My Early Days - A.P.J.

Abdul Kalam
‘My Early Days’ is a part of Dr. Abdul Kalam’s autobiography ‘The Wings of Fire’. It speaks about Kalam’s
boyhood and schooldays. He recalls how his philosophy of life has been influenced by his parents, friends and the
secular fabric of his native soil.
Kalam’s family and early childhood
Kalam was born in Rameswaram in a middle class family. His father, Jainulabdeen and mother Ashiamma
were very kind, pious and generous. Kalam had three brothers and a sister. Jainulabdeen had great wisdom. He had a
small coconut grove and a wooden sailboat. He transported the pilgrims and earned money. He helped the sick
people by his prayers. He was humble, honest and hardworking. Kalam inherited these good qualities from both his
father and mother. The family led a very simple and humble life. His close friends at school were Ramanadha Sastry,
Aravindan and Sivaprakasan. S.T.R. Manickam, a former revolutionary nationalist, encouraged Kalam to use his
personal library.

Influence of Ahmed Jallaluddin

Ahmed Jallaluddin was a relative of Kalam. He was a knowledgeable person. He was 15years older than
him. He married Kalam’s sister Zohara. He greatly influenced Kalam in his boyhood. Jallaluddin’s schooling was
limited due to his poverty. But he never complained. He was the only person who knew English in the entire island
then. He encouraged Azad (Kalam) to excel in studies. He spoke to him about God and spiritual matters. They both
enjoyed the positive vibrations from the Rameswaram temple. He spoke about scientific discoveries, literature and
medical science. He helped Kalam become aware of a “brave, new world.” The unschooled wisdom of Jallaluddin
was so intuitive. It made a difference in Kalam’s later life. It made him more creative.

Influence of Samsuddin
Samsuddin was Kalam’s first cousin. He was a sincere and hard worker. He greatly influenced Kalam in his
boyhood. He was the only newspaper distributor of the island then. During the Second World War(1939), emergency
was declared. Newspaper bundles were thrown out from the moving train on the Rameswaram road. Samsuddin was
forced to employ someone to help him. Kalam worked for him and earned his first wages. He was ever proud of his
first income. The unschooled wisdom of Samsuddin was so intuitive. It made a difference in Kalam’s later life. It made
him more creative.
Kalam’s days in Ramanathapuram

Kalam left Rameswaram to study at Ramanathapuram. His father, Jainulabdeen permitted him to pursue his
dreams. He encouraged him a lot and blessed him. He comforted Ashiamma also. Jallaluddin and Samsuddin helped
Kalam to enroll him in Schwartz High School. They also arranged for his boarding there. In the beginning, he missed
his native soil so much. He missed the security and comforts of Rameswaram. He longed for his mother’s food. But
he was determined to stay in the new place. He wanted to fulfill his father’s dream. He learnt to control his mind and
thoughts with positive thinking.