There are some people in this world who have a great influence on our lives. Our parents are one of them, our teachers are too. Some of our relatives and the heroes we keep in our minds also influence us a lot. The character of a human being is the sum of all the influences we have from all sources. But after listening to a very important person on Tuesday, I am now immersed in the sea of the ideas that he has put forward us. This important person is none other than Prof. M.D.Nalapat.

First of all let me give you a brief idea of M.D.Nalapat. Madhav Das Nalapat holds the important portfolio as UNESCO Peace Chair and is a Professor of Geopolitics at Manipal University, an international private university headquartered in Southern India. The former Coordinating Editor of the Times of India, Prof. Nalapat writes extensively on security, policy and international affairs and is a columnist for the Sunday Guardian and the Pakistan Observer. Before joining the Times of India in 1989, Nalapat was Editor of the Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam daily newspaper. Previous to becoming the editor in 1984, Nalapat had been Editorial Director of the Mathrubhumi Group of publications. He continued in the Board of Directors throughout his tenure in the company. He has contributed to leading publications throughout the world and has written six books, one of which is ’INDUTVA’, the central thesis of which is that every Indian is a synthesis of Vedic, Moghul and Western cultural DNA. He is an excellent orator.

After our exams got over on 16th October, we were informed about the arrival Prof.M.D.Nalapat and I was among the few handpicked students from each section of 11th and 12th standard to listen to his lecture during the evening function at our school, ICSK Senior. We had not heard much about him, but we were eager to meet this personality who was being talked about a lot.

The auditorium was packed, with students and teachers from all the different branches sitting and waiting for him. When he arrived, our senate provided him a grand welcome. Our principal, Dr.V.Binumon welcomed Prof.M.D.Nalapat and told us about his achievements. We were surprised that he had managed to achieve so much. Mr. Vijayan Karayil, our respected Board of Trustees member, too spoke about him and how they both knew each other from a long time. They were both from the same part of Kerala- the Malabar.

Then the guest of honor, Prof.M.D.Nalapat, came on stage to speak. His words had a profound effect on the audience. He was witty but at the same time made sure that he made his point. He talked about various topics, ranging from politics to nuclear science. I was really inspired by an example he gave about a pen given to him by his longtime friend. He said, “My friend said never to view a pen vertically but rather horizontally. When I asked why, my friend said that when a pen is vertical, it show the differences in hierarchy whereas when a pen is horizontal it show that everyone is equal but different.”

He said that in the industrial as well as the chemical revolution, we Indians were behind. But now the knowledge revolution is dawning and ‘chaotic’ minds like that of ours are best suited. He feels Indians can work alone and achieve great things, but in a group, we get mediocre. This is what we should avoid i.e. we should develop team management and learn to work, achieve and be successful as a team. Then only we can bring India to the top.

His knowledge is vast. What I liked about him was his ideas, his ideals and his broad minded views. He is not afraid to voice his opinions. For example, he was open about the decision by certain state Government to ban the learning of English. He feels English is the language of the world to come and will be a major linking force. He also said that the ministers fighting for this change have sent their children abroad to learn, where they can learn only in English. He feels that the laws of India are old and it is time we change it. The laws were made before independence and so we should change the judicial system to a more transparent and efficient decision making. He also commented on the working of Government offices in India, by contrasting it with the Hong Kong services where everything can be done through the internet.

Then there was an interactive session, in which students asked a lot of questions. M.D.Nalapat answered these questions beautifully, clearing a person’s doubt and at the same time not failing to bring a smile to everyone’s face. When he was asked about why he writes for a Pakistan monthly like the Pakistan observer, he casually answered saying because he likes it too. He says that he did not face any criticism rather want everyone to read his articles and send him feedback regarding it. Enquiring about his stand on the Anna Hazare movement, he feels that the Lokpal is not a practical option. It is on the hands of the people about who they choose to become their leaders. When he was asked about what was his greatest achievement, he spontaneous told that when he gets one in the future he will inform. Now that is the answer of a charismatic person. The program ended with the vote of thanks from our Amman branch principal, Mr. Rajesh C.Nair.

Overall, it was really a wonderful experience meeting such a charismatic person, who has achieved so much. His vision inspires us, the future generation, to work hard and bring our country to the top. His belief in our system, our Government as well as the people gives us the confidence to achieve more for our country. More than that, his belief in the future and upcoming generation, makes us believe in ourselves. With idols like him to look upon, I am sure India will reach the top. I thank Indian Community School and board of trustees for providing us with such a wonderful opportunity.

Photos courtesy of Rajeev Menon

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