inspire Kalam with their dedication and passion for teaching. His friends also contribute to his learning experiences, emphasizing camaraderie and shared aspirations.
5. Society and Community
Role: Represents the broader social context.
Description: The community is depicted with its diversity and challenges. It influences Kalam’s understanding of unity and the importance of communal harmony, reflecting the societal norms of the time.
These characters collectively illustrate the influences that shaped Kalam’s values, dreams, and character, emphasizing the importance of family, education, and community in his formative years.
Value Based Question (VBQ)
What are the values conveyed by the story?
"My Childhood" by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam conveys values such as perseverance, the transformative power of education, and the importance of family support. It emphasizes humility, cultural appreciation, and the pursuit of dreams, while encouraging social responsibility and community spirit, showcasing how these elements shape individual identity and contribute to success.
[an extract from the book “Wings of Fire” an Autobiography]
Glossary
1. erstwhile: former
2. innate: inborn; (a quality or feeling) in one’s nature
3. generosity of spirit: his soul sought to help others who were needy
4. undistinguished: ordinary or common
5. Pucca House means a house made of bricks, cement and limestone.
6. austere: simple, strict and severe
7. secure: safe
8. Materially means in terms of things like clothes food, medicine
9. emotionally means in terms of love and affection.
10. tamarind seeds: kind of fruit
11. princely sum: generous amount (here, ironic)
12. anna: an old Indian coin, worth about six paise
13. Dinamani: a tamil daily newspaper.
14. isolated: Lonely, cut-off
15. Allied Forces: the armies of U.K., U.S.A. and Russia during the Second World War
16. casualty: loss
17. suspension: end
18. halt: stop
19. filled the slot – fit into a place easily
20. pride: sudden increase in the feeling of satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.
21. Half a century later means after a period of 50 years.
22. figures of authority: A person who had authority over another person; a person who has the power to give orders or make decisions.
23. Inherited means a characteristic, or a quality which you have got from your parents or ancestors.
24. socio-economic means in terms of money
25. orthodox: strict
26. Rama Kalyanam ceremony is known as Kalyanotsava. It means marriage festival. In South India, marriage is known as Kalyanam. So, Lord Ram and Sita’s marriage is called Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony. It is the ceremony of the depiction of the marriage between Seetha and Rama.
27. could not stomach: could not tolerate
28. downcast: sad or depressed
29. summoned: called
30. bluntly: speaking in a direct and honest way, even if this offends or upsets people.
31. apologise: seek pardon
32. quit: to leave
33. conviction: a strong opinion or belief
34. convey: communicated
35. rigid: strict
36. segregation: separation
37. orthodox: one who follows the religion strictly
38. conservative: traditional
39. rebel: in opposition
40. Mingle: interact with each other.
41. on par: at the same level
42. ritually pure: kept protected from all outside influences for the observances of religion
43. perturbed: upset
44. hesitation: doubt, delay
45. confronted: faced, tackled
46. imminent: about to happen
47. Unprecedented: never done or know before.
48. Optimism: hope, cheer
49. Longing: desire
50. For they have their own thoughts: Excerpt from “Your children’ – Poem by Khalil Gibran.
Overview of the Chapter: Abdul Kalam’s biography is titled “Wings of Fire” and the chapter ‘My Childhood’ talks about the childhood of A.P.J Abdul Kalam. He was the President of India and a great scientist too. APJ talks about his upbringing, his parents and siblings. He tells us about his friends and all those things that influenced his childhood.
Story Analysis
Central Idea: Kalam’s Personal Journey: The essay reflects on Kalam’s childhood experiences, emphasizing the role of family, education, and cultural influences in shaping his identity and values.
Themes
1.Inspiration from Family: The strong influence of his parents, particularly his father, in instilling values of hard work and education.
2.Overcoming Adversity: Challenges faced in his early life, including economic hardships and societal barriers, highlight resilience.
3.Importance of Education: A deep respect for learning and knowledge as crucial tools for personal and professional growth.
4.Cultural Diversity: Celebrates the richness of Indian culture and the importance of communal harmony.
Messages: Value of Hard Work: Success is achievable through dedication and perseverance.
Role of Dreams: Encourages nurturing dreams and aspirations, regardless of one’s background.
Unity in Diversity: Advocates for acceptance and appreciation of different cultures and backgrounds.
Underlying Message: Empowerment through Knowledge: Education and self-belief can empower individuals to transcend limitations and contribute positively to society.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Describe the Characters of the Story.
1. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Role: The narrator and main character.
Description: A curious and ambitious young boy with dreams of becoming a scientist. He is reflective, values education, and learns resilience through his experiences. His humble beginnings and strong work ethic shape his character.
2. Kalam’s Father (Jainulabdeen)
Role: Kalam’s guiding figure and mentor.
Description: A wise and kind man who instills moral values and the importance of education in his children. He is a boat owner and a strong advocate for knowledge, often encouraging Kalam to pursue his dreams.
3. Kalam’s Mother (Ashiamma)
Role: A nurturing presence in Kalam’s life.
Description: She embodies strength and support, providing emotional stability to the family. Her caring nature and traditional values play a crucial role in shaping Kalam’s moral compass.
4. Teachers and Friends
Role: Influential figures in Kalam’s educational journey.
Description: Various teachers inspire Kalam with their dedication and passion for teaching. His friends also contribute to his learning experiences, emphasizing camaraderie and shared aspirations.
5. Society and Community
Role: Represents the broader social context.
Description: The community is depicted with its diversity and challenges. It influences Kalam’s understanding of unity and the importance of communal harmony, reflecting the societal norms of the time.
These characters collectively illustrate the influences that shaped Kalam’s values, dreams, and character, emphasizing the importance of family, education, and community in his formative years.
Value Based Question (VBQ)
What are the values conveyed by the story?
"My Childhood" by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam conveys values such as perseverance, the transformative power of education, and the importance of family support. It emphasizes humility, cultural appreciation, and the pursuit of dreams, while encouraging social responsibility and community spirit, showcasing how these elements shape individual identity and contribute to success.
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