Mumbai to Delhi with WINGS OF FIRE

“We are all born with a divine Fire within us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this Fire and fill the World with the glow of its Goodness” - Sir Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen ABDUL KALAM.

Though I am very small person to write something about this Legend but as a Fan & an Admirer of Dr Kalam, it will be my great pleasure to share my experience of reading this book. He is supposed to be the First Bachelor President of India but I guess after reading this book anyone can make out that he was married & committed to his Work & Dreams. Though he was the first Scientist to do so for which I would thank Vajpayee ji for making an absolute perfect choice for that post, giving him and that post a Great Honour. I was fortunate to see a Non – Political person to be The President of this Country without any Politics in it. His cute innocent smile, speedy walking and hair style has always attracted me towards him. The person who failed to become a Fighter Pilot became The Supreme Commander and then flew the Sukhoi-MKI shows his determination and will. This Blog is not to summarize the Book but to tell my experience and pleasure of reading it.

I was coming back to Delhi from Mumbai last night. As my ticket was in Chair Car, the expectation was that the journey would be tiresome and exhausting. But to my surprise I saw my co-passenger carrying this Book along with him. I had searched this book on almost 5-6 shops and Trade Fair 09 but every time unfortunately it was told to be out of Print. So I planned to sneak and read this book as and when that man starts turning the pages. For my delight he was not comfortable reading, he also noticed my desperation towards it so he offered me the book for the journey. I had no sleep the night before this so I was feeling very tired but as and when I started reading the Book, there was a curiosity in me to read it. As and when I closed my eyes for a nap, the curiosity to know “what happened next” filled me with energy. I started it around dusk and closed at around 3 am with a smile of satisfaction and inspiration. From the first starting words till the last line of the book, it’s full of Patriotism, Determination, Hard Work and Sacrifice. Reading the Book you realize why he continued to stress the Involvement of the Youth in the main stream (many decades before Rahul Gandhi was born who now advocates the same for mere popularity and politics)

It fills the heart with such a pain to see how the social lives of the scientists are suffered when they are involved with such Responsible Projects which are important for the Nation’s Pride. They worked more than 18 hours a day with full passion and energy. Instead of the required 270 scientists they worked with just 50 but still all the Projects were completed well in scheduled time as being promised to the Nation. There are many instances like this. Once Mr Nagaraj (Team mates of Kalam Sir) was not informed about the death of his family member just because they were busy with the launch of the Agni missile and even after listening about the demise, this broken Scientist dared to come back to work on the very third day with the same concentration. He remembers how Media just Criticised and played with these instances when there was the delay in launch of Agni due to unavoidable circumstances (as reporters hardly have any knowledge of Rocketry, there aim is to make TRPs at anyone’s expense) But soon these same people made this Country Proud by not only successfully launching Agni but also by marking its first step towards becoming a SUPERPOWER. These things fill my heart as an Indian with great respect for this man who conquered thousands of obstacles to achieve his Dream Project. He with his team conquered tough milestones with launch of Indigenous SLV 3 (without any foreign help), Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul and Nag being his famous milestones under his leadership. I still remember that recently again he was in Media who doubted the success of POKHRAN – II. I guess he replied to all these figures in this book by quoting the hatred and opposition from some when he was ISRO, DRDL Chief and proving them all wrong at the end.

He needs not to prove anybody anything. He is for me a Great Legend, A Super Human Being and My Role Model. I respect him, I preach him and I love him and he is an example to those Scientists & Engineers who leave this country for more money. For sure they can earn money but they can never compensate for the love and respect from the own countrymen and the happiness of doing something for the TRICOLOUR NATIONAL FLAG. After Prof. V. Sarabhai and Prof Bhabha, along with his fellow Scientists he has laid a firm Foundation for our Space and Strategic Development which is important for the Integrity, Security and Pride of this Country.

With this man and his believes India will enter 2020 with its own Satellite and in Geostationary Orbit at 36,000km with possibly its own Indigenous Vehicle, and we will be the NEXT MISSILE POWER. Though the World may not see our full Potential or Power but today no one dares to ignore it anymore.

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Mukul Gupta

Teachers That Changed My Life

Teachers do play an important role in building up the intellectual thoughts and personality of the person. I was fortunate being blessed with 3 teachers whom I can never forget; they gave me a different heading to soar in the sky.

First being Mrs. Nidhi mam. She taught Science (Chemistry and Physics) at the Junior School till 8^th. I don’t know when, but I started to admire her. I think she was the strictest teacher in that school and a perfectionist. We all use to fear to step into her class with the incomplete assignments. Her punishments were always innovative and tougher each time. But I was fortunate she never had any complaint or any problem with me. I don’t know if I was her best student as she never excused anyone for some mistake apart from me though I always tried to make her happy with my efforts. She was the one who actually guided me to choose Science for my further studies. She filled me with the energy that inclined me more towards Science. I remember once in 8^th standard I scored 99 marks out of hundred and the mark I lost was in Bio which was not her subject. That day I felt that I can indeed pursue Science at higher school. She always said that she is looking a future bright Engineer in me whenever she met my mom at the parent – teacher meetings at school. Whatever happens good or bad I used to tell her and ask for the advice. At the Teacher’s day, being the senior most class we facilitate all teachers and I wanted to offer greetings that day which my class teacher opposed but still at the end I somehow managed to end up doing that though behind the stage. It was surprising for me as she was actually waiting for me to be the one to offer her greetings. On the result day, when I got my repot card, she was the first one to whom I rushed to show my marks and I found her waiting in her class as well for me. I remember that I first time hugged her and she was in tears. That was the last time we met and soon after few years she left for London, since then I have never met her or talked to her.

Second being Manish Sir, my Math’s Teacher. I joined him in 11^th standard for board as well as the IIT Entrances Examinations. Before coming to him I always had fear about Maths, I used to really struggle solving questions though I worked very hard. He is indeed a genius and a gem of a teacher. I remember I used to miss his coaching as I was preoccupied with the IIT entrance classes for which I used to return at night. For 2 years I had the same routine and for just 2 days I could afford to sit in his classes. In this short time also he used to devote his full concentration and his energy while giving me extra time and labour so that I can make up with the others. I think if I scored exceptionally well in my 12^th, was just because of his real hard work towards me. Even after schools I used to ask all extra problems for the IIT. While studying under him my point of view for Math was changed. Even today, I try and solve every problem mathematically rather than theoretically. I really feel if I stand today somewhere is just because of his valuable guidance. I still meet him and solve my difficulties whenever I feel like. He came as a guardian angel to me and I really have no words in his praise.

Capt Alan Ledesma, is like a Flying God for me. He is the person who actually taught me the real flying. His guidance proved to be so beneficial for me till date that if he was not there than I guess I would have landed up in a big trouble by now. I got my solo and I thought that I have learned all the tricks of this trade but while flying under his supervision, I really tasted the fun of flying. He almost made me to correct even my sitting posture to my hand and eyes coordination with movements. I have never realized that this actually mater so much. I think he was the Best Instructor I have met in my flying carrier till date. He developed a different kind of confidence in me which I could feel after a long time. I thought I knew everything but he made me realize that it was actually my hallucination and this would have landed me in a big trouble if not corrected well in time. After being with him, the strictest of instructors use to be happy with my flying and passengers whom I got to ferry couple of times appreciated as well. I wanted Capt Alan to show all my remark sheets but he went to his province for long vacations and after sometime I came back to my home being done with everything. I really feel his valuable guidance will last long and I wish I could meet him someday somewhere at least to thank him for inducing such a high standards of flying in me to make a better Pilot.

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Mukul Gupta

Teachers That Changed My Life – Part II

माता-पिता गुरु देवं !! In the country I live and as a HINDU, I really heed to those words. I respect my Parents and my Teachers more than the God. But I think not all teachers understand this. They do tell us this in the class room teaching but ARE they themselves aware of its meaning? In my case, most were leaving apart one special teacher, whom I can never forget in my life, NEVER! I was in a small Junior School from KG to Class 8^th after that we were then directly admitted to the other Parent school and it was much better than the former.  She was the Hindi Teacher from 6^th to 8^th standard. Just those 3 years, I was to remain in contact with her but it was like a holy hell. The only face that haunted me in my dream was of her (though I laugh at it now). I don’t remember where did this all started but the only thing I know is she was not treating me as a students there. I remember one day (when I was in 7^th ) she called me and said that I abused her in our Parent School at a drawing competition which she got to know by some student who was the pass out from Our school. I still don’t know when did I abuse and for bloody hell what reason. Neither I know who was that idiot student who heard me saying it when I didn’t talk to anyone that day as I am a real bad artist and I was struggling the whole time to draw something which even at the end of the day I could not. BUT this started a big controversy and the process of finding the faults/weakness in me. Every teacher was given strict instructions to tell my problems and report all my mischief that I did, so that she could make sufficient grounds. In this some of her beloved students were also pulled as the other teachers reported everyone rather than pin-pointing only me. My parents were called first time in my life and when I say that I should tell you what kind a student I was.

From the beginning till the end, I stood academically in the top 5 of that school. I was The Best Athlete specially The BEST JUDO PLAYER of that school. When I say that I am not being pompous but I am proud that I was, which my coach always used to say many times even to the Principal but that teacher never appreciated. I won almost 5 medals and numerous certificates for the school at various Championships with the last one being awarded at the National Level where I won Bronze. I started learning it when I was just 5 years old and I guess the youngest in the whole team. I loved going to school as my parents hardly remember any moment when I cried for going and for sure I was the first person to enter the premises as the School was not that big and I got two straight full attendance achievement awards as well. I was a Good Scout, leader of my Group and a good sportsman in whatever game we played in school.

But when the teachers are behind you, one cannot get away easily. She was well prepared to almost end my carrier and I don’t know why the Principal too was also interested in it. IS that so easy to forget whatever I did for the school whose name was unknown at those fields before some of us started winning? I remember that my parents were working so they could not take me to those locations. Sometimes I used to go with the Grandmother of my friend (this Boy Saurabh was along with me and we used to be the front runners in Judo) or the other time a peon used to accompany us after continuous request to the Principal so that we can participate. Even after getting out of the expulsion, everyday there was some problem with her. There was a time when I used to hate school as I had no energy to face her. Sometimes I made situations worse myself as I could not control my anger. I think she was the only one who debarred me to get any post in the school recalling the incident that I never did. I stood clapping for a guy of my School’s Workshop- House who was a failure and a loser in everything but got The Captaincy just out of her generosity. By these 2-3 years, I became close friend to someone (who is my bestest friend till date). And I would say we used to kick the ass of the guys who tried to make fun or take extra advantage of that situation.  We used to remain silent but were aggressive when hurt. A teacher like her should never be given respect but I still did respect her as she was teaching us something. After moving out of the Higher School I got news that the same teacher got an Award for her remarkable work and excellence in HINDI SAHITYA and TEACHING, I really feel that the Jury should think about that again. I don’t know how many carriers she has spoiled by now but the thing that remains is that she changed me and at least taught me to survive in the most hostile atmosphere. Every Student has a bad experience in school because he committed a mistake but I had bad years without any reason. Today, I really wish if I could go back to her and ask what made her to do all that. I want to tell her that I stand either at shoulders or much better than those guys who were along with me as she told me numerous of times in front of the school that I will never succeed in my life.

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Mukul Gupta

A Strange Friendship with a Stranger

You would have heard many times that you met someone and then you became friend with him, but for me this friendship is a bit different from that, this man whom I met in Mumbai is actually a security guard at the place where I stay in Mumbai. I travel up and down Mumbai- Delhi many times. I stay there for a about a week or so. I used to see him either reading some book or a newspaper. I was really surprised by his knowledge about Maharashtra, which I think he got after reading all those books. He is a 100% Maratha, he feels running in those bone breaking crowded local trains, living in the scanty and utterly foul smelling slums is the thrill in Mumbai. I sometimes felt that, how does this man live in such a costly city when he earns only Rs 4000 per month in which half of the share goes straight to the KHOLI (the room in slump)?

I don’t know when did I actually start talking to him but after we were in good and frank talking terms I must say I learnt thousands of things which changed my point of view in life. This man actually taught me to laugh in pain and smile after gain. Most of the people around there especially the other guests, look at me as why this boy is talking to a guard for such a long time but seriously when we start conversation I learn many new things from him. I remember a day when he said he earns Rs 4000 and he is working as a security from past 5 years (he is 23 I think). By this time he has saved some Rs. 40,000 including his insurance. He said he has planned every damn thing in life. After 2 years he will marry a girl whom he loves, if none then he will tie-knots with an orphan girl. He said long time back he left his home in village, his mother and elder brother is still there. He has forgotten them as they have never treated him well. Right now he has no relative as such, apart from his fellow security guards. He has planned of having a child regardless of girl or boy as he had seen people getting mad and producing kids which they can’t affords just out of sheer love for BOY and then leave the girls on road to die. He keeps Rs 500 every month to buy books from the junk as he cannot afford the new ones. He does overtime and saves his each penny that he earns for his future wife and for the kid in order that he/she can study which he could not.

He told me many stories about our GOD(s) which I think I have never heard. Some were on the great poets in Maharashtra who are forgotten by locals while others were on SHIVAJI Maharaj. We usually talk on Politics in which he is very interested as well. He said, earlier he was a big time fan of Bala Sahab Thakerey of Shiv Sena but after listening to the speeches of Raj Thakerey he felt that this man can actually work for Mumbai. After talking to him I realize that how these Politicians play with the feeling of the common man who always hopes that they would do something for them and at the end of 5 year term, people realize that he was rather worse than the previous leader. IT MAKES ME FEEL THAT WHOEVER COMES TO POWER “RAM OR RAVAN”, THE COMMON MAN WILL ALWAYS BE SITA. I also realize how necessary Education is in the life to support our ideas and for the survival in this Crafty World. The best part I like about him is his purity and love for his motherland which anyone can make out after talking to him.

I remember at my first visit in Mumbai, my booking at that place was to expire and the in-charge was not extending it. I was finding it difficult to find a place economical around. So, I was very irritated and worried. He then said to me that he could not ask me to come to his house as I can’t live in that condition so he had located an apartment which is vacant right now through his friend who was a clerk there. It was really more than enough ,as by that time I had arranged for a place but it was so very nice about that man who tried his best to help a stranger as we never knew each other that well. Whenever we meet he is ready to tell me something new that he read in some book or some latest funny incident that happened in Mumbai. This is how we became friends.

His life might not be the best but indeed he enjoys every single bit of it. He might not be the richest but he is rich in knowledge which he acquired after reading those many books. The best part of the story finally is that I don’t know his name as I never bothered or remembered to ask. That’s why this friendship is very strange. It is a friendship of thoughts and nothing more.

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Mukul Gupta

The Beautiful Islands Of ANDAMAN

Though India as a whole is very beautiful, I remember here a quote that Mark Twain once said that INDIA is the cradle of the human race the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legends and the great grand mother of tradition. But here I could just name a place I feel is one of the best.

 

I think it is by far the kings of island in India. The beautiful sea shore, Blue waters with Glittering Gold like sand looks splendid from the air. When we first landed their, we straight away reached to our family friend’s place. It is now almost 5 years now, but few images of the place are still clear in my eyes. I was highly impressed by that Part of India which is so far from the main India but still so beautiful and decorated. It might not be so developed like the other parts but its simplicity has no match. e heard that as far as Crime is concerned, Jails are completely vacant and the people there are extremely honest and sincere. The island has a Jail that was build for the Prisoners at the time India was a British Colony, called CELLULAR JAIL and the Punishment was termed as KALA PANI meant Black Water. Indeed, it was scary, no way to escape. Every evening there is a light and sound show at the Jail to depict the situation of Jail of that time and the way the prisoners were brutally tortured. The Jail is constructed so well that I think it is one of the best Constructions of those Times in India.

 

The Jail is not all the center of attraction only. We had to take a sea ride to a different Island where we can see one of the Best CORALS visible in India. From the ship a small boat can ferry us to the shore line which had a transparent floor through which we could see into the deep water. At the shore, we hired a professional to take us into the water for SCUBA DIVING. That was a splendid experience as I think those creations under water is so unnatural and out of the world. The show doesn’t stop here. We took another ship rather this time much bigger than the earlier one in which we even boarded our taxi. This time we were on the way to see one of the Most Active Volcano in India which had last blown in 2003. It as the time I was almost as the mouth of a volcano which was still making noises, there was some smoke too coming out occasionally and it was damn hot around. I thought I will return back in ashes. The way to the volcano was nothing less than an Adventure. We had to climb almost an hour to reach to the top.

 

We could also meet the Most Backward Tribal on the way back. They live in those jungles almost naked and eat almost every animal without even cooking it. Those are called JARAWAS there. They have black skin, almost demon like eyes and Red Teeth as they eat those animals raw. But they are also very intelligent as the same island faced the biggest catastrophe when The Giant Tsunami Waves hit its coast after couple of years of our visit there. I then read in newspapers that none of the JARAWA died and still Indian Scientists are turning stones up and down to know their sense of Danger. Some say that they followed Dogs and Rats, others say that they can read the rotation of Moon in some hidden known method, while some wrote that they have some black magic that help them to survive every possible threat to them. But they sure were amazing people. I still remember that they are less friendly but funny, they dance in front of the people coming there, make sound and show people how they actually catch fishes without even getting into water, just with there 200 year old way of BOW and ARROW. They really are amazing when they catch a fish or a bird by their accurate aim. They don’t really communicate but our Guide told us that their Prince was sitting there and he called him to shake hands. I remember his name was too strange “POPO” and he was looking almost same as others. It was indeed a great experience to meet such people who are the very part of our country though very different. The next day we were up to another island called ROSE ISLAND. The place is almost at a declination of more than 30* and almost 20% was already in water. It is a joint Base of NAVAL and AIR FORCE OF INDIA. Every year it sinks another 10 feet in water so they continue construct floor in order to raise it level every year.  We also got to know that the Black and White Light Tower depicted at the back of our currency note showing INDIRA POINT (end of Indian Water) was actually taken from that place. There was another sinking bunker which was also printed at the back of Rs. 20 Note which we also checked right there to verify. This Island was actually used as A Post Office to get the International Mails from South East Asian Countries by Britishers.

 

Nevertheless, we got ample of time for fun; we had swimming, Scuba Diving and Boating at numerous occasions. This almost 3-4 days tour to Andaman Islands (Port Blair) with my family was far better and interesting. This place really deserves a special place in my memory. Down the Lane when I retrieve that experience with the people I met and the History of that Place is almost brilliant. Many stories of our Freedom Fighters especially VIR SAWARKAR who ran from the Cellular Jail and almost crossed the complete deadly sea to reach other side of the Indian Shore was unbelievable. There is no crime, no greed and the people are so cooperative that one really forgets about this greedy world. I wish if I could visit it again in near future to explore more about the secrets hidden under the sand of that place and to experience some other Islands that could not be seen in that visit.

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Mukul Gupta