On 25 Oct 2017 To put our learning into action our college organised ‘I Am Kalam’

film screening and discussion.

Education is the theme of the film “I am
Kalam”and the journey young Kalam takes
is truly inspiring.
I am Kalam clearly takes a stand and tell us
again and again that education is the basic
thing and this should be provided to every
child as it is the basic right of every
individual. Equal opportunities that come
with education are also highlighted in this
movie. Director has told us through the
underprivileged character who dreams the
moon and the stars and makes it possible
with sheer will that sky is the limit, if one
has the will.
“An ignited mind is the most powerful
resource on earth, above the earth and
under the earth.”
Street smart Chottu (Harsh Mayar), who
works in a Rajasthani dhaba that caters to
the haveli-turned-hotel, catches Kalam's
address on TV and becomes an ignited
mind. He already had a passion for books
and education and dreamt of becoming
one of those models sporting ties on TV.
But now, he finds a role model in the
President and gives himself a name
Kalam.
“The right kind of education on moral
values will upgrade society and the
country.”
Little Kalam does not lie. He does not
steal. He stands up for friends. He works
hard and wants to earn to fund his
education. He's a great example for kids.
And this is one reason you must take your
kids to watch this film.
“The ‘dream-thought-action' philosophy is what I would like inculcated in each and
every student.”
When Kalam catches the President's four-step path to success (Dreams. Action Plan.
Hard Work. Courage), he transforms into a student. So what if he's not in school.
“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”
The game changers in Kalam's life happen through the friendless young rich Rajput
prince (Hussan Saad) and a foreign tourist Lucy who share their knowledge with him.
While the Prince teaches him English, the tourist teaches him French and the young
lad himself teaches them everything he knows — from Hindi to camel riding to lesser
known aspects about India. The village in Rajasthan becomes a microcosm for what
India represents today with one foot firmly in the past and one in the present. The
haveli may open itself up to tourists, but is still unwilling to sell out completely.
“Give one hour a day exclusively for book reading and you will become a knowledge
centre in a few years.”
Kalam becomes a knowledge centre in months and shows great promise of becoming
a leader. The filmmaker wants to ensure that we don't dismiss this off as idealism
and shows us change in Kalam, slowly and steadily. He learns simple things that any
of us can in a matter of minutes — whether it's about making tea, or wearing a tie,
to basic greetings in different languages. And he connects everything he learns from
people with what he reads in books.
“Music and dance can be used as an
instrument for ensuring global peace
and act as a binding force.”
There's a beautiful scene in the middle
of the film when a whole group joins
in an impromptu jamming session led
by Chottu.
There's a guitarist, there are folk
artistes and there's a foreigner playing
an Indian string instrument.
“If India is to become developed by
2020, it will do so only by riding on the
shoulders of the young.”
Thankfully, the change in Kalam does
not happen because of the foreigner. It
happens because of children. They
overcome their obstacles and speak up
for what they want by initiating a
dialogue with the older generation.
“What matters in this life more than
winning for ourselves is helping others
win.”
Kalam does not care about winning
himself. He is confident. He knows he
will reach his destination some day.
And wants his best friend to win,
whether it is a French test or a Hindi
elocution contest in school.
“It is not a disgrace to not reach the
stars, but it is a disgrace to have no
stars to reach for.”
While many Indian youth (like Pitobash
as Luvtund) grow up idolising film stars,
we are really lucky to have Kalam. And
it's a good thing that someone made a
film to give kids a role model, someone
they can become.
Bottomline: A thank you letter to
former President Kalam for inspiring
children.