Of the many presidents India has had, many have been politicians. Then there have been academics and other personalities, but few that have touched a chord with the people of India the way that A P J Abdul Kalam did. When he passed away suddenly a few years back, the nation mourned.
It was at a lecture he was giving before a gathering at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong that he collapsed and passed away suddenly.
People remember A P J as a simple man in spite of also being highly respected in his field --- someone you did not stand on ceremony.
He was dubbed India’s Missile Man; being credited with spearheading India’s indigenous missile programme.
Born into the humble family of a boatman and one of six siblings, APJ is known to have sold newspapers to supplement the family income at one point. Though he missed his chance of becoming a fighter pilot, it was as a scientist that he really carved out a niche for himself.
Being a part of the team that launched satellite Rohini and developing Agni and Prithvi missiles is what he is best known for.
Though he held many significant posts in aerospace and missile programmes, he was also known for his enthusiastic mentoring of young people.
A P J Abdul Kalam achieved a lot in his life but he continued to have a child-like enthusiasm for what he did and never thought that it was time to retire – either from academics or from life itself.
This was a person who had a unique take on life and had words of wisdom to share with everyone. This is one of the quotes that people remember him for.
Few Indian presidents have been as popular and beloved of the people as A P J Abdul Kalam was. He was inspiring not only because of his words; but also the way that he lived his life.
He was a man who drew upon all that is best of Indian tradition, culture and literature and embodied the syncretic, inclusive nature of India.
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