Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

 

Neither any Indian nor anyone in the rest of the world can dream of the likes of a man of his vision, stature, dimensions and versatality in the centuries to come. Even the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, conferred on him on 26 November 1997, does not really measure up to the mammothness of the achievements of the unassuming Dr Abdul Kalam.

Who is this Avil Pakir Jalaluddin Abdul Kalam? Former scientific advisor to the Defence Minister, chief of DRDO and the architect of India’s integrated missile development programme and now the President of the largest democracy. Dr. Kalam is greater than the scientist that he is. He has in him those rare qualities that make the ‘complete’ man, a rare example in today’s India engulfed by mediocirty and villainous scalawags out to destroy the very values, people like Dr Kalam want to conserve.

This kind of total self-effacement could not have come to a great scientist unless he were spiritual and humble to the core. He is a voracious reader of both the Bhagvad Gita and the Kural of the great Tamil saint, Tiruvalluvar. It is his deep piety and humility that has made his plans for an India, strong and self-reliant.

The missile man of India is known for his zest for life and pursuits that might astound other scientists. He loves classical music and is a poet in Tamil. Says a leading columnist: "India needs a Kalam in every institution and at 7, Race Course Road".

 —Courtesy: Competition Success