Sri Shiva subramania Iyer, the teacher who inspired Dr Kalam

The teacher who inspired Hon ex-president Dr Abdul Kalam
I like this episode. This shows how great a role a teacher’s timely advice and motivation can become in moulding a child’s future.
Our Hon ex-president, Dr Abdul Kalam was 10 years old, studying in 5th class. He had a teacher, Shri Siva Subramania Iyer who was a favourite with all the students. He taught them science subjects with great tact and skill. One day Mr Iyer explained about bird’s flight, by drawing the diagram of a bird on the black board. He was trying to explain how by using the wings and tail in combination, a bird can lift itself, fly and change directions. After 25 minutes of lecture, he asked the students whether they understood. But ‘no’ came the gloomy reply for all. Anyway Mr Iyer was not upset.
That evening he took all the students to the seashore. The sunset, waves, cool breeze and chirping of birds all together made it a very pleasant atmosphere. He asked the students to notice how the birds form groups of 10-20 and fly. He told the students to notice the shape of the birds while flying. He drew their attention towards how they flap their wings and generate the lift and how they use the tail portion to propel. Mr Iyer also explained how the bird is powered by its own life and motivation to fly. In 15 minutes all the students cheerfully shouted ‘yes sir! We understand how the birds fly!”
The bird’s flight principle got imprinted in Abdul Kalam’s mind. He decided that his future study will be related to flight. But the little boy did not know what would be the study related to flight. He asked My Iyer-“Sir please tell me how to progress further something to do with flight”. My Iyer said that he should study about aviation science and aeroplanes. Little Kalam enthusiastically asked- “Tell me more about how aeroplanes fly sir! ” Mr Shivasubramanian Iyer replied- My Boy. I do not know that much of science to explain the details to you. You complete your schooling and take up courses related to physics and aviation science. And my boy, do not forget to come back and explain to me too about what you learn about aeroplanes”. Kalam was excited and promised to do so.
Later on, Abdul Kalam went to college, studied Physics in college and Aeronautical Engineering in Madras Institute of Technology. The world knows how he went on to become a rocket engineer, aerospace engineer and technologist. Acclaimed for his upright and committed work ethics, he also became nominated as the president for India.
Dr Abdul Kalam often speaks and writes in praise of Shri Shiva Subramania Iyer, the teacher who inspired a life-time vision in him.