Youths must be dreamers

FORMER Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has asked the youths of Bangladesh to be the captor of problems and defeat the problems to succeed. The inspirational speech of Dr Kalam, a scientist better known as the father of Indian nuclear technology, mesmerised a huge gathering in the capital city on Friday where he appealed to the youths for dreaming “great”. Born in a poor family, the Missile Man of India in his childhood distributed newspapers to financially augment his father’s income, touched the pick of success for his hardworking and a strong desire to learn. Despite having average grades the former Indian President climbed the summit through tireless endeavours to success and by competing with his own capacity, indeed a motivation to the young generation world over.
The 83-year veteran scientist said, thinking something small is rather a crime; one must have the biggest dream to achieve in life. He recited the poem ‘Wings to Fly’ by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi for Bangladeshi students —”I am born with potential. I am born with goodness and trust. I am born with ideas and dreams. I am born with greatness. I am born with wings. I am not meant for crawling because I have wings. I will learn to use them and fly.”
The youth of Bangladesh formed a significant demography and would soon become half of the country’s total population, thus their concerns, issues and opportunities will be crucial for the growth and development of the nation. Dr Kalam met 18 million youths in the last two decades at home and abroad “in order to know their dreams.” He said that the dreams, thoughts and actions of the youths should be the national priority for any country including Bangladesh. Addressing the youths as “young fellows,” Dr Kalam sketched out the way of success — manage failures to easily administer success, although his childhood dream to become a pilot did not materialize. Leaders should be the ones who should take the blame in case of any failure and celebrate the success with all people associated with the success. It is true in case of trade, commerce, business and politics.
Underlying the role of universities as “job creators, not job seekers”, Dr Kalam suggested that Indian universities have a one-year skills development programme within their degree programme so that after passing out students have a skills certificate. He advised the youths to follow the footprints of great personalities and take inspirations from them. The author of “Wings of Fire” believed that poverty elimination could be possible if urban amenities like electricity and connectivity can be taken to the rural areas.
The guideline of the former Indian President to the youths of Bangladesh will hopefully motivate the youths towards fulfilling their dreams overcoming all hurdles to take the country to the cherished height of development. The youths of the country armed with education, morals, ‘great dreams’ and tireless endeavours are the ones most capable to fulfil the aims of the country.