On July 27, India remembered the life and times of the late former President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam. His life story is an open document that inspires a whole generation of young Indians. In 2015, one of the greatest sons of India left us with a clear message to the youth of tomorrow. Dr. Kalam’s vision for youth is the uniqueness, the quality of being unique and innate potentials of life, to transform a long champion.
Dr. Kalam was a true champion of the masses and youth equally, with the definition of “people’s President”. He advocated, wrote and spoke in public about the dream of a developed India by 2020. His idealism is being vehemently depicted in one of his most celebrated books “India 2020: A vision for the new Millennium”.
Dr. Kalam foresaw the growth, progress and social development to be the core factors that emulate the country’s overall success. The once most respected scientist of ISRO of all times who rose to become the President of India in 2002, however, valued himself as a teacher. He says in his autobiography “Wings of Fire”, that a teacher should be a person whose image should emanate the radiance of true knowledge.
The Missile Man turned President of India, devoted his vigour, energy for making India a true super power. He was the man of his hour, who knew well that if India needs to progress, the core sectors that include education, modern technology, defence should be equally handled to gain the ultimate.
Governments come and go, but Dr. Kalam’s vision still has the required effectiveness. The work ethics that Dr. Kalam envisaged is for the young to choose the correct point to where they could develop themselves in a more positive manner. As Dr. Kalam through his life and actions emits, that dreams of great dreamers will always transcend. As India moves ahead, many more Abdul Kalams are needed and whose life and times will really be a matter of pride for the country.
(The writer is a columnist based in Kerala)
