A person who wanted to ‘build the earth worth living’. About whom the world used to say that he used to make missiles, but when he used to go among the people, he did not give anything except Paigam-e-Mohabbat. A personality who was the President but did not allow it to be reflected in his personality. He preferred to remain the ‘President of the common people’. Yes, there was something like this our eleventh President APJ Abdul Kalam i.e. Abul Pakir Jainulabedin Abdul Kalam i.e. Abdul Kalam.
Kalam, who steps on principles, who is talking about serving the country till his last breath. To encourage the youth of the country for research and innovation, he continued to go among the students through schools, colleges and seminars. His only thought was that somehow the younger generation should be enriched. In the program among the youth, Abdul Kalam used to say that ‘people will remember us only when we can give a prosperous and secure India to the coming generation. The source of this prosperity will be economic prosperity and civilized heritage.
When he arrived in Shillong to deliver a speech from the stage among the students, hardly anyone would have guessed that this address would be his last. During this speech, he not only expressed concern about humanity but also expressed concern about the pollution spread on the earth.
Even today, when people find a solution to some difficult task, they say that this is some rocket science that will not be understood. Yes, Dr. Kalam took the same rocket science among millions of school children and explained it in simple words.
Some people consider Dr Kalam as a successful scientist and some people as a successful President. But, if looked closely, neither did he fit into the mold of scientist nor did he appear as a successful person above all these in the mold of politician.
Not that Dr Kalam’s tenure was completely undisputed. On the recommendation of Governor Buta Singh, President’s rule was imposed in Bihar in the year 2005. Later the Supreme Court overruled this decision. Dr Kalam was the President of the country during that time.
Dr. Kalam, who started his career as an aeronautical engineer, would leave such an indelible mark. He achieved great success while working in two big agencies of India, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Dr. Abdul Kalam played an important role in making India’s first rocket SLV-3, while his role was also very important in the construction of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Dr Kalam, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna, also made a significant contribution in making the first Indian-made missile Prithvi and then Agni. Dr Kalam had a special role in India’s nuclear test in 1998.
Kalam, who raised money for studies by distributing newspapers during school days, reached the post of President of the country. Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu in a fisherman family.
He was also given the name of ‘Missile Man’ for his role in the Indian missile program. He made a significant contribution to the development of indigenously made Agni and Prithvi missiles. Not only this, if the achievements of Dr. Kalam are written, then perhaps the time may fall short for the writers.
On 27 July 2015, President Dr Kalam left for the universe which he used to say “Look at the sky”. we are not alone. The universe is our friend.” Perhaps it would not be an exaggeration to say that Dr. Abdul Kalam was among those who coined a new definition of the post of President. Which the coming generations will remember.