IIM Shillong And National Geographic Pay Tribute To Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

In honour of Dr. Kalam's birth anniversary, students of IIM Shillong conducted an event, ‘Sesame’, to celebrate the bond it has built with the kids, to provide them a platform to display their talents, and for their parents to witness the transformation in their children. It was a cultural event which witnessed some stupendous dancing, singing & storytelling by young prodigies. The nestling brains festooned the Institute with all their talents and spread happiness around.

The 15^th of October saw large participation of students at the campus, whom Dr. Kalam had always espoused, held within themselves the greatest potential to transform the country. The day began with students committing to a pledge in accordance with the vision, Dr. Kalam had in his mind for the students. The pledge reading, “As a leader in public life, business, education and culture, I commit personal and public integrity, honesty and transparency”, instilled in students a sense of consciousness about their roles and responsibilities in the society.

The later event of the day brought to students the screening of the episode featuring Dr. Kalam from the National Geographic’s ongoing documentary series, ‘Mega Icons’. The screening began with Director of the Institute, Prof. Keya Sengupta paying tribute to the Missile Man by reminding the audience of the special bond the Institute shares with the revered leader. Prof. Sengupta in her opening remark said “Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam is no more a name, he is an institution in himself, a legend. He means different things to each one of us; there is so much to learn from his life experience, and each one of us will have different takeaways from his life journey, depending on our own age, and experiences in life, more so for those who have had the good fortune of meeting him in close encounter.” The Director thanked National Geographic for the opportunity, and asked of the students to consider themselves, “Fortunate to be able to view the screening on the life of a legendary personality who had great affinity for the Institute.” She encouraged the students to imbibe something personal from the life of this icon.

The documentary series played, narrates some of the significant events of Dr. Kalam’s life and gives a scientific breakdown of how these events turned him into a noble person we look up to. It also reveals many lesser-known facts about the icon not only through intimate interviews with his closed ones, but also through the voice of Dr. Kalam himself. The film states that, if there is one takeaway from the life of Dr. Kalam, it is that adversities and hardships can serve as launch pads for ambition and success.