Today, July 26th, marks a significant day in India's history. It is a day that reminds us of Kargil Vijay Diwas, where the Indian armed forces displayed unparalleled valor. On this very day, it is fitting to remember a towering personality who not only fortified India's defense capabilities but whose life itself is a saga of triumph – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, famously known as the 'Missile Man' and 'People's President'.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam is not just a name; it is an embodiment of inspiration for millions of Indians, especially the youth, to dream big, work hard, and strive for greatness for their nation. Born into a humble family in Rameswaram, this boy, through his intellect, perseverance, and foresight, established India as a scientific and technological powerhouse on the global stage. His life is a prime example of how an ordinary individual can achieve extraordinary success. In this article, we delve into the inspiring life, work, thoughts, and messages of Dr. Kalam for young India.
The Boy Who Dared to Dream: From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into a middle-class Muslim family. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and the imam of a local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a homemaker. His childhood was marked by financial struggles. As a young boy, Kalam used to sell newspapers to help support his family. However, these challenges never diminished his hunger for education and knowledge.
Kalam was an inquisitive and diligent student from an early age. He received his primary education in Rameswaram and completed his secondary education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School. There, he found immense inspiration from his teacher, Mr. Iyadurai Solomon, who taught him that "to succeed in life and achieve desired results, you must have three qualities: intense desire, faith, and expectation."
For higher education, he attended St. Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli, where he earned a degree in Physics. Subsequently, he pursued a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT). It was here that his scientific journey truly began. From childhood, he was fascinated by birds and aircraft. His dream was to become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, but he narrowly missed the opportunity. Though disappointed, he did not give up. He redirected his focus towards science and dedicated himself to India's scientific development.
Dr. Kalam often said, "Dreams are not what you see in sleep, dreams are the ones that don't let you sleep." This statement truly reflected his own life, where he dreamt big and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.
India's Missile Man: A Visionary Scientist and Engineer
In 1960, after graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology, Dr. Kalam began his career as a scientist at the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Here, he designed a small helicopter for the Indian Army. However, his significant impact became evident during his tenure at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
He joined ISRO in 1969 and became the project director of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). The objective of this project was to place the Rohini satellite into Earth's orbit. In 1980, SLV-III was successfully launched, and the Rohini satellite was placed in orbit, propelling India into the league of space-ffaring nations. This was a historic moment in India's space history and Dr. Kalam's first major recognition for his leadership.
Subsequently, Dr. Kalam returned to DRDO and initiated the 'Integrated Guided Missile Development Program' (IGMDP). Under this program, he developed several indigenous missiles, including Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Nag, and Trishul. The successful development of the 'Agni' and 'Prithvi' missiles earned him the moniker 'Missile Man of India'. These missiles provided unprecedented strength to India's defense system and made the country self-reliant.
In 1998, Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role in India's second nuclear test (Pokhran-II). This test showcased India as a nuclear-powered nation to the world. For all these contributions, the Government of India honored him with the 'Bharat Ratna', the nation's highest civilian award, in 1997.
The People's President: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
In 2002, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam became the 11th President of India. His presidency was not merely the adornment of a supreme constitutional office; it was an extraordinary chapter in democracy. He earned the title of 'People's President' because Rashtrapati Bhavan, under his tenure, was always open to common people, especially children and students. During his term, he visited numerous schools and colleges, interacted with students, and inspired them to dream big.
Dr. Kalam firmly believed that the future of India lay in the hands of its youth. In his visionary concept of 'India 2020', he envisioned India as a developed nation. This vision encompassed economic growth, social equity, quality education, and scientific advancement. He asserted that to build a developed India, every citizen, especially the youth, must contribute their part.
During his presidential term, he played a crucial role in shaping many policy decisions and guiding the nation's development. His simple living, high thinking, and unwavering love for the country were exemplary for all. He never indulged in the pomp and show of the presidential office; instead, he lived as an ordinary citizen, driven by a fervent desire for the nation's progress and prosperity.
Pillars of Inspiration: Dr. Kalam's Core Principles and Messages
Dr. Kalam's life and thoughts are a source of inspiration not only for students but for every segment of society. Let's look at some of his key thoughts and values:
- Dreams and Goals: Kalam always emphasized the importance of big dreams. He would say, "All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents." He encouraged students to set ambitious goals and strive to achieve them.
- Hard Work and Perseverance: Through his own life, he demonstrated the importance of hard work and perseverance. Despite facing numerous failures, he never abandoned his goals. He often said, "To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal."
- Education and Knowledge: Kalam was a seeker of knowledge. He had a profound love for reading and was always eager to learn new things. He explained the significance of education to students, advocating that through knowledge alone can an individual and a nation develop.
- Integrity and Honesty: Throughout his life, he upheld high ideals of integrity and honesty. He never compromised on his values under any circumstances. These qualities he imbibed from his family and teachers.
- Scientific Temper and Curiosity: Kalam always urged the development of a scientific temper. Asking questions, reasoning, and exploring new things were integral parts of his personality. He encouraged students to abandon superstitions and adopt a scientific mindset.
Dr. Kalam once stated, "You cannot change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future." This thought underscores the importance of our daily actions.
A Roadmap for Young India: Actionable Lessons from Dr. Kalam
Dr. Kalam had immense faith in the youth. He believed that India's true strength lay in its young population. He imparted several crucial messages to students for building a developed and powerful India, which remain equally relevant today:
- Dream Big and Work to Achieve Them: He advised students never to dream small. Only by dreaming big can great goals be achieved. Realizing these dreams requires hard work, determination, and consistency.
- Acquire Knowledge: Knowledge is power. Read books, learn new things, ask questions, and continuously expand your knowledge. Through knowledge, you can understand the world and bring about positive change.
- Cultivate Creativity and Innovation: Kalam always encouraged new ideas and innovations. He urged students to think outside the box, find novel solutions to problems, and enhance their creativity.
- Don't Be Afraid of Failure: Failure is a part of the journey to success. Learn from every failure and move forward stronger. “Don’t stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place – that is, the unique you,” was his mantra.
- Develop Leadership Qualities: He encouraged students not just to be followers but to become excellent leaders. Inspire others, take responsibility, and bring about positive change in society.
- Patriotism and Social Responsibility: Love your country and recognize your responsibility towards society. Contribute in every field, from a clean India to scientific progress.
Kargil Vijay Diwas and Dr. Kalam's Indirect Contribution
Today, July 26th, is Kargil Vijay Diwas. In 1999, on this very day, the Indian Army achieved victory over Pakistan in Kargil. This victory was a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers, but also significantly aided by India's growing defense capabilities. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's contributions as the 'Missile Man' vastly enhanced India's defense prowess.
The missiles he developed and the nuclear program he spearheaded established India as a strong and self-reliant nation on the international stage. This defense preparedness, which India possessed during the Kargil War, was a great support for our armed forces. The strength that Kalam bestowed upon the nation proved crucial for the country's security and sovereignty. Therefore, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, it is fitting to remember his invaluable contribution.
Did You Know?
- Dr. Kalam was known as the 'People's President' because he loved interacting with common people, especially children.
- He never watched television in his life and did not own a TV set.
- He spoke Tamil, English, and Hindi, and also had some knowledge of Sanskrit.
- While at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he used to wash his own clothes and lived a simple life.
- Until his last moments, he was with students. On July 27, 2015, he collapsed while delivering a lecture in Shillong and passed away due to a cardiac arrest.
Conclusion
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's life is a symbol of sacrifice, dedication, hard work, and foresight. His journey from a humble boy in Rameswaram to the highest office in India is an ideal for every Indian, especially the youth. His scientific contributions, his presidential style, and his inspiring thoughts continue to energize us to build a developed and powerful India.
It is our collective responsibility to realize his dream of 'India 2020'. Let us, therefore, imbibe Dr. Kalam's teachings, dream big, work hard, pursue knowledge, and resolve to do something great for our nation. Inspired by his ideas, each one of us can contribute, however small, to the progress of our country. Dr. Kalam is immortal; he will forever remain in our memories through his thoughts and deeds.