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Updated October 15th, 2019 at 10:43 IST

APJ Abdul Kalam's b'day is celebrated as World Students' Day, know why

October 15 is celebrated as World Students' Day by the United Nations; the late President and the Missile Man of India has inspired students across the world

Reported by: Nisha Qureshi
APJ Abdul Kalam
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October 15 is celebrated as World Students' Day. Former President and the Missile Man of India has inspired people around the world. However, he shared a close attachment and relationship with students and he was committed to promoting education. To honour him, the United Nations declared his Birth anniversary October 15, as the World Students' Day. 

Reports suggest that Kalam led a difficult life as a student. However, he overcame all his hardships and achieved remarkable excellence in the field of science. He considered himself as a teacher and believed that students shape the future of a nation. He also advocated education as the only way to fight poverty. Even in the last few minutes of his life, he was addressing students at Shillong at Indian Institute of Management.

'If people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me'

The late leader always recognised himself as a teacher and made no limitations to his efforts even after he became the President of India. In an interview with a print media, the late leader said that he wished to be remembered as a teacher. 

"If people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me."

'The aim of a teacher should be to build character, human values enhance learning capacity'

The former President was keen on encouraging students in India to take an active interest in emerging technologies like 'Space Tech'. Not only did he want young students to excel, but also promoted the need to recognise the efforts of a teacher and identified their importance.

In an address, he said, "The aim of the teacher should be to build character, human values enhance the learning capacity of children through technology and build the confidence among children to be innovative and creative which in turn will make them competitive to face the future."

The former President also spoke about imparting the power to think creatively through education 

" The creativity is indeed the result of the education process and the environment of the school and above all the teachers' capability igniting the minds of the students. The essence of it can be seen in the following verses: Learning gives creativity, Creativity leads to thinking, Thinking provides knowledge, Knowledge makes you great."

Dr. APJ Kalam's vision for Indian Students

After he took charge as the President of the country, Dr. Kalam held a special vision for the development of students in Rural India. The Aeronautical Development Agency launched the ‘Mobile Science Laboratory’(MSL) project in 2010 was developed on his suggestion. The agency aimed at teaching science in rural parts of India. The agency launched special vans equipped with physics, chemistry, and life science laboratories According to his colleagues, this was his 'dream project'. Manasi Bihari Verma said;

 “It was a dream project of former President Kalam and he regularly used to enquire about its functioning in rural areas of Bihar. Through these science vans, we’ll try to spread his message far and wide to realise his dream that every child should have knowledge in science.” 

READ | APJ Abdul Kalam birth anniversary: Remembering his work on education

READ | APJ Abdul Kalam 88th birth anniversary: Netizens celebrate on Twitter

APJ Abdul Kalam inspired students and children across the world

It is also known that he cared about children regardless of boundaries. Not only did he promote education in India but also internationally. The late president emphasised the need to create educational opportunities for underprivileged beyond national boundaries. It was his vision that inspired the 'Global Indian Foundation' that focused on the development and laid down many initiatives with SINDA. Another school named 'Eklavya' started in 2008 in tribal area 60 km from Baroda in Gujarat. This school has become a role model for tribal schools across the country.  

READ | PM Modi pays tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary

READ | Nobel Economics Prize win 'wonderful', explains Abhijit Banerjee

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Published October 15th, 2019 at 08:41 IST

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