World Students' Day 2024: Honoring Education and Abdul Kalam

World Students' Day Overview

• • World Students Day Celebrated annually on October 15th
  • Honors students globally and raises awareness about their challenges
  • United Nations designated October 15 as World Students' Day in 2010
  • UN recognized Dr. Kalam's contributions to education and his support of young people
  • Commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
  • Emphasizes the importance of education in personal and social development
  • Recognizes students' contributions and encourages them to pursue their dreams
  • Theme for 2024: "Empowering Students to be Agents of Change"

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's Legacy

• • Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
  • Served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007
  • Known as the 'Missile Man of India' for his work in aerospace engineering
  • Significant contributions to India's space and missile programs
  • Awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor
  • Dedicated his life to promoting education and inspiring youth
  • Authored books like "Wings of Fire," "Turning Point," and "Ignited Minds"
  • Passed away on July 27, 2015, at the age of 83

Significance and Activities of World Students' Day

• • Promotes education as a fundamental human right
  • Raises awareness about challenges faced by students globally
  • Serves as a platform for discussions on improving educational systems
  • Encourages students to be future leaders and innovators

Activities include:

a) Seminars and workshops on educational issues

b) Essay competitions on Dr. Kalam's teachings

c) Community service events

d) Cultural exchange programs

• • Fosters a sense of global unity among students
  • Addresses themes such as mental health, financial constraints, and supportive learning environments

Dr. Kalam's Career and Contributions

• • Started his career at the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960
  • Joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • Transferred to ISRO in 1969, became project director of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III)
  • Visited NASA facilities in the United States
  • Developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and SLV-III projects
  • Directed Project Devil and Project Valiant for ballistic missile development
  • Led India's advanced missile program
  • Served as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of DRDO (1992-1999)
  • Played a crucial role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998