Unit – VI

My Childhood

The chapter “My Childhood” from your 9th standard English subject is an excerpt from the autobiography “Wings of Fire” by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a former Indian president and renowned scientist. Here’s a summary:

• Early Life: The chapter describes Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India.
• Family Background: He was born into a middle-class Muslim family. His father had a humble job and his mother was known for her kindness. He had three brothers and one sister.
• Influences: Kalam mentions the significant role of various people in his childhood:
  • Parents: Despite their limited resources, his parents instilled strong values of hard work and honesty in their children.
  • Teachers: He credits some teachers for inspiring his curiosity and love for learning.
  • Friends: His childhood friendships are portrayed as a source of joy and adventure.
• Simple Life: The chapter emphasizes the simplicity of Kalam’s upbringing. He talks about living in their ancestral house and enjoying the natural beauty of Rameswaram.

Overall, the chapter provides a glimpse into the formative years of a man who would go on to achieve great things. It highlights the importance of family, education, and a love for learning in shaping one’s future.

Thinking About The Text

I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.

1. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?

Ans : Based on the information about “My Childhood” from Abdul Kalam’s autobiography “Wings of Fire,” Abdul Kalam’s house was located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.

2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.

Ans : Dinamani is most likely the name of a Tamil newspaper. Here’s why:

The excerpt mentioning Dinamani is likely from the book “Wings of Fire” by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was from Tamil Nadu, India.

3. Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?

Ans : Name of Abdul Kalam’s friends

Ramanadha Sastry

Aravindan

Sivaprakasan

Ramanadha Sastry: Became a priest at the Rameswaram temple.

Aravindan: Started a business related to transporting pilgrims visiting the temple.

Sivaprakasan: Became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.

4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?

Ans : Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin distribute newspapers in a rather unique way.

5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?

Ans : Yes, he earned money before as well. He used to collect tamarind seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would earn him the princely sum of one anna.

II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).

1. How does the author describe:

1. his father
2. his mother
3. Himself?

Ans : 

1. The author describes his father as a man of austerity and integrity, who valued hard work and fulfilled all family needs despite limited means.
2. His mother is portrayed as a woman with a large and generous heart, known for her kindness and always willing to share food with everyone.
3. He describes himself as a short and ordinary boy born to tall and handsome parents. However, the text might imply a hidden potential and curiosity for learning.

2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?

Ans : 

Hard Work and Honesty: His father’s dedication to providing for the family, despite their modest means, suggests these values were instilled in him.

Kindness and Generosity: His mother’s nature of sharing food with everyone exemplifies these qualities, which might have influenced his own personality.

III. Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each.

1. “ On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups,” says the author.

1. Which social groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable (for example, by the way they dressed)?
2. Were they aware only of their differences or did they also naturally share friendships and experiences? (Think of the bedtime stories in Kalam’s house; of who his friends were ; and of what used to take place in the pond near his house.)
3. The author speaks both of people who were very aware of the differences among them and those who tried to bridge these differences. Can you identify such people in the text?
4. Narrate two incidents that show how differences can be created, and also how they can be resolved. How can people change their attitudes?

Ans : 

Social Groups and Identification:

Abdul Kalam mentions two distinct social groups in Rameswaram:

• Orthodox Brahmins: This Hindu upper caste is likely identifiable by their sacred threads (mentioned when a new teacher discriminates against Kalam).
• Muslims: Kalam’s own community, possibly distinguished by clothing or headwear (though not explicitly mentioned).

Shared Experiences and Friendships:

Despite social divisions, the text reveals instances of shared experiences:

• Bedtime Stories: Kalam mentions stories from both Hindu epics (Ramayana) and Muslim traditions, suggesting exposure to each other’s cultures.
• Friendships: Kalam’s close friends, Ramanadha Sastry (Hindu Brahmin) and others, demonstrate cross-community friendships.
• The Pond: The description of children from various backgrounds playing together highlights a common ground.

Efforts to Bridge Differences:

• Kalam’s Family: His mother’s act of sharing food with everyone transcends social barriers and fosters a sense of community.
• Teachers: While a new teacher discriminated based on caste, others like the science teacher likely treated students equally.

Creating and Resolving Differences:

• Discrimination: The new teacher’s act exemplifies how prejudice can create social divisions.
• Shared Activities: The children playing together and Kalam’s family’s inclusivity demonstrate how shared experiences can bridge the gap.

2. 

1. Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
2. What did his father say to this?
3. What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?

Ans : 

1. Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram to pursue his studies at the district headquarters in Ramanathapuram.

2. His father acknowledged that he needed to leave in order to grow. He used the example of a seagull, explaining that a seagull flies alone across the sun without a nest.

3. He spoke these words because he intended to hone his skills. Understanding the harsh reality that children often need to live far from their parents to build their careers and earn a livelihood, he demonstrated his wisdom and intelligence in expressing this sentiment.

Thinking about language

Find the sentences in the text where these words occur:

erupt,surge,trace,undistinguished,casualty

Ans : 

1. a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market.
2. I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
3. I would later attempt to trace in the deadlines in Dinamani.
4. a short boy with rather undistinguished looks, born to tall and handsome parents.
5. The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram Station

2. Now answer the following questions.

1. What are the things that can erupt? Use examples to explain the various meanings of erupt. Now do the same for the word surge. What things can surge?

Ans : A fight erupted between the two rival gangs.

Tears erupted from her eyes as she read the emotional letter.

Example: “A chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd as the winning team was announced.”

Surge

A surge often refers to a large and powerful wave, especially one that moves quickly onto land.

Example : surge of adrenaline filled him as he faced the danger.

2. What are the meanings of the word trace and which of the meanings is closest to the word in the text?

Ans : “Trace” means to find out, copy, or draw an outline, among other definitions. In the context of the text, the closest meaning of “trace” is “finding out.”

3. Can you find the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)

Ans : I couldn’t find the word ‘undistinguished’ in my dictionary because it’s not listed as a root word. Instead, it’s found under ‘distinguished,’ as ‘undistinguished’ is the opposite of ‘distinguished.’ It means: not specific, not prominent, not distinct, and so on.

II.

1. Match the phrases in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in Column ‘B’.

A	B
(i) broke out	(a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely
(ii) in accordance with	(b) was not able to tolerate
(iii) a helping hand	(c) began suddenly in a violent way
(iv) could not stomach	(d) assistance
(v) generosity of spirit	(e) persons with power to make decisions
(vi) figures of authority	(f) according to a particular rule, principle, or system

Ans : 

1. — (c)
2. — (f)
3. — (d)
4. — (b)
5. — (a)
6. — (e).

2. Study the words in italics in the sentences below. They are formed by prefixing un- or in- to their antonyms (words opposite in meaning).

• I was a short boy with rather undistinguished looks, (un + distinguished)
• My austere father used to avoid all inessential comforts, (in + essential)
• The area was completely unaffected by the war. (un + affected)
• He should not spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance, (in + equality, in + tolerance)

Now form the opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in-. The pre-fix in- can also have the forms il-, ir-, or im- (For example : illiterate—il + literate, impractical—im + practical, irrational—ir + rational). You may consult a dictionary if you wish.

— adequate
— regular
— demanding
— true
— patriotic
— accessible

— logical

— responsible

— acceptable

— tolerant

— active

— permanent

— disputed

— coherent

— legal

— possible

Ans : 

1. inadequate 
2. irregular 
3. undemanding
4. untrue 
5. unpatriotic 
6. Inaccessible
7. illogical 
8. Irresponsible
9. unacceptable 
10. Intolerant
11. inactive 
12. impermanent 
13. undisputed 
14. incoherent 
15. illegal 
16. Impossible

IV. Rewrite the sentences below, changing the verbs in brackets into the passive form.

1. In yesterday’s competition the prizes (give away) by the Principal.

Ans : In yesterday’s competition, the prizes were given away by the Principal.

2. In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers (pay) on time.

Ans : In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers were paid on time.

3. On Republic Day, vehicles (not allow) beyond this point.

Ans : On Republic Day, vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.

4. Second-hand books (buy and sell) on the pavement every Saturday.

Ans : People buy and sell second-hand books on the pavement every Saturday.

5. Elections to the Lok Sabha (hold) every five years.

Ans : Elections to the Lok Sabha are held every five years.

6. Our National Anthem (compose) Rabindranath Tagore.

Ans : Our National Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.

V. Rewrite the paragraphs below, using the correct form of the verb given in brackets.

1. How Helmets Came To Be Used in Cricket

Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor (seriously injure and collapse). In those days helmets (not wear). Contractor (hit) on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull (fracture). The entire team (deeply concern). The West Indies players (worry). Contractor (rush) to hospital. He (accompany) by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood (donate) by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor (save). Nowadays helmets (routinely use) against fast bowlers.

Ans : Nari Contractor, the Indian captain and opening batsman, led his team on a tour to the West Indies in the 1960s. During a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, tragedy struck. Contractor was struck on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith, a fast bowler. Helmets weren’t worn in those days, and the impact fractured Contractor’s skull.

The incident caused deep concern for both teams. The West Indies players rushed Contractor to the hospital, with their captain, Frank Worrell, even accompanying him. Thankfully, thanks to timely medical attention and blood donations from the West Indies players, Contractor’s life was saved.

This near-fatal incident became a catalyst for change. The dangers faced by batsmen, particularly from fast bowlers, were highlighted. Today, helmets are routinely used by batsmen, offering crucial protection against head injuries.

2. Oil From Seeds

Vegetable oils (make) from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil (produce) from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans and sunflower seeds. Olive oil (use) for cooking, salad dressing, etc. Olives (shake) from file trees and (gather) up, usually by hand. The olives (ground) to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats (layer) up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.

Ans : Vegetable oils are made from the seeds and fruits of various plants around the world, ranging from tiny sesame seeds to large, juicy coconuts. Common sources include cottonseeds, peanuts, soybeans, and sunflower seeds.

Olive oil, a popular choice for cooking and salad dressings, comes from olives. These olives are shaken from olive trees and then gathered, often by hand. The collected olives are ground into a thick paste, which is spread onto special mats. These mats are then layered on a pressing machine that gently squeezes them to extract the precious olive oil.

Writing

1. Think and write a short account of what life in Rameswaram in the 1940s must have been like. (Were people rich or poor? Hard working or lazy? Hopeful of change, or resistant to it?).

Ans : Life in Rameswaram in the 1940s was likely simple, with a strong emphasis on hard work and adherence to traditions. Despite these characteristics, there seems to have been a gradual openness to change and a hope for a brighter future, especially among the younger generation.

No Men No Foreign

Here’s a summary of the poem “No Men Are Foreign” from the perspective of a 9th-standard English student:

Title & Theme:

• The title “No Men Are Foreign” tells us that all humans are alike, regardless of their nationality.
• The poem promotes the message of universal brotherhood and understanding.

Similarities of Humans:

• The poem emphasizes that all humans share basic needs and experiences. We all need things like sunshine, air, water, and clothes.
• We all work, sleep, wake up, love, and want to be loved.
• Even death is a common experience for everyone.

Breaking Down Barriers:

• The poet argues that soldiers fighting each other are just people in uniforms.
• We should see each other as human beings, not enemies.

Importance of Unity:

• The poem suggests that hatred and wars only bring suffering.
• If we can recognize our similarities and embrace each other, we can create a peaceful world.

Overall Message:

• “No Men Are Foreign” is a powerful plea for understanding and unity. It encourages us to look beyond differences and celebrate our shared humanity.
  

Thinking about the poem

I

1. “Beneath all uniforms…” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about?

Ans : The poet describes the different types of clothing worn by people from various countries, but emphasizes that beneath these garments, the human body is the same.

2. How does the poet suggest that all people on earth are the same?

Ans : The poet asserts that no one is different or peculiar, and no country is foreign. Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes, and the land is the same everywhere.

2. In stanza 1, find five ways in which we all are alike. Pick out the words.

Ans : In the first stanza, the poet states that there is no difference between the body of a citizen from one country and that of a citizen from another. We have the same kind of body and wear the same kind of clothes. We walk on the same planet, and each individual’s end is the same

3. How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the words.

Ans : The following common features are given in the stanzas:

1. sun
2. air
3. water,
4. Peaceful harvests required for human survival
5. same hands

4. “… whenever we are told to hate our brothers….” When do you think this happens? Why? Who ‘tells’ us? Should we do as we are told at such times What does the poet say?Ans : Sometimes, selfish individuals incite the innocent to harm others for their own benefit. Ordinary people, unaware of their deceit, start hating their fellow human beings and are encouraged to cause riots. The poet advises against blindly following anyone’s advice without thoughtful consideration. He emphasizes repeatedly that there is no difference between them and foreigners; people all over the world are the same.