Aryabhatta gave a new dimension to Mathematics after discovering Zero. He made the way for abstract Math and its concepts. Centuries later, if someone has contributed enough to the likes of Aryabhatta (re-inventing the value of Zero), it was Kalam sir.

Most of the scientists and mathematicians have contributed to the society with their simple scientific methods, but Dr Kalam had made the citizens live into it. He had provided moral leadership to his team and to the Nation as a whole.

As his introduction goes, from a humble newspaper hawker to the top scientist and eventually becoming the president of the country itself creates an enigma about his journey. He has indeed re-invented the value of being Zero. His ability of dealing with crisis and finding the successful end result with zeal has kindled the fire of millions of youth in the country.

The Grudge
While listening to one of his address to the students in an Indian university, he said, “Knowledge equals creativity plus righteousness plus courage.” He then went to describe each parameter of the equation with real life implication. As he spoke, the voice of the students in the auditorium vibrated along with him. The result was eminent: an instant motivation in students to take their dream as a challenge. It did not end here. He then asked the medical students to take a pledge. He said, “We will treat at least 20 people in rural area at minimum cost by going to rural area.” For him doctors are here to do God’s work. He said that universities must have all three component of knowledge to make the youth ready to take flight, walk in the unexplored path and have the courage to discover the impossible.

He has always incessantly motivated the youth to be courageous to fly to towards their dreams. In most of his interactions with youth, he asked youth not to remain in the comfort zone and focus beyond academic curriculum.

Sometimes, I wonder why he gave us these lessons at a time when people are after materialist life. Sometimes, my conscience opposes me. It hints me to take an easy path and earn a livelihood but again the zeal of my ages pushes me to take the ‘wings of fire’ and that is what exactly Kalam Sir wanted all of us to be.

About Patriotism
He always wanted to help students change the society through science. He always wanted to opt for indigenous solution to every problem. Every time when there was a need to import technology he tried to develop it in India. He must have felt that it is local innovation that provides the best output. His fellow colleagues remember him as an Indian who brings out ‘India-ness’ within the team.

Kalam sir has never believed in any hierarchy. Even after becoming the president he behaved like a common man. He kept away from politics and strived to develop India into a power hub, both economically and socially.

While he was the president he always focussed on inclusive growth and made considerable efforts to provide urban facilities in rural areas and thus coined the term PURA.  He worked towards eliminating poverty. He emphasised on keeping certain cultures alive. His India 2020 vision is still an important benchmark adopted by government to meet various planning targets

What remains after him
It is believed that a teacher never dies. He lives in his teachings. To conclude, as he said and I quote, “When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home, when there is harmony in the home there is an order in the nation, when there is order in the nation there is peace in the world”. The spirit he infused though his work will remain to motivate more generations to come.