I got the opportunity
to see him in person and listen to him at Bengaluru (may see my earlier blog-post
- In the company of Abdul kalaam and Narayan Murthy ). Prior to that, I knew him as Ex-President of India, a genuine
scientist and a successful writer. Attending his lecture made me aware that he
was also an excellent manager and an outstanding leader. But, what really
impressed me was his humbleness and down to earth attitude, despite having
proved his worth in so many fields.
What I could
see on that day that, each and every individual present had genuine respect for
him- and I could see it by spontaneous standing ovation he got upon his entry
in the hall. I could feel the energy and warmth that his presence had
generated! Each and every word that he said, every time he smiled, every
gesture he made – were all so meaningful and apt for the audience- that like me
entire audience was full of appreciation, and in awe of this gentleman!
I can’t claim
to have met or even attended to the lectures of many of the luminaries; but, I
know for sure that of all the leaders ( in any field ) that our generation has
seen or heard, APJ Abdul Kalaam stands out – as the most simple leader! I know,
many would agree to my view point.
Purpose of my
this blog is to pay homage to the great man – who despite his advanced age –
kept on visiting one educational institute to other – inspiring the kids and
youth – with big dreams for India! He must have touched so many lives and
ignited so many minds – with his simple
ideas and beatific smile! May his dream come true.
He started
his life as a poor child with no means and rose to be the First Citizen of
India – his life is a great lesson for all of us – he has demonstrated the
power that ‘an ordinary Inidan’ possesses! APJ – you were a true Indian – I
salute you and your inspiring life!
In the honour
of APJ Abdul Kalaam, I had written a poem titled ‘Kalaam, Tujhe Salaam’, way
back on 14th September, 2003! Today, I would like to share with you
all :
कलाम तुझे सलाम
रामेश्वरम
के तट पर
लहरों
को गिनना,
सुनहरे
रेत पर
नंगे
पाँव उछलना,
मन
की उमंगो को
सागर
की लहरों सा रूप दे,
नभ
को छूने को मचलना
ऐसे
ही अनेक सपने संजाये,
दूर
चमकते तारों को निहारना
यही
तो हर बच्चे का बचपन होता है,
सब
का एक सपना होता है।
पर
सपने भी कभी सच होते हैं?
हाँ,
सपने ही तो सच होते हैं.
पर
तब,जब सपने अपने होते हैं
तब,जब
हम सपनो को जीते हैं
तब,जब
हम उनकी उपासना करते हैं।
रामेश्वरम
के उस गाँव में
उस
नन्हे बालक अब्दुल ने भी तो
सपने
देखे थे-
नभ
को छूने का!
उसने
उस सपने को
देखा
ही नहीं, जीया है
उसके
एक सपने ने
हम
सबको,
आत्मविश्वास
दिया है
-‘अग्नि’
के रुप में।
‘अग्नि’
नभ को छूता हुआ
मात्र
आग का गोला ही नहीं
‘अग्नि’
युध्द का
असाधरण
अस्त्र ही नहीं
यह
तो वह आग है
जिसे
अब्दुल के ‘अग्नि’ ने
हर
भारतीय के मन में
एक
नई आशा का दीपक प्रज्ज्वलित किया है
जिसने
हर भारतीय बच्चे को दिया है – अग्नि पंख
नए
सपनों के साथ उड़ान भरने के लिए।
आज
के इन जटिल हालात में भी
कितने
सरल हो तुम, कितने सहज, कितने बुद्धिमान
तुझ
एक के लगन से बढ़ा भारत का मान-सम्मान
कमाल
के हो तुम, सचमुच हो माटी के लाल
तहे
दिल से कलाम, हम सबका तुझे सलाम।
