My Childhood
An extract from ‘Wings of Fire’ by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
📑 Table of Contents
📖 Summary
“My Childhood” is an engaging excerpt from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s autobiography, “Wings of Fire,” that chronicles his formative years. He was born into a middle-class Tamil family in the island town of Rameswaram and had a secure, yet simple, upbringing. His parents, Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma, were his first and most important role models. His father was a man of innate wisdom and generosity, despite lacking formal education or wealth. His mother was a selfless soul, known for feeding more outsiders than family members.
The chapter highlights how historical events, like the Second World War, created opportunities even in his remote hometown. A sudden demand for tamarind seeds allowed him to earn his very first wages. Later, the war’s impact on train services enabled him to help his cousin, Samsuddin, with his newspaper distribution business. This experience filled him with immense pride, teaching him the value of financial independence.
Kalam also recounts two significant incidents that tested the social harmony of Rameswaram. The first was with a new teacher who discriminated against him for sitting next to his Brahmin friend, Ramanadha Sastry. This act of communal intolerance was swiftly and effectively addressed by Ramanadha’s father, Lakshmana Sastry, a respected temple priest, who publicly reprimanded the teacher. The second incident involved his science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, a progressive-minded orthodox Brahmin. When his conservative wife refused to serve Kalam a meal in her kitchen, Iyer served him with his own hands. This bold action and a subsequent invitation ultimately changed his wife’s narrow-minded views.
The chapter concludes with Kalam’s decision to leave Rameswaram to pursue higher education. His father, with profound wisdom and maturity, gave his permission, using the metaphor of a seagull flying alone to illustrate his son’s need for growth and independence. He also quoted the poet Khalil Gibran to convince his wife, emphasizing that children are not possessions but have their own paths to follow.
👤 Character Sketches
- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – The narrator. A boy with a humble background and a secure childhood. He was deeply influenced by the moral values of his family and the progressive thinking of his teachers.
- Jainulabdeen (Kalam’s Father) – A figure of innate wisdom, discipline, and generosity. He was simple, avoided luxuries, and taught his children the value of honest living and kindness.
- Ashiamma (Kalam’s Mother) – A kind and gentle woman, known for her immense hospitality and generosity towards everyone, irrespective of their background.
- Sivasubramania Iyer (Science Teacher) – An orthodox Brahmin who was a “rebel” against social rigidities. He was a true mentor who worked to break down communal barriers and inspire his students to achieve greatness.
- Lakshmana Sastry (Ramanadha Sastry’s Father) – A wise and principled high priest. He was a staunch opponent of communal intolerance and used his authority to advocate for social equality.
🌟 Themes
- Secularism & Communal Harmony: The chapter beautifully illustrates the peaceful coexistence of different religious communities, showcasing how Kalam, a Muslim, grew up with Hindu friends and learned from Hindu mentors.
- Overcoming Social Barriers: It powerfully demonstrates how determined individuals can challenge and break down societal prejudices and rigid hierarchies for a more inclusive society.
- The Influence of Role Models: Kalam’s journey highlights the profound impact parents, family, and compassionate teachers can have in shaping a child’s character and future.
- Dignity of Labour: The pride Kalam felt in earning his first wages, no matter how small, underscores the importance of self-reliance and the dignity of hard work.
🎯 Moral / Message
The chapter’s central message is that a secure and morally sound upbringing is crucial for personal growth. It emphasizes that true wisdom lies in breaking down social barriers and promoting communal harmony. It teaches us to confront prejudice with conviction and to value self-reliance and the guidance of our mentors and family.
📌 Important Question-Answers
Q1. How did Abdul Kalam’s parents influence him?
👉 His father, Jainulabdeen, instilled in him the values of honesty and self-discipline, while his mother, Ashiamma, taught him deep kindness and faith in goodness. They provided him with both material and emotional security.
Q2. Describe the two incidents where communal harmony was challenged in Rameswaram.
👉 The first was a new teacher who made Kalam sit on the back bench away from his Brahmin friend. The second was when Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife initially refused to serve Kalam a meal due to his religion.
Q3. What role did Kalam’s science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, play in his life?
👉 He was a rebel against social barriers and a great mentor. By his actions, he taught Kalam to confront and overcome social prejudices and encouraged him to aim high in life.
Q4. How did Kalam’s father justify his son’s decision to leave Rameswaram?
👉 He told his mother that their children had to go away to grow, like a seagull flying alone. He quoted Khalil Gibran to explain that children are not possessions and must follow their own paths.
✨ Quick Revision Points
- Author: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- Source: Autobiography ‘Wings of Fire’
- Main Characters: Kalam, Jainulabdeen, Ashiamma, Sivasubramania Iyer, Lakshmana Sastry
- Key Incidents: Earning first wages during WWII, facing communal prejudice at school, the meal at his teacher’s home.
- Core Message: The power of good values, education, and tolerance in shaping an individual’s life.