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Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: The visionary leader
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, who would be better known to generations as APJ Abdul Kalam, was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Economic difficulties notwithstanding he sustained himself with a fire in his belly compulsively attracted to academia and everything science. For his education, he joined Madras Institute of Technology in lower Thiru, where he studied Aerospace Engineering to give background for his formation.
Career and Contributions
Dr. Kalam’s professional training started in the year 1958 at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). However, it can be said that his stint with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made him a different person. Being the project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle project – SLV-III, he played a significant role in the early realization of the Rohini satellite in 1980 which placed India into the categorization of Space Club nation.
Agni and Prithvi Missiles are highly appreciated by people and so, Dr Kalam was named ‘Missile Man. ’ He and his team successfully launched the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) to strengthen the Indian defense system. Proving India’s nuclear power on the international level was possible due to his contribution to Pokhran-II in 1998.
Presidency and Vision of India
This is to mean that Dr. Kalam apart from being a scientist was also a great statesman in his own right. He was the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007, characterized by simple and friendly leadership, and encouraging speeches. He enthralled millions of Indians particularly the youth through his dream of the development of India by 2020. This vision was captured in his popular book titled “India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium. ”
During Dr. Kalam’s presidency, there were programs and actions taken about national growth and to challenge the youth. One could see that his faith in the Indian youth was never-ending as he persisted in meetings with the students and motivated them to have great dreams and work towards the development of the nation.
In Education and Humanitarian Endeavours
After serving his tenure of five years as the President of India, Dr. Kalam continued working for the welfare of the society and educating people. He addressed many schools and colleges and fanatically talked about education, invention, and morality. He was devoted to educating young people and left a positive imprint on the vast number of students throughout the country.
Malaysia is proud of Dr. Kalam because his success is not only in science and politics but his humanity. Even today his vision of a tech-savvy, self-reliant, and ethically enriched India is very influential. He dared to dream and work to make a change and the impact he made is enough to change the face of a nation.
A Lasting Inspiration
Today is a remembrance day for India and this is the reason she mourns and celebrates the life and times of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam; the scientific genius, leader, and icon paralysis to date. Thus, his life, achievements, and self-sacrifice for the sake of one’s country will always be an example to follow. Unfortunately, his legacy was quite simple and a stark realization that no matter how hardworking one is, how dedicated they are, or how much they will strive to achieve their goals, nothing is guaranteed for you in life.
The story of struggling from a small town in Tamil Nadu to India’s beloved late APJ Abdul Kalam is a great example of how education can change the world. On his ninth death anniversary, it is worthwhile to pay respect to him and work together to fulfill his dream of building a developed India.
