PROSE : DR APJ ABDUL KALAM
Wings of Fire : First Chapter
Strong Roots
Descriptive Answer-type Questions : 6 Marks
DAQ : 6 Marks
1️⃣ Give a brief account of Kalam’s early childhood as presented in his writing “Strong Roots”.
👉In the first chapter of his best selling autobiographical work, “Wings of Fire” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam vividly described his early childhood. He stated that he was born into a middle class Tamil family in the island of Rameswaram in the erstwhile Madras state. He was one of many children–a short boy with rather undistinguished looks born to tall and handsome parents. His father, Jainulabdeen had neither much formal education nor much wealth, but he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma was also a generous lady. His parents were widely regarded as an ideal couple. Dr Kalam spent his early childhood in their fairly large pucca house made of limestone and brick which was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. The house was situated on the mosque street in Rameswaram. In his childhood Kalam was provided all necessities of life in terms of food, clothes or medicine. In a line, with generous parents, peaceful family and social atmosphere Dr Kalam had a very secure childhood–materially and emotionally.
Related Questions
[I] What does Kalam say about his early life in his writing “Strong Roots”? Write briefly.
[II] Give an account of the author’s reminiscences of his early life at Rameswaram.
[III] What light does APJ Abdul Kalam throw on his birth, birthplace and his house in his autobiographical essay, “Strong Roots”?
[IV] Describe in your own words what Kalam recollects about his ancestral house and family at the very beginning of his autobiographical essay, “Strong Roots”.
[V] “In fact, I would say mine was a very secure childhood, materially and emotionally.” Why did APJ Abdul Kalam make such an observation in “Strong Roots”?
[VI] “My austere father used to avoid all inessential comforts and luxuries.” What kind of life did Kalam lead with his parents in his childhood?
[VII] What kind of childhood did Dr APJ Abdul Kalam have? Write briefly.
[VIII] Narrate briefly about the childhood of the author of the prose-piece, “Strong Roots”.
[IX] Why does Dr APJ Abdul Kalam feel that he had a secure childhood?
[X] How does Kalam sum up his childhood in Rameswaram?
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2️⃣ “We lived in our ancestral house.” Who said this? Where was the house situated? Give a brief description of the house. How did the author spend his childhood in his ancestral house? [1+1+2+2]
👉Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said this in his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’.
The ancestral of Dr. Kalam was situated on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam spent his childhood days in their ancestral house, which was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. The house was a fairly large pucca house, made of limestone and brick, and the house was situated on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram.
In his ancestral house Dr. Kalam was provided all necessities of life, in terms of food, medicine or clothing. In all, as thus Dr. Kalam said, he had a very secure childhood, materially and emotionally.
Related Question
[I] “We lived in our ancestral house.” Who is the speaker? When was the house built? What kind of house was it? How did the inmates of the house lead their lives in the house? [1+1+1+3]
👉Dr A P J Abdul Kalam said this in his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots”.
The ancestral house of Dr Kalam was built in the middle of the nineteenth century.
It was a fairly large pucca house, made of limestone and brick, on the mosque street in Rameswaram.
In their ancestral house Dr Kalam along with all family members led a very secure life, both materially and emotionally. Though Dr Kalam’s father was a very austere man, Dr Kalam said that all necessities were provided for him, in terms of food, medicine or clothing.
Related Question
[I] “We lived in our ancestral house.” Who is the speaker? When was the house built? What kind of a house was it? What did the speaker say about his family, lifestyle and childhood? [1+1+1+3]
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[II] Describe the house of Kalam.
👉In the first chapter of his autobiography, “Wings of Fire” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam vividly described the ancestral house where he lived in his childhood. The house was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. It was a fairly large pucca house, made of limestone and brick. The house was on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram.
In their ancestral house Dr Kalam along with all family members led a very secure life, both materially and emotionally. Though Dr Kalam’s father was a very austere man, Dr Kalam said that all necessities were provided for him, in terms of food, medicine or clothing.
[III] “We lived in our ancestral house.” What description of his ancestral house does Kalam give? Where is it situated? When was it built? How does he recapitulate the memory of having lunch in his ancestral house? [1+1+1+3]
👉The ancestral house of Kalam was a fairly large pucca house, made of limestone and brick, on the mosque street in Rameswaram.
It was situated on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram.
The ancestral house of Dr Kalam was built in the middle of the nineteenth century.
In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has vividly pointed out how he would take meals in his childhood days. In his childhood he normally ate with his mother, sitting on the floor of the kitchen. She would place a banana leaf before him on which she then ladled rice and aromatic sambar, a variety of sharp, homemade pickle and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney.
The description given above shows not only his very simple food habit but also his deep attachment to his mother.
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3️⃣ How does Dr. Kalam remember his mother in ‘Strong Roots’?
👉In his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’ Dr. Kalam respectfully recalls his parents who were widely regarded as an ideal couple. Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen had an ideal helpmate in Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma who came from a very prestigious family. Kalam’s mother’s lineage was the more distinguished. One of her forebears having been bestowed the title of ‘Bahadur’ by the British. Kalam’s mother was not only a pious lady but also a generous woman. Everyday she fed many outsiders along with all her family members.
Related Questions
[I] How does the author describe his mother at the beginning of the first chapter of ‘Wings of Fire’?
[II] How does Kalam pay his homage or tribute to his mother in his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’?
👉Kalam paid a glowing tribute to his mother in his essay, “Strong Roots”. He said that his tall and handsome mother Ashiamma was an ideal helpmate of his father. She belonged to a distinguished family. One of her ancestors received the title of Bahadur from the British rulers. Kalam’s mother was not only a pious lady but also a generous woman. Everyday she fed many outsiders along with all her family members.
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4️⃣ How does Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam feel about his father in his writing ‘Strong Roots’?
👉In his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’ Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has expressed his deep admiration for his father, Jainulabdeen. Although his father had neither much formal education nor much wealth, he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. Kalam has learned the art of living from his father. In his father he found a great teacher, an ideal mentor, a friend, philosopher and guide. His father was spiritual from top to bottom. From his father Kalam has learned the value of discipline and tolerance and also the value of prayer. It was his father who led Kalam to his true place. It was his father who revealed to him the fundamental truths of life. Though Dr. Kalam was a man of science and technology, he, throughout his life, tried to emulate his father’s principles of life.
Related Questions
[I] How was Kalam influenced by the philosophy of life of his father?
[II] How far has Kalam emulated his father in his own life?
[III] How has Dr. Kalam expressed his gratitude to his father?
[IV] What message from his father is learned and followed by Kalam in his life?
[V] What were the advantages and disadvantages expressed by Kalam about his father’s character?
[VI] What idea do you gather about the personality of Kalam’s father from his “Strong Roots”?
[VII] What did Kalam learn from his father?
[VIII] Point out some qualities of Kalam’s father.
[IX] How was Kalam, throughout his life, tried to emulate his father in his own world of science and technology?
[X] How did Kalam’s father’s teaching help him in his later life?
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5️⃣ What idea do you gather about the parentage of Kalam from his reminiscences in his essay “Strong Roots”?
👉In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Kalam recalls respectfully his parents who were widely regarded as an ideal couple. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a highly religious minded, spiritual and also a progressive thinking man. Although he had neither much formal education nor much wealth, he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. He ever helped people in their necessity. He had an ideal helpmate in Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma who came from a more distinguished family. One of her forebears having been bestowed the title of ‘Bahadur’ by the British. She was not only a pious lady but also generous minded. Everyday she fed many outsiders in the house.
Their great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit and above all their understanding made them an ideal couple in their locality. Despite disadvantages, they provided all necessities of life for Kalam. So, they were very special to him. In his whole life his parents’ simple living, high thinking and ideal qualities inspired him greatly in his own world of science and technology.
Related Questions
[I] What does Kalam say about his parents in his writing “Strong Roots”?
[II] “My parents were widely regarded as an ideal couple.” Who were regarded as ‘an ideal couple’ and why? [2+4]
[III] Give a description of the author’s parents. How were they so very special to him? [4+2]
[IV] How does Kalam pay homage or his gratitude to his parents in his autobiographical writing,”Strong Roots “?
[V] How was APJ Abdul Kalam influenced by the characters and qualities of his parents?
[VI] How was Kalam motivated in his own way of living by the simple life of his parents?
[VII] How was Kalam inspired for a simple living and high thinking?
[VIII] How does Kalam describe his parents in the essay, “Strong Roots”?
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6️⃣ Write about Dr Kalam’s ancestry.
👉In his autobiographical prose-piece “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has mentioned only a part of his ancestry. An ideal couple, his widely regarded parents were Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a highly religious minded, spiritual and also a progressive thinking man. Although he had neither much formal education nor much wealth, he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. He ever helped people in their necessity. He had an ideal helpmate in Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma who came from a more distinguished family. One of her forebears having been bestowed the title of ‘Bahadur’ by the British. She was not only a pious lady but also generous minded. Everyday she fed many outsiders in the house.
Their great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit and above all their understanding made them an ideal couple in their locality. Despite disadvantages, they provided all necessities of life for Kalam. So, they were very special to him.
7️⃣ “I normally ate with my mother.” Who ate with his mother? Name his mother. Where did he eat with his mother? What did he eat with his mother? [1+1+1+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2018, 2022]
👉In his childhood Dr APJ Abdul Kalam normally ate with his mother sitting on the floor of the kitchen.
His mother’s name was Ashiamma.
He normally ate with his mother, sitting on the floor of the kitchen.
Dr Kalam’s mother would place a banana leaf before him on which she then ladled rice and aromatic sambar, a variety of sharp, homemade pickle and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney.
Related Questions
[I] What does Kalam say about his taking meal in childhood?
[II] How did Kalam’s mother offer him food? What did she give as food? [2+4]
👉In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has vividly pointed out how he would take meals in his childhood days. In his childhood he normally ate with his mother, sitting on the floor of the kitchen. She would place a banana leaf before him on which she then ladled rice and aromatic sambar, a variety of sharp, homemade pickle and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney.
The description given above shows not only his very simple food habit but also his deep attachment to his mother.
[III] Describe the scene of lunch in the house of Kalam.
👉In his autobiographical essay, “Strong Roots” Kalam recalls his parents’ true generosity of spirit. He could not recall the exact number of people his mother fed everyday in the house, but he was quite certain that far more outsiders ate with them than all the members of their family put together. In his childhood he normally ate with his mother, sitting on the floor of the kitchen. She would place a banana leaf before him on which she then ladled rice and aromatic sambar, a variety of sharp, homemade pickle and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney.
The description given above shows not only his very simple food habit but also his deep attachment to his mother.
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8️⃣ “Our locality was predominantly Muslim.” Who is the speaker? How does the speaker describe the locality? What picture of communal harmony do you find in this description? [1+3+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2017]
👉Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is the speaker of the above line in his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots”.
In his prose-piece “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has vividly given a description of his locality where he lived in his childhood. He was born and raised in Rameswaram. He lived in their ancestral house situated on the Mosque street in Rameswaram. The famous Shiva temple was only about a ten-minute walk from Dr Kalam’s house. Their locality was predominantly Muslim, but there were quite a lot of Hindu families too, living amicably with their Muslim neighbours. There was a very old mosque in their locality where his father would take him for evening prayers. The high priest of Rameswaram, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, was a very close friend of Kalam’s father. They often discussed spiritual matters without any feeling of animosity.
From the above description we can easily say that there was a sweet relationship existed between the two communities–Hindu and Muslim.
Related Questions
[I] How does Dr Kalam describe his neighborhood?
[II] Describe the locality where Dr APJ Abdul Kalam lived.
[III] Describe Rameswaram as an ideal place for all communities.
[IV] Kalam’s autobiographical sketch “Strong Roots” gives us an interesting picture of communal harmony that prevailed in the society then. Explain.
[V] What does APJ Abdul Kalam tell us about the communal harmony practiced in his hometown?
[VI] Where did Kalam spend his childhood? Describe the locality and people living there. [1+5]
[VII] What, according to the author, was the relationship that existed between the Hindus and the Muslims in Rameswaram.
[VIII] What picture of communal harmony do you get from Kalam’s autobiographical sketch, “Strong Roots”?
[IX] Kalam’s autobiographical sketch, “Strong Roots” gives us an interesting picture of communal harmony that prevailed in the society then. Explain.
[X] Cite instances to show that people of different religions lived amicably in the locality where Kalam lived.
[XI] Who was Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry? How was the relationship between Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry and Kalam’s father? What does the relationship signify? [1+3+2]
👉The high priest of Rameswaram temple Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry was a very close friend of Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen.
There was a very close relationship [friendship] between Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry and Dr Kalam’s father. They often discussed spiritual matters without any feeling of animosity.
From the above description we can easily say that there was a sweet relationship existed between the two communities–Hindu and Muslim.
[XII] “One of the most vivid memories of my early childhood is of the two men…”
(a) Whose childhood memories are referred to?
(b) Who were the two men?
(c) What was their topic of discussion?
(d) What answer did the narrator get regarding his answer on prayer? [1+2+1+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2023]
👉Here the childhood memories of Dr Kalam are referred to in his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots”.
The two men were Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen and his very close friend, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the high priest of Rameswaram temple.
The topic of their discussion was spiritual matters.
Regarding his answer on prayer the narrator, Dr Kalam got answer from his father. His father says that there is nothing mysterious about prayer; rather prayer makes possible a communion of the spirit between people. When one prays, one transcends his/her body and becomes a part of the cosmos which knows no division of wealth, age, caste or creed.
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9️⃣ What does Kalam say about his childhood experience in the mosque?
👉Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen was strictly religious in his daily life. Every evening he went to the old mosque for evening prayers and Kalam accompanied him regularly. Though Kalam could hardly understand the meaning of the Arabic prayers chanted, he was totally convinced that those prayers reached God. After the prayers when they came out of the mosque, they would see people of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for Kalam’s father. Many of them offered bowls of water to him who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer. This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids. Kalam also remembered that people visiting their home to offer thanks to his father after being cured. Father then always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful.
Related Questions
[I] What does Kalam say about his father’s evening prayers at the old mosque?
[II] Describe the sight or scene where people gathered in front of the old mosque with bowls of water and waited for Kalam’s father.
[III] What information do you gather about the evening prayers?
[IV] How did Kalam’s father explain his role when he met people after evening prayers?
[V] Describe the scene by Kalam before the mosque at the end of evening prayer.
[VI] “People of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for him.” Who is referred to as ‘him’? Where did the people wait? Why did they wait there? What would happen thereafter? [1+1+2+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2020]
👉Here ‘him’ refers to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen.
People of different religions would be sitting outside the mosque waiting for Kalam’s father where Kalam’s father along with little Kalam used to go for evening prayers.
They waited there for Kalam’s father who was a healer for the people in distress . He worked as a mediator in their effort to propitiate demonic forces with prayers and offerings.
After the prayers when Kalam’s father came out of the mosque, people of different religions would be sitting outside, waiting for him. Many of them offered bowls of water to him who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer. This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids. Kalam also remembered that people visiting their home to offer thanks to his father after being cured.
[VII] “Father always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful.” Who are ‘they’? Why did ‘they’ offer thanks? Which quality of his father is reflected or revealed here? [1+1+4]
👉Here ‘they’ are the people of different religions who, after being cured using the sanctified water given by Kalam’s father, visited Kalam’s home to offer thanks to his father.
In the evening after performing the namaz when Kalam’s father with little Kalam came out of the mosque, they would see people of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for Kalam’s father. Many of them offered bowls of water to him who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer. This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids. Kalam also remembered that people visiting their home to offer thanks to his father after being cured. Father then always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful.
From the above description we can easily say that Kalam’s father was regarded as most respectful person who enjoyed a high status in Rameswaram. In fact, for his generosity, helpful attitude, simple living and profound wisdom and spiritual outlook he was regarded as most respectful person in the locality.
Related Questions
[I] How was Kalam’s father regarded by the outsiders in Rameswaram?
[II] How was Kalam’s father enjoyed a high status in Rameswaram?
[III] How was Kalam’s father revered by the residents of his hometown?
[IV] Briefly analyze the character of Jainulabdeen focusing on his role as a social helper with his spiritual interpretation.
[V] “When my father came out of the mosque…” Who is the speaker here? When did they go out of the mosque? What happened when the speaker’s father came out of the mosque? [1+1+4]
👉In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Dr is the speaker of the above line.
After performing evening prayers in the old mosque, Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen along with his little son Kalam came out of the mosque.
In the evening after performing the namaz when Kalam’s father with little Kalam came out of the mosque, they would see people of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for Kalam’s father. Many of them offered bowls of water to him who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer. This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids. Kalam also remembered that people visiting their home to offer thanks to his father after being cured. Father then always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful.
[VI] What would usually happen when Kalam’s father came out of the mosque after the prayers? When would his father smile and ask people to thank Allah? What does it tell us about the kind of person his father was? [3+2+1]
👉In the evening after performing the namaz when Kalam’s father with little Kalam came out of the mosque, they would see people of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for Kalam’s father. Many of them offered bowls of water to him who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer. This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids. Kalam also remembered that people visiting their home to offer thanks to his father after being cured. Father then always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful.
From the above description we can easily say that Kalam’s father was regarded as most respectful person who enjoyed a high status in Rameswaram. In fact, for his generosity, helpful attitude, simple living and profound wisdom and spiritual outlook he was regarded as most respectful person in the locality.
[VII] “There was a very old mosque in our locality where my father would take me for evening prayers.”
(a) Who waited for Kalam’s father outside the mosque?
(b) Why did they wait there?
(c) Why did some of them thank Kalam’s father?
(d) What would Kalam’s father then say to them?
[1+2+2+1] [WBCHSE H.S. 2024]
👉(a)When Kalam’s father came out of the mosque after the prayers, people of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for him.
(b) They waited there for Kalam’s father to get his blessings and prayers. Many of them offered bowls of water to him who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer.
(c) This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids. After being cured some of them visited Kalam’s father to offer thanks to him.
(d) Father then always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful.
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1️⃣0️⃣ What had remained the routine for Abdul Kalam’s father even when he was in his late sixties? What does Kalam say about his emulation of his father? [3+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2016]
👉In his autobiographical writing “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has expressed his great tribute to his father’s routine-bound life. His austere father used to avoid all inessential comforts and luxuries. Recalling his memories, Dr Kalam said that his father would start his day at 4 A.M. by reading the namaz before dawn. After the namaz, he used to walk down to a small coconut grove they owned, about four miles from their home. He would return with about a dozen coconuts tied together thrown over his soldier, and only then he would have his breakfast. His father was a so disciplined man that he maintained this routine even when he was in his late sixties.
The daily routine of Kalam’s father shows that he was a very disciplined man who led a very simple life. He minded his mind, body and soul
Young Kalam was immensely impressed and inspired by this type of lifestyle of his father. His father impressed Kalam beyond measure. He had learnt the art of living from his father. In his whole life, in his own world of science and technology, he tried to emulate his father’s principles of life.
Related Questions
[I] How does Dr Kalam recount or remember his father’s daily routine?
[II] Describe the daily routine of Kalam’s father and add a comment on it. [4+2]
[III] What does Kalam say of his father’s lifestyle even in his late sixties? How was he impressed by that? [4+2]
[IV] How was the lifestyle of Kalam’s father even in his late sixties? How did it impress young Kalam? [4+2]
[V] In his late sixties, how was the life-style of Kalam’s father? Why was it necessary? How did it impress young Kalam? [4+2]
[VI] What information we get about the daily routine of Kalam’s father from the autobiographical piece, “Strong Roots”? How did it inspire young Kalam? [4+2]
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1️⃣1️⃣ What was Kalam’s father’s response to his son’s query about prayer and spirituality?
👉Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen was a devout Muslim from top to bottom. He would take young Kalam to the mosque for evening prayers. Though Kalam could hardly understand the meaning of the Arabic prayers chanted, he was totally convinced that those prayers reached God. When Kalam was old enough to ask questions, he asked his father about the relevance of prayer. His father told him that there was nothing mysterious about prayer. Rather prayer made a communion of the spirit between people. His father also explained that through the prayer a man can go beyond his bodily existence and can become a part of the cosmos which knows division of wealth, age, caste or creed.
Kalam’s father was out and out a spiritualist and progressive thinker. He had a wise observation about spirituality. He believed that every individual is a part or element of the whole of the manifest divine being. A superior being is controlling our life. So, there is no need to be worried about difficulties, sufferings and problems. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. Then he pointed out two fold vision of destiny—(I) the fear-ridden vision of destiny and (II) the vision of finding out the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves.The answer of his father filled him with a strange energy and enthusiasm. Thus Dr Kalam’s father revealed to him the fundamental truths.
Related Questions
[I] What was Kalam’s father’s response to his son’s query about the purpose of prayer?
[II] What did Kalam’s father tell him about the relevance of prayer?
[III] “My father told me there was nothing mysterious about prayer.” What did Kalam’s father say about prayer?
[IV] “My father told me there was nothing mysterious about prayer.” Answer from Jainulabdeen’s observation.
[V] Is there anything mysterious about prayer? Answer from Jainulabdeen’s observation.
How did Kalam’s father reveal to him the fundamental truths?
[VI] “I asked my father about the relevance of prayer.” Who does the word ‘I’ refer to? What is the name of the speaker’s father? What was the father’s explanation about the relevance of prayer? [1+1+4]
👉Here the word ‘I’ refers to Dr Kalam who asked his father about the relevance of prayer.
The name of Dr Kalam’s father is Jainulabdeen.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen was a devout Muslim from top to bottom. He would take young Kalam to the mosque for evening prayers. Though Kalam could hardly understand the meaning of the Arabic prayers chanted, he was totally convinced that those prayers reached God. When Kalam was old enough to ask questions, he asked his father about the relevance of prayer. His father told him that there was nothing mysterious about prayer. Rather prayer made a communion of the spirit between people. His father also explained that through the prayer a man can go beyond his bodily existence and can become a part of the cosmos which knows division of wealth, age, caste or creed.
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1️⃣2️⃣ “This is not a correct approach at all.” Who said this about what? What is the ‘approach’? Why is the ‘approach’ not correct? / What, according to the author’s father, is not a ‘correct approach’ and why should not it be followed? What is the ‘correct approach’? [1+2+3]
👉Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father said this about the common people’s blind belief in him.
The ‘approach’ referred to here is the common people’s way to please demonic forces with prayers and offerings in distress. People in distress consider their misery as an outcome of the anger of demonic forces. So they would try to appease the evil forces with prayers and offerings. In their efforts Kalam’s father would act as a special helper or mediator to calm down the demonic forces.
The superstitious, unlearned common people in Kalam’s locality had a great faith in Kalam’s father’s spiritual power and ability. Whenever they were in distress or in troubles, they came to him. They believed that he could drive away the demonic forces that troubled them and bring back their fortune and happiness. Kalam’s father firmly held that it had been absolutely wrong. That was not at all correct approach to get over that misfortune, and it should not be followed.
The ‘correct approach’ is that when troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his or her sufferings. According to him, difficulties, sufferings, problems and dangers are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them. He explains that when a man can understand the cause of his or her suffering, he or she would certainly be able to find out ways to overcome them.
Related Question
[I] “This is not a correct approach at all and should never be followed.” From which prose-piece is this line taken? Who is the speaker? What do you mean by ‘this’? What should be the correct approach according to the speaker? [1+1+2+2]
👉The above mentioned line is taken from the prose-piece, “Strong Roots” by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
Here Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, is the speaker of the above line.
The ‘approach’ referred to here is the common people’s way to please demonic forces with prayers and offerings in distress. People in distress consider their misery as an outcome of the anger of demonic forces. So they would try to appease the evil forces with prayers and offerings. In their efforts Kalam’s father would act as a special helper or mediator to calm down the demonic forces.
The ‘correct approach’ is that when troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his or her sufferings. According to him, difficulties, sufferings, problems and dangers are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them. He explains that when a man can understand the cause of his or her suffering, he or she would certainly be able to find out ways to overcome them.
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1️⃣3️⃣ “Every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper.” Who said this? How did he or she act as a special helper? [1+5]
👉Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen said this to his son Kalam.
The superstitious, unlearned common people in Kalam’s locality had a great faith in Kalam’s father’s spiritual power and ability. Whenever they were in distress or in troubles, they came to him. They believed that he could drive away the demonic forces that troubled them and bring back their fortune and happiness. Kalam’s father firmly held that it had been absolutely wrong. That was not at all correct approach to get over that misfortune, and it should not be followed. But he believed that for the people in distress he could play only the role of a mediator in their effort to propitiate demonic forces with prayers and offerings.
Related Questions
[I] “Every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper.” Who said this and to whom? How did the speaker transform the person spoken to here? [1+1+4]
[II] “Every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper.” Who said this and to whom? How did the person play the role of a ‘special helper’? [1+1+4]
[III] “Every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper.” How does APJ Abdul Kalam establish this idea by citing examples in “Strong Roots”?
[IV] “Whenever they reach an impasse, they look to someone to show them the way out.” How did Kalam justify his own observation in his autobiography, “Strong Roots”?
[V] What did Kalam’s father look upon the people who sought his help and advice?
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1️⃣4️⃣ “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.” Whose answer had such an impact? Who was thus impressed? What was the answer? [1+1+3]
👉The answer of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen to his son’s query had such an impact.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was thus impressed by his father’s answer to his question.
Once Dr Kalam’s father was explaining man’s position in the universe and the role of adversity. Hearing this, Kalam wanted to know why he did not say that to the people who would come to him for help and advice. Then he answered in a low, deep voice. He answered that every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper. He believed that for the people in distress he could play only the role of a mediator in their effort to propitiate demonic forces with prayers and offerings. Kalam’s father firmly held that it had been absolutely wrong. That was not at all correct approach to get over that misfortune, and it should not be followed. Then he pointed out two fold vision of destiny—(I) the fear-ridden vision of destiny and (II) the vision of finding out the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves. This answer of his father filled Kalam with a strange energy and enthusiasm.
Related Questions
[I] “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.” Whose answer had such an impact? Who was thus impressed? What was the answer that filled the person with a strange energy and enthusiasm? [1+1+3]
[II] What are the questions that APJ Abdul Kalam asked his father? What answers did he get? How did he feel after getting those answers? [2 +3+1]
[III] “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.” Who is the speaker? Whose answer is being referred to here? What was the answer? [1+1+4] [WBCHSE H.S. 2019]
👉Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is the speaker of the above line in his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots”.
The answer of Dr Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen is being referred to here.
Once Dr Kalam’s father was explaining man’s position in the universe and the role of adversity. Hearing this, Kalam wanted to know why he did not say that to the people who would come to him for help and advice. Then he answered in a low, deep voice. He answered that every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper. He believed that for the people in distress he could play only the role of a mediator in their effort to propitiate demonic forces with prayers and offerings. Kalam’s father firmly held that it had been absolutely wrong. That was not at all correct approach to get over that misfortune, and it should not be followed. Then he pointed out two fold vision of destiny—(I) the fear-ridden vision of destiny and (II) the vision of finding out the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves. This answer of his father filled Kalam with a strange energy and enthusiasm.
Related Questions
[I] “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.” Who is the speaker? Whose answer is being referred to here? What was the question and its answer? [1+1+4]
[II] “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.” Whose answer is referred to here? What was the question to which the answer was given? Briefly state the answer. [1+1+4]
[III] “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.” Whose answer is being referred to here? What answer did the speaker receive? To which question of the speaker the answer was given? [1+4+1]
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1️⃣5️⃣ “Every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine being.” Where from has this line been taken? Who said this and to whom? What does the speaker mean to say here? / Explain the light of the views of the author’s father. [1+1+4]
👉The above line has been taken from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s autobiographical Writing, “Strong Roots”.
Dr Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen said this to his son Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Kalam said that his father though had not much formal education, he possessed great innate wisdom. He could convey complex spiritual concepts in a very simple down-to-earth Tamil.To illustrate this special ability of his father Dr Kalam quotes his father’s words regarding the position of human beings on earth. His father thought that every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine Being. The divine Being manifests Himself in different forms. The world around us is nothing but the manifestation of the divine Being. Every creation in the universe has specific identity. At any stage of life every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine Being.
Related Questions
[I] “My father could convey complex spiritual concepts in a very simple down-to-earth Tamil.” What were the complex spiritual concepts which the speaker’s father could convey in a very simple down-to-earth Tamil? How did the author’s father convey spiritual concepts? [2+4]
[II] “My father could convey complex spiritual concepts in a very simple down-to-earth Tamil.” Whose father is referred to here? What was the name of the father? How could he convey complex spiritual concepts? What were the spiritual concepts? [1+1+2+2]
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1️⃣6️⃣ “Why don’t you say this to the people who come to you……..?” Who says this and to whom? What is referred to by the word ‘this’? Why do the people come to the person spoken to? [1+1+3+1] [WBCHSE H.S. 2015]
👉In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul says this to his father Jainulabdeen.
Here ‘this’ refers to the common people’s habit of getting afraid of problems, troubles, sorrows and suffering. When troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his or her sufferings, as all of these are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them, one should face all these with courage and conviction.
Wherever the common people are in distress, they come to Kalam’s father for help and advice. For the people in distress Kalam’s father acts as a mediator in their effort to propitiate demonic forces with prayers and offerings.
Related Question
[I] “Why don’t you say this to the people…” Why was this asked and what was the reply? [2+4]
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1️⃣7️⃣ How did Kalam’s father influence Kalam’s perception and interpretation of divine power? How, according to Abdul Kalam, can an individual achieve freedom, happiness and peace of mind? [4+2]
👉Kalam’s father was out and out a spiritualist and progressive thinker. He had a wise observation about spirituality. He believed that every individual is a part or element of the whole of the manifest divine being. A superior being is controlling our life. So, there is no need to be worried about difficulties, sufferings and problems. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. When troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his /her sufferings. All of these are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them. One must understand the difference between a fear-ridden vision of destiny and the vision that enables us to seek the enemy of fulfilment within ourselves.
This positive attitude of his father to adversity impressed Kalam greatly and he came to believe that adversity is a blessing in disguise.
According to Abdul Kalam, once an individual severs his emotional and physical bond, he is on the road to freedom, happiness and peace of mind.
Related Questions
[I] “…….there exists a divine power…” Who said this? Elucidate the concept of divine power. [1+5]
[II] What spiritual feeling or divine thought did APJ Abdul Kalam imbibe from his father?
[III] What does Kalam say about religion and spirituality in his essay, “Strong Roots”?
[IV] What note of spirituality do you find reflected in his essay, “Strong Roots”?
[V] How did Jainulabdeen’s spirituality influence Dr Kalam?
[VI] How, according to Dr Kalam, man can attain freedom, happiness and peace of mind?
[VII] What is Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s perception about divine power? How, according to Kalam, man can achieve freedom, happiness and peace of mind? [4+2]
[VIII] What is Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s perception about divine power? How, according to Kalam, an individual can reach the road to freedom, happiness and peace of mind? [4+2]
[IX] “I have endeavoured to understand the fundamental truths revealed to me by my father.” Who is ‘I’ referred to here? What were the ‘fundamental truths’? Who revealed it to the speaker? [1+4+1]
👉Here ‘I’ refers to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who endeavoured to understand the fundamental truths revealed to him by his father, Jainulabdeen.
Kalam’s father was out and out a spiritualist and progressive thinker. He had a wise observation about spirituality. He believed that every individual is a part or element of the whole of the manifest divine being. A superior being is controlling our life. So, there is no need to be worried about difficulties, sufferings and problems. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. When troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his /her sufferings. All of these are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them. One must understand the difference between a fear-ridden vision of destiny and the vision that enables us to seek the enemy of fulfilment within ourselves.
Dr Kalam, throughout his life, tried to endeavoured the mentioned above fundamental truths revealed to him by his father, and feel convinced that there exists a divine power that can lift one up from confusion, misery, melancholy and failure, and guide one to one’s true place.
Related Questions
[I] “I have endeavoured to understand the fundamental truths revealed to me by my father.” From where is the line taken? What fundamental truths are referred to here? What impact did this endeavour cast on the narrator’s life? [1+4+1]
[II] How does the author of the prose-piece, “Strong Roots” feel convinced of? How can one find one’s true place in life? [4+2]
👉In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam said that he had, throughout his life, tried to emulate his father in his own world of science and technology. He had endeavoured to understand the fundamental truths revealed to him by his father, and feel convinced that there exists a divine power that can lift one up from confusion, misery, melancholy and failure, and guide one to one’s true place.
According to Abdul Kalam, once an individual severs his emotional and physical bond, he is on the road to freedom, happiness and peace of mind.
——————-
1️⃣8️⃣ What was father’s advice to APJ Abdul Kalam about dealing with adversity?
👉Kalam’s father was out and out a spiritualist and a progressive thinker. He had a wise observation about spirituality. He believed that every individual is a part or an element within the whole of the manifest divine being. A superior being is controlling our life. So, there is no need to be worried about difficulties, problems and sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. When troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his or her sufferings, as all of these are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them.
This positive attitude of Kalam’s father to adversity impressed Kalam greatly. And Kalam came to believe that adversity is a blessing in disguise. He wanted his father to express this to the people who came to him for help and advice. His father stated that every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper. A lonely person searches for a company, a person in trouble looks for a help and one who reaches an impasse he or she searches for a guide.
Related Questions
[I] How did his father’s attitude to adversity influence the young Kalam?
[II] How does the father of the author of the prose-piece, “Strong Roots” advise him to negotiate sufferings?
[III] What, according to the father of the author of the prose-piece, “Strong Roots”, should be the appropriate way to face adversity?
[IV] What was Kalam’s father attitude to adversity? How far was he impressed by that? [4+2]
[V] What was Kalam’s father attitude to adversity? How far did this influence him? [4+2]
[VI] “Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.” Who is the speaker and who is the person spoken to? What is the significance of this remark? [1+1+4]
👉In Dr Kalam’s autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” his father, Jainulabdeen is the speaker of the above mentioned line, and he speaks this to his own son Kalam.
Kalam’s father was out and out a spiritualist and a progressive thinker. He had a wise observation about spirituality. He believed that every individual is a part or an element within the whole of the manifest divine being. A superior being is controlling our life. So, there is no need to be worried about difficulties, problems and sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. When troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his or her sufferings, as all of these are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them.
This positive attitude of Kalam’s father to adversity impressed Kalam greatly. And Kalam came to believe that adversity is a blessing in disguise.
[VII] “Why don’t you say this to the people who come to you for help and advice.” Who said this and to whom? In what context did the speaker say this? [1+1+4]
👉In his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’ Dr Kalam said this to his father, Jainulabdeen.
Kalam’s father was out and out a spiritualist and a progressive thinker. He had a wise observation about spirituality. He believed that every individual is a part or an element within the whole of the manifest divine being. A superior being is controlling our life. So, there is no need to be worried about difficulties, problems and sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. When troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his or her sufferings, as all of these are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them.
This positive attitude of Kalam’s father to adversity impressed Kalam greatly. And Kalam came to believe that adversity is a blessing in disguise. He wanted his father to express this to the people who came to him for help and advice.
[VIII] “When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings.” Who said this? What did the speaker say about human sufferings? What did Kalam himself say about human sufferings? [1+4+1]
👉Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen said this to his son Kalam in his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots “.
Kalam’s father was out and out a spiritualist and a progressive thinker. He had a wise observation about spirituality. He believed that every individual is a part or an element within the whole of the manifest divine being. A superior being is controlling our life. So, there is no need to be worried about difficulties, problems and sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. When troubles come, one should understand the relevance of his or her sufferings, as all of these are natural to human life. So, one should not be afraid of them.
This positive attitude of Kalam’s father to adversity impressed Kalam greatly. And Kalam came to believe that adversity is a blessing in disguise. He wanted his father to express this to the people who came to him for help and advice. His father stated that every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper. A lonely person searches for a company, a person in trouble looks for a help and one who reaches an impasse he or she searches for a guide.
Related Questions
[I] “When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings.” Who said this and to whom? Elucidate the statement. [1+1+4]
[II] “When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings.” Who is the speaker? To whom does the speaker say so? Explain the statement. [1+1+4]
[III] How, according to Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen, do human beings react to troubles and impasse?
[IV] What is the remedy suggested by the narrator’s father when one is alone, in trouble or reaches an impasse?
[V] “Whenever human beings find themselves alone, as a natural reaction, they start looking for company.” Who is speaking to whom? Who are ‘they’? How does the speaker give such people company? How, according to Jainulabdeen, do human beings react to troubles and impasse? [1+1+1+3]
👉Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, is speaking to his son Kalam in his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots “.
Here ‘they’ refers to the common people in distress who come to Dr Kalam’s father for help and advice.
The positive attitude of Kalam’s father to adversity impressed Kalam greatly. And Kalam came to believe that adversity is a blessing in disguise. He wanted his father to express this to the people who came to him for help and advice. His father stated that every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper. A lonely person searches for a company, a person in trouble looks for a help and one who reaches an impasse he or she searches for a guide.
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1️⃣9️⃣ What is the general attitude of people to destiny? What did the author’s father suggest to free themselves from the false idea of destiny? [2+4]
👉General Attitude of People to Destiny
Man has ever tried to get an answer to the mystery of creation and tried to grip his destiny. He is afraid of his destiny. A sense of fear about his fate has always troubled him. Whenever we suffer or fail in an effort, we put blame on our fate for our failure. We never find fault with us or never judge our character for our failures.
Two-fold Vision of Destiny
The narrator’s father rightly pointed out the difference between the two-fold vision of destiny–(I) the fear-ridden vision of destiny which refers to the fatalistic vision of destiny. This vision of destiny is created out of fear for the destiny that shapes our life, and (II) the alternative vision of destiny is that the vision of finding out the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves. We should understand that all our failures and sorrows are the outcome of our shortcomings. We should understand that failure lies within ourselves. It is our character and no other outside agent that is responsible for our success or failure in life.
The second vision of destiny should be chosen. According to Dr Kalam’s father, we should not be afraid of difficulties, problems and sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. If an individual can find out the enemy of fulfillment, he or she can overcome his or her sufferings. Thus, we can make our own fortune.
The narrator’s father wisely advised us to follow the later method. We as if hear in his advice an echo of the ‘Bard of Avon’ speaking ‘Character is Destiny’.
Related Questions
[I] “One must understand the difference between the fear-ridden vision of destiny and the vision that enables us to seek the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves.” Who is the speaker? Explain the meaning of the statement. [1+5]
👉Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen is the speaker of the above line in his autobiographical writing,” Strong Roots “.
In Dr Kalam’s autobiographical writing “Strong Roots” Dr Kalam’s father rightly pointed out the difference between the two-fold vision of destiny–(I) the fear-ridden vision of destiny which refers to the fatalistic vision of destiny. This vision of destiny is created out of fear for the destiny that shapes our life, and (II) the alternative vision of destiny is that the vision of finding out the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves. We should understand that all our failures and sorrows are the outcome of our shortcomings. We should understand that failure lies within ourselves. It is our character and no other outside agent that is responsible for our success or failure in life.
The second vision of destiny should be chosen. According to Dr Kalam’s father, we should not be afraid of difficulties, problems and sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. If an individual can find out the enemy of fulfillment, he or she can overcome his or her sufferings. Thus, we can make our own fortune.
The narrator’s father wisely advised us to follow the later method. We as if hear in his advice an echo of the ‘Bard of Avon’ speaking ‘Character is Destiny’.
[I] What did Kalam’s father say about the fear-ridden vision of destiny of the people?
[II] What do you mean by ‘fear-ridden vision of destiny’? What is the other vision? What vision between these two should be chosen and why? [2+2+2]
👉In Dr Kalam’s autobiographical writing “Strong Roots” Dr Kalam’s father rightly pointed out the difference between the two-fold vision of destiny–(I) the fear-ridden vision of destiny which refers to the fatalistic vision of destiny. This vision of destiny is created out of fear for the destiny that shapes our life, and (II) the alternative vision of destiny is that the vision of finding out the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves. We should understand that all our failures and sorrows are the outcome of our shortcomings. We should understand that failure lies within ourselves. It is our character and no other outside agent that is responsible for our success or failure in life.
The second vision of destiny should be chosen. According to Dr Kalam’s father, we should not be afraid of difficulties, problems and sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. If an individual can find out the enemy of fulfillment, he or she can overcome his or her sufferings. Thus, we can make our own fortune.
The narrator’s father wisely advised us to follow the later method. We as if hear in his advice an echo of the ‘Bard of Avon’ speaking ‘Character is Destiny’.
———————–
2️⃣0️⃣ Why do you think the autobiographical piece has been entitled ‘Strong Roots’? Justify your answer.
👉The first chapter of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s best selling autobiography “Wings of Fire” has been entitled ‘Strong Roots’ in our textbook provided by WBCHSE. For the trees strong roots are necessary to suck up the vital life-sap from the earth which help them to grow and flourish. Likewise a family with strong discipline and a peaceful and healthy relationship between the parents and the children provide the necessary sustenance and help them to grow up in an atmosphere of love and security. “Strong Roots” usually refers to strong base of a thing. Though ‘roots’ are related to the strength of the trees, here ‘strong roots’ stands for the strong home background of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. They had a family where Dr Kalam got security, firmness and all necessities of life.
In ‘Strong Roots’ Dr APJ Abdul Kalam goes back to his childhood days and analyses how his childhood experiences helped him in his future life. He shows a strong connection with his parents. Dr Kalam remembers the ideal, sweet and sincere relationship between his father and mother. Throughout his life he tried to follow his father in his own world of science and technology. Kalam has learnt the art of living from his father. He has learnt the value of discipline and tolerance and also the value of prayer. Besides he was led to believe in the existence of a divine power that lifts one from confusion, miseries, and failures and guides one to one’s true place. It is he who revealed to him the fundamental truths of life. Therefore, strong roots definitely contribute to the development of a person in life and thus, as the title ‘Strong Roots’ significantly indicates the theme, it is appropriate.
Related Questions
[I] Comment on the title ‘Strong Roots’.
[II] What does the author Dr Kalam mean by ‘Strong Roots’? What have been the influence of Strong Roots in his life? [3+3]
[III] What are the ‘Strong Roots’ Kalam speaks of in his writing “Strong Roots”?
[IV] Do you think strong roots are necessary for success in life? Answer from your reading of ‘Strong Roots’.
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2️⃣1️⃣ Sum up the spiritual principles of Dr Kalam’s father.
👉Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen was out and out a spiritualist and a progressive thinker. Though his father had neither much formal education nor much wealth, he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. By reading the namaz at 4 A.M. before dawn he would start his day. According to him, there was nothing mysterious about prayer. Rather prayer made a communion of the spirit between people. His father also explained that through the prayer a man can go beyond his bodily existence and can become a part of the cosmos which knows division of wealth, age, caste or creed. He believed that adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. So, there is no need to be afraid of difficulties, sufferings and problems. Without differentiate between them he helped the people of different religions who came to him in distress for help and advice. For the people in distress, he was but a go-between in their effort to calm down demonic forces with prayers and offerings.
2️⃣2️⃣ Do you think Dr Kalam’s father to be superstitious as he offered sacred water for invalids? Justify your answer.
👉Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father Jainulabdeen was out and out a spiritualist and a progressive thinker. Though his father had neither much formal education nor much wealth, he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. He knew that whenever human beings find themselves alone, as a natural reaction, they start looking for company. They look for a helper in their trouble or impasse or distress. For the people who came to him in distress he was but a go-between in their effort to calm down demonic forces with prayers and offerings. After the evening prayers, many people of different religions offered bowls of water to Dr Kalam’s father who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer. This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids. After being cured, people visited their home to offer thanks for his father. Dr Kalam’s father himself knew that it was not a correct approach, but he did not want these people to remain hopeless and helpless. Father always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful. Therefore it may be concluded that he was not a superstitious but a spiritual person.
2️⃣4️⃣ “…….despite these disadvantages, he possessed….” Who was he? What were his disadvantages? What did he possess despite his disadvantages? Describe the person indicated here. [1+1+1+3]
👉Here ‘he’ refers to Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen.
Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen had neither much formal education nor much wealth. These two things were described as his disadvantages.
Despite his disadvantages, he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit.
In his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’ Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has expressed his deep admiration for his father, Jainulabdeen. Although his father had neither much formal education nor much wealth, he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. Kalam has learned the art of living from his father. In his father he found a great teacher, an ideal mentor, a friend, philosopher and guide. His father was spiritual from top to bottom. From his father Kalam has learned the value of discipline and tolerance and also the value of prayer. It was his father who led Kalam to his true place. It was his father who revealed to him the fundamental truths of life. Though Dr. Kalam was a man of science and technology, he, throughout his life, tried to emulate his father’s principles of life.
2️⃣5️⃣ “Then he answered in a low deep voice.” Who is ‘he’? What question did he answer? What did he do before answering the question? [1+3+2]
👉Here ‘he’ refers to Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen.
Once Dr Kalam’s father was explaining man’s position in the universe and the role of adversity. Hearing this, Kalam wanted to know why he did not say that to the people who would come to him for help and advice. Then he answered in a low, deep voice. He answered that every recurrent anguish, longing and desire finds its own special helper. He believed that for the people in distress he could play only the role of a mediator in their effort to propitiate demonic forces with prayers and offerings.
Before answering the question, Dr Kalam’s father put his hands on his son’s shoulders and looked straight into his eyes. For quite some time he said nothing, as if he was judging Kalam’s capacity to comprehend his words. Then he answered in a low, deep voice. His answer filed Kalam with a strange energy and enthusiasm.
2️⃣6️⃣ What would usually happen when Kalam’s father came out of the mosque after the prayers? When would his father smile and ask people to thank Allah? What does it tell us about the kind of person his father was? [3+2+1]
👉When Kalam’s father came out of the mosque after the prayers, people of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for him. Many of them offered bowls of water to him who would dip his fingertips in them and say a prayer. This sanctified water was then carried home for invalids.
After being cured when people visited their home to offer thanks to Kalam’s father, he always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the Merciful.
From the above description it tells us that Dr Kalam’s father was a philanthropic man who always prayed for the well-being of the fellow men.
2️⃣7️⃣ “I was born into a middle-class Tamil family….” Who is referred to as ‘I’? Where was he born? Describe briefly what he recollects about his ancestral home and childhood? [1+1+4]
👉Here ‘I’ refers to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’.
He was born into a middle-class Tamil family in the island town of Rameswaram in the erstwhile Madras state.
He was one of many children–a short boy with rather undistinguished looks born to tall and handsome parents. His father, Jainulabdeen had neither much formal education nor much wealth, but he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma was also a generous lady. His parents were widely regarded as an ideal couple. Dr Kalam spent his early childhood in their fairly large pucca house made of limestone and brick which was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. The house was situated on the mosque street in Rameswaram. In his childhood Kalam was provided all necessities of life in terms of food, clothes or medicine. In a line, with generous parents, peaceful family and social atmosphere Dr Kalam had a very secure childhood–materially and emotionally.
2️⃣8️⃣ “My father could convey complex spiritual concepts in a very simple down-to-earth Tamil.” Whose father is referred to here? What was the name of the father? How could he convey complex spiritual concepts? What were the spiritual concepts? [1+1+2+2]
👉Dr Kalam’s father is referred to here in his autobiographical writing ‘Strong Roots’.
The name of the father was Jainulabdeen.
In his autobiographical writing, “Strong Roots” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Kalam said that his father though had not much formal education, he possessed great innate wisdom. He could convey complex spiritual concepts in a very simple down-to-earth Tamil.To illustrate this special ability of his father Dr Kalam quotes his father’s words regarding the position of human beings on earth. His father thought that every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine Being. The divine Being manifests Himself in different forms. The world around us is nothing but the manifestation of the divine Being. Every creation in the universe has specific identity. At any stage of life every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine Being.
2️⃣9️⃣ “I would say mine was a very secure childhood” Whose ‘childhood’ is referred to here? In what sense was his childhood secure? What picture of childhood does Kalam give? [1+1+4]
👉Dr Kalam’s ‘childhood’ is referred to here.
His childhood was secured both in emotionally and materially.
In the first chapter of his best selling autobiographical work, “Wings of Fire” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam vividly described his early childhood. He stated that he was born into a middle class Tamil family in the island town of Rameswaram in the erstwhile Madras state. He was one of many children–a short boy with rather undistinguished looks born to tall and handsome parents. His father, Jainulabdeen had neither much formal education nor much wealth, but he possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma was also a generous lady. His parents were widely regarded as an ideal couple. Dr Kalam spent his early childhood in their fairly large pucca house made of limestone and brick which was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. The house was situated on the mosque street in Rameswaram. In his childhood Kalam was provided all necessities of life in terms of food, clothes or medicine. In a line, with generous parents, peaceful family and social atmosphere Dr Kalam had a very secure childhood–materially and emotionally.