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According to the Global Coalition Against Childhood TB (GCACP), pneumonia is the most deadly infectious illness for children under age five worldwide. From 2000 to 2015, the annual death toll from childhood pneumonia decreased from 1.7 deaths annually to 920,000 in 2015. While this is progress, approximately 2,500 children still die from pneumonia every day. This amounts to 16 percent of all child deaths.

Children all over the globe are affected by pneumonia, but a 2012 study found that low- and middle-income nations bear the largest burden: less than 1% of childhood deaths occur in developed countries and over 90% of deaths in children under-5 years of age occur in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Fifty percent pneumonia deaths occur in India.

Pneumonia has a number of bacterial, viral, and fungal causes. The illness can be caused by bacteria and viruses already present in the body, or it can be transmitted from an infected person through droplets in the air following a cough or sneeze; or through blood, such as during childbirth. During an infection, the lung’s alveoli—small sacs that inflate with air when a person breathes—fill with pus and fluid. Breathing becomes labored and difficult, limiting oxygen intake.

Other symptoms include: Retraction rather than expansion of the chest during inhalation; fever, sweating and shaking chills; cough, which may produce phlegm; diarrhea and vomiting; and fatigue. Pneumonia is both preventable and curable. Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, which helps to develop a naturally strong immune system in a child, and adequate nutrition and vitamin A supplements help ensure a healthy immune system, says Dr Ajay Mishra, Director and Head of Paediatrics, Nelson Hospital, India.

In addition, affordable and effective interventions like vaccines, antibiotics, hand-washing and breastfeeding have proven track records and immediate impacts. As far as prevention is concerned, providing immunisation against Haemophilusinfluenzae type b, pneumococcus, measles and whooping cough, for example, is an effective means of preventing pneumonia.

The Global Coalition Against Childhood Pneumonia estimates that increased vaccine coverage in the world’s 73 poorest countries could avoid 2.9 million deaths and 52 million cases of infection attributable to the disease. Economically, such a move would avoid $51 billion dollars in health costs and productivity losses.

More than half of childhood pneumonia deaths are caused at least in part by indoor household pollution, such as that caused by certain cook stoves. WHO recommends amoxicillin dispersible tablets as the only firstline treatment for children under age five diagnosed with pneumonia, costing about $0.21-0.42USD per treatment.

Health workers can use a pulse oximeter to assess the level     of oxygen in the blood and provide lifesaving oxygen therapy. Improving access to health services, along with other cost-effective health care strategies such as integrated case management, are essential to controlling the disease. Only 60% of caregivers seek out adequate care for suspected pneumonia cases, and only one-third of pneumonia cases are addressed with the proper antibiotic treatment.”

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The Election Commission has announced the election schedule for five States which are scheduled to go to the polls from next month. These are Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab. With this announcement, the code of conduct is now in place.

The first phase of polling will begin from February 4 and the last on March 8 while results would be announced on March 11. In the first phase, Goa and Punjab will poll for 40 and 11 Assembly seats respectively. Entire Uttarakhand will go to polls In the second phase on February 15 for 70 seats while polling in Manipur is scheduled in two phases on March 4 and March 8 for electing 60 MLAs. It is Uttar Pradesh which will elect its 403 MLAs in seven phases beginning February 11 to March 8, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi told reporters.

In order to maintain the secrecy of vote at the time of poll and uniformity in use of voting compartments, the Commission has issued revised instructions to increase the height of the Voting Compartments to 30 inches. It has been, further, directed that the Voting Compartment should be placed on a table whose height shall be 30 inches and only corrugated plastic sheet (flex-board) of steel-grey colour, which is completely opaque and reusable, shall be used for making the voting compartment, he said.

The Commission has directed that in areas where women folk feel inhibited in mingling with male members because of some local custom or social practice, a separate polling station for women can be provided after getting approval of the Election Commission. Further, in big villages, if two polling stations are to be provided for the village, one may be provided for male electors and the other for female electors. In polling stations provided exclusively for women electors, polling personnel also should normally be women. When separate polling stations are provided for men and women of a particular polling area, these should as far as possible be located in the same building for general convenience.

 As part of its firm commitment towards gender equality and greater constructive participation of women in the electoral process, the Commission has also directed that, to the extent possible, ‘All Women Managed Polling Stations’ shall be set up in each Assembly Constituency where the entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, shall be women.

The Commission has issued instructions to ensure that as far as practicable, all polling stations are located at ground floor and sturdy ramps are provided for the convenience of differently-abled electors with wheel-chairs. Further, in order to provide targeted and needbased facilitation to differently-abled voters, the Commission has directed that all Persons With Disabilities (PwDs) in an Assembly Constituency are identified and tagged to their respective Polling Stations and necessary disability-specific arrangements made for their smooth and convenient voting experience on the poll day. Also, it has been directed that differently-abled electors are given priority for entering polling booths, provision made for designated parking spaces close to the entrance of polling premise and special care to be provided to electors with speech and hearing impairment. Special focus has been laid for the sensitization of the polling personnel regarding the unique needs of the differently-abled, the Chief Election Commissioner said.

 The Commission has instructed that, as far as practicable, separate auxiliary polling stations will be set up inside the Blind Schools for ease and facilitation of voting by the inmates. Also, the staff of such schools itself shall be deployed as polling personnel for this polling station.

In these elections, a Voter Guide Brochure (in local languages) shall be handed over to every household ahead of the elections, giving information about the date and time of polls, contact details of the BLOs, important websites, helpline numbers, documents required for identification at the polling station besides other important information including the Do’s and Dont’s for voters at the polling station. This Voter Guide Brochure will be distributed along with the Photo Voter Slips by the BLOs.

The Commission has directed that if a leprosy sanatorium is located within the constituency, then, if possible, a polling station may be set up at the sanatorium for the benefit of the inmates and sanatorium staff may be appointed as Presiding and Polling officers of the polling station. On the Balloting Unit, below the name of the last candidate, there will now be a button for NOTA option so that electors who do not want to vote for any of the candidates can exercise their option by pressing the button against NOTA. The Commission has provided a new symbol for the NOTA option, which was designed by National Institute of Design (NID). This new symbol will facilitate the voters in casting of their votes, Mr Zaidi said.

In order to facilitate the electors in identifying the candidates, the Commission has prescribed an additional measure by way of adding provision for printing the photograph of candidate also on the ballot to be displayed on the EVM (Ballot Unit) and on Postal Ballot Papers. This will also take care to avoid likely confusion when candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency. For this purpose, the candidates are required to submit to the Returning Officer, their recent Stamp Size photograph as per the specifications laid down by the Commission. Many of the poll-bound states will be using the photograph of the candidates on the ballot papers for the first time. Instructions have also been issued to ensure necessary publicity of this instruction

 As per the revised ceilings, the maximum limit of election expenses for the Assembly Constituencies is Rs. 28 lakh per candidate for the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh and Rs. 20 lakh per candidate in Manipur and Goa.”

“

President Pranab Mukherjee delivered New Year Message to the Governors/Lt. Governors through Video Conferencing from Rashtrapati Bhavan  on Thursday. 

Addressing the Governors/Lt. Governors, the President said that demonetization, while immobilizing black money and fighting corruption, may lead to temporary slowdown of the economy. “”We all will have to be extra careful to alleviate the suffering of the poor which might become unavoidable for the expected progress in the long term,” the President said. 

Mr. Mukherjee said while he appreciates the thrust on transition from entitlement approach to an entrepreneurial one for poverty alleviation, he is not too sure that the poor can wait that long. They need to get succour here and now, so that they can also participate actively in the national march towards a future devoid of hunger, unemployment and exploitation.

The President said this year, there will be elections in as many as seven states and the dates for elections in five states have already been announced. The conduct of free and fair elections has made our democracy one of the most vibrant in the world. Elections reflect the attitudes, values and beliefs of the people towards their political environment. They symbolize the sovereignty of the people and provide legitimacy to the authority of the government. They also serve the purpose of regulation of public policies and mobilization of public opinion.

The President said as we have all experienced, elections are usually marked by competitive populism, electoral rhetoric and vote bank politics. Governors and Lt. Governors through their interaction and wise counsel can play an important role in easing the tensions in the society. Goodwill must prevail between different communities. 

“”In a pluralistic democracy like ours, tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are a must. These values have to be preserved. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. Governors/Lt. Governors can, through their calm influence, inculcate amongst the citizens of their state this fundamental ethos of our civilization,” he said.

The President said the Governors/Lt. Governors have a very important role to play in the improvement of higher education in their states. As chancellors and visitors of various universities, they can work with the academic leaders to effect holistic changes for quality up-gradation in the institutions of higher learning. 

Recalling his  interactions at the conferences at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he said that these have yielded several positives in areas like: faculty sourcing and development; ICT for pedagogic refinement; research and innovation; industry-academia interface; and alumni involvement. 

The President said that Governors/Lt. Governors can have a major role in promoting art and culture in their respective states. With art and culture, we can experience life in its fullest and most meaningful form.”

“

Demonetisation has not made a significant dent in curbing black money even after the 50-day grace period sought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the same time to soften the blow, he offered on New Year’s eve a number of relief and welfare measures for different sections of the people. Significantly, his address to the nation on December 31 skipped claiming success about the big ticket demonetisation launched on November eight. Though it lacked the desired planning causing immense hardship to the people in withdrawing their own money from banks, it cast a big burden on the banks. 

Experts believe while tax collections are likely to depend on how the economy absorbs the financial shocks, the Prime Minister’s handouts will test fiscal discipline. What has been perplexing is the repeated chopping and changing of rules which confused not only the customers but also the bankers. 

The focus should now be on getting adequate cash into the banking system to restore normalcy affected adversely by withdrawing 86 per cent of currency in circulation. 

It has become imperative to restore confidence in the economy through carefully thought out strategies rather than acting on impulse. What cannot be lost sight of is the exemplary cooperation and patience displayed by the people which the Prime Minister has acknowledged in ample measure. 

Modi made a multitude of pledges since he began campaigning in the run up to the April-May general elections in 2014. This year might turn out to be the most challenging for him requiring the reform to materialise having raised high expectations.  

He has made certain announcements to keep the people enthused but not one of his multitude of pledges have materialised so far including bringing all the black money into the country. The honeymoon period for any Head of Government usually lasts 30 to 36 months which is fast catching up with Modi. 

Assembly elections in five states will be held in less than a month in February-March which might well be referendum on Modi’s demonetisation. The results will be known on March 11. The crucial assembly election is in Uttar Pradesh which might turn out to be a do or die battle for the Prime Minister having a bearing on the next general elections in 2019. 

People are wondering if Modi is periodically making major announcements to keep the attention focussed on himself. He has failed so far to bring back the black money stashed away in banks abroad and in tax havens or generating employment.   

There is no doubt tackling black money and fighting the scourge of poverty are extremely important issues. This can only be achieved with proper planning coupled with sustained implementation of various poverty alleviation programmes.  Therefore, people are wondering if demonetisation is another political gimmick or above that. 

The functioning of Parliament has also been affected with the ruling BJP led NDA at the Centre accusing the opposition of supporting corruption. It is no secret that all political parties take recourse to black money particularly in fighting elections. In the circumstances it is widely felt that reforms must necessarily begin with political parties curbing the use of black money. They also need to put an end to allegedly spending far in excess of the limit stipulated by the Election Commission of India, a creation of the Constitution vesting with conducting free and fair elections in the country. 

The prospects of “”acche din aane wale hai”” has proved to be hollow and elusive so far with the ruling coalition at the Centre having completed half its five-year term. Modi’s oft repeated theme of vikas or development — “”sab ke saath, sab ka vikas”” — has also fallen flat. All the governments since independence have failed to come to grips with the real issues and concerns of the poor. 

Again a section of economists reason there is no correlation between demonetisation and the generation of black money; demonetisation and corruption; and demonetisation and counterfeit currency/terrorism. Demonetisation is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition to achieve the above mentioned objectives. 

Nonetheless, demonetisation may create some temporary deterrent in the minds of the people who are indulging in corruption and generation of black money.

The role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cannot be overlooked as it is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of managing the currency of the nation. It had a crucial role to play in the wake of demonetisation but it failed. There is no doubt the RBI could have advised the government better, smoothened the process and ensured the problem to the common man was minimised. This is one organisation that is protected well enough to be independent.  (Ends)

(T R Ramachandran is a senior journalist and commentator. The views are personal.)”

“

Researchers have identified a new organ inside human bodies, something that has been hiding in the digestive system so far. It has been called mesentery. The evidence of the organ has been published in latest edition of The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Although the structure of this new organ is know, its function is still not understood, and studying it could be the key to better understanding and treatment of abdominal and digestive disease. 

The new organ is found in the digestive systems, and was thought to be made up of fragmented, separate structures. But the latest research has shown that it is one, continuous organ.

“”In the paper, which has been peer reviewed and assessed, we are now saying we have an organ in the body which hasn’t been acknowledged as such to date,”” said J.Calvin Coffey a researcher from the University Hospital Limerick in Ireland, who first discovered that the mesentery was an organ. “”The anatomic description that had been laid down over 100 years of anatomy was incorrect. This organ is far from fragmented and complex. It is simply one continuous structure.””

With the new classification of mesentery, medical students started being taught that the mesentery is a distinct organ, according to a report published in Science Alert. Mesentery is a double fold of peritoneum – the lining of the abdominal cavity – that attaches intestine to the wall of our abdomen, and keeps everything locked in place. 

One of the earliest descriptions of the mesentery is said to have been made was by Leonardo da Vinci, and for centuries it was generally ignored as a type of insignificant attachment. Over the past century, doctors who studied the mesentery assumed it was a fragmented structure made of separate sections, which made it pretty unimportant, the Science Alert report said.

But in 2012, Coffey and his colleagues showed through detailed microscopic examinations that the mesentery is actually a continuous structure. Over the past four years, they’ve gathered further evidence that the mesentery should actually be classified as its own distinct organ, and the latest paper makes it official, it said.

And while that doesn’t change the structure that’s been inside our bodies all along, with the reclassification comes a whole new field of medical science that could improve our health outcomes, the magazine said.”

“

A month and a half after the Delhi High Court Bar Association elections concluded, the Supreme Court has dismissed a batch of petitions filed against the order of the Delhi High Court in connection with the one-bar-one-vote rule.

A Bench of Justices Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Rohinton Nariman heard the parties at length on Friday before putting an end to the hotly debated issue. Last year, the Delhi High Courts’ Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Siddharth Mridul had ruled on the implementation of the one-bar-one-vote principle in bar association elections. In addition, any advocate who has a chamber in any of the court complexes in Delhi would not be allowed to claim allotment of another chamber. In October, the same bench had also made some modifications as to how this rule was to be implemented. The verdict did not sit well with various Bar Associations, who then moved the Supreme Court via a barrage of Special Leave Petitions.

Senior counsel Dushyant Dave and Dinesh Dwivedi appeared for the Bar Council of Delhi and the Bar Associations respectively. Dave only submitted that since the elections had already been completed, the matter could be laid to rest. 

Dwivedi was not as succinct.His primary contention stemmed from the fact that the judgment was a restriction on a bar association’s power to frame its own rules. He went on to lambast the Delhi High Court for what he called a blatant transgression of their powers and added that since the High Court does not have powers under Article 142, the judgment was illegal.

The Bench disagreed, and proceeded to dismiss the petition.”

“The demonetization of high-powered currency notes has led to India’s Buying Propensity Index (BPI) in December 2016 fall to 0.26, (measured on a scale between +1 to -1), down 0.42 BPI points from November (0.68). Ã¢Â€ÂœThe country’s buying sentiment was consistently recovering since July 2016, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise demonetization announcement was the biggest factor causing unnatural fluctuations in the buying sentiment of the country as reflected by the Index. The November 2016 BPI had shown a rise of 19% stemming from the initial euphoria of long term positive connotations of the announcement,” said N. Chandramouli, CEO, TRA Research, elaborating on the BPI said.

Mr. Chandramouli further said the December fall was when the pain of demonetization began to be felt more severely after the first salary cycle post-demonetization announcement in December, and the impact of the enduring business and personal hardships was felt by citizens. The buying sentiment in December seems to have fallen precipitously to the lowest in 9 months. The Buying Propensity Index is a result of a primary research across 3,000 consumer-influencers across the 8 Tier–I cities in India conducted every quarter.Considering the eight cities studies for the BPI, Delhi was most severely impacted with a month-on-month fall of 122% in citizens’ keenness-to-buy, registering a negative sentiment in December at -0.14. This was followed by Kolkata with a BPI fall of 90%. The three cities which showed a medium fall in BPI were Mumbai (-58%), Pune (-46%) and Chennai (-35%). The cities which had a lower negative impact of demonetization on BPI were Bangalore (-16%) and Hyderabad (-15%). Ahmedabad was totally contrary to the BPI of the other cities, falling from a high 0.63 in October to 0.46 in November. (The writer is a Delhi-based freelance journalist)”

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The signal from the Supreme Court in sacking Anurag Thakur, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, as well as its secretary Ajay Shirke is a huge wake up call for those who treat sports bodies as their personal fiefdom. The unprecedented intervention by the Apex court is an unambiguous signal to all sports organisations and those administering it to get their house in order. 

Any misdeamenour in deliberately side stepping or ignoring the court’s order can earn its wrath. This is evident by the summary sacking of the two BCCI office bearers of one of the richest sports organisations in the world. Thakur, a BJP MP, now faces legal action for contempt of court as well as prosecution for perjury. 

BCCI would not have faced this humiliation had it recognised that the Supreme Court was only seeking to reform the manner in which cricket is administered in this country. The Apex court desired reforming the administration of the BCCI in keeping with the recommendations of the three-member Justice R M Lodha panel. 

The order of July 18 last year found most BCCI office bearers ineligible to carry on as the Lodha panel had asked the court to remove them. The latest order of the Supreme Court comes in the wake of the Lodha Committee’s third status report submitted on November 14asking for the disqualification of the office bearers of the BCCI and the state associations. 

The Supreme Court is now set to replace the sacked top brass of the BCCI with a panel of administrators. Over the years politicians of all hues and shades eyed the plum post of President of the BCCI. It did not end there. Some of them even tried to amend the rules in a manner so that it purportedly steered them clear of any clash of interest. 

The Supreme Court had given BCCI up to six months to reform itself. However, BCCI refused to implement the key reforms on age and tenure restrictions of its officials, who adopted a hostile and adversarial approach towards the highest court in the country. 

Despite murmurs of judicial overreach, the BCCI must hold itself entirely responsible for inviting trouble.  Corruption in the BCCI has been endemic. Under the guidance of the Supreme Court, BCCI might finally evolve and set parameters as well as standards for sports governance which India’s other federations and associations might be compelled to adopt. 

The defiant attitude of the office bearers has brought the BCCI to this pass. In the aftermath of the Indian Premier League betting and spot-fixing scandal in 2013, the Supreme Court observed that the BCCI was discharging a public function and even though it wasn’t dependent on government grants, it was accountable to the public and the country’s law. 

The removal of former BCCI president N Srinivasan was the first step in reforming the cricket organisation with unbridled power being in the hands of a few. Problems got compounded for Srinivasan as his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan, a Chennai Super Kings team official, was indulging in betting. 

The Justice Lodha panel was an extension of the Mukul Mudgal committee that probed the IPL scandal. The BCCI not only refused to accept the age and tenure caps as well as the one state, one vote policy. Maharashtra and Gujarat have multiple votes.In all this, one thing is certain that cricket will not stop and fans will continue paying to watch their idols score centuries. The Supreme Court’s efforts to streamline matters and bring order in the BCCI must be seen as a victory for cricket.”

“

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which ruled Pakistan for several years was in disarray after the daylight murder of Benazir Bhutto. PPP survived the hanging of its founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as his daughter Benazir was a charismatic leader but after her assassination the party disparaged very rapidly. Her husband Asif Ali Zardari and her son Chairman of the party Bilwal Bhutto Zaradari lacked the magnetism of Zulfiqar or Benazir.

Nonetheless PPP got the breather when the names of three children namely Maryam, Hasan and Hussain of Nawaz Sharif appeared in Panama papers leak. The leaked papers claimed that all three children owned offshore companies and in this way amassed wealth outside Pakistan. Nawaz claimed that his children are business persons and did nothing illegal. Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party (PTI) Imran Khan was already opposing Nawaz government now PPP has also started opposing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) with the objective of 2018 general elections in mind. Bilawal started organizing the party and the PPP elected new office bearers in all the states. He also sent messages to diverse PPP offices in the country mentioning that 2017 would be a year of change.

PPP is holding rallies to earn support in the masses. On October 16, PPP organised a big rally in Karachi to memorialize 2007 Karsaz tragedy. Bilawal and several other PPP leaders including Chief Minister of Sindh also paid homage at the grave yards of unknown victims of Karsaz tragedy. The rally was also addressed by Asif Ali Zardari  CO-Chairman of PPP who recently returned from 18 month self imposed exile with the intention of strengthening the party.

Asif Zardari also made it clear that both of them would soon contest elections for the parliament. The strategists mention that this time PPP would concentrate more on Punjab as the party which wins Punjab would rule the nation. Pakistan Muslim League (N) has a stronghold in Punjab province hence it rules whole of Pakistan. PML (N) through tangible efforts diminished the image of Asif Zardari and PPP that it reduced to third place.

PPP leadership is worried that not only in Punjab but the influence of the party is considerably dwindled in urban Sindh especially Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad where Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is more powerful than PPP which was evident in the Municipal Corporation elections. Besides MQM, PTI and few other smaller parties are also damaging the vote bank of PPP.

The analysts claim that now the clout of PPP is restricted only in rural Sindh and the party needs to improve its image drastically, which is badly tarnished because of corruption and party’s drift from its ideology.

Secondly, PML (N) has strengthened its base in Punjab and Pakhtoon Khawa because of its successful propaganda about its economic policies. The analysts also claim that PPP which had socialist credentials was fighting for poor and younger generation but now because of rampant corruption and its feudalistic approach the poor and youths have deserted the party.

However, the biggest problem of the party is that it lacks a charismatic leader although Bilawal has Bhutto surname and in this part of the region surname is important but only surname is not enough and at present PPP does not have a leader with mass support in Punjab, Pakhtoon Khawa or Balochistan. Hence its performance would be dismal. PPP should try to attract mass provincial leaders of other political parties especially in Punjab, Pakhtoon Khawa and Balochistan so that the following of party goes up.  

The younger generation is not much concerned about the sacrifices of Zulfiqar and Benazir Bhutto. They are more concerned about the past performance of the party and economic progress of the country which was miserable. The amendment in the Minorities Act may please Islam Pasand Parties but it may not convert in votes as the voters may not be fully satisfied.

The four points agenda announced by Bilawal Bhutto against Nawaz government or his rhetoric about Kashmir or criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are not attracting the masses especially outside Sindh.  Recently a survey conducted by Gilani Research Foundation revealed that 68 percent Pakistanis are in favour of talks with India. Hence much anti-India rhetoric of Bilawal would also not increase the popularity of the party.

The party leaders and workers are hopeful that PPP would perform well in 2018 elections as the party high command has chalked out a methodical plan to enhance its popularity. The party would improve its performance in Sindh and the infrastructural projects would be completed soon.

PPP would also hold rallies at diverse places to increase its influence in the country. The analysts feel that as PTI and PML (N) are fighting bitterly it may benefit PPP and it would snatch seats from PTI and PML (N). PPP should also make alliances with other political parties as it lost its mass base and will have to work hard to regain the same as it will not be easy to destabilise PML (N) which has a strong hold in Punjab.  

(Jai Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based security analyst. He has served in the government in different capacities and has been posted in Indian missions abroad in Washington, Islamabad and Dubai.)”

“

51zmP-rqZtL._SX324_BO1204203200_”” alt=””51zmP-rqZtL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_”” />The book — WHAT CAN I GIVE? Life Lessons from My Teacher, A P J ABDUL KALAM — is a tribute by his student Srijan Pal Singh who worked closely with the “”missile man of India”” till the last day of his life. Recollecting his mentor’s values, oaths and messages to the youth, the author shares what Dr Kalam taught beyond the classroom. 

The book endeavours to help readers get up close and personal with the greatest Indian of contemporary times. This is the story of one exemplary teacher who changed Srijan’s life for ever. He believed Kalam was not only a great guru but could polish ordinary pebbles into pearls of wisdom and share them with the world. 

Kalam was a scientist, a saint, a writer, a teacher, a poet and a philosopher — all rolled into a single entity of compassion and wisdom. He was an eternal believer in the ignited minds of the new generation which he considered the most powerful gift on earth. 

Srijan came in contact with Kalam in his second year at the prestigious IIM-A, came to know him closely and started working with him in 2008. The bond Kalam shared with his students was sacred to him, completely uncoloured by heirarchies. 

Srijan was the first ever intern to work with Kalam. “”My life had changed. From a classroom teacher Kalam had become my personal mentor,”” emphasised the author. He graduated from an intern to becoming an officer on Special Duty and advisor to the former President of India. 

In another year Kalam and Srijan published their first book titled “”Target three Billion””. This association held strong “”till my teacher’s last breath.””  Interestingly Kalam had never incurred the debt of criticism in his life. Kalam always ended his speeches to youngsters with one question. “”What would you like to be remembered for?”” 

It was a powerful way of imbuing young students with energy and dreams. It inspired them to aspire, think and act. Srijan had conjured up several things that Kalam might like to be remembered but all of that proved to be wrong. In an excited tone, he disclosed “”I want to be remembered as a teacher. That is my goal.”” 

Soon Srijan got a big notebook where he noted Kalam’s ideas and observations and aptly named it the “”Kalam Diary.”” A new entry made in it that “”critical stakes ignite the mind and awaken hidden potential. Difficulty cannot be handled by being scared of how high the peak is. It can be tackled by drawing a path to the peak, and when you toil in the process of scaling that height, you learn and grow.”” 

Kalam emphasised “”science and faith must coexist for the human good. Science provides focus — focus helps us solve questions, discover the truth and conceive inventions. Faith provides perspective — perspective helps us see how our creations and discoveries go on to impact humanity and civilisation. 

Focus and perspective make a combination vital for the success of societies. Science accelerates progress and faith curbs it within reasonable limitations. If the two function true to their roles, they will together work for the betterment of humanity.’ 

The ability to find a simple answer to a complex problem was the hallmark of Dr Kalam. “”When you trust your abilities you should not fear in taking risks”” was the missile man’s moto. This is connected with the test launch of the country’s first 100 per cent indigenous ballistic missile — a world class weapon which could match the ones being used by developed countries. 

Only the final test on the missile stood between India and its place in the prestigious list of nations fielding ballistic missiles. As the designated date for testing fixed for 22 May 1989 drew closer there was nervous excitement at the Chandipur based Integrated Test Range in Odisha. 

Pressure was mounting from the US and NATO to delay the testing. The then cabinet secretary T N Seshan gave the green signal saying “”okay, go ahead.”” That was all Kalam needed as the Director of the DRDO and his wish was fulfilled. 

After completing his term as President Kalam moved to 10 Rajaji Marg. Anyone who visited him there he would invariably ask them a question “”Have you met my friend Arjuna? Let me introduce you to him. He is a wonderful fellow.”” He would then escort the guest to the front garden where Arjuna stood — tall and majestic like the warrior he had been named after., the long years proudly etched on his body. 

Dr Kalam would then say this fellow is very old. Hundred and ten years old. He must have seen so much, imagine — Gandhi, Nehru, the freedom wars and India’s rising story.  He holds an entire section of his history in his heart. He is my best friend.”” 

Kalam breathed his last at IIT Shillong where he had been invited to give a lecture. He completed his speech saying “”I believe that when the youth all over the world come together for creating a better society and a better earth, then all the conflicts between nations will cease.””

There was a long pause. It was 6.40 PM on a chilly Shillong evening and the chirps of the last birds returning home were heard in silence. Just as Srijan looked at him, his knees buckled and with a loud thud, he fell on the stage. 

The author says “”I will never forget the look in his half closed eyes when I placed my hand on his head. I was desperately massaging his hands which were turning cold. His fingers curled tightly around my fingers. His face had become still. His wide eyes were still radiating wisdom as they gradually become motionless. He did not show any pain — there was only peace on his face,”” the author recalls. 

In a few minutes the missile man had taken the eternal flight into the unknown. The doctors tried to make some miracle happen, but fate had passed its verdict….The author maintains the Kalam story is far from over. It is living a life like Kalam. It is in being a Kalam and “”always asking ourselves what can I give…..?”” 

Kalam had told Srijan that “”someday you will have to write a book on me….””It had startled the author at that time. Less than half a decade later the book has been written embodying the simplicity of Kalam immersing himself in finding solutions to problems affecting humankind.

TR

(T R Ramachandran is a senior journalist and commentator.)
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