OR, Why does Kalam feel that he had a secured childhood?

In the prose piece ‘Strong Roots’, extracted from Kalam’s autobiography ‘Wings of Fire’, we see that Kalam had an ideal childhood – materially and emotionally secured. Their family lived in their ancestral house in the small town of Rameswaram. His father Jainulabdeen was a devout Muslim who led a very disciplined and simple life and was immensely respected by Hindus and Muslims alike for his healing powers. He preached complex spiritual concepts in simple Tamil. In their childhood, Kalam and his siblings were provided with all the basic necessities like food, medicine and clothing but barred from enjoying inessential comforts and luxuries. Kalam’s mother Ashiamma worked tirelessly to feed her large family as well as many outsiders. Kalam asserted that the strict daily routine maintained by his father, his wise teaching and the care of his generous mother shaped his personality.

How did Kalam’s father function as a religious healer? How much successful was he?

Kalam’s father, as we come to know from the narrative ‘Strong Roots’ was a highly spiritual man and a healer of maladies. The high priest of the famous Shiva temple of Rameswaram, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry was one of his close friends. Kalam often found the two men discussing spiritual matters. After the evening prayers in the mosque, many people offered Kalam’s father bowls of water in which he dipped his fingertips and prayed. The water was thus believed to gain healing properties and was taken home for the invalids. When people came to thank him after being cured, Jainulabdeen told them to thank Allah, the merciful. Though Kalam’s father did not approve of the fear-ridden attitude towards life, yet out of pity for the people in trouble, he stood by all who came to him for help and advice. He also had the unique ability to explain complex spiritual concepts in simple Tamil. These are the reasons for which Kalam’s father was held high in regard by the people of Rameswaram.

What was Kalam’s father’s response to his son’s query about prayer and spirituality?

What information do we get about the daily routine of Kalam’s father from the autobiographical piece Strong Roots’? How did it inspire young Kalam?


What had remained the routine for Abdul Kalam’s father even when he was in his late sixties? What does Abdul Kalam say about his emulation of his father?

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


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?

What do you learn from APJ Abdul Kalam’s autobiography?

How does Abdul Kalam express his gratitude towards his father?


Discuss the central idea of the story “Thank You Ma’am.”

Discuss the significance of the title of “Thank You Ma’am”.


What features of the character of Mrs Luella Bates are exposed in the short story “Thank You Ma’am”?

“The boy wanted to say something else other than “Thank you, ma’am” to Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones’ – Who was the boy? Why did he want to say something else other than “Thank you, Ma’am” to the woman?


Sketch the character of Roger.

“…and shook him until his teeth rattled.” Who is mentioned as “him'”? Who shook him? Why was he shaken?


“I’m very sorry, lady, I’m sorry,”—Who said this to whom? Was the speaker really sorry? Why did he apologise?

“You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong.”-Who speaks to whom? 35 Did the speaker manage to teach what he/she claimed to teach? Give reasons for your answer.


“I would teach you right from wrong.”-Who said this, to whom and when? How did the speaker transform the person spoken to here?

“When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.”-Why do you think the woman would prove to be unforgettable for Roger and what kind of a person would he remember her as?