APJ Abdul Kalam: A man of different faiths
– Bhavya Srivastava
How do you describe a man who born in a particular religion, passionate for spirituality, become head of the nation and wrote biography for a religious head. Surely the man must possess diversity and openness for that. None than other our loving Dr APJ Abdul Kalam can meet this level of acceptance and understanding. His religion is humanity and his work human endeavours are unparalleled.
A man who was born in a very challenging atmosphere made his life a lesson for everyone. He is a believer of true humanity and he defines it with his actions. The way he touches life is more than inspiring. A humble soul with a noble goal who sails with time and changed the mindset of a nation. His religious adventures are more diverse than you imagine.
The Swaminarayan sect based in Gujarat, well known for its temples and sanskar curriculum, continues to amaze someone with the biography of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha’s spiritual head Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj having the signature from a distinct man; Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
The Swamiji of Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir in Delhi remembers how Dr Kalam usually called upon many swamijis and asked for more details. His questions were simple yet and intriguing and thought-provoking. “It was amazing to see a person of his stature take spirituality and pay so close attention to minute details”.
Jain saint Acharya Dr Lokesh Muni, who was close to him remembers that how he visited his guru Acharya Mahapragya two time in two days in his MUMBAI official visit. This was against protocol, and newspapers scrutinise this inquisitively. Even he told that every year Dr Kalam celebrate his birthday with an organisation, Unity of Mind, in a very distant location, addressing some social event. Even Dr Kalam co-wrote a book with the Jain Saint on family morals and ideals.
Every religion has its core beliefs and practices, but few men cross the barriers of definition and define the truest form of religion. Dr Kalam knows how to serve religion at its best. He visited all religious places, interacted every faith leader, supported many social initiatives by the religious-spiritual organisations. Even waited for an appointment with a yoga exponent. One very famous yoga school of Bihar has requested him to wait for few weeks as the head is in some Sadhna. That was his patience.
One of Dr Kalam Quote describe him best, “For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.” The people who know him always say that he was a Muslim and follow Quran by heart but Gita has the same impression on his mind and heart. A strict vegetarian and percussionist Dr Kalam was very inspired by Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. His book on Thiruvalluvar; “Thirukkural: Pearls of Inspiration” was his gift to his inspirer. Dr Kalam wrote in ‘Ignited Minds’, he studied in St Joseph’s college Trichy a christian institution. Had roommates from different religions one hindu brahmin Sampath Kumar, other christian Alexander and himself a muslim. Surely the deep understanding has entrenched him for a broad vision.
In his life time he was associated with many social organisations, Unity of Mind is one them, on his birthdays this body celebrates the day as in many messaging ways. Even he said many time that, “ Unity of Minds can solve any problems” He understand the problem so he quipped, It is “not religion but religious dogma” that has led to so many conflicts around the world. The wars and the violence among the followers of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism were a result of religious fanaticism. Religion should “graduate into spirituality” to bring peace to the world and peace was essential for progress, development, prosperity and happiness which would all make the world beautiful”
The grand man was remembered for his insights and inspirations always. His teachings and preachings were not deemed as a man’s view, it was seen as basic human needs. He lived a life of message and peace, his encounters and knowledge travelled in every direction. He knows that human can change any reality, so his pragmatism inspires everyone, who know him or just read his thoughts.
