APJ Abdul Kalam impressed by I Am Kalam

While the entire industry is abuzz about Nila Madhab Panda's direction I Am Kalam, one kept wondering that how would the former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam react to the film, wherein a child inspired by APJ starts referring to himself as Kalam. The former space scientist after seeing the promos of I Am Kalam was quiet impressed by the concept of the film, which imparts that every person can make a change in others lives.

"While watching the film, some thoughts went in my mind that I have met 12 million youth in a decade from all over the country. The movie made me realise that every person can make changes in others lives. We should promote education in villages. I have started PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) scheme). We need to create employment to parents so that they can send their children to school," he reasoned to DNA.

Dr Kalam suggested that director Panda should take this film to rural schools and colleges for screening. I Am Kalam, set in Bikaner in Rajasthan revolves around Chhotu (played by Delhi slum boy Harsh Mayar) and his thirst for education which he cannot get because of poverty. After watching and hearing to the the former president on TV, Chhotu gets inspired by the struggle story of APJ and starts referring himself as Kalam.

APJ Kalam told that only a bill on education is not enough, our country needs good primary schools and teachers, especially in remote villages. Recalling his childhood days, Kalam said that his dream of becoming a space scientist was given to him by his fifth standard class teacher when he was studying in a Panchayat school during British India. After listening to his teacher speak about the flying birds, Kalam's dream was born and he determined to do something related to flights.

Says the Former President "I ask myself, 'What have I learnt?' I have realised one thing that children are a big force. The ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and below the earth. We have got 600 million youth, no other democratic country has got this."

The film I Am Kalam is slated for a August 5 release and also stars Hussan Saad, Gulshan Grover, Pitobash and Beatrice Ordeix.