Remembering Dr. Abdul Kalaam
im.prof endeavours to develop young writers who will form an intellectual society. Along this line, we welcome the youth to submit opinion pieces and articles that are internally reviewed for suitability of publication while retaining the originality and opinions of the writers.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any members of im.prof
"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."
We have lost one of the wisest men of our time. His value to us was never made quite clear until his loss. He was a nationalist; an Indian first, a Tamizhan next, and a Muslim last. These three pillars were his foundations, and he made one whom identifies oneself with any one of the three, swell with pride.
Those who live in countries where visionaries were tortured, exiled or otherwise persecuted have only glorified mayors or clowns to admire, but the fact that the son of a fisherman went on to become one of the foremost scientists in this country and then the president, is testament to the visionary spirit that is nurtured in such unique ways in India. Evolving from a villager into India's foremost scientists, alongside with CV Raman and SN Bose, godfather of India’s missile technology will be greatly missed by citizens around the world.
“Two things elders must also do. Never leave wealth at your deathbed – that leaves a fighting family. Second, one is blessed if one can die working, standing tall without any long drawn ailing. Goodbyes should be short, really short.”
Leaders, within their lifetimes seek wealth, glory and power. Kalaam sought none of them. He was the Pratham Sevak far before Modi used that term. He made his contribution to the state as an elderly statesman despite, or because of, his complete abhorrence of politics. He only served one term as president. In that one term of office he did more to raise the dignity of that office than anyone before him or since. India's most visionary president, and a man untarnished by politics. It is a rarity in Indian politics to meet a pure visionary leader like Dr. Kalam. It is also rare to meet a towering figure who also walks with the common man.
As Singapore approaches her 50th birthday, and prepares herself for the transition into the next half century, perhaps we can all, the old and the young, the retired and the working class, the politicians and the professionals; take a step back and take of a lesson or two from the life of an honest and hardworking man.
Goodbye, Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. May your memory be an inspiration to young boys and girls all through the world.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un