BRAVE + BOLD + SIMPLE = KALAM

In our minds and heart, the late president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam captured a memorable place not just as the Indian leader but also as a good human being. His contributions to India and the world are innumerable: in various fields, such as science, administration, education, technology, governance and development of life. Indeed, his legacy will sustain for generations to come.

The quality of people’s life not only depends on the government but also on the leaders who carry people to the path of progress and development. Dr Kalam adapted the path of knowledge building opportunities through dialogue, philosophy and technology. He encouraged people to ask questions and dream. “Everyone needs to dream,” he said.

This means we need to establish targets or goals and take steps to achieve those within the stipulated time. Above everything else, Dr Kalam was a teacher. Although, I have never been his student per se, I learnt a lot from his books, speeches and general demeanour.

On bravery

Getting out of our comfort zone is never an easy task and no one is born fearless. It will take a lot of time before reaching that point of bravery. Taking baby steps is a good place to start because it's habit-forming and it will become as natural as breathing. Always remember that we have time on our hands to redeem ourselves.

After all, mistakes can help us become a better person in the end. Another act of bravery, which I learnt from Dr Kalam, is to be comfortable in doing things alone. By learning to enjoy one’s own company, one gets to know oneself better and see things from a better perspective.

On being vulnerable

It's okay to not have everything figured out. We don't have to fake being the strong one who doesn't know the definition of weakness. Sometimes, other people would know better than us and that's okay. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s actually a sign of strength. It's a valiant thing to admit that you don't know how to do certain things and allow someone else to guide you.

Now, that's bravery at its finest! Our world has experienced intense hardships. We’ve felt some of it in our homes, at work and within our families. Reaching out, attempting to do our best, and venturing to overcome obstacles takes hard work and intense determination, but just as you have done it before with insane bravery, you can keep doing it.

On simplicity

Simple living encompasses a number of voluntary practices in one's lifestyle. These may include reducing one's possessions, generally referred to as Minimalism, increasing self-sufficiency and reducing consumption.

Adherents may choose simple living for a variety of personal reasons, such as spirituality, health, increase in quality time for family and friends, work–life balance, personal taste, frugality, or reducing personal ecological footprint and stress. One way to simplify life is to get back-to-the-land and grow your own food, as increased self-sufficiency reduces dependency on money and the economy.

Dr Kalam what I see him a “simple person” passing through his journey of life as a great scientist – nationalists – writer – speakers etc. to a “simple person” at the end and made history and hold a place in the hearts of the people of India and also abroad. (The writer is prof. and Head Dept of Planning, School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada).

By Dr Abdul Razak Mohammed