From humble beginnings to the President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam’s life is an inspiration to many.

APJ Abdul Kalam was a visionary, writer, scientist, and 11^th President of India. He was a prime example of perseverance and hard work. He rose from very humble beginnings and went onto become an aerospace engineer. His contribution to India’s space program is exemplary. He was fondly called “missile man”, as India’s nuclear program flourished under his capable guidance. Here are some of the fascinating facts about Dr Kalam.

1. He sold the newspaper in his childhood to support his family and also his education.
2. He missed being in Indian Air Force by a whisker. There were only eight openings, and he secured a ninth spot in the competitive exam.
3. Dr Kalam was honoured by more than 40 universities with an honourary doctorate.
4. He was known to donate all of his salary to charities. He maintained that as a President of India, he would always be taken care of. So, why does he need extra money?
5. He was the brain behind India’s first satellite launch vehicle in 1980.

6.Dr Kalam was honoured with all three civilian honours, Padma Bhushan, Padam Vibhushan, and India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna.

7. He was an extremely humble man. Once during his presidential visit to Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, he stopped to meet his old cobbler and had a chat with him.
8. He was also a very gifted writer. He wrote about 15 books including the best-sellers like Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds.
9. He was very fond of Carnatic music and was also a great Veena player.
10. He was a great advocate of abolishing the death penalty. He maintained as President it was the hardest task to decide mercy petition of convicts.
11. Dr Kalam was a visionary in every respect. His vision included running Rashtrapati Bhavan with Solar energy. But his dream could not be fulfilled because of the end of his tenure.
12. October 15 is known as the World student’s day commemorating Dr Kalam’s Birthday.

13 Once he was questioned by a journalist about how he wished to be remembered, a teacher, a Scientist, or President? He smiled and replied that he wanted to be remembered as a teacher than any other person.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam passed away in IIM Shillong doing what he always loved doing and wanted to be remembered, teaching the young and ignited minds!