Kissa Kalam Ka

Story dates back to the time when India had just got the independence and villages were waking up on call for growth. Rampur village in Eastern Uttar Pradesh was one of the such villages, where people were looking at development activities with wonderment. People did not know what they were supposed to do and what does all these activities mean for them. What they could make out from speeches was that they will be not be hungry afterwards and they will be protected from floods, winter and heavy rains. People in white dresses came and talked about eliminating poverty and providing basic amenities. Talks sounded good and unconvincing at the same time. But villagers listened to the talks with curiosity and tried to understand as much as possible.

During last few days, they learnt a new term, Literacy. They were told that if they can write their names, they will become literate. People did not know what it means to write or read, but were in awe about the whole campaign. Loudspeakers declared the importance of being literate. It was told that it will bring more freedom and power to them. The words sounded nice and all were curious to know more.

However, there was nobody, who could answer their questions. Leaders came and made long speeches in praise of literacy. Auto Rikshaws with loud speakers came making various announcements. but nobody told them the meaning of literacy or how to become literate.

There were few enthusiastic youngsters who were very much fascinated with the idea of literacy. Then there were few others who showed no interest. Rest of then were ready to go into any conveneint direction.

So these enthusiasts attended all the speeches and listened to all announcements. They saw all the coloured papers which the volunteers brought with them. They were trying to make sense out of the pieces of information.

One prominent thing they realised during all these days is that there is something called Kalam (Pen), which is used for writing. It is very powerful instrument. Pen is inevitable for writing. People with pen are the literate people.

They could find mention of Kalam in all speeches. One of the volunteers showed them the picture of Kalam in one of the banners, they had brought. It looked great and villagers saw it with awe of unattainability.

Within two months after their first introduction to Kalam, all villagers were convinced that they need Kalam to be literate, most of them even convinced that it is very difficult to get it. Kalam was talked inside homes, among friends, on Chaupal and on every corner. As they talked and wondered about Kalam without knowing what exactly it is, Kalam became more even more awesome and unattainable. People dreamt of having a big Kalam. Childeren made Kalam models with wood and played with it.

Then, the enthusiasts started getting restless. They decided that they will get the Kalam and become literate. They realised that kalam being such an important instrument will require lot of hard work to get. You must sacrifice a lot to earn this instrument. So they worked harder in fields to earn more and to save more. They walked to nearby places in search of Kalam. But as all the places in their reach were no different, so they could not find Kalam there. 

Then elections got over and people from capital cities in white dress stopped coming there. Everything came back to the same old way and people started back their old life. Years went by like this but the memory of Kalam remained with them. They could not forget what a precious object it is and they wondered if they would ever get it. 

Then one day a young engineer entered Rampur. He was on a country wide vacation trip and wanted to explore far off villages. He liked Rampur and decided to stay there for 3 days. Being a friendly and knowledgeable person, he immediately made friends and fans in youngsters and children. People liked him when he talked about how world is progressing and how we are getting modern. People had awed expressions – they believed him that what he is talking is true, and without any reason, they knew that these things are distant like moon for them. 

Then somebody brought out the topic of Kalam, as if taking out the precious box buried in the soiled courtyard for decades.  Our young engineer was surprised with the reverence people had for Kalam. He remembered something. He had a good collection of pens after being at so many places. He thought it would be a good idea to gift pens to these people as a return gift for their hospitality. 

He took out his collection and offered a pen to each of them. People were stunned and surprised. They could not speak a word. They had been waiting to get Kalam for such a long time and it is here suddenly. Is it a dream? Some people became emotional and kept the gift with full gratification. A few were confused – what to do now when they have got it? How is it going to help them? 

Our young enthusiast noticed a group in the corner discussing something. They looked concerned. He asked if he can help anyway. One of them got up hesitantly. He had suspicion in eyes. 

“This is not real” he said. 

“What is not real.” 

“This Kalam cannot be real. We know it is a great object and it cannot be so easily available” 

“Yes, it is great and it is easily available.” 

“No, you think that we are villagers and so you are fooling us with this log of metal. How can we believe you?”

 “This is Kalam and it can write and that is the proof.” 

He drew a figure and wrote few words on paper. People looked on with curiosity. 

“Even my charcoal can do this.” The same fellow started again. 

“True” 

“So what is great in this?” 

“I don’t understand what greatness you are talking about?” 

“We were told that we will become literate with Kalam. Can this piece you gave us will make us literate?” 

“Yes, but you will have to learn it. And you do not need Kalam. You can lbe literate even with your charcoal.” 

“Enough. This person is misguiding us and is equating Kalam with Charcoal. Every person in the village knows, what a great object Kalam is. We have been using charcoal for ages and have remained in the same misery.  If you do not have Kalam, better not cheat us with these useless materials.” 

“I am not cheating you and I am telling you the truth” 

“You gave us a ordinary piece of coal, named it Kalam and trying to become a hero. Why should we believe you? 

“See, you want to become literate. I can tell you how you can learn it.” 

“We all know that Kalam will make us literate. Why do we need to learn or do anything? Boy, stop fooling around with us and better tell your real motive.” 

“I just want to help you.” 

“Are you trying to fill our mind with knowledge from your materialistic and immoral world and destroy our great culture? I think, I am getting your motive now.” 

Our young man could see the friendly shine in eyes of people around turning into hostile fire. Even people who were happy initially now looked at him suspiciously, if not with hatred. He still tried to convince them that literacy is not a distant dream and not a hard task. It is achievable by learning and discipline. They do not necessarily need Kalam for that. Kalam does not make them literate. Person has to work for it and nobody else can do it for them. 

But he realized that with every word of him, people are getting more restless. He was disappointed with the way people had created image of Kalam in mind, without understanding its real meaning and the meaning of literacy. 

At last, he found himself helpless and decided to leave with heavy heart. Villagers of Rampur returned to their homes trying to convince themselves that they had averted an attack on their true beliefs. 

They are still waiting for the KALAM.