Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Inspiring Journey: Today, July 27, marks the 7thdeath anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015), India's beloved "Missile Man" and 11th President, who continues to inspire millions with his life story, achievements, and words of wisdom. Widely revered as the "People's President," his legacy features foundational contributions to India's space launch vehicles, indigenous missile programs, and the historic 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.

Months before his demise, Dr. Kalam delivered a moving speech at the Jaipur Literature Festival, addressing a crowd of young admirers with words that continue to resonate: "Small aim is a crime, have a great aim in life." He urged the youth to fight the hardest battles imaginable until they reach their destination, reminding them that greatness lies within reach of everyone.

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"Small Aim Is A Crime, Have A Great Aim": His Message To The Youth

During a session focused on his book 'Ignited Minds', Kalam shared a piece of advice to ignite the minds of his young fans. "To become unique, the challenge is to fight the hardest battle which anyone can imagine, until you reach your destination," he said. He added that the world around everyone is working day and night, and that it is up to each individual to believe they can become "the captain of problems, defeat them and succeed."

He firmly believed that everyone had the potential to achieve greatness. "Wings to fly- believe that I am born with potential, goodness and trust, idea and dreams, greatness and confidence. And I am not meant for crawling because I have wings and I will fly," he said.

Reflecting on his own journey, from aeronautical engineer to missile-maker to President of India, he shared his formula for success: "If four things are followed- having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work and perseverance- then anything can be achieved."

His Scientific Career: From ISRO To Pokhran-II

Joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, Dr. Kalam served as the project director for India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), successfully deploying the Rohini satellite into orbit in July 1980. Returning to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1983, he headed the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), which developed strategic missiles including Agni and Prithvi.

As Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of DRDO, he also served as a chief coordinator during the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, cementing India's status as a nuclear weapon state.

The People's President And His Vision For India

Elected as the 11th President of India in 2002, Dr. Kalam was the first scientist to hold the office and prioritised engaging directly with the youth, earning the affectionate title of the "People's President." During and after his presidency, he advocated for his Vision 2020 initiative, a technological and societal roadmap aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2020.

Awards, Honours And Timeless Quotes

Dr. Kalam's extensive list of accolades includes India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna (1997), along with the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Padma Bhushan (1981), as well as over 40 honorary doctorates from global universities. His autobiography, Wings of Fire, along with books like Ignited Minds, continues to inspire millions. Some of his most iconic quotes remain etched in public memory:

On Dreams: "A dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep."

On Hard Work: "If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun."

On Resilience: "Winners are not those who never fail, but those who never quit."

On Challenges: "Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success."

On Potential: "All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents."

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On his death anniversary, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's life remains a powerful reminder that great aims, knowledge, hard work, and perseverance can help anyone achieve the extraordinary.