I Am Kalam

• Joshua Howell, Grade 6
• Short Story
• 2011

Chhotu is an intelligent boy who belongs to a poor family in India city named Rajasthan. Born into poverty, he is forced to find work at a roadside food stall under the somewhat kind owner, Bhati. Chhotu is quick to learn and impresses Bhati with his abilities.His jealous workmate once burnt Chhotu's books.Near the food stall is a heritage hotel in the palace of an erstwhile royal family. Chhottu strikes up friendship with the lonely Prince of the royal family, but the Prince is forbidden, by his father, from mixing with commoners .
One day Chhotu watches President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on television and it inspires him. Chhotu changes his name to Kalam and decides he wants to meet the president. He studies in his spare time and writes a speech for the Prince for a contest. The speech wins first prize at the contest, but soon after palace guards search Kalam's room and find the Prince's clothes and books. Kalam is labeled a thief but does not reveal the source of his clothes so as to protect the Prince from his father.
Kalam hitches a ride to New Delhi where he tries to meet the President. Meanwhile, the Prince tells his father that it was he who gave the clothes and books to Kalam and that Kalam wrote the speech which earned first prize. The nominal King realizes his mistake and sends the prince to find Kalam in New Delhi. Kalam is found near India Gate and is brought back home. The King tells him that he can study in the same school as the Prince.