'Warm welcome to Dr Abdul Kalam - the celebrated scientist of
Asia'
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, or Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, the
aerospace engineer, who was the first Chancellor of the Indian Institute
of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram (IIST), who later
served as the 11th President of the Republic of India from 2002 to 2007,
visited Sri Lanka on the 20th instant. He is scheduled to address a
distinguished gathering at the BMICH.
Born in the town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, he attended Qur'an
Madrasa and the Masjid under the strict supervision of his father. His
father maintained a close rapport with the Indian Tamils and Hindus who
used to worship at their temples in the vicinity. His father used to
construct fishing boats, while his son Abdul Kalam used to gaze at the
Indian Ocean, ruminating on India's future.
In his formative days, Abdul Kalam, who hailed from a poor family,
used to sell newspapers at the railway station.
The cyclone which once hit the 2-km Pamban Bridge which connects
Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India, put paid to his 'job'.
However, he possessed grit and determination and embarked on higher
studies at the Madras College of Technology and emerged with flying
colours. He received double promotions in his grades. Funds were short
and his sister was compelled to part with her jewellery to ensure young
Abdul Kalam continued with his education.
This scientist was known as the 'Missile Man of India'. His efforts
at shaping the Guided Missile Development Programme in the development
of five missiles - Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag and the most awaited
Agni, were profound.
Dr Abdul Kalam with Y S Rajan authored a book titled 'India 2020 - A
Vision for the New Millenium' (1998), followed by his autobiography
assisted by Arun Tiwari, 'Wings of Fire' (1999). In India 2020, it is
stated that, 'After a talk on the role technology could play in shaping
a modern India, a ten-year-old girl came up to Dr Kalam for his
autograph. "What is your ambition?" Dr Kalam asked her. The response was
prompt. "I would like to live in a developed India."
'That aspiration, simply expressed, has been the hope of millions of
Indians since independence. At the edge of the new millennium, Dr Kalam
and Y S Rajan show us how to accomplish that goal.'
Dr Abdul Kalam states that: "A developed India by 2020, or even
earlier, is not a dream. It need not even be a mere vision in the minds
of many Indians. It is a mission we can all take up - and succeed." As a
professor, he occupied a small room at the Annamalai University in
Madras. I once took my granddaughter Fathima Sarah who offered Dr Abdul
Kalam a pack of Ceylon Tea. He initially addressed the child and
interacted with her, posing a few questions. He predicted that she would
excel in maths and numbers.
I have the privilege of being the first foreigner to meet and
felicitate Dr. Abdul Kalam after his Presidency was announced on July
25, 2002.
This was made possible by Ashokan Manaviathamby, a great friend of
Sri Lanka.
At this meeting, Dr. Abdul Kalam told me he had an uncle, his
mother's brother, Ibrahim Marikar, who was living in Anuradhapura in Sri
Lanka and would like to visit Sri Lanka and meet with him one day. I
traced his uncle who had shifted residence to Chilaw. He passed away
some five years ago and sadly, missed out on his illustrious nephew
meeting with him in our country.
Dr. Abdul Kalam developed a new science, speaking with children,
surveying their intellect and forming an idea of each one's brilliance.
He is the ace scientist of Asia.
We warmly welcome this great personage in our soil!
- Alhaj A H M Azwer, MP, Member, Parliament Council |