Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of our nation, is an endless wellspring of inspiration through every word he spoke. His life, we are aware, was fraught with challenges. From studying in difficult circumstances to rising as a scientist and ultimately becoming the first citizen of our country, his journey was remarkable.
Yet, it is equally fascinating to explore the various ups and downs that Dr. Kalam experienced, as his life was punctuated by numerous pivotal moments. Discovering these nine turning points sources from his autobiographies adds a captivating layer to his inspiring stories.
1st Turning Point- When Kalam was a kid
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the esteemed former President, firmly believed in the significance of having a mentor during one’s formative years, particularly when one possesses well-defined goals.
In his own journey, Dr. Kalam found such guidance in the person of Shri Sivasubramaniya Iyer, his primary school teacher. One memorable occasion took them and their fellow students to the picturesque Rameshwaram seashore, where the enigmatic flight of birds would be unveiled and comprehended.
He showed students the sea birds and asked them to observe what the birds looked like when they flew. From that practical example, all of the students grasped the entire bird dynamics. The flight of that bird entered Kalam’s thoughts and elicited a unique emotion. Kalam made the decision to focus his future studies on flight and the flight system at that very moment. He enquired of the teacher how to make that dream a reality.
2nd Turning point- When Kalam failed in IAF Exam
He was extremely upset when the chance to join the Indian Air Force slipped through his fingers. In pursuit of answers, he eventually arrived at the Swami Sivananda Ashram, where he was able to find an anchor in the form of Swami Shivanand.
He advised him to accept his fate and follow where luck takes him. The remarks of Swami Shivanand were so comforting and motivating that they can be credited with helping to create the Kalam. He achieved his dreams when he was employed by the directorate.
He joined the Indian Committee for space research (INCOSPER), a division of the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO, and thus began his much-publicised career in rocket and missile technology. Read Full story.
3rd turning point – When Kalam was a rocket engineer
In 1961, he was a chief designer of a hovercraft as a senior scientific assistant at the Aeronautical development establishment (ADE). There a visitor was brought by the director of ADE for the demonstration of the hovercraft designed by Dr. Kalam. The visitor who was later recognized as Dr. M.G.K. Menon was given a trial.
Later an interview was organised by the ICSR ( Indian Committee for Space and Research) which was headed by Prof. Vikram Sarabhai for the post of rocket engineer. Dr.Kalam attended the interview. There he was appointed as a rocket engineer at a newly inaugurated Indian Space & Research Organization (ISRO) in 1962. This was the start of his journey in the most awaited rocket program.
4th turning point- Entry of Kalam in India’s missile programme
The fourth turning point came in 1982. It was his entry into India’s missile programme. He was offered the post of director after a series of meeting and lecturing on the missile program under the supervision of Defence Secretary Dr. V.S. Arunachalam to the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India who was then R.Venkataraman at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), which was the mother laboratory for the development of missile systems in India, in Hyderabad at the position as the director.
5th Turning Point- When PM regected Kalam’s request
Kalam’s life took a fifth turn in July 1992, He took over charge as the scientific adviser to the Ministry of Defense and secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, from Arunachalam. In 1993 he was requested to join the post as the Vice Chancellor of Madras University.
He requested to the Govt. to approve the appointment but the then Prime Minister rejected the request as he was indulging in the no. of programs of national importance.
6th turning point- Successful nuclear tests by Kalam
The fourth and most important turning point came in 1998 as the successful nuclear tests. It was a time of transition in political system of India. As the departure of P.V.Narsimha Rao and the arrival of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But he managed very intelligently by giving importance to the programs that were almost at their finishing stage and without him could not have given the desired result. Dr. Kalam in this year ignored the offer to be in the Cabinet minister list. The general opinion of his colleagues was that since he was fully involved in two missions of national importance he should not enter the political system.
7th turning point- Kalam as Principal Scientific Adviser
The end of 1998 came with the fifth turning point in the life of Dr. Kalam, When he was appointed Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the India government in the rank of Cabinet minister. On 30th September 2001 a crash took place while landing at the Bokaro Steel plant in Jharkhand when he was going to address the audience. Dr Kalam shared a Hymn on courage.
Courage to think differently, Courage to invent, Courage to travel on an unexplored path, Courage to discover the impossible, Courage to overcome Problems and success are the unique qualities of youth.
8th turning point- PURA by Kalam
After about two years as a principal scientific advisor (PSA) he came back to his academic career at Anna University as a professor of Technology for Societal Transformation for giving priority to the programs of India 2020 mission like PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas).
9th turning point- When Kalam denied to fight Presidential Elections
At the end of his political term as President, he took a conscious decision to go back to a career in academics and research and continue to work for making India into an economically developed nation by the year 2020.
Achievements of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Though Dr. Kalam was being requested by many parties to participate in the election for the President again, he told very frankly that he would have considered if all the parties agreed to select him. But unfortunately, this was denied by the ruling party and Dr. Kalam took a brave decision to stay away from the Presidential Elections.
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