Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday on 15 October is celebrated as World Students Day.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was never disappointed by failures nor made complacent by successes. Whatever role he may have played, he had constant communication with the students. He always remained alert, active and encouraged them. He used to say that one should not sit dejected amidst failures and should not always praise achievements. He taught the students to do something better with continuous study. His birthday on 15 October is celebrated as World Students Day.
In 2010, the United Nations recognized this day as ‘World Students Day’ to honor the contribution of Dr. Kalam and provided an opportunity to remember his work every year. Read some excerpts from the conversation between Kalam Saheb and the students on this occasion.
Talent in every student, just need to be recognized
Kalam used to inspire the students by saying that dreams are not those which are seen while sleeping. Dreams should be seen by those who do not let you sleep. The message was clear. Don’t just think but convert that thought into reality. How would this be possible? He also told the way for this. He said that education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world. The more diligently you study and assimilate, the bigger stories of success you will write. All that is needed is determination and dedication and hard work to fulfill that determination.
Born in a poor family, Kalam achieved great achievements through continuous study and tireless hard work. He was called Missileman of India. He has a special place among the famous scientists of India who have made a name for themselves in the world. He was the architect of indigenous development of satellite launches and strategic missiles. His achievements like SLV-3, Agni and Prithvi filled new confidence in the country.
He has an unforgettable contribution in making India self-reliant in defense and air-space systems. But Kalam never praised his achievements. Didn’t even expect this from others. Through his work, he only gave the message that there is fire of talent in every student. It just needs to be recognized, inspired and ignited.
Kalam used to inspire the students by saying that dreams are not those which are seen while sleeping. Dreams should be seen by those who do not let you sleep. Photo: Sondeep Shankar/Getty Images
The most important thing for a student is honesty towards oneself.
Kalam always took out time to answer the curiosities and questions of the students. Despite being the highest post of the President of India, it is considered merely ornamental. But while holding this post, his communication with the common people and especially the students and youth was so smooth that he was called the people’s President. On one occasion, Anand N, a class 12 student of Amrita Vidyalaya, Kodungallur, asked him a question, elders always keep giving us advice. Some say that we should remain disciplined. The lesson for some is to read a lot and be honest. Of course all these tasks are necessary. But what is the most important thing for a student that he should do? Kalam’s short reply had a big message, “The most important thing for a student is to be honest with oneself and to be sensitive to others. These qualities will definitely help any student to become an ideal citizen.
Read on and pursue excellence
Tushar Pahurkar, a Class 6 student of Vidyakunj School, Vadodara, asked him the question to know his role as a student in realizing the dream of a developed India. Kalam’s answer was, “As a student, work hard to get ahead in whatever class you study. Make a goal in your life. Then gain knowledge and experience to achieve it. Fight the obstacles, overcome them and continuously move towards excellence. Do not give up in front of difficulties. Always strive for enterprise. Be helpful in the education of poor and deprived children. Plant more and more trees. Our work will not only benefit all of us but also Will also take our country on the path of development and prosperity.
He did not consider the migration of Indian talents abroad in search of employment opportunities as a matter of concern. Photo: Sonu Mehta/HT via Getty Images
It is important to be a good teacher
Kalam accepted the shortcomings and shortcomings of the country’s education system but he believed that a good teacher could still overcome them. Gulberg student Sneha Jawalkar told him that our education system is one-dimensional, stressful and flawed.
How can students contribute to the development of the nation with such education? His answer was, “Our education system should be multidimensional and should help in creating ideal citizens. But a good teacher can remove the shortcomings prevalent in the education system. The teacher should be a dedicated person who loves his teaching work and the students. At the same time, he should have knowledge of all the things which are necessary for effective teaching. The teacher should have high self-esteem and he should have all the qualities of an ideal person in the eyes of children.
Don’t be worried about talent going abroad
He did not consider the migration of Indian talents abroad in search of employment opportunities as a matter of concern. Sandeep, a student of AITEC from Bengaluru, wanted to know from him what steps should be taken to stop this? Kalam said, “At present, every year about three lakh engineers come out of India with degrees. Apart from this, one lakh other students, including medical, also get degrees. In a country where such a large number of students are coming out from engineering, medical and other fields, there is no need to be worried if some of them go abroad. Anyway, those people remain connected to their families and educational institutions. They are making important contribution in the development of the country.
Students choose subjects of their interest
Kalam considered the heavy burden of studies on children from small classes and the pressure of every parent to perform well on their child unfair. Devang Pandey, a class 8 student of Sandipani School, Nagpur, wanted the answer to a similar question from Kalam. He said that wherever he meets parents and teachers in his programs, his advice is that after class 12th, students should be given the freedom to choose the subjects of their interest. Parents have responsibilities of upbringing but this freedom for children is a part of it. On the other hand, children should also choose subjects as per their interest. Not based on the opinion of friends or classmates.
Read mother tongue but English is also important
Kalam was confident about the bright future of Indian students. He said that the plans to transform and develop the nation will give students an opportunity to showcase their efficiency and leadership abilities. You can think about Mars and Moon missions. Regarding language, Kalam said that along with the mother tongue, we need a communication language like English for global contact.
On a question related to language from S. Vijay Anand, a student from Chennai, Kalam had said that I completed my studies till secondary level in my mother tongue. College and further studies were done through English medium. I think that mother tongue can be chosen as the medium of instruction in college also. It provides closeness. But there is no doubt that we absolutely need English for global communication.
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