Dear Fellow Indians,
Let us take this opportunity to salute our Inspirational Guru - Dr. AP J Abdul Kalam on his Birthday !!
Dr. Kalam's life is a learning for today's children and youth of the country. On this occasion, I would like to remind you that without Kalam's message to India, Nirmaan or My India would not have existed. Is it just his birthday today? - This day is declared as World Students' Day by United Nations ! Its a great disgrace to find media talking about our reel stars but not the REAL stars. Let us take some time out of our busy schedule to remember this guru.
In the year 2005, I remember the poster put in our campus hostels with Swami Vivekananda & Kalam pictures and I didn't have any clue what it is all about. Out of curiosity, I took my friend and went to the interactive session and there I met Rakesh Anugula, Mayur Patnala, Sadayappan & others. They were discussing about rural India and what all small things we as a youth of this country should do to bring back the past glory. I was given a small book explaining current scenario of the country with quotes from great leaders such as Swamiji and Kalamji. It motivated me to read the books Call to the Nation, Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds and of course India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium.
While going through these books, I could see only the purity of thought and willingness to work hard to make India a Supreme Power. Kalam's journey from a student at a Rameshwaram to President of India shows how great things can happen if we can devote our full energy to tackle the hardships in our life. After becoming President of India, he chose to inspire 540 million youth of the country by visiting different colleges, schools around the country and explained his favourite Projects - Vision 2020 and Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA).
His words "For the development of India, it was necessary to inculcate righteousness among people, empower the youth through education, implement all developmental projects, provide clean drinking water and energy, road connectivity of villages among themselves and with the neighboring towns and cities, extensive digital connectivity through telecommunications, take technology from urban areas to the rural villages, adopt new farming methods, and finally maintain a 10 percent GDP annually" inspired us and made Nirmaan (My India) chose both of them and started with various awareness projects such as Janvikas (electricity, water and food wastage) and Village Knowledge Centers (VKC). The projects may have succeeded or failed but it has given us insights into Real India and gave a small glimpse of the condition in our villages (in pilani, goa or at my home town) and take it forward.
Even after his tenure, he still continues to be associated with various young people, children mentoring on numerous occasions/functions. I was personally fascinated when Lead India 2020 program took place in Hyderabad and his visits to BITS-campuses at the age of 81 leaving no stone unturned. I should also thank the Director of the beautiful movie "I am Kalam" which gives the message to children that there is nothing called LUCK (Kismat) it is all about Action (Karma).
It is time not to forget this living legend and take the Vision 2020 forward and work towards a Developed India !!
Finally, I close this mail by two of his quotes -
"Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended"
"Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you, But to help you realise your hidden potential and power, Let Difficulties know that you are too DIFFICULT"
