Common Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers 2024

Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers with MCQ, Short Long type is a comprehensive resource tailored for Class 12 students following the WBCHSE curriculum in 2024. 

This article offers Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers with MCQ, Short Long type, providing thorough answers and aiding in exam preparation. It serves as a valuable study companion for WBCHSE students.

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Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers MCQ Type

1. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1 x 12 – 12

1. One of the forebears of Kalam’s mother was awarded by the British the title of-

(a) Bahadur

(b) Raibahadur

(c) Padmashree

(d) Bharat Ratna

Ans: (b) Raibahadur

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2. APJ Abdul Kalam was by birth a-

(a) Telugu

(b) Kannad

(c) Tamil

(d) Malayali

Ans: (c) Tamil

3. The name of Abdul Kalam’s mother is-

(a) Ashima

(c) Shiamma

(b) Ashiamma

(d) Hiamma

Ans: (b) Ashiamma

4. APJ Abdul Kalam’s own world was concerned with-

(a) science and war

(b) science and technology

(c) missile technology

(d) rocket science and technology

Ans: (b) science and technology

5. The prayers chanted in the mosque were in

(a) Urdu

(b) French

(c) Persian

(d) Arabic

Ans: (d) Arabic

6. Rameswaram was famous to pilgrims for-

(a) the Vishnu temple

(b) the Tirupati temple

(c) the Shiva temple 

(d) the mosque

Ans: (c) the Shiva temple 

7. Abdul Kalam’s ancestral house was built in  [HS 2017]

(a) mid 19th century 

(b) late 19th century

(c) early 20th century 

(d) early 19th century

Ans: (a) mid 19th century

8. Kalam’s father would take him to the mosque for- [2016]

(a) pre-dawn prayers 

(b) evening prayers

(c) mid-day prayers 

(d) afternoon prayers

Ans: (b) evening prayers

9. Kalam’s locality was predominantly-

(a) Hindu

(b) Muslim

(c) Jain

(d) Buddhist

Ans: (b) Muslim

10. Abdul Kalam’s house was in the-

(a) Mosque street 

(b) Park Street

(c) Church Street 

(d) Temple Street

Ans: (a) Mosque street 

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11. The words of Abdul Kalam’s father filled him with a strange energy and-  [HS 2020]

(a) relief

(c) perseverance

(b) enthusiasm

(d) determination

Ans: (d) determination

12. After reading the namaz before dawn, Abdul Kalam’s father used to   [2023]

(a) meet people of different religions

(b) go to the mosque

(c) meet Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry

(d) go to the coconut grove.

Ans: go to the coconut grove.

13. Abdul Kalam’s father would convey complex spiritual concepts in simple, down-to-earth

(a) Arabic

(b) Urdu

(c) Tamil

(d) Telugu.

Ans: (c) Tamil

14. Kalam’s ancestral house was built in [2017]

(a) mid 19th century

(b) late 19th century

(c) early 20th century

(d) early 19th century

Ans: (a) mid 19th century

15. One of the forebearers of Kalam’s mother was awarded by the British the title of

(a) Bahadur

(b) Raibahadur

(c) Padmashree

(d) Bharat Ratna

Ans: (a) Bahadur

16. The coconut grove, where Abdul Kalam’s father used to walk down every morning was about –

(a) one and a half miles

(b) three miles

(c) four miles

(d) four and a half miles

Ans: (c) four miles

Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers Short Type

2. Answer any four questions from PROSE and four questions from POETRY, of the following questions, each in a complete sentence. 2 x 8 – 16

1. In whom did Abdul Kalam’s father have an ideal helpmate?[2015]

Ans: In Abdul Kalam’s mother Ashiamma, his father had an ideal helpmate

2. What was the name of Abdul Kalam’s father?

Ans: The name of Abdul Kalam’s father was Jainulabdeen.

3. What does Kalam’s father say about the relevance of prayer? [2018]

Ans: Kalam’s father says that prayer makes a possible communion of the spirit between people.

4. How was the house of APJ Abdul Kalam?

Ans: APJ Abdul Kalam’s ancestral house, built in the middle of the 19th century was a fairly large pucca house made of limestone and brick, on the Mosque Street of Rameswaram.

5. When did the father of APJ Abdul Kalam get up from bed?

Ans: The father of APJ Abdul Kalam got up from bed at 4 a.m. 6. Kalam describes himself as a short boy with rather undistinguished looks. 

6. How does Kalam describe his appearance?

Ans: Kalam described himself as a short boy with rather undistinguished looks.

7. Where did Kalam’s father go for the evening prayers?

Ans: Kalam’s father went to a very old mosque in their locality for evening prayers.

8. What was the name of Abdul Kalam’s mother?

Ans: The name of Abdul Kalam’s mother was Ashiamma. 

9. Who has bestowed the title of ‘Bahadur’ in ‘Strong Roots’? [2017]

Ans: One of the bears of Abdul Kalam’s mother was bestowed the title of ‘Bahadur’ by the British in ‘Strong Roots.

10. In which town was Dr APJ Abdul Kalam born? [2016]

Ans: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was born in the island town of Rameswaram in the erstwhile Madras state. 

11. What, according to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father does adversity always present? [2016]

Ans: According to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, adversity always offers opportunities for introspection.

12. What did Kalam normally eat at lunch?

Ans: Kalam normally ate rice, aromatic sambar, homemade pickle, and fresh coconut chutney at lunch. 

13. How would Kalam’s father sanctify water?

Ans: Kalam’s father would sanctify water by dipping his fingers in bowls of water offered to him and saying prayers. 

14. What was revealed to Kalam by his father?

Ans: The fundamental truths were revealed to Kalam by his father. 

15. Who was a very close friend of Abdul Kalam’s father? [HS 2020]

Ans: The close friend of Abdul Kalam’s father was Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry. 

16. How was Abdul Kalam’s mother’s lineage different from his father’s? [HS 2020]

Ans: It is because one of his mother’s forebears had been bestowed the title of ‘Bahadur’ by the British

17. What were the necessary things Kalam’s father provided to his family?[2023]

Ans: Kalam’s father provided all the necessary things to his family in terms of food, medicines, and items of clothing.

18. In which language were the prayers chanted in the mosque?[2023]

Ans: The prayers were chanted in Arabic in the mosque.

19. What does Kalam’s father say about the importance of prayer?[2022]

Ans: Kalam’s father says about the importance of prayer and it is that prayer makes a possible communion of the spirit between people.

20. Who was the priest of the Rameswaram Temple? [2022][2015][2017]

Ans: Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry was the priest of the Rameswaram Temple.

21. Whom did Kalam consider to be a very close friend of his father? [2019]

Ans: Kalam considered Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the high priest of Rameswaram temple, to be a very close friend of his father.

22. What did Abdul Kalam’s father use to avoid? [2019]

Ans: Abdul Kalam’s father used to avoid all inessential comfort and luxuries.

23. How was Abdul Kalam’s mother’s lineage different from his father’s? [2020]

Ans: Abdul Kalam’s mother’s lineage was different from his father’s as one of her forebears was bestowed the title of Bahadur by the British.

Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers Subjective / Descriptive Type

3. Answer any two questions from PROSE, two questions from POETRY, and one question from DRAMA the following questions, each in about 100 words: 6×5=30

1. “People of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for him.”-Who is referred to as ‘him’? Where did the people wait? Why did they wait there? What would happen thereafter? [HS 2020] 1+1+2+2

Ans: Here the word, ‘him’, refers to Kalam’s father,  Jainulabdeen. 

The people waited outside the mosque. 

They waited there to get religious water from Kalam’s father where his father would dip his fingertips and say a prayer.

After that, they carried the water home for invalids.

2. “In fact, I would say mine was a very secure childhood…”-Whose childhood is referred to here? Where was his childhood spent? How was his childhood secured? 1+1+4

Ans: Here APJ Abdul Kalam’s childhood is referred to.

His childhood was spent on the Mosque Street in Rameswaram, a town located in the southern part of India, in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Kalam’s childhood was secured not only by the loving and supportive environment provided by his parents but also by the values instilled in him by his family and the community he grew up in.

3. “Our locality was predominantly Muslim” -Who is the speaker? How does the speaker describe the locality? What picture of communal harmony do you find in this description? [HS 2017] 1+3+2

Ans: 

The speaker referring to the locality being predominantly Muslim, is APJ Abdul Kalam, himself.

Abdul Kalam describes the locality he grew up in as predominantly Muslim, indicating that a significant majority of the residents in his immediate community were followers of the Islamic faith.

Despite the locality being predominantly Muslim, Kalam portrays a beautiful picture of communal harmony through his experiences. He speaks of how people of different faiths, including Hindus and Muslims, coexisted in peace and mutual respect within his neighborhood. 

4. What was Kalam’s father’s response to his son’s query about prayer? Or, What did Kalam’s father tell him about the relevance of prayer?

Ans: APJ Abdul Kalam’s father imparted a profound lesson about the significance of prayer, emphasizing its relevance beyond religious boundaries. He conveyed that prayer wasn’t confined to any specific religious rituals or doctrines; instead, it was a universal channel for connecting with a higher power, fostering discipline, humility, and inner strength. Kalam’s father believed that prayer instilled a sense of tranquility, enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges with fortitude and clarity. He encouraged Kalam to embrace prayer not just as a religious practice but as a means to seek inner peace, guidance, and resilience, emphasizing its universal relevance transcending religious affiliations.

5. “My father could convey complex spiritual concepts in very simple down-to-earth Tamil-Sum up the spiritual principles Dr. Kalam’s father./How did Kalam’s father convey ‘spiritual concepts’?

Ans: Dr. Kalam’s father adeptly distilled intricate spiritual ideas into easily comprehensible, down-to-earth Tamil, emphasizing key principles: humility, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. He conveyed these concepts through relatable anecdotes, stories, and everyday experiences, making them accessible to all. His teachings centered on the power of humility in character, the significance of living with integrity and honesty, and the perpetual quest for wisdom and learning. Using simple language and relatable examples, Kalam’s father instilled these timeless spiritual values, ensuring they resonated deeply within individuals’ hearts and minds, transcending the complexities often associated with spiritual teachings.

6. “I have endeavored to understand the fundamental truths revealed to me by my father- Who was the son? Who was the father? What were the fundamental truths revealed to the son? 1+1+4

Ans: In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, the son refers to Abdul Kalam himself, 

and his father is Jainulabdeen. 

The fundamental truths imparted by his father encompassed humility, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. These truths emphasized the significance of staying grounded, embracing honesty and integrity in every aspect of life, and nurturing an insatiable thirst for learning. Kalam’s father instilled these core values, guiding his son to understand the essence of humility, ethical conduct, and the continuous quest for knowledge as pivotal principles for personal growth, moral development, and contributing positively to society.

7. “When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.”-. Who said this and to whom? Elucidate the statement. 2+4

Ans:  In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, this statement was articulated by Abdul Kalam himself, offering advice or guidance to readers or listeners. 

He urges individuals facing challenges to contemplate the significance of their hardships. Kalam emphasizes that during difficult times, it’s crucial to introspect and seek understanding within one’s sufferings. He suggests that adversity, despite its hardships, often brings forth opportunities for self-reflection, growth, and learning. By encouraging introspection during trials, Kalam advocates for a perspective shift, viewing adversity not merely as obstacles but as moments ripe for self-discovery and personal development.

8. What is APJ Abdul Kalam’s perception of divine power? How, according to him, can a person achieve freedom, happiness, and peace of mind? 3+3

Or, How did Abdul Kalam try to emulate his father?

Or, How did Kalam’s father influence Kalam’s perception and interpretation of divine power?

Ans: APJ Abdul Kalam’s father profoundly shaped his perception of divine power by instilling a deeply personal and pragmatic understanding. He imparted that divine power wasn’t confined to religious dogmas but existed in the essence of nature and human interactions. Kalam’s father emphasized observing the wonders of the natural world as manifestations of divine energy, fostering reverence for creation. He encouraged his son to perceive divine power in the relentless pursuit of knowledge, kindness towards others, and unity among diverse communities. Through these teachings, Kalam’s father cultivated a holistic and inclusive interpretation of divine power, intertwining spirituality with the everyday fabric of life.

9. “This is not a correct approach at all.”-Who said this? What is the approach referred to here? Why is the approach not correct? 1+3+2

Ans:  In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, the speaker expressing disapproval of an approach is not explicitly mentioned. 

However, the statement likely reflects Kalam’s perspective. 

The approach referred to could involve a method or mindset deemed incorrect. Kalam might criticize an approach deviating from ethical or principled conduct, lacking in integrity, or disregarding the broader welfare of society. This disapproved approach might stray from values like honesty, compassion, or dedication to learning, contradicting Kalam’s beliefs in moral rectitude, progress, and social responsibility. The criticism suggests that the approach lacks alignment with Kalam’s ethical or pragmatic standards, possibly hindering personal or societal growth.

10. What had remained the routine for Abdul Kalam’s father even when he was in his late sixties? What does Abdul Kalam say about his emulation of his father? [HS 2016] 3+3

Ans: In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, even in his late sixties, Abdul Kalam’s father maintained an unwavering routine of waking up early, offering prayers, and diligently pursuing his work as an imam. Abdul Kalam reverently acknowledges his father’s dedication and discipline, admitting that despite his aspirations to emulate his father’s routine, he often found it challenging due to his professional commitments. Kalam expresses deep admiration for his father’s steadfastness, recognizing his own occasional struggle to mirror the consistent dedication and unwavering commitment to a routine that characterized his father’s disciplined life.

11. “I normally ate with my mother.”-Who ate with his mother? Name his mother. Where did he eat with his mother? What did he eat with his mother? [HS 2018][2022] 1+1+2+2

Ans: In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, Abdul Kalam himself ate with his mother, Ashiamma. 

He dined with her in their home at Rameswaram, a town in Tamil Nadu, India. Kalam cherished moments sharing meals with his mother, savoring simple yet delicious South Indian cuisine prepared by her. 

These meals often comprised traditional Tamil dishes like rice, lentils, vegetables, and various curries, reflecting the cultural richness of their region. The intimate setting of dining with his mother not only provided nourishment but also fostered a loving bond and a sense of familial closeness that remained a cherished aspect of Kalam’s upbringing.

12. What do you mean by communal harmony? Describe Rameswaram as an ideal place for all communities. [HS 2017] 

Ans: Communal harmony signifies peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among individuals from diverse religious or cultural backgrounds within a community. 

Rameswaram, as depicted in “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, epitomizes an ideal place for all communities. The town radiates an aura of inclusivity and acceptance, where people from various faiths, be it Hindus, Muslims, or Christians, cohabit harmoniously. It serves as a melting pot of cultures, fostering unity and mutual understanding among residents. Rameswaram’s cultural richness and its history of communal amity exemplify a setting where diversity is celebrated, promoting an environment where different communities thrive together in peace, solidarity, and respect.

13. “Why don’t you say this, to the people who come to you…?”- Who says this and to whom? What is referred to by the word ‘this’? Why do the people come to the person spoken to? [HS 2015] 1+3+2

Ans: In “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam, the speaker is Kalam himself, addressing a religious leader or an influential figure in the community. 

The term ‘this’ refers to a message or guidance that Kalam urges the person to convey to those who seek their counsel. 

Kalam encourages the leader to impart teachings emphasizing the importance of communal harmony, tolerance, and unity to the people who seek guidance from them. People visit this influential figure seeking spiritual or moral advice, hoping to gain insight, wisdom, or solutions to their concerns, making it crucial for the leader to disseminate messages promoting societal cohesion and understanding.

14. “One of the most vivid memories of my early childhood is of the two men …”[2023]

(a) Whose childhood memories are referred to?

(b) Who were the two men?

(c) What was their topic of discussion?

(d) What answer did the narrator get regarding his answer on prayer?

Ans: (a) The childhood memories referred to are those of Abdul Kalam himself.

(b) The two men were Abdul Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, and a revered spiritual figure, a holy man.

(c) The topic of their discussion revolved around the essence and effectiveness of prayer, specifically, the question posed by young Kalam regarding the verifiable existence of God.

(d) In response to Kalam’s query on whether prayer can be proved through scientific means, the holy man advised the young boy that while scientific verification might be challenging, one can understand the power of prayer through personal experiences, inner transformation, and the positive impact it brings to one’s life.

15. “His answers filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm” – Who is the speaker? Whose answer is referred to here? What was the answer? [2019]

Ans: The speaker is Abdul Kalam himself. 

APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen’s answer is referred to here.

Dr. Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, explained the positive role of adversity in the universe. He asked why he didn’t share this with people seeking help. Jainulabdeen explained that every recurrent anguish, longing, and desire requires a special helper. He served as a mediator for those in distress but did not approve of this approach. He provided a two-fold vision of destiny: a fear-ridden vision and a vision of finding the enemy of fulfillment within ourselves. This answer-filled Kalam with energy and enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers

What is the significance of the title Strong Roots?

Ans: The book title “Strong Roots” by APJ Abdul Kalam is important because it represents the important things that shape a person’s life. It talks about the values, teachings, and experiences that influence who someone becomes. For Kalam, it means his cultural background, the things he learned from his family, and the morals he grew up with. “Strong Roots” shows how Kalam’s early life, what his parents taught him, and the culture of his hometown were crucial in making him who he was. The title is about how these things made Kalam strong, helped him keep his values, and guided him to success.

Where is the strong roots taken from?

Ans: ‘Strong Root” is extract from Dr. Kalam’s autobiography, “Wings of Fire”.

How was Kalam’s childhood in strong roots?

Ans: In ‘Strong Roots’, Kalam’s Childhood was very secure.

What type of story is strong roots?

Ans: ‘Strong Roots’ is an autobiography.

What is the significance of the title of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s strong roots?

Ans: The title of APJ Abdul Kalam’s book, “Strong Roots,” is important because it talks about the important stuff that shapes a person’s life. It’s about the things like values, teachings, and experiences that influence who you become. For Kalam, it means his cultural background, what he learned from his family, and the morals he grew up with. “Strong Roots” shows how Kalam’s early life, what his parents taught him, and the culture of his hometown were really important in making him the person he became. The title tells us that these things made Kalam strong, helped him stick to his values, and guided him to success.

Who was the priest of Shiva Temple in strong roots?

Ans: Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry was the priest of Shiva Temple in strong roots.

Who was a very close friend of Kalam’s father?

Ans: Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the priest of Shiva Temple, was a very close friend of Kalam’s father

Who did Kalam eat with?

Ans: Kalam ate with his mother.

How did Jainulabdeen start his day?

Ans: Jainulabdeen started his day by waking up early and offering prayers as part of his routine. He maintained a disciplined practice of morning prayers as a devout Muslim.

Where is Rameshwaram in strong roots?

Ans:  Rameswaram is mentioned in “Strong Roots” as a town located in the southern part of India, specifically in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Who has bestowed the title of Bahadur in strong roots?

Ans:  APJ Abdul Kalam’s mother’s lineage was more distinguished, one of her forebears having been bestowed the title of ‘Bahadur’ in strong roots

Why was Rameswaram famous to the pilgrims in strong roots?

Ans: Rameswaram was renowned among pilgrims in “Strong Roots” due to its significance as a sacred place housing the renowned Ramanathaswamy Temple, a revered pilgrimage destination in Hinduism.

Who was the high priest of Rameswaram temple in strong roots?

Ans: Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry was the high priest of Shiva Temple in strong roots.

What was the ancestral house of Kalam in strong roots?

Ans: The ancestral house of Kalam mentioned in “Strong Roots” was situated on Mosque Street in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.

What picture of communal harmony in strong roots?

Ans: “Strong Roots” portrays a vibrant picture of communal harmony where people of diverse faiths, including Hindus and Muslims, coexist peacefully in Rameswaram, fostering unity and understanding among communities.

What did Kalam ask to his father?

Ans: Kalam asked his father about proving the existence of God through scientific means.

Who was the ideal helpmate of Jainulabdeen?

Ans: The ideal helpmate of Jainulabdeen, as described in “Strong Roots,” was his wife, Ashiamma, who provided invaluable support and assistance to him.

What kind of a person was Kalam’s father?

Ans: Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, was known as a humble, principled, and deeply spiritual individual as depicted in “Strong Roots.”

What kind of life would Kalam’s father lead?

Ans: Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, led a devout and disciplined life, dedicated to religious practices, education, and imparting moral values, as depicted in “Strong Roots.”

Strong Roots Class 12 Questions Answers 2024 WBCHSE” is an invaluable study aid for Class 12 WBCHSE students’ comprehensive preparation.