Chapter 8: My Childhood
Original notes — ready Bihar Board — BSEB • Class 9 • English • Book: Panorama Bhag-1 (Purani pustak — 2025 se pehle wali)
My Childhood — EG's own notes, in simple English
Book: Panorama Bhag-1 (Purani pustak — 2025 se pehle wali) (BSEB, Class 9) | Chapter 8 (Prose 8) | Type: Prose
This page carries Educational Galaxy's own original notes — a theme-level summary in simple English, not a copy of the textbook. No official textbook PDF is given here.
Diagram (labels are printed on the image): A boy studying beside his father in a coastal town. Labels are printed on the picture itself. This is a general picture, not a scene from the book.
Friends of different faiths studying together — a general picture of friendship beyond differences, not a book scene.
What the chapter is about
This lesson is from the childhood memories of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who later became a great scientist and the President of India. He grew up in a small coastal town, in a simple and loving family. His father, though not highly educated, was wise and kind, and his mother fed many people every day. Kalam remembers his teachers, his friends, and the values he learned at home.
Two lessons from his childhood stand out. First, his father taught him that prayer and spirituality are about goodness, not show. Second, his friendship with boys of other faiths, and a kind teacher who stood against prejudice, taught him that religion should never divide friends. The lesson shows how a simple, honest childhood can build a great life.
What you should learn
A simple, honest childhood — wise parents, good teachers, true friends — builds a great life.
Key Terms
- Childhood — The early part of a person's life, as a child.
- Prejudice — An unfair opinion formed without reason, often about religion or caste.
- Spirituality — A deep sense of goodness and connection with God, beyond outward show.
- Friendship — Close, trusting affection between people.
- Values — Beliefs about what is right and good in life.
Remember
- Kalam grew up in a simple family in a coastal town.
- His father was wise and kind, though not highly educated.
- A teacher stood against religious prejudice.
- Friendship across faiths shaped his character.
Exam Tip / Common Mistake
Common mistake: writing only life facts. Name the two values: spirituality as goodness, and friendship above religious differences.
Chart / Table: People Who Shaped Kalam
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| His father | Wisdom, kindness, simple living |
| His mother | Generosity — feeding many people |
| His friends | Friendship across different faiths |
| His teacher | Stood firmly against prejudice |
Practice set (try on your own)
- Who is the writer of this childhood account?
Hint: Think about a scientist who became President. - What did Kalam learn from his father?
Hint: Think about goodness over show. - How did a teacher fight prejudice?
Hint: Think about standing up for a friend. - Why is friendship across faiths important?
Hint: Think about unity. - Name one value you learned at home.
Hint: Give a personal example.
Questions with Answers
- Whose childhood does this lesson describe?
It describes the childhood of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who later became a great scientist and the President of India. - What kind of family did Kalam grow up in?
He grew up in a simple, loving family in a small coastal town, where his parents were kind and generous. - What did his father teach him about prayer?
His father taught him that true prayer and spirituality mean goodness of heart, not outward show. - How did Kalam learn that religion should not divide friends?
He had close friends of other faiths, and a kind teacher stood against prejudice, showing that friendship is above religious differences. - What is the main message of the lesson?
The main message is that a childhood built on wise parents, good teachers, honest values, and true friendship can lead to a great life.
How to use this page: First read the summary, say the key terms in your own words, then try the practice set without looking. Finally check yourself with the questions and answers. Get your answers checked by your teacher or parents.