I Am Kalam - Critical Analysis

‘I am Kalam’
‘I am Kalam’ is an inspiring story of a 12 year old boy Chotu, an impoverished but

an intelligent child, a keen observer and a quick learner, whose dream is to go to
school one day but being hit by poverty, he is compelled to work at a dhaba. The
film revolves around the struggles of this child in his quest for education.
Seeking inspiration from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam by listening to one of his speeches
on television, he changes his name to Kalam. Believing in the supremacy of
‘Karma’ over ‘destiny’, Kalam goes on to fulfill his dreams with the help of
Ranvijay,12 year old boy born in royal family who is a descendant of an erstwhile
royal family that now runs the hotel who empathizes with the sufferings and
dreams of his friend and makes his best efforts to help him get a better future.
The movie is nothing short of an eye-opener and is not just about the outwardly
feel-good factor associated with a poor boy braving all the odds, but more so a
social commentary on the rich and poor divide existing in India. Poverty is an
important dimension of exclusion highlighted in the movie, although not limiting
to only this. There are multiple lessons in the movie for the observant. It touches so
many diverse issues in such a short duration that watching it once is a disservice.
It touches upon issues of childhood, dreams, friendship, poverty, child labour,
social inequities.
Glimpses of exclusion on the basis of Gender can also be seen. When Ranvijay
Chotu’s rich friend expresses his willingness to play with his sisters, he is asked
not to play with girls, he being a boy. In another instance when the queen of King
Rudrapradap asks him to come to eat, he simply through his hand gestures asks
her to leave in front of others. Also while the king enjoys Rajasthani folk music
and dance, with other foreigners guests both males and females, his own queen
cannot be a part of this and sits alone in her room watching all this from the
window.
The movie helps us in understanding the many facets of inequality that exists in
India and how because of this evil so many children like Chotu face social
exclusion. Chotu is symbolic of so many children in India who are excluded from
enjoying the basic rights, joys and privileges because of structural challenges.
So many children in our country do not go to schools. Instead, they become subject
to untold misery and hardship, working at Dhabas, homes and in factories for want
of money to survive. They live lives of drudgery, surviving against all odds-
uncared for, unprotected and unnoticed, without any support, fear of abuse,
insults and humiliation, just as Chotu goes through the insult and humiliation
when accused of stealing just because of his social status.
The movie has encouraged us to think critically about the issue of inequality
which is all pervasive in India. The wealth of countries like India is growing, but
this wealth isn’t being shared equally and fairly. Instead it’s going to a small
group of wealthy individuals.
Social Inequalities like these lead to big differences in children’s learning.

Unequal education prevents many children from fulfilling their full potential like in
the movie Chotu had to face the brunt of the same and inspite of being so bright
had to cross the barriers of inequities and exclusion, from being forced to work in
a dhaba, to not being able to go to school, to being accused of stealing….all
because of his social class and status. When children are out of school they can
never be reached out to. Their lives of tension and tribulations, their exploitative
conditions of living, the violence and suffering they endure in the family and at
work, all go unnoticed.
In 2010 the Indian government passed the ‘Right to Compulsory and Free
Education Act.’ This law is designed to improve education in India and make it fair
for all children. Since it is only by going to schools that the children’s capabilities
are enhanced and eventually as adults there is a possibility of new choices and
opportunities for them. The Act unfortunately has achieved minimal success
and in terms of increased overall enrolment rates only but here too the
figures are griming for rural impoverished children. Several provisions have
fallen short of achieving their intended aims of access, equity and quality
education.
It’s the need of an hour to listen to the voices of the poor and make education
inclusive in true sense and a reality for every child regardless of their
background. Sensitization can play a very important role in bringing about a
change in this regard. It can help each and every individual in becoming
individual change agents and stir the desired change in their personal capacities.
Sensitization especially of privileged children about the plight of their
underprivileged counterparts can bring a big difference. Once they start
realizing the worth of the privileges they are born with, they might develop a
sense of empathy and sensitivity towards the underprivileged ones and
automatically turn their thoughts towards positivity, which eventually helps them
to develop into productive and successful individuals who also contribute
responsibly and positively towards the society.
Taking example from the movie, Chotu’s friend always empathized with him and
never let him feel that he is different and rather helped Chotu in fulfilling his
dream of going to a school. He played a significant role in making Chotu’s life
better. Since every individual, even children, have significant influence on their
surroundings and people around, so sensitizing them will definitely create a ripple
effect and will surely become a movement that will send every child to school.

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‘I am Kalam’

‘I am Kalam’ is an inspiring story of a 12 year old boy Chotu, an impoverished but

Social Inequalities like these lead to big differences in children’s learning.

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