If You want to Shine like a Sun, First Burn like a Sun. How powerful these lines are, isn’t it? Think how powerful the person would be, who said these lines.
I am Lakshay R Goyal and welcome to Humanitarian. This 6th Death Anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, I will be Discussing about “Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: 6 Reasons why he is an Inspiration?”
So, we were talking about the Powerful man who said those lines. What if I tell you he was a Newspaper boy. Astound? Ok, now what if I tell you he was the President.
Well! What happened to Lakshay, he is saying newspaper boy and President at the same time? So, I am totally fine, nothing happened to me. But, this man is incredible and we are discussing about Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Introduction:
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is indeed a Role Model for Many. He has inspired so many lives. His work, contribution and most importantly his biography will keep inspiring many in future as well.
Here, in this Article I have brought some interesting facts and moments of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Life. So, let’s start.
Early Years of Kalam’s Life:
Kalam was born in a Tamil Muslim family. He was the youngest of 4 brothers and one sister. His Full name was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. His family was once very rich, but gradually conditions started going bad. Kalam’s father worked as a ferryman and had a boat.
Not everyone is fortunate, but fortune can be changed, and that’s what Kalam did.
Kalam started throwing newspapers at the tender age of 10. During his school, he got average grades, but he was indeed an intelligent student. He liked Mathematics (just like me), and pursued Physics in Graduation.
After Graduating from Saint Joseph’s College, he went to pursue Aerospace Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.
Kalam’s Dreams:
Kalam wanted to become a pilot in Indian Air Force. He went for the Interview, and came 9th in Qualifiers. Despite this, he was not selected as there were only 8 vacancies in the service.
A person with Broken Dream was now ignited. He again chose the way of Hardwork and went to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and worked as a Scientist. He started working on hovercraft. Though he did many programs, the most popular one is INCOSPAR, where he worked under renowned scientist Vikram Sarabhai.
Life Ahead:
Dr. Kalam was transferred to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where he worked as the Project Director for India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle, which was highly successful.
He served as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister and Secretary of DRDO during July 1992- December1999.
Dr. Kalam was also part of the Indian Nuclear Program in Pokhran which happened in 1998. Without his Guidance and Support, India would never have become a Nuclear State. That’s why he is known as the ‘Missile Man of India!’
Political Life of Dr. Kalam:
In 2002, with NDA in power, Dr. Kalam was seen as a Potential President. Many Parties supported it and he was elected as the President. Dr. Kalam said, “I am really overwhelmed. Everywhere both on the Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a message. I was thinking about what message I can give to the people of the country at this juncture.”
Dr. Kalam was popularly called as People’s President. Though there were controversies during his tenure, he served his term well from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007. Dr. Kalam was reconsidered for Second term, but due to Political needs he declined it expressing gratitude for choosing him as President for a term.
Personal Life:
Dr. Kalam was fond of reading books, he would borrow it and used to read.
He was very punctual and liked discipline. An interesting case happened, when he himself got late for his marriage. So, he decided not to marry his whole life.
After the political sessions, he started giving lectures in Colleges, Universities, etc.
He received a lot of awards, which are written below:
- Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1981.
- Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 1990.
- Bharat Ratna by the Government of India in 1997.
- Veer Savarkar Award by the Government of India in 1998.
- King Charles II Medal by Royal Society, UK in 2007.
- Hoover Medal by ASME Foundation, USA in 2009.
- Von Braun Award by National Space Society in 2013.
- Doctor of Science by Edinburgh University, UK in 2014.
Dr. Kalam’s Last Breath:
On 27 July 2015, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam went to Shillong to deliver a lecture on “Creating a Livable Planet Earth” at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.
While climbing stairs, he experienced some slight discomfort, although he was able to enter the auditorium after a little rest.
Just after 5 minutes of his lecture, he had a cardiac arrest leading to his collapse. His last words being “Funny guys! Are you doing well?“
Bottom Line:
He was Indeed an Inspiration. A Newspaper boy becoming the President is a clear example that hard work and an Ignited Mind can reach any heights. I want to advise each reader to read his autobiography ‘Wings of Fire‘.
So, do you feel motivated by this article? If you want to get more informative content like this, stick to Humanitarian by subscribing to us. Kindly comment for any suggestions and demands.
With this, I want to end this article on a happy note and wish all the readers a thank you.
~ Lakshay R Goyal
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