Glowing Tributes paid to
Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam at India American Cultural Association
By Mahadev Desai
Pics: Neelamegam Subramanian
India American Cultural Association(IACA) organized a Prayer
Meeting in honor of the former President of India and Bharat
Ratna Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam at the IACA auditorium, on Thursday
July 30,2015. The solemn homage ceremony was attended by several
leaders of the Indian American community; representatives of
past and present Board and Executive members of IACA;Sanatan
Mandir,and members and graced by the presence of India Consulate
of Atlanta’s Hon. Nagesh Singh and the President of Pakistan
American Cultural Exchange Iftikhar Sheikh.
After IACA President Vishwanath Ganti welcomed all, video clips
on Dr.Kalam’s life and notable accomplishments were shown on the
big screen.
Ganti then invited Nagesh Singh on stage to light the
traditional diya, garland and make floral offerings to
Dr.Kalam’s picture.
In his eloquent homage Nagesh Singh said “We have gathered on
this solemn occasion to mourn the untimely departure of our
popular leader and former President Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam but
at the same time to celebrate a remarkable life of a man who
has become a pan-Indian icon. Dr. Kalam’s life and work was
exemplary and would continue to guide and inspire us in the
years ahead.
For me two aspects were especially noteworthy amongst his
various qualities.
| |
 |
| |
Hon Nagesh Singh delivering his
eulogy |
Dr. Kalam had transcended the various faultiness in India
based on religion, caste, region, language etc. to emerge as a
national hero loved and admired by one and all. He set an
example for us to arise above narrow divisions and to work for
the glory of the nation and the good of the masses. Secondly, he
negated the impression that we have in India that to succeed you
have to be kin and kith of someone important or come from a
rich, influential family. Dr. Kalam, though being born in a
modest family of a boat man rose to the highest office in the
land purely on the basis of his hard work, dedication and
pursuit of excellence.
His life gives hope to the teeming millions in our country who
come from the same milieu as Dr. Kalam that they can also reach
the heights if they also work sincerely, with commitment and
industry. His work in space, missile and nuclear field is well
known but his commitment to transforming India, socially and
economically, through spread of scientific temper among masses
and use of science & technology to solve our societal problems
is also an important and lasting contribution in the service of
the country. His humility and accessibility even as President of
India made him a much loved leader,which is amply evident in the
outpouring of grief and tributes coming from all corners of the
nation. As we mourn for our loss and also celebrate this truly
exemplary life of selfless service, let us dedicate ourselves to
carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Kalam by making our own
contributions towards nation building and making India a modern,
progressive, prosperous and inclusive country. This then will be
the real tribute to the departed soul.”
All stood up to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect
for the departed soul of Dr.Kalam.
 |
 |
 |
| Acharya Pramod Padhiji |
Dr.Wasi Siddiqui |
Rev.Younis Farhat |
 |
 |
 |
| Bhai Karnail Singh |
Gunvantbhai Naik |
Mufti Mohammad S.Islam |
Sanatan Mandir’s priest Acharya Pramod Padhiji began his prayer
with Shanti Path,a mantra for peace,harmony and happiness for
all mankind. He followed it with reciting a few insightful
slokas from 15th Chapter(Purushottam Yog) of the Bhagavad
Gita,the most revered book in Hinduism. In his laudatory eulogy,
he said that Dr.Kalam was a man of humility,and simplicity, who
despite being born in modest circumstances rose to the highest
ad prestigious office of the President of India,through his
commitment,drive and passion for science and technology. “Today
is Guru Purnima and in Sanatan Dharma, we pay respect to our
Gurus. Dr.Kalam was an exemplary Guru who endeared himself with
children and youth by igniting their minds with his teachings
and inspiring writings.It is said that the best place to be is
to be in kisi ke dil mein ya kisiki duaoon mein (in someone’s
heart or in someone’s blessings. Dr.Kalam,you will remain alive
in our hearts for ever”
Mufti Mohammad Saiful Islam Quoted from Dr.Kalam’s brilliant
European Union speech in 2007,” Where there is righteousness in
the hearts,there is beauty in the character,where there is
beauty in the character there is harmony at home,where there is
harmony at home,there is order in the nation and where there is
order in the nation there is peace for the world.”
Recalling one of the episodes he said, that when Dr.Kalam was
travelling to Shillong by car,he noticed that a soldier who was
providing him security was standing in a jeep.He requested that
the soldier be hinted to sit down. But it didn’t work.Upon
reaching Shillong,Dr.Kalam greeted the soldier,” Thank you
buddy. Are you tired? I am sorry you had to stand so long
because of me.”(Applause).
“ I am not handsome but I can give my hands to someone who needs
help.” Who can say that except Dr.Kalam?, asked Islam Saab.
(Laughter). And continued, “When he was asked how he would like
to be remembered, he said,” I would like to be remembered as a
teacher” He offered his prayer, “May Allah give him eternal
peace in Jannat.”
Bhai Karnail Singh ji of Gurunanak Mission Society of Atlanta in
Norcross, GA paid glowing tribute to Dr. Kalam Ji by telling a
story from the life of Guru Nanak wherein Guru Nanak had taught
that to be in public life and lead people on the path of
righteousness is more important than being an ascetic. Dr. Kalam
followed that to the hilt. Bhai Sahib then led the congregation
in a prayer ("ardaas") for the departed soul of Dr. Kalam which
is also a prayer for the wellbeing of the entire world
regardless of their religious affiliation.
Rev.Younis Farhat began his eulogy with a quote of few lines
from poet Longfellow,”
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time ;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Dr.Kalam popularly known as The People’s President has left a
legacy, and many may try to follow his footprints but his shoes
will be very difficult to fill.He gave courage and hope to poor
and downtrodden.He was a gentleman and a global leader.You can
see reflection of his life in Lord’s Prayer. He requested all to
stand up as he recited Lord’s Prayer.
Dr.Wasi Siddiqui said that after the sad demise of Dr.Abdul
Kalam,a very renowned poet of Urdu in India composed a poem in
honor of Dr.Kalam. He read a few stanzas from the poem and later
a summary in English, ‘The Indian Nation is mourning its
loss.The departed leader was a glowing Star and a great pride of
society.He was the pulse of the nation.Friends and foes alike
are saddened by his passing away, and are glorifying his
achievements. He was bestowed with honors but those well-
deserved honors were late in coming. “Diplomacy and knowledge
has been your hallmark.The country is proud of your inventions
in Missile Technology. Hon.Abdul Kalam,We respectfully salute
you. And your name and legacy will always remain alive in our
hearts and minds.”
Likewise, Facebook and all social media were abuzz with tributes
to President Kalam. Chairman of the Gandhi Foundation of USA
(also former President and chair of IACA) Subash Razdan who also
was present at the Prayer service, wrote on FB, " Fresh after
the dip in the ocean and the pilgrimage to one of the holiest of
the Char Dham's Ramnathaswamy Temple (in the Gulf of Mannar at
the tip of Indian Peninsula connected through Pamban bridge from
where reportedly Lord Rama built the Ram-Setu/Adams bridge to
Lanka with his Hanuman Sena), he (Razdan) was extremely
fortunate to pay his own chance homage to the legendary Kalam
earlier in January 2015 when he physically visited the Higher
Secondary school where the President studied and also the famous
"House of Kalam" in Rameshwaram". "What a coincidence that the
world's greatest Karmayogi of Muslim origin, a true nationalist,
humanitarian with compassion, would be born in one of the
holiest Hindu places in India", Razdan added.
|
Pictures taken by Subash Razdan |
 |
| House of Kalam in Rameshwaram |
 |
| Higher Secondary School where Dr Kalam studied |
Gunvantbhai Naik sang a very uplifting Gujarati bhajan “
Parmatma Ae Atmane Shanti Sachi Aapjo”
After Ganti moved a Vote of Thanks,all were treated to delicious
Mahaprasad.
|
