KSEEB Class 9 · English (2nd language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
My Beginnings
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 9 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 9 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (from Wings of Fire / autobiographical essays). India's "Missile Man" and former President recalls his childhood in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu - honesty, family, and mentors who shaped a scientist.
Summary
Kalam was born in Rameswaram, a small island town. His father Jainulabdeen ferried pilgrims; the family lived simply but with dignity and honesty.
Kalam was born in Rameswaram, a small island town. His father Jainulabdeen ferried pilgrims; the family lived simply but with dignity and honesty.
His mother Ashiamma fed many extra mouths daily. Parents taught that truth and compassion mattered more than wealth.
His mother Ashiamma fed many extra mouths daily. Parents taught that truth and compassion mattered more than wealth.
At Schwartz Higher Secondary School, young Kalam was average in grades but curious. He sold newspapers to help the family and felt responsible early.
At Schwartz Higher Secondary School, young Kalam was average in grades but curious. He sold newspapers to help the family and felt responsible early.
His science teacher invited him home and demonstrated a flying model, breaking caste barriers by serving Kalam meals himself - igniting love for flight.
His science teacher invited him home and demonstrated a flying model, breaking caste barriers by serving Kalam meals himself - igniting love for flight.
When Kalam sought permission to leave Rameswaram for higher studies, his father quoted Khalil Gibran: parents give roots and wings - let children fly.
When Kalam sought permission to leave Rameswaram for higher studies, his father quoted Khalil Gibran: parents give roots and wings - let children fly.
These beginnings - discipline, secular friendship, and mentors - led Kalam from newspaper boy to aerospace scientist and President of India.
These beginnings - discipline, secular friendship, and mentors - led Kalam from newspaper boy to aerospace scientist and President of India.
Hard words & meanings
| dignity | worthiness of honour and respect |
| integrity | steadfast adherence to moral principles |
| mentor | an experienced adviser who develops another's talent |
| aerospace | technology of aircraft and spacecraft |
| pilgrim | one who journeys to a holy place |
| secular | respecting all faiths equally |
| curious | keen to know and explore |
| destiny | the course of events in one's life |
| autobiography | a account of one's own life written by oneself |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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