Born in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Dr Kalam was an average but hardworking student at school.
People's President and a youth icon, Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was one of the few who earned no critics in his life. A friend, philosopher and guide to millions of people, a man who inspired the youth even more than a regular youth icon, Dr Kalam was a visionary par excellence, whose love for India was unarguably supreme.
Early life
Born in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Dr Kalam was an average but hardworking student at school. His hard work and determination to learn, took him to heights of success. After his graduation, he went on to work as the chief scientist at the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defense Research and Development organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research organization (ISRO). He was unanimously elected as the President of the nation from 2002 to 2007. Post presidency, he was a visiting professor for a number of institutions across India.
The Youth Icon
As a president, Dr Kalam would meet children at his private chambers in Rashtrapati Bhavan. He would listen to their ideas, give them inputs, and also follow up on their progress. Most of the 300 emails he received everyday would be from youngsters who discussed their problems and ideas. His approachable 'I am your friend' demeanor helped the youth connect with him and gain inspiration. In 2011-12, he launched the 'What Can I Give?' movement against corruption to instill values and ethics amongst the youth. "I want you to participate in this movement because corruption and moral turpitude are evils that need to be defeated by the goodness of youth," he said appealing to the youth while addressing school and college students. As for his attitude towards young Indians, it could be summed up using his own words: "Tomorrow if I address a group of youngsters and talk about the flag flying in my heart and how I will uphold the dignity of the nation, I can get them to dream. But if I talk to people who are 40, 50 or 70 plus, it will not go down that well. Also, the youth have fewer biases about their society as compared to the grown-ups,"
Dr Kalam passed away on 27th July 2015 doing what he loved, inspiring the youth and building the foundation for a powerful young India.
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