PVLF 2025

Interview with Stuti Agarwal, Author of Fly Away Young Kalam

The sequel, "Fly Away Kalam," emerged from readers' curiosity about what happens to Kalam after his triumphs in science and mentorship. It explores his next adventures and how he utilizes the tools at his disposal.
on May 17, 2023

Stuti Agarwal is a writer (duh!), a self-proclaimed home chef and fantasy-head. When she is not dreaming of magical adventures in her hometown of Darjeeling and one day being called Roald Dahl’s prodigy, she is participating in pasta cook-offs with herself while listening to audiobooks. Stuti is the author of several children’s books including The Very Glum Life of Tootoolu Toop.

Frontlist: What inspired you to write the sequel "Fly Away Kalam"? What influenced your decision to continue Kalam's story in this way?

Stuti: The first book portrayed a young, inquisitive, curious, happy, joyful, and adventurous Kalam, giving readers a glimpse into his early life. It introduced the world to APJ Abdul Kalam, a young boy with the potential for greatness. The sequel, "Fly Away Kalam," emerged from readers' curiosity about what happens to Kalam after his triumphs in science and mentorship. It explores his next adventures and how he utilizes the tools at his disposal.

I chose to continue the story in this manner because Kalam, for me, is a character filled with joy, adventure, and a love for fun. I wanted this essence to carry forward while he pursued ambitious dreams that surpassed his age. Ultimately, I aimed to depict a young boy driven by curiosity, aspiring to dream big and achieve remarkable feats.

Frontlist: How did the idea to write about Kalam first come to you in 2018? What sparked your interest in exploring Kalam's journey and sharing it with readers?

Stuti: The idea originated during a conversation with Chiki where we discussed my next writing project and explored what children were reading and finding inspiring. Real-life heroes emerged as a topic, and APJ Abdul Kalam was a prominent figure who had been an inspiration for countless kids. Not only for those aspiring to become scientists or with an interest in science but also for young leaders and children striving to be good human beings. Kalam stood out as a role model, which led us to choose him as the subject.

Personally, I was drawn to Kalam because, throughout my upbringing, I encountered him through his books, speeches, and achievements. I noticed a childlike enthusiasm in him that resonated with me. He possessed qualities of joy, curiosity, and other characteristics that I see in my own characters. I have a deep fondness for fiction, and Kalam's persona offered a captivating avenue for exploration. That's why I embraced the idea and felt compelled to write his story.

Frontlist: Who has played a significant role in Kalam's life within your series? How have these characters contributed to Kalam's personal growth and transformation?

Stuti: One of the most significant characters in Kalam's life within the series is Professor Ramachandran, his science teacher at school. Professor Ramachandran is portrayed as an inquisitive, experimental, and open-minded teacher. He not only possesses a wealth of knowledge but also encourages Kalam to explore his own inventions and ideas. The teacher's ability to fuel Kalam's enthusiasm and curiosity, providing a supportive environment for him to freely pursue his dreams, is crucial to Kalam's personal growth and transformation. Other important characters include Kalam's father, who is extremely supportive, and his friends, who offer unwavering support as well. Kalam's mother, despite initially not fully understanding his pursuits and occasionally expressing concerns, ultimately becomes a source of profound support, caring for him in ways that resonate with the nurturing nature of many Indian women and mothers. These characters collectively influence Kalam's life, each contributing in their own unique way to his journey of growth and transformation.

Frontlist: Why did you choose to write a character inspired by APJ Abdul Kalam instead of other determined leaders? What fascinated you about exploring the influence of Dr. Kalam's life and teachings within your narrative?

Stuti: I chose to write a character inspired by APJ Abdul Kalam primarily because he embodied many characteristics that I value in my characters, such as curiosity, childlike enthusiasm, joyfulness, adventurous spirit, playfulness, and honesty. While other leaders may possess these qualities as well, there was something about Abdul Kalam that captivated me, his inventive curiosity and adventurous nature, in particular.

Frontlist: "In everyone's life, there is always someone who prevents them from fulfilling their passion, but resilience only makes someone achieve their dreams." How effectively does this statement reflect the essence of Kalam's story and the challenges he faces in pursuing his dreams?

Stuti: This quote perfectly aligns with both of Kalam's books. In the first book, Kalam encounters a teacher named Punakai who fails to understand his dreams and attempts to hinder his progress. Similarly, in the second book, Kalam faces challenges from his peers who do not want him to succeed. In both cases, there are obstacles that impede his journey towards fulfilling his dreams. However, it is not accurate to say that without these hindrances, Kalam wouldn't have achieved his dreams. Rather, the presence of obstacles adds a significant amount of grit and determination, motivating him to overcome adversity and strive even harder to accomplish his goals. These challenges shape the person he becomes and reinforce the importance of humility in the face of success. I agree that challenges and obstacles prompt individuals to go against the grain, push themselves further, and learn valuable lessons about both their strengths and weaknesses.

Frontlist: How do you think readers will emotionally connect with "Fly Away Kalam"? What do you hope they will take away from this story?

Stuti: I believe readers will form an emotional connection with "Fly Away Kalam" because it presents a character who is often placed on a pedestal due to his extraordinary achievements. However, this story aims to remind readers of the humanity behind such revered figures. It emphasizes the importance of embracing failures, exploring diverse interests, and being a good person. Through delving into Kalam's childhood and his journey, I hope to convey to children that it's alright to stumble, to pursue different paths, and to understand that not everyone is born exceptionally talented. Kalam's own struggles with math serve as a reminder that greatness is attained through learning and acquiring skills over time. My goal is for young readers to grasp the message that they don't have to excel in everything, but rather, they should discover their passions and remain consistent in their pursuits. I hope this story ignites a spark of hope and positivity within children, inspiring them to believe that they too can achieve greatness in their chosen endeavors.