The United Nations declared in 2010 to observe 15th October, the birth anniversary of the former President of India ‘Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam or A.P.J Abdul Kalam; as the World Student’s Day to honor his efforts in the field of science and technology as well as the role of a teacher that he played throughout his scientific and political careers; encouraging millions of students through his speeches books and wherever and whenever was possible for him.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a role model for the students and his life story that how a poor and deprived boy hailing from a village in Tamil Nadu, reached the highest constitutional post in India, only because of his hard work and sincerity; inspires millions of students across the globe even today.
Why Celebrate the Students day
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam shared a close and harmonious relationship with the students from all cultures and societies beyond the demographic lines of caste and economical divides. His own life as a student had been very challenging and filled with hardships and struggles. There was a time when he had to sell newspapers from door to door to support his family and education.
But such was his commitment towards his education that he overcame all the hardships and achieved excellence not only in academics and career; but also held the highest constitutional post in the Republic of India. A story which has inspired millions of students and will continue to do so for centuries to come.
Mr. Kalam throughout his scientific and political career considered himself as a teacher and was most pleased while addressing students; whether they belong to a school in some remote village or an esteemed college or university.
So much was his inclination towards teaching and inspiring young minds that at a time in his career he left the post of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; a cabinet level post, to become a teacher.
Throughout his life Mr. Kalam professed the scientific, academic as well as spiritual development of the students. He made numerous speeches and wrote many books addressing the youth; which are listened and read even today by students even across the world.
Choosing his birth day as the ‘World’s Student’s Day’ was an appropriate decision honoring his works as a scientist and the millions of youths that he inspired and still inspires through his works, achievements, speeches, lectures and books.
Achievements
Throughout his life Mr. Kalam was conferred with around 22 awards and honors; wrote at least 18 books on youth, students, inspiration, science and technology. Some of his life’s major achievements and awards are listed below-
- Graduated in Aerospace Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960.
- Was the project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV II).
- Padma Bhusan in 1981.
- Padma Vibhushan in 1990.
- Bharat Ratna in 1997.
His love for the student and the mutual trust they share is evident in the fact that post presidency he visited numerous colleges and academic institutions across India delivering lectures and inspiring students. So much strong was his love for the students that he took his last breath addressing students of Indian Institute of Management, Shillong on the topic- “Creating a livable planet earth”. Some of the universities that he was associated with, after the presidency-
- Visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.
- Visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad.
- Visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Indore.
- Honorary fellow of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
- Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Anna University.
He wrote many books addressing the youths and inspiring students- Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, The Luminous Sparks, Inspiring Thoughts, Indomitable Spirit, You Are Born To Blossom, Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges, My Journey, and Forge Your Future etc.
- Wings of Fire: Inspirational.
- Ignited Minds: Dedicated to an Intermediate grade student from Gujarat- Snehal Thakkar.
- The Luminous Sparks: Poems, notes and pictures to bring out the best in youth.
- Inspiring Thoughts: Selected quotations, sayings and writings.
- Indomitable Spirit: The book has few chapters addressed to students and teachers.
- You Are Born To Blossom: Presents vision of schools in India.
- Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges: Inspirational.
- My Journey: Inspirational.
- Forge Your Future: A message to the youths.
It can be rightly said that youth and students were at the apex of every lecture that Mr. Kalam gave and every book that he wrote. Given to the love that he displayed for the students and the respect and admiration that he got back and the lives that he inspired and changed; celebrating his birthday as ‘World Student’s Day’ is the least we could do to honor him.
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