A man once said, “If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me.” The man was an extraordinary politician and scientist who breathed his last while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. Today, his birth anniversary is celebrated as ‘World Student Day.’
We are talking about 11th President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (15 Oct 1931- 27 July 2015) who is affectionately remembered as People’s President, Missile Man of India and a wonderful teacher.
For those who don’t know, the legendary leader’s life was fraught with challenges and adversities. It can be gauged from the fact that the man who went on to hold the highest constitutional post in the country sold newspapers as a kid, to make ends meet and to finance his education.
However, the hardships taught him a very important lesson at a very young age. It made him realise that education plays an instrumental role in shaping the future of the children and nation. Thus, the celebrated politician never missed an opportunity to encourage the future of tomorrow to work hard, achieve their dreams and ultimately contribute to nation’s growth, with his words of wisdom.
“He went down to the level understandable by the person he was speaking to, whether school children or IIM students. That’s why young people connected to him and loved him so much.” In the last 15 years of his life, the Bharat Ratna awardee interacted with more than 18 million youngsters either in person or over the internet.
It comes as no surprise that even during his illustrious scientific and political career, Dr. Kalam regarded himself as a teacher. His devotion and love for teaching can be assessed from his refusal to take up the post of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India in favour of becoming a lecturer, after bidding farewell to presidency.
Dr. Kalam’s speeches, books, life philosophy, teachings, and more continue to serve as a source of inspiration for millions of students across the globe, till date. On the special occasion of Dr. Kalam’s birthday & World Students’ Day, GEU Online would like to reiterate its commitment to support the dreams of the students by providing them the quality education and grooming them for successful careers and its promise to fulfil the Dr. Kalam’s vision of educated and empowered India.
