Every year on October 15, World Students' Day is celebrated to honour the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a visionary leader whose dedication to education and empowerment continues to inspire millions. While Dr. Kalam is renowned for his accomplishments as a scientist and former President of India, it is his passion for teaching and nurturing young minds that has left a lasting impact. The designation of his birth anniversary as World Students' Day is a fitting tribute to a man who believed that students are the true pillars of a nation, and who spent his life fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and moral integrity.

Dr. Kalam’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated scientist and the 11th President of India is a testament to the transformative power of education. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, he rose above adversity to pursue his passion for science, eventually making groundbreaking contributions to India’s space and missile programs. However, despite his scientific achievements, Dr. Kalam always considered teaching to be his primary mission. Even during his presidency, he often interacted with students, delivering lectures, answering their questions, and encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination.

The essence of World Students' Day lies in recognizing the critical role that students play in shaping the future of society. Dr. Kalam believed that students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in building a better world. His vision for education extended beyond academic success; he aimed to nurture holistic development by fostering creativity, critical thinking, ethical values, and a sense of responsibility among young learners. He advocated for an education system that encourages students to dream big, explore new ideas, and work toward solutions that address the world’s pressing challenges.

Dr. Kalam's emphasis on the power of dreams is encapsulated in his famous words, "Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action." He consistently urged students to set high aspirations and work diligently to achieve them. This belief was not limited to academic or professional goals; Dr. Kalam saw the potential of young people to contribute to society by solving real-world problems. He often emphasized the importance of scientific research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship as pathways for students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large.

World Students' Day serves as a reminder of the need to provide quality education for all and to empower students to take charge of their learning journey. Dr. Kalam's vision for education was inclusive, aiming to reach every corner of the country, particularly rural and underprivileged areas. He was a strong advocate for bridging the digital divide and using technology to make education more accessible. His initiatives, such as PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas), sought to ensure that students from all backgrounds could have the tools and resources needed to succeed.

In celebrating this day, it is essential to reflect on the current state of education and identify areas for improvement. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the disparities in access to education and technology, making it more urgent to invest in digital infrastructure and teacher training to support online and blended learning. Dr. Kalam's dream of an educated India remains a work in progress, and it is the responsibility of policymakers, educators, and society as a whole to continue striving toward that goal. The spirit of World Students' Day encourages us to recognize the potential within each student and to create an environment where every learner can thrive.

Dr. Kalam's life and teachings remind us that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about developing character, cultivating resilience, and nurturing a sense of purpose. He believed that young people must be equipped with the skills and values needed to face the challenges of the future, including environmental sustainability, social justice, and ethical leadership. He frequently spoke of combining scientific progress with spiritual growth, advocating for a balanced approach that promotes not only intellectual but also emotional and moral development.

As we commemorate World Students' Day, let us draw inspiration from Dr. Kalam's unwavering commitment to empowering the youth. His legacy is a call to action for educators to be more than instructors; they must be mentors who inspire curiosity and guide students in finding their unique path. It is also a call for students to be more than learners; they must be innovators, leaders, and changemakers who actively contribute to the betterment of society.