APJ Abdul Kalam: Remembering the People’s President

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Five years from today, 27th of July 2015, APJ Abdul Kalam died from an apparent cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture in IIM Shillong. Aged 83, he was the people’s president. Even today, Every Indian is proud of the scientist from Rameshwaram credited for India’s civilian space programme and military missile systems. Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.

His extraordinary achievements and contributions in the field of aeronautics earned him the title of ‘Missile man of India.’ Man who inspire indian of every age upto this date is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Bharat Ratna(1997), Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and was buried with full state honour in the his home town Rameshwaram. The small place where he began his humble journey.

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His life and works are been depicted in numerous books, journals and popular feature films including Eternal Quest: Life and Times of Dr Kalam by S Chandra, President A P J Abdul Kalam by R K Pruthi, The Kalam Effect: My Years with the President by P M Nair, The People’s President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam by S M Khan and one of the most popular and inspiring Feature film, ‘I am Kalam’ portraying as a positive influence on a poor but bright Rajasthani  boy named Chhotu, who renames himself Kalam in honour of his idol produced by Smile Foundation.

Here are some mesmerising facts about the President everyone might not be aware of…

Interesting Facts about APJ Abdul Kalam

  • Struggles: Kalam fathers name was Jainulabudeen, a boat owner and Imam of mosque. His ancestors were wealthy but lost all their fortune due to business failure and was forced to do odd jobs like selling newspapers to support his family.
  • Failures: Kalam faced his share of failure before achieving the position he is known for. He missed the opportunity to be recruited as a fighter pilot for Indian airforce. Apparently, there were 8 openings and he bagged the 9th position.
  • Protest for Kalam: in the year 2011 kalam was twice selected for frisking in New York’s JFK airport. Security officials took his jacket and even shoes to check for explosive, Kalam though didn’t protest and did not mind the even. But protest was raised by Indians making it an international affair.
  • MTV Award: Apart for receiving Civilian and highest honours he was awarded the Youth Icon award by MTV. Not once but twice i.e, in the year 2003 and 2006.
  • Notable Gestures: Kalam dedicated his book ‘Ignited Minds’ to a class 12 girl Snehal Thakkar from Gujarat. it was the result of her question to kalam during his visit to Anandalya school in Anand that had inspired Kalam.
  • Precient: Today, Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi is ignited by solar power as a result of Kalam’s vision. although it couldn’t happen during his term of presidency.

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The void in form of Kalam in this world can not be filled by anything. The Veena player, beloved Teacher and man of simplicity will be remembered worldwide for 100s of years for his legacy and his greatness in human form.

The man who died doing what he loved has inspired everyone to never give up despite of what the circumstances are. His stories and life is an example in itself, Depicting the capability and potential we all possess.

RIP Missile man, You will be Missed.

Written by Iqra Razi, a Journalism graduate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Amravati. She writes for Politics, Education and International affairs.

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