An extract from 'Wings of Fire' recounting the early life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram.
This chapter gives us a glimpse into the childhood of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (former President of India). Set in the island town of Rameswaram, it highlights the influence of his parents, his friends, and his teachers in shaping his character. It explores themes of communal harmony, breaking social barriers, and the importance of upbringing.
Jainulabdeen (Father): Although he had little
formal education or wealth, he possessed great innate wisdom and
generosity of spirit. He was austere but provided all
necessities.
Ashiamma (Mother): A kind and hospitable lady.
She fed more outsiders every day than all the members of her own
family put together.
Kalam had three close friends, all from orthodox Hindu Brahmin families. Their friendship proves that religion does not create barriers.
During World War II (1939), there was a demand for tamarind seeds. Kalam collected and sold them, earning 1 anna per day. Later, the train halt at Rameswaram was suspended, and newspapers had to be bundled and thrown from the moving train. Kalam helped his cousin Samsuddin catch these bundles, earning his first wages. He felt a surge of pride in earning his own money.
| The New Teacher (Negative) | Sivasubramania Iyer (Positive) |
|---|---|
| Could not stomach a Muslim boy sitting with a Hindu priest's son. | An orthodox Brahmin who rebelled against social segregation. |
| Sent Kalam to the back bench, creating a sense of inferiority. | Invited Kalam to his home for a meal to break religious barriers. |
| Was reprimanded by Lakshmana Sastry for spreading poison. | Served Kalam with his own hands when his wife refused to do so. |
When Sivasubramania Iyer invited Kalam for dinner, his orthodox wife refused to serve a Muslim in her ritually pure kitchen. The teacher didn't get angry; he served Kalam himself and sat beside him to eat. Observing this, his wife's attitude changed. The next time Kalam visited, she took him inside the kitchen and served him herself.
When Kalam asked permission to leave Rameswaram to study in
Ramanathapuram, his father agreed. He quoted Khalil Gibran to
console Kalam's hesitant mother:
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and
daughters of Life's longing for itself... You may give them your
love but not your thoughts. For they have their own
thoughts."
Meaning: Parents must let children fly free like
seagulls to explore the world and find their own path.
Answer: Lakshmana Sastry summoned the teacher and told him strictly not to spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance in the minds of innocent children. He told the teacher to either apologize or quit the school.
Answer: Sivasubramania Iyer (the science teacher) said this to Kalam. He meant that fighting against deep-rooted social norms (like caste segregation) is difficult and one faces resistance, but one must remain firm to bring about change.
Answer: From his father, he inherited honesty and self-discipline. From his mother, he inherited faith in goodness and deep kindness.