World Students’ Day – October 15, 2022, history, significance
World Students’ Day is observed annually on October 15. The day commemorates the birthday of former Indian president Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, to a Muslim family in the pilgrimage center of Rameswaram on Pamban Island, India.
In a landslide victory, he became the 11th president of the Republic of India on July 18, 2002. During his five-year tenure, Kalam was deeply loved by the people and fondly called the “People’s President.”
HISTORY OF WORLD STUDENTS’ DAY
World Students’ Day is celebrated on October 15 because the date marks the birthday of India’s former president, late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. However, there is controversy surrounding the origin of the holiday.
Although some sources claim it was established and is currently observed by the United Nations (U.N.), there is no evidence pointing to that fact. In reality, the only international day observed by the U.N. on October 15 is the International Day of Rural Women.
Furthermore, it has been alleged that the National Information Officer of the U.N. Information Center, Rajiv Chandran, stated that the U.N. had never declared such a day. Nevertheless, World Students’ Day aims to recognize the impact Kalam had on India’s educational sector.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, to a Tamil Muslim family in the pilgrimage center of Rameswaram on Pamban Island, India. He graduated with a physics degree from Saint Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli.
After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology, where he studied aerospace engineering, he joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defense Research and Development Organization. He experienced a brilliant and illustrious career as a scientist, becoming India’s most famous nuclear scientist in the 1990s.
Kalam became the 11th president of the Republic of India on July 18, 2002. He was deeply loved and fondly called the “People’s President” during his five-year tenure. Post-presidency, he lectured in several higher institutions.
He was a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong; an honorary fellow of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; and chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, as well as many other positions.
Kalam received seven honorary doctorates from 40 universities, indicating his brilliance in his field. On July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away at Bethany Hospital.
WORLD STUDENTS’ DAY TIMELINE
1931
Kalam Is Born
Abdul Kalam is born in Rameswaram, Pamban Island, India, on October 15.
2002
Kalam Becomes President
Kalam is elected to the office of the President of the Republic of India.
2010
World Students’ Day Is Created
World Students’ Day is observed for the first time in honor of President Abdul Kalam.
2015
Kalam Passes Away
Kalam collapses while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD STUDENTS’ DAY
Learn from Kalam’s life
From being an average student to becoming India’s 11th president, Kalam achieved many great feats during his life. He was living proof that our past does not define our future. Motivate yourself by learning important lessons from his life.
Study Kalam’s quotes
Kalam made many profound statements that have been immortalized in the minds of many people. Study some of his inspirational quotes and apply them to your life.
Use the hashtag
Raise more awareness about World Students’ Day on social media. Feel free to use the hashtag #worldstudentsday.
5 INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES BY A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM
Don’t take rest
“Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”
Dreams can come true
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
Be determined to succeed
“Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.”
Change your habits
“You cannot change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.”
Never give up
“If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means ‘First Attempt In Learning.'”
WHY WORLD STUDENTS’ DAY IS IMPORTANT
Kalam lived an inspirational life
During his school days, Kalam was regarded as an average student. Yet, he went on to become India’s most famous nuclear scientist. This proves that no matter what, we can overcome our past and become excellent in life.
Kalam was the people’s president
During his term as president, he touched the hearts of the people. In a time when political leaders were often corrupt and self-centered, he charted a different path and positively impacted the country.
Kalam changed history
During his career as a scientist, Kalam became known as the “Missile Man of India.” He made history when he worked on developing ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He also had a massive part in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.