Updated: October 15, 2020 11:40:37 am
APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary: Dr. Kalam was born on October 15, 1931. (Source: Express Archives)
APJ Abdul Kalam Birth anniversary: Known as the ‘Missile Man’ of India, the 89th birthday of Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam is celebrated on October 15, 2020. The 11th President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul KalamIndia’s contribution to missile research and development has been unmatched. Dr. Kalam left his footprints not only in science, but also in fields that interested him such as philosophy, literature, and language. He wrote several books, including Wings of Fire: An Autobiography, India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium; 22 poems and four songs during his life.
On July 27, 2015, he collapsed while lecturing at IIM-Shillong and later passed away. However, he left a legacy and his words inspire and motivate everyone even today. Celebrating his life and legacy, here are some lesser known facts and inspirational quotes and thoughts from him.
* When he was 10 years old and growing up in Madras, he started selling newspapers to help his father support the family. He would go to the Rameswaram Road train station to pick up the newspapers. It was a time of war, so the Madras Dhanushkodi Mail, which carried the papers, passed through the station without stopping. The bundle was thrown from the running train onto the platform from where he would pick it up.
* Dr. Kalam would get up at 4 am to take his math lessons. He also bathed before going to class, a condition imposed on all students by the teacher.
*Dr. Kalam he was a strict vegetarian.
* Although he grew up in a Muslim family, Kalam knew Hindu traditions well and was secular at heart. He learned Sanskrit and was an avid reader of both the Qur’an and the Bhagavad Gita.
APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary: Dr. Kalam died on July 27, 2015 at IIM-Shillong. (Source: Express Files)
* Dr. Kalam never owned a television. Her personal belongings included her books, some clothes, veena, a CD player, and a laptop. He was an avid reader and used to read books on cosmology.
* Dr. Kalam donated his entire salary and savings to a charitable trust, PURA (Providing Urban Services to Rural Areas), which he had founded. He was of the opinion that after he became president of India, the Indian government will take care of him until the end of his life, so why not use his salary for better things?
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* Dr. Kalam was honored with PhDs from 40 universities.
* Dr. Kalam is among the only three presidents of India who were conferred the Bharat Ratna before being elected president.
Here are some inspirational quotes from the great leader.
“Don’t rest after your first win because if you fail your second, more lips are waiting to say that your first win was just luck.”
APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary: Did you know these interesting details about Dr. Kalam? (Express photo by Prashant Nadkar)
“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary: Dr. Kalam wrote 18 books. (Source: Express Files)
“You must not give up and we must not let the problem defeat us.”
APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary: Dr. Kalam’s birth anniversary is observed as World Student Day. (Source: Express Files)
“He was willing to accept what he couldn’t change.”
* “Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success.”
APJ Abdul Kalam Birth anniversary: Dr. Kalam was the 11th President of India. (Express photo by Partha Paul)
“I am not handsome but I can shake hands with those who need help … Because beauty is required in the heart, not in the face …”
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