My First and Last Email to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Now that you are gone, there is no point in writing this, but still, I want to say something to you.

Dear Sir,

I have got your email id few days ago, but despite getting happy. I feel sad, very sad. I am frustrated at myself. I truly admired you but I had stopped staying in touch with you. I don't remember the last time I searched what you are doing in life. I write  emails everyday to everyone. How could I forgot to write to you. I know that I am lazy but you have put the brake on the race I was running.

You made me sit down and make my priorities straight. I saw your website, abdulkalam.com. I never knew that it existed. I don't know why your death feels like a personal loss. How do I claim that I admire you. When you were alive doing great things behind the scenes, I was living in my own fool's paradise.

Now you are gone, everyone was paying tribute to you and while answering to a question on Quora. I realized that I will make a Quora blog to collect the wisdom left by you. I created the blog but I feel bad as I have no personal experience with you. I encourage my colleagues who were fortunate to meet you to write about their experiences.

I feel guilty every time I realize that it was not that difficult to meet you. You were very much approachable. I should have taken an initiative to meet you or write to you. 

Now, there is no point in weeping over my misfortunes. I have committed more sins. I have ignored my teachers and old relatives and I don't want to repent after they leave me.

Life doesn't give second chance, at-least in your case, I should have got an indication that you are going to leave.

You have taught me the hard way that I should not wait for death of someone to remember them.

Take care,

Rohan

Picture Credit- Photo by Kate Macate on Unsplash

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Why the day Dr Kalam demised shouldn't be a Holiday?

The day when Dr. Kalam left us should be celebrated but it should never be declared a national holiday. By doing so, we will disgrace our President Kalam, who has started to work at a tender age to support his family and kept doing so till his last moment on this planet. He has worked with passion and dedication throughout his life.

I got goosebumps when I learnt that he died as per his conditions like he lived on his conditions.

He wanted to be remembered as a TEACHER and wanted his goodbye to be short, really short. He wanted to work till his last moment and didn't wanted to wait for death on his bed.

Even Gods, cannot deny the wish of our beloved man and he died as giving a lecture as a TEACHER and had worked till his last breath.

He has always encouraged people to follow their passion and chase their dream. If you don't feel inspired to do what you do. Either start doing so or quit it and start doing something that you truly love.

A true Patriot and a real legend, Dr. Kalam died giving lecture on " Creating a Liveable Planet Earth". He was concerned about the following things on his last day

• Was sad over the death of innocent people in attack in Punjab.
• Was concerned about the negative effects of Terrorism and felt that it is a major concern.
• Was upset over the disruption of Parliament. Wanted to take feedback from IIM Shillong students after his lecture about it.
• Wanted the solider (on the escort vehicle) who was standing during his road journey from Airport to IIM shillong to sit down. As, he failed to get him seated, requested to meet that solider later. Dr. Kalam greeted him few hours before his demise. He shook his hand, said thank you buddy. “Are you tired? Would you like something to eat? I am sorry you had to stand so long because of me”.
• Was worried that some children are not taking care of their parents.

Rest in Peace the true legend, Dr. Kalam. Please submit your personal experience or anything related to Dr, kalam at the quora blog Library of Kalam

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Opening Scene and Plot of a Movie on our beloved Dr. Kalam

The opening scene would be of Dr. Kalam standing tall in an auditorium  to deliver lecture to thousands of students and there will be pin drop silence. Then you hear "  Chase your dreams.  Turn your adversities into your biggest opportunities. Be like an eagle who avoid rain by flying above the cloud."  and then full round of thunderous applause and the movie begins

The Plot would be how one man inspires the nation of billions to think as a unit and deliver on the Mission of India 2020 . It will focus on  "How we are becoming a developed country with our social and family values enact. How every village is on the way of self sufficiency, How every single person counts and contribute in the nation building? 

How communal tensions are things of the past and communal harmony is the new buzz word. How we become more considerate about others? How we learn to appreciate and encourage others without any expectation? How the country overcomes corruption? How the country has broken all stereotypes and  have eliminated the  evils of the society.

How every single person has realized that they have to be stronger, better and compassionate.

"If you want to shine like a sun, First burn like a sun" - APJ Abdul Kalam 

Have you meet Kalam sir, if yes then please share your experience at Library of Kalam for others to cherish his memories through you. 

Pic via Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

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Miss you Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

India has lost the chief architect of the national vision, INDIA 2020. Death has made him immortal. We lost the great man but his essence will always remain forever. You don't believe me, close your eyes and remember him

" Don't you see our angel smiling"

He worked all his life for India and the world at large. May now he rest in peace. Amen!

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I am Kalam

Originally written in my personal journal in Nov 2011 after watching the movie " I am Kalam"

I have just watched the movie " I am Kalam" for the second time. This has touched my heart. I am born and brought up in a modest family . But, I easily co-relate with the  poor kid in the movie, who wanted to be like Dr. Kalam.

In the movie, the poor chap is working in a road side restaurant (dhaba). He is not fortunate enough to go to school. But, he learns on his own. He has the desire to study.

He is inspired to study and be a successful person like Dr. Kalam. The poor boy could easily relate with Dr. Kalam. He has heard that as a kid, Dr. Kalam used to sell newspapers and later by hard work and passion, he become the President of India. He also does odd jobs at a dhaba and hoped that he can also become a big shot someday if he studies well.

The message was loud and clear. It was like music to me as I love Dr. Kalam and admire him. I couldn't understand how he has a mass appeal cutting across all barriers like class, age, religion, region, language, etc.

Dr. Kalam is the epitome of Unity and strength. He is the hope for millions like me and that poor chap of the movie.  I am sure Dr. Kalam would be glad that he had inspired the poor chap. I am also inspired from  the movie. I need to identify my aim in life. Then, I need to educate myself to achieve it.

I feel that giving away money in charity cannot help a lot. Rather, an under-privileged must be  helped in such a way that they become self- dependent. I think that providing vocational training for free instead of giving them cash will be better and effective.

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The Tribute: A Moist Farewell to our beloved Dr. Kalam

Yesterday, at around 9:15 AM, I got the shock of my life when I came across a news item with a garlanded photo of Dr. Kalam  with a heading " Minister pay homage to Dr. Kalam".

On seeing that, I shouted in the office, Oh! my God...Kalam is no more...when did it happened? 

Then my colleague told me not to worry as  Dr. Kalam  is all right. A minister garlanded the photo of Dr. kalam against the Indian Tradition of not putting garland on the photos of people who are alive. So, the media had put that incident as a catchy news headline.

I was relieved.

But,  within twelve hours, at 9:03 PM, got a message that Dr. kalam is no more as he passed away due to massive cardiac arrest.

I immediately  crossed check this from  reputed news portals while praying it to be hoax  but  I was stunned to know that he had departed.

I felt terrible as if someone from my family has left me forever. I have never ever mourned so deeply over the demise of a public figure. This loss was personal.

Yesterday, I completed 4 years at my first job and wanted to celebrate it in style. But, this news tore me apart and I was choked and not in a position to follow news channels or pay tribute to him.

May his soul rest in peace. He has departed but his legacy will always be there in the form of his numerous books, lectures, talks and quotes that will keep inspiring the mankind to rise above all adversity and be humble on receiving success.

Yesterday, I died a bit, but, I would bounce back, getting stronger and more better. You were my role model, you are my role model  and you will always remain my role model.

While, writing about him, by remembering him, I feel like weeping like a child but I am in my office and I don't want to show my teary eyes to anyone.

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Homage to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam- Our Favourite President

With a heavy heart and moist eyes, I have gathered the courage to share ways to pay homage to our beloved Kalam sir. Point No. 6 is my favorite and need help of every follower of Dr. kalam to make Library of Kalam a thriving resource.
 
1. He was a mentor and role model for millions of people across the globe. The best way to pay homage to him is through imbibing his extraordinary qualities like humility, passion for work, love for country, selflessness, etc

2. Let us keep him alive in our thoughts and action. He has departed but has left behind his legacy to inspire us and the generations to come.

3. Read his books- I have started reading Wings of Fire, his biography just now and will read it all over again as my tribute to the great man.  You can also read any of his books, they are a source of real wisdom and would inspire you to be a better human being.

4. Love your country and help him realize his vision of India 2020. He has seen that vision for us and the generations to come. Let us work toward it. We can make it happen, don't worry if 2020 becomes 2025 or 2030 but the vision he has seen must be fulfilled sooner or later. Just start contributing in ways that can make India stronger and better.

5. Chase your Dreams If you are not enjoying your job or are in the wrong job, either start loving it or do something else that you love. Kalam sir has always given emphasis on following your dream. So, if you can chase your dreams then that will be the best homage to our beloved President Kalam.

6.  A blog to have the collections of our memories of Dr. Kalam: Let us share anything related to Kalam sir on the blog Library of Kalam created today on Quora. This blog will have collection of the timeless wisdom left for us by Dr. Kalam in the form of quotes, stories, videos, poems, audio messages, personal experience, etc. This has to be the best source to honor the great men. I invite one and all to contribute to the blog  It is my humble request to Mr.Balaji Viswanathan to help me shape my vision into vibrant treasure for generations to come.
 
7. Express your heartfelt condolence. I had a terrible shock  when I heard of his demise and have expressed my heartfelt feelings at A Moist  Farewell to our beloved Dr. Kalam . Everyone can post their condolence to come to terms with the fact that we have to keep him alive within us.

Rest in Peace... You lived like a King and Died like a King!!

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A Tribute to Ira Singhal: UPSC Topper in 2015

Photo via Times of India

This is in continuation to my post Lessons from Ira Singhal: UPSC Topper 2015 , which is inspired from the interview of Ira Singhal by Ravish Kumar of NDTV

She repeated the message of Bhagwat Gita that you must perform your duties without worrying for the fruits of your action. Many will not agree as they feel that the result motivates them. But, you can see how this lady has topped one of the toughest exams by practicing this philosophy.  I couldn't believe that the interview was of an UPSC Topper. Normally, these interviews of successful people are focused on their struggle and hardship. But, the interview of this lady was different. She gave me hope, encouragement and  motivation to see beyond my own problems. How she has turned her problems into opportunities was worth admiring.

When she was asked about her physical condition, I found that she never glorified her special needs; she explained that her hands have restricted movement and her spinal cord is of S- shaped and not straight. But, she maintained that she feels normal about herself. She told that everyone has one problem or another, only thing is that her problems are more visible than others. She felt that her condition was far better than those who don’t have parents. This is awesome.

How can someone to so resolved, calm and composed? She was a true epitome of character and has shown exemplary attitude. I was not so impressed not just because she had topped one of the toughest exams; rather I am in awe of her positive frame of mind. How she has never back down in life when so called normal people often don’t achieve even an iota of what she has accomplished till date. Her Interview should be shown to all the students, their parents and teachers. You can find it on you tube by searching “Ira Singhal Interview by Ravish NDTV Prime Time”.

When asked about her motivation to become an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, she told that as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, she has to do more of office works and she always wanted to do good for the people by doing more field works. She told that she didn’t want to become an IAS officer for name, fame, power or the determination to prove anything. In fact she told that she has nothing to prove and is doing something just because she wanted to do more social works for the people. I am working in a Construction company and I am in a profile where I have to visit site often though I work in an office.

I can understand how courageous and determined she is, just by listening to these words as field work takes a toll on the physical health. Had she been an ordinary person then IRS was a much better option for her that IAS. When she was asked how she will feel if she will be transferred frequently. She told that everyone who aspires to become an IAS knows that they have to live in Suitcase, i.e. they have to be mentally prepared for all those things.

I felt that she has shown selflessness when we are more and more obsessed about ourselves. She hangs out with her friends like every other person and is an inspiration for differently abled and so-called normal people. I am proud to say that she is more normal than I am and she has changed my perception about people with special needs. I am feeling that it is the social conditioning which makes them feel bad about themselves. Everyone is not as great as Ira and definitely she will change the way we think about those who do things differently. Even when we feel bad for their physical condition, we cause more harm than good as we must let them feel normal. We all have a lot to learn from this lady.

Now some feelings from my heart for her

Whenever, I will be tempted to take an easy route in life, I will remember you. You have studied not to get selected in handicapped quota, rather you topped the exam as you walked the talk that you feel normal. You are not-handicapped but an extraordinary person with whom everyone can relate. I feel that I am an avid book reader as I have read around 30-40 books, what should  I call you who must have read 100-200 plus books. You have kept good company of your family, friends, and good literature. You have kept yourself so engaged in doing good things that you don’t have any time to find fault in yourself or others. You are absolutely a great personality. I have written last night about the Lessons I learned from you in my post Lessons Learnt from Ira Singhal: UPSC Topper 2015. But, I felt that there was more that I wanted to write about you and so I am back with this post on you.

Thank you for being so upbeat about life. I have already informed in detail about you to my mother and my brother. But, I was not surprised that they knew your name as by topping in UPSC 2015, you have become a household name. Every year someone tops UPSC, IIT, CAT, AIPMT and many more exams like Boards. This is not the first time I have watched the interview of any topper. But, this is the first time when I got so much influenced by someone. I am more impressed with your positive attitude and crystal clear frame of mind than anything else like you are differently abled or an UPSC Topper.

Definitely, we were fortunate to know you just because you cleared UPSC and that too as a Topper. But, the best thing about you is your attitude. You are crystal clear about your thoughts and actions. You are not like me who in the past has felt bad for not getting into IIT and took some time to get over it and move on in life. I have positive attitude but sometimes I get affected by petty issues. I can proudly say that my life will be different from this moment.

BY- Rohan Sinha

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Permanent Roommates: Personal Notes to all my 7 Roommates

Photo via Wikipedia

It is dedicated to all the 7 roommates who came in my life. When you came in my room, we not only shared our room but also our life. We had shared joy and sorrow. You were a stranger when you came in my life but then we became lifelong friends. I will not share the names as I want to see if my roommates are able to recognize themselves or not. I know they will, but still sometime staying anonymous is a good thing.

Roommate No-1- Our friendship is very dramatic, we were not liking each other initially, go in flashback and try to remember. I am grateful to my Uncle (Mamaji) who made me realize how to treat our roommate. I was staying away from my family for the first time and so were you.  We were immature then and at least I felt that we both were a bit reserved. But, after overcoming some initial hiccups, there was no going back. We were the best friends forever. I am grateful that you came to my life as a roommate. We shared so much joy and sorrow together.

I remember the help provided to me during Board exams by you and your younger brother. You were a family member for me. You helped me or almost made a fantastic project for my Physics Lab Exam. I scored a full 30/30 due to that but forget to say thank you then. So, thank you for that.  I want to remind you of that unknown aunty who showed us the carrot of allowing us to stay in their under construction house after It was to be constructed and how we felt when we realized that they had some other plans. Hope all is good at your home. Convey my best regards to Aunty and Uncle and love to our brother and sister.

Roommate No-2- We first met in our first hostel, KP-4. I think room number was 3C-408. You came with your Mom and I was with my parents and my cousin who was in the same college. I have quickly developed a very strong bond with you. All our assignments of first year have seen light of day just because of you. You were very sincere and friendly. We have given you names that you must have enjoyed! So, the man woman (not one woman man), remember this! You are a very good person and I always cherish the time spent with you. Miss you! Pardon me for not keeping in touch more often. Convey my regards to your parents whom I met couple of times. We really enjoyed all the movies you brought from the Market (Our Mechanical Guys).

Roommate No-3- You were someone whom I consider a friend as well as a role model. I have learned a lot from you.  You were so sharp that you would study at the last moment to clear the exam with flying colours. You were from a different league altogether and we were fortunate to have you as a friend. I cherish all those memories and hope you will also forgive me for not keeping in touch so often. But, I want to tell you that everyone in my family knows that you are very sharp because of the numerous times, I have told them about your prowess. I had meaningful interactions with your Mom and request you to convey my warm regards to her.  Dude! Like you, I am here short of words to express my fondness of you. Forgive me for that! Meet soon or I will be there to have some fun together.

Roommate No-4- You are a very good friend and it has been long time since we last spoke a couple of years ago. Dude! I have sent you couple of messages on Facebook and haven’t heard from you. Be ready for my banging, once I meet you soon as I have heard that you have just come to Mumbai.  You were very hard working and were a study partner throughout our college days. I cherish those times, when we spent more time in reading rooms than in our rooms.

The summer training we did together was a wonderful experience and I really enjoy those moments now when we have to wake up at 4:00 AM in the morning to catch the train scheduled at 5:00 PM and finally after using an auto, train, Jeep/ Bus and Rickshaw, we would reach at 10:00 AM, just to learn whatever we could and quickly plan to move out by 4:00 PM to reach our homes at around 9:30 PM.  Convey my heartfelt regards to your elder brother and parents.

Roommate No-5- Dude! We are proud on you. You were smart and have always worked hard. We have fond memories of you.  It is good that you are able to speak up your mind on sticky matters also. It was a very good experience with you and what about Guitar?  You really played well and you were a big fan of the Movie, Rock on, which we watched together. You must have become a very good Guitarist by now. You have tremendous potential and good luck to you for all your future endeavors. Have to talk to you a lot about what are the new hobbies you have developed over these years. IIM must have been a very good learning experience for you. Hope everyone is doing well at your home. Do keep in touch always.

Roommate No-6- You are a very simple and kind hearted person. I admire your simplicity.  You are an odd one out of all my roommates. You are from a southern state with a different background altogether but how well we have bonded is truly amazing. I am nothing compared to your qualities as an amazing human being. Now, you have been a partner in our mission to drink Milk daily. It is possible only because you will purchase the milk, you will boil it, you will clean the pan used to boil Milk, you will arrange for supplementary items like sugar, bananas etc and what I will do, only drink it and share the expenses.

I feel bad that I am not contributing in this entire process but I will find ways to pay you back in some other ways as I feel indebted.  Having said that, you are someone who can serve selflessly, I try to match but I can’t match your selflessness. I call you Bhaiya (Elder brother) because you are a few years elder to me and very mature. You are a rare gem who should be in Museum for generations to see and learn!!

Roommate No-7- You are born smart! I like your confidence and your approach very much. You are a very good human being who can speak the truth. I am not that good in giving true feedback because I am so concerned with the other person. I always look forward to you whenever I need any genuine feedback. I will not bore you much as I have already acknowledged your importance in my life separately here Permanent Roommate No 07- It was the best thing you did to me yesterday. 

Also, I want to let you know that I really like your family members and have developed good bonding with your parents. Your parents are very down to earth and very friendly. I am really glad that your parents came to our house warming function to grace the occasion. Kindly let them know what I feel about them.

Come let’s meet someday and relive those wonderful moments once again. 

BY- Rohan Sinha

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Tracing My Family Tree

Photo via Google Images

[PS- I have a passion for writing and a curiosity to know regarding my ancestors. I want to document about the life and history of my forefathers. It might sound old fashioned and ridiculous but probably, that’s my way to pay tribute to them.]

What do you know about your ancestors? Most of the times, we don’t know even very basic details about our ancestors beyond last 2-3 generations.

Someday, I heard that our community follows a “special house” system to trace our origins. According to them, we are Maldahiyar as my ancestors migrated to Bihar from Malda in West Bengal. I wanted to know about my ancestors in detail. But, I couldn’t get extensive information beyond last few generations.  I wanted to know the reason of migration but couldn’t get a convincing response. Also, I am not sure why there is no effect of the Bengali background on our language or culture.

I have many Bengali friends who are now staying in Bihar for last 50 years and they recognize themselves as native of Bihar. But, one key difference between them and us is that while they speak in Bengali and have their Bengali culture intact whereas we don’t know to speak Bengali at all and don’t have any influence of Bengal.

I guess that we might have migrated 100-200 years ago and the prominence of Bengali language and culture faded away in our community.

You may be surprised to know that I have never asked my Father regarding this as I never felt any curiosity to know about my great great grandfathers and ancestors. However, now I find a deep sense of purpose to map the entire migration chart of my ancestors for last 1000 years at least. I know this is an uphill task but I don’t know why but I really want to know about them.

Most of the people from my community are learned and highly educated. This is a tradition from olden times. But, there is very little written about their own history. Why?

I am planning to interview people from my community who might be having some information about their past.

My questions are-

1)    Where are your ancestors from?

2)    Do you know from where to where they migrated and why?

3)    What you know about your grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather?  Their place,  occupation, lifestyle, food habits, etc.

4)    Anything interesting that you would like to share.

Your response might help me track my lineage beyond the last 3-4 generations. I know now nobody is interested in these wild goose chases but let me give it a try.

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