Reading this book will make you think…think about yourself as a student, as a teacher, as a parent, and as a human in a community.
Education for life is spirituality-practicing values such as love, compassion, patience, forgiveness, etc. This alone will create a deep sense of responsibility towards our fellow human beings, nature, and the world as a whole. Sir APJ explains that spirituality must be integrated with education with self-realization as the focus. This will cause our dormant inner energy to ignite and guide us in life. Such radiance will bring peace, prosperity, and bliss to the nation. Our spiritual wisdom has been our strength.
Sir APJ feels the most important thing about him is he always assesses his worth by the value of his contribution. That’s how our role model should be, an embodiment of energy. Behind the parents stands the school, and behind the teacher the home. He says proper education would help nurture a sense of dignity and self-respect in youth.
The book portrays visionary teachers and scientists as great minds of a country for whom the nation was bigger than themselves and can draw thousands to act upon their dreams. As vision ignites the mind, India needs more visionaries like J.R.D TATA, Vikram Sarabhai, Sathish Dhawan, etc. who can involve the entire generation in mission-driven programs which benefit the whole country. India is a land of Saints and Seers by understanding our roots we need to develop an ecosystem of wealth and values to make the nation truly strong and prosperous. Sir APJ tells us the work of our ancient scholars and scientists is well documented, should be thoroughly examined, and where possible should be integrated with modern sciences. The model of development based on our inherent strength is to be built again.
Sir APJ’s idea of a knowledge society appeals to me a lot. The knowledge society has a two-dimensional objective of societal transformation and wealth generation which can be linked with the objective of making India a knowledge superpower. Such a country will contribute a great deal to civilization. There is a need to reinforce the value system in India, the faiths and beliefs of millions of Indians are to be channelized by the same vision to represent us as one national forum.
Youth of the country have to be guided properly, Sir APJ appeals so that their lives can find direction and their creativity should flourish. For this to happen certain educational reforms should be initiated. This happens by changing the mindset, showing the willingness to take pragmatic risks and success shall follow.
Sir Dr. APJ Abdul kalam sir…. I need to ask myself here…what is it that I am missing, we are missing ???? what needs to be corrected and you gave me the answer. We are unable to come out of the mindset of limited achievements. Your idea of India is the vision for us sir…. we salute you.
