On July 27, 2015 a noble soul bid adieu to this world and we saw an overwhelming exhibition of grief. Every politician, every activist, every bureaucrat, every writer, poet, philosopher, scientist, journalist, engineer, doctor, banker, student wanted to express their condolences. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam united the nation even after his demise.
Almost every legislator in their obituaries dedicated to Shri Abdul Kalam, mentioned how self-effacing and humble a man, Dr. Kalam was. Media ran special shows that showcased the placid and principled soul that Abdul Kalam was. They discussed how he enthused people with his inspiring quotes and positive speeches. And they discussed his forehead kissing locks and that winsome smile of his.
But there is one side of Abdul Kalam that hasn’t yet been mulled over much in media or the social media for that matter. Probably because of the so called Communal tag associated with it. Abdul Kalam was a principled warrior too who recognized and appreciated the power of “Power”. Yes Abdul Kalam was a teacher, a motivator, a charming man and a walking personification of humility. But above everything, he was a scientist trying to strengthen the security of his nation. Abdul Kalam was an ardent follower of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta. Many people read Geeta, some people understand it and very few incorporate the teachings of it in their life. Kalam was one of those few who read, understood and implemented the philosophies of Geeta in his life and work.
The stage was set. Kurukshetra geared up for the most colossal of all wars which was going to rewrite the history of Bharat. The Earth was agitated with the sounds of drums and tabors and cymbals, and the clatter of car-wheels. Umbrellas, banners and flags fluttered pompously. War elephants, steeds, cars, and foot-soldiers trooped towards their foes. Not a singl
e warrior on Earth wanted to stay away from this great battle. Earth’s mightiest kings were divided into two distinct clans of Kauravas and Pandavas.
And in the middle of the War field stood Arjun with his head dropped and shoulders down. He was in a dilemma. He had to make a choice between fighting the war and killing his guru, his beloved Pitamah, friends and cousins or run away from the battle field. And then Krishna tells him that a warrior has just one dharma and one dharma alone – that is to fight. Battle is the testimonial of a warrior. There is nothing more welcome to a warrior than a virtuous war. One’s own duty though without of merit is preferable to the duty of another well performed, because even death in the performance of one’s duty brings happiness. You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction. Krishna rekindles the warrior within Arjuna and Arjuna fought the war like no warrior before him ever did.
Abdul Kalam followed the same philosophy in life. He worked relentlessly, but without caring for the fruit of work. He was married to his cause and hence felt for no other attachments. Abdul Kalam knew that a warrior is respected everywhere in the world. And no one considers the warrior a true warrior unless he is equipped for a war at the opportune moment. Abdul Kalam prepared India for that war. India didn’t figure on the priority list of the west until Pokharan happened. It was only after India became a nuclear power in 1998 that the west started taking us seriously. And as a result of that everything associated with India started getting acknowledged. We started featuring in the list of top growing economies and potential allies for super powers. Our might made us look like a prosperous nation. Like Krishna, Abdul Kalam rekindled the warrior in us. The same Indians who took pride in romanticized statements like “India hasn’t attacked any country in the world” adopted a sterner tone on global platforms. Kalam’s bombs and missiles made us a natural candidate for the position of a likely global superpower.
Although India is yet to fight a Mahabharata but the Kauravas around us know that we are ready to retaliate. A scientist called Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam made us realize our true potentials and as a nation, we aren’t shackled by chains of shallow idealism and impractical attachments anymore.
