About the Author
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India. He came from a simple family but grew up to become one of India's greatest scientists and the 11th President of India (from 2002 to 2007). He is lovingly called the "Missile Man of India" because he helped build powerful rockets and missiles for the country. Kalam wrote many books, and My Childhood is a chapter from his famous autobiography Wings of Fire. He passed away in 2015, but his life teaches us that hard work, honesty, and kindness can take anyone far. He always smiled and loved talking to students like you.
What’s the Story About?
This chapter is a warm, true story from Dr. Kalam’s own life when he was a young boy growing up in Rameswaram. It feels like sitting with a grandfather as he shares sweet memories of his childhood—full of family love, simple joys, good friends, and small lessons that shaped a big future.
Let me tell it like a gentle story, step by step, so you can see it in your mind:
Kalam was born into a middle-class Tamil family. His father was a boat owner who took pilgrims across the sea to holy places. They didn’t have much money, but their home was full of peace, faith, and honesty. Every evening, his father would pray, and little Kalam loved listening to those prayers. His mother fed the family with love—simple meals like rice and coconut chutney tasted special because of her care.
Kalam had three close friends: Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. They were from different religions—Hindu, Brahmin, and others—but they played together happily. One day, a new school teacher saw Kalam sitting next to Ramanadha Sastry (a Brahmin boy) and got angry. He said Kalam should sit at the back because of his faith. This hurt young Kalam. But Ramanadha’s father, the temple priest, was wise. He scolded the teacher and made him say sorry. This taught Kalam that true religion is about love, not dividing people.
During World War II (a big fight between countries), things changed. The train that brought newspapers to Rameswaram stopped running. Kalam’s cousin Samsuddin needed help selling papers. Eight-year-old Kalam jumped in! He would wake early, collect bundles of newspapers thrown from moving trains, and throw them to shops. He earned his first wages and felt proud. It was hard work, but it taught him responsibility.
Kalam’s science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, was kind and smart. Once, he invited Kalam home for dinner. His wife was strict about caste rules and didn’t want a Muslim boy to eat in her kitchen. So the teacher served the food himself with a smile. The next time, the wife served it happily. This showed Kalam that change is possible when we open our hearts.
The chapter ends with Kalam saying goodbye to his beloved town and teachers as he leaves for a bigger school. He carries their blessings like treasures. The whole story feels like a soft light—it shows how small acts of goodness, friendship, and courage build a strong life.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Abdul Kalam (the narrator): The young boy telling his own story. Curious, hardworking, and full of dreams. He later becomes India’s President!
- Ashiamma: Kalam’s loving mother. She cooks simple food and cares for the family with a big heart.
- Jainulabdeen: Kalam’s father. A wise boat owner and prayer leader. He teaches honesty and peace through his actions.
- Ramanadha Sastry: Kalam’s best friend, son of the temple priest. Becomes a priest later. Shows true friendship.
- Aravindan: Another close friend who helps with family business during the war.
- Sivaprakasan: The third friend in the group. They all play and grow together.
- Samsuddin: Kalam’s cousin. A newspaper seller who gives Kalam his first job.
- Lakshmana Sastry: Ramanadha’s father, the head priest. A strong, fair man who stops the teacher’s wrong behavior.
- Sivasubramania Iyer: Kalam’s science teacher. Kind and modern, he breaks old rules to teach equality.
- Iyer’s wife: At first strict, but later warm and welcoming. Shows how people can change.
- The new school teacher: A short-lived character who tries to divide children by religion. He learns his mistake.
Think of them like your own family and school circle—each person adds a little color to Kalam’s happy childhood.
Themes and Moral
Themes
- Simple Living, High Thinking: Kalam’s family had little money but big values—honesty, faith, and kindness. This shows happiness doesn’t need riches.
- Friendship Beyond Religion: Kalam and his friends were Hindu, Muslim, etc., but never fought over it. True friends see hearts, not labels.
- Power of Good Teachers: People like Sivasubramania Iyer and Lakshmana Sastry guide children with love and fairness.
- Hard Work and Responsibility: Even as a child, Kalam worked to help his family. Small duties build big success.
- Breaking Old Barriers: The story shows caste and religion should not stop love or learning. Change starts with one brave step.
Moral
Live with honesty, treat everyone as equal, and never stop learning. A kind heart and open mind can turn a small town boy into a national hero. Respect your parents, teachers, and friends—they are your first guides. Work hard, even in small jobs, because every effort counts. Above all, believe that goodness wins.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are key words from the chapter, explained like a friend telling you over snacks:
- Austere: Simple and plain, not fancy. (Kalam’s home was austere—no extra toys, but full of love.)
- Isolated: Far away from others. (Rameswaram was an isolated island town, quiet and peaceful.)
- Pilgrims: People who travel to holy places for prayer. (Kalam’s father took pilgrims in his boat.)
- Disturbed: Upset or worried. (Kalam felt disturbed when the teacher separated him.)
- Scolded: Shouted at or corrected firmly. (The priest scolded the teacher for being unfair.)
- Apologise: To say sorry. (The teacher had to apologise to the boys.)
- Emergency: A sudden, serious situation. (World War II was an emergency that stopped trains.)
- Bundles: Packs tied together. (Kalam caught bundles of newspapers from the train.)
- Wages: Money earned for work. (Kalam’s first wages made him feel proud.)
- Conservative: Following old rules strictly. (The teacher’s wife was conservative about who eats in the kitchen.)
- Segregation: Keeping people apart based on caste or religion. (The new teacher wanted segregation in class.)
- Material possessions: Things like money or toys. (Kalam’s family had few material possessions but rich hearts.)
- Launched me: Helped me start. (His childhood experiences launched Kalam on the path to success.)
These words are like little keys—they open the door to understanding Kalam’s beautiful journey. Read them slowly and smile!