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Kalam had thirst for knowledge: Teacher

He always looked eager to gain knowledge and had that thirst for knowledge and made optimum use of the library
Chennai: “Only last week did he come to meet me and I cannot believe he is no more. He was eight years younger than me and it’s a huge shock”, said Rev. Fr. Ladislaus Chinnadurai, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s teacher.
Rev. Fr. Chinnadurai taught Kalam Physics and Thermodynamics at St Joseph’s College, Tiruchy, between 1950 and 1954. He currently resides at Dindigul.
Recalling Kalam as a diligent and hardworking student, he said “ I always told him to make good use of the library and he did it. He always looked eager to gain knowledge and had that
thirst for knowledge and made optimum use of the library.
“If I had to teach seven equations, then I would teach five and ask the students to figure out the remaining two. Invariably, it was Kalam who would always try to come up with the solutions.”
When news of Kalam’s death was broken to him, he was extremely upset as he had met him just 10 days ago. During his last visit on July 18, Kalam himself had said that Chinnadurai was a different teacher. He used to teach three hours at a stretch and was the one who introduced him to physics for which he owed him a lot.
“It is a very sad day for all us,” added Fr. Lawrence who was one of those who broke the news of Kalam’s death to him.
Meanwhile, Fr S. Lazar (61), Secretary, Loyola College, who was also the Rector when Kalam visited St Joseph’s College in 2003 recalled his moments stating that Dr Kalam was extremely attached to St.Josephs and always made it a point to visit his college whenever he could.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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