Bhavesh Dharni
National General Secretary
“Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.”
On 27th July 2015 the world received the saddening news of the passing away of Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam). Dr Kalam died at the age of 83 while delivering a lecture to students on the topic of “Creating a livable Earth”. Born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Dr Kalam pursued a career in Physics and Aerospace engineering for four decades.
During his time as a scientist, he worked for the Defense Research and Development Organisation. Dr Kalam was heavily involved in India’s Space and military missile development programmes. Giving up a career in science and engineering, Dr Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002 till 2007, having the support of both the ruling party at the time, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress.
Dr Kalam received many awards as a scientist and as a President. He was one of three presidents to have received the Bharat Ratna award (the most prestige award in India) before his appointment as President. Following a successful term as president, Dr Kalam considered a second term as President only then to remove himself from the contenders. Known as the people’s President, Dr Kalam was very keen on the development of the youth of India and he once said “My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they must work towards. This is my message to the young people”
After leaving office as President, Dr Kalam became a visiting professor at one of India’s most prestige universities. He released a programme called the What can I give movement. This particular programme was directed towards the youth of India with a predominant theme of defeating corruption.
There are many wise words that Dr Abdul Kalam said in many of his speeches that we today can take motivation and direction from. His only motive was to ensure the people of India reached their full potential and he remains an inspiration to millions around the world.
The shock of his sudden death has left a nation bereaved. The people of India and world mourn his death. May we remember him for what he taught us and the flames of passion he ignited. May Dr Kalam’s soul rest in peace.
Om Shanti Shanti Shantih Om
“Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.” Dr A.PJ Abdul Kalam