CBSE Class 9 English (Beehive) Important Questions Chapter 6 - My Childhood

1. Where was APJ Abdul Kalam born?
Ans. He was born in Rameswaram, in the former Madras State.

2. What was the occupation of Kalam's father?
Ans. Kalam's father did not have a formal job; he was known for his wisdom and generosity.

3. How many friends did Kalam have in his childhood?
Ans. He had three close friends: Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan.

4. Which war broke out when Kalam was eight years old?
Ans. The Second World War broke out in 1939 when Kalam was eight years old.

5. Who was Sivasubramania Iyer?
Ans. Sivasubramania Iyer was Kalam's science teacher.

6. What kind of family did APJ Abdul Kalam belong to?
Ans. Kalam belonged to a middle-class Tamil family. His father, Jainulabdeen, did not have much formal education or wealth but was a wise and generous man. His mother, Ashiamma, was also supportive and kind, feeding many people beyond their own family.

7. How did Kalam earn his first wages?
Ans. Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin Samsuddin, who distributed newspapers in Rameswaram. When the train service was suspended during World War II, Kalam helped catch the newspaper bundles that were thrown off the moving train, which earned him his first income.

8. How was the relationship between Kalam and his friends?
Ans. Kalam had three close friends: Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. They were from orthodox Hindu Brahmin families, but their religious differences never affected their friendship. They grew up together, sharing experiences without any feeling of inequality or discrimination.

9. What incident took place in Kalam's school with the new teacher?
Ans. When Kalam was in fifth standard, a new teacher came to his class and could not tolerate a Muslim boy sitting with a Hindu priest’s son. He asked Kalam to sit on the backbench, which made both Kalam and his friend Ramanadha Sastry very sad. This incident left a deep impression on Kalam.

10. How did Lakshmana Sastry react to the discriminatory behaviour of the new teacher?
Ans. Lakshmana Sastry, the father of Ramanadha Sastry, summoned the new teacher and warned him against spreading social inequality and communal intolerance. He asked the teacher to either apologise or leave the school. This strong action by Lakshmana Sastry reformed the teacher.

11. Describe Kalam’s childhood home and his family environment.
Ans. Kalam lived in his ancestral house in Rameswaram, which was built in the mid-nineteenth century. It was a large, pucca house made of limestone and brick, located on Mosque Street. His family led a simple yet secure life. His father, Jainulabdeen, was an austere man who avoided all luxuries but ensured that all necessities were provided for, such as food, clothing, and medicine. Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma, was a kind-hearted woman who cooked for the family and many others. The family environment was full of love, generosity, and simplicity, providing Kalam with a secure and happy childhood.

12. What influence did Kalam’s parents have on his values and character?
Ans. Kalam’s parents had a significant influence on his values and character. His father taught him honesty and self-discipline, while his mother instilled in him faith in goodness and deep kindness. Kalam also learned generosity from his parents, as he saw his mother feeding many outsiders every day. These values helped shape Kalam into a disciplined, humble, and compassionate individual, qualities that remained with him throughout his life.

13. How did Sivasubramania Iyer try to change social attitudes, and what challenges did he face?
Ans. Sivasubramania Iyer, Kalam’s science teacher, was a progressive thinker who wanted to break social barriers and promote equality. He invited Kalam, a Muslim boy, to his house for a meal, despite being an orthodox Brahmin. His wife was horrified at the idea and refused to serve Kalam in her kitchen. However, Iyer did not get angry; instead, he served Kalam with his own hands and sat beside him to eat. He faced resistance from his wife but remained determined to change her mindset. The following week, his wife herself served food to Kalam, showing that Iyer’s efforts to challenge social norms were successful.

14. What lesson did Kalam learn from the incident involving his new teacher and Lakshmana Sastry?
Ans. The incident with the new teacher and Lakshmana Sastry taught Kalam an important lesson about standing up against social injustice and discrimination. Lakshmana Sastry’s strong stance against the teacher’s discriminatory behaviour showed Kalam the importance of equality and courage. It also highlighted the role of authority figures in shaping the values of society. This incident left a lasting impression on Kalam and reinforced his belief in communal harmony and social equality.

15. What role did Kalam's father play in his decision to leave Rameswaram for further studies?
Ans. When Kalam decided to leave Rameswaram to study at the district headquarters in Ramanathapuram, his father supported his decision. Although his mother was hesitant, Kalam’s father used the metaphor of a seagull flying across the sun to explain that children must be allowed to grow and find their own paths. He also quoted Khalil Gibran, saying that parents could give their love to their children but not their thoughts, as children have their own thoughts and dreams. This encouragement from his father gave Kalam the confidence to pursue his education and dreams.

16. Why do you think Kalam's family values were important in shaping his future achievements?
Ans. Kalam's family values, such as honesty, self-discipline, kindness, and generosity, played a crucial role in shaping his future achievements. These values helped him remain humble despite his success, work hard towards his goals, and treat others with respect and compassion. The strong moral foundation laid by his parents was instrumental in his becoming a respected scientist and leader.

17. How did the incident with the new teacher affect Kalam's outlook on religious and social equality?
Ans. The incident with the new teacher, who tried to segregate Kalam from his Hindu friend, had a profound effect on Kalam's outlook. It made him acutely aware of the social and religious prejudices that existed in society. However, the way Lakshmana Sastry confronted the teacher also showed him that such prejudices could be challenged. This experience reinforced Kalam's belief in equality and the need to treat everyone with respect, regardless of religion or social status.

18. What does Sivasubramania Iyer’s behaviour tell us about his character and beliefs?
Ans. Sivasubramania Iyer’s behaviour demonstrated that he was a forward-thinking and courageous individual. Despite being an orthodox Brahmin, he was willing to challenge social norms to promote equality. He believed in the potential of every individual, regardless of their background, and wanted Kalam to have the same opportunities as others. His actions showed that he valued education and personal growth over rigid social customs, and he was willing to face challenges to bring about change.

19. Why was the support of his teachers and family crucial to Kalam's success?
Ans. The support of Kalam’s teachers and family was crucial to his success because it provided him with the encouragement and opportunities he needed to grow. His parents instilled in him strong values, while his teachers, like Sivasubramania Iyer, encouraged his curiosity and helped him overcome social barriers. This support system allowed Kalam to pursue his education and dreams despite the challenges posed by his socio-economic background and the prevalent social prejudices.

20. What can we learn from Kalam’s determination to earn his own money as a child?
Ans. Kalam’s determination to earn his own money as a child shows his sense of responsibility and independence from a young age. It also reflects his willingness to work hard and take on challenges to achieve his goals. This attitude of self-reliance and perseverance was a key factor in his later success as a scientist and leader. It teaches us the importance of hard work, independence, and the pride that comes from achieving something through one’s own efforts.

21. What role did Kalam’s mother play in his upbringing?
Ans. Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma, played a significant role in his upbringing by instilling in him faith in goodness and deep kindness. She was a generous person who fed many people every day, and her compassionate nature influenced Kalam’s character.

22. Why was there a sudden demand for tamarind seeds during World War II?
Ans. During World War II, there was a sudden demand for tamarind seeds in the market, though Kalam did not understand the reason for it. He collected the seeds and sold them, earning a small amount of money.

23. How did the people of Rameswaram respond to social segregation?
Ans. The people of Rameswaram were generally rigid in terms of social segregation. However, individuals like Lakshmana Sastry and Sivasubramania Iyer stood against such practices. They took actions to promote social equality and communal harmony, setting examples for others.

24. What was the significance of the bedtime stories told by Kalam’s mother and grandmother?
Ans. The bedtime stories told by Kalam’s mother and grandmother, which included events from the Ramayana and the life of the Prophet, were significant in instilling moral values and a sense of unity in Kalam. These stories helped him appreciate different cultures and religions, fostering a spirit of tolerance and understanding.

25. How did Kalam’s father explain the need for Kalam to leave home for further studies?
Ans. Kalam’s father explained the need for him to leave home for further studies by comparing him to a seagull that flies alone to grow. He quoted Khalil Gibran to emphasise that children have their own thoughts and dreams, and parents should allow them to explore and fulfill their potential.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 9 English chapter 6: My Childhood

1. Comprehensive Coverage: The PDF compiles all significant questions, ensuring thorough preparation for exams by focusing on key themes and ideas.

2. Expert-Curated Content: Questions are prepared by experienced educators, aligning with the latest CBSE syllabus and marking schemes for accurate and focused learning.

3. Time-Saving Resource: Students can save time by accessing a consolidated set of important questions instead of searching through the entire textbook.

4. Exam-Oriented Preparation: Questions are designed to help students practice writing answers effectively and meet exam expectations.

5. Step-by-Step Solutions: This PDF include detailed solutions, enabling students to understand the correct way to write answers.

Conclusion

"My Childhood" in Class 9 English (Beehive) provides an insight into Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's early years in Rameswaram. It highlights the values he learned from his parents, such as kindness, discipline, and respect for all people, regardless of religion or social background. Kalam’s experiences, including the support from his teachers and his lessons in overcoming social barriers, shaped his beliefs and inspired him throughout his life. Vedantu’s important questions FREE PDF for this chapter helps students understand the chapter’s messages, making it easier to prepare well for exams. These questions are expected to make an appearance in the final exams so you can be prepared for them.

Additional Study Material for Class 9 English (Beehive) Chapter 6

Important Questions Class 9 English Beehive (Prose)

Important Questions Class 9 English Beehive (Poem)

Important Study Materials for Class 9 English