UNCLE KALAM EXPLAINS EQUATIONS OF LIFE AND SUCCESS TO CHILDREN

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam addressing children at B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan

KANPUR, October 8: Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who is fondly called Uncle Kalam by children, eloquently explained the equations of knowledge, life, and success to the children at the B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan Inter College in the city today. The former President also gave away prizes to meritorious students for whom it was a moment which they would cherish forever.

         

           Dr. Kalam was in the city for the Centenary Celebrations of Shri. Bramhavarta Sanatan Dharma Mahamandal and Silver Jubilee function of B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan Inter College. The former president was totally in command from the beginning itself and started his speech by congratulating Bramhavarta Sanatan Dharma Mahamandal on completing its centenary and B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan Inter College for completing its 25 years in service. Uncle Kalam then directly addressed the children present there and immediately struck a chord with them. He explained to them the power of youth and went on to stress the importance of knowledge. “Knowledge is the best friend of man”’, said Dr. Kalam and told children about what he called “Knowledge Equation”.  Knowledge, he said, is equal to creativity plus righteousness in the heart plus courage. “If you have all these three things, you have knowledge and you will never fail in life”, he said.

Further stressing on the need of knowledge with righteousness Dr. Kalam said, “Righteous in the heart leads to beauty in the character. Beauty in the heart leads to harmony at home. Harmony at home leads to order in the nation and order in the nation leads to peace in the world.”  Dr. Kalam told that the role of three persons is very important in the life of a child. The first two are the mother and the father of the child who can inculcate righteousness in the child by providing a spiritual environment at home. The third but equally important role in instilling righteousness in a child is that of a primary teacher. Dr. Kalam said that courage is very important for seeking knowledge and said that courage is a quality unique to the youth.

Knowledge = Creativity + Righteous + Courage

Regarding the key to success in life Dr. Kalam said, “The students should first make up their mind about what they want to do in life and then should work hard to achieve their goal.” He gave examples of George Eastman, Thomas Alva Edison, Wright brothers, C.V. Raman, and S. Ramanujam to put across his point. Dr. Kalam asked children to learn from each and everybody and to try to adopt the qualities of such great personalities in themselves. “Compete with your own self and work hard to fulfil your own dreams and you will be successful in life”, he said. Children listened intently as he urged them to think differently and to never give up in life.

Earlier, on his arrival, the former President was welcomed on the stage by Pt. Rambalak Mishra, President of the Bramhavarta Sanatan Dharma Mahamandal. A short but very colourful cultural programme showcasing the unity in diversity of India was presented by the children of the school. Vote of thanks was given by Harikrishna Seth who is the Secretary of the organization. Angad Singh, Principal of B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan, was also present on the occasion.