Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Death Anniversary: India, one of his favorite and inspirational personalities, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was lost on 27 July 2015. On this day, the whole country pays tribute to this great scientist, former President and “Missile Man”. Dr. Kalam’s life is an inspiration not only for India, but for the whole world. His simplicity, hard work, and dedication to the country made him immortal in the heart of every Indian. Come, we know the importance of his death anniversary, the achievements of his life and his inspirational teachings in an interesting way.
Extraordinary journey from a simple beginning
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabadin Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in an ordinary family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. His father was a sailor, and the family’s financial condition was not very good. But Kalam Saheb’s dreams were big. In childhood, he used to help his family by selling newspapers, but his passion for his studies never diminished.
Looking at the boats on the beach of Rameswaram, he dreamed that he would do something that would illuminate the name of the country. His hard work and dedication enrolled him at the Madras Institute of Technology, where he studied aeronautical engineering. His journey started from here, which made him the “missile man” of India.
Contribution as scientist
Dr. Kalam’s scientific life was going to bring revolution in India’s defense and space field. He joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). His biggest achievement was to take India’s missile program to new heights. He had an important role in the development of missiles like Agni, Earth, Akash, Trishul and Nag.
He contributed to making India a strong defense power. He also had a role in successfully establishing the Rohini satellite in space through SLV-III in 1980. This was India’s first indigenous satellite projection to give the country a new place in space research.
But Dr. Kalam was not limited to missiles and satellites. He also used technology to improve the lives of common people. Lightweight artificial legs (calirs) developed under his leadership gave new hope to many disabled people. His thinking that science should work for humanity, makes them even more special.
11th President of India
In 2002, Dr. Kalam became the 11th President of India. He was the first scientist to reach this position. Even while in Rashtrapati Bhavan, his simplicity and association with people won everyone’s heart. He was called the “President of the people”, as he always preferred to live among common people, especially children and youth.
As President, he dreamed of “Vision 2020”, in which he aims to make India a developed nation by 2020. In this vision, there was talk of strengthening areas such as education, health, technology and environment. He wanted India to not only be financially strong, but also the standard of living of every citizen.
Inspiration for youth
Dr. Kalam’s biggest contribution was to inspire the youth. He often used to go to schools and colleges, where he talked to children and encouraged them to dream big. His books, such as “Wings of Fire”, “Ignited Minds” and “My Journey”, are sources of inspiration for millions.
He believed that dreams are not those who are seen while sleeping, but are those who do not let you sleep. He used to teach the lessons of hard work, honesty and dedication to the country to the youth. He has a famous story when he met children in a school and a child asked him how dreams are fulfilled. In response, he said, “To make dreams come true, he has to see first, then he has to work hard for them.”
Importance of death anniversary
On July 27, 2015, Dr. Kalam died during a lecture at Shillong. He was addressing students at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, when he suffered a heart attack. It was a symbol of his life that he was inspiring the youth till the last moment. His death anniversary is not only a day to remember him, but also an opportunity to keep his thoughts and teachings alive.
On this day, schools, colleges and various organizations organize programs to pay tribute to Dr. Kalam. His life-based exhibitions, seminars and debate competitions are held. People read their books, discuss their thoughts and pledge to follow the path shown by them.
Dr. Kalam’s teachings
Dr. Kalam’s teachings are equally relevant today. Some of his major teachings are as follows:
Dreaming: He always said that it is important to dream big. Dreams inspire you to move forward.
Hard work and dedication: No goal is achieved without hard work. Dr. Kalam proved in his life that even ordinary situations can be achieved.
Simplicity and honest: He always lived a simple life. Even after becoming President, his simplicity won the hearts of the people.
Trust in youth: He believed that the youth are the future of the country. By giving the right direction to their energy and thoughts, the country can progress.
Science and Humanity: Science should be used not only for technology, but to improve people’s lives.
What to do on the death anniversary?
To celebrate Dr. Kalam’s death anniversary, we can express respect in many ways:
Read their books: Understand their ideas by reading their autobiography “Wings of Fire” or “Ignited Minds”.
Inspire students: If you are a teacher or guardian, tell the stories of Dr. Kalam to the children. Taking inspiration from their lives, tell children about the importance of hard work and dreams.
Promote science and innovation: Organize small science experiments or projects that promote scientific thinking in children.
Do social work: Dr. Kalam always used to talk about doing something for the society. In his memory, do any small social work, such as plantation or book donation.
Share their ideas: Share their inspirational ideas among social media or your friends.
Effect of Dr. Kalam
The influence of Dr. Kalam is not limited to India only. His books and thoughts are read and understood worldwide. He was one of the few people who showed the world with simplicity and hard work that impossible could be made possible.
Even after his death, his legacy is alive. Scholarships are given in their names in schools, and many institutions are working in his name. His death anniversary reminds us how big a person can bring about his thoughts and deeds.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s death anniversary is not just a day, but it is an opportunity to live his life, his dreams and his teachings again. He was more than a scientist, president and teacher – he was an inspiration. His simplicity, hard work and dedication to the country teaches us that no dream is bigger, provided it desire to fulfill it.
On July 27, when we remember him, come, take a pledge to follow the path shown by them. Whether it is to contribute in the field of science, to inspire youth or do something for the society, every small step will take us closer to their vision. Dr. Kalam may not be among us today, but his thoughts and his inspiration are always with us. On his death anniversary, let us all take a step towards realizing his dreams.
