A.P.J. Abdul Kalam : Life, Education and President.

 

Table of Contents:

 

1) Early Life -Rameswaram to Dreams of the Sky.

2) Education -The Power of Learning.

3) The President of the People

4) Books By Abdul Kalam.

5) Last Minutes and Immortal Resides.

 

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – The Missile Man of India.

Inspiration is the first thing that will come to our mind when we talk about the name “A.P.J. Abdul Kalam”. He was not only a scientist, President, but also a ‘teacher, a dreamer and motivator’ and he touched the hearts of millions of people in India and the rest of the world.

Even now I can recall that I read his book ‘Wings of Fire’ in school days, it made me understand how a boy with a small town background and simple roots could become the top of the country by his efforts and sincerity. That is how magical is the life of Dr. Kalam.

1) “Rameswaram to Dreams of the Sky” is about his early life :

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on, 15 th October 1931 in a small town known as Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. He was born into poor family of an imam in one of the neighbouring mosques and boat owner. However, despite this issue being financially strained, Kalam was brought up in a religious, value system, and loving background.

Trying to support his family, he sold newspapers as a small boy but even at that time, he never lost his dreams. He would be gazing up into the sky and he wondered what it was like to fly. Such interest gradually developed into a life long interest in aeronautics and science.

2) Education -The Power of Learning.

Kalam attended his initial school in Rameswaram where he was able to study Physics at St. Joseph College located in Tiruchirappalli. But always his heart was flying and innovating. He therefore enrolled in the ‘Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue Aeronautical engineering.

His professors observed his hardworking commitment at MIT. They claimed that, in case he really wanted to construct aircrafts, he must commit heart and soul to it. And he did exactly that.

Such an attitude, learning, failing, trying again, became a hallmark of his whole life.

3) The President of the People:

  “A.P.J. Abdul Kalam” was elected the 11 th president of India in 2002. People referred to him as the President of the people because he remained in close contact with ordinary people particularly students.

In contrast to a great number of politicians, he was fond of simplicity, no elegant life, no useless publicity. He was a disciplined, humble, and religious person.

He always used to tell, I am not a politician but a servant of the people. He motivated thousands of young minds during his tenure as President by giving them speeches, writing books, and even through direct personal contacts. Students adored him since he was talking their language the language of dreams.

4) Books by Abdul Kalam:

Another thing was that Dr. Kalam was a gifted writer. His books are still guiding millions of people. Part of the popular works he produced are:

1. Wings of Fire -His autobiography which tells of his life up to the Presidency.

2. Ignited Minds -A motivational book that will inspire the youth to make a stronger India.

3. India 2020 -His idea on how to transform India into a developed country.

4. My Journey A compilation of life lesson and personal stories.

All these books are easy, touching to the heart, and rich in life wisdom.

5) Last Minutes and Immortal Life:

Dr. Kalam died on 27 th July 2015 giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong. Even as he was dying, he was doing his best thing, which was to teach and inspire students.

The whole country lamented upon receiving the news. And yet, a million or more were also proud of the legacy he left behind them – a life of purpose, simplicity and service.

Even today, schools, institutions, and awards are given in his honor. He can be found in the hearts of those people who have the courage to dream big and that is his real legacy.

External and Internal Links:

1)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APJ_Abdul_Kalam

2). https://ocean-idea.com/srinivasa-ramanujan-the-mathematical-genius/