We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness.
These are the great words of the great man who took his final breaths last night, taking away the pool of magnanimity and dedication along. Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born a common man in a small fishing family in Rameswaram on October 15, 1931. With extraordinary spirits and over brimming patriotism, he carved a niche for himself against all the odds, and with his untameable will power, achieved the true grandeur of life, by fulfilling the reason for his existence on Earth.
It’s needless to tell that Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India, a noble scientist and an engineer. Known as ‘People’s President’, he truly lived for his country, with every moment of his life devoted towards the mission to create the India of his Dreams. Right from the beginning of his endeavour to his last speech at IIM, Shillong, Dr. Kalam traced entire India to instil enthusiasm and passion in the youth of the country. Hardly do we find such assets who truly are an incarnation sent to uplift mankind.
What pleased the most about Dr. Kalam to every Indian was his simplicity. He is acknowledged as an apostle of humbleness despite the great volumes of knowledge he had. Alone he always stood with his opinions and had the power to revolutionize the crowd into focussed brains.
For those who don’t know, before becoming the president of India, he had been an Aerospace Engineer with DRDO and ISRO, and Dr. Kalam was known as ‘ Missile Man ‘ of India due to his contribution regarding the development of the ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology.
An ideal man, a perfect role model for the country, Dr. Abdul Kalam was an all rounder. Not just a technocrat, but he was a master of literature and music. The Veena lover wrote many books to inspire young Indians and to make them discover the immense talent hidden in them, some of the most popular ones being ‘Wings of Fire’ and ‘Ignited Minds’. He was though a Muslim, but was as comfortable with Geeta verses as those of Quran. He was a person of his kind, a rich man owing the richness of ethics. Dr. Kalam was an incredible leader untouched by dark politics.
He was a renaissance man, a true patriot, who laid his entire life for the country. His dedication is manifested in the fact that he took only 2 holidays in his life, it is said- both for deaths of his father and mother.
Although today he is no more, but it is needless to say that his work and dedication has engraved his footprints deep inside the cores of Indians and people all across the globe; he will always be remembered with head held high. He will be revered till eternity.
But my dear young friends, it is not enough to just commemorate his work and devotion today and close the chapter tomorrow, but it’s time to initiate a new era where his doctrines are followed. It’s time for us to delve inside our hearts and brains and discover the very Godhead, the spark hidden in each one of us and turn the spark into fire and contribute its light and power for the development of our nation, our globe.
So as Dr. Kalam always said-
“Dream! Dream! Dream!
Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in actions”
Lets together accomplish the mission of our Missile Man. Let’s explore the fire within us. Who knows someone may find a Kalam within himself.
Proud to be his countrymen!
Proud to be an Indian!
