I have to admit, I never grew up on science or maths or physics, all that were dear to Kalam Sir. I had heard my parents talk inspiringly about Sir but never bothered to go in depth. I had purchased 'Ignited Minds' out of compulsion owing to a school assignment. The random moments that stay in my memory are of the first time, my elder cousin could not make it to her convocation where Sir was the Chief Guest and my mother still rues the fact that 'she was a fool to miss the chance'. In the midst of all these, I was proving to be no less with my zero knowledge of the great 'Missile Man'. Call it stupidity, arrogance or just lack of interest, but I am more than willing to admit, I was wasting my time. That is when, an interview on a popular Tamil channel caught all my attention. It was famous Tamil comic actor Vivek interviewing Sir on a Diwali special telecast. I was hooked. He, his thoughts about what he envisioned for India, for Tamil Nadu, his native place, his Defence personnels and for every child on the street and off it. Yet, he displayed wit and humour matching upto Vivek's timing. Aaahhh.....I was very emotively in awe. I seriously thought about what made me feel that way. He never changed a bit from where he started. His humble beginnings, after all?
Oh wait, all I knew was he belonged to Rameshwaram. So? So what? 'Everyman has humble beginnings' remarked a very much grey shade of mine. That is when, I wanted to read more. Read to know what makes this man, a legend with sheer simplicity. A great scientist and people's President. Why is he so loved? Vision 2020 came to me as a Prize and I admit, I haven't given as much time to a non-fiction as this book commanded. Yes, Commanded is the word. He was in total control of what he was doing, be it his failures or the stepping stones that his entire career boasts off, or the very writings he wrote, he commanded respect. I admit much shamefully, I was a late admirer but then, I am better than those who are yet to be born to see his legacy, his work and what he envisioned. I admit, I am waiting for 2020 and to see for myself, the Shining India that he so lovingly envisaged. That would be, the ideal tribute to the great legacy he has left behind.
PS: I do not intend to churn out a PhD on him and trust me, it does not take as much math, but a look through his life is good enough to tell you, why words are insufficient to explain!
R.I.P KALAM Sir!
From an admirer who happens to be just in time...
R.I.P KALAM Sir!
From an admirer who happens to be just in time...
