Honouring dr. a.p.j. abdul kalam on world students’ day: inspiration for every learner

15/10/25

Inspiring Stories

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Celebrating Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on World Students Day

Education is the most essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to national progress, and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a pioneer in both learning and leadership. Therefore, every year on October 15th, we celebrate World Students Day to pay tribute to India’s visionary former president. Dr. Kalam made the country believe that the minds and the dreams of children have real power. His words are a constant reminder to shoot high and aim towards the stars.

Today is the day to remember him and learn how we create opportunities for the young generation to prosper and serve meaningfully in society.

The Legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the Missile Man of India and also a lifelong supporter of education, innovation and empowerment. His vision of India as a developed country in 2020 was entrenched in the potential of the students in this land. He once said, “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action.”  Even today, young learners are still guided by this message.

APJ Abdul Kalam Day signifies the belief that knowledge and determination can make every child transform the world.

Why 15th October is Celebrated as World Students Day

Dr. Kalam’s birthday marks World Students Day in recognition of his immense contribution to education and his dedication to teaching. It is a reminder of the integral role of teachers and mentors in shaping young minds and the importance of creating opportunities for every child to learn and grow.

On this day, schools, universities, and organisations across India organise interactive sessions, science exhibitions, and discussions on Dr. Kalam’s values and vision. These activities aim to motivate students to think creatively and work towards a brighter, inclusive future.

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Dr. Kalam’s Connection with Students: A Bond Beyond Classrooms

Nothing defines Dr. Kalam better than his deep connection with students. Every time we look at images of APJ Abdul Kalam with students, we see genuine joy and curiosity, a leader who believed that education is the strongest foundation for national progress.

Dr. Kalam made it a point to interact with students in every corner of India, listening to their ideas and encouraging them to explore science, technology, and innovation. He believed that education should go beyond textbooks and inspire action and empathy.

Lessons from Dr. Kalam for Today’s Learners

Even years after his passing, Dr. Kalam’s teachings hold great relevance. His life offers timeless lessons for every student:

Dream Big and Stay Committed

Dr. Kalam taught us that dreams are not those that we see in our sleep but those that keep us awake. Setting ambitious goals and working consistently towards them is the foundation of success.

Learn from Failures

He believed that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it. Every setback carries a lesson, and resilience is what makes a true leader.

Value Education as Empowerment

Education, in his words, is the most powerful tool to change society. For every child, access to quality education opens doors to opportunities, dignity, and growth.

Give Back to Society

Dr. Kalam encouraged young people to use their knowledge to serve others. He envisioned an India where educated youth contribute actively to national development.

Creating Equal Opportunities for Every Child in India

While Dr. Kalam envisioned a nation where every child could pursue their dreams, many still face challenges accessing quality education. NGOs and government initiatives are playing a vital role in bridging this gap.

Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India) works in alignment with government policies to ensure that every child in India has access to education, safety, and opportunities for growth. Through child protection programmes, digital learning initiatives, and school enrolment drives, the organisation supports children in building strong educational foundations.

For instance, Najiya’s journey shows how a 15-year-old overcame displacement through education. Sent from Bihar to Delhi amid financial hardship, she faced obstacles like a fraudulent adoption claim and a lack of guardianship documents. Bal Raksha Bharat’s MAC team, alongside the local Child Protection Committee, guided legal procedures, updated her identity records, and enrolled her in school.

Today, Najiya attends classes with renewed hope, aiming to become a teacher. Her story shows how legal support, institutional intervention, and community action can secure the right to education.

The Role of Government and NGOs in Strengthening Education

The Government of India has launched several policies and schemes to promote universal education and child welfare. Programmes such as the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and Digital India initiatives align closely with the vision Dr. Kalam held for an educated, empowered youth.

We, as a child NGO in India, complement these efforts by reaching children in remote and under-resourced communities. Their initiatives in child protection, digital learning, and skill development ensure that education becomes a reality for every child, not a privilege for a few.

How Every Learner Can Honour Dr. Kalam’s Legacy

Every student, teacher, and parent can play a role in carrying forward Dr. Kalam’s mission:

• Encourage curiosity: Let children ask questions and explore the answers through creativity and research.
• Promote inclusive learning: Support equal education for all, irrespective of background.

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• Integrate values with learning: Build compassion, respect, and resilience in the learning process.
• Volunteer and mentor: Share knowledge and inspire others to learn and grow.

By embodying these principles, we keep Dr. Kalam’s spirit alive in classrooms, communities, and everyday life.

A Tribute to the Eternal Teacher

Dr. Kalam once said, “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, calibre, and future of an individual .” His dedication to education went far beyond the walls of institutions. He showed us that true leadership starts with empowering others to reach their highest potential.

On APJ Abdul Kalam Day, as we celebrate World Students Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing young minds and creating an environment where every child can dream freely and learn fearlessly.

FAQs

1.Why is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday celebrated as World Students’ Day?

Dr. Kalam’s birthday, 15 October, is celebrated as World Students Day to honour his lifelong dedication to teaching and his belief that students are the foundation of a nation’s progress.

2.What was Dr. Kalam’s message to students?

Dr. Kalam encouraged students to dream big, stay curious, and use their education to contribute to society. He emphasised perseverance, innovation, and moral integrity.

3.How can individuals celebrate World Students’ Day?

Students can celebrate by participating in educational events, science exhibitions, and discussions on Dr. Kalam’s teachings. Schools and organisations can hold workshops promoting innovation and leadership.

4.What is the significance of NGOs in promoting education in India?

NGOs play a crucial role in providing access to education for children from various communities. By working alongside government policies, they help ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to learn and grow.

source: https://www.thestatesman.com/india/apj-abdul-kalam-quotes-timeless-lessons-to-celebrate-the-birth-anniversary-of-the-missile-man-of-india-1503499288.html

source: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/a_p_j_abdul_kalam_717997

Naveen Kumar

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