The Inspiring Journey of APJ Abdul Kalam
Today, I want to share with you the incredible story of one of the most famous personalities - APJ Abdul Kalam. His life is a testament to the power of determination and the thirst for knowledge. Born in a small village called Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India, Kalam came from a humble background. His family struggled to make ends meet, with his father working as a boatman to support them.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Kalam had a deep passion for education from a young age. Even though there were no educated members in his family, they fully supported his pursuit of knowledge. Kalam would read newspapers before going to school, as a way to keep himself informed and to show his family the importance of education. While his mother was illiterate, she understood the value of education and encouraged him to study.
Kalam's journey started in Madras Institute of Technology, where he enrolled in the aerospace engineering program. It was during his senior year project that he faced a setback, which almost cost him his scholarship. The project was not progressing well, and his college threatened to cancel his scholarship if he didn't complete it on time. Determined to prove himself, Kalam worked tirelessly for three days to complete the project successfully. His hard work paid off, and he was able to continue his studies.
After completing his education, Kalam applied to become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. Unfortunately, he was not selected for the position, and instead, he joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in India. Although he was initially disappointed, Kalam found joy in his work at DRDO, as it allowed him to continue his passion for missiles and space technology.
Under Kalam's leadership, India achieved many significant milestones in missile technology. One of his notable achievements was the successful launch of the Agni missile, Trishul missile, and Akash missile. These projects showcased Kalam's exceptional leadership skills and his ability to inspire his team to achieve greatness. It was during this time that he earned the title of the "Missile Man of India."
Kalam's contributions to India's defense research didn't go unnoticed. In 2002, he was elected as the 11th President of India. During his tenure, he continued to inspire the nation with his dedication and commitment to progress. He believed in the power of technology and education to transform India into a global nuclear power.
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Despite his prestigious position, Kalam remained humble and connected with people from all walks of life. One incident that highlights his humility is when he visited the Raj Bhavan in Kerala. Instead of spending time with high-profile individuals, Kalam chose to engage with a security guard and a small hotel owner, forming a genuine friendship with them.
In 2005, when Kalam's family stayed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) for about ten days, he generously chose to contribute three lakhs and eighty thousand rupees towards the government for their stay and meals. When asked why he did so, Kalam humbly replied that the government takes care of his accommodation and meals, so he wanted to reciprocate the same.
APJ Abdul Kalam has left a lasting impact on the world, not only through his books but also through his actions and accomplishments. His dedication to his work and his love for humanity have made him an inspiration for millions of people. He proved that with determination, humility, and a thirst for knowledge, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve great success.