President of India delivers 4th Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Lecture
Youth should adopt the invaluable
teachings of Dr Kalam in their lives: President Kovind
The
President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind delivered the 4th Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam Memorial Lecture in New Delhi today.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said
that as much as Dr Kalam used to lay emphasis on science, he used to give equal
importance to spirituality. Creating interest for science among the common
people was one of his missions. He carried forward this mission through an
organization. But it is also worth noting that he used to meet saints and
mystics of all religions and tried to learn something from them. Among the
books written by him is a small book called, 'Building a New India' in which
one chapter is 'Learning from Saints and Seers'. In that chapter, Dr Kalam has
mentioned his meetings with saints and dervishes and presented their views with
respect. Dr Kalam gave equal importance to science and philosophy and
development and ethics.
The President said that two things are
inextricably linked with Dr Kalam - his goodness and his fame. Every Indian is
proud of that great son of the country, who had an undying love for his country.
The
President said that Dr Kalam used to say that there are three special things in
any powerful country. The first thing is to take pride in what the country has
achieved. The second thing is to maintain brotherhood. And the third thing is
the capability to work together. Dr Kalam wanted people to remember the stories
of the great people of India and learn from them. He also used to say that
every country that has moved forward has a sense of mission. Therefore,
whatever work is to be done, there should be a passion to complete it like a
mission. He wanted all of us to keep moving forward unitedly to strengthen the
fabric of our country.
The President said that every Indian, especially
the youth, should read Dr Kalam's autobiography 'Wings of Fire'. He also said
that our youth should adopt the invaluable teachings of Dr Kalam in their
lives. Respecting his teachers and maintaining affection for his family members
is evident in Dr Kalam’s story time and again. Everyone who worked with him
felt an affinity with him. The simplicity of life and the height of thought
have been Dr Kalam’s hallmarks.
The President appreciated the India Islamic
Cultural Centre (IICC) for taking the ideals of Dr Kalam to the people through
the memorial lectures. He was happy to note that IICC has been working
continuously for the cause of national unity as per its mandate. He said that
by working for national integration, the IICC is strengthening the legacy of a
nation-builder like Dr Kalam. He urged IICC to organise events, as part of
Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, to increase awareness about Dr Kalam and about those
scientists whom Dr Kalam has called 'five mighty souls', in the new generation.