At times when the heart is burdened with emotions, words fail us. Truly how can words describe an extraordinary human being nonpareil...? Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, aged 83; collapsed while delivering a lecture on Liveable Earth at IIM Shillong and passed away shortly thereafter on July 27th 2015. With enthusiasm and optimism engrained in every cell, he breathed his last whilst performing his noble mission of reaching out to the younger generation of our country.

Avul Pakir Jainulabudeen Abdul Kalam was born October 15^th 1931 in the temple city of Rameshwaram to a boat owner Jainulabudeen and Ashiamma, a housewife in a religious Muslim family. Being part of a large family with meagre resources, Kalam started contributing to the household income at an early age by selling newspapers. His father’s stoicism, spiritual way of life and mother’s bountiful love, caring spirit and generosity had a deep impact on young Kalam. Kalam’s childhood soaked with encounters of unique communal harmony shaped his core convictions and beliefs. The syncretic fabric of the Indian society motivated him to read, assimilate and understand the knowledge contained in different religious texts and later on for years to come he remained an ardent believer of science and spirituality.

While his grades were average during school days , was bright and very eager to learn. After schooling in Ramanathapuram, Kalam harboured a deep ambition to become a pilot in the Indian Airforce but narrowly missed out in the final selections. Undaunted by failure, he soon reoriented his path and accepted a job at The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Later, he was part of the INCOSPAR committee working under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. In 1969 he was then transferred to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was director of India’s first Satellite Launching Vehicle (SLV-III) that successfully deployed the satellite Rohini in near earth orbit.

India’s tryst with rockets and satellites has been a mixed bag of success and failures. During the initial stages of space programme, Indian scientists suffered several trepidations, intense media scrutiny and high level of expectations thereby putting them under immense pressure. After several trials and tribulations, India successfully developed SLVs and Polar Satellite Launching Vehicles (PSLV)s therafter. From 1992 to 1999, Dr. Kalam served as the Chief scientific adviser to Prime Minister Vajpayee and secretary of DRDO. After resigning from the post of scientific adviser in 1999 he set a target of meeting 10,000 students.

Dr. Kalam played a great role in developing missile technology (IGMP) including Agni, an intermediate range ballistic missile and Prithvi the tactical surface to surface missile. He was the chief Project coordinator of the illustrious Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 that catapulted India into a select group of nuclear armed countries. India heaved a sigh of triumph as “Operation Shakti” marked by five explosions ended on a high note. While the mood of the political leaders was euphoric, India was later ordained for series of sanctions from western countries.

In a diametrically significant accomplishment, the Missile Man of India fondly admired for launching satellites and firing missiles collaborated and developed a low cost coronary stent, Kalam-Raju stent with renowned cardiologist Soma Raju. The duo later designed a tablet computer for health care in rural areas- the Kalam-Raju Tablet.

Kalam’s innings as a reluctant Head of State began when he won the presidential elections in a highly one-sided contest against revolutionary leader Lakshmi Sahgal in 2002. He became the 11^th President of India, served one complete term and remained largely untouched by guileful politics. He became the first scientist, first bachelor and third Bharat Ratna recipient to be the head of the state (the other two were Dr. Sarvepalli RadhaKrishna and Dr. Zakir Hussain).

Kalam hailing from a humble background but with sheer grit and determination rose to the highest echelons of the country becoming an inspirational Indian to the younger generation. As a President his warmth, humility and simple ways endeared him to one and all. His special love for children and the yearning desire to inspire the youth through motivational speeches and interactions had won him millions of admirers. He was dearly admired as the “People’s President” who also formulated India Vision Strategies for 2020. Post the Presidential years, Dr.Kalam completely engaged in academic activities by serving as a visiting professor at several elite institutions. In 2012 he launched a programme ‘What Can I Give Movement’ to stem the tide of corruption. 

Below: Podcast 27.1: Listen in to the MyIndMakers team and their take on Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's legacy

Kalam’s 79^th birthday was recognised as World Student’s Day by United Nations in 1999. He received honorary doctorates from 40 universities. The Government of India honoured Dr. Kalam with Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhusan in 1990 and Bharat Ratna in 1997. In 2005, Switzerland declared May 26^th as Science Day to commemorate Kalam’s visit to their country.

Kalam’s invaluable contributions to society are his inspirational writings infusing optimism and blueprints ensconced with vision for a vibrant India. His autobiography: Wings of fire with vignettes of his life continue to ignite our spirits, add wings to our aspiration and fire our imaginations. All his virtues and traits were truly infectious. His contemplations, opinions and veracity about life were awe-inspiring.

Another important facet of Kalam’s personality has been his profound philosophical outlook towards life. Science is exploratory and the validity of truth is often ascertained by facts. Hence scientists in general are very practical and averse to spiritual way of thought. But here we find in Kalam, fondly called as India’s ‘Missile Man’ ,an epitome of spirituality and a practitioner of science. Whenever he tumbled in life with a failure or a loss of dear ones, he would find solace in the sacred books- Bhagavad Gita, Quran and Bible. His spiritual musings can be traced to his firm faith in God inculcated by his parents at a young age.

APJ Abdul Kalam is undeniably the only President of India who touched the lives of people at several levels and has been a true inspiration to millions of Indians. It is indeed very rare to find a true genius to be highly unassuming. While as a scientist of exceptional ingenuity and knowledge he is the Pioneer of rocket science in India. On the other hand, his profound understanding about life is highly motivating. He was perhaps the most humble human being for he believed that values of humanity can alone offer true succour. Here is an excerpt of a deep and insightful saying that speaks volumes about his profound understanding about essence of life. “Joy is fleeting, whereas true happiness and calm can come to us only after intense pain, when we have confronted ourselves in the mirror of our souls and understood the self.”  

Kalam, a simple man from a small place in the South India swayed the entire country with his humble demeanour, enchanting smile, infectious enthusiasm and undiminished optimism. A true tribute to this noblest son of the land lies in fulfilling the pragmatic vision of technological development envisioned by him.