Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 6 – My Childhood is an autobiographical excerpt from the life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, one of India's most celebrated scientists and the 11th President of India. In this deeply personal account, Kalam recalls his early years growing up in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, during the 1930s and 1940s. He describes his humble but loving family, the strong bonds of friendship across religious communities, the influence of his teachers, and the values of secularism, hard work, and integrity that shaped his character. The chapter offers a rare and inspiring glimpse into the childhood of a man who rose from modest beginnings to become one of the greatest minds in Indian science and space research.
This chapter is an important part of the CBSE Class 9 English Beehive syllabus and is frequently tested in school examinations. Questions from this chapter cover comprehension, character sketches, understanding of themes like communal harmony, the influence of teachers, and personal values. The chapter also serves as a source of inspiration for students, showing that determination, hard work, and a supportive environment can help anyone achieve greatness regardless of their background or circumstances.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 6 – My Childhood
Q.
Find Dhanuskodi and Rameswaram on the map. What language(s) do you think are spoken there? What languages do you think the author, his family, his friends and his teachers spoke with one another?
Q.
(i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
(ii) What did his father say to this?
(iii) What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?
Q.
Let the class divide itself into three groups. Let each group take down one passage that the teacher dictates. Then put the passages together in the right order.
To Sir, with Love
1. From Rameswaram to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, it’s been a long journey.
Talking to Nona Walia on the eve of Teacher’s Day, President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam talks about life’s toughest lessons learnt and his mission — being a teacher to the Indian youth. “A proper education would help nurture a sense of dignity and self-respect among our youth,” says President Kalam.
There’s still a child in him though, and he’s still curious about learning new things. Life’s a mission for President Kalam.
2. Nonetheless, he remembers his first lesson in life and how it changed his destiny. “I was studying in Standard V, and must have been all of 10. My teacher, Sri Sivasubramania Iyer was telling us how birds fly. He drew a diagram of a bird on the blackboard, depicting the wings, tail and the body with the head and then explained how birds soar to the sky. At the end of the class, I said I didn’t understand. Then he asked the other students if they had understood, but nobody had understood how birds fly,” he recalls.
3. “That evening, the entire class was taken to Rameswarm shore,” the
President continues. “My teacher showed us sea birds. We saw marvelous formations of them flying and how their wings flapped. Then my teacher asked us, ‘Where is the birds’ engine and how is it powered?’ I knew then that birds are powered by their own life and motivation. I understood all about birds’ dynamics. This was real teaching — a theoretical lesson coupled with a live practical example. Sri Siva Subramania Iyer was a great teacher.”
That day, my future was decided. My destiny was changed. I knew my future had to be about flight and flight systems.
Q.
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 bowlers.
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 the 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.
Q.
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.
2. In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers (pay) on time.
3. On Republic Day, vehicles (not allow) beyond this point.
4. Second-hand books (buy and sell) on the pavement every Saturday.
5. Elections to the Lok Sabha (hold) every five years.
6. Our National Anthem (compose) Rabindranath Tagore.
Q.
Study the underlined words 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 prefix 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
|
_acceptable
|
_regular
|
_tolerant
|
|
_demanding
|
_active
|
_true
|
_permanent
|
|
_patriotic
|
_disputed
|
_accessible
|
_coherent
|
|
_logical
|
_legal
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_responsible
|
_possible
|
Q.
Match the phrases in Column A with their meanings in Column B.
|
A
|
B
|
|
(i) broke out
(ii) in accordance with
(iii) a helping hand
(iv) could not stomach
(v) generosity of spirit
(vi) figures of authority
|
(a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to
give freely
(b) was not able to tolerate
(c) began suddenly in a violent way
(d) assistance
(e) persons with power to make decisions
(f) according to a particular rule, principle, or system
|
Q.
Can you find the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)
Q.
What are the meanings of the word trace and which of the meanings is closest to the word in the text?
Q.
Find the sentences in the text where these words occur:
| erupt surge trace undistinguished casualty |
Look these words up in a dictionary which gives examples of how they are used. Now answer the following questions.
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?
Q.
Narrate two incidents that show how differences can be created, and also how they can be resolved. How can people change their attitudes?
Q.
Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.
Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?
Q.
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?
Q.
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.)
Q.
Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each.
“On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups,” says the author.
Which social groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable (for example, by the way they dressed)?
Q.
What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
Q.
How does the author describe: (i) his father, (ii) his mother, (iii) himself?
Q.
Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
Q.
How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
Q.
Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?
Q.
What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
Q.
Think and write a short account of what life in Rameswaram in the 1940s must have been like. (Where people rich or poor? Hard working or lazy? Hopeful of change, or resistant to it?).
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 6 – My Childhood
Q.1) Find Dhanuskodi and Rameswaram on the map. What language(s) do you think are spoken there? What languages do you think the author, his family, his friends and his teachers spoke with one another?
Ans: The spoken language and official language in Tamil Nadu is Tamil. English is additional official language for communication purpose. I suppose the author, his family and friends spoke Tamil with one another. Teachers in the schools and colleges must have spoken English and Tamil with their students.
Q.2) Answer these questions in one or two sentences each. Where was Abdul Kalam's house?
Ans: Abdul Kalam lived in his ancestral house on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram. It was a fairly large pucca house.
Q.3) What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
Ans: Dinamani is the name of a daily newspaper. Abdul Kalam's brother-in-law used to narrate to him stories of the War and he attempted to trace the headlines (of the war) in this newspaper.
Q.4) Who were Abdul Kalam's school friends? What did they later become?
Ans: Abdul Kalam had three close friends in his childhood. They were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan and Sivaprakasan. Ramanadha Sastry later took over the priesthood of the Rameswaram temple from his father. Aravindan went into the business of arranging transport for the visiting pilgrims and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.
Q.5) How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
Ans: Due to the Second World War the trains stopped halting at Rameswaram station and the newspapers had to be bundled and thrown out from the moving train on the Rameswaram Road between Rameswaram and Dhanuskodi. Abdul Kalam started helping his cousin Samsuddin to catch the bundles thrown out of the moving train. Thus, he started earning his first wages.
Q.6) Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
Ans: Abdul Kalam was able to earn some money even before he started helping his cousin. There was a sudden demand for tamarind seeds when Kalam was eight years old. He used to collect the seeds and sell them in a provision shop on Mosque Street and earn 'one anna' per day.
Q.7) How does the author describe: (i) his father, (ii) his mother, (iii) himself?
Ans:
(i) Abdul Kalam's father Jainulabdeen had neither much formal education nor much wealth, but he had an innate wisdom and was generous in nature. He was austere and avoided all inessential comforts and luxuries.
(ii) Abdul Kalam's mother Ashiamma was an ideal helpmate to his father. She too was very generous and kind and fed many outsiders every day.
(iii) Kalam describes himself as a short boy with rather undistinguished looks. He had a secure childhood both materially and emotionally. He was an honest and self-disciplined person, who believed in goodness and kindness.
Q.8) What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
Ans: Abdul Kalam says that he inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father; from his mother, he inherited faith in goodness and deep kindness.
Q.9) Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each. "On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups," says the author. Which social groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable (for example, by the way they dressed)?
Ans: Abdul Kalam mentions two predominant religious groups in his home town, Rameswaram - The Hindus and Muslims - who were easily identifiable by their outward appearance. The Muslims wore a cap and the Hindus a sacred thread. The segregation of these two groups was somewhat rigid in a small town like Rameswaram.
Q.10) 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.)
Ans: (Answer not provided in the document)
Q.11) 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?
Ans: Even though Kalam and his Hindu friends shared a very natural bond of friendship, there were people who stressed the religious differences. People nurtured this mentality included a young teacher who joined the Rameswaram elementary school. He asked Kalam to sit on the last bench because he could not stomach a Muslim boy sitting with a Hindu priest's son. Another such person is Kalam's science teacher's conservative wife. She refused to serve Kalam in her ritually pure kitchen. Those who tried to bridge these differences were Kalam's science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer who invited, served and dined with him and Lakshmana Sastry who conveyed a strong sense of conviction to the new young teacher to reform him.
Q.12) Narrate two incidents that show how differences can be created, and also how they can be resolved. How can people change their attitudes?
Ans: Abdul Kalam narrates a touching incident when he was asked to go and sit on the back bench because one of his new teachers could not stomach a Muslim boy wearing a cap sitting on the front bench near a Brahmin boy, Ramanadha Sastry, a priest's son who wore a sacred thread. The children informed the incident to their respective parents. Lakshmana Sastry summoned the teacher and reprimanded him for spreading the poison of communal intolerance and asked him to either apologise or quit the school. The young teacher regretted his behaviour and got reformed. Kalam's science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer, an orthodox Brahmin had a very conservative wife. One day he invited Kalam for a meal but his wife refused to serve Kalam in her ritually pure kitchen. The teacher was very angry and served Kalam with his own hands, sat down with him to eat his meal. He invited Kalam for dinner again a week later. Kalam was hesitant but when he visited the teacher's house Iyer's wife took him inside her kitchen and served him the food with her own hands. People change their attitudes when someone takes initiative to change the system and boldly confront the problems that arise.
Q.13) (i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram? (ii) What did his father say to this? (iii) What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?
Ans:
(i) Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram in order to do his higher studies at the district headquarters in Ramanathapuram.
(ii) His father whole heartedly agreed and told Kalam that he had to go away in order to grow. He said that the seagull flew across the sun alone and without a nest. He also quoted Khalil Gibran to his wife saying that her daughters are not hers ultimately and she should give them her love but not her thoughts as they had their own thoughts.
(iii) He meant to say that parents should not bind their children to themselves out of selfishness but allow them to develop their potential and fulfill their dreams. I strongly believe that Kalam's father spoke these words to console his wife who must have been sad to see Kalam leaving his parents and going away.
Q.14) Find the sentences in the text where these words occur: erupt surge trace undistinguished casualty. Look these words up in a dictionary which gives examples of how they are used. Now answer the following questions. 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: Erupt
A few things that can erupt are anger, volcano, riots, violence, demonstrations, legal fight, diplomatic row, skin rash, etc. Erupt has several meanings which are given below.
(i) to start suddenly and violently. Example: Violence erupted in different parts of the country.
(ii) to start to burn or burst into flames. Example: I saw some smoke in the building, but suddenly flames erupted from nowhere.
(iii) to become active and spew forth lava and rocks. Example: I think the volcano could erupt within few days or even hours.
(iv) to suddenly express your feelings in a noisy way. Example: The crowd erupted in loud cheering and laughter.
(v) Sudden appearance of rashes or spots on the skin. Example: A painful rash erupted on his skin after taking bath in the polluted river.
Surge
Things that can surge are pride, anxiety, waves, boats, army, etc. The several meanings it has are explained with the following examples:
(i) a sudden and great movement forward. Example: A tidal surge caused flooding and severe damage to the buildings in the coastal areas.
(ii) a sudden increase of an emotion. Example: She couldn't speak anything for some time due to the surge of remorse.
(iii) a sudden increase in value. Example: Share prices surged following the Finance Minister's speech in the Parliament.
(iv) a sudden and great increase. Example: A surge in the electric power damaged my laptop yesterday.
Q.15) What are the meanings of the word trace and which of the meanings is closest to the word in the text?
Ans: The following are the meanings of the word trace:
(i) to find someone or something that was lost
(ii) to find the origin of something
(iii) to discover the causes or origins of something by examining the way in which it has developed
(iv) to describe the way in which something has developed
(v) to find or discover by investigation
(vi) to copy by drawing over its lines on a superimposed piece of transparent paper
The closest meaning of the word 'trace' in the text is 'to find or discover something through investigation'.
Q.16) Can you find the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)
Ans: We can find the word 'undistinguished' in oxford living dictionaries. It is an adjective meaning 'Lacking distinction; unexceptional'. Example: Her style is undistinguished and she is known as the undistinguished daughter of a distinguished father.'
Q.17) Match the phrases in Column A with their meanings in Column B.
Q.18) Form the opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in- (or il-, ir-, im-):
adequate – inadequate
acceptable – unacceptable
regular – irregular
tolerant – intolerant
demanding – undemanding
active – inactive
true – untrue
permanent – impermanent
patriotic – unpatriotic
disputed – undisputed
accessible – inaccessible
coherent – incoherent
logical – illogical
legal – illegal
responsible – irresponsible
possible – impossible
Q.19) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb:
-
In yesterday's competition the prizes were given away by the Principal.
-
In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers were paid on time.
-
On Republic Day, vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.
-
Second-hand books are bought and sold on the pavement every Saturday.
-
Elections to the Lok Sabha are held every five years.
-
Our National Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
Q.20) Rewrite the paragraphs using the correct form of the verb:
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 got seriously injured and collapsed. In those days helmets were not worn. Contractor was hit on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor's skull was fractured. The entire team was deeply concerned. The West Indies players were worried. Contractor was rushed to hospital. He was accompanied by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood was donated by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor was saved. Nowadays helmets are routinely used against bowlers.
2. Oil from Seeds
Vegetable oils are made from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil is produced from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans and sunflower seeds. Olive oil is used for cooking, salad dressing, etc. Olives are shaken from the trees and gathered up, usually by hand. The olives are ground to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats are layered up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.
Q.21) Arrange the passages in the correct order (To Sir, with Love):
Correct order:
From Rameswaram to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, it's been a long journey. Talking to Nona Walia on the eve of Teacher's Day, President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam talks about life's toughest lessons learnt and his mission — being a teacher to the Indian youth. "A proper education would help nurture a sense of dignity and self-respect among our youth," says President Kalam. There's still a child in him though, and he's still curious about learning new things. Life's a mission for President Kalam.
Nonetheless, he remembers his first lesson in life and how it changed his destiny. "I was studying in Standard V, and must have been all of 10. My teacher, Sri Sivasubramania Iyer was telling us how birds fly. He drew a diagram of a bird on the blackboard, depicting the wings, tail and the body with the head and then explained how birds soar to the sky. At the end of the class, I said I didn't understand. Then he asked the other students if they had understood, but nobody had understood how birds fly," he recalls.
"That evening, the entire class was taken to Rameswaram shore," the President continues. "My teacher showed us sea birds. We saw marvelous formations of them flying and how their wings flapped. Then my teacher asked us, 'Where is the birds' engine and how is it powered?' I knew then that birds are powered by their own life and motivation. I understood all about birds' dynamics. This was real teaching — a theoretical lesson coupled with a live practical example. Sri Siva Subramania Iyer was a great teacher." That day, my future was decided. My destiny was changed. I knew my future had to be about flight and flight systems.
Q.22) Think and write a short account of what life in Rameswaram in the 1940s must have been like.
Hints:
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Life seems to be very simple
-
People not very wealthy
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Social segregation based on religion existed
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Majority of people lived in harmony
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There were people who envisaged and worked for social reformation
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People hopeful of change in the society
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Some people - resistant to change
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Difficulties due to Second World War
-
People hardworking
FAQs – Chapter 6 My Childhood
Q1. What is the central theme of My Childhood? The central theme is the power of a loving upbringing, good values, and inspiring teachers in shaping a person's character and future. Kalam's childhood in Rameswaram was marked by simplicity, communal harmony, and strong moral values instilled by his family and teachers. The chapter shows that a nurturing environment and the right guidance can help a child develop into a great human being regardless of economic circumstances.
Q2. Who were the most important influences in Kalam's childhood? The most important influences in Kalam's early life were his father Jainulabdeen, his mother Ashiamma, his close friend Ramanadha Sastry, and his teachers — especially Sivasubramania Iyer and his science teacher Father Solomon. His father's wisdom and integrity, his mother's warmth and faith, his friend's acceptance across religious boundaries, and his teachers' encouragement all played crucial roles in shaping his personality and ambitions.
Q3. How does the chapter reflect the theme of communal harmony? Kalam grew up in a mixed community in Rameswaram where Hindus and Muslims lived together with mutual respect and friendship. His closest childhood friend was Ramanadha Sastry, the son of the temple priest. His teachers, both Hindu and Muslim, treated all students equally. Even when communal tensions arose during World War II, the bonds of friendship and respect in Kalam's immediate community remained strong. The chapter shows that genuine human connections transcend religious and social divisions.
Q4. What lesson does Kalam's science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer teach him? Sivasubramania Iyer taught Kalam an important lesson about breaking social barriers. When he invited Kalam to his home for a meal, his wife refused to serve a Muslim boy in her kitchen. Rather than accepting this discrimination, the teacher served Kalam himself and later convinced his wife to do the same. He told Kalam that he must transcend the limitations of birth and society through his abilities and achievements. This incident left a deep impression on Kalam about the importance of rising above prejudice.
Q5. Why is My Childhood an important chapter for students today? My Childhood is important for students today because it shows that success is not determined by wealth, religion, or social status. Kalam's story demonstrates that curiosity, hard work, the support of good teachers and family, and a spirit of harmony and respect can help anyone achieve their dreams. In a diverse country like India, the chapter's message of communal harmony and mutual respect is as relevant today as it was in Kalam's time.