Day 185

 Pathways to Greatness

Pathways to Greatness was completed by Bharat Ratna Dr. A P J Kalam towards the fag end of his life in 2015.

·       In the preface Dr. Kalam  stated that the book was in the making for many years.

·        In this book, Dr. Kalam, among others, prescribed the Oaths to be taken by different stake holders in the country to make India great in the comity of nations in the world.

 Some of the oaths, prescribed for the doctors, are cited to show the late President’s concern on such matters.

•  I realize that as a medical professional I am carrying out God’s mission.
•  I will always devote  a part of my time to treating patients who cannot afford it.
•  I will never subject my patients to unnecessary diagnostic pain and will only recommend tests that are absolutely essential.
•  I will treat at least twenty rural patients every year at minimal cost by going to rural areas-------------

 All these make the book unique and worth a read by all the stakeholders. Our country has a chequered history which is unparalleled in the world. This is well acknowledged too. However the country has “ miles to go” to  become great again in the world  due to variety of reasons .

Leaders and influential people have tried to change the course of events in the country since independence as the situation has been alarming then and even now. At the time of Independence the issue was one of great shortages, now the reasons are vastly different, but fortunately shortage of materials is not one of them.  

So the quest for greatness is fraught with many hurdles for the country, some man made but many natural to . Many people in the past also referred to such concerns very vehemently and repeatedly, without much avail. But none of them possessed the stature of Dr. Kalam. Hence his book deserves serious attention by all stake holders without loss of time

It is hoped that the book will be made an educational text at graduation level or even matriculation level onwards such that the coming generation will be more enlightened than now.

 The book ends with the following-

“I sincerely hope that this book particularly the oaths drafted for different groups of people from all walks of life, helps India’s citizenry rise to this great responsibility and develop a national character that enables our nation to lead the whole world on the pathways to success.”

One must salute the memory of Dr. Abdul Kalam for his outstanding services to the nation and more so for his writings/lectures which will be a perennial beacon of hope and inspiration to the millions in India and elsewhere in the years to come. 

A must read for all those who pursue greatness in Personal, Public and Organizational life.

Be Peaceful.

Vande Mataram

8 AM