Created ripples in our minds
I was sad to learn about the sudden demise of former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — a man of great stature, yet a modest person at heart, who made a lasting contribution towards creating a better world (‘India mourns ‘People’s President’, Gulf News, July 29). As a student, I feel his speeches instilled within us the very foundation required for propelling ourselves forward in various domains of life. He was motivational. Abdul Kalam described how each one of us possesses magnetic capabilities, just like the Earth and, hence, we have the ability to align our reality to what we aspire to be.
It was just last year when I came across an excerpt from his speech, wherein he conveyed a noble message — that there is a higher force within us that transcends all the limitations of this physical world, and that we should aspire to realise it. His straightforward questions created ripples in our minds. It is an irreparable loss as India didn’t just lose a people’s president, but a true teacher who taught us to be dedicated to our aspirations. He will always be remembered.
From Ms Syeda Amena
Dubai
Wise and knowledgeable
The death of Abdul Kalam was sad and painful to read about. The demise of the 84-year-old former Indian head of state is a great loss to the world. He was liked by one and all, particularly from the student community. He was known for his simplicity, administrative talents, vast knowledge in his field and, above all, for being a wonderful human being. May he rest in peace.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
He was an inspiration
I am quite dejected upon hearing the news of the loss of a great teacher and a brilliant visionary, often known as the ‘Missile Man’. Abdul Kalam’s unique presidency and his way of holding his office with dignity, impartiality and his capacity to gel with all sorts of people, made him the people’s president. His way of giving lectures and building an equation with listeners is what made him leave a mark on many hearts.
When he came to the Sharjah International Book Fair and addressed school children, many of my friends who listened to him there, were awestruck because of his inspirational words, thoughtful quotes and motivational speeches. He had a special affinity towards children and youth. Even in his last hour, he was among youngsters at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) in Shillong.
I had always admired his persona — he was a simple and intellectual man. I like and follow his words: “A dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.” I use his quote as the philosophy of my life.
People, not just in India, but all across the world, are mourning the death of this mindful missionary. He has left a vacuum behind, which will never be filled by anyone.
From Ms Arushi Madan
Sharjah
A brilliant man
As a former scientist, I carry a long-lasting impression of Abdul Kalam, which inspired me in the formative years of my career. Whenever he visited our laboratory in Kochi, India, he used to always gather together young scientists and speak to us. His messages were always inspiring. I still remember the message of self-sufficiency in technology development, which he underlined by the words: “The solutions to your problems lie not in the hardware from the West, but in your minds”. He was alluding to algorithmic improvements, which were possible if only we looked for them, rather than eyeing the fastest hardware that would need to be imported!
We have lost a great scientist, a great visionary and a great human being. I pay my respects to his memory. May he rest in peace.
From Mr Satish Kumar Menon
Abu Dhabi
Contagious passion
Abdul Kalam last tweeted: ‘Going to Shillong to learn about liveable planet Earth’. Never would one have thought he would leave the Earth. He collapsed while delivering a lecture. The news was shocking and saddening.
There have been presidents in the past, but Abdul Kalam remained and will remain the people’s president of India. He will continue to live in the hearts of millions, for his immense contributions as a scientist, a president, a teacher and a motivational speaker. He brought hope to millions of people and worked tirelessly for the development of India. He strongly believed that the youth of the country could transform India into a superpower and he worked 24/7 towards achieving that goal. He has been an inspiration, a role mode and a visionary. In all his speeches, he urged everyone to dream every day, as to what one wants to become, and work towards it to make it a reality. From a newspaper boy, he went on to become a scientist through sheer hard work and conviction. His zeal and passion for whatever he was doing was simply contagious. He was a true leader and his speeches will continue to inspire the youth.
From Mr Ganeshan Srinivasan
Dubai
A dream for India
I am deeply grieved by the demise of the former Indian president. Abdul Kalam was indeed a shining inspiration for the youth of India and will remain so for years to come. I consider myself lucky for having been able to interact with him and attend his lectures, which always gave hope to people — to reach for the stars. I still remember his answer to my question, where he thoroughly understood the problems of the current economic situation in India, but still saw a ray of hope for massive improvement in 2020, besides development in other fields. His contribution to the propagation of science and technology in India can never be forgotten for generations to come. Even after serving India as its president, he never paused to relax and retire. He was always on the move, to travel and meet people, especially the youth, like me. I sincerely hope that his dream for India will be achieved. May he rest in peace.
From Ms Maria Vincent
Dubai
Selfless dedication
Abdul Kalam has died. He was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed during a lecture. He apparently suffered a massive heart attack as per hospital sources. A devout Muslim and son of a boat-owner, Abdul Kalam, who assumed office as the 11th President of India on July 18, 2002, was easily among the most respected people of the country, as someone who contributed immensely, both as a scientist and as a president. He epitomised sheer selfless dedication toward the betterment of the common people of India, as well as the world. He was indeed an inspiration for every Indian. Goodbye a beloved president, who told us to always dream big.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Let’s fulfil dreams
It is really painful that India’s Missile Man, the pride of the nation, is no longer with us. Now it’s the duty of one and all, especially the younger generations, to fulfil his dream of ‘Vision 2020’ to make India a developed nation. Definitely, he was the greatest, most popular people’s president of India, and everyone will miss his guidance. Without a doubt, he was the teacher of the nation.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Don’t be discouraged
Abdul Kalam was the brain behind many of India’s scientific research programs. He rose from his humble origins to the highest office of the country. Being an avid reader, one of my most cherished reads is ‘The Wings of Fire’ by Abdul Kalam, which gives a description of his childhood days, the pain, suffering and hardships he went through. His recollections tell us about how he rose from a lower-middle class family, and give vivid details of India’s efforts in rocket science and space technology.
In his autobiography, Abdul Kalam accepts his failure at an interview for an air force job that was always his dream when he was young, and goes on to start his career at Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). The book comprises details of the challenges faced by India when trying to prosper in its aeronautical and space program.
I was also fortunate to listen to his speeches when he presided at Annual day at my school a few years ago. I am inspired by his words: ‘You have to dream before your dreams come true’. He also said: ‘Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident’.
His success story reminds each one of us that hard work can help fulfil our dreams, and we can beat all the odds and face challenges to achieve our goals.
From Ms Nityashri Sankaran
Sharjah
Deserves praise
Abdul Kalam was busy all his life teaching others. He was a man of wisdom and science. India was brave and smart to appoint him as its leader. Let’s pray for him. May he rest in peace.
From Mr Nasser Khezrian
Dubai
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