Chapter: 16. Building A New State
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (The Narrator)
Traits: Visionary, dedicated to national development, humble (“simple scientist”), resilient and calm under pressure (after helicopter crash), inspiring orator, observant of both potential and challenges, persistent in his mission, analytical, family-oriented (concern for his elder brother), a proponent of integrated development and value addition. With Jharkhand officials (Chief Minister, Minister for Science and Technology): Collaborator on developmental programs. With the public and students: An inspirational figure, respected and admired. With helicopter pilots: Reassuring and supportive. With Dr. Vijayaraghavan: A trusted colleague who assists him. With his elder brother: Affectionate and respectful; values his brother’s concern. With Dr. Jose Paul and Mr. Tiwari: Professional colleagues with whom he discusses economic and industrial matters. Babu Lai Marandi (Chief Minister of Jharkhand)
Traits: Engaged in discussions regarding the developmental program for Jharkhand. Relationships: Met with Dr. Kalam to work out a developmental program. Samaresh Singh (Minister for Science and Technology, Jharkhand)
Traits: Involved in the state’s developmental discussions. Relationships: Met with Dr. Kalam to work out a developmental program. Pawan Hans Helicopter Pilot
Traits: Skillful (commended by Dr. Kalam for smooth flying despite turbulence), confident (promised a beautiful flight), but also capable of being in a “state of shock” and helplessness after a crash. Relationships: Flew Dr. Kalam; was reassured by Dr. Kalam after the crash. Krishnaswami (Principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya)
Traits: Courteous and welcoming to Dr. Kalam. Relationships: Received Dr. Kalam at the school. Dr. Vijayaraghavan
Traits: Supportive, attentive, and helpful (managed Dr. Kalam’s phone calls and relayed messages). Relationships: Accompanied Dr. Kalam (by road) and assisted him, implying a close professional relationship. Kalam’s Elder Brother
Traits: Deeply concerned and caring for Dr. Kalam’s well-being; holds significant familial authority (“An elder brother remains elder all your life!”). Relationships: Dr. Kalam’s close family member; shared a bond of mutual care and respect. Dr. Jose Paul (Chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust)
Traits: Knowledgeable about port operations and raw material exports. Relationships: Discussed iron ore exports with Dr. Kalam in Goa, providing key information. Mr. Tiwari (General Manager of the Bokaro Steel Plant)
Traits: Accommodating (accompanied Dr. Kalam on his tour), knowledgeable about the steel plant’s operations. Relationships: Hosted and accompanied Dr. Kalam during his visit to the Bokaro Steel Plant. Boys and Girls (Jharkhand, Chinmaya Vidyalaya Students)
Traits: Enthusiastic and respectful (greeted Dr. Kalam with flowers, showered rose petals), creative (exhibition, peacock dance), industrious (as noted by Dr. Kalam), described as “powerhouses of creativity.” Relationships: Young citizens and future contributors whom Dr. Kalam sought to inspire and empower with his vision for Jharkhand and India. 
Character Profile