Question

How was the Science teacher Siva Subramaniam Iyer, though an orthodox Brahmin with a very conservative wife, a friend of Abdul Kalam. Give incidents to support your answer.

Answer 1

Hint: The plot of "My Childhood" is a summary of the well-known biography "Wings of Fire" by the eminent Indian figure Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. He had a long and difficult journey before becoming a famous scientist and, as a result, the "Missile Man of India."

Complete answer:
The science teacher's life was free of bias and stereotypes. He cared about everyone and respected them all. Appreciation for one another and intercultural harmony are essential for the country's unity and integration. This was proved by the science teacher.

Siva Subramaniam Iyer, a science teacher, wanted to break down social barriers between Hindus and Muslims. He desired that Kalam be very well educated because he recognized his intelligence. He invited him to dinner one day. His orthodox wife was enraged at the prospect of a Muslim boy dining in her ritually pure kitchen. He didn't mind what his very conservative wife said.

He preferred to serve the food to Abdul with his own hands. He also sat with him and dined with him, and he invited him over for another meal the following weekend. As a result, despite the fact that Abdul Kalam was a Muslim and he was an orthodox Brahmin, he was a friend of Abdul Kalam.

Note: The chapter “My Childhood” focuses on Kalam's determination and how his life changed as he faced various challenges in his early years. This chapter also beautifully depicts Dr. Kalam's mentor relationship with his science teacher. The theme of 'My childhood' is that the experience and people around us shape our lives.