Strong Roots (Abdul Kalam) / WBCHSE/ CLASS XII- ENGLISH.

 

Strong Roots

Abdul Kalam

“Strong Roots” is an extract from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s autobiography “Wings of Fire”. In this piece, he provides a delightful sketch of his early life and the development of his spiritual growth.

 

Characters:

Jainulabdeen: Kalam’s father.

Ashiamma: Kalam’s mother.

Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry: The high priest of Rameswaram temple1.

Kalam’s Family and Childhood: APJ Abdul Kalam was born into a middle-class Tamil family in the island town of Rameswaram in the former state of Madras. His father, Jainulabdeen, did not have much formal education or wealth but possessed great natural wisdom and was very kind. His mother, Ashiamma, was similarly kind and fed a lot of people every day.

Kalam’s Father: The high priest of Rameswaram temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, was a very close friend of Kalam’s father. They would discuss spiritual matters. Once Kalam asked his father about the relevance of prayer. His father answered that prayer made possible a union of the spirit between people.

In “Strong Roots”, Kalam gives us a vivid description of his childhood, parentage, the generosity of his mother, the practical wisdom and deep influencing thoughts of his father. Kalam tries to convey that all these helps to make him a perfect man.

 

What is Kalam's father's response to his son's query about prayer and spirituality?

When Kalam asked his father about the relevance of prayer, his father explained that prayer enabled a communion of the spirit between people. He believed that when one prays, they are able to connect their spirit with others, fostering a sense of unity and shared understanding. This response reflects his father’s deep spiritual understanding and wisdom.

 

How did Kalam's father's attitude to adversity influence the young Kalam?

Kalam was greatly inspired by his father’s approach to adversity. His father advised him that people should always strive to understand the relevance of their sufferings if they are in trouble, as adversity often presents opportunities for introspection. This perspective helped Kalam develop resilience and a positive outlook towards challenges. His father’s wisdom played a significant role in shaping Kalam’s character and his approach to life’s difficulties. He learned to view adversity not as a setback, but as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

 

"I normally ate with my mother" - Who ate with his mother? Name the mother? Where did he eat and what was served for him?

In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, it was Kalam himself who ate with his mother.

His mother’s name is Ashiamma. They used to eat together sitting on the floor of the kitchen. The meal typically consisted of rice, aromatic sambar, a variety of homemade pickles, and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney.

 

People of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for him. - Who is referred to as 'him'? Where did the people wait?  and why? What would happen there after?

In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, ‘him’ refers to Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen. People of different religions would wait for him outside the mosque. They waited there because they had a great belief in him. They offered bowls of water to him, which he would sanctify by dipping his fingertips and chanting a prayer. This sanctified water was used to cure the invalids. If the invalids were cured, they would visit Jainulabdeen to show their gratitude. However, he would humbly redirect their thanks to the merciful Allah.

 

"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?

The speaker in this context is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The answer being referred to here is from Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen. The answer or spiritual concept expressed by his father was that people should not be afraid of difficulties, suffering, and problems because adversity always presents opportunities for introspection or self-examination. Rather, they should try to understand the relevance of suffering. This answer filled Kalam with a strange energy and enthusiasm.

 

" 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?

The speaker in this context is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He describes the locality as predominantly Muslim, with many Hindu families living there amicably with their Muslim neighbours.

The picture of communal harmony is vivid in his description. Despite the religious differences, Hindus and Muslims lived together peacefully. There was a great Shiva temple and an old mosque situated in the same locality. Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, and the high priest of the Shiva temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, despite belonging to different religions, were close friends and discussed spiritual matters. This reflects a strong sense of communal harmony and mutual respect among different religious communities in the locality.

 

" Why don't you say this to the people who come to you?"- Who says to whom? What is the context of the line, describe it?

In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, the line “Why don’t you say this to the people who come to you?” is said by Kalam to his father, Jainulabdeen.

 

The context of this line is a conversation between Kalam and his father about the nature of adversity and suffering. Kalam’s father had just shared a spiritual concept with him, explaining that people should not fear difficulties, suffering, and problems. Instead, they should see these adversities as opportunities for introspection and self-examination. Impressed by this wisdom, Kalam asks his father why he doesn’t share this insight with the people who come to him for advice. This question reflects Kalam’s admiration for his father’s wisdom and his belief that others could benefit from it as well.

 

" In fact I would say mine was a very secured childhood"- Who said this? Where did the speaker live? How was his childhood secured?

The statement “In fact, I would say mine was a very secure childhood” is made by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in his autobiographical piece "Strong Roots".

Dr. Kalam lived in the island town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. He resided in their ancestral house, which was a large pucca house located on Mosque Street.

His childhood was secure both materially and emotionally. Despite not being rich, his family provided him with all the necessities such as food, medicine, and clothing13. His parents were loving and caring, providing guidance and taking care of their children’s emotional and physical needs. This nurturing environment contributed to a secure and happy childhood for Kalam.

 

How did Jainulabdeen's spirituality influence Dr. Kalam?

Jainulabdeen, Dr. Kalam’s father, had a profound influence on his son’s life and thinking. His simple lifestyle, inclination towards charity, wisdom in rationalizing religious customs, and deep sense of spirituality made him an ideal figure in the eyes of Dr. Kalam.

Jainulabdeen’s spiritual teachings and practices shaped Dr. Kalam’s worldview and instilled in him values of humility, selflessness, and a deep respect for all religions. His father’s spirituality taught him to see beyond the superficial differences among people and to appreciate the underlying unity of all human beings.

Moreover, Jainulabdeen’s approach to adversity, viewing it as an opportunity for introspection and growth, also had a significant impact on Dr. Kalam. This perspective helped Dr. Kalam develop resilience and a positive outlook towards challenges.

In essence, Jainulabdeen’s spirituality played a crucial role in shaping Dr. Kalam’s character, guiding his actions, and influencing his contributions to society.

 

"......every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine Being." - Who is the speaker? whom did he say this? What is the significance of the statement?

The speaker of this statement is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He said this to his father, Jainulabdeen.

 

The statement signifies a profound spiritual concept. It suggests that every individual is a unique part of the divine cosmos. This idea emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the divine nature inherent in each person. It implies that despite our individual differences, we are all part of a larger divine entity. This belief can foster a sense of unity, empathy, and mutual respect among individuals. It also encourages individuals to recognize their own worth and potential, understanding that they are an integral part of the universe. This perspective can lead to personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world.

 

What was the routine of Kalam's father when he was in his late sixties? What does Abdul Kalam say about his emulation of his father?

In his late sixties, Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, followed a strict routine. He would start his day at 4 a.m. by reading the namaz. After the namaz, he would walk four miles to their coconut grove. He would then return home, carrying a dozen coconuts on his shoulders. He maintained this routine even in his late sixties.

As for Dr. Kalam’s emulation of his father, he tried to understand the fundamental truths revealed to him by his father. Kalam was deeply influenced by his father’s spirituality and wisdom. Even in his own world of science and technology, he tried to emulate his father. He strongly believed in the existence of a divine power that can lift us from misery and failure to our true place.

 

How far was the Shiva Temple from Kalam's house? Describe the locality where Kalam lived?

The Shiva Temple was about a ten-minute walk from Kalam’s house.

Kalam lived in the island town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. His locality was predominantly Muslim, but many Hindu families also lived there amicably with their Muslim neighbors. His ancestral house was on Mosque Street, a short distance from the famous Shiva Temple. There was also an old mosque in the locality. Despite the religious differences, Hindus and Muslims lived together peacefully. The Shiva temple and the old mosque were situated in the same locality3. Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, and the high priest of the Shiva temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, despite belonging to different religions, were close friends and discussed spiritual matters. This reflects a strong sense of communal harmony and mutual respect among different religious communities in the locality.

 

"My parents were widely regarded as an ideal couple." - Who were the couple? Why were the regarded as an ideal couple?

The couple referred to in the statement are Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s parents, Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma.

 

They were regarded as an ideal couple due to their virtues and the way they led their lives. Jainulabdeen, Kalam’s father, practiced austerity and avoided all luxuries, yet ensured that all necessities were provided for. Ashiamma, Kalam’s mother, was known for her kindness and generosity. Despite their limited means, she would feed a number of people every day. Their selflessness, humility, and commitment to serving others made them widely respected in their community. Their harmonious relationship and the values they upheld made them an ideal couple in the eyes of those around them.

 

"How according to Kalam's father, does a man react when he reaches an impasse?

According to Kalam’s father, when a man reaches an impasse or faces difficulties, he seeks company. This implies that in times of adversity, people often look for support and companionship. They seek others who can understand their situation and provide comfort, advice, or assistance. This is a natural human response to challenging situations1. It’s also a reminder of the importance of community and relationships in our lives.

 

"One of the most vivid memories of my early childhood........." - Whose memory is referred to? What was the memory, describe it?

The memory referred to in this context is that of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

One of the most vivid memories of his early childhood was of his father, Jainulabdeen, and the high priest of the Rameswaram temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, discussing spiritual matters. Despite their different religious backgrounds, they were close friends and their discussions reflected tolerance and love, which are the essence of true religion. This memory had a profound impact on young Kalam and shaped his understanding of communal harmony and spirituality.

 

"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." - Who say this to whom? What does the speaker actually mean to say?

This statement is made by Jainulabdeen, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, in the piece "Strong Roots".

By saying “fear-ridden vision of destiny”, Jainulabdeen means a perspective where people blame their fate when they fail or suffer in life. He suggests that we should not accept this fear-driven perspective. Instead, we should embrace a vision that helps us identify the obstacles to fulfillment within ourselves. If one can identify and address their own shortcomings, they can overcome their suffering and failures. This approach encourages introspection and personal growth.

 

What according to Jainulabdeen is the correct approach to suffering?

According to Jainulabdeen, Kalam’s father, the correct approach to suffering is not to seek temporary respite, but to look within oneself and identify the areas that produce obstacles to success. He believed that adversity always provides opportunities for introspection or self-examination. Rather than fearing difficulties, suffering, and problems, one should try to comprehend the significance of suffering. He also emphasized the realization that man is a part of divinity and advocated for ego-less self-surrender to that divinity in the face of suffering. This approach encourages introspection, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world.

 

"This is not a correct approach at all and should never be followed." - Who said this and in what context? What is not a correct approach? What is a correct approach?

The statement “This is not a correct approach at all and should never be followed” is made by Jainulabdeen, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, in the piece "Strong Roots".

The incorrect approach he refers to is acting as a go-between in the effort of people to propitiate demonic forces with prayers and offerings. He believed that this was not the right way to deal with distress or difficulties.

According to Jainulabdeen, the correct approach is to understand the fear-ridden vision of the future and identify the enemies within oneself that prevent one from reaching their goals. Instead of fearing future outcomes, one should realize the significance of their sufferings and remove those internal obstacles to reach their goals. This approach encourages introspection, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world.