“Dream is not what you see in sleep. It is something that doesn’t let you sleep, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had once said. It’s his dream of a better India where youth take the country forward that hasn’t been letting me sleep. Funnily, my practice and belief in Kalam sir’s principles also started because of a rather strange dream. It was in October 2015 when I woke up to a dream – a strong ray of light coming from the sky. At the end of it was Kalam sir. He told me how it’s important for youngsters to be the next leaders of the country not necessarily by winning elections but by using our power to do whatever we can. He told me that I have the willpower and strength to help people in need and bring a change in the country with my small steps and contributions.
I woke up to this, rather shocked. I had never dreamt of Kalam sir before. I wasn’t even a follower until then. It took me a week of pondering and analysing the dream. My wife also said it’s silly and I should let it go. But somehow, I couldn’t! This is the dream that didn’t let me sleep. I started to read about Kalam sir’s work and I was left spellbound from day one. I knew that the first step towards change has to be within. I understood his principles and also went on a journey to explore his hometown of Rameshwaram. I went to his house, school and the streets he grew up in. The more I read about him, the more I was inspired to take up social work for the country. That’s when I changed my name from Vijay Raj to Vijay Kalam. People in my district (Khammam) thought I was stupid. They laughed at me when I narrated my dream. But I didn’t bother! I also founded Kalamaism and in June 2016, I started an organisation called Vibrants of Kalam sir. The sole purpose was to promote his principles of patriotism, humanity and kindness. I tried to meet many authorities, who wouldn’t give me an appointment though it was for a good cause. But I kept trying. Gradually, volunteers started to join me. I started to wear the military uniform everyday for every occasion as a tribute to the soldiers. We also gave the world’s largest national flag as a tribute to Kalam sir – about 20,200 sqft at Jantar Mantar.
On Earth Day, I created awareness by covering myself in mud till my face. That’s the future of the planet if we don’t start to conserve it. Every principle of Kalam sir from discipline to giving a direction to today’s youth – everything has struck a chord with me. Today, I have more than 2,500 active volunteers and we’ve done a lot of work for the needy and youth. We’ve provided ambulance services, given motivational sessions for youngsters and more. During the Kerala floods, we went all the way to the state to help people for 15 days. Ever since I started to read and explore Kalamism, I’ve dedicated my life to his beliefs and aims. I won’t sleep till his dream of a better nation is fulfilled.”
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