Chapter 4
Kalam with Children
Activity
1. What are the children doing in the picture?
Ans: The children in the picture are smiling and looking happy as they gather around Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Some of them are holding flowers, and they appear excited and delighted to meet him. Their expressions show admiration and joy.
2. Who is the man in the picture?
Ans: The man in the picture is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was a renowned scientist and the 11th President of India. He was known as the "Missile Man of India" for his contributions to India's space and missile programs.
3. What do you know about him?
Ans: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a renowned Indian scientist and the 11th President of India (2002-2007). He played a key role in India's missile and space programs, earning him the title "Missile Man of India." He was deeply passionate about education and inspiring young minds, often interacting with students. He believed in the power of dreams, hard work, and innovation. His famous books include Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds. Dr. Kalam was loved for his humility, wisdom, and dedication to the progress of the nation.
4.Answer the following questions.
1. Who was the best friend of Abdul Kalam in his school days?
Ans: Abdul Kalam 's best friend in his school days was Pakshi Ramanatha Sastry.
2. How can we remember the formulae of mathematics and science?
Ans: According to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, we can remember the formulae of mathematics and science by constant application. Regular practice and consistent effort help in retaining and understanding them better.
3. How did Abdul Kalam explain courage?
Ans: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam explained courage as saving others from disaster without minding about your own safety. He believed that true bravery comes from selflessness and helping others in times of danger.
4. How did Subramania Iyer inspire Kalam?
Ans: Shri Siva Subramania Iyer, Abdul Kalam's class V teacher, inspired him by teaching about how birds fly. He took Kalam and his classmates to the seashore of Rameswaram and showed them real-life examples of birds in flight. This unforgettable experience sparked Kalam's interest in science and aeronautics, influencing his future studies and career.
5. What would be your question if you were there with Abdul Kalam?
Ans: f I were there with Abdul Kalam, my question would be:
"What is the most important quality a student should develop to achieve success in life?"
5. Here are the correct answers:
According to Kalam, hard work comes first.
A child is the first scientist.
Shri Siva Subramania Iyer taught us how birds fly.
One can remember various formulae of science and mathematics by constant application.
Kalam advised children to see good in others
6. Answer the following.
1. What is this newspaper article about?
Ans: The newspaper article is about Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's interaction with children, where he shares his thoughts on hard work, courage, science, and success. He talks about his school days, childhood experiences, and his happiest moments, especially helping polio-affected children. He also gives valuable advice on becoming a good human being and contributing to society.
2. Who participated in the rally?
Ans: The article does not specifically mention a rally, but if you are referring to the students interacting with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, then the participants were students and children who asked him various questions about life, science, hard work, and success.
If you are referring to a different rally, could you please clarify?
3. Why did Siberian birds visit the region?
Ans: Siberian birds visit the region to escape the extreme cold of Siberia and find a warmer climate. They migrate to places like Rameswaram in India during winter in search of food and a suitable environment for survival.
4. Where do we celebrate the Flamingo festival?
Ans: The Flamingo Festival is celebrated at Pulicat Lake and Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is held annually to observe the arrival of migratory birds, especially flamingos, that visit the region during winter.
5. When do we celebrate the Flamingo festival?
Ans: The Flamingo Festival is celebrated every year in January when thousands of migratory flamingos arrive at Pulicat Lake and Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh.
7. Now respond to the following questions about your daily schedule.
1. When do you get up?
Ans: I don’t sleep like humans do, but if I did, I’d probably wake up early—just in time to help you with your questions! What about you? Are you an early riser or a night owl?
2. At what time do you go to school?
Ans: I don’t go to school, but if I did, I’d probably start around 8:00 AM, like many students do! What time do you go to school?
3. How long do you stay at school?
Ans: Most students stay at school for about 6 to 8 hours. How long do you stay at school?
5. At what time do you do your homework?
Ans: Most students do their homework in the evening, usually between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, after school. What time do you usually do your homework?
6. How many times do you take meals?
Ans: Most people take three main meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with some snacks in between. How many times do you eat in a day?
8. Read the lines from the poem and answer the questions.
1. Do you make paper boats?
Ans: Yes, I used to make paper boats, especially during the rainy season, and let them float in puddles or small streams. It was always fun to watch them sail!
Do you like making paper boats too?
2. When do you play with paper boats?
Ans: I play with paper boats mostly during the rainy season when there are small streams or puddles to float them on. It’s fun to see them sail with the water!
When do you like to play with paper boats?
3. Why does the poet write his name and his village name on the paper boats?
Ans: The poet writes his name and the name of his village on the paper boats in the hope that someone in a distant land will find them and know about him. It reflects his desire to connect with unknown people and share a part of himself with the world.
4. The poet loads the boat with shiuli flowers. Why does he do so?
Ans: The poet loads the boat with shiuli flowers as a symbol of his hopes and dreams. He wishes that these delicate flowers, representing the beauty of dawn, will be carried safely to distant lands. This act reflects his imagination and desire to send a message of joy and connection to the unknown.
5. Which line of the poem do you like the most? Why?
Ans: The line I like the most is "I hope that someone in some strange land will find them and know who I am."
I like this line because it expresses the poet's desire for connection and recognition beyond his own world. It reflects the universal human longing to be remembered and to make an impact, even in places we have never been.
