Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Jan 17: It was a day to get motivated, a day to get inspired for the many children of various schools as they listened with rapt attention to real life heroes on stage, among whom one were former cricketer Syed Kirmani and world's youngest school headmaster Babar Ali from West Bengal.
The platform was provided by Talent Research Foundation as part of its decennial celebration. The event 'A Day with Real Heroes' was held at Town Hall here on Sunday January 17.
Syed Kirmani who addressed the students first said, "You are the future of our country. Whatever you do, give your best. Have a goal and work hard to achieve it. Have a clear-cut plan about how to achieve your goal and follow the right path. Steady commitment will take you towards your goal.
"Whatever your goals may be, it is important to be human being first. Have values and follow the right path. Talk to yourself at the end of the day. Make yourself healthy and fit for the long journey of life. Success is in itself a long journey," he told the students.
The spotlight of the event was on Babar Ali from West Bengal, who is the youngest school headmaster in the world. He achieved this feat when he started a school as a boy of just 16.
"I love Karnataka because even though I am from West Bengal, the people of Karnataka helped me build my school. I hail from Murshidabad which is one of the poorest districts in India, situated on India-Bangladesh border. It is also the same district where our President hails from. My dream is to make everyone educated. I cannot do it on my own. I request all of you to join hands in this deed.
"I feel that determination can do anything. My hero is Swami Vivekananda. He always said we should reach out to the needy. We should stop thinking only about ourselves and think about the many people who are in need. When I started my school there were only eight students, but today there are 600 students and ten teachers."
Next to speak was Mohammed Farooqui, IAS, who secured the 80th rank in UPSC exams. "Students must keep in mind that they should ask to learn and learn to ask. Do not worry about someone laughing at you, because you are the one gaining knowledge by asking questions. Stick to your basics. Nothing comes easy. Only 10 percent of the iceberg is seen on the water while 90 percent is submerged, and so is your hardwork. Give your best to achieve your goal."
Vice-chairman of Talent Research Foundation Ashraf J Bawa, MUDA commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, 'Auto Raja' T Raja, IISC scientist Shivakumar H R, joint director of department of minorities Sabir Ahmed Mulla were among those present.