"I am Kalam"

“I am Kalam"


1) The scene from the film that touched me occurred when Kalam and the prince met in Delhi, after Lucy hears Kalam playing music with the wood. When Kalam and the prince hugged, there was a sense of pure innocence, love, and trust. This was a turning point in the movie, as both Kalam and the prince realized the truth about their lives, and the prince told his father that Kalam was the person who wrote his speech for school. In addition, the prince said that Kalam does not lie and he did not steal any money from the restaurant. I believe this scene is important as it shows us that people are able to be angry with their best friends, and family, but in the end, they care for them and want the best for them; they support them. This is what occurred in this scene in the film. Kalam went to Delhi to try and find a better life, as he believed in the pride and excitement that Lucy advertised, as well as the TV, etc. When his own family and friends accused him of stealing money, he could not believe his own mother didn’t trust him, so he escaped his home and decided to run away. Kalam is confident and observant, and he is a truly optimistic person. The scene proves he is also brave, jetting off to another country and playing music for the people. He wants to be accepted, but most of all, he desires to be appreciated for his honesty.

2) The role of the European girl in Kalam’s life is extremely significant regarding the whole movie. Ever since she comes to Kalam’s town, she brings a new, vibrant sense of adventure and opportunity that Kalam has not yet seen. In addition, she brings with her a sense of excitement and possibility for a better life. She speaks a different language, and teaches it to Kalam, which is the first step to accomplishing his dream. It is something new to Kalam, and he feels that this opportunity will make him successful. She brings an essence of freedom, and a way out of Kalam’s situation in his town; he is cleaning dishes, but he wants to learn about the world. This is a way for him to be optimistic about the world and beyond, and his imagination is revolving around this exploration sensation that he has yet to complete. The European girl’s adventurous experience ultimately serves as a foundational system for Kalam’s “plans” for his future in success and overall educating himself and finding something more for himself.

3) A tradition that I found fascinating throughout the movie revolved around what the “truth” can do to you. The truth is said to set you free, and in this movie, this proves just that. The young prince took the initiative and contained a virtuous nature and courageous character to tell his father, the King, that Kalam was not lying, when the whole town, even Kalam’s mother, accused Kalam of stealing. This willful characteristic serves as a direct inclination of being honest for the sake of being a good person. Even though they are young boys, Kalam and the prince know of the meaning of honesty and ultimately represent and maintain a powerful sense of self. They are role models and exhibit positive skills that should be appreciated and respected.
In addition to honesty, education and observation were prominent features throughout the movie that were fascinating as well. The image of education was only looked upon positively to rich people, with high positions or royalty. For a “commoner” like Kalam, it was looked down upon because people assumed it would not benefit his situation. Ultimately, the source of education is seen as not a rebuke, but a path of opportunities. The tie/television scenes portrayed an educational societal intrigue to Kalam that inspired his drive and ambition. Kalam appreciated and was attracted to new things such as the tie. Throughout the movie, it served as a sense of dignity to Kalam that was his drive and motivation.

Observation is an important characteristic that Kalam contains. His consistency in listening and watching people and mimicking them after, proves that he is an exceptionally gifted boy. This observing process influences his decision to study and to become something bigger than himself. He believes in himself, and has a sense of confidence that is instilled in him; his determination is a crucial key in succeeding. He is always exploring, on the move to bigger and better things, whether it be learn to read a book, or healing a donkey. His mother said that “His mind works fast than a train”. This fact contends the fact that Kalam was smart, observant, and ultimately picked up certain things on the spot and could imitate them almost perfectly. An example would be the instrument that he plays for the first time. He could play it flawlessly, because of his observant way of life. He wants to learn everything and everything surrounding his environment. Some people are content, but Kalam was always searching for something and wanted to be challenged.

4) In my culture, education is seen is a must. All children growing up are expected to go to school, and continue with college, especially the people that are not financially well off. This is the opposite in the film ‘I am Kalam”. His mother did not encourage him to go to college, or even school at all. She thought his place was in the restaurant, working and laboring, without every trying for something better. She did not know of life beyond the town. Kalam, on the other hand, had a dream, believed in it, and took initiative towards conquering it. In my culture, some parents want their children to experience their own mistakes but others, including my parents, guide us and show us that education is one of the most important things. With education, we learn, thrive, and become better people and contribute to the world we live in. In every culture, we are all looking for knowledge, expression, and understanding. However, the way in which we express those traits, vary accordingly.

Affirming Diversity in Education

Affirming Diversity in Multiculturalism

In the lecture given by Sonla Nieto, she led a very inspirational speech regarding multicultural issues that are affecting us all in schools today. She stressed the fact that many teachers are not very comfortable with certain issues within the students’ background and such. With affirming diversity in multiculturalism, there is a sociopolitical context that goes along with it. Students overall, have an identity that needs to be taken into account and their personal differences are what makes them, them. It is also essential to bring in their cultures into the learning and acknowledge it, because teachers sometimes ignore this aspect of the students. A quote that she read said, “I don’t see color, all my students are the same to me”. This quote may be commonly said by teachers, in an attempt to not discriminate any students. On the other hand, it may be seen as a way to deflect focusing on the students’ differences that make them special and may define their personalities, characteristics, etc. Among these differences, this diversity brings all the students and teacher together. 

UNITY FOR ALL!

Another aspect of the speech regarded challenging the “post-racial” society myth, which provides a currently rising concept of educational inequality. The dropout rate in high school that is in between 50-80% in some places, due to various occurrences (Africans, Latinos, Asians, American Indians); some are because testing is strenuous and amounts to pressure that the students cannot take, and the teachers may not necessarily make it easier for them. We need to explore multi-cultural education, inclusive of many differences, including language, ethnicity, religion, race, etc. Identity, differences, power, and privilege are all intertwined. The question of who benefits and who loses affects the given situation. The policy or curriculum is the rule that everyone must follow, thus it affects everyone involved. There is a gift of power that must not be underestimated. It is a real influence and consistently impacts people’s lives. 

Sonla Nieto also introduced a framework for promoting quality education for all students. The first part includes the sociopolitical context of the schools and the society(institutional and ideological, including accents that may or may not affect how people perceive that certain person according to his/her way of communicating with an accent). The second part is the socio-cultural knowledge and understandings. This incorporates the ultimate acceptance of peoples’ differences and unique qualities resembling symbols representing their communities and neighborhoods. The third one is personal values and commitments. People need to acknowledge the fact that morals differ from household to household, and these differences should be noticed, and appreciated. In an environment where teachers are new and confused, it is always wise to make a friend and participate in meetings, events, etc., to be more comfortable. It is a huge transition, and may not be easy at first. Companions ease the tension at the beginning.

Overall, this session was extremely informative and interesting. We have come to know how to think on a deeper level and not be closed minded, as future teachers, or educators, or simply as people and individuals. We need to ask questions and students should do the same. By asking questions, there will be a better understanding and appreciation of our diverse and beautiful environment. Let us lean to accept and embrace our unique and special differences!