Kalam’s Vision 2020 through exhibits .. FROM THE HINDU
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kalams-vision-2020-through-exhibits/article19400021.ece Madurai Aug.1, 2017
With a beautiful illustration of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, ‘Vision 2020’ bus, an initiative by students of Chinmaya Vishwavudyapeeth, aims at educating people about Kalam’s idea of a developed India. It was on the move in Madurai on Monday.
The bus stopped at various educational institutions and spots of significance. The three volunteers of the programme interacted with those who visited the bus and highlighted the importance of ‘Pokhran Mission’, ‘Scientists of India’, ‘Life story of APJ’ and ‘Satellites of India’. Students of Mahatma Montessori School, Setupati Higher Secondary School, TVS Matriculation Higher Secondary School and Lady Doak College had the opportunity to view the exhibits.
K. Jashwanth Raj of Mahatma Montessori School was particularly excited to read about the smallest satellite in space. “If we are taught with colourful pictures and such activities, we can understand lessons better,” he said. Teachers echoed his view, saying it was different from other such exhibits because the bus carried several unseen images of Kalam.
“Our mission is to make his [APJ Abdul Kalam’s] vision come true. We are travelling to 16 States in 81 days. The bus was flagged off on 27th July by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I’ve already spoken to over 2,000 people. It’s a great experience,” says Punit Arora, the head volunteer .
This touring bus is part of a one-year course on Youth Empowerment by Chinmaya Vishwavidhyapeeth, Pune. The bus moves to Rajapalayam on Tuesday and the final stop will be Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of President Ram Nath Kovind, in New Delhi on October 15, Kalam’s birth anniversary.
The Hindu - Metroplus Madurai dt. August 4, 2017
http://www.thehindu.com/
The METRO PLUS
Carrying forward Kalam's legacy
Sandesh of APJ Abdul Kalam carries a pavillion of inspiring messages, presentations and pictures of the former President
Students, teachers and general public had an inspiring insight into Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's life and achievements as the Vahini carrying the former President's legacy stopped over at schools, colleges and significant landmarks in the city during the week. The bus, jointly designed by House of Kalam and Chinmaya Mission is a project to spread the message of Kalam, making people aware of his contribution to the educational and scientific growth of the nation. The mobile exhibition depicts the early life, education and different phases and accomplishments at ISRO including Pokhran II in which Kalam played a major role.
“This kind of a demonstration arouses curiosity among children, especially when the visual appeal is more,” says Shivaraj S, an academician, referring to the miniature models of rockets and satellites displayed in the bus.
“The awareness level increases naturally and students get to know about the legacy of a great personality. It's like a little sojourn outside the classroom to break the monotony.”
Guhakumari, a former teacher and now a volunteer with Chinmaya Mission says that Kalam is someone who transcended boundaries and increased his relevance to the people of the country. “The bus carries some lesser-known and interesting anecdotes about Kalam. Like for instance, during the Pokhran missile testing, the activities were carried out in the desert of Rajasthan and had to be done in secrecy, to avoid satellite detection. And it was Dr. Kalam who came up with the idea of concealing the cables and equipment under sand dunes and natural vegetation. It was an effective, simple yet genius idea,” she adds.
“It was an eye-opener to know what a multi-faceted personality Kalam was. He had great ideas for the county and was a visionary. As a student, I feel obliged to contribute to his dreams,” says K Sujana, a class V1 student of Mahatma Montessori School, Surveyor Colony. “Kalam invested his faith in the youth and not in politicians or stars. It's our duty to uphold his values and toe his path,” says Pranav, a class VII student.
“It's important to teach the younger generation about a science laureate like Kalam. He was an icon for the youth and hence it makes sense to take his message to students,” says Puneet Arora, a volunteer in the bus. After enrolling for a course in social service at the Chinmaya University, Arora was happy to be part of the mission. “The response of the public has been extremely heart warming. Even at public places like Periyar busstand where we were stationed for nearly two hours, people steadily poured in to take a look at the presentation.”
The bus will be touring over 500 cities and towns across 17 states in the country, before reaching Rashtrapathi Bhavan in Delhi on Kalam's birthday in 15 October. A music video on Dr. Kalam, made by the students of Delhi Public School, Noida is also being played at various places where the Vahini stops.
MADURAI,
