On July 27, 2015, the entire nation mourned the demise of our beloved teacher DR. Kalam. A great scientist, visionary, popular youth icon. In the meantime, it was felt that in order to spread his vision to the masses, the idea of creating an environment where knowledge should be the guiding force is needed to be developed. This idea got structured with the continuous support of former Vice Chancellor of Gorakhpur University Prof. Radhey Mohan Mishra .
The first KYS was organized by the Social Empowerment Society, Gorakhpur, in the auditorium of Gorakhpur Press Club, on October 14, 2015, blessed with speakers like Dr. Arif Mohammad Khan, who was Kalam’s associate and former Additional Director of DRDO. Chairperson of the program was Prof Radhey Mohan Mishra, former Vice Chancellor of Gorakhpur University, a well known physicist and a social worker. Ramdheeraj Bhai, Sarvodya activist, Dr. Laxmi Prasad Pandey, Director of Education and Special Secretary, Govt. of U.P. They all gave their suggestions on the challenges in education and explained how we can provide quality education. Vice President of the Social Empowerment Society, Ambar Bandopadhyay gave an account on “PURA” (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) program.
In the seminar, social organizations, activists, businessmen, lawyers, doctors, professionals, teachers, educationists along with people from all walks of life were invited. Detailed discussions about PURA provided deep insights to the participants. Dr. K.P. Kushwaha, the Principal of B.R.D. Medical College, Gorakhpur discussed the menace of Japanese Encephalitis and other common diseases of the area.
He provided a brief account of the facilities available in the area to tackle them. Regional Coordinator of INTACH, and an environmentalist Mr. PK Lahiri also kept his views. Participants of Patanjali, Art of Living, Gayatri Parivar, Purvanchal Rural Service Committee, Jan Sanskriti Manch, Nai Ummid, Roti Bank, Kisan Union etc. participated in the program. The program was conducted by the Secretary General of Social Empowerment Society and the organizer of this program, Satya Prakash.
On 15 October 2015, on the occasion of birthday of Dr. Kalam, a program was organized at village Basdila Rausar in Gorakhpur district, in which the empowerment of Gram Panchayats, provided in the 73rd amendment to the constitution, was discussed at length. Chief Guest of the program was Dr. Chandra Shekhar Pran, Former Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Government of India. He is also the convener of the Teesri Sarkar Abhiyan Campaign.
The program was attended by all the villagers. Village heads of the surrounding 15 villages also attended the program. After paying tribute to Dr. Kalam, all of them gave their suggestions for the development of the villages and decided to implement a common action plan. The program discussed seriously on the issues of self-employment, modern agriculture and good governance. In his address, Dr. C.S. Pran emphasized on the constitution of the Nyaya Panchayats and the strengthening of the Gram Sabha.