Inspirational Quotes by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Indian Head of State, Scientist)

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015,) fully Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, was a distinguished scientist and defense-establishment administrator who served as India’s eleventh president 2002–07. Labeled “The Rocket Man of India,” he was celebrated for his self-effacing, low-keyed manner and his austere way of life.

Born to a humble, working-class Muslim family in the Hindu pilgrimage center of Rameswaram, Tamiḻ Nādu, Kalam studied physics at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, and aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. Over a four-decade career as a scientist and an administrator-bureaucrat, he made significant contributions to India’s space rocket, missile, and nuclear weapons programs.

Kalam was distinguished for promoting self-sufficiency in matters of India’s military and defense preparedness. He organized the collaboration of India’s primary technology institutions and coordinated the development of indigenous technologies.

Kalam played the classical string instrument vīṇā, wrote poetry in Tamiḻ, and was a scholar of poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar’s classic Tamiḻ text Thirukkuṛaḷ (c.300 BCE.) He led a spartan life—he was vegetarian, abstained from alcohol, and died a bachelor. He purportedly said, “When I am dead, don’t declare a holiday. Instead, work a day extra.”

Abdul Kalam is the author of several books that encouraged the eradication of poverty and invited India’s youth to aspire to higher achievements. His notable works include Wings of Fire (1999,) India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium (1998,) My Journey (2013,) and Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India (2002.)

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam