APJ ABDUL KALAM

A P J Abdul Kalam

Born 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to humble parents - his father was a boat owner -- APJ Abdul Kalam distributed newspapers at one time to support his family and his education.

He graduated with physics from the Madras University, went on to study aerospace engineering, wanted to be a fighter pilot but just missed that bus.

But there was no stopping him. The DRDO, ISRO, chief scientific advisor to the prime minister in 1992, the Pokhran 2 nuclear tests... Abdul Kalam straddled them all, till he was elected India's 11th President in 2002.

There were also controversial decisions - his response to mercy petitions from death row convicts and the imposition of President's Rule in Bihar in 2005.

But what he will remembered for was his engagement with the people - especially children - even after his presidency and the books that he wrote - India 2020 and, of course, Igniting minds.

"If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun," APJ Abdul Kalam

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Quotes

If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.

Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.

Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place. Only strength respects strength.

One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions.

I was willing to accept what I couldn't change.

For me, there is no such thing as a negative experience.

A teacher should have a creative mind.


Book:
Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam
Published: 1999
Author: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Genres: Autobiography