It was evening in the picturesque seaside town of Rameswaram, on the southern edge of Tamil Nadu. A cool breeze was gently blowing in from the sea. Along with the sound of waves lapping against the shore could be heard the sweet sound of birds circling overhead. Among the children playing on the beach was a boy with wavy hair and dreamy eyes. This youngster was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam who later became the eleventh President of India.

While spending time with his friends, Abdul was attracted by the sound of the birds flying above. He carefully observed that a fledgling perched on a boat was trying to take off. It spread its wings, fluttered briefly, and sprang up. The air seemed to give the needed thrust for it take off! The bird soared up into the sky. Its teered its pace and course with great ease. How Abdul wished he could fly like those beauties in the air!

This passion for flying, aroused by the beautiful birds, later inspired Abdul Kalam to design India’s first rocket which successfully sent a satellite Rohini, into orbit on 18th July 1980. It was called the SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle). At the time when Abdul was growing up, no one had even dreamt of such a happening.

Rameswaram, where Abdul was born on 15th October 1931, was a small town with narrow streets lined with old houses made of limestone and brick. The town was famous for its Shiva Temple. Abdul stayed in the house with his father, mother, brothers, and sister and led a secure and happy childhood.

Abdul’s father, Jainulabdeen was a pious man. He led an harsh life without depriving his family of the basic comforts.

In this closely knit family, dinner was always a special meal. During dinner they exchanged views on a variety of topics ranging from family matters to spiritual subjects.

The main income for Abdul’s family came from ferrying pilgrims across the sea between Rameswaram and Dhanush Kodi. Pilgrims visiting Rameswaram made it a point to visit Dhanush Kodi, twenty kilometers away in the sea. Dhanush Kodi has religious significance. Ferrying pilgrims fetched good money and the family lived comfortably. However, a devastating cyclone lashed the shores of Rameswaram, and their boat was destroyed. The family lost their only source of livelihood in one swift, tragic stroke.

The enterprising young Abdul wanted to help the family through the crisis. He realized that there was demand for tamarind seeds. He decided he would collect them and sell them to a shop near his house. His family wanted him to concentrate on his studies. He said he would study as well as help his family. Reluctantly, everyone agreed. Even while studying or enjoying the evenings with his friends on the beach, he set aside some time to collect tamarind seeds and sell them to a nearby shop. For this he was paid a princely sum of one anna!

Based on your understanding, why was dinner a special meal in the Kalam’s family?