APJ Abdul Kalam: A Teacher With a Vision



India has lost her son. The nation is shocked. The youth of India are inconsolable. The children fondly remember their interactions with him. His quotes and speeches are being viewed and shared. Indians are deeply mourning the loss of someone near and dear to their heart. The world joins India in paying homage to the departed soul of Late Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, the Former President of India.

I am sure you have read numerous posts about Kalam Sir, since the unfortunate night of 27th July, 2015. So let me tell you a different story.

2015 saw the Diamond Jubilee celebration in my school and Late Mr. Kalam was invited for the same, to grace the gathering in January. Sadly, I couldn’t get a ticket for the function, but I ensured that I attended the live webcast. The main topic for his inspirational and thought-provoking speech that day was: Being Unique. He first emphasized on the importance of walking in one’s own shadow. Quoting examples of Thomas Edison, Graham Bell and Sir Raman, he reminded us that the world will continue to remember us only if we are unique. According to him, unique people have 4 qualities:
1) Great aims
2) Thirst for continuous acquisition of knowledge
3) Hard work
4) Perseverance
He believed that only a person who is an epitome of these 4 qualities will live on in the minds of people, even after his death. So, it is no wonder that today, the legend APJ Abdul Kalam continues to live in our hearts, even after having left for heavenly abode. He was unique in all ways: warm, polite, witty and humble. He was awarded numerous awards in his lifetime for his achievements, including Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

We have numerous names while referring to Kalam Sir: Missile Man of India, People’s President, Scientist, Diplomat, Writer, etc. But do you know what he wanted you to remember him for? He wanted to be remembered as a teacher! He had once stated that teaching was his passion. Everything else came second. In a separate incident, he remarked that one who dies working and not ailing is blessed, since goodbyes should be short. Looking back, it seems like his secret wish was fulfilled. He took his final journey doing what he loved the most. He left us with that last impression imprinted in our minds: that of APJ Abdul Kalam as a great teacher. Even in death, he chose to pave his own path and be successful!

Blessed are we that we belong to this generation: one which included learning from this great soul. He has taught us a way of life. From a newspaper boy, to the most-beloved Indian personality was not an easy task. The ‘Wings of Fire’ have departed, leaving behind ‘Ignited Minds’ that he believes will work towards his vision of ‘India 2020’. He was quoted as having said “Don’t declare a holiday on my death, instead work an extra day if you love me”. So today, let us all take this oath that he had asked us to repeat during his speech and promise his departed soul that we will strive hard to fulfill his dream:

“I have goals and I’ll work hard to achieve those goals. I realize that small aim is a crime. I will work with integrity and succeed with integrity. I’ll ensure that my home is transparent. I’ll be a good member of my family, society, nation and world. As a youth of my nation, I’ll work with courage to achieve success in all my tasks and will also enjoy the success of others. My national flag flies in my heart and I’ll bring glory to my nation.”

Sir, you were a Gem in India’s crown. Nothing can ever make up for our loss. You will continue to reign in our hearts, today and forever!

(Reblogged. Originally written by me for Easy Home Tutor, on 29th July 2015)
Copyright © 2015

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ENGINEERING : A lost treasure yet to be recovered

Image
Engineering is no longer the abracadabra of academics — the magic word that opens the door to a secure and lucrative career even before a student can put B.E. or B.Tech on the résumé. The quality of engineering education has often been called into question by academics and industry, and recent figures from the studies conducted by human resource development ministry seem to buttress their point of view. In view of the changes occurring in engineering practice and research, it is easy to understand why some raise concerns that we are attempting to educate 21st-century engineers with a 20th-century curriculum taught in 19th-century institutions. Engineering practice and its related technologies have become global in scope and scale. To be effective, today’s engineering graduate must not only be grounded in scientific and mathematical fundamentals, engineering principles and design, but must also have a global outlook and the broader skills to work in society in both, home country a
Read more

WOMAN

Image
The shining sun seems to smile down brightly at her While the early morning autumn fog clouds her sight A coffee mug in hand, newspaper fluttering beside Seated on a rocking chair, she wonders at her plight… The scenery outside sure reflects the thoughts in her mind For the contrast both present seem samey to the eyes Besides the window, behind the curtains she smiles with ease But could sense within her a turmoil of emotions rise… Her gaze though seems to wander around the garden below She alone knows of not being in the present, but the past; Introspecting the decisions that once seemed sure to be right One after the other, each mistake seemingly the last… Adored now by the world around for her name and fame Forgotten she hasn’t, the days she had spent in the throes Still hounded by unwelcome memories of mockery and pain As relatives gave woes and friends turned into foes… The journey uphill hav
Read more

The man who has no inner life is a slave to his surroundings

“Deceptive illusions and varying perceptions, Life is more than just cross-road junctions. It is a whirlwind of danger that poses To the naked eye like a bed of roses.”             Life- this four letter word seems indeed very small to us, because the mind of a human can scarce conceive the plethora of opportunities it has to offer. We also have an inner life that defines the real us, our wishes and our dreams. This is what that gives meaning to our lives. Very often than not, we find ourselves at fork-roads, unable to decide which path to follow- the one that has been treaded upon yet seems uninteresting, or the one that remains unexplored, yet appeals to us. It is the general human tendency to follow the footsteps of others, because paving a path for oneself is something extremely difficult and requires immense dedication and will power. Also, when one embarks upon a new path in life, they tend to face defiance from the society and not everyone can show resilience.
Read more