One of the greats ........

"Dream", he said. We may have heard these words being spoken again and again by various people, your mom , your dad, your teacher, tens and thousands of books. But it was different when he said it. Listening it from a person who has achieved so much in life, who has been the President of India, a rocket scientist and most of all who has actually dreamt and made it big is a complete different story. His altruism is well known by all. Just one simple word from him can actually inebriate you. 

 On 7th January 2009 Quark ( the technical festival of our campus ) started with a big bang. Sure we waited eagerly for about an hour in the audi for him to come . But it was worth the wait. He was not ostentatious but he filled our eyes with stars. It was indeed one of my best days so far. He came in waving to all of us and it was as if I was watching him on th TV screen. 

He first spoke about the various advances in sciences, the various careers that we could aim for. His vision for India 20-20. His 4 point plan to suceed in life. He spoke about dreaming and also about the hard work that comes with it. It was as if he himself felt rejuvenated while addressing us. The gargantuan audi was teeming with people from all over the country each of whom was gravid with his words.

There was a small hiatus and then the erudite scientist took some questions from the students. The questions were not insidious. They were simple and predictable ranging from the Kashmir issue to womens rights. But it was fun listening to his take on them. According to him, our education syatem should incorporate humanity. When asked about the Kashmir issue, he simply replied, " You have to bring prosperity to the border to the extent of making the neighbour envious. Then it will be difficult for them to penetrate the area." 

I sincerely thank my stars for this rendezvous with one of the greats. It was indeed serendipity. Before bidding adieu to us all he made us take an oath. The audi echoed with the words," I will work with integrity and succeed with integrity." The paragon then left the building........