Strong Roots Question Answer

1. “Why don’t you say this to the people who come to you?”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this to his father, Jainulabdeen.
• What does “this” refer to in the context?
  “This” refers to the spiritual advice Kalam’s father had shared about understanding the relevance of suffering and adversity.
• Why did people come to the person addressed?
  People came to Jainulabdeen seeking guidance and blessings to help them in times of distress, believing him to be spiritually wise.
• How did the addressee respond to the suggestion?
  Jainulabdeen explained that people look for someone to guide them during difficulties, and he acted as a medium for their prayers. He believed that true help lies in introspection and understanding one’s inner self.

2. “Our locality was predominantly Muslim.”

• Who said this, and about which locality?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this about his hometown of Rameswaram.
• How did the speaker describe the locality?
  He described the locality as having a majority of Muslim families, along with a significant number of Hindu families. Despite their religious differences, the two communities lived in harmony.
• What picture of communal harmony is presented in this description?
  Kalam highlighted the peaceful coexistence of the two communities, with mutual respect for each other’s beliefs. His father and the Hindu high priest, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, were close friends, symbolizing interfaith unity.

3. “I normally ate with my mother.”

• Who is the speaker, and who is referred to as the mother?
  The speaker is APJ Abdul Kalam, and the mother referred to is Ashiamma.
• Where did the speaker eat with his mother?
  He ate with his mother on the floor of their kitchen.
• What food did the speaker eat during these meals?
  He ate rice with aromatic sambar, a variety of homemade pickles, and fresh coconut chutney served on a banana leaf.

4. “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.”

• Who said this, and whose answer is being referred to?
  The speaker is APJ Abdul Kalam, and the answer is from his father, Jainulabdeen.
• What was the answer given?
  Kalam’s father explained that people in distress look for external help but should instead introspect to find fulfillment within themselves. He emphasized the difference between fear-driven beliefs and self-reliant visions of destiny.
• How did this answer influence the speaker’s thoughts and actions?
  This wisdom inspired Kalam to adopt a rational approach to challenges and seek strength within himself, which shaped his scientific and philosophical outlook.

5. “People of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for him.”

• Who said this, and who is referred to as “him”?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this, referring to his father, Jainulabdeen.
• Where did the people wait, and why?
  They waited outside the mosque where Jainulabdeen performed evening prayers, seeking his blessings and spiritual guidance.
• What would happen after they waited?
  Jainulabdeen would dip his fingers into bowls of water offered by the people, say a prayer, and they would take the water home for blessings or healing.

6. “One of the most vivid memories of my early childhood is of the two men…”

• Who said this, and who were the two men referred to?
  The speaker is APJ Abdul Kalam, and the two men are his father, Jainulabdeen, and the high priest of Rameswaram temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry.
• What were they discussing?
  They often discussed spiritual matters in a deep and respectful manner.
• What explanation did the speaker receive about prayer during this discussion?
  Kalam’s father explained that prayer facilitates a connection between individuals and the cosmos, transcending divisions such as caste, wealth, and creed.

7. “Whenever they are in trouble, they look for someone to help them.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Jainulabdeen said this to Kalam when explaining why people came to him for advice and blessings.
• How did the speaker explain the role of a helper?
  He described himself as a medium, helping people find solace through prayers. However, he emphasized that true solutions come from introspection and self-awareness.
• What was the speaker’s view on relying on external help during difficulties?
  He believed that while seeking help is natural, ultimate fulfillment and strength must come from within.

8. “Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Jainulabdeen said this to his son, APJ Abdul Kalam.
• What did the speaker mean by this statement?
  He meant that challenges and difficulties should be viewed as opportunities to reflect on life and discover inner strength and purpose.
• How does this reflect the speaker’s overall philosophy on life?
  This idea shows Jainulabdeen’s wisdom and positive outlook, encouraging resilience and self-awareness in the face of hardship.

9. “Why be afraid of difficulties, sufferings, and problems?”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Jainulabdeen said this to Kalam while explaining the nature of human struggles.
• How did the speaker connect this idea to the divine plan?
  He explained that every individual is a part of the divine plan, and challenges are opportunities to grow and find meaning in life.
• What lesson does this statement teach about facing challenges?
  It teaches that one should face difficulties with courage and see them as a chance to develop resilience and self-awareness.

10. “The most necessary things that Kalam’s father provided were food, medicine, and clothing.”

• Who is referred to here, and how did they ensure the family’s needs were met?
  Jainulabdeen is referred to here. Despite limited resources, he ensured that his family had their basic needs met through his hard work and discipline.
• What does this reveal about the speaker’s family values?
  It reveals values of simplicity, self-reliance, and prioritizing essential needs over luxuries.
• How did these values shape the speaker’s outlook on life?
  These values instilled in Kalam a sense of discipline, gratitude, and focus on meaningful achievements rather than material gains.

11. “There was a very old mosque in our locality where my father would take me for evening prayers.”

• Who said this, and where was the mosque located?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this, referring to a mosque in his hometown of Rameswaram.
• Who waited outside the mosque, and why?
  People from different walks of life, including those seeking help or blessings, waited outside the mosque for Jainulabdeen, who was seen as a spiritual guide.
• How did the speaker describe the actions of his father after the prayers?
  After prayers, his father would bless people and offer them prayers for healing and well-being, embodying humility and spiritual devotion.

12. “My father always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the merciful.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this while describing how his father responded to people thanking him for his help.
• Why did people thank the speaker’s father?
  People thanked him for his prayers and blessings, which they believed helped them in times of distress or illness.
• What does this reveal about the speaker’s father’s humility and spirituality?
  It highlights Jainulabdeen’s deep humility, as he always directed gratitude to Allah rather than seeking praise for himself. This reflects his selflessness and devotion.

13. “I have tried to emulate my father in my own world of science and technology.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this when reflecting on how he applied the values and lessons from his father to his career in science and technology.
• What specific qualities of the father did the speaker try to emulate?
  Kalam sought to emulate his father’s humility, wisdom, hard work, and sense of spiritual purpose.
• How did this influence the speaker’s achievements and philosophy in life?
  These qualities shaped Kalam’s approach to both his scientific work and his broader worldview, encouraging him to pursue knowledge while remaining grounded in moral and spiritual values.

14. “The high priest of Rameswaram temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, was a very close friend of my father’s.”

• Who said this, and how did they describe the relationship between the two men?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this, describing the deep friendship between his father and the high priest of the Rameswaram temple.
• What were the topics of their discussions?
  They discussed spiritual matters, reflecting their shared commitment to understanding and respecting the divine in their respective faiths.
• How does this reflect the theme of spiritual harmony?
  This highlights the idea of interfaith dialogue and the respect between different religious practices. It shows how spiritual harmony and mutual respect can flourish even in a diverse society.

15. “One must understand the difference between a fear-ridden vision of destiny and the vision that enables us to seek the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves.”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Jainulabdeen said this to his son, APJ Abdul Kalam.
• What does this statement mean in the context of the story?
  This statement emphasizes that fear-driven beliefs limit our potential. True fulfillment comes when we confront our own inner struggles and overcome them.
• How does this philosophy reflect the speaker’s father’s wisdom?
  Jainulabdeen’s wisdom lies in recognizing that true strength and peace come from within, and challenges should be faced with introspection rather than fear or external dependency.

16. “I remember my father starting his day at 4 am by reading the namaz before dawn.”

• Who said this, and what does it reveal about the father’s routine?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this, describing his father’s disciplined routine, which began with the namaz (morning prayers) at 4 am.
• How did the father’s disciplined lifestyle influence the speaker?
  The father’s dedication to his spiritual practices, starting his day early with prayer, instilled in Kalam a sense of discipline and devotion in his own life.
• What does this reflect about the values of the speaker’s family?
  It reflects the importance of discipline, spirituality, and a routine that promotes both personal growth and spiritual well-being.

17. “I do not recall the exact number of people she fed every day.”

• Who is referred to as “she,” and what is being described?
  The “she” refers to Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma. This statement describes her generosity in feeding people every day, far more than the members of their own family.
• What does this reveal about the speaker’s family environment?
  It reveals a family environment rooted in kindness and selflessness, where hospitality and generosity were prioritized.
• How does this contribute to the theme of generosity in the story?
  This example of the mother’s actions reinforces the theme of generosity, showing how the values of kindness and giving were central to Kalam’s upbringing.

18. “Whenever human beings find themselves alone, they start looking for company.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Jainulabdeen said this to Kalam, explaining that people tend to seek support or companionship during moments of loneliness or difficulty.
• What does this statement reveal about human nature?
  It reveals the human instinct to seek connection and support during times of distress, highlighting the need for community and empathy.
• How does this connect to the theme of seeking divine or external support?
  It connects to the idea that in times of hardship, people often turn to external sources, whether human or divine, for comfort, guidance, and solutions.

19. “My father could convey complex spiritual concepts in very simple, down-to-earth Tamil.”

• Who is the speaker, and how does this describe the father?
  APJ Abdul Kalam is the speaker, describing how his father, Jainulabdeen, could explain profound spiritual teachings in a way that was easily understood.
• What spiritual lessons did the father share with the speaker?
  Jainulabdeen taught Kalam the importance of humility, introspection, the value of prayer, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
• How did this teaching shape the speaker’s understanding of life?
  This simple and profound spiritual wisdom shaped Kalam’s philosophical outlook, influencing both his personal life and his approach to leadership and science.

20. “I have, throughout my life, tried to emulate my father in my own world of science and technology.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this while reflecting on how he applied his father’s values to his work in science and technology.
• What lessons from the father did the speaker try to incorporate in their life?
  Kalam tried to incorporate his father’s humility, discipline, spiritual wisdom, and sense of service into his scientific work and personal philosophy.
• How did this impact the speaker’s personal and professional journey?
  These values shaped Kalam’s leadership, guiding him through challenges in his career as a scientist and as the President of India, fostering a blend of intellectual rigor and humanistic values.

21. “In his own time, in his own place, in what he really is, and in the stage he has reached—good or bad—every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine Being.”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Jainulabdeen said this to APJ Abdul Kalam during a conversation about spirituality.
• What does this statement mean in the context of the story?
  The statement emphasizes that every individual is a unique and integral part of the divine plan, regardless of their circumstances or stage in life.
• How does this reflect the speaker’s spiritual philosophy?
  It shows Jainulabdeen’s deep belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of accepting life’s challenges as part of a greater purpose.

22. “Every recurrent anguish, longing, and desire finds its own special helper.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Jainulabdeen said this to Kalam when explaining why people seek external help during times of distress.
• How does this statement explain the human tendency to seek help in times of distress?
  It reflects the natural inclination of humans to look for guidance, comfort, and solutions from others or divine forces when facing challenges.
• What lesson does this provide about self-reliance versus dependency?
  While it acknowledges the role of helpers, it also implies that ultimate fulfillment comes from introspection and understanding one’s inner strength.

23. “When you pray, you transcend your body and become a part of the cosmos.”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Jainulabdeen said this to Kalam during a discussion on the relevance of prayer.
• What is meant by transcending the body in the context of prayer?
  It means rising above physical limitations and connecting with the universe and its higher powers, achieving a sense of unity and peace.
• How does this perspective on prayer reflect the speaker’s father’s spirituality?
  It highlights Jainulabdeen’s belief in the spiritual connection that prayer creates, breaking down barriers of wealth, caste, and creed.

24. “Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.”

• Who said this, and what is the significance of this statement?
  Jainulabdeen said this to Kalam, stressing the importance of reflecting on life during challenging times.
• How does this statement relate to the speaker’s personal experiences?
  Kalam learned to face challenges calmly and use them as opportunities to grow and find solutions.
• What does this teach about the speaker’s father’s approach to life’s challenges?
  It demonstrates his wisdom and optimism, teaching resilience and the value of self-awareness.

25. “Why don’t you say this to the people who come to you for help and advice?”

• Who asked this, and to whom?
  Kalam asked this question to his father, Jainulabdeen.
• What was the answer given, and how did it affect the speaker?
  Jainulabdeen explained that he served as a medium for people’s prayers and helped them find solace. This response inspired Kalam to understand the importance of helping others while fostering self-reliance.
• How does this exchange highlight the relationship between the speaker and the addressee?
  It reflects the deep respect and curiosity Kalam had for his father’s wisdom and the way Jainulabdeen shared life lessons with patience and clarity.

26. “He possessed great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit.”

• Who is being described, and by whom?
  Jainulabdeen is being described by APJ Abdul Kalam.
• How did the person demonstrate wisdom and generosity in their life?
  Jainulabdeen guided people spiritually, helped the needy without expecting anything in return, and provided for his family through hard work and simplicity.
• What impact did this have on the speaker’s character and values?
  Kalam was deeply influenced by his father’s selflessness and spiritual outlook, incorporating these values into his own life and work.

27. “So why be afraid of difficulties, sufferings, and problems?”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Jainulabdeen said this to Kalam when discussing the nature of challenges in life.
• How does this reflect the speaker’s father’s attitude toward adversity?
  It shows Jainulabdeen’s belief in facing difficulties courageously and viewing them as opportunities for growth and understanding.
• What role does this philosophy play in the speaker’s own life?
  Kalam adopted this optimistic perspective, using challenges in his career as stepping stones for innovation and success.

28. “The Shiva temple, which made Rameswaram so famous, was about a ten-minute walk from our house.”

• Who said this, and what is its significance?
  Kalam said this to describe the religious and cultural significance of Rameswaram.
• How does this statement contribute to the theme of communal harmony?
  It highlights the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Hindus in Rameswaram, with shared respect for each other’s places of worship.
• What does this reveal about the cultural setting of the speaker’s childhood?
  It reflects the inclusive and harmonious environment in which Kalam was raised, fostering mutual respect among communities.

29. “I was totally convinced that they reached God.”

• Who said this, and what is referred to as “they”?
  Kalam said this, referring to the Arabic prayers chanted by his father.
• How does this belief reflect the speaker’s early spiritual understanding?
  It shows Kalam’s faith in his father’s devotion and the power of prayer, despite not fully understanding its meaning as a child.
• What role did the speaker’s upbringing play in shaping this belief?
  Growing up in a spiritually enriched environment, Kalam developed a strong sense of faith and respect for different forms of worship.

30. “He used to walk down to a small coconut grove we owned, about four miles from our home.”

• Who is being described, and what does this reveal about their routine?
  Jainulabdeen is being described. This shows his disciplined lifestyle and dedication to providing for his family.
• How does this routine reflect the individual’s values and discipline?
  It highlights his work ethic, simplicity, and determination to balance spiritual and worldly responsibilities.
• What influence did this have on the speaker’s perspective on hard work?
  Kalam adopted his father’s discipline and commitment, which became integral to his scientific pursuits and achievements.

31. “I have endeavored to understand the fundamental truths revealed to me by my father.”

• Who said this, and what were the truths referred to?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this, referring to the spiritual and philosophical teachings imparted to him by his father, Jainulabdeen. The truths referred to include the understanding of life’s challenges, the importance of humility, self-reflection, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
• How did the speaker try to apply these truths in their life?
  Kalam applied these teachings by integrating them into his scientific career, emphasizing the role of spirituality and discipline in problem-solving and leadership. He also focused on personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
• How did this influence the speaker’s personal and professional success?
  These teachings helped Kalam remain grounded while pursuing his dreams, shaping his approach to both science and leadership. His personal and professional success can be attributed to the values of self-discipline, humility, and service to others that he learned from his father.

32. “One must understand the difference between a fear-ridden vision of destiny and the vision that enables us to seek the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Jainulabdeen, Kalam’s father, said this to him while discussing the nature of life’s challenges.
• What does the phrase “fear-ridden vision of destiny” mean?
  The “fear-ridden vision of destiny” refers to viewing life and its challenges with anxiety, seeing them as insurmountable obstacles. This perspective breeds fear and helplessness.
• How does this reflect the speaker’s father’s philosophical depth?
  This reflects Jainulabdeen’s deep understanding of life. He encouraged Kalam to see challenges not as external forces to be feared but as opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. His wisdom emphasized overcoming internal fears to achieve fulfillment.

33. “The water was then carried home for invalids.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this while describing his father’s actions. After performing prayers, Jainulabdeen would bless the water given to him by people, which was then carried home to heal the sick.
• What does this reveal about the speaker’s father’s relationship with the community?
  It reveals that Jainulabdeen had a deep, nurturing connection with his community. He was viewed as a spiritual guide, offering healing and support to those in need.
• How does this reflect the theme of spirituality and service in the story?
  This illustrates the theme of selfless service and the spiritual role one can play in their community. Jainulabdeen’s actions reflect the integration of spirituality with practical, meaningful service to others.

34. “My father always smiled and asked them to thank Allah, the merciful.”

• Who is being described here, and what does this reveal about their character?
  This describes Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen. It reveals his humility, selflessness, and spiritual depth. Rather than accepting thanks for himself, he always redirected gratitude toward Allah.
• How did this act of humility impact those who sought help?
  This act likely inspired those who sought help, making them feel that they were part of a larger, divine plan. His humility fostered a sense of community and respect for the spiritual practices he followed.
• What does this tell us about the spiritual foundation of the speaker’s upbringing?
  It shows that Kalam was raised in an environment where spirituality was not about self-glorification but about service and humility, values that shaped his worldview.

35. “I have, throughout my life, tried to emulate my father in my own world of science and technology.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this when reflecting on how his father’s teachings influenced his career in science and technology.
• What lessons from the father did the speaker try to incorporate in their life?
  Kalam tried to emulate his father’s humility, self-discipline, commitment to hard work, and spiritual outlook in his own scientific work. He applied the principles of patience, introspection, and service in his professional life.
• How did this impact the speaker’s personal and professional journey?
  These lessons helped Kalam maintain a balanced approach to his scientific work, focusing on service to humanity and moral responsibility while achieving extraordinary professional success.

36. “I normally ate with my mother, sitting on the floor of the kitchen.”

• Who said this, and how does this detail reflect the family’s simplicity?
  APJ Abdul Kalam said this, reflecting on his childhood. This detail highlights the simplicity and humility of his family life. Despite their limited means, they maintained a humble lifestyle that focused on togetherness and shared experiences.
• What does this tell us about the cultural practices of the family?
  The family valued simplicity, humility, and the importance of shared meals. Eating together on the floor, a traditional practice, indicates the emphasis on family bonding and modest living.
• How did these meals contribute to the speaker’s childhood memories?
  These meals created fond memories of family closeness and cultural traditions, shaping Kalam’s values and appreciation for simple pleasures.

37. “The two men, each in traditional attire, were discussing spiritual matters.”

• Who are the two men being referred to?
  The two men are Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, and the high priest of the Rameswaram temple, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry.
• What does this statement reveal about the relationship between the two men?
  It reveals a deep, respectful friendship between the two, despite their different religious backgrounds. Their discussions centered around spirituality, highlighting mutual respect and understanding.
• How does this reflect the theme of interfaith harmony in the story?
  This reflects the theme of interfaith harmony by showing how people of different religions can share a common spiritual discourse, emphasizing unity and respect for different beliefs.