Remembering the great Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who was like a "Sahaba".

 REMEMBERING THE GREAT DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM WHO WAS LIKE A "SAHABA". 

                                                       V. M. Khaleelur Rahman

Dr. Kalam was the people’s President. All liked him and more so the students from elementary to college levels. We, the people of Ambur, were lucky to have him in our midst. He came to Ambur at the invitation of the Ambur Muslim Educational Society (AMES) and inaugurated its Centenary Celebrations held on 5^th and 6^th September 2006 in the campus of the Mazharul Uloom Higher Secondary School, Ambur.  The inaugural function took place on 4^th September 2006 along with Question-Answer session. 

Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam’s inaugural address was illuminating, power-packed and question-answer session full of wise thoughts, so necessary for everyone particularly the students who are to shape the destiny of our country –the beautiful India – in future.

We must be proud that Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a scientist par excellence, who was determined to mould the minds of the students for better India and make India a developed nation before 2020 was the President of India. 

Dr. Kalam was a great “ teacher ” worth the name. He gave importance to the teaching profession and encouraged students to dream their goals and endeavour their best to achieve them. He asked everyone to be honest and clean our society from evils like corruption.

I still remember how the people of Ambur were delighted in welcoming him at Ambur and listening to his lecture and interaction with the students which were full of honest and inspiring advice. He felt at home in the midst of the people there and wished them well.

At that time Mr. Chand Basha was the Headmaster of the Mazharul Uloom Higher Secondary School. This is one of the six institutions established and managed by the Ambur Muslim Educational Society including a full fledged Science and Arts College. He was pleasantly surprised when Dr. Abdul Kalam called him to the dais and handed over some books for the school. All this shows the intense interest he had in the spread of education and knowledge. He strongly believed that it is education which can change ones destiny for better and make our country a progressive and prosperous one. 

Dr. Abdul Kalam will always be remembered for his role as an excellent scientist, as a people’s president, as a good writer and orator and  most importantly as a humble and genuine human being. It is amazing how he carried himself and mingled with people both rich and poor. His simplicity and good nature won hearts and his words and inspirational speeches made people think and work for a better and bright future. 

Dr. Kalam was a man of principles and led a simple life working for the country and inspiring the people, particularly students, till his last. His passing away was so sudden. There is a good lesson even in his so simple passing away which can be described as a mercy of the Almighty Allah. 

The nation will always remember him. May his soul rest in peace. 

V.M. Khaleelur Rahman