A tribute to our respected kalam ji

All birds find shelter during a rain. But eagle avoids rain by flying above the clouds. Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference! - APJ Abdul Kalam

APJ Abdul Kalam was a world class leader who has casted his golden shadow in the lives of present and future generation. He was a fantastico personality who with his iron zeal transformed and achieved what he wanted to. He has inspired lives with his words and actions itself.

During his childhood, he had witnessed discrimination on the basis of caste but with it he had also found people who stood by his side. His way of interpretation towards the world became very optimistic and he stressed onto the affirmative side of anything.

He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and his father was a boat owner. Despite of many problems in his early life, he studied hard and ultimately turned out as a diamond for India. He became an exceptionally great scientist after starting his job from Defense Research Development Institute (DRDO) as a scientist. He alone started the work on expandable rocket project at DRDO in 1965. It was in 1969 when he received government approval and engaged more engineers in his work. This ultimately had started his journey to become the “Missile Man” of India.

He worked with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle with which ‘Rohini’ satellite was positioned in near-earth orbit in 1980. Afterwards, he became an integral part of ISRO and did numerous projects with them.

Kalam had a vital importance in development of missiles including ‘Agni’ and ‘Prithvi’. When Dr. Kalam was Chief Scientist Advisor to Prime Minister, Pokhran-II nuclear tests were piloted where his role was political and technological. It was the time when he came into limelight by Media. He was called as the best nuclear scientist.

There is a stent known as ‘Kalam-Raju’ stent and a health care computer known as ‘Kalam-Raju’ tablet. These low cost devices were invented by Dr Kalam and Dr Soma Raju.

When Dr. Kalam became the 11^th President of India in 2002, it was a very laid-back victory for him as he got utmost support from people. During his five years tenure as a president, he became popularized by the name “People’s President”. People wanted him to become President again but he decided not to participate in elections.

Afterwards, he served as visiting professors to numerous institutes. When he resigned from his post as scientific adviser, he started his work to communicate with young minds of India. He often said that he loved the company of students, especially high school students.

He wanted to share his experiences and knowledge with the young generation of India to help them realizing their dreams. He ignited zeal in young people to believe and work on their dreams.

“Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended” – APJ Abdul Kalam

He had written many scientific and non-scientific books along with his Autobiography “Wings of Fire”.

He was an extraordinary person whose life and words inspire a lot of people. On 27 July, 2015 he breathed his last while doing his much loved work of addressing students in Shillong!