My Life

1. Dream Big: From Humble Beginnings to Space Pioneer

"I am born with potential. I am born with goodness and trust. I am born with ideas and dreams. I am born with greatness. I am born with confidence. I am born with wings. I am not meant for crawling, So I won't, I have wings, I will fly, fly and fly."

Humble origins fuel ambition. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's journey from a small fishing village in Rameswaram to becoming India's "Missile Man" and President exemplifies the power of dreaming big. Born into a modest family, Kalam's curiosity and passion for learning propelled him forward.

Early influences shape future paths. Key experiences in Kalam's childhood, such as watching birds fly and distributing newspapers, sparked his interest in flight and technology. His fascination with the sky and stars, nurtured by supportive teachers and family members, laid the foundation for his future career in aerospace engineering.

Education as a catalyst for growth. Despite financial constraints, Kalam pursued higher education with determination, eventually earning a degree in aeronautical engineering. This educational journey opened doors to prestigious institutions like DRDO and ISRO, where he would make significant contributions to India's space and missile programs.

2. Embrace Mentorship and Lifelong Learning

"Professor Thothatri Iyengar was presented with four design configurations and he chose the third. Hence the vehicle being developed was called SLV-3."

Mentors shape careers and characters. Throughout his life, Kalam benefited from the guidance of exceptional mentors like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan. These relationships not only advanced his technical knowledge but also instilled important values and leadership skills.

Continuous learning drives innovation. Kalam's career was marked by a constant thirst for knowledge. He embraced new challenges, from developing India's first satellite launch vehicle to spearheading the country's missile program. This commitment to learning enabled him to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and lead groundbreaking projects.

Share knowledge to inspire others. As Kalam advanced in his career, he took on the role of mentor himself, sharing his expertise and vision with younger scientists and students. His passion for teaching and interacting with youth continued even after he became President, demonstrating his belief in the power of education to transform lives and nations.

3. Persevere Through Setbacks and Learn from Failures

"There are two lessons that have remained with me from this episode. The first is about having the resilience and courage to get up after a setback and carry on with the task. And the second is about the role of a leader in managing failure."

Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Kalam's career was not without setbacks, most notably the initial failure of the SLV-3 launch. However, he viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Leadership in the face of adversity. Kalam learned valuable lessons about leadership from his mentors, particularly in how to handle failure. He observed that a true leader takes responsibility for failures while sharing credit for successes with the team.

Resilience leads to breakthrough achievements. By persevering through setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook, Kalam and his teams achieved remarkable successes, including the eventual successful launch of SLV-3 and the development of India's missile program. This resilience was crucial in establishing India as a space and defense technology powerhouse.

4. Cultivate a Vision for National Development

"I strongly believe that teachers need to tell students about great lives and make children understand their history and heritage. It is only through this that a love for the country is born that is based on knowledge and understanding."

Develop a clear national vision. Kalam was instrumental in creating the "India Vision 2020" document, which outlined a roadmap for transforming India into a developed nation. This vision encompassed various sectors, including technology, education, and infrastructure.

Leverage technology for societal progress. Kalam consistently emphasized the importance of applying scientific and technological advancements to address societal challenges. He advocated for projects that brought urban amenities to rural areas (PURA) and promoted the use of technology in governance.

Inspire patriotism through education. Kalam believed that understanding one's history and heritage was crucial for fostering a sense of national pride and responsibility. He encouraged educators to inspire students by teaching about great historical figures and achievements.

5. Balance Technological Progress with Ethical Considerations

"Weapons cannot buy peace, but they can help us to not repeat history."

Navigate ethical dilemmas in scientific advancement. Kalam grappled with the ethical implications of developing nuclear weapons and missile technology. He justified India's nuclear program as a deterrent and a means of national security, while maintaining a commitment to peace.

Promote responsible use of technology. While advocating for technological progress, Kalam emphasized the importance of using advancements for the greater good of society. He believed that scientific developments should be harnessed to solve pressing issues like poverty, education, and healthcare.

Foster a culture of innovation with integrity. Kalam's approach to scientific research and development was characterized by a strong sense of ethics and national responsibility. He encouraged scientists and engineers to consider the broader implications of their work and to strive for innovations that would benefit humanity.

6. Lead with Integrity and Inspire Others

"You are beautifully clothed in your success."

Lead by example. Kalam's leadership style was marked by humility, hard work, and integrity. He maintained a simple lifestyle even as he rose to prominent positions, focusing on the mission rather than personal gain.

Inspire through actions and words. Known for his motivational speeches and interactions with students, Kalam had a unique ability to inspire others to dream big and work towards their goals. His own life story served as a powerful example of what could be achieved through determination and dedication.

Foster teamwork and collaboration. Throughout his career, Kalam emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving great things. He created an environment that encouraged open communication, idea-sharing, and collective problem-solving.

7. Serve Your Nation with Dedication and Purpose

"I consider this to be a very important mission and I would like to be an all-party candidate."

Prioritize national interests. Kalam's decision to accept the nomination for President was driven by his desire to serve the nation and promote his vision for India's development. He approached the role with the same dedication he had shown in his scientific career.

Bridge divides and promote unity. As President, Kalam sought to be a unifying figure, reaching out to people from all walks of life and political affiliations. He used his position to promote national integration and development.

Leverage influence for positive change. In his role as President, Kalam used his platform to advocate for causes he believed in, particularly education and youth empowerment. He transformed Rashtrapati Bhavan into a more accessible institution, encouraging interaction with citizens, especially children.

8. Nurture Scientific Curiosity and Innovation

"Do not make rocketry your profession, your livelihood—make it your religion, your mission."

Cultivate a passion for science. Kalam's lifelong fascination with flight and space technology drove his career choices and achievements. He encouraged young people to develop a similar passion for science and innovation.

Push boundaries of knowledge. Throughout his career, Kalam was at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, from satellite launch vehicles to missile systems. He advocated for continuous research and development to keep India competitive on the global stage.

Apply scientific thinking to problem-solving. Kalam's approach to challenges, whether in engineering or governance, was characterized by systematic analysis and innovative thinking. He encouraged the application of scientific methods to address societal issues.

9. Adapt to New Challenges and Roles

"I decided that the time had come, after spending eighteen years at I.S.R.O., to take up a new challenge and to serve my country in a different field—defence."

Embrace change and new opportunities. Kalam's career was marked by significant transitions, from space research to defense technology to the presidency. He approached each new role with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Transfer skills across domains. Kalam successfully

Last updated: January 24, 2025