Summary
“My Childhood” is an excerpt from Wings of Fire, the autobiography of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In this chapter, Dr. Kalam reflects on his childhood in the town of Rameswaram, where he was born into a middle-class Tamil Muslim family. His family was loving, hardworking, and inclusive, with his parents setting an example of kindness and generosity. Though they were not formally educated, his parents were committed to teaching their children values such as honesty, self-discipline, and respect for all religions. Kalam’s family participated in Hindu festivals, and he was exposed to stories from both the Ramayana and the life of Prophet Muhammad, which shaped his secular mindset.
Kalam’s childhood was deeply influenced by his friends, who came from different religious backgrounds. He had three close friends—Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan—who were Hindu. Despite their different religions and traditions, they never discriminated against each other. As they grew older, each of them chose a different career path, and the bond of friendship remained strong.
One significant incident during Kalam’s school years occurred when a new teacher, disturbed by the sight of Kalam, a Muslim, sitting next to his Hindu friend Ramanadha, ordered Kalam to move to the back bench. This hurt both Kalam and his friend, and after discussing the matter with their families, Ramanadha’s father intervened and forced the teacher to apologize for his discriminatory behavior. This experience left a lasting impression on Kalam, reinforcing his belief in equality and justice.
Kalam also recounts an incident involving his science teacher, Sivasubramania Iyer, an orthodox Hindu, who treated all students equally. Despite his wife’s initial refusal to serve Kalam food, Mr. Iyer stood by his values and served Kalam himself, later persuading his wife to do the same. This act of kindness was a testament to Mr. Iyer’s open-mindedness and respect for all people.
As India’s struggle for independence gained momentum, Kalam expressed his desire to leave Rameswaram and pursue higher studies in Ramanathapuram. His father supported his decision, emphasizing that while parents provide love and care, they should not impose their will on their children.
Conclusion
The chapter My Childhood offers a glimpse into the formative years of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, showcasing his humble beginnings, his values of equality and secularism, and the influential people in his early life. It highlights the importance of education, compassion, and the lessons learned from both family and friends. Dr. Kalam, who later became a renowned aerospace scientist and the 11th President of India, credits these childhood experiences for shaping the person he became.
Summary
In this poem, the poet stresses the idea of universal brotherhood, urging the readers to recognize that no men are strangers and no country is foreign. He begins by pointing out that all humans are essentially the same, regardless of where they come from. He imagines a world without borders, where people are free to travel and interact without the limitations imposed by national divisions. The poet highlights that beneath the uniform exterior, all humans have the same basic structure and needs, and we all live on the same earth, destined to be buried in the same soil.
The poet further emphasizes that the basic elements such as the Sun, air, and water are the same for everyone, regardless of nationality. God’s creation treats everyone equally, and people everywhere experience both good and bad times. The poet underscores the commonality of human experience—working hard for livelihood, experiencing happiness, and enduring hardships. He also mentions that we all share similar physical traits, such as eyes that wake and sleep, and the ability to be moved by love.
In the latter part of the poem, the poet laments the negative effects of hatred and war, noting that when we are told to hate others from different countries, we harm ourselves. He calls for peaceful coexistence, rejecting the use of weapons in conflicts. The poet reflects on how humanity is spoiling the earth with its hatred, and the pollution caused by war fills the air with dust. The poet concludes by urging humanity to remember that no men are foreign and no country is a stranger, reinforcing the idea of equality and unity for all people.
Conclusion:
The poem advocates for love, peace, and the recognition of shared human qualities. It calls for the removal of divisions between people and countries, encouraging unity and harmony across the world. The poet emphasizes that hatred and violence only harm us and that we should cherish the common bond that unites us all as human beings.