Inspiring Minds

Former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, was one of India's most distinguished scientists and respected citizen. Responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3, he guided a number of technology missions and projects and propelled India into the 2ist century. He had the unique honour of receiving honourary doctorates from thirty universities and the country's three highest civilian honours - Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharat Ratna (1997).

His consent to visit Lucknow Public College was a big honour for the school and within the very first few moments of this confirmation, life in all the branches of the school experienced a drastic change. The President's visit to a school is an unheard of phenomenon and many rolled their eyes in disbelief, thinking it to be a rumour. Nevertheless, Dr Kalam was visiting to witness National Children Science Festival and hectic preparations soon got underway. There was so much to be accomplished and time was too little. Invitations, pamphlets, brochures, models, projects - and to top it all - meetings with the city's top brass, press and media, all were to be organised. Everybody lost track of time as seconds rolled into minutes