1. What was Sasthrayaan, and what was its mission?
Sasthrayaan was a programme inaugurated by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in a village. The word means “the propagation of science.” Its mission was to prepare about two thousand students from different schools to become engineers, scientists, doctors, qualified managers and civil servants. Through their progress, the programme hoped to empower two thousand families in the village. Dr Kalam addressed nearly five thousand students and their family members on the topic “Science Empowers the Nation.”
2. What problems did the village boy share with Dr Kalam?
The village boy was nervous and lacked confidence. He had never asked a question in his class and was afraid to speak to his teachers and friends. He often compared himself with other students, especially their elegant clothes, and felt inferior. However, he had a great ambition. He wanted to become a marine engineer, travel in a ship, become its captain and build its engine. He asked Dr Kalam whether he could achieve his dream and what he should do to fulfil it.
3. Why did Dr Kalam value the village boy’s question? How did he respond?
Dr Kalam valued the boy’s question because it was sincere and expressed the fears of many young people. Millions of students may have dreams but lack the confidence to pursue them. Dr Kalam responded by reciting the poem “I Will Fly.” Through the poem, he reminded the boy that every person is born with potential, goodness, trust, ideas, dreams, greatness, confidence and wings. He encouraged the boy to believe in himself and work towards his ambition.
4. What is the message conveyed through the poem “I Will Fly”?
The poem teaches that every person is born with abilities, dreams and confidence. The “wings” symbolise our talents, courage and potential, while “crawling” represents fear and helplessness. Human beings are not meant to remain limited by self-doubt. They must recognise their inner strength and rise towards their goals. The repeated declaration, “I will fly,” expresses determination, hope and confidence. It inspires young people to overcome fear and achieve greatness.
5. What does Dr Kalam say about becoming unique?
Dr Kalam says that every young person wants to be unique, but the world often tries to make everyone alike. Parents compare their children with their neighbours’ children, while teachers ask students to imitate the highest-ranking pupils. Such comparisons can prevent young people from discovering their individual abilities. According to Dr Kalam, becoming unique is the hardest battle in life. A person must continue fighting with courage and determination until they become their true and unique self.
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