Junior Inter : Prose : 1.My Mother

Question and Answers:

1. Kalam says, "My Mother was a gentle, down to earth, pious woman". Elaborate with the information provided in 'My Mother'?

A:-     Abdul Kalam shared a close relationship with his mother and was greatly influenced by her. Kalam's mother, Ashiamma, was a simple lady of high principles. She was devout Muslim who followed all the religious practices. She dedicated her life to the service of the family. She cooked daily for all the members of the joint family and also served the numerous guests who visited them. She never complained or lost her temper. Theirs was a middle class family and it was difficult to run the house on a tight budget. Though Kalam's mother was uneducated, she skillfully managed to stretch the resources. She was patient, gentle and loving by nature and silently made sacrifices for the sake of the children. For instances, during times of scarcity she would often give up her share of food. She was the embodiment of selfless love and devotion.

2. Narrate two memories of  Kalam, relating to eating. 

A: Abdul Kalam shares some of his childhood memories in the essay ‘My Mother’. He grew up in a middle class joint family in Rameswaram. Kalam’s mother was a simple lady who served the family with love and devotion. Kalam recalls that she would cook for all the members of the family. As a child, Kalam would sit next to his mother on the floor while having his meals. He would relish the rice, sambar, home-made pickles and coconut chutney served on banana leaves. The sambar made by his mother was a fine blend of various flavours. He never again tasted such delicious sambar in his life. 

     Kalam recalls another incident related to food. During the World War II years food was rationed. Kalam’s mother tried to stretch resources but often the food was barely enough for all the members of the family. One day Kalam’s mother made chappatis and Kalam kept eating them till he was full. Later that night Kalam’s brother scolded him and pointed out that their mother had given up her share of food so that Kalam could eat well. Kalam felt ashamed of himself: He realized the extent of his mother’s love and selflessness.

ANNOTATIONS

1.Such was the Indian concept of hospitality once upon a time

Reference: This sentence is taken from the essay ‘My Mother’ written by A P J Abdul Kalam .Kalam was a distinguished scientist and one of the most popular Presidents of India. The essay is an excerpt from  Kalam‘s autobiography. ‘My Journey’. 

Context: In the essay  Kalam narrates incidents from his childhood and describes the close bond he shared with his mother. Kalam‘s mother, Ashiamma, was a simple, unassuming lady who devoted her life to the family. 

Explanation: Kalam grew up in a large middle class joint family in Rameshwaram. Kalam‘s father held a small job. The money he earned was barely enough to run the house. Kalam’s mother used to cook for all the family members Very often guests would drop in. Kalam’s mother never complained even though the work was tiring. She was always cheerful and believed that it was her duty to take care of the family and guests. In those days it was the custom to welcome and honour guests. 

General Relevance: According to ancient Indian tradition a guest should be revered like a god.

2. Her fingers ran tenderly through my hair, comforting, soothing and understanding.

Reference: This sentence is taken from the essay ‘My Mother’ written by A P J Abdul Kalam .Kalam was a distinguished scientist and one of the most popular Presidents of India. The essay is an excerpt from  Kalam‘s autobiography. ‘My Journey’.

Context: In the essay Kalam narrates incidents from his childhood and describes the close bond he shared with his mother.

Explanation: At the tender age of eight, Kalam worked as a newspaper boy to supplement the family income. He would often feel tired, unable to cope with the hectic daily routine. Being close to this mother, he would often put his head on her lap and take rest.He drew comfort  and solace from his mother. One day, while resting on his mother’s lap, tears start rolling down his cheeks Kalam himself did not know the reason for his tears. But his mother understands his feelings. In a loving manner she strokes his hair and comforts him She realizes that the boy is struggling to take up the responsibilities of an adult. 

General Relevance: The incident reveals how mothers understand the innermost feeling of their  children.