"Small aim is a crime" Dr. Abdul Kalam

Updated on: Saturday, January 09, 2010

Chennai: With his usual verve, the former President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam inspired students to read, live with vision, work hard, plant trees, lead with compassion and above all lead a harmonious life.

Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Holy Angels Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Dr Kalam told every student to start a library at home and make reading regular practice. He told the parents to be part of this plan and help their children expand the small library into a larger one.

While talking about few successful elite women, he provided a knowledge equation to all gathered there, which is the blend of creativity, righteousness and courage.

'Creativity comes through knowledge, knowledge through learning. Righteousness cannot be acquired or bought, but comes through beauty in character, as a result harmony prevails in home and nation, subsequently peace in the world. Courage to thing different, travel to unexplored places and discover the impossible" said Kalam. He affirmed that fighting problem is the quality of youth.

Citing the life of three great accomplishers, Dr. Kalam encouraged students to work hard like noble prize winner Prof. Wangaari Maathai of Kenya, who was instrumental in initiating 'Green Belt Movement', lead with compassion like Sr.Antony, who worked among prisoners and strive like two time noble laureate, Madam Curie.

Narrating the vision of visually impaired boy to become the 'first visually challenged President of India' when the former president had met him at a student program. He remarked, 'Small aim is a crime', every student should have a vision of mind, concluding that boy without physical sight had vision of his life that got him an entry into MIT, Boston.

He also said that India need to grow and focus on sectors like Agri-agro products, education, health, technology and power to become self-reliant nation. The former president encouraged faculties to educated, employ and empower as many women as possible in a year time.

Stressing every child to plant tress that would provide enough oxygen for the future generation and healthy living for the present generation. He called upon all the students and parents to plant as many trees as possible in their lifetime starting right away.

Replying to a students query on linking rivers across the nation, he suggested for linking rivers in the state first to avoid flood and minimize water wastage.

Presiding over the function Dr. Rajaram, Managing Director, TN Cements Corporation Ltd said that students should carry knowledge, along with goodness.

Chitra Arumugam IAS, Director, National Commission for Schedule Caste, an alumni of Holy Angels, rendered inclusive speech on the role of teacher, student, child, school, parent and the school management. Took the chance to salute her Alma mater for all that she is today.

"Small aim is a crime" Dr. Abdul Kalam

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