In the verdant village of Paravur, near the bustling city of Kochi, a day of great significance dawned as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a visionary leader and India’s Missile Man, graced the community with his presence. His mission was to inaugurate the Sasthrayaan Program, a beacon of hope designed to promote science education among the youth.
As the ceremony unfolded, the President of the Paravur Panchayat Board, alongside the local MLA, articulated the ambitious goal of the Sasthrayaan Programme: to prepare 2,000 children from various schools for competitive entrance exams. This initiative aimed to shape them into the nation’s future engineers, scientists, doctors, managers, and civil servants, thereby empowering not just the individuals but 2,000 families in the village.
Dr. Kalam’s speech, aptly titled “Science Empowers the Nation,” resonated with the audience of 5,000 children and their families, instilling a sense of purpose and the promise of a brighter future.
Following his inspiring address, the floor opened for questions, and hundreds of eager hands shot up into the air. Dr. Kalam, with his characteristic warmth, selected twelve students at random for an impromptu Q&A session. Among them was a tenth-grade girl with a dilemma: her passion for psychology clashed with her parents’ wishes for her to pursue a professional course.
With thoughtful consideration, Dr. Kalam advised her, “Win over your parents with love and affection, for they too care deeply about your future.” He encouraged her to follow her dreams while appreciating her parents’ concerns. In a heartwarming turn of events, the girl’s parents, present in the crowd, stood up and pledged their support for her aspirations.
Another poignant moment came from Vishnu, an eighth-grader who had recently moved to the city from a rural area. His voice trembled as he confessed his lack of confidence and fear of speaking up in class. “Sir, how do I become a unique person?” he asked, revealing his dream of becoming a marine engineer and captaining a ship.
Dr. Kalam, moved by the boy’s earnestness, replied, “Vishnu, your question echoes the silent fears of millions of rural children.” He then recited a poem, inviting Vishnu to join him:
I WILL FLY
I am born with potential.
I am born with goodness and trust.
I am born with ideas and dreams.
I am born with greatness.
I am born with confidence.
I am born with wings.
I am not meant for crawling.
I have wings, I will fly.
I will fly and fly.
As they finished, Vishnu’s tears reflected a newfound confidence. “I’m more confident now. I’ll win, and I’ll win again,” he declared, embodying the transformative power of belief and the enduring impact of Dr. Kalam’s visit.
Learning Points
- The Power of Dreams and Passion: Kalam’s response to the tenth-grade girl highlights the importance of following one’s passion. It’s a reminder that pursuing what you love can lead to greater fulfilment and success, even if it means overcoming familial expectations.
- Parental Support and Understanding: The story emphasizes the role of parents in nurturing their children’s dreams. It shows that open communication and mutual respect between parents and children can lead to supportive and harmonious relationships.
- Self-Belief and Confidence: Vishnu’s question and Dr. Kalam’s poetic response underscore the importance of self-belief. Confidence is a crucial ingredient for success, and recognizing one’s potential can help overcome self-doubt.
- Education as Empowerment: The Sasthrayaan Program’s aim to prepare children for competitive exams underscores the belief that education is a powerful tool for personal and communal upliftment. It reflects the idea that knowledge and skills can break cycles of poverty and open doors to numerous opportunities.
- Inspiration Through Role Models: Kalam’s interaction with the students demonstrates the profound impact that role models can have on young minds. Leaders who take the time to listen, understand, and encourage can inspire the next generation to achieve greatness.
- Addressing Rural Challenges: Vishnu’s story highlights the unique challenges faced by rural students, such as lack of confidence and exposure. It also shows that with the right support and encouragement, these challenges can be overcome, paving the way for success.
This story of Dr. Kalam’s visit to Paravur is a powerful testament to the importance of nurturing dreams, supporting education, and believing in oneself. It serves as an inspirational guide for students, encouraging them to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.
