How I met the former president of India - Akhin, CEO - SPAIRO

Oh my God!!

Was it a dream?!!

One fine morning our computer instructer Mr.Sreejith came up to meand said

“Akhin.You are going to meet APJ Abdul kalam!!”

My legs betrayed me.My eyes welled up. I am going to meet the great scientist who made India one of the super powers in space and missile technology. Moreover he is my dearest role model, a personality the children all over the country love and worship.My ambition too is to become a scientist. I have done many scientific projects .

Oh I started in the middle.Let me explain. On Februvary 17 this year, the former president of India and a great leader, Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam came to Wayanad to launch Kerala state`s first comprehensive educational web portal Arividom. Two promising students from each school of Wayand was selected to have a special session with APJ. In my school around 3000 students study. So I thought I would never get a chance to meet the great scientist. So when I knew I was selected, I was totally shocked.

Last year I joined AFRC India and I am very happy to be part of this year`s Leadership Village summer school. Last year`s training I got from AFRc raised my confidence and this year when I joined a new school(WMO- Muttil) I showed a lot of leadership. So I was given many duties and I was noticed too. I am in charge of the projector and the computer and the video camera of the school. I presented many programs in my class too. I have even shown the Leadership Village blog (last year`s) to my class mates in the big screen.

Back to my story.The programme was held at Chandragiri auditorium.I got a seat in the last row.I was so sad.Suddenly an announcement:

“Due to heavy rain the flight landed in Bangalore. So APJ will reach Wayanad very late”

From Bangalore he had to travel by road for 6 hours. Many would have cancelled the programme, but he didn’t. That’s the greatness of him. On the way to Wayanad many times he called the collector and instructed to give food tp all the students.

Some students left. Our HM asked, do you want to go home?

I said NO. I want to meet APJ.

Some students left. Luckily I got a seat by the side way.

At last , late at night he came. On the way to the stage when he walked I shook hands with him. He smiled. When he returned too I got a chance to shake hands with him. His hands were soft like a child.

There were 800 students in the big auditaurium. He asked :

“ How many of you would like to become scientists?”      

Without waiting a second I raised my hand. Then I looked around. Only 3 other students raised their hands. I am very proud. I always wanted to be a scientist and I did many things. But only because of AFRC and Leadership Village I got the COURAGE and mental strength. That’s why this is the third year I came back to my summer school. As long as I am in Wayanad I will come back.

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Editor`s note: Akhin is very good in computers and electronics. He is one of the best project designers in Wayanad .He makes videos and animation for AFRC.