World Students’ Day is celebrated on 15th October, every year. This day is commemorated on account of the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Abdul Kalam, who served as the President of the Republic of India, from 2002 until 2007, was not only a renowned scientist, thinker, philosopher and teacher, but also had won numerous prestigious awards and honours. It was in the year 2010 when the United Nations decided to honour this ‘great scientist’ on his 79th birth anniversary and declared the day to be dedicated to students worldwide. This was because he used to work closely with students and he always identified himself as a teacher. Kalam is also known for promoting education in India.
About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had also played a major role in India’s Ballistic Missiles development. He also facilitated the testing of nuclear weapons by India in the year, 1998. Kalam had also worked with DRDO and ISRO as an aeronautical engineer.
His contribution to India’s growth is impeccable. His legacy will forever be celebrated by the upcoming generation. Kalam had firm thoughts about development. His quote “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun” still holds weight and power. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had always encouraged people to strive towards incorporating new values, ethics and learnings in their day-to-day lives. His contribution in the scientific development sector, and his devotion towards serving the nation, will forever be remembered by one and all. Dr. Kalam has been an inspiration for many individuals, especially for the students. His charismatic aura and his vision will always reflect in all positive changes which have been initiated by changemakers across India.
About Squad for Change, the Wishes and Blessings Volunteering Wing
In our volunteering wing, Squad For Change (SFC), we have volunteers from all over the world; the majority ratio is that of the students. After observing them closely, we have noticed the zeal and enthusiasm in their spirit to bring about positive change in society. At SFC, we keenly believe in self-introspection to facilitate change in the outer world. Here, we first learn to change our perspectives, pre-conceived notions about others, and thoughts about ourselves, positively.
Great leaders like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam himself have played a pivotal role in all our volunteers’ lives. In the same light, our volunteers are not only holding their ground but are also working towards impacting the lives of the underprivileged! I’m sure they will be leaders of tomorrow, as they are constantly working to improve the conditions of those lesser blessed. Learning from our predecessors will not only help in the development of society at large but will also add stars to our own individuality.
About the Author
Monika Phore is Volunteering Coordinator for Squad For Change (SFC) at Wishes and Blessings. She has done her Masters in Political Science from Delhi University and Post Graduation Diploma in Human Rights from the Indian Institute of Human Rights, respectively. She is currently pursuing a Counseling Course from St. Xavier’s, Mumbai. Monika’s passionate about bringing positive change to society at large. She firmly believes that change comes from within!