Abdul Kalam The philosopher from Rameswaram

Abdul Kalam - The philosopher from Rameswaram

Rameswaram is known for its spiritual reverence. As Lord Rama has installed the Shivalinga here, it is equally worshipped by shaiva and vaishnava devotees. The small town separated by the stream from the rest of India is now remembered for its child - A.P.J.ABDUL KALAM.

Abdul Kalam is known for the poverty in his childhood. His father Jainulabdeen could not afford him the riches of the world, but has bestowed his kid with a great values. He groomed Kalam to be philosophic in nature. He answered every question posed by Kalam with utmost precision.. for instance when Kalam asked him``Why should we pray?`` His father replied -“when you pray, you transcend your body and become a part of the cosmos, which knows no division of wealth, age, caste, or creed.”Jainulabudeen could deliver the truth of life in few words which gave Kalam `The wings of fire` to reach the greatest heights in the life. Just watch these words...

“In his own time, in his own place, in what he really is, and in the stage he has reached - good or bad - every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine Being. So why be afraid of difficulties, sufferings and problems? When troubles come, try to understand the relevance of your sufferings. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.”m Kalam did indeed has lived such words. He has been humble despite his achievements.He has been simple despite his status.Abdul Kalam has not just applied philosophy to his character and belief. He has proved to the world that spirituality and science could exist together. It's fascinating to find that he has attributed his success as a scientist to philosophy, at one instance he has stated...

``The Life Divine’ by Sri Aurobindo was the moral support that kept me going when I've worked on the launch of Agni.` (The Hindu) Though a religious person Abdul Kalam never confined himself to a particular sect. He was equally inspired by Bhagavad Gita as by Quran. `For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool. ` was his saying. He was well aware of the fact that God is omnipotent and omnipresent as long as we wish him to be! He once stated in a parable `The link between man & god is FAITH.

That is all that keeps things moving & alive. This was the reason why Kalam was revered by Hindus and Muslims, Atheists and Agnostics alike. The local mosque in Rameswaram was closed to mourn the death of Kalam and so was the Educational institutions. Wasn't that enough to prove that Kalam is philosopher as well as a physicist!Let's remeber the great soul in his own words `This is my belief: that through difficulties and problems God gives us the opportunity to grow. So when your hopes and dreams and goals are dashed, search among the wreckage, you may find a golden opportunity hidden in the ruins.

- Nirjara