World Students’ Day: Build ideas, inspire change
Puducherry, Oct 16: In honour of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, we celebrate World Students’ Day annually on 15th October. For us, this day serves as a reminder of his belief in the boundless potential of young minds. Dr. Kalam saw students as the ‘true strength and future of the nation’. Even after serving as a scientist and President, he chose to spend most of his later life in teaching and interacting with students across schools, colleges, and universities — encouraging them to dream big and work hard. His talks and books like ‘Wings of Fire’ and ‘Ignited Minds’, continue to inspire millions of students across the nation.
Dr. Kalam’s greatest legacy lies in his deep connection with the youth. His words urged the young minds to believe in their potential in shaping the nation’s future. Even after his presidency, he continued to travel, teach, and inspire students across nations — right up until his final moments, when he passed away while addressing students at IIM Shillong in 2015. Dr. Kalam was not just a teacher by profession, but by heart. He believed that no question is too small or too silly, and often joked that the word ”impossible” was just a word waiting to be challenged. He listened to students with great patience, answered them because he believed the next great idea, invention, or even a leader could come from any of them.
At Pondicherry University, student life thrives on diversity, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Students from different cultures and disciplines come together, inspire one another with shared experiences. Here, unity nurtures creativity and innovation, making education not only a path in pursuing knowledge but also in empowerment. Life here goes beyond exams and assignments; it’s about growing as a thinker, a creator, and a changemaker. Every moment, whether in a lively class discussion or a quiet walk across the campus, reminds us that as students, we have the power to imagine, to innovate, and to contribute to a better world.
The theme “Empowering Students as Agents of Innovation and Change” truly reflects who we are today. As Dr. Kalam often said, “Dream, Dream, Dream. Dreams turn into thoughts and thoughts result in action”. On this World Students’ Day, let’s commit to turning our dreams into ideas that inspire the young, growing minds to create a better future for all.
Article by: Anushri Ramesh
