5 Indian Role Models To Look Up To

IN BRIEF: Among panoply of individuals who stand tall to teach us a thing or two about life, its successes and failures, we look at 5 such Indians who exemplify all the qualities of leading worthy lives. These are our role models.

We all need some sort of inspiration during hard times. A glimpse into the roller coaster journey of a successful person might just do the trick. It fills us with empowering self-motivation. We can achieve what we want in life all we need is a little guidance and firm determination.

APJ Abdul Kalam

“ To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.”

The Missile Man of India – The best example of perfect role model. Abdul kalam has done a significant work in the field of science and technology for which he has been awarded with “Bharat Ratna” “Padhma Vibhusan” and ”Padma Bhusan”. He always lived a humble simple life. He believed in the power of the youth and always encouraged them for their creativity. Inspired by his simplistic approach if we incorporate at least 10% of his habits (Waking up early, Being determined and committed towards work, Meeting the impossible deadlines with a sharp focus and hard work, Be humble and polite to everyone) we might just make the best out of our lives.

Find out more about the life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam here

Prakash Amte

Born in the family where social work is a legacy Prakash Amte’s contribution in the society is significant. His father popularly known as Baba Amte was named “Abhay Sadhak “ By Gandhiji and is well known for helping out the people suffering from Leprosy. Following his father’s footsteps, Prakash Amte has achieved the impossible task of successfully running a hospital in a place where there was no electricity at all. Dr Prakash amte and his wife moved to Hemalkasa helped the Madia Gond tribe in the forests of Gadchirolli district; even performed medical surgeries without any modern equipment running on the electricity. Today they have established a school, a hospital and a rescued animal shelter home where they take care of different rescued animals which includes a wide variety of animals like leopards, sloth bears, snakes, birds, deer, owls, crocodiles, hyenas and monkey. Dr Amte‘s life shows us how there is still a hope for humanity amongst the dark elements like corruption, jealousy etc. Working hard towards your goal even in the extremely difficult surroundings can lead towards the success.

Find out more about the life of Prakash Amte here

Captain Prem Mathur

Ever avoided doing something which was not accepted by the society? If yes Captain Prem Mathur is your role model. When there were no signs of gender equality in the society, Prem Mathur received her Pilot’s license in 1947 and became first Indian woman to do so. In the era when people doubted the capabilities of a woman pilot, she was rejected by many airlines. She kept on trying and finally after few years she was hired at Deccan Airlines. In 1949 she won National Air Race.

Find out more about the life of Captain Prem Mathur here

Verghese Kurien

“Father of the white Revolution” – Verghese Kurien has played major contribution in transforming milk deficient India to the world’s largest milk producer, surpassing the United States of America in 1998. Dairy farming became India’s largest self-sustaining industry.

He founded around 30 institutions of excellence (like AMUL, GCMMF, IRMA, NDDB) which are owned, managed by farmers and run by professionals. As the founding chairman of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Kurien was responsible for the creation and success of the Amul brand of dairy products. A key achievement at Amul was the invention of milk powder processed from buffalo milk[ (abundant in India), as opposed to that made from cow-milk, in the then major milk producing nations. Among the several accolades and awards conferred on “The servant of Farmers”, the most noteworthy are the Ramon Magsaysay Award, World Food Prize, Wateler Peace Prize and the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of India.

Find out more about the life of Verghese Kurien here

Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was a Bengali poet of India. He was also a philosopher and an amazing artist. He wrote many stories, novels, poems and dramas, as well as composing music and many songs. His writings greatly influenced Bengali culture during the late 19th century and early 20th century. In 1913, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature, the first Asian to win this prize. He was popularly known as Gurudev. His real name was Rabindranath Thakur. He established an university called “Vishva Bharati” to change the way education system was working in the country. The university gave personal guidance to all the students. Students lived close to nature, and teacher-student relationship followed a pattern of Gurukul system of ancient India. In his own words, he wanted this university to become “a world centre for the study of humanity. Somewhere beyond the limits of nation and geography”.

Find out more about the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore