The Incredible Life of APJ Abdul Kalam

On the shores of the Indian Ocean, in the coastal town of Rameswaram, lived a young boy with big dreams. APJ Abdul Kalam learnt from a young age about the values of hard work, tolerance, and compassion. Young Kalam helped his parents out in many ways, even working for a while as a newspaper boy when he was eight years old. In school and college, Kalam fell in love with Physics and wanted to fly planes. But life had other plans for him and he realized that he was meant to do a lot more.

Mentored by stalwarts in the Indian scientific community such as Dr Vikram Sarabhai and Professor Satish Dhawan, Abdul Kalam conceptualized and designed Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag and Agni—the missiles that strengthened India’s position as a nuclear power in the world. He received the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan, and eventually the Bharat Ratna, the highest-ranking civilian awards in India, and in 2002, became the President of India. His cheerful demeanour, wisdom, and never-give-up attitude made sure that he was loved by all, and he came to be known as ‘the People’s President’.

APJ Abdul Kalam’s inspiring story, filled with life lessons, human values, and a message of hope, is a reminder to all young minds that no dream is out of reach if you are determined.