Everything changes, it’s an unavoidable truth.We all have things that come along that are different and new. Some of us can handle transitions better than others. Getting used to things that are unfamiliar is a real challenge for many. Being open-minded can help us adjust to things that come along in life. Nothing remains the same for too long. An idea, a revolution, a communal desire to see change can make some uncomfortable which presents a whole other set of issues. The one thing we have to do in our life is to keep our cool and hopefully have an open mind to doing something we aren’t used to doing.
So if you are going through a lot of change, know others have been down the same road as you. It will be alright. Have faith in your own abilities to adapt to the new. We all have changes ahead that we have to cope with. Keep the faith and things will be fine.
*/This post was inspired by someone, I know, who is going through this change.*/
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a former President of India’s autobiography- ‘Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam’ is a must-read for every Indian. I picked up this copy and found it very engaging. Kalam scrutinises his early life, effort, hardship, fortitude, luck and chance that eventually led him to lead Indian space research, nuclear and missile programs. He began his career, soon after his graduation from Aerospace engineering at MIT (Chennai), India at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited where he was assigned to build a prototype of a hovercraft. Later, when he was in ISRO, he assisted in developing Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which became the first space launch vehicle program.
Wings of Fire’ has been divided into 7 sections Preface, Acknowledgements, Introduction, Orientation, Creation, Propitiation, Contemplation and Epilogue. The ‘Creation’ section traverses through Kalam’s life and works from 1963 to 1980. Thumba and Satellite Launch Vehicle and related projects have been covered here. He was conferred Padma Bhushan in 1981.
The ‘Propitation’ section covers years from 1981 to 1991 scientist’s journey. He assisted in shaping up the Guided Missile Development Program. The missiles developed are – Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag and Agni.
Kalam is also poet and here is an example
“Do not look at Agni
As an entity directed upward
To deter the ominous
Or exhibit your might.
It is fire in the heart of an Indian.
Do not even give it
The form of a missile
As it clings to the
Burning pride of this nation
And thus is bright.”
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam rose from humble origins and went on to become the President of India. As a President of India, he utilized every opportunity to address students mainly school students to dream big and become achievers in life. His contribution as a scientist and as President will remain unparalleled and he shall continue to inspire us.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
The ‘missile man’ who was also a former President of India is no longer in this world. Dr. Kalam suffered a massive cardiac arrest during the lecture at IIM, Shillong. He was rushed to the hospital but could not be revived by the medical team. The nation mourns the loss of this great scientist and an inspiring individual. I would like to conclude with a few quotes from this great scientist
“Dream, Dream, Dream
Dream transforms into thoughts
And thoughts results in action.”
“This is my belief; that through difficulties and problems God gives us the opportunity to grow. So when your hopes and dreams are dashed, search among the wreckage, you may find a golden opportunity hidden in the ruins.”
Truly, a ‘People’s President’ who shall always be remembered.
‘Golden Triangle’ consists of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur as tourist destinations in India.
The golden triangle of India in the map of India
International Travellers begin their journey from Delhi by arriving at the main airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, a state-of-the-art airport.
Inside Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi international airport
Delhi– Lal Qila or Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is made of red sandstone in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. The fort held a strategic place of power in the Mughal era.
India Gate-It is an important landmark in the Indian capital. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed it in 1931 during the British rule. British soldiers who fought in World War were commemorated here. After independence, the Indian government redesignated the monument for ‘Unknown Soldier of the Indian Army’ in memory of Indian soldiers who have lost their lives in wars.
India Gate in Delhi
Qutub Minar– It is the tallest brick minaret on earth at 234 feet high from ground level. It was built to celebrate Muhammad Ghori’s victory over Rajputs. It is made of sandstone and has inscriptions of verses from the Holy Quran. The complex comprises of a large area with many ancient and medieval structures that lie in ruins.
Qutab Minar
Mughal Gardens in Delhi–It covers over 13 acres of land and is a renowned garden in Delhi. It is a fusion of British Garden concept and Mughal style. The gardens consist of Mughal style fountains, terraces and canals. Beautiful flowers like Bougainvillea, roses, sweet William, Marigold, viscaria and many more can be found here.
Mughal gardens in Delhi
Rail Museum of Delhi–Situated in Chanakyapuri is a popular haunt for rail fans. Here you can see old train engines and coaches. The first train with a steam engine that covered Bombay to Thane in 1853 is the pride of this Rail Museum in Delhi. A miniature rail track ride is an attraction for tourists with kids in the museum.
Agra– Situated in the eastern point of the renowned tourist destinations called Golden Triangle which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Agra has one of the Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is not only beautiful from the outside but also charming from the inside. Flowers in marble can be seen decorated on its walls. Stonework is par excellence and speaks volumes about the skilled workers of the era.
Taj Mahal
Fatehpur Sikri– It was constructed by Akbar to celebrate the victory over a Rajput Emperor.
Fatehpur Sikri
Jama Masjid– It is constructed in the complex of Fatehpur Sikri and the entry is through Buland Darwaja.
Anup Talao– It is a red sandstone water pool with a platform that has a raised seat in the middle.
Jaipur– the capital city of Rajasthan is popular among tourists. The city is bounded by beautiful hills and mountains. The pink-painted and beautiful architecture gives the city its name- ‘Pink City’. Architectural tours, palaces, fabulous food, and gardens allow the tourist to immerse in the local culture. Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, and Jantar Mantar are worth checking out.
So, go ahead and discover the Golden Triangle of India today!
