APJ Abdul Kalam's 9th Death Anniversary
July 27, 2024, marks the 9th death anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a visionary scientist, educator, and the 11th President of India. Renowned as the “Missile Man of India,” Dr. Kalam made monumental contributions to aerospace engineering and defense technology, particularly through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. His legacy continues to inspire generations, emphasizing integrity, humility, and perseverance.
Dr. Kalam was instrumental in developing India’s Agni and Prithvi missiles, significantly enhancing the country’s strategic defense capabilities. His work in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) includes overseeing the SLV-III project, which launched India’s first satellite, Rohini, into Earth’s orbit.
Dr. Kalam played a crucial role in India’s nuclear weapon tests, notably the Pokhran-II tests in 1998, which marked a pivotal moment in India’s defense history.
Alongside cardiologist Soma Raju, Dr. Kalam developed the affordable “Kalam-Raju Stent” in 1998 and later the “Kalam-Raju Tablet” in 2012, aimed at improving remote healthcare.
On Humanity and Compassion: “What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of a human being, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the wrongs of the injured…”
On Integrity and Honesty: “When you speak, speak the truth; perform when you promise; discharge your trust… Withhold your hands from striking, and from taking that which is unlawful and bad…”
On True Victory: “It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone.”
On Resilience: “All birds find shelter during a rain. But the eagle avoids rain by flying above the clouds. Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference!”
On Striving for Excellence: “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
On Perseverance: “Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”
On Purpose and Perseverance: “Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place – the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realize the great life.”
On Thoughtfulness: “Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”
On Knowledge and Action: “Thinking is progress. Non-thinking is the stagnation of the individual, organisation, and country. Thinking leads to action. Knowledge without action is useless and irrelevant. Knowledge with action converts adversity into prosperity.”
On Challenges and Success: “Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success.”
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