“The country doesn’t deserve anything less than success from us. Let us aim for success”…
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam; Wings of Fire
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007. He studied physics and aerospace engineering having next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). APJ Abdul Kalam, known as India’s Missile Man, made significant contributions to India’s space and missile technology. He played a pivotal role in the development of India’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, contributing immensely to the country’s defense capabilities while advocating for science education among the youth.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam made remarkable contributions to India’s space endeavors by spearheading crucial projects such as the development of satellite launch vehicles and ballistic missiles. Dr. Kalam’s visionary leadership significantly advanced India’s space technology, particularly overseeing the successful launch of India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicles, including the SLV-III and PSLV, fostering self-reliance and enhancing the country’s stature in the global space arena. Dr. Kalam also played a Crucial role in INCOSPAR committee (that established TERLS, Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, for space research ) , being a Chief Scientific Advisor to GOI coordinating the Pokhran II nuclear test , and played a pioneering role in the field of fiberglass technology and guided a team of young individuals to embark on this endeavour at ISRO.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam exhibited visionary leadership through his emphasis on technological innovation, education, and societal progress ; especially focusing in empowering the youth through education and skill development. His visionary leadership aimed at inclusive growth, fostering a spirit of innovation, and promoting values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, inspiring millions to strive for excellence and contribute positively to the nation’s progress. He also collaborated with Dr. Soma Raju to develop a coronary stent ‘Kalam-Raju Stent‘ to make healthcare accessible to all.
“Sustainable development enables the realisation of green clean environment without pollution, having prosperity without poverty, peace without fear of war and a happy place to live for all citizens of the nation of the world.” with these lines Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam laid the blueprint of his ‘World vision 2030 of a liveable planet Earth’.
Dr. Kalam’s leadership emphasized self-reliance in space technology, reducing dependency on foreign resources and establishing India as a key player in the global space arena.
Dr. Kalam’s leadership cultivated an ecosystem of innovation, nurturing young minds through education and research. His vision extended beyond conventional boundaries, advocating for space technology’s accessibility to empower marginalized communities and bridge socio-economic gaps.
(Author is B.Tech. 2nd year, IIT JAMMU)
