Learning Objectives
- Learn about the early life of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- Understand the themes of communal harmony, family values, and determination
- Appreciate the role of mentors and family in shaping a person
- Identify the values promoted in the text
- Build vocabulary and reading comprehension
Key Concepts
About the Text
Author: Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015), the "Missile Man of India" and the 11th President of India (2002-2007). This extract is from his autobiography "Wings of Fire."
Theme: Communal harmony, family bonds, the importance of education, and rising above social and economic constraints through determination.
Kalam's Early Life
Abdul Kalam was born in 1931 in Rameswaram, a small island town in Tamil Nadu. His family was not wealthy. His father, Jainulabdeen, was not highly educated or wealthy but was wise, generous, and deeply honest. His mother, Ashiamma, was kind and fed many people every day.
Kalam had a secure and happy childhood. He earned his first wages as a child by distributing newspapers during World War II when the train stopped at Rameswaram. He was hardworking and self-reliant from an early age.
Communal Harmony
Kalam grew up in an environment of religious harmony. His closest friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan â all from Hindu families. There was no discrimination based on religion in their friendship.
An incident is described where a new teacher made young Kalam sit at the back of the class, separating him from his Hindu friend Ramanadha Sastry because of religious differences. When Ramanadha Sastry's father heard about this, he objected and asked the teacher to either apologise or leave. The teacher apologised and the matter was resolved.
Kalam's family maintained close ties with the Hindu community. His father had a close friendship with the temple priest, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry. They would discuss spiritual matters together, showing interfaith respect.
Mentors and Influences
- Father (Jainulabdeen): Taught him the value of honesty, self-discipline, and faith. He told Kalam that prayer makes the mind a part of the universe's infinite power.
- Mother (Ashiamma): Embodied generosity and kindness.
- Cousin Samsuddin: Helped Kalam distribute newspapers and encouraged his enterprise.
- Teacher Sivasubramania Iyer: Encouraged Kalam to dream big and break social barriers. He invited Kalam to his home for a meal, challenging his wife's orthodoxy about hosting a Muslim boy. He told Kalam that with education and hard work, he could achieve anything.
Kalam's Departure from Rameswaram
Kalam left Rameswaram to pursue higher studies in Schwartz High School in Ramanathapuram and later at engineering college. His father quoted the poet Khalil Gibran's words, encouraging Kalam to go out into the world independently.
Important Terms
- Autobiography: A self-written account of one's own life
- Communal harmony: Peaceful coexistence of different religious communities
- Orthodoxy: Strict adherence to traditional beliefs
- Innate: Inborn; natural
- Austere: Simple, strict, without luxury
- Conviction: A firm belief
Quick Revision
- Author: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam; Extract from autobiography "Wings of Fire"
- Born in Rameswaram, 1931; modest family background
- Grew up in communal harmony with Hindu friends
- Teacher Sivasubramania Iyer encouraged him to break barriers
- Father: wise and honest; Mother: generous and kind
- Theme: communal harmony, importance of education, mentors shape destiny