CBSE Class 9 English My Childhood NCERT Solutions

Solution: Abdul Kalam's ancestral house was situated on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram, a town in the former Madras State of India.

Solution: Dinamani is likely the name of a newspaper. The author inferred this because his brother-in-law used to tell him stories about the Second World War, and Kalam would then search for headlines related to these events in the Dinamani newspaper.

Solution: Abdul Kalam had three close friends during his school days: Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasam. Ramanadha Sastry followed his father to become the priest of the Rameswaram temple. Aravindan ventured into business by organizing transport for visiting pilgrims. Sivaprakasam pursued a career as a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.

Solution: During the Second World War, train halts at Rameswaram station were suspended, causing newspapers to be bundled and thrown from moving trains. Kalam's cousin, Samsuddin, who distributed newspapers, needed help catching these bundles. Abdul Kalam took on this task, thereby earning his first wages.

Solution: Yes, Abdul Kalam had earned money before helping his cousin with newspapers. When the Second World War began, there was a surge in demand for tamarind seeds. He collected these seeds and sold them at a provision shop on Mosque Street, typically earning one anna for a day's collection.

Solution:

1. Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen, was a man of great innate wisdom and true generosity of spirit, though he lacked formal education and wealth. He lived a simple life, avoiding all non-essential comforts and luxuries.
2. Kalam's mother, Ashiamma, was an ideal companion to his father. She was known for her kindness and regularly fed many people, including numerous outsiders, every day.
3. The author describes himself as a short boy with rather unremarkable looks, born to tall and handsome parents. He was one of many siblings and experienced a very secure childhood, both materially and emotionally.

Solution: The author states that he inherited qualities of honesty and self-discipline from his father. From his mother, he inherited faith in goodness and deep kindness.

Solution: The author mentions the Hindu and Muslim communities as the primary social groups in Rameswaram. These groups were indeed easily identifiable through their distinct attire. Abdul Kalam, being Muslim, wore a cap, while his friend Ramanadha Sastry, a Hindu, wore the sacred thread, clearly marking their religious affiliations.

Solution: Despite the social segregation, the different groups in Rameswaram naturally shared friendships and experiences. Abdul Kalam, a Muslim, had close friends from orthodox Hindu Brahmin families, like Ramanadha Sastry. During the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony, Kalam's family actively participated by arranging boats for the idols. Furthermore, bedtime stories told by Kalam's mother and grandmother often included tales from the Ramayana and the life of the Prophet, indicating a shared cultural space and mutual respect.

Solution: Yes, the text identifies people who were aware of differences and those who bridged them. The new teacher in Kalam's fifth standard class represents someone who was rigidly aware of differences, enforcing segregation. In contrast, Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen, and his friend Ramanadha Sastry's father exemplify those who tried to bridge differences. Kalam's father often spoke about the importance of education and the need to look beyond superficial distinctions, while Ramanadha Sastry's father blessed Kalam, showing acceptance across religious lines.

Solution:

Two incidents illustrate how differences are created and resolved:

1. Creation of Differences: In Kalam's fifth standard class, a new teacher, representing the Hindu community, could not tolerate a Muslim boy (Kalam) sitting next to a Hindu Brahmin boy (Ramanadha Sastry). This teacher's intolerance created a difference based on religious prejudice.
2. Resolution of Differences: When Kalam felt hurt and conveyed the incident to his parents, his father, Jainulabdeen, handled the situation with wisdom. He advised Kalam not to let such prejudice affect him and explained that to overcome such challenges, one needs to learn to differentiate between the 'world of reality' and the 'world of imagination'. He encouraged Kalam to face difficulties with determination. This approach, focusing on inner strength and understanding rather than reacting with anger, helps in resolving conflicts and changing attitudes by promoting tolerance and rational thinking.

   People can change their attitudes by understanding the value of empathy, education, and rational thinking. When individuals are exposed to different perspectives and encouraged to question their prejudices, they can gradually overcome ingrained biases and foster a more inclusive outlook.

Solution:

1. Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram to pursue higher education. After completing his studies in Rameswaram and Tiruchirappalli, he felt a strong desire to study further and explore opportunities beyond his hometown.
2. His father, Jainulabdeen, responded to Kalam's desire to leave by saying that he had observed Kalam's longing to learn and that he knew Kalam would have to leave Rameswaram someday to achieve his goals. He added that he could not hinder his growth and that he would send him off with his prayers and good wishes.
3. His father's words mean that he understood Kalam's ambition and recognized that confining him to Rameswaram would be detrimental to his intellectual and personal development. He acknowledged that true growth often requires venturing into the wider world. He spoke these words out of love and foresight, understanding that a parent's role is to support their child's aspirations, even if it means letting them go. He wanted Kalam to pursue his dreams freely, assuring him of his blessings and support, thereby empowering Kalam to embrace his future with confidence.