Page 1
Science and Spirituality
Part I
We often witness conflict between two groups of
people - one that believes in science and the other
that believes in religion.
Dr Kalam was a great scientist - this is indisputable.
But he was also convinced that fact and faith can,
together, create a better planet. He once told me,
‘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 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 work together
for the betterment of humanity.’
Dr Kalam’s own life was nourished by multiple
faiths.
His father, a boatman, also served as an imam at
their local mosque, and his two best friends were from
two different religions - one was a Hindu and the other
was a Christian. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal was
the head priest of the famous Rameswara temple and
a Vedic scholar, and the Reverend Father Bodal had
built the first church on Rameswara Island. Dr Kalam
recalled how ‘All three of them, in the unique attire of
their religion, used to sit and discuss the community’s
problems and find solutions. Throughout the nation and
the world, the need to have a frank dialogue among
cultures, religions and civilizations is felt now more
than ever.’
When asked where he got his humility from Dr
Kalam would always attribute it to his father. In him,
he saw how simplicity and divinity could go together.
Even though his father was a boatman and Dr Kalam
went on to become the President of India, they shared
the same values in life. Both believed that if one leads
a spiritual life then that spirituality can lift them out
of any kind of confusion misery or failure.
l perspective : view,
particular attitude
towards something
l curbs : controls,
keeps something
within limit
u Why do science and
faith have to go hand
in hand ?
90
Page 2
Science and Spirituality
Part I
We often witness conflict between two groups of
people - one that believes in science and the other
that believes in religion.
Dr Kalam was a great scientist - this is indisputable.
But he was also convinced that fact and faith can,
together, create a better planet. He once told me,
‘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 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 work together
for the betterment of humanity.’
Dr Kalam’s own life was nourished by multiple
faiths.
His father, a boatman, also served as an imam at
their local mosque, and his two best friends were from
two different religions - one was a Hindu and the other
was a Christian. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal was
the head priest of the famous Rameswara temple and
a Vedic scholar, and the Reverend Father Bodal had
built the first church on Rameswara Island. Dr Kalam
recalled how ‘All three of them, in the unique attire of
their religion, used to sit and discuss the community’s
problems and find solutions. Throughout the nation and
the world, the need to have a frank dialogue among
cultures, religions and civilizations is felt now more
than ever.’
When asked where he got his humility from Dr
Kalam would always attribute it to his father. In him,
he saw how simplicity and divinity could go together.
Even though his father was a boatman and Dr Kalam
went on to become the President of India, they shared
the same values in life. Both believed that if one leads
a spiritual life then that spirituality can lift them out
of any kind of confusion misery or failure.
l perspective : view,
particular attitude
towards something
l curbs : controls,
keeps something
within limit
u Why do science and
faith have to go hand
in hand ?
90
91
Part II
In the 1960, when Dr Kalam joined ISRO, it was
just a fledgling organization. His interactions with
the great scientist Professor Vikram Sarabhai and the
Reverend Peter Bernard Pereira, shaped his thoughts
on religion. It was here that he learnt about the true
meanning of religious service. Professor Sarabhai and
his team had selected a site in Thumba, Kerala, to set
up their space research facility. It was an ideal site
due to its proximity to the magnetic equator. But there
was a major roadblock in getting possession of the site
as it was the fishing grounds of Thumba’s fishermen.
Moreover, it had an old church of St Mary Magdalene,
a bishop’s house and a school, which was under the
administration of the church. Government officials
predicted that it would be impossible to relocate so
many people from the site and destroy religious
institutions for the sake of a space research centre.
But upon Dr Sarabhai’s persistence, it was suggested
that they approach the only person who could help
them in this situation - Father Pereira, the then bishop
of the region.
Dr Sarabhai and Dr Kalam approached Father
Pereira on a Saturday evening. The Reverend said,
‘Oh Vikram, you are asking me for my children’s
abode, for my abode, and for God’s abode. How is
it possible?’ Father Pereira then invited the party to
visit the church on a Sunday morning. Dr Sarabhai, his
team, and the forever - inquisitive disciple, Dr Kalam,
took up the offer.
At church the next Sunday, the Reverend invited
Dr Sarabhai up to the dais after the prayer service.
Turning to everyone present, he said, ‘Dear children,
here is a scientist, Dr Vikram Sarabhai. What does
science do for us ? We benefit from the devices that
science has developed to light up our homes. I am able
to talk to you using this mic, thanks to technological
advancement. Medical science allows doctors to diagnose
and treat patients. Science and technology enhance the
overall comfort and quality of human life. And what do
I do as a preacher ? I pray for you, for your well-being,
and for your peace. In short, Vikram and I are doing
the same job. Both science and spirituality seek the
Almighty’s blessings for the prosperity of the human
l fledgling : new and
inexperienced
u What shaped
Dr Kalam’s thoughts
on religion ?
u Why was the site in
Thumba selected for
building the space
research centre ?
u What was the major
obstacle in getting
possession of the
site ?
u Who helped to solve
the problem of
acquiring the site?
l mic : microphone,
mike
Page 3
Science and Spirituality
Part I
We often witness conflict between two groups of
people - one that believes in science and the other
that believes in religion.
Dr Kalam was a great scientist - this is indisputable.
But he was also convinced that fact and faith can,
together, create a better planet. He once told me,
‘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 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 work together
for the betterment of humanity.’
Dr Kalam’s own life was nourished by multiple
faiths.
His father, a boatman, also served as an imam at
their local mosque, and his two best friends were from
two different religions - one was a Hindu and the other
was a Christian. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal was
the head priest of the famous Rameswara temple and
a Vedic scholar, and the Reverend Father Bodal had
built the first church on Rameswara Island. Dr Kalam
recalled how ‘All three of them, in the unique attire of
their religion, used to sit and discuss the community’s
problems and find solutions. Throughout the nation and
the world, the need to have a frank dialogue among
cultures, religions and civilizations is felt now more
than ever.’
When asked where he got his humility from Dr
Kalam would always attribute it to his father. In him,
he saw how simplicity and divinity could go together.
Even though his father was a boatman and Dr Kalam
went on to become the President of India, they shared
the same values in life. Both believed that if one leads
a spiritual life then that spirituality can lift them out
of any kind of confusion misery or failure.
l perspective : view,
particular attitude
towards something
l curbs : controls,
keeps something
within limit
u Why do science and
faith have to go hand
in hand ?
90
91
Part II
In the 1960, when Dr Kalam joined ISRO, it was
just a fledgling organization. His interactions with
the great scientist Professor Vikram Sarabhai and the
Reverend Peter Bernard Pereira, shaped his thoughts
on religion. It was here that he learnt about the true
meanning of religious service. Professor Sarabhai and
his team had selected a site in Thumba, Kerala, to set
up their space research facility. It was an ideal site
due to its proximity to the magnetic equator. But there
was a major roadblock in getting possession of the site
as it was the fishing grounds of Thumba’s fishermen.
Moreover, it had an old church of St Mary Magdalene,
a bishop’s house and a school, which was under the
administration of the church. Government officials
predicted that it would be impossible to relocate so
many people from the site and destroy religious
institutions for the sake of a space research centre.
But upon Dr Sarabhai’s persistence, it was suggested
that they approach the only person who could help
them in this situation - Father Pereira, the then bishop
of the region.
Dr Sarabhai and Dr Kalam approached Father
Pereira on a Saturday evening. The Reverend said,
‘Oh Vikram, you are asking me for my children’s
abode, for my abode, and for God’s abode. How is
it possible?’ Father Pereira then invited the party to
visit the church on a Sunday morning. Dr Sarabhai, his
team, and the forever - inquisitive disciple, Dr Kalam,
took up the offer.
At church the next Sunday, the Reverend invited
Dr Sarabhai up to the dais after the prayer service.
Turning to everyone present, he said, ‘Dear children,
here is a scientist, Dr Vikram Sarabhai. What does
science do for us ? We benefit from the devices that
science has developed to light up our homes. I am able
to talk to you using this mic, thanks to technological
advancement. Medical science allows doctors to diagnose
and treat patients. Science and technology enhance the
overall comfort and quality of human life. And what do
I do as a preacher ? I pray for you, for your well-being,
and for your peace. In short, Vikram and I are doing
the same job. Both science and spirituality seek the
Almighty’s blessings for the prosperity of the human
l fledgling : new and
inexperienced
u What shaped
Dr Kalam’s thoughts
on religion ?
u Why was the site in
Thumba selected for
building the space
research centre ?
u What was the major
obstacle in getting
possession of the
site ?
u Who helped to solve
the problem of
acquiring the site?
l mic : microphone,
mike
mind and body.
‘Dear children, Dr Vikram says that, within a year,
he wants to build scientific facilities near the sea coast,
replacing all the settlements that now stand there. Now,
can you give up your abode ? Can I give up my abode ?
Can we give up God’s abode for such a great scientific
mission ?’ Dr Kalam recalled how he witnessed ‘a pin-
drop silence for a long moment’. Then everyone got up,
and the whole church reverberated with the deafening
noise of a collective ‘amen’.
And so work on the research centre was soon under
way. But not without alternate accomodation being
offered to the affected fishermen, the church and the
Reverend Pereira.
Part III
A few years later, in the early 1980s, Professor
Satish Dhawan, the Director of ISRO, under whom Dr
Kalam had made his first unsuccessful launch in 1970
and then a successful one in 1980, had provided him
with more soul - shaping wisdom.
One day in 2012, we were discussing the number of
Ph.Ds Dr Kalam had received. He said to me, ‘Srijan,
Professor Dhawan had so many master’s degrees - all
from the best institutions, no less - so I asked him
how one can become so academically accomplished.
He responded saying that academic brilliance is no
different from the brilliance of a mirror, which can be
diminished by a coating of dust. Only when the dust
is removed, does the mirror shine and the reflection
becomes clear. We can remove the impurities obscuring
our souls by living pure and ethical lives, and by
serving humanity. And then God will shine through
us.’ These words took me back to my meeting with
Dr Kalam after my graduation from IIMA, in 2009. At
the time, he had advised me to use my degree and gold
medal to transform the society I lived in. Back in the
present moment, it suddenly struck me that Dr Kalam’s
advice had, in fact, directly resonated from Professor
Dhawan’s beliefs. The more I lived and worked with
Dr Kalam, the more I realized that through his words
of wisdom I was getting to learn from countless great
minds.
In April 2009, Dr Kalam was invited to attend
u How did the people
respond to the
appeal made by Rev.
Pereria ? Would you
have given the same
response ?
u How can we lead a
pure life?
l obscuring : making
unclear
l reverberated :
echoed loudly
l resonated : echoed,
resounded
u Whose philosophy
actually had an
impact on the writer ?
u What advice did
Dr Kalam give the
narrator after his
graduation ?
92
Page 4
Science and Spirituality
Part I
We often witness conflict between two groups of
people - one that believes in science and the other
that believes in religion.
Dr Kalam was a great scientist - this is indisputable.
But he was also convinced that fact and faith can,
together, create a better planet. He once told me,
‘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 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 work together
for the betterment of humanity.’
Dr Kalam’s own life was nourished by multiple
faiths.
His father, a boatman, also served as an imam at
their local mosque, and his two best friends were from
two different religions - one was a Hindu and the other
was a Christian. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal was
the head priest of the famous Rameswara temple and
a Vedic scholar, and the Reverend Father Bodal had
built the first church on Rameswara Island. Dr Kalam
recalled how ‘All three of them, in the unique attire of
their religion, used to sit and discuss the community’s
problems and find solutions. Throughout the nation and
the world, the need to have a frank dialogue among
cultures, religions and civilizations is felt now more
than ever.’
When asked where he got his humility from Dr
Kalam would always attribute it to his father. In him,
he saw how simplicity and divinity could go together.
Even though his father was a boatman and Dr Kalam
went on to become the President of India, they shared
the same values in life. Both believed that if one leads
a spiritual life then that spirituality can lift them out
of any kind of confusion misery or failure.
l perspective : view,
particular attitude
towards something
l curbs : controls,
keeps something
within limit
u Why do science and
faith have to go hand
in hand ?
90
91
Part II
In the 1960, when Dr Kalam joined ISRO, it was
just a fledgling organization. His interactions with
the great scientist Professor Vikram Sarabhai and the
Reverend Peter Bernard Pereira, shaped his thoughts
on religion. It was here that he learnt about the true
meanning of religious service. Professor Sarabhai and
his team had selected a site in Thumba, Kerala, to set
up their space research facility. It was an ideal site
due to its proximity to the magnetic equator. But there
was a major roadblock in getting possession of the site
as it was the fishing grounds of Thumba’s fishermen.
Moreover, it had an old church of St Mary Magdalene,
a bishop’s house and a school, which was under the
administration of the church. Government officials
predicted that it would be impossible to relocate so
many people from the site and destroy religious
institutions for the sake of a space research centre.
But upon Dr Sarabhai’s persistence, it was suggested
that they approach the only person who could help
them in this situation - Father Pereira, the then bishop
of the region.
Dr Sarabhai and Dr Kalam approached Father
Pereira on a Saturday evening. The Reverend said,
‘Oh Vikram, you are asking me for my children’s
abode, for my abode, and for God’s abode. How is
it possible?’ Father Pereira then invited the party to
visit the church on a Sunday morning. Dr Sarabhai, his
team, and the forever - inquisitive disciple, Dr Kalam,
took up the offer.
At church the next Sunday, the Reverend invited
Dr Sarabhai up to the dais after the prayer service.
Turning to everyone present, he said, ‘Dear children,
here is a scientist, Dr Vikram Sarabhai. What does
science do for us ? We benefit from the devices that
science has developed to light up our homes. I am able
to talk to you using this mic, thanks to technological
advancement. Medical science allows doctors to diagnose
and treat patients. Science and technology enhance the
overall comfort and quality of human life. And what do
I do as a preacher ? I pray for you, for your well-being,
and for your peace. In short, Vikram and I are doing
the same job. Both science and spirituality seek the
Almighty’s blessings for the prosperity of the human
l fledgling : new and
inexperienced
u What shaped
Dr Kalam’s thoughts
on religion ?
u Why was the site in
Thumba selected for
building the space
research centre ?
u What was the major
obstacle in getting
possession of the
site ?
u Who helped to solve
the problem of
acquiring the site?
l mic : microphone,
mike
mind and body.
‘Dear children, Dr Vikram says that, within a year,
he wants to build scientific facilities near the sea coast,
replacing all the settlements that now stand there. Now,
can you give up your abode ? Can I give up my abode ?
Can we give up God’s abode for such a great scientific
mission ?’ Dr Kalam recalled how he witnessed ‘a pin-
drop silence for a long moment’. Then everyone got up,
and the whole church reverberated with the deafening
noise of a collective ‘amen’.
And so work on the research centre was soon under
way. But not without alternate accomodation being
offered to the affected fishermen, the church and the
Reverend Pereira.
Part III
A few years later, in the early 1980s, Professor
Satish Dhawan, the Director of ISRO, under whom Dr
Kalam had made his first unsuccessful launch in 1970
and then a successful one in 1980, had provided him
with more soul - shaping wisdom.
One day in 2012, we were discussing the number of
Ph.Ds Dr Kalam had received. He said to me, ‘Srijan,
Professor Dhawan had so many master’s degrees - all
from the best institutions, no less - so I asked him
how one can become so academically accomplished.
He responded saying that academic brilliance is no
different from the brilliance of a mirror, which can be
diminished by a coating of dust. Only when the dust
is removed, does the mirror shine and the reflection
becomes clear. We can remove the impurities obscuring
our souls by living pure and ethical lives, and by
serving humanity. And then God will shine through
us.’ These words took me back to my meeting with
Dr Kalam after my graduation from IIMA, in 2009. At
the time, he had advised me to use my degree and gold
medal to transform the society I lived in. Back in the
present moment, it suddenly struck me that Dr Kalam’s
advice had, in fact, directly resonated from Professor
Dhawan’s beliefs. The more I lived and worked with
Dr Kalam, the more I realized that through his words
of wisdom I was getting to learn from countless great
minds.
In April 2009, Dr Kalam was invited to attend
u How did the people
respond to the
appeal made by Rev.
Pereria ? Would you
have given the same
response ?
u How can we lead a
pure life?
l obscuring : making
unclear
l reverberated :
echoed loudly
l resonated : echoed,
resounded
u Whose philosophy
actually had an
impact on the writer ?
u What advice did
Dr Kalam give the
narrator after his
graduation ?
92
the 102
nd
birthday celebrations of His Holiness Dr Sri
Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji in the Tumkur district
of Karnataka. Mahaswamiji is a remarkable person,
who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity.
His greatest contribution is the establishment of a
free residential education system for more than nine
thousand children in the ashram. The most astonishing
aspect of the entire event of his birthday was that the
102 year old Swamiji stood on his feet without any
support ! He looked as steady and alert as any other
youngster present there. This display of inner strength
touched Dr Kalam deeply.
A couple of days later, we were discussing this
unusual birthday party. I said to him, ‘Sir, do you
know, only four out of 1 lakh people cross the age of
100 ?’ I had googled the subject beforehand. He replied,
‘But how many of these four would be able to stand
tall for half an hour, give a wise discourse, and then
go on to feed thousands of children ?’ Of course nobody
could know the exact answer to his question but the
question itself led to many other relevant queries. ‘I
wonder what powers Mahaswamiji possesses that keep
him so strong at such an advanced age ? Maybe it’s
a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, or perhaps it’s
genetics ?’ I asked.
Dr Kalam sat contemplating deeply.
He recollected the tenet of goodness of action
from Pramukh Swamiji. Then, perhaps swimming in
silence to the shores of Mahapragyaji, he gathered the
sands of conscience to be our guide, our best friend.
Deeper down in the space-time of memory, he must
have heard Professor Brahma Prakash’s words about
the need of living a pure and ethical life, and Father
Pereira’s and Dr Sarabhai’s lesson of selflessness in
service. Eventually his thoughts would have settled on
Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, in whom he saw great
tranquility, and finally they must have come full circle
with the memory of the life of simplicity of his father,
who always espoused the value of giving back.
At long last, he spoke. ‘It is the very spirit of
What Can I Give.’ He elaborated, ‘Mahaswamiji lives
with the beliefs and ethos of our mission. He gives and
gives - education to famished minds, food to famished
bodies. In giving so much, he becomes strong. His
u??? ? What was
Mahaswamiji’s
tremendous
contribution ?
u??? ? What was unique
about Mahaswamiji ?
u??? ? What was the secret
of Mahaswamiji’s
fitness even at the
age of 102 years ?
l ?discourse : a formal
talk including a
debate.
l ?queries : questions
l ?tenet : a principle
or belief
l ?espoused : gave
support to
l ?ethos : characteristic
spirit of a culture or
era
l ?tranquility : peace,
calmness
Guess the meaning
of :
genetics
93
Page 5
Science and Spirituality
Part I
We often witness conflict between two groups of
people - one that believes in science and the other
that believes in religion.
Dr Kalam was a great scientist - this is indisputable.
But he was also convinced that fact and faith can,
together, create a better planet. He once told me,
‘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 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 work together
for the betterment of humanity.’
Dr Kalam’s own life was nourished by multiple
faiths.
His father, a boatman, also served as an imam at
their local mosque, and his two best friends were from
two different religions - one was a Hindu and the other
was a Christian. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal was
the head priest of the famous Rameswara temple and
a Vedic scholar, and the Reverend Father Bodal had
built the first church on Rameswara Island. Dr Kalam
recalled how ‘All three of them, in the unique attire of
their religion, used to sit and discuss the community’s
problems and find solutions. Throughout the nation and
the world, the need to have a frank dialogue among
cultures, religions and civilizations is felt now more
than ever.’
When asked where he got his humility from Dr
Kalam would always attribute it to his father. In him,
he saw how simplicity and divinity could go together.
Even though his father was a boatman and Dr Kalam
went on to become the President of India, they shared
the same values in life. Both believed that if one leads
a spiritual life then that spirituality can lift them out
of any kind of confusion misery or failure.
l perspective : view,
particular attitude
towards something
l curbs : controls,
keeps something
within limit
u Why do science and
faith have to go hand
in hand ?
90
91
Part II
In the 1960, when Dr Kalam joined ISRO, it was
just a fledgling organization. His interactions with
the great scientist Professor Vikram Sarabhai and the
Reverend Peter Bernard Pereira, shaped his thoughts
on religion. It was here that he learnt about the true
meanning of religious service. Professor Sarabhai and
his team had selected a site in Thumba, Kerala, to set
up their space research facility. It was an ideal site
due to its proximity to the magnetic equator. But there
was a major roadblock in getting possession of the site
as it was the fishing grounds of Thumba’s fishermen.
Moreover, it had an old church of St Mary Magdalene,
a bishop’s house and a school, which was under the
administration of the church. Government officials
predicted that it would be impossible to relocate so
many people from the site and destroy religious
institutions for the sake of a space research centre.
But upon Dr Sarabhai’s persistence, it was suggested
that they approach the only person who could help
them in this situation - Father Pereira, the then bishop
of the region.
Dr Sarabhai and Dr Kalam approached Father
Pereira on a Saturday evening. The Reverend said,
‘Oh Vikram, you are asking me for my children’s
abode, for my abode, and for God’s abode. How is
it possible?’ Father Pereira then invited the party to
visit the church on a Sunday morning. Dr Sarabhai, his
team, and the forever - inquisitive disciple, Dr Kalam,
took up the offer.
At church the next Sunday, the Reverend invited
Dr Sarabhai up to the dais after the prayer service.
Turning to everyone present, he said, ‘Dear children,
here is a scientist, Dr Vikram Sarabhai. What does
science do for us ? We benefit from the devices that
science has developed to light up our homes. I am able
to talk to you using this mic, thanks to technological
advancement. Medical science allows doctors to diagnose
and treat patients. Science and technology enhance the
overall comfort and quality of human life. And what do
I do as a preacher ? I pray for you, for your well-being,
and for your peace. In short, Vikram and I are doing
the same job. Both science and spirituality seek the
Almighty’s blessings for the prosperity of the human
l fledgling : new and
inexperienced
u What shaped
Dr Kalam’s thoughts
on religion ?
u Why was the site in
Thumba selected for
building the space
research centre ?
u What was the major
obstacle in getting
possession of the
site ?
u Who helped to solve
the problem of
acquiring the site?
l mic : microphone,
mike
mind and body.
‘Dear children, Dr Vikram says that, within a year,
he wants to build scientific facilities near the sea coast,
replacing all the settlements that now stand there. Now,
can you give up your abode ? Can I give up my abode ?
Can we give up God’s abode for such a great scientific
mission ?’ Dr Kalam recalled how he witnessed ‘a pin-
drop silence for a long moment’. Then everyone got up,
and the whole church reverberated with the deafening
noise of a collective ‘amen’.
And so work on the research centre was soon under
way. But not without alternate accomodation being
offered to the affected fishermen, the church and the
Reverend Pereira.
Part III
A few years later, in the early 1980s, Professor
Satish Dhawan, the Director of ISRO, under whom Dr
Kalam had made his first unsuccessful launch in 1970
and then a successful one in 1980, had provided him
with more soul - shaping wisdom.
One day in 2012, we were discussing the number of
Ph.Ds Dr Kalam had received. He said to me, ‘Srijan,
Professor Dhawan had so many master’s degrees - all
from the best institutions, no less - so I asked him
how one can become so academically accomplished.
He responded saying that academic brilliance is no
different from the brilliance of a mirror, which can be
diminished by a coating of dust. Only when the dust
is removed, does the mirror shine and the reflection
becomes clear. We can remove the impurities obscuring
our souls by living pure and ethical lives, and by
serving humanity. And then God will shine through
us.’ These words took me back to my meeting with
Dr Kalam after my graduation from IIMA, in 2009. At
the time, he had advised me to use my degree and gold
medal to transform the society I lived in. Back in the
present moment, it suddenly struck me that Dr Kalam’s
advice had, in fact, directly resonated from Professor
Dhawan’s beliefs. The more I lived and worked with
Dr Kalam, the more I realized that through his words
of wisdom I was getting to learn from countless great
minds.
In April 2009, Dr Kalam was invited to attend
u How did the people
respond to the
appeal made by Rev.
Pereria ? Would you
have given the same
response ?
u How can we lead a
pure life?
l obscuring : making
unclear
l reverberated :
echoed loudly
l resonated : echoed,
resounded
u Whose philosophy
actually had an
impact on the writer ?
u What advice did
Dr Kalam give the
narrator after his
graduation ?
92
the 102
nd
birthday celebrations of His Holiness Dr Sri
Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji in the Tumkur district
of Karnataka. Mahaswamiji is a remarkable person,
who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity.
His greatest contribution is the establishment of a
free residential education system for more than nine
thousand children in the ashram. The most astonishing
aspect of the entire event of his birthday was that the
102 year old Swamiji stood on his feet without any
support ! He looked as steady and alert as any other
youngster present there. This display of inner strength
touched Dr Kalam deeply.
A couple of days later, we were discussing this
unusual birthday party. I said to him, ‘Sir, do you
know, only four out of 1 lakh people cross the age of
100 ?’ I had googled the subject beforehand. He replied,
‘But how many of these four would be able to stand
tall for half an hour, give a wise discourse, and then
go on to feed thousands of children ?’ Of course nobody
could know the exact answer to his question but the
question itself led to many other relevant queries. ‘I
wonder what powers Mahaswamiji possesses that keep
him so strong at such an advanced age ? Maybe it’s
a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, or perhaps it’s
genetics ?’ I asked.
Dr Kalam sat contemplating deeply.
He recollected the tenet of goodness of action
from Pramukh Swamiji. Then, perhaps swimming in
silence to the shores of Mahapragyaji, he gathered the
sands of conscience to be our guide, our best friend.
Deeper down in the space-time of memory, he must
have heard Professor Brahma Prakash’s words about
the need of living a pure and ethical life, and Father
Pereira’s and Dr Sarabhai’s lesson of selflessness in
service. Eventually his thoughts would have settled on
Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, in whom he saw great
tranquility, and finally they must have come full circle
with the memory of the life of simplicity of his father,
who always espoused the value of giving back.
At long last, he spoke. ‘It is the very spirit of
What Can I Give.’ He elaborated, ‘Mahaswamiji lives
with the beliefs and ethos of our mission. He gives and
gives - education to famished minds, food to famished
bodies. In giving so much, he becomes strong. His
u??? ? What was
Mahaswamiji’s
tremendous
contribution ?
u??? ? What was unique
about Mahaswamiji ?
u??? ? What was the secret
of Mahaswamiji’s
fitness even at the
age of 102 years ?
l ?discourse : a formal
talk including a
debate.
l ?queries : questions
l ?tenet : a principle
or belief
l ?espoused : gave
support to
l ?ethos : characteristic
spirit of a culture or
era
l ?tranquility : peace,
calmness
Guess the meaning
of :
genetics
93
munificence fuels his strength. That is what keeps him
standing tall and active in life. The essence of a happy
life and a peaceful society lies in one sentence - What
can I give?’
‘Turning to me, he asked, ‘What is the reverse of
“What can I give ?”
Circumspectly I replied, ‘What can I...take ?’
‘Yes,’ he said, ‘and that is the thought which is
responsible for all the wrong we see around us. We
think that we can take from the environment and
destroy it indiscriminately; we think of what we can
take from other humans, leading us to corruption
and inequity. This attitude of taking and taking even
destroys families. To keep this planet liveable and the
human race thriving, we have to replace this attitude
of ‘what can I take’ with the goodness of ‘what can
I give’.
The gravity of the message struck me. This
challenge became my silent motivation.
Three years later, in 2012, this idea became a reality
as our What Can I Give movement, through which
Dr Kalam tried to combat corruption, environmental
degradation and social evils.
It is important that we ask ourselves this question
for in the answer lies the truth of humanity. So go
ahead and question yourself.
What can I give ?
The answers will be astounding.
u???? What makes society
corrupt and unfair ?
u??? Which question
inspires
humanitarianism?
l ?munificence :
generosity
l ?circumspectly :
cautiously
l ?inequity : injustice
l ?astounding : amazing,
surprisingly impressive - Adapted from the ‘What Can I Give’ by Srijan Pal Singh
ENGLISH WORKSHOP
1. (A) Read ‘Part I’ and match the words in Column ‘A’ with associating words given in
Column ‘B’.
No ‘A’ ‘B’
(i) Science and faith (a) Created by fact and faith
(ii) Science (b) Success of societies
(iii) Better Planet (c) Betterment of humanity
(iv) Creations and
Discoveries
(d) Believers of science and religions
(v) Conflict (e) Solves questions, discovers truth, conceives
inventions
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)
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