RIP Dr Kalam

Years ago when I was a student at IIMA, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had come to the institute – he had yet to become the President. This was quite some years back but when yesterday I heard the news of his death, it was like a family member passing away. And am sure lot of Indians would feel that way.

As a tribute to him, thought I will share my learning's from his life.

1. Education and Excellence can help fulfil one’s dreams. In other words, the ‘pin-code’ where one was born or the family background need not be a constraint for dreaming and living one’s dream. His life story needs no introduction and is itself an inspiration.
2. Simplicity, Honesty, Accessibility and Straightforwardness are traits which will enable one to earn love and respect. Dr Kalam was one who was loved by powerful and ordinary, the young and old, the urban and rural because of these traits.
3. Respect your mentors and love the children: Most of the times I have heard him speak I remember him talking about the influence of his mentors – Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan – among others. And in schools and colleges he was a rock star.
4. Derive learnings from diverse fields and harmonize: He was a scientist, philosopher, author, was spiritual in outlook, was interested in arts, music and kept pace with latest in technology (including presence on social media).
5. Living one’s passion is not about reaching a position but about making one’s life a mission towards a larger purpose : Even after he stepped down as President, he was on a continuous tour to schools and colleges to share his knowledge/insights towards his dream of ‘Igniting Minds’ in creating an ‘India of his dreams’.

I am sure Dr APJ Abdul Kalam will live on – through his books, his messages and the best we can do for him is to continue that journey and contribute in our own way to create India of his dreams, of our dreams.

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