APJ Abdul Kalam
APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, born on October 15, 1931, in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, had a childhood
marked by resilience and determination. His family initially lived comfortably, ferrying pilgrims
across the sea between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. However, a strong cyclone destroyed
their boat, which was their primary source of income.
Despite this setback, Abdul Kalam did not lose heart. He observed that there was a high
demand for tamarind seeds in the market and began collecting and selling them to a provision
shop on Mosque Street. He earned a mere one anna (equivalent to six paise) for his efforts,
which he considered a 'princely sum' at the time.
In his early years, Abdul Kalam was deeply influenced by stories from the Ramayana and the life
of the Prophet, which his mother and grandmother would narrate to him and his siblings as
bedtime stories. This exposure to both Hindu and Muslim narratives fostered a sense of unity
and respect for all religions.
His educational journey began at the Rameswaram Elementary School, where he faced some
initial challenges due to his religious identity. However, he continued to excel academically and
eventually went on to study physics and aerospace engineering.
Abdul Kalam's contributions to India's space research and missile development efforts earned
him the title "Missile Man of India." He served as the President of India from 2002 to 2007 and
received numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.
Throughout his life, Abdul Kalam emphasized the importance of dreaming big, working hard,
and contributing positively to society. His speeches and writings continue to inspire students
and professionals around the world.